Arizona

We just got back from an amazing trip to Arizona. Nick's mom and dad bought all of us tickets for Christmas. They travel to Arizona every winter for three months, something to look forward to when we retire. The weather was perfect. It wasn't hot but we knew that it wouldn't be since we were going in January. It was still way better than Minnesota. It was great to see where Dean and Mary travel too and what they do while they are there. We got to go swimming, mini-golfing and did lots of walks. Nick was able to golf with his dad a couple times too. I think the kids enjoyed the daily golf cart rides too!

We went to the most amazing zoo one day. It was called the Wildlife Zoo of Phoenix. It was fantastic!! The animals were so close we could reach out and touch them, even the jaguars. We of course reserved the right to touch anything unless allowed. We didn't want to come out with less appendages. We fed the giraffes, well Mary fed the giraffes and we all watched. The tortoises gave us our health lesson for the day and we learned that sting ray are soft and slimy. I was so amazed at everything we saw. I have to admit at first I was like...YIPPEEE another zoo :(. We walked in and there were a ton of birds to look at. I was not impressed, they just aren't my thing. We walked around and looked at all of them...uh and ah. Then came the monkeys. There were a ton of monkeys and who doesn't love a monkey that shows off. The kids were giggling and that is when the day turned around for me. I love the giggles and excitement. The further in the zoo we got the more fascinating the animals got. Who knew there was a snake head turtle or a alligator turtle. We learned a lot and saw a lot as well. I was so impressed with Rhinoceros. I have never scene one in person before. It was fantastic! I think that if you are ever in Phoenix you must go to this zoo. The zebra walked right up to you as if to say...'cheese please take my picture.' The sleeping jaguar overhead freaked me out a little bit. I was sure we were going to wake it up and it would be mad. Nope got out of there before that could happen. I did get some good pictures though.

We went hiking in the mountains one day too. We hiked out a mile...felt like forever with the kids. At the end of the hike was the most amazing sight. It was suppose to be a waterfall but was only a waterfall during the rainy season. The volunteer told me that he believes it is only a waterfall in late August. Otherwise it is a place to see what the water has done to the rocks. It was amazing and worth the hike.

We were sad to say goodbye to Nana and Papa but we will see them again in a few months. The kids did a great job on the airplane too. We strapped Charlie into his car seat on the plane, best decision ever. He couldn't go anywhere and that was perfect. We were able to get on first because of his car seat. People got on after us and we got lots of looks like..'great there are kids on here.' Well both flights the kids surprised everyone. They were so quiet but that was because we travel prepared. I rented movies off iTunes and loaded them on the iPad and the computer. It was perfect!

I am looking forward to our next trip. It gets easier and easier the older they get. The memories are priceless! Thanks Mom and Dad Otto for the awesome vacation.

Amazing

We made a lot of changes last year and one big one was changing elementary schools that the kids attend. Last year I was so amazed at the change and so pleased with our decision. Braeden has excelled so much more. The principal, teachers and staff are so friendly. You can tell they are a family. Now Emma goes there and she is having a great experience as well. Earlier this week the Vice Principals husband passed away. He was a police officer and paramedic in town. It was a sudden death and very unexpected. The staff at the school has had a hard week. Today was the funeral and as I was on my way to take Charlie to preschool I saw the most amazing site. The kids, teachers and staff were lined up on the street in front of the school. They were on both sides of the street carrying flags. Down the road is the fire station and they had a flag that was hung over the street. It really took my breath away! The processional went right in front of the school and the kids were all there to pay tribute. All I can say is WOW. I was on the phone with Patsy and immediately turned into a puddle. Today the kids get home from school and Emma was telling me all about it. In her words...."mom we stood outside to pay tribute to Mrs. Muellers husband today. He was a police officer and as the cars, with all the lights on, drove by we put our right hand over our hearts. Mom there were even fire trucks and ambulances. They got to go through the red light." What a memorable moment these kids will never forget! What a great way to show support for your co-worker as well. I truly am convinced that we had to go through the challenges to realize we were at the wrong house. This truly is a home and a neighborhood that I am proud to raise my kids in.

Emma's Birthday Party

I had so much fun setting up Emma's party. I went a little mental over decorating, planning and buying things for the girls. I did stop myself from getting them all robes, slippers and pajama pants. I felt that was a little much ;) HAHA! Would have been super cute though. My mom was a great help today. We did nails, hair and the girls did their own make-up. The chocolate mask was a huge hit and we all had a lot of giggles. t the last minute we came up with pin the crown on the princess. Mom drew the princess and all the crowns. The girls had a blast! Here are some pictures:

Here is the dessert/treat table. My friend Randa has always had the cutest set-ups for her kids. I took inspiration from her and decided I too could do something fun. I made all the signs, labels and pom poms for the party. Everything had a fun label on it that coordinated with the decor. The birthday girl requested strawberry cupcakes with hot pink frosting. I also made some chocolate cake pops to add to the table. The girls were able to take home m&ms and gumballs which also coordinated with the colors.

The pom poms were made with a little frustration the first time. With a little help from Randa they turned out perfect. I want to hang them in Emma's room because they are so cute.

Oh pinterest you are so fabulous and addicting. I found this amazingly easy lip gloss recipe. The tutorial is perfect and oh so easy to follow. You only need TWO ingredients. It doesn't get easier than that. She even had cute labels to print out. It made it so easy. I ordered the containers off of Amazon for $1/container. EASY!

