Wednesday, December 29, 2010

2nd Place is AWESOME!!!

Great season for me when it comes to fantasy football. Last year my team "The ExtermiKATERS" took 9th place, we only have 10 players. This year I had at least a 5 game winning streak, was 9-4 going into the playoffs and took 2nd place. We had some issues this year that made it difficult for some to enjoy the game but it is what it is and everyone is allowed to be entitled to their opinion. The final game was hard for me especially because I was up in Green Bay and didn't have the time I usually have to adjust my roster and pick players who would give me a better chance of winning but the Packer game was more worth it. I tried to get some done before leaving on Christmas Eve but some players are game day decisions. I was happy knowing I made it that far, and even happier knowing I was going to win something. So thank you to the "Chick's Rule" league, its been fun! thanks for reading xoxo

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Friday, Christmas, Sunday, Monday







Its been an exciting few days...

Christmas Eve- Jayne and Keith came over for dinner and gifts. Good company, good food, good wine, and good night! After they left and the kids were in bed, Santa came to deliver presents. Because Santa's number 1 helper fell asleep with the children and the number 2 helper was downstairs on the phone with his girlfriend, Santa worked alone. Once it was done both helpers decided to show up to help but it was too late, next year some people may only get reindeer poop in their stocking.
Christmas morning- the excitement was overwhelming and the small children could not contain their eagerness to open everything all at once. They all were happy with the gifts and clean up took a very long time. In fact its Tuesday and we are still working on getting it cleaned up. Christmas afternoon- drive to Green Bay. It was a good drive the children napped and Kato and I actually were able to have conversations without interruptions, it was really nice.
Christmas evening-Dinner at Aunt Wendy's with Aunt Barb, Uncle Jim, Jayne, Keith, Matt, and Erin. It was Keith's side of the family. Jade and Alex had fun with Wendy's dog Brit. Ella rolled all over the floor and we enjoyed lasagna, garlic bread, and desserts. To the hotel for bed.
Sunday morning- day after Christmas and super yummy breakfast at the hotel. Jayne and Keith arrive at 10:30 to babysit the children. Kato and I leave for the Packer Giant game. I have a tummy ache and its hurting pretty bad. I try not to complain, we tailgate with true professional tailgaters and enjoy the Packer Backer pride.
Sunday afternoon- PACKERS DEFEAT THE GIANTS!!!! enough said. It was awesome!!!
Sunday Evening- I am not feeling well at all. Want to sleep but want to visit with cousins more. Can't seem to get warm, still have on two pairs of pants, long johns, thick socks, two shirts, one sweater, under covers and snuggling Ella. Heater is up to 70, everyone else is in shorts or just a diaper.
Monday morning- can't seem to get going, tired, sick, want to be home. Get everything together. Stop at Katers Drive to visit Grandparents. Finally on the way home, sleep for a bit, wake up feeling a little bit better. Get home, unpack, house is trashed still, don't care. Off to bed.
Tuesday morning- feeling much better but not Kato, sorry for sharing. He stayed home from work, good thing too, its not pretty.
Lots of stuff in between but that's the just of it. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed their family. thanks for reading xoxo

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Going to see Santa


OH how exciting it is to go see Santa! For he is the one who will grant the wish of all wishes...what I want for Christmas is...You practice saying it, you really want it with every fiber of your body, you dream of it night and day and you are surely going to get it cause you were pretty good this year. With your teeth brushed, hair done just right, the perfect outfit on, you wait in line so patiently. You creep ever so carefully so as not to bump anyone else in line but you just got to get a peek of the all mighty wish granter! You think to yourself is he real? You might even ask someone. Just when the moment to meet him face to face feels like it couldn't get there fast enough, its your turn. This is it and you are ready. You see his smile, you smell his candy canes, and all that is between you and him are a few feet. He sees you, you make eye contact, he says "hello" and you FREAK OUT!! Sometimes tears, sometimes nothing at all, gripping mommy's legs and hands for dear life, not wanting to go any further, and the worst feeling of terror ever. You can't speak, you can't move, and then it happens...Mom! She puts you closer to him and tells you to tell him what you want for Christmas. All you do is shake your head no or scream even louder. Your mother is now sweating buckets. Its been 3 minutes. People are watching. People are waiting. Even though she has no make up on or didn't do her hair, and is wearing sweats Mom gets in mix with you and hates it just as bad. The camera flashes and its over. Getting away as fast as possible you feel great cause you got stickers or a candy cane. Once you are 20 feet away you turn to your mom and say "But Mommy, I didn't tell him what I wanted for Christmas!" She gives you "the look" and then it softens and she says, "don't worry, he already knows, lets go home." Oh how exciting it is to see Santa! thanks for reading xoxo

