It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We decided to buy a new 12 foot christmas tree for this year. I absolutely love decorating for christmas. I guess being stuck home with sick kids gave me a chance to decorate. Madison was a huge help this year. She took down all the fall stuff and loved helping me put up the christmas things. I had to carefully persuade her to put things where I wanted. Remember how strong willed she is? She helped me work for hours though! Gotta love her help.

When Brett put the ladder up, all the kids were excited to climb it. Caitlin went up one step and was done. Blake liked it, but never went all the way to the top and told us that he is a little scared of heights. We couldn't get Madison to get down. She climbed all the way to the top and put all the ornaments up high. That girl has no fears. I think that Brett was a little relieved when I returned all the empty bins to the basement and said that I was done decorating. Don't tell him that I have a shopping list for Hobby Lobby.

Since Madison was such a great little helper, I gave her a ceramic lit up tree to put in her bedroom. She loves it. It is a very special tree because my grandmother made it for me. She has been so cute telling people that her great grandmother Miriam made it.

I can't believe that I am ready for the snow now. It would make it seem even more like christmas.

A different kind of Thanksgiving

We ended up staying home with just the five of us for Thanksgiving. Caitlin and Blake were pretty sick with fevers, coughs and chills. We didn't think that traveling and infecting all our family was the best idea. I was a little sad at first because we had no good food to eat and we wouldn't be seeing any family. Brett reassured me that we would eat and make the best of it.
A friend of ours suggested take out at Fieldstone. We called and got an entire Turkey dinner with a pumpkin pie. Now things were looking up. We were going to eat a great meal without cooking and in our jammies. It was delicious!

Brett and I decided to make the dinner a big deal by using the dining room and china. We have only used our china a couple of times in 12 years, why not with the kids? Madison set the whole table for me including place mats, napkins, candles and wine glasses. We also had sparkling grape juice for them. I was more worried about the purple juice ruining something than actually breaking dishes. We managed withOUT a spill or any breakage. They are growing up.

I guess that leads me to my most thankful thing for Thanksgiving. These four people are amazing! I definitely had a tough week with the kids. Brett worked ALL last weekend and late every night this past week. The kids were also under the weather and extra crabby.
I guess it was the perfect time to watch "My Sister's Keeper". That movie really made me realize that I am so lucky to have healthy children inspite of the hard work that it is. I definitely have taken their health for granted!!!!! I don't think that I have ever cried more in a movie. I also spent several nights of checking in on my sweet children while they slept because I just couldn't get that movie out of my head. That movie really made an impact on me and I am trying to enjoy even the hard moments with my children more.

I decided to go shopping at Toys R Us at midnight with two girlfriends. We were very naive to the crazy crowds. We got their early, waited in the cold for 30 minutes to learn that the line actually went around the building. We decided that it wasn't worth standing outside for over an hour in the cold. We headed back home. It was definitely a sight to see. I am so glad that Kellie and Rachael were able to enjoy it with me. The shopper that I am wasn't very happy about not getting any done the night before, so I busted out to Toys R Us and Target the next morning. I didn't go until about 10am. This time I was very successful. I love the thrill of shopping and finding great deals. I am pretty much done shopping! I love this season.

Madison lit and blew out the candles several times to get them just right!

They loved these fancy glasses. Isn't their PJ's and crazy hair adorable?

Madison was very interested in this juice. I showed her how to take the cork out.

Cheers...Cheers...Cheers I think that this is a Thanksgiving that they will never forget.

Caitlin getting ready to taste it. I couldn't wait to see her reaction because she only likes to drink orange juice!

YUCK!!!!

Blake thought that it was pretty yummy. He is such a goofey boy - AKA spiderman.

Thanksgiving Feast

Caitlin's preschool had the cutest little Thanksgiving day. The children picked out what kind of hat they wanted and sang songs to us. We also did a craft together and had a feast of FAVORITES. It was so cute. Each child was asked to bring in their favorite food to share with their friends. THere was peanut butter and jelly, macaroni, fruit, pretzels, popcorn, tater tots, teddy grahams, and Caitlin's GOOD BREAD. She loves plain Italian bread from the bakery. She calls it "Good Bread". She sang her little heart out and knew all the words.

So sweet......

SHe loves doing art projects. She was in charge of the glue stick. I wasn't allowed to touch it.

Gotta love the tongue. Mommy and Daddy both do the same thing when they are working hard!

We made this "I am Thankful for... cross". Caitlin said Zoe first. I guess Zoe is special still. Grandma and Oma were next, Blake and Madison (surprised about Madison - She smacked Caitlin right in the bed with a wenkin this morning), Daddy was next. She forgot about poor Mommy!!!!!!! A few minutes later, actually after she overheard another child say mommy, she told me that she wanted to add MOMMY. Better late than NEVER!!!!!!

