The hours are counting down and my to-do list is still a mile long. Thankfully we have our Santa cookies baked but I haven't started wrapping Santa gifts yet. I'm waiting for the girls to go to bed and I'm guessing that won't be very early, especially tonight. I have a ton of pictures to post from the Lester Christmas last weekend but I don't have the energy to get up and grab my camera...this couch is just to comfy right now. Once the girls get up and open their gifts from Santa in the morning, time to pack our bags and head back to Cascade for a few days. My cousin Sarah is back from San Diego and we can't get home fast enough so we can see her!
Almost 8pm. Time to put my PJ's on, lay Annie down for bed and read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' to Rachel and finish wrapping presents. Hopefully I can stay awake for all of this.
Let's not forget, after all the shopping is done and the gifts are unwrapped (...and sometimes returned) the holidays are about spending time with the people we love. Which is what I'm looking forward to the most. Wishing all of your a wonderful AND safe Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Visit with Santa
Rachel ran right up to Santa and told him EVERYTHING she wanted from Christmas. Annie stood there, looked at him, got up on his lap and wouldn't take her eyes off his beard. All in all, the visit went very well and only lasted a few minutes. Plus, no one cried.
One more thing I can cross off my list this month!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Just 8 more WORK days until Christmas break!!!! We can't wait. I'm looking forward to sleeping in, hanging out in our PJ's and eating lots and lots of food. Last week Annie and I went back to Cascade and baked cookies with my mom and sisters. We ended up bringing home a ton of cookies and candy but I'm not sure if we'll have any left by the holidays. Looks like I'll be making more this week.
Yesterday morning I got a an hour massage (thanks to VIPs) and spent a few hours Christmas shopping by myself...heaven. I can handle the crowds if I'm not trying to shop with two little girls. We spent the rest of the day hanging around the house and wrapping presents. Today we took the girls to get haircuts, both of which needed them badly. This was Annie's first official haircut and we weren't sure what to expect. The guy who cut her hair obviously had a lot of experience cutting hair on a moving target. We ended up cutting a large amount of hair off the back and evening it out...it looks great! Rachel got a few inches off her hair too and what a difference.
Next weekend is the Lester Christmas to we'll spend this week finishing up some last minute shopping and baking. I'll be so thankful when everything is bought, wrapped and under the tree!
Annie on her fourth or fifth sugar cookie.
The cookie was so good that she put some in her
hair for later.
Oh yeh, ready to go!
Ahhh...less hair, we love it.
How I wish I had the time to make her hair
look like this everyday.
Annie has decided she no longer wants
to eat in her highchair, she wants to eat
AT the table with us. May need to
purchase a new booster seat soon.
New haircut, her purse & necklace,
she's ready to go out.
Yesterday morning I got a an hour massage (thanks to VIPs) and spent a few hours Christmas shopping by myself...heaven. I can handle the crowds if I'm not trying to shop with two little girls. We spent the rest of the day hanging around the house and wrapping presents. Today we took the girls to get haircuts, both of which needed them badly. This was Annie's first official haircut and we weren't sure what to expect. The guy who cut her hair obviously had a lot of experience cutting hair on a moving target. We ended up cutting a large amount of hair off the back and evening it out...it looks great! Rachel got a few inches off her hair too and what a difference.
Next weekend is the Lester Christmas to we'll spend this week finishing up some last minute shopping and baking. I'll be so thankful when everything is bought, wrapped and under the tree!
Annie on her fourth or fifth sugar cookie.
The cookie was so good that she put some in her
hair for later.
Oh yeh, ready to go!
Ahhh...less hair, we love it.
How I wish I had the time to make her hair
look like this everyday.
Annie has decided she no longer wants
to eat in her highchair, she wants to eat
AT the table with us. May need to
purchase a new booster seat soon.
New haircut, her purse & necklace,
she's ready to go out.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Four days off....it was nice while it lasted. I'm starting to think I like Thanksgiving break better then Christmas. Not as much to do, just more food to eat. We really enjoyed the time off from work and school and catching up on some extra sleep was nice too.
Rachel had been complaining of a sore throat the night before Thanksgiving we didn't think too much of it. By Thursday it was obvious that it was more than just a sore throat. She didn't want to get out of bed, she had no appetite and she didn't want to play with her cousins....not like Rachel. I took her to the doc on Friday morning and found out she had strep throat. Poor kid! We spent the rest of Friday just bumming around and putting up Christmas decorations. Annie, to our surprise, has done very well with the tree. We put it up while she was napping and when she came downstairs and saw it, she ran for it. She spent at least 5 minutes just looking at it. I think the newness has worn off and now she doesn't even realize that it's in the room...wheew!
