7am on a Saturday

New Year's Eve

I tried without success to sleep in today. When I woke up at 7, I thought it had to be in the middle of the night. After all, no kids this weekend so there is no way I'm getting up before the sun. Fail. I finally caught the cold that everyone has been passing around. Fortunately I don't feel too terrible. It's more of a nuisance. So the pictures above aren't super recent, but I need to get on the ball with taking more pictures. So since I didn't post one from New Year's I thought now was the time. As for the boys, that was from last summer. But still, cute! I found that while I won't have my Photoshop back until next month, Photobucket has a few nifty things I can do.

So with the kiddos spending the weekend at my in-laws, I have time to read, clean out my jewelry box (untangle all those necklaces that I've been longing to wear), blog, shop, and relax! I had a lovely date night with Aunt Donna. She made a yummy quiche and some delicious chocolate dessert that I want more of right now. We watched the movie Case 39, totally creepy. I was planning to take Ben to Chicago next Saturday to visit the Shedd Aquarium, but now Donna is going to go with us. Yay! We are going to have a fabulous time on the train and seeing all the colorful fishies and sharks. I can't wait to see Ben's eyes bug out when he takes it all in. It will be so nice to have her there. Another reason I love living by our family. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures from that outing.

I thought I would also take this time to post some of the ideas I have for the new house. They are all from Pinterest, because I can't stop myself.

Add framing to our master bathroom mirror...$30!



In the distant future, create this lovely space in our bedroom nook




Add the wood to the wall (Surely there is a name for it) going up our main staircase



If I thought I could get away with it, I'd paint our front door this color

For sure going to make this (with a P of course...). Easy and adorable.

I can't wait to get into our new house! Did I mention that?! Our Kansas house has been on the market for almost 3 weeks. Six couples have come through but no offers yet. Our first open house is tomorrow, and I'm very hopeful. Chad has it in top-notch condition, so it will just take the right buyers. There have been over 200 views on Trulia, so that must mean something good.

My new job is going very well. I really enjoy everyone I'm working with, and one of my groups took me on a tour of the Power PLlant yesterday. It was pretty amazing. It keeps me busy and involved in a lot of different areas. I even get to go through Six Sigma Yellow Belt training in a few weeks! Yes, I am seriously excited about that.

The boys are adjusting really well. There hasn't been any fallout since Chad left on Tuesday. Ben knows he gets a present next time daddy visits, and Henry is always happy regardless. We've got lots to keep them busy. I scheduled a tour of the hospital where I'll deliver in April. I'll probably take them with me (A. so I don't have to go alone, B. becasue I think it will get Ben more excited about Max's arrival). Since I often forget I'm pregnant, I figure it's something I can do to get in the spirit of things. Since I feel great physically and am so busy otherwise, I need to devote some time to Max. Maternity leave will be so nice for that purpose. Well, I know that is what it should be about anyway, but I still feel like he already has thrid child syndrome. I am planning some fun things for his room though. No hand-me-down's here baby! Well, except for the bed. I'm thinking some sort of wall cling, like this. But there are so many options!

Alright, off to do laundry and such. I'm meeting mom this afternoon for some furniture and Gymboree shopping for the boys. No concrete plans for tonight, except that I am making french dips, coleslaw, and homemade baked fries. Tomorrow, it's Moroccan Beef Stew over pearled cous cous. Mmm.

Chad's Visit

Ice Cream cake for Chad's birthday...and that was his smallest piece :)

Playdough ('pluto' as Ben pronounces it) mustache

Even Henry loved the squishy stuff

Making funny shapes with Grandpa

Oh how we've all missed Daddy and Ben play time

My angel

I was going to attempt a post this morning before work, but then I realized that I didn't have any make-up on yet or a packed lunch. So much for blog time. I did want to post a few pictures quickly. We had a wonderful visit from Chad this past weekend. It went by too qucikly as weekends always do, but it was so nice to have him with us again. The boys loved every moment. We have some fun things coming up in the next few weeks which will hold us over until he visits again next month. I'll update more this weekend on the job, boys, and home front.

New Year, New Job, New House!

The three little guys

Hand-made hockey stick for Ben, love Grandpa

Henry Kisses

My big bro w/ Brian & Christina & our family

This was just the beginning of the present attack!

I'm so cute...can I open a present?

 

My new kitchen!!

 The boys & I are officially in Indiana. There have been so many changes lately - some good and some which will take some getting used to. Christmas was fabulous, as usual. We love being with all of our family, and it was extra special because my brother and his family were home for the week too. I love seeing my nephew play with our boys. They are all mobile now, so it makes it even better! We had a busy few days as we visited all sides of our family, and the boys were spoiled as usual. I didn't even have to bring home any toys since I think they will have plenty to last until Chad brings the moving truck.

I have so much to write about, but I'll just have to cover a few. The boys are at the new daycare today for the first time. We walked over for a meet and greet yesterday, but today will be the true test. When I dropped them off today, Ben just wanted to go play. That could be a good sign. I don't start work until tomorrow, so I figure this way I can concentrate on them today and their new surroundings. Plus, it gives me time to get me stuff in order for tomorrow.

We miss Chad so much. It's awful. When he was deployed before, it was just us. It was hard, but not like this. The boys are also having a bit of a time adjusting. It's as if we are starting over on the potty training with Ben and Henry wants me to hold him 24/7. I knew there would be an adjustment period and I'm so thankful to have family to help. It stresses me out, but at the same time I need to hold my babies to feel better. I know we will get through.

The new house...we didn't plan to buy one just yet! However when we went for a look we just fell in love. I will be baking up a storm in my new kitchen! The house has everything I have ever wanted, including a walk-in closet, front porch. over an acre lot, and lots of natural light. It was a must-buy the minute we set foot in it. We can see our three boys playing in the yard/woods and I can see Christmas Wreaths on my front windows. Sold. We don't take possession for a couple months, which is good since we do have our other home to sell! Hopefully all goes well with that. Chad will be busy cleaning it and packing our stuff for the next several weeks. I guess I'd rather be here :).

I also forgot about all the snow! It snowed almost a full foot yesterday, and it was beautiful until I stepped outside. I haven't seen the white stuff in so long. Ben LOVED it. He played outside while Dave took care of the snow-blowing. He made a snow angel and used his little shovel to undo all of Gia Gia's (Polish for Grandpa) hard work. Then he came in to thaw out and have some hot cocoa. We had a wonderful dinner, and then off to bed for the boys. I think we've decided that I'll cook on the weekends. What little skills I have in the kitchen I don't want to go to waste. Plus, mom has about 1000 cookbooks and recipes to choose from.

Weekends will be interesting. My in-laws offered to take the boys from me sometimes so I can breathe! I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Plus we have all the grandparents and aunties who have offered sleep overs for the boys too. We also look forward to some intermittent visits from Chad. Really look forward to them. I mean really. I think I'll get Ben signed up for some swim or gymnastic lessons at the Y to give him something to do on the weekends for a while. That kid likes to keep moving.

OK, time to get moving today. Lots to be done before I get the boys. Fingers crossed, and we accept prayers too :).