Not the best photo of Caitlin, but wasn't she so cute?

This was my proud moment. The children made these placemats last week at school. All of the parents were so surprised at how well Caitlin did. Many asked me if she did this by herself. All of the other ones were just scribbled on. Those who have had 3 year olds, know that this is exceptional. I am so proud of my little artist. One of her teachers also commented on how long she sat and worked on it.

This is the way we hike ...

The kids and I decided that it was a gorgeous November day for a hike. We went to the Nature Center. We love hiking the trails and then looking around inside the nature center as well. I still can't believe that it was in the 50's today. We love this warm weather. Maybe I will survive this winter. Caitlin is a little under the weather again and wanted me to get the babysitter so that she didn't have to go. We convinced her to come with us. She came up with the babysitter part all by herself! I ended up carrying her quite a bit.

Madison was quite the little trail guide.

I can barely get Blake to stand still for a picture. Here was my best shot.

THese girls really do love each other. I didn't even ask them to sit like this - they just did it on their own and I happened to get the pic.

They make me a little nervous when they are together. I could see one of them over the rail and into the COLD water. Good thing it didn't happen

Caitlin decided that it was a good place for a little ballerina turn. Maybe she is a natural ballerina. She constantly talks about dancing and is always twirling around. I just haven't turned against gymnastics quite yet. I might have to switch her to ballet class :)

Stones and water are always fun. I can't believe that no one got wet!!!!!

My little tree huggers.

Blake couldn't resist being a dinosaur. When will he out grow this?????

What about the rest of the weekend----------------

I forgot to add that Brett worked all weekend. It was a bad one and we didn't even see him. He even went in in the middle of the night. Blake was invited for a sleepover at a friends. The girls and I went to a parade and got to see Santa Clause.

successful dentist visit

Thank goodness Madison cooperated and had NO cavities!!!! I am very anxious still about Madison and the dentist. We had a HORRIBLE experience about a year ago. I think that she is over it, but I was soooooo stressed about taking her to a new office this afternoon.

When the hygienist came out to greet us, I tried to not show my nervous and let her know without Madison getting upset that Madison needed to go back without me. Madison does so much better when I am out of the picture. The hygienist gave me a strange look when I said that, but I nodded and smiled when I repeated that Madison goes back all by herself. Madison did her little goodbye routine and off she went. Time seemed to go by very slowly as I was anxiously waiting to see how things went. Madison did great!!!! I was so proud. Now Caitlin's turn.

Caitlin has never been to the dentist before. This was her first time. Madison and I both went back with her. She was so cute and did everything that they said. She looked so cute in that big chair with sunglasses on. The dentist was very impressed with her when he did her exam. Madison was very nervous when he came in and I had to give her NO eye contact in order for the dentist to check out her teeth. All in all, very successful and maybe I won't be so stressed about the dentist next time.

Blake's turn will be in two weeks. I am wondering what they will say about his teeth. Remember those days where he sucked his two fingers????? I'm sure that that is going to cost us some money real soon!

Who is more excited???

Who is more excited about going to Disney World???? I actually think that I am more excited than the kids. I have read so many websites, bought a book and just can't stop planning our vacation. Have I ever mentioned that I am QUITE the planner? Wow, this is a great vacation to plan. I just can't wait to see how much fun the kids and Brett will have. We have never taken the kids there before and just can't wait for Caitlin to meet the princesses, Madison to celebrate her 6th birthday there and Blake to finally go to Sea World.

Here is just a sweet picture of my little princess. Her smile just melts my heart.

cousins, campfires, amazing weather = AWESOME weekend

Chad, Shannon and crew came down to spend the weekend. It was beautiful. The kids played outside most of the whole day on Saturday. They built a fort in the woods, rode bikes, played animals and climbed on the playset. We drove over to a great hiking trail and wandered through the woods. We ended the night with a wonderful bonfire. While the four adults were sitting around the fire, we were just cracking up at the kids running around with flashlights in the dark. They were so cute and making great memories together. I couldn't believe how dark it was and yet they still wander the woods. I wouldn't be doing that!!!!!!
They actually slept in until 7 am. Usually they are so excited to be together that the boys wake up during the night and/or early morning to play... They just can't get enough of each other.
Brett and Chad decided to head up to Muskegon to do a little fishing on Sunday. These two "littles" just love hugging, playing dolls, and just whatever together. They are definitely best friends!!!!!!

These two girls love to dress up and put on dancing shows for us.

Notice how dirty these boys are. They played so much outside. They are quite the buddies - Blake and Drake

We couldn't resist a little photo shoot in the backyard. My kids were not cooperating. I think that they are done with pictures for awhile. Caitlin cried and said that she didn't want her picture taken. So Shannon took my camera and headed outdoors. She got amazing pics of Ava and Gracie.