We spent Saturday in Manchester with Scott's family and enjoyed some much needed time with them. We really enjoyed watching Rachel and Annie play with their cousins, Trey & Ella. We also enjoyed Aunt Lori's dance party and her funky fresh moves on the floor. Thanks Lou!
My sister and I spent most of Sunday shopping. We may have spent a little more time eating and screwing around but we did at least enter a few stores. It wasn't about bringing home bags and bags of gifts, it was about leaving the house without our kids for a few hours!
Aunt Amy took Annie out for what will most
likely be her last time in her swing until Spring.
Annie, Rachel, Trey & Ella
The Grandkids with Grammy & Papa
Please, no more photos.
Annie can sense when another baby loves the
bottle as much as her.
Rachel "feeling the burn" with Trey
Ahhh.....amazing tree with lights on it.
Rachel was a huge help, even sick.
Rachel had been complaining of a sore throat the night before Thanksgiving we didn't think too much of it. By Thursday it was obvious that it was more than just a sore throat. She didn't want to get out of bed, she had no appetite and she didn't want to play with her cousins....not like Rachel. I took her to the doc on Friday morning and found out she had strep throat. Poor kid! We spent the rest of Friday just bumming around and putting up Christmas decorations. Annie, to our surprise, has done very well with the tree. We put it up while she was napping and when she came downstairs and saw it, she ran for it. She spent at least 5 minutes just looking at it. I think the newness has worn off and now she doesn't even realize that it's in the room...wheew!
We spent Saturday in Manchester with Scott's family and enjoyed some much needed time with them. We really enjoyed watching Rachel and Annie play with their cousins, Trey & Ella. We also enjoyed Aunt Lori's dance party and her funky fresh moves on the floor. Thanks Lou!
My sister and I spent most of Sunday shopping. We may have spent a little more time eating and screwing around but we did at least enter a few stores. It wasn't about bringing home bags and bags of gifts, it was about leaving the house without our kids for a few hours!
Aunt Amy took Annie out for what will most
likely be her last time in her swing until Spring.
Annie, Rachel, Trey & Ella
The Grandkids with Grammy & Papa
Please, no more photos.
Annie can sense when another baby loves the
bottle as much as her.
Rachel "feeling the burn" with Trey
Ahhh.....amazing tree with lights on it.
Rachel was a huge help, even sick.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Annie is in bed, Rachel is watching a movie, Scott is helping our friends with their computer and I'm enjoying some peace and quiet...well, the dryer is running but that's enough quiet for me. I'm looking foward to four days off and I'm hoping to find a little time to put up our Christmas tree and decorations. Not sure if Annie can REALLY climb yet but I guess we'll find out what she's capable of once that tree goes up. I debated not putting the tree up this year but the look of total disbelief from Rachel convinced me that the show must go on...even with a 15 month old in the house.
We are having my entire family (all 18 us of) over on Thursday for Thanksgiving. As much work as it is to get ready for it I'm so thankful to finally have house that will fit all of us. Friday we'll spend in CR and we'll head to Manchester on Saturday to celebrate with Scott's family. Sunday we'll spend in our PJ's, doing a whole lot of nothing.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
The lovely turkey picture Rachel
made for us.
Annie loves to wear Rachel's old backpack
Riding Jo Jo, and one handed. Impressive.
Rachel doing a great job as the big sister.
Rachel modeling her pilgram hat from school.
We are having my entire family (all 18 us of) over on Thursday for Thanksgiving. As much work as it is to get ready for it I'm so thankful to finally have house that will fit all of us. Friday we'll spend in CR and we'll head to Manchester on Saturday to celebrate with Scott's family. Sunday we'll spend in our PJ's, doing a whole lot of nothing.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
The lovely turkey picture Rachel
made for us.
Annie loves to wear Rachel's old backpack
Riding Jo Jo, and one handed. Impressive.
Rachel doing a great job as the big sister.
Rachel modeling her pilgram hat from school.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Only Monday?
I'm ready for Friday and the week just begun. Not much new around our house. We have Rachel's kindergarten conference tomorrow night and I'm anxious to see how she's doing in school. I'm amazed at how quickly she's picked up sounding out words and reading.
