And a 1 and a 2 and a 5 and a 6....

I overindulged a bit today at our staff meeting (okay, and some candy early in the day) so tonight I made myself kill it working out at home. I brought out the new 8lb weights and did my 8 minute routine while we all took turns on the Wii. I was busy doing some Kung Fu and I looked over and Ethan was lifting the weights up (Chest flys) and counting (not altogether in order, but still)... I wish I had a picture, but I was too busy burning the 691 extra calories I ate today. It's crazy how fast that stuff adds up!
The boys are still adjusting to not having quite as much attention as they did when Grammy and Grandpa were here. But, they're getting adjusted. They both have had a great week at daycare. Ethan shouted to me when I got there today that he "WAS REALLY GOOD TODAY!!" Do we believe him?
Brian's hard at work on a third animation job from some animation company based out of Seattle, and has a job on the way from the guy that subcontracted him. I feel like I never see him even though he's in the same room! Isn't that weird? I'm excited for Thursday as we're going to my friend Beth's house- as there are rumors that Santa is coming! I will be sure to take pictures then!'
Enough of my boring rambling... I suppose I could tell you that I finished the 10 minute jog today with my class somewhat easily. That was exciting. And 18 of my kids also finished. I was really impressed. And they had their writing TEST today and they did really well. I was cracking up reading what they wrote- they really are AMAZING writers. And amazing kids. Even when they drive me nuts :) Ok- still rambling, so that's how I know it's time to go to bed!

Thanksgiving - Gobble Gobble!

Brian's mom and I started off by joining in a Thanksgiving Zumba class out in Caldwell- tons of women, a bunch of instructors - and NO heat! It was fun though and a good way to relieve some of the guilt of overeating! The boys (Brian, his dad, and Ethan) to a friends' family football game. It was cooooold, but they had fun. Brian is still sore, but that's good for him!When they got back, while we were cooking up a storm - we decorated the Christmas tree. The boys loved helping. And we needed the help, because with Lucas around, it's a never ending process. Ornaments on the tree, ornaments off the tree, on, off, on, off.

The turkey was perfect- as was the yummy stuffing! I've never had one turn out this well, so I was really excited.

The boys were eager to eat- though slightly picky about what they would and wouldn't eat. The rolls were the favorite, I think - Thanks Sara Lee!

We were thankful to have Grammy and Grandpa with us!We had pumpkin apple bread for dessert and made it in this cool snowman mold - but Kenya (our dog) got it first. Poor snowman.

Then it was time for the annual gingerbread house building. First came construction - overall good, though a little slanted....

Then the decorating- Lucas LOVED getting to be a part of it. But I wouldn't eat from his side as all his decorations first made a trip through his mouth.

Ethan's an old pro and was very proud of his design. Fun project!

Then it was off to bed so we'd be ready for Thanksmas the next morning!

Thanksmas 09

The stockings were hung (or laid I suppose) by the chimney with care...... It was time to celebrate Christmas with Brian's parents. At Thanksmas we get to pretend to be Santa and fill the stockings ourselves. Ethan loved being a part of it and making all sorts of goodies to include.The boys were thrilled (though their faces don't really show it) with the dinosaurs they got. Lucas even roared for us in a not-so-Lucas quiet way....

His favorite gift of the whole morning, however, was his bag of animal cookies. He loved those. Ethan's favorite was definitely his McQueen racetrack. A hit!

Grammy and Grandpa loved the mask Ethan made them. I'm still not sure what it's intended purpose is, but Ethan was determined that it was the project he'd do. We were all spoiled rotten and then spent the day playing. Lucas loved his Grammy and playing at the table with her. Lots of belly laughs.

He also loved the new Wii Fit Plus games. So much so that he made it difficult for me to play - stinker! (and isn't his new outfit adorable!)

Then was a take 2 on the snowman mold- Ethan and Grammy made brownies this time. Can you spot the issue this go-around? I think the snowman mold is doomed. (The spoon is fine by the way).

Lucas spent some time coloring with Grandpa. He only chewed them slightly!

The racetrack was zooming most of the day. Ethan loved "winning" though the parameters of winning were constantly changing.

We finished off our fabulous day by decorating some gingerbread "boys" as Ethan calls them. Sprinkles, sprinkles everywhere- but yummy!

Brian's parents left Saturday after a quick lunch at McDs. We were so sad to see them go! Later last night, we got to open a few more Thanksmas gifts from Aunt Angie and Uncle Nick. No pics though because we Skyped on the computer the whole time. Lucas is a total Skype hog! They spoiled us too- a nice way to end the day!

