Sometimes you just make do!

Today was finally the day that the kids had been DYING for.  We left this morning to get our Christmas tree!  Now, our family goal each year is to find a tree farm, where we can pull the kids in the sled while tromping through the snow to find that perfect tree.  Let me give you a rundown of the last few years...

Year 1:  We found a tree farm, and it all worked out as planned!  Yay!

Year 2:  We went back to that tree farm, but had to cut off the top of the tree, just with the hopes that we could fit in inside our living room, while still having enough room for the couch.

Year 3:  Sergeants, minus $80.

Year 4:  Lowes.  Not exactly the memories that we were hoping to instill in our children, but what the heck.

This year:  We found another tree farm!  Yay!!  We were ecstatic!  But...  there weren't any trees to cut down because we "came too late in the year."  What?  I thought it was only the 10th!
Needless to say, we found the farm that we hope to use every year, with the lesson learned to come right after Thanksgiving.

So, we were on our way home, with the tree tied on top of the family van.  I loved the excitement of the kids as we were driving, and the nervousness of Tim, with the hopes that he tied all the knots correctly. Don't worry, he did.

Now we are at home, decorating our tree, and I'm searing the littleness of my kids into my mind.  I'm hoping to never forget the little moments like today.  My kids are awesome, and with the help of some bungee cords and water softener salt bags (as a weight so it doesn't tip over), our tree is pretty cool too.   =)

Treyton was trying to pick through the ornaments, to be able to get to the "cool" ones before the other kids got them.

Hadlee is obsessed with this ornament!  It's Treyton's from his first Christmas, but since it's in a baby swing, she thinks she's got dibs.

Maddex is the s-l-o-w-e-s-t person to hang ornaments.  MAYBE every 5 minutes, he'd be ready for another one.  I thought we'd be at this all night!

The kids' version of hanging them up higher, is about 6 inches taller than the original ones.

Haha!  Our tree weight, because the tree was VERY front heavy, but if we turned it, we got to look at the ugly side.  Now how am I suppose to disguise this?!

And finally, the angel that my Oma made.  It's bittersweet hanging it this year, but it gives me one more way to incorporate her memory in our home.

Long time no talk to...

It's official.  I'm a terrible blogger.  I have good intentions, especially having little ones at home.  I keep thinking that someday when I'm old and grey, I'll love to look back at these little notes and stories that I tell, to remember when my kids were young.  It's those same kids that take all of my time, and leave me with very little time to myself.  When I do have a minute to sit down with this blog, I am selfish and take that minute to just do nothing!  So, this selfish "author" will now try to catch you up with my life, in a nutshell....

Treyton is doing amazing in first grade!  He is excelling all of his school work, and is well into 2nd grade work.  I'm so proud of him!  He's my serious, "let's get down to business" kind of kid, and as I know that he'll have struggles in his life, school work will not be one of them.  He's still the Packer fan of the house, and even his determination to stand out of the crowd makes me proud.  The picture posted is on his first day of school.  I love my little man.  <3

Now Maddex is a little less apt to getting the whole school thing down, but of course I love him none the less.  =)  He's my free spirit child.  Isn't that what people call their kids when they could care less what you tell them to do, and usually follow through with the exact opposite?!  I made pancakes the other day, using the initials of each of the kids.  I asked each of them what letter I should make them.  After they were done, I asked "what letter should I make for me, Mmmmama?"  Maddex answered with "triangle!"  Oh boy Maddex, we've got a ways to go with you!  The picture was of Maddex's first day of preschool. He's not quite as convinced that this was a good thing.  =)

Now onto Princess Hadlee.  She is a princess through and through!  This may be TMI, but it's just too cute NOT to share!  The other day, she was sitting on the toilet, and not going pee.  (if you're following me...)  I told her to let me know when she was done, so I could help her wipe.  She told me that she didn't have to wipe, because she had "frincess poop, and it's aaaalllll parkaly (sparkly) and pretty."  If my daughter has an odor to her when she's older, you now know why.  

The following picture is from her 3rd birthday party, and it's obvious she's not enjoying herself at all!

Little Lady Reeyin is my baby, but she has been AWFUL lately!  Crying and whining, every time I put her down and walk away!  It's really driving me crazy, and I try to be patient.  She's one now, and of course isn't walking or talking, so I'm sure she's frustrated too, but c'mon!  Work with me here!  On a proud note, she's learning the baby sign language that I've been working months and months trying to teach her!  She now knows, "drink", "more", "all done", and "eat"!  She's my baby, and (I think) always will be, so even though her crying blows my ear drums, I'm a sucker and am probably the reason she does it.  She knows I'll go and pick her up!  

Here is a picture of her First Birthday Party!  I made her a spaghetti cake, which is her all time favorite meal.  Frosting noodles, fudge meatballs, strawberry preserve sauce, and almond bark parmesan!  Yum, yum!!

That's all for this post!  I'd like to say that I'll write more soon, but you know my track record.  Hmmm.... Let's just say I'll see you next year!  =)