Annie has been busy, as usual. We finally took down the baby gate on the stairs and Scott worked on her going up and down by herself. She's done really well but I still have to watch her and make sure she goes down SLOWLY, which she doesn't like.
Rachel & her lego lady
The Easter Bunny is early this year
Annie wanted to get into the bathroom so
she scooted Rachel's logo container so she could
reach it. Nothing gets in her way!!!
Annie has been busy, as usual. We finally took down the baby gate on the stairs and Scott worked on her going up and down by herself. She's done really well but I still have to watch her and make sure she goes down SLOWLY, which she doesn't like.
Rachel & her lego lady
The Easter Bunny is early this year
Annie wanted to get into the bathroom so
she scooted Rachel's logo container so she could
reach it. Nothing gets in her way!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Christmas already???
Rachel has started a new hobby, circling ALL the stuff she wants when a new Christmas catalog comes in the mail. She was busy working on the Toys R Us wish book tonight and here are just a few of the items she marked....and I mean FEW.
** $268 For-Real Pony - not a bad price considering I don't have to feed it.
** Loving Family dollhouse - which she already has
** High School Musical PJ set, dolls, musical boots - funny, she's never even watched HSM.
** Nintendo DS - how did she know I wanted one of those??
I'm guessing she only made it half way through the catalog because motorized cars were near the end and none of them were circled. By the looks of her wish list we either need to start shopping now or pray that Santa Claus IS real!
** $268 For-Real Pony - not a bad price considering I don't have to feed it.
** Loving Family dollhouse - which she already has
** High School Musical PJ set, dolls, musical boots - funny, she's never even watched HSM.
** Nintendo DS - how did she know I wanted one of those??
I'm guessing she only made it half way through the catalog because motorized cars were near the end and none of them were circled. By the looks of her wish list we either need to start shopping now or pray that Santa Claus IS real!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween & Happy Birthday Papa!!
Ahh...a few moments of quiet. A rare moment around here. Scott and Rachel are over at the neighbors, Annie is sleeping and I'm sitting here...wondering what I'm going to do with ALL of this candy. Grammy & Papa Lester took the girls trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Annie only lasted about an hour and then she was ready to get out of that costume. I'm convinced Rachel has enough sugar in her to keep her awake until Tuesday.
Rachel was a ballerina/angel/princess
Scott does not make a good looking woman
Rachel & Sam
Rachel was a ballerina/angel/princess
Scott does not make a good looking woman
Rachel & Sam
Sunday, October 26, 2008
It's about time
I'm busy!! That's the only excuse I have for waiting so long to add another post. I keep journals for Annie and Rachel and I realized it had been awhile since I wrote in them. I took Annie's out and the last entry was on her birthday, Aug 17th. Obviously this blog isn't the only thing I'm neglecting.
The girls are staying busy and we are spending more time indoors now that the weather is colder...MUCH colder! Annie has increased her vocabulary and now says Daddy, Uh-Oh, puppy and what's that. She's getting over an ear infection and cold. A few rounds of antibiotics and she seems to be feeling better. Rachel is ready for Halloween and this year she decided she wants to be a ballerina. This is her first "girly" costume so I was surprised when she suggested it. I was waiting for her to ask to be a snake or caterpillar. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and she won't freeze her you-know-what off.
Scott and I had a great anniversary. My friend Shelly offered to watch the girls so we can could out for dinner at Biaggis. Last weekend we went to the Hawk game with our friends. Weather was perfect. Cold in the morning but sunny & warm by game time. This weekend we spent in Cascade. My dad needed help patching up some holes on a barn and asked that everyone come home and help. We went to Bluff Lake for dinner (....GREAT food) and went to a haunted house afterwards. My sisters and I screamed like little girls but Rachel...she loved it. I was nervous that she was too young but as soon we came out she asked if we could go through it again. Obviously she is Scott's daughter!
Annie found a new spot to poop her pants.
I guess she likes her privacy.
....and I found her.
Stacy, Shelly and I. Not easy drinking a beer
at 8am in 50 degree weather but we were
up for the challenge.
Tom, Scott, Jason & Roger in front of "the pig"
The girls are staying busy and we are spending more time indoors now that the weather is colder...MUCH colder! Annie has increased her vocabulary and now says Daddy, Uh-Oh, puppy and what's that. She's getting over an ear infection and cold. A few rounds of antibiotics and she seems to be feeling better. Rachel is ready for Halloween and this year she decided she wants to be a ballerina. This is her first "girly" costume so I was surprised when she suggested it. I was waiting for her to ask to be a snake or caterpillar. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and she won't freeze her you-know-what off.