We had such a great week and are so happy that Grammy and Grandpa could come! It went way too fast though and I am not so ready to go back to work!

The Turkey is Coming!!!

A couple of pics from last week - playing in the playroom and then our sweet boy Liam eating chicken noodle... Check out those beautiful teeth! He is such a happy boy!

We spent the weekend getting ready for Grammy and Grandpa to get here. We ran out of TP at the last minute and had to make an emergency run to Costco. The boys got some hotdogs - nothing like $1.50 dinner....

They got here and we've had lots of fun playing. I've still had to work (though now I'm done!!) but the rest have had a great time. Tonight we danced/wrestled/giggled.

Then we headed outside to see the lights the boys put up today- Gorgeous!! Tomorrow we get to start decorating- I'm so excited! Did I mention I love Thanksmas!

A Bedtime Story

There once were two chicks (well, maybe I should say women) named Katie and Beth. Long before they ever met, their stories were linked. They got married within 24 hours of each other, had their first boy within a month of each other, and then went on to have their second boys, also within a month of each other. Crazy huh? Beth the jock (though she's pretty dang smart), and Katie the nerd would become quick friends. With so much in common, it was destined, right?
One night (ok, it was tonight) Beth and Katie had to go to a wedding reception. With both husbands working late on a Friday night, they were forced to bring their adorable boys with them. They took them to McD's first - to get some food and let the boys run off some steam. It was crazy loud, but Ethan and Raleigh loved playing monsters and bonded quickly. Soon, it was off to the wedding reception. Ethan and Raleigh were perfect little gentleman, but Lucas, he was a different story. While Zane wandered a bit, he was happy in his mommy's arms. Lucas would NOT stay still. He ran in circles - all over the gym - behind the happy couple in the reception line- under women's skirts - oh so close to the beautiful cake - through the hordes of people - under the food table - and out the door. Just when Katie finally got him calm for a moment, the big boys - Raleigh and Ethan - declared they needed the potty. Beth to the rescue, took them. It wasn't until they were finishing up that she realized she was in the men's room.
After that, they giggled together and decided it was probably time to go. The boys squealed in delight as they ran across the grass outside - fast friends.

I don't know why I'm writing in 3rd person- must have been from talking about it at school - or maybe it's the exhaustion? I'm thrilled it's the weekend and Grammy and Grandpa will be here soon! Last night we had dinner with the McConnel's and Lucas was "energetic" there as well... That boy NEVER stops moving! He may get these last 14 pounds off me yet! Liam was so adorably chubby and happy- though he screamed enough to make sure he was part of the ruckuss.... Is that how you even spell ruckuss? I think it's time for me to go to bed now- so goodnight!

Our Soccer Monster!

What a smile! We got to go to Ethan's soccer practice today - his last one of the "season", and it was so great! We can't say enough about the soccer shots program. He loved his coach, Carolyn, and I was so impressed at how well she got them to listen! You could tell that Ethan had a blast.

They recited their rules - Score a Goal, Listen to Coach Carolyn, and Have Fun!

They practiced "Show Control" - hard to do inside!

They played games like "Lions and Tigers and Bears!" where they hid in their dens and then brought food (balls) back...

He got his certificate of completion and was thrilled.

They were a small group, but they had a great time. And we had a great time watching - Good Job Ethan!!!

Our favorite moment? They each got to take turns dribbling through the "gate" (cones) and scoring a goal... Every time Ethan scored he would do this little dance/swagger and say "Ka-Chow!" (Just like Lightning McQueen!) You can't hear him say it on the video, but you can see the dance... Oh, and Brian is in shock right now because he never realized he sounds just like his dad.... hehehe....

Giggles Galore

Last night the boys played "slumber party" and "picnic" in the kitchen. Oh my goodness they had fun. We were laughing so hard. Lucas would lay down on the blanket head first - "thud" - and then scream -"aaiiiiihhhh" - until we covered them with the blanket.

Even Brian played. It was a great night. Ethan's imagination has lit on fire. We were hiding in caves, wrapped up as monster presents, watching tv on the cabinet, and being superheros.

Oh, and he remembered (neither of us did) what we named his Elf-on-the-Shelf last year - Tok. That's much better than the name he came up with this year- Ruby-boo. So, Tok it is, and he's sitting on the TV cabinet today- ready to report to Santa!

I stayed home this morning so we can go to Ethan's soccer graduation. He is so stinkin' excited that we're coming... I hate missing school, but decided this was worth it.