What spa party wouldn't be complete without some bubble bath to take home. Again I found this recipe from pinterest. I found the containers at Target in the travel size section. I made up my own labels. Perfect addition to the ever growing goody bag.

The girls each got their own mirror, which I purchased at the dollar store. They were pink and stood up on their own. Perfect for them to use to put on the chocolate mask that I made. I used cream cheese, honey and some cocoa. The girls had a blast putting it on. In their goody bags they got: a hair tie, eye mask, pedicure/manicure kit, nail polish, and a bath sponge.

I am pretty sure that I over did for my 6 year olds birthday party BUT I had so much fun giving her a girly girly party. I also loved being able to make most of the stuff we used. I have started to plan Braeden's birthday party. Randa...you are so right this is awfully addicting!

Spa Party

Tomorrow we are having a birthday party for Emma and 7 of her friends. We went with a spa themed party so we can do hair, nails, make-up and a lot of girl talk. I have really enjoyed getting everything ready for this party. We made bubble bath and lip gloss. Emma and I went out last weekend and bought a bunch of fun things for the gift bags. I have made a lot of the decorations and it looks so cute. Emma and I set up the house this evening while the boys were at swim practice for Braeden. It was fun to have girl time and Emma LOVED setting up the table. Each girl will get their own mirror, wash cloth, chocolate facial mask and a bunch of goodies at their seat. We are setting up a station for hair and nails. Should be a blast! We have a candy/treat table. I will post pictures tomorrow. I have to say that I got a lot of inspiration from pinterest. What would I have done without the internet. It would've been such a plain party ;) It is so much fun setting up a girly girl party.

My Boys

Charlie hanging out next to me on the couch eating homemade ice cream. He is getting so big!

Look at that long hair. It is growing out a little better now. Can't believe how independent he has become. Look how grown up he is :(

Prayers needed

My good friend Nicole is undergoing another major surgery today. A year ago yesterday she underwent the surgery that freed her of her cancer. Now a year later and they have to redo it. I am sending big hugs her way and hopeful that the doctors can make it all better this time around. She truly is a miracle!

New Years

Happy New Year! I can honestly say I am so glad to see 2011 behind us. I am ready for a fresh year with fresh things to happen. 2011 was filled with a lot of change and surgeries, AGAIN! I am hopeful this year can remain surgery free and we can limit change to just the normal every day life stuff.

We spent New Years Eve with the Kings. We did a sleep over and had so much fun. We all stayed up super late, including the kids. It goes down as one of the best New Years we have had in a long time. My hubby even stayed awake the whole night! That is a record in itself!

My goals for the New Year are simple and achievable. I am not going to set unreachable goals this year.

• Run 2 races this year. (that is one more than I did last year and only 6 less than I did the year before) Start back up small!
  
• Catch up on scrapbooking, house things and take more time for myself.
  
• Better Time Management. I feel the time flies by and I am always so busy working. I don't take a lot of time with my family. This year will be different. I will work during school hours and when kids are sleeping. I need this for myself. I don't want to regret it later in life. This of course is why I am a stay at home mom. My kids come first always.
• Learn to say NO! Haha..that is a goal every year but I always over do. This year I will say sorry then say NO.
  
• I will continue to grow my business but not over do my limits. Remember to ask for help as there are several people willing to help.
  

There isn't anything in that list that isn't achievable. I am already running the Lucky 7 race on St. Patty's day so I only need one more. Zak would like to run the 1/2 in Green Bay in May. I am going to train for it but not be disappointed if I can't do it. I am striving for the Mankato 1/2 Marathon in October.

I hope the New Year brings happiness to all!

Christmas

We had the most perfect Christmas this year. The kids were spoiled and we were able to spend a ton of time with family. Christmas Eve Nick and I had his parents and my friend Annie over for fondue. Dean and Mary 1st joined us for Christmas Eve mass. It was perfect! Charlie was not perfect but thank goodness the people around us found it enjoyable. We then went home and made fondue. It was amazing. We had great food, great wine and perfect conversation. I couldn't have asked for a better night. Christmas morning was spent seeing what Santa brought. If you aren't aware yet Christmas is my most favorite holiday! When I was little I was always the first one to wake up and would wake up the whole house. Sometimes it would be 4am. My parents made us wait until 5:30 - 6:00am before we could open anything. Nick told the kids they couldn't come get us until 7am. WHAT!! I was dying waiting for them to come up and wake us up. Finally at 7am I could hear foot steps running up the steps. In came all the kids anxious to open everything up. It was perfect! They got everything they wanted and had time to play with everything while I got everything ready to go to my parents house. Every year I make monkey bread and caramel puff corn to take so we all can snack on something while we open presents. It is a tradition I have done for years so intend to continue it for years to come. We headed over to my parents around 10am and spent the whole day with my family. It was perfect. The kids were spoiled and so very tired by the time we got home.

Monday I woke up super early to do the annual tradition of shopping with my mom and sisters. This year it was just Ali, my mom and I. I picked them up at 5am and we started our trek at Kohls. Then we went to Caribou for breakfast and a pick me up. It is always so much fun having some girl time and getting all the deals. I finally got home at about 11am and was exhausted but pushed through so I could get ready for Emma's birthday party. I still can't believe she is 6 already! We just had family over for cake and ice cream. It was perfect and simple. She will be having her friend party in a few weeks. That will be chaotic and fun for the girls!

What a great Christmas it was this year. We were in our own home, everyone was healthy and we were able to enjoy everything about the holiday.