ps. the best part of the photo is published, you really dont want to see the rest!

Two for two weeks







What happens when you turn two? First your vocabulary instantly doubles and you begin asking "whats this?" to every little thing, even if you know what it is. Then you realize playing in your diaper with that icky smelly stuff can really get some attention. Your strength becomes super human and you are now able to pull yourself up onto anything and everything, and you can actually beat up your bigger brother. Sometime over night it sinks in, that if you just smile and giggle a little, its really cute and you try and get away with more naughtiness then ever before. You want things and you want them NOW and if someone even thinks about saying "just a minute" you are able to throw the biggest fit ever before seen. Every commercial that comes on tv you say "I want it" and you are not happy until someone replies "oh you want that?" just so you can say "yes." Despite your parents efforts to keep you out of things, you MacGyver your way into it and somehow the only tools you need are unknown to them and they are not able to take them away (you'd probably find them anyway). Clothes are definitely over rated and you won't be seen in them by anyone even if its only 10 degrees outside. You love seeing, hearing, watching the same thing over and over and over, especially the ABC song on your laptop. But the best thing of all is no matter how naughty you are time outs only last two minutes and really its not that much longer then one so go for it and be naughty!! thanks for reading xoxo

Monday, December 20, 2010

Alex's 6th Birthday Party









Saturday Alex had a birthday party. It was significant because it was the first party we put together that included people other then family. For the first 5 years we only did family parties. This year he planned who he wanted to invite, what type of cup cakes he wanted, what he wanted to do (although he did change his mind a couple of times), and where to have it. We included him in the decisions and even though we helped him make the decisions that also fit our budgets and abilities, he had the ultimate say. It was hard for me not to invite people that I wanted to have there especially other kids, but it was his party and it was more important to us to have him enjoy it and be around kids he wanted to be around. So I made him vanilla cupcakes, Jayne made him chocolate ones, we had juice and balloons. We rented the community center and played all kinds of sports, basketball, t-ball, kick ball, jump rope, hula hoop, soccer, bowling, Frisbee, and lots of other sports games. He had a great turn out, got some really awesome gifts, and enjoyed every second. It was great having the ability to play inside in a huge area and burn off the cupcakes. Outside is cold and covered in 2 feet of snow. We went out to dinner afterward, watched the A-Team, played with his new toys, and called it a night. I always worry about Alex and Jade because they do have birthdays in December, so close to Christmas and how it would affect their birthdays but this just proves it doesn't even matter and I shouldn't worry anymore. They will have birthday parties with friends and gifts and all the same things that kids born in the summer have and who knows maybe next year we will have a sledding party with snowball fights and hot cocoa. thanks for reading xoxo

Alligator Alex and The Wonder Twins




Friday, Alex had his first school play. He was an alligator. He had one line on his own and he did great! He made some tree ornaments for Kato and I and I was really touched that he took so much pride in what he made. Sometimes he is a little rough around the edges but there are times he is sweet as can be, this was one of those times. After the play we picked up some movies and came home. The boys changed into comfy clothes and Alex could not wait to put on the exact same thing as his Dad. Sometimes things are just perfect. thanks for reading xoxo

Sunday, December 19, 2010

215 or bust


Michael had 2 wrestling matches this week and a tournament on Saturday. It was busy. He was sick on Monday and with his match on Tuesday it got the best of him. He was upset by the loss as can be expected but was still struggling to get well. Thursday at Reedsburg he was upset again as his opponent beat him by points with only 10 seconds left in the match. Needless to say his 3rd place State ranking is no longer. He needs to get well and off medicines. He is getting frustrated too. Its time for him to drop down to 189 as wrestling at 215 is difficult when you weigh only 190 and your opponents are up to 15 pounds heavier then you. He took fourth at Marty Loy and I couldn't be more proud. He still wrestled at 215. Who knows maybe wrestling all these giants will help him when he gets to perform at 189. This week he has a tournament, Badger State, once again he will wrestle at 215. Wish him luck. thanks for reading xoxo

