Bowling

Well, I had the bright idea that I wanted to go bowling yesterday. We did not go yesterday, but we went today after church. It was a lot of fun. I really like bowling a lot and I especially love how it wears out the kiddos. We only played one game b/c with 6 of us one game takes a loooong time. Jude helped Jarrod bowl and the girls each bowled alone (Emma and Mia had bumpers-later we added them for Jude, too) I bowled about 3 frames and pinched something in my hip area,so I decided to sit out the rest and let Jarrod bowl my remaining frames which he was grateful for b/c Jude was bringing down his score. I was a little sad about it b/c I was doing really good, but what can you do. Everybody really enjoyed themselves. The scores ended up like this- Jarrod, Mia, Emma, Jude and Kaitlyn (she did not have bumpers and she got her first strike). We may have to try that again after the baby comes so I don't have to worry about injury. I wish I had some video of the game b/c Jude sauntering up to the lane with his little half skip/walk was hilarious. I really need to invest in one of those Flip video cameras. So, since I don't have one just close your eyes and imagine my little stud skipping up to the lane and tossing the ball with his Daddy. He was so proud- I got an awesome high five every turn. All the kiddos did great and we can't wait to go do it again!

Mia's 4th Bday

My sweet little Mia Grace turned 4 this week. Man how time flies. It's hard ot believe my little spider monkey is 4 years old. She was so excited, she has been asking how much longer until her birthday since Kaitlyn's Bday in May. We've kept the Bday's small this year and just done a family party for each of the kiddos. I've really enjoyed it and I think they have, too. We wake up early and the girls put on the special BDay Boa and we open their gifts. Then, they get to pick dinner and we have a special dessert. For her Bday, Mia got to pick lunch too since she's not in school. So, we woke up, did presents, had lunch at Pizza Hut, dessert at Baskin Robbins, dinner at McDonalds (her choice) and yummy Costco Cupcakes to top off the day. She really enjoyed getting to be in charge for the day and took full advantage of it. She even tried to keep that feeling going for a few days after =). Here are some Bday pics. Enjoy!









Dear Mia,
I just want you to know how much we love you and that we are so proud of you. You are such a sweet little princess. You have the most caring heart and you are always such a good helper. Whenever someone needs help you are always there ready to lend a hand. You are growing into such a beautiful young lady. You are also our silly little monkey and you tell the funniest knock knock jokes. "Knock, Knock Who's There? Banana Banana Who? Banana Sillyhead!!!" We love you to pieces and can't wait to see what this year holds for you. We love you Princess Mia!

Halloween

This year Halloween wasn't as extravagant as it usually is for us, it was actually pretty calm. I was also thankful that the two big girls fit into their costumes from last year and I keep the costumes so we only have to buy a new one for the oldest and one for the boy.
The night before Halloween we went to a Fall Festival at the church we've visited a few times. The kids had fun and they love getting to dress up more than once. The next day for Halloween we went over to the Krieg's for their Halloween party. So, the kids trick-or-treated in their neighborhood and then played for awhile while the adults watched the baseball game. It was a fun Halloween.
Jude's costume on Halloween night (I think he wore it all of 10 min)

Jude's costume for the Fall Festival

Mia as Snow White

Kaitlyn as the Gangster Girl

Emma as Double Trouble

Quick 101 Things Update

Ok, so I have been working on my list of 101 Things. Here is a quick update on what I've gotten done/started since Oct.
-I have printed out our Passport stuff and gotten it all filled out. Just need to make some copies, get pics and save up the $$ (we'll probably get that all done after we get the baby paid off)
-We start the monthly Bible verses this month
-We've been keeping up with our chores. The kids are doing a good job of cleaning up when asked (they do whine, but they do it). I've been keeping our bed made, filing has been kept up with, sticking to budget, the laundry stays up to date and our dresser has been clean.
- We are still working on the baby name. Sometimes we have to take breaks from the discussion b/c they can get pretty heated
-Almost done reading The Home Experience
-signed us all up for Huffing for Stuffing in Billings on Thanksgiving, so 5K #1 here I come (I will be in week 33, so I will be walking this one)
-I've been getting some quiet time which is nice-along with some nice bubble baths
-been baking (crockpot yogurt, freezer apple pies for 2)
-cutting out internet for 4 days a month has worked, but been pretty hard-it's amazing what we rely on the net for
-hanging out with the kiddos- movie night, game night and playground
-Working on reading half my booklist