Random February

Random February 2013 Happenings

Matthew's preschool class had a Valentine's party and Emily and I were able to go and help out with it. The highlight for Matthew was musical chairs. This boys is pretty competitive and won a few of the rounds. Emily and I enjoyed the entertainment. 

We usually make sugar cookies for Valentine's day to take to teachers, friends and neighbors. This year we decided to do cinnamon rolls instead. I did a double batch to make sure we had enough. Mom Stevens always says that cinnamon rolls are a "labor of love." I think she's right! It takes time, but it's sure fun to give them away (and enjoy them ourselves!!)

Jeff and the kids wanted to do a surprise for Valentine's Day this year too. Jeff bought a bunch of fun things for a special Valentine's breakfast and the kids helped set everything up. They did crepes, fresh berries, a fuit bowl out of a watermelon, muffins, chocolate milk and juice. They definitely know how to go all out! We enjoyed a fun breakfast together!

Emily and Matthew and I enjoyed a couple more trips to the gymnastics academy. It's such a fun place!

Jeff and I went out for Valentine's Day to a local restaurant. I thought it would be fun to do a fun dinner for the kids while we were out. I found this cute idea for an angry birds pizza and Jacob helped me make it. The kids said it was the best pizza ever!

Jeff and Matthew had "Dads & Donuts" at preschool another day during February. Matthew thought it was so cool that Jeff could come to school with him. They had all sorts of fun activities and of course- donuts.

Late in February, Jeff's hospital had a special ski day at the local ski resort. Skiing in South Dakota is pretty relative- it definitely doesn't compare to skiing out West, but this was the very first time for our boys. They were all pretty excited to go! Emily was a little bummed she couldn't go too, but we went out and ran a few errands, then picked up some dinner and watched her new Cinderella movie so she was happy with that.
Jeff said they had fun skiing. Of course there was the time that Caleb got lost. Jeff told him to wait at the top of the hill while he helped Matthew who had fallen down. Long story short- Caleb decided he wanted to just go by himself. So he made a few runs down the "mountain". All the while, Jeff and the other boys kept going up and down also, looking for Caleb. Eventually they all met up again and everything was fine, but I think it will be a little while before Jeff takes all three boys again. :) No, they really did have fun and I know they'll go again. I just got a good laugh out of the story!

February Projects

February 2013

After the new year, I really started wanting to get projects done before the baby arrived in April. In February, we were able to get a few of the big projects done. From the time we moved into our home, I really dislike the color in the kitchen/dining room. It was a really ugly golden yellow with a hand-painted glaze. Some people like that sort of thing, but it just isn't my thing. I don't know why it took so long, but one day I had had enough! I did a little searching for the right paint color, and one afternoon I just went to town. Jeff was a little surprised when he came home from work and half the kitchen was a different color. I tell you- I wish there was some way to bottle all that energy at the end of a pregnancy! I finished the project in just a few days. It really made such a difference! The kitchen and dining area looks so much better- like night and day difference. 

Another project we've worked on is getting cupboards in our basement. We had a big empty wall, and no great storage space for toys, etc. Jeff found a great guy who does cabinetry and we started the project. I found several ideas of things I liked, then Jeff (the cabinet guy) drew up some different plans. We finalized what we wanted and Jeff built them (so much cheaper than even buying pre-made cabinets from a home improvement store!) Once he was finished building everything- he brought it back and installed the shelving part. Our Jeff then did the painting- and that was a pretty big project in and of itself! I felt bad for not helping out, but being 8 months pregnant- Jeff didn't want me doing any of the painting.
Once the painting was all complete, Jeff R. came back and put everything together with all the finishing touches. We love the finished product! It has been so great for toys and basement storage. No more bins stacked up on top of each other- everything has a home and it looks so great! I will add some decorations/photos to the top shelves, but these cupboards are fantastic!

Wrestling

February 2013

Our boys had their first experience with wrestling this year (2012-2013). It's been busy, but it's also been fun to watch them. They had their biggest meet during February. Jeff has been involved with wrestling most of his life and says he's never seen an area where wrestling is so big! I can't believe how many people are so involved around here! The tournaments are huge, and there are multiple tournaments every single weekend. This particular tournament was only about 35 minutes away. It was on a Friday night, so we took the whole family and went down for the evening. It was really fun to watch all three boys wrestle. It was a little crazy- there were tons of people, but it was also really fun. Emily was the best little cheerleader and I got a kick out of watching Jeff help coach the boys! He really gets into it! Each of the boys did great! Jacob took 1st, Matthew took 2nd, and Caleb took 3rd in their divisions. Most importantly they all had fun. It was a fun way to start off the weekend!  

8th Month/32 Weeks

I hit the 8th month/32 weeks on Friday, February 15th.  I know I say it every single month, but the time is just flying by. I think especially once you hit the 3rd trimester mark. I love feeling and seeing this sweet baby move around. We're still trying to figure out a name. We have a few options, but nothing set just yet. I'm starting to get baby clothes ready and working on the room for the girls. I'm excited to meet our baby girl, but also enjoying the pregnancy- I really do love it and don't mind going up to the due date. I'm sure these last 6-8 weeks are going to fly by!