Monday, December 13, 2010

Macho Macho....eggs





When my husband and I first met he asked me if I would like to come over to his apartment to have dinner, he was going to cook. I said yes, he asked if I wouldn't mind picking up some stuff. Sure, so I brought some milk and some hamburger, and probably some beer too. He was in the kitchen when I arrived and about 30 minutes later he had fixed me up some super yummy Hamburger Helper. Oh yes, he was putting on the charm. He was so funny cause when he was eating he was so excited to have cooked something so extravagant and delicious for me. He was proud. I was just happy cause I really liked him. So fast forward to these days. He has invented "Macho Eggs" and the kids love them. They cook them almost every weekend. The recipe is simple eggs, and whatever else you can find in the fridge. Usually its meat, such as hard salami, left over taco meat, I think one time he used left over meat loaf, chili johns, bacon bits or even all of the above. They add onions, black olives, green peppers, and top it all off with cheese. Its all scrambled in one pan and served with a side of hashbrown patties. Its macho! Lately Alex has been asking to help in the kitchen and he loves cracking eggs. So a couple weekends ago Alex actually let me take some pics of him cooking his famous "Macho Eggs" with Daddy. Who knows maybe he will become a chef! thanks for reading xoxo

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Jade is TWOOOOOO









Jade is officially two! She tells you she is TWOOOOOOOOOO. She had a little party including pink and purple cupcakes. She was excited to get a Beauty and the Beast dress up costume from our wonderful neighbors, a pink laptop for herself instead of trying to take Alex's all the time, some new playdoh, a book, sidewalk chalk, and new flannel sheets for her bed!! She is looking forward to going to McDonalds and spending her gift card too. Kato took the day off to have some father daughter time with her since we had to go to his work party that night. He took her shopping at Menards, Walmart, and to get a Christmas tree. They stopped for lunch at McDonalds and they played in the toy area. He spared no expense:) We decorated the kitchen and sang happy birthday. She had a great day, I hope! Saturday she had her two year check up. The doctor had us complete a test for her and she passed with flying colors. I have been concerned about her size for awhile now. She weighed in at 26 pounds which is only in the 10% range, 32 inches long which is 20% range, and her head is still HUGE in the 90% range!! I wondered if she was going to be a little person because she does have some characteristics, to me, of a little person but according to the doctor she is not. He does want to see her again in 3 months for a height/weight check. The other night Kato was out in the living room playing with the kids and I was in another room, Jade must have been playing rough cause I heard him shout out in laughter..."you are not the daughter I expected you to be!" I asked what he meant by that and all he could say was he thought girls were supposed to be sweet and soft, gentle and snugly, and play with dolls and have tea parties. Jade is rough and tough and freakishly strong. She beats up on Alex and can lay out her dad when she runs and tackles him. At least we won't have to worry about her size cause she can definitely defend herself. thanks for reading xoxo

Michael vs. Clinton

Michael had a wrestling match with Clinton on Thursday. He wrestled at 215 and was about 1 foot taller then the other guy but also more cut. Michael has more control this year and seems to be taking his time, wearing down the opponent and using more skills. I was impressed and happy for him when he finally pinned the guy in the 3rd round with only about 15 seconds left. I am looking forward to watching him progress and grow over the season. He really wants to make State this year and I have a feeling he could. thanks for reading xoxo

Ella and the 4 month check up

Ella had a doctors appointment on Monday. She weighed in at 15 pounds 3 ounces and was 25 inches long. The doctor said she is in good health and was impressed that she is rolling all over, has 2 teeth, and is exceeding all of her mile stones. I guess when you have two older siblings like Alex and Jade you have to do whatever you can to catch up or keep up. She had to get 3 shots and one oral vaccine. I know that shots are important but I hate that feeling I get when the nurse holds their legs down and you have to hold their arms, and with that first shot they look up at you like "why are you doing this to me?" "why is this happening and make it stop!!" I could almost cry myself. At least they forgive quick and don't remember these times. So next we get to give her some cereal. Gosh she is growing up fast!! thanks for reading xoxo

Sunday, December 5, 2010

love them #s



Michael got 1st place at the Blackhawk invite yesterday!!


