Updates

So, I thought I'd post some updates about everything that's been going on lately. So, here goes-

1. Nov. - since the whole bowling extravaganza not too much has been going on. We obviously spent Thanksgiving here in MT. We went to Bozeman for the Huffing for Stuffing run. It was a lot of fun. We drove up Wed. and went to the Museum of the Rockies. Then we hung out in our hotel and woke up really early for the run. Jarrod ran with the girls in the 2K, then he ran the 10K and the kids, Jarrod's parents and I walked the 5K. Bozeman was beautiful- just a snow covered wonder and the weather was great for the run. Then, we came home. We actually celebrated Thanksgiving on Friday b/c of the race and since I didn't feel like cooking, I ordered food from Cracker Barrel. It was yummy -especially the pies (the chocolate pecan pie was to die for).

2. Dec (so far)- We had the baby shower last weekend. It was nice to just hang out with some women. Jarrod and Kevin took the kids for the day and they had a blast- children's museum, seeing Santa for the 2nd time, and Freemo's pizza. Jarrod also hiked up a mountain with Kevin and cut down a Xmas tree for the house. It is an interesting tree-kind of like the Charlie Brown xmas tree. Next year we are going to go to the tree farm and cut down our own xmas tree there. I have done a majority of our xmas shopping, but I still have some more to do, but for financial reasons I have to wait until next week, so I will be cutting it close. I have never cut it this close to xmas before and it has been kind of nerve racking.

3. Baby- I feel like so much has been going on. In Nov. I found out I have gestational diabetes, so I have been monitoring my glucose levels daily. It hasn't been too bad. I didn't have to cut out sugars, just cut back on certain carbs- I have to watch my sugars, fruit, dairy and grains and starches. It has made going out to eat very interesting since it seems like everything is carb loaded. We also finally picked out a name for the baby- Coen Behrendt Fancher. I officially have 5 weeks left, which is 4 Dr. appts and then baby boy is here. It is going to be a crazy month with xmas and Jude's 2nd Bday, but we are mostly ready to welcome home our new bundle of joy.

4. 101 Things in 1001 Days- I went back and updated everything I have done. The items in bold are things I have done.

I will update pics as soon as I get them downloaded.

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

Pumpkin Patch

Well,this year we went to the local pumpkin patch so the kids could pick out some pumpkins. It was fun, they really enjoyed getting to pick their pumpkins and help me find corn and gourds for our cornucopia. Then, we went home and decorated them with sharpies (that way they don't rot so fast and I don't have to mess with pumpkin goo). It was a lot of fun, but I think next year we are going to try a patch a few towns over to go pick them in the field. Enjoy the pics-

Wordless Wednesday