Thanksgiving

We have had a fun-filled and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend! On Wednesday, we headed to west Michigan for a visit with Aron's family. We spent Thanksgiving with Aron's mother, grandmother, Aunt Jan, Aunt Karen, and Uncle Dave. We feasted on delicious food and enjoyed family time where the kids especially enjoyed all the extra attention! On Friday, we indulged in a second Thanksgiving meal with Aron's dad and wife Beverly. We celebrated an early Christmas since they will soon be heading south to Florida (lucky, lucky, lucky)! The kids not only had fun ripping open presents, but they were also spoiled by cookie making lessons from Bevie! There was cookie dough, frosting, and sprinkles EVERYWHERE! Thankfully Russell is pretty good with a vaccum! We are now back home where we have spent most of today decorating our home for the Christmas holiday! We scouted out the local tree lots and after much debate chose the PERFECT tree! All five of us (Mac included) have had fun stringing lights, arranging ornaments, and singing our favorite Christmas tunes. Aron is currently on a ladder outside insisting that we MUST do outdoor lighting this year. I better head out and monitor!!! We are truly blessed!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fun Times for Mom!

I had the most glorious weekend! I awoke Saturday morning refreshed, full of energy, and ready for a day of SHOPPING!!! It was wonderful! I met three of my most fabulous GR friends at the outlet mall in Birch Run. We were so excited to be shopping without our kids (or husbands) nagging us to hurry up. We casually took our time fighting the crowds and sales. It was one of the BEST days I have had! To make the day even more wonderful, I left Birch Run and drove straight to my best friend, Heidi's house for a night of girl talk, games, and gossip (a few glasses of wine too)! I stayed up way too late, but it was worth it! It is a amazing what a little "girls only" time can do for a working mom!!!

I woke up Sunday and headed to a therapeutic session of yoga followed by a bowling birthday party for one of the neighborhood children. The kids had so much fun cheering for one another as they bowled. Russell seems to be popular for birthday invites these days. We have already been to two parties in November and have 3 more scheduled for December! Whew...what is it going to be like as he gets older??? Parties sure do add excitement to our weekends. Especially during the cold months. Thank goodness for bounce houses, gymnasiums, indoor soccer arenas, and bowling alleys!

We are looking forward to a blessed Thanksgiving in St. Joseph!!!

Getting ready for some F-U-N!!!

Come on, come on, come on...

YES! I did it!!!

Time for cake!

A chocolate lovers dream!

A Special Celebration

Most of you know about my student, Ethan, who passed away in May due to a congenital heart defect. It was a very difficult time for me and obviously a horrific time for his parents. I came to know his family very well while I was conducting home-bound teaching with Ethan. Well, Thursday, November 12th would have been Ethan's 9th birthday. His parents organized a wonderful celebration in honor of Ethan and to benefit the organization, Hearts of Hope Southeast Michigan. Ethan's favorite food of ALL time was pizza! So...the party took place at the all you can eat pizza place Cici's Pizza. Aron and I took the kids and had an absolutely marvelous time!!! There were raffles, games, clowns, and the most pizza I have EVER seen! I had wonderful conversations with so many people remembering the sparkling child Ethan was and it was so nice to see his parents and siblings smiling. If you would like to know more about Hearts of Hope, please go to http://www.heartsofhopemi.org/

Russell and Sloane had fun in the arcade at Cici's Pizza Place.

Russell took Sloane for a ride on the bus!

The clown made Sloane a butterfly balloon and Russell a sword and belt to hold it. Russell was bubbling over with excitement!

Happy Birthday Russell!

Russell celebrated his 4th birthday on Tuesday, November 3rd! My parents came to town to surprise Russell with a big boy bike and help us celebrate. We kept the party low key with Russell's choice of Spiderman accessories and McDonald's Happy Meals. I have vowed to have simple parties for the kids until age 5. After that we will see... I seriously can not believe my little boy is 4! Where has the time gone??? Russell is such a little man with a BIG personality!!! He cracks me up everyday with his wild imagination, adorable smile, and funny conversations! I am so blessed to be a mom and so thankful for such an amazing son! I love you Russell! Happy birthday!!!

Upon entering the house, Russell found his new bike waiting for him. He has now requested a new helmet to match...red with flames! What a character!!! We have been spending the dark evenings outside with a flashlight as he rides his bike around the neighborhood block.

"Make a wish!"

Delicious Spiderman cupcakes! Sloane has a VERY LARGE sweet tooth and could barely contain her desire for cupcakes as we ate our dinner. She kept repeating (in a tiny and sweet voice), "cupcakes, I want cupcakes, cupcakes now, cupcakes, time for cupcakes." We had to finally give in to her pleading.

A terrific birthday dinner with Grammy and Papa!

Birthday wish came true... a Batman cave!

Russell was thrilled with his new police officer uniform from Uncle Tom, Aunt Marilyn, and cousins Travis and Katie! He has officially arrested all of us and has transformed his room into a police station.

Saturday is soccer day and thankfully soccer has proven to be successful! Russell has overcome his shyness and enjoys running around the soccer field. He especially enjoys having his buddy Anotonio with him.

Listening to Coach Kelly.

Not only did Russell get to celebrate his own birthday this week, but he also celebrated his best friend William's birthday. William turned 4 the day after Russell and celebrated Saturday at the Bounce House. The boys had a blast!

William and Russell trying out an arcade game. These two met at daycare 3 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. They are now in Pre-K together.

William also chose a Spiderman theme for his party!