Ella got her second tooth!!


Five inches of snow!!


I like those numbers!!

thanks for reading xoxo

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

I love this time of year. You get cozy, wear flannel, get out your favorite Christmas decorations, eat cookies and drink egg nog ( I don't like egg nog but you probably do). I love it cold on the outside and warm on the inside. I don't like having to bundle up all the kids just to go to the store to get milk and I don't like having to run the van for a half hour just to be able to see out the windows but things can't always be perfect, I guess. The best part of this time of year tho isn't the presents under the tree or the super yummy food cooked by someone else, or even the look on the kids face when they see their stockings full of wonderful goodies, the best part about this time of year is not having to shave your legs as much!!! Oh yes its wonderful. No razor burn, no nicks or cuts, no extra lotion to lather on afterwards, the added warmth and ohhhh the time saved in the shower means more sleeping in for mama!!! Now some of you might think this is gross but its because you have not been married for 10 years, have 4 kids, or a husband that doesn't seem to care as long as it doesn't affect other things besides whats he gonna say I am sure he is packing a little more round the middle for extra warmth too. So thank you Mother Nature for giving us ladies a season off from shaving legs and getting away with it!! thanks for reading xoxo

Indian Art




Alex has been making some really special artwork at school. In the past two weeks he has brought home a dream catcher, which is now hanging above his bed, and a tepee! For some reason he gets embarrassed when people see his work and I hope it is a phase he will grow out of soon because I really enjoy displaying the kids art. I think him and my mom should team up, create a website and sell their awesome crafts. She makes incredible pieces including Indian drums, leather work, gourds, and arrow heads. Together, I think they could make a fortune, to share with me. thanks for reading xoxo

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Jades First Pig Tails...













Jades first set of pig tails. Finally she has some hair that can actually do something!


Black Friday and First Tooth




Black Friday wasn't as bad as many people said it would be. I worked on a list Thanksgiving morning and night, before bed so I would know exactly what to get, where to get it and how much it would be. I had a plan and it was mapped out. I wasn't going to get trampled and I sure as heck wasn't going to take crap from anyone. I was up at 4am, fed Ella, got ready and left the house by 5:15am. I went to Walmart first, 90% of the stuff I wanted to get was gone, or not in the size I wanted. I was a little upset but I guess that is what I get for not getting there at midnight!! I picked up Ella, fed her first, then off we were to Madison. Toys R Us was busy and the wait in line was twice as long as it took me to shop. Target and Kohls was the same, long lines, not much to chose from but I still managed to get some good deals. The mall was packed and the kiosk's were a pain in the butt not to mention the people working the kiosks were pushy and I don't like that. All in all I had a great experience and was glad that I survived Black Friday with Ella. Somewhere between Toys R Us and pizza for dinner, Ella cut her first tooth!! 4 months 7 days and 13 hours into her life and she goes and cuts a tooth!! On Black Friday too when I was focused on shopping which I won't do again (shop black friday) unless there is something I really really need, which probably won't happen. I still have some shopping to do but at this point I think I have some time. I got most of the things for my family in WA done packed and ready to go and will have Kato ship it off Monday. Saturday night I got out the xmas lights and went through them to see what worked and what didn't. While making dinner Alex decided to hook them all up and when he was done it was so bright in the house I am sure the electric meter was spinning off the charts!! thanks for reading xoxo

Thanksgiving 2010




It was a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! Its hard to believe that one year ago I was pregnant with Ella and now she is here having her first Turkey Day!! Jade wore the traditional "Kato" shirt. It was Katos when he was a little boy and Alex has worn it at Thanksgiving and Jade has now worn it at Thanksgiving and I am sure Ella will wear it too. Ella had her hair up in a piggy tail, its her first one (sorry can't really tell in the photo)!! Jayne made all the fixings with the help of cousin Tena and Grandma Lamb (Great Grandma to the kids). We ate and enjoyed the company. We have so much to be thankful for and family is at the top of that list. My grandma hasn't been feeling well lately, please keep her in your prayers. Thanks for reading xoxo