Scott and I had a great anniversary. My friend Shelly offered to watch the girls so we can could out for dinner at Biaggis. Last weekend we went to the Hawk game with our friends. Weather was perfect. Cold in the morning but sunny & warm by game time. This weekend we spent in Cascade. My dad needed help patching up some holes on a barn and asked that everyone come home and help. We went to Bluff Lake for dinner (....GREAT food) and went to a haunted house afterwards. My sisters and I screamed like little girls but Rachel...she loved it. I was nervous that she was too young but as soon we came out she asked if we could go through it again. Obviously she is Scott's daughter!
Annie found a new spot to poop her pants.
I guess she likes her privacy.
....and I found her.
Stacy, Shelly and I. Not easy drinking a beer
at 8am in 50 degree weather but we were
up for the challenge.
Tom, Scott, Jason & Roger in front of "the pig"
Friday, October 10, 2008
Happy Anniversary My Love
Scott and I will celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary tomorrow...on the 11th. I can honestly say that 11 years of marriage hasn't always been easy BUT it is fun when your married to Scott. Not one day has gone by that I haven't laughed at him. Not only is he a wonderful husband but he is a great dad to our daughters. Thank you Scott for 11 amazing years and I look forward to celebrating a lifetime more together.
XOXO
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Vegas Baby
I have so many posts but this is the only one I have time for right now. We left on Friday night for Vegas with our friends, Shelly, Jason, Stacey, Tom & David. Scott has been to Vegas a few times and we talked about going as a couple for months. Scott's buddy Greg decided to have his wedding in Vegas so the timing was perfect.
We landed in Vegas at around 9pm and we settled into out hotel and went out for dinner. The next day the boys gambled and the girls bummed around the pool....heaven. I gotta say, I was excited to see Vegas but I was most excited to lay out in the sun! We had dinner reservations at Bennihana's that night at the Hilton. Sunday we walked the strip and went to the wedding that night. Monday we did some last minute shopping and left Vegas at 3pm. What a LONG flight home! We missed our girls so much and we couldn't wait to get home and see them. Thanks again to Grammy, Papa and Aunt Amy for helping us out. And CONGRATS to Mr & Mrs Feldman!
Ready to go!!!
View of NY NY and the strip
Stacey's winnings
Shelly, Stacey and I before dinner
How I wish we could have these in Iowa!!!
Getting ready for Greg & Katie's wedding
Ready to go HOME!!!!
We landed in Vegas at around 9pm and we settled into out hotel and went out for dinner. The next day the boys gambled and the girls bummed around the pool....heaven. I gotta say, I was excited to see Vegas but I was most excited to lay out in the sun! We had dinner reservations at Bennihana's that night at the Hilton. Sunday we walked the strip and went to the wedding that night. Monday we did some last minute shopping and left Vegas at 3pm. What a LONG flight home! We missed our girls so much and we couldn't wait to get home and see them. Thanks again to Grammy, Papa and Aunt Amy for helping us out. And CONGRATS to Mr & Mrs Feldman!
Ready to go!!!
View of NY NY and the strip
Stacey's winnings
Shelly, Stacey and I before dinner
How I wish we could have these in Iowa!!!
Getting ready for Greg & Katie's wedding
Ready to go HOME!!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Hawk Game
If the Hawks would have won yesterday, it would have been the perfect ending to perfect day! Our neighbors, Roger & Diane, invited us to join them at the Iowa homecoming game. I've only been to two Iowa football games and I've never gone tailgating...ever. Roger assured me I was in for a good time. We arrived in IC at around 8am and our tailgating spot was literally a few feet from the stadium. We enjoyed a few drinks, ate some food and walked around before the game. We had club seats at the game and food/beer/restrooms right next to our seats, very nice. After the game we stuck around and had a few more drinks and then headed back to CR. We had a neighborhood grill-out in the evening and by 9:30 I was ready for bed. Scott and I felt very spoiled and we can't wait to do it again at the Wisconsin game next month.
This time next week we will be in VEGAS!!! Whoo-hooo.
Diane, Scott, myself & Roger
Kylee & Diane
Scott, obviously after one too many.
Drink of choice for the day
View of the stadium for our spot
View from our seats
This time next week we will be in VEGAS!!! Whoo-hooo.
Diane, Scott, myself & Roger
Kylee & Diane
Scott, obviously after one too many.
Drink of choice for the day
View of the stadium for our spot
View from our seats
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