Great minds think alike!

Halloween Extravaganza on Altadena Avenue!

What a wonderful night of fun, family, friendship, and food! We hosted our annual neighborhood Halloween party last night and enjoyed seeing all the kids dressed up in colorful and creative costumes. We were fortunate to have Aron's mom here to help out with the festivities as well. It is always nice to have an extra set of adult hands and the kids love to be with her. Russell was a ball of energy playing with his friends while pretending to be Batman! Sloane proved to be an excellent little sales person while going door-to-door and sweetly cooing "trick-or-treat" to the innocent homeowners along our street. She would graciously accept the candy dropped into her pumpkin before dashing across the lawn in eagerness of the next doorstep. Russell was more timid due to some older children dressed in dark costumes and scary masks. He held tight to Aron and I while being a bit skeptical of each house we approached. The kids came home carrying full buckets and happily chose their favorite treats to enjoy while helping Aron and I pass out goodies to the trick-or-treaters begging at our door. We spent today raking the millions of leaves that have landed upon our lawn. The kids showed pure glee as they jumped into the heaping piles of leaves.

Last, but most definitely NOT least... As of today, I have officially submitted ALL of my grad school projects and am DONE, DONE, DONE!!!!!!!!! Can I say YIP, YIP, YIPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! And to brag just a little bit more, I have completed the course work over one month early. Whew!!! It has been a busy fall and I am so relieved to have this checked off my list!

Now for some pictures:

Russell received early birthday gifts from Grammy Carlson: Spiderman pajamas and a safari kit!

Hard at work setting up his safari land.

Batman and Batgirl ready for ACTION!

Six of the neighborhood children or should I say: 2 Batmans, a princess, race car driver, Super Why and Batgirl!

"Trick-or-Treat!"

Batgirl hard at work flying around the neighborhood in search of one thing...CHOCOLATE!

Leaves, leaves, leaves!

A Week of Fun Through Pictures!

After our exciting trip to Nashville we arrived home to a full calendar of fun events. Check it out!

Russell had his first school field trip to the farm. Aron chaperoned the event and was put in charge of Russell and his friend Mitchell. The boys had fun picking pumpkins, taking a hayride, playing on the playground, and having donuts and cider! Both Russell and Aron were talking about the trip for days after.

Our beloved Mac spent a week with my parents since he was unable to join us in Nashville. We missed him greatly, but my mom was sure to email this picture so I knew Mac was in good hands and having fun with their dog Crockett! Sloane was so happy to have Mac home. She cuddled him and kissed him over and over.

Russell began indoor soccer this weekend. It was his first experience on a team. He was so excited for this day, but could not overcome his shyness once he was on the field. Aron helped him along and remained on the field with him. Hopefully Russell will warm up over the upcoming weeks.

We had "movie night" Saturday evening complete with the DVD, Clifford's Halloween Party and popcorn!

Terrific ending to a fun week... Aron's Dad and his wife Bev came for a visit Sunday. We carved pumpkins and had a leaf throwing match outside! The kids had a ball and loved hanging out with Papa and Bevie!

A Weekend of Fun in Nashville, Tennessee!

We just returned from Nashville and have so many terrific stories to tell! Aron's best friend Gregg got married this weekend to wonderful, sweet, and beautiful Allison! Aron has known Gregg since the 5th grade and we have known Allison since our wedding 6 years ago. She is a true Southern beauty with a personality that shines just as bright. Gregg is equally as awesome! Aron was honored to be the best man while Russell held the duty of ring bearer. We arrived to downtown Nashville Friday evening after an 81/2 hour car ride through some beautiful countryside. We worried for weeks about the long drive with the kids, but it was a piece of cake! Upon arrival to Nashville, we enjoyed a visit with Gregg and Allison where they gave Russell and Sloane presents. Russell was overjoyed with the bat mobile Gregg picked out for him while Sloane was all smiles opening the princess crown and jewels that Allison chose for her. Saturday brought us fun in the hotel swimming pool! Russell jumped in the pool at least two dozen times and swam from the shallow end all the way to the deep end!!! He amazed me with his swimming skills. Sloane enjoyed the water just as much and tried her hardest to keep up with her big brother. After the pool we headed to Opryland Hotel to visit with more friends. By the evening both kids were whipped and crashed within minutes of letting their heads hit the pillows. We woke up Sunday and started the day with more poolside adventures and then headed out to explore Nashville. I let the kids (and myself) indulge in room service for Sunday lunch and then was fortunate enough to get them both to lay down for some rest time before the evening wedding. Russell was so excited to get his "wedding suit" on and Sloane just loved her "princess" dress. I can not say enough about the gorgeous setting for the wedding. It was in Nashville at the historic Cedarwood estate. Candles were lit, music was playing, flowers were in bloom, and happiness was exploding everywhere. Russell and Sloane were marvelous from the time we arrived at 4:00 until the time we left at 10:00. Not one tear. Only laughter and joy! Sloane truly believes that Allison is a princess. She had to know where Allison was at ALL times and when she got near us, Sloane would begin clapping with glee. For doing a great job at the wedding, Aron and I gave Russell a real "Nashville" guitar. He held that guitar almost the entire evening! It was a hit!!! I could go on and on and on about our adventures. I must say that traveling with kids is not at all relaxing and at times I really thought I was going to lose my mind. A big fancy hotel is not really the most kid-friendly atmosphere, however I would never want to replace the memories that we made as a family over the last four days! Thank you Gregg and Allison for including us in your special wedding weekend! We love you!!!