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Football


Kato really gets into college football. He doesn't miss a beat when it comes to his precious Badger games. He keeps track of all the info and knows most of the players. Me, I am a NFL fan more so then college. Kato teases me I should play fantasy college football...ya right like I have the time for that kind of research plus the players change way to much every year and there are about 100 more teams to learn. Never the less its been a great season for them and my husband has been fortunate enough to get to a few games. The past couple of Packer games have been really exciting for Kato also. Mostly because they have been blowing the competition out of the water. In their last 3 games they have held the opponents to 7 points or less. They had a bye week and came back to beat the Vikings 31 to 3! During that game I got this awesome pic of Ella and Daddy enjoying the sweet victory and reveling in the fact we didn't have to hear that stupid Viking horn all game long. Now that December is upon us Badger football will be ending soon and there are only about 6 more weeks of regular season NFL football. Looking forward to seeing the Packers take on the Giants in Green Bay, look for us on TV!! thanks for reading xoxo

Monday, November 22, 2010

Alex lost another tooth...


Second Tooth Lost...11/21/10 Tooth fairy delivered $1.oo. thanks for reading xoxo

Our Last Airbender...








This weekend we rented the movie The Last Airbender. Alex got into in. So much so that he needed a hair cut right away, costume, and his airbender weapon. He watched only 20 minutes of the movie but those 20 minutes changed him. So here he is all Airbendered out and ready to take on the other three benders (water, earth, fire) and I am thinking he might win. thanks for reading xoxo

Michael meets the Parents...

Michael has a girlfriend named Nicki. She goes to a different high school so they don't see each other everyday. I am thankful for that although I am sure he isn't. This weekend was a big deal for him because he went out to dinner with her and her parents. I am not sure exactly where they went but I know it was in Baraboo which doesn't have any super fancy restaurants. I am glad he wore a shirt with sleeves and jeans without stains. He said it went well and he got along with her dad. For the last few years he said he doesn't want to have a girlfriend during wrestling season because it would be a distraction. I asked him if he was going to dump her once wrestling really picked up but he said no because "she makes him wrestle better!" I wonder about that but we will see. As long as he is happy I am happy for him. thanks for reading xoxo

Friday, November 19, 2010

Mama has an agenda...

When I was growing up our family Christmas was always the best!! There was only one Christmas that I thought to myself "what the heck happened here?" And I know this sounds shallow (I was just a kid), but it was cause the gifts totally sucked!! Mom and Dad, I am sorry but it did, and as I look back now I know why and understand. It did get better once we got to Grandma and Grandpas house. We always had the best Thanksgivings too! With the holiday season fast approaching I always think about those holidays growing up and wanting the same things for my kids. I want that look of awe and excitement on their faces when they see that Santa came. I want the big squeals of joy when they tear into the most awesome thing EVER!! I want the paper clutter everywhere and smell of coffee and sweet rolls in the air. I want to be able to give my kids memorable holidays and when I ask them what their favorite gift is I want them to be tongue tied and not able to pick out just one. It is getting harder and harder though. Michael wants guns and $300 dollar video game players followed by more expensive games and toys for teenagers. Jade and Ella are easy, one or two things will fulfil their desires and it takes them all morning to open them anyway. Then there is Alex who too wants everything under the sun and on all the commercials. He knows his birthday is close to Christmas and is now saying exactly what he wants for his birthday followed by what he wants for Christmas and in what order and just assumes he will get it. The good thing is when I really sit down and talk to him about it he seems to get the concept of one big thing and maybe a couple little things and when I ask him what one big thing he wants the most...he always says the same thing. So this year to save us the money, time, and possibly heartache of not getting the goods, I have decided to brave the 4am sales and hit the stores for Black Friday! I am not sure if I will be getting the guns and video game players but I am sure whatever I get it will be good. If not, well, things can always be returned, exchanged, or bought yourself. So as I prepare myself (not like the lady in the Target commercials) for Black Friday I can only think of one type of strategy...OUTTA my way cause this Mama has an agenda and four kids that deserve the best! thanks for reading xoxo

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WATCH THIS!!!












Its amazing how many times in a day I hear the words "watch this!" I swear there are days when I hear it about 100 times a minute. These days usually involve a no school day and extra kids. I had one of these days last Friday. The tricks are tricky, the moves are amazing, and each and every kid had something to show. I "watched this" a million, gazillion, bazillion, times and it never got old. thanks for reading xoxo

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

on the mend...finally




Finally people are on the mend at our house. It was a rough few days. Now it is time to get down to business with the Christmas shopping. I usually get a jump start on the holiday shopping and are half way done by now but with all we have going on its difficult to get out of the house, alone, to get it done. I was able to get out a little bit Sunday morning. I don't like going the day after Thanksgiving but this year I might have to just to save some money and make sure I get it done. Kato and I are going to a Packer football game for our gifts to each other. It will be a good game, Pack vs. Giants.

My mom sent Jade these gloves and she loves them!! Put them on and didn't want to take them off even to eat!! too cute
thanks for reading xoxo

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

We were icky sick...

Thursday night Jade got sick and was throwing up, unsure if it was something she ate or a bug we did what we could for her and by Friday evening she was pretty much back to normal. Come Sunday morning my stomach felt like a monster was in there fighting its way through my intestines and causing all kind of havoc. I should have purged it out but didn't. It was very painful and I was nauseous all day. Alex however had no problems until 4pm he came in from playing outside and said his stomach hurt. We grabbed him a bowl for "just in case" and thank goodness we did cause he got sick and vomited close to a half gallon of stuff. He did a great job of getting it into the bowl at least. He said he felt a little better, fell asleep, woke up and puked some more. The Packer game was on and we were not able to enjoy the meal cause they were playing Dallas and we were supposed to have chili but opted for 7up and saltines. Alex stayed home from school on Monday. Kato stayed home from work and helped me with the kids. I am really glad he did too because my stomach was still hurting, better then Sunday but still hurting. By 3:30 I was feeling much better and went outside for a bit to get some fresh air. It was 65 out and nice. We are all almost on the mend now, Jade woke up this morning with fever and cough. Welcome to cold and flu season!! YIKES thanks for reading xoxo

Alex lost a tooth!




Saturday was a busy day for us. Not only did we have a million gazillion bazillion leaves to rake up but we also had a very exciting Badger game to watch and tacos to make. Not only that but Alex naturally lost his first tooth!! Naturally because he did have a tooth pulled back in August. He bit into an apple and his bottom wiggly tooth got really loose and started to bleed. He freaked out and needed to see the dentist right away. He settled for a phone call to the dentist and thank goodness when I called the office (which was actually my moms house) the dentist was there to take his call (which was actually my brother) and answer his questions. He hadn't lost it yet but soon after the phone call and just before eating his soft taco he pulled it out himself. Since he supposedly doesn't believe in the tooth fairy he didn't put it under his pillow but thank goodness the tooth fairy came at 5am with four quarters and a note thanking him for another perfect tooth for her collection. At 7:30am he ran into my room stating the tooth fairy didn't come but that was because he hadn't found the note and quarters she left for him at the table. I explained she didn't leave it under his pillow cause the tooth wasn't left there and next time he should put it under his pillow. We will see what happens at that time. At school on Tuesday (he was sick on Monday) he hopped out of the van and immediately told the school helper he lost his tooth. Its nice to hear he was proud. thanks for reading xoxo

Michael is 17







Michael turned 17 on Friday. He invited some friends over for dinner, cake, and ice cream. He originally wanted pizza but later decided something healthier would be better. Wrestling is picking up again and he will be watching his weight and working on getting to a lower weight class. I don't like the idea because he is so tall and already rather skinny. He will find out on Wednesday if he will even be allowed to do that based on what the clinic says. I hope they say no lower then 189. I think he wants 171. He weighed in at 200 on his birthday after dinner and cake. He wants to get to state this year so lets cheer him on. Happy Birthday Michael!! thanks for reading xoxo