1. We have been busy. And we are only going to get busier as the girls get older. Maybe I should change the name of the post to "Random Happens on Whatever Day I Remember to Post Them." The 5 on Friday thing does not seem to be working. And maybe I could even include a picture or two! Wouldn't that be exciting.
2. We cannot wait for warmer weather. A few nice days have been very much enjoyed, and ended with two little girls fast asleep within minutes of laying them down for bed. Oh the magic of fresh air!
3. Speaking of fresh air... it was so needed after we had a sick house (all except Ellie) the other week.
4. Happy Saint Patrick's Day! The girls are sporting their green (or as much green as we can get a 1-year old with a VERY pink wardrobe) and we are ready to celebrate tonight with Irish beer (or maybe just a beer of my choosing).
5. Neve knows when she needs to go potty. She tells us before she goes potty that she needs to go. She even asks to sit on the potty in the hopes of earning an M&M. But she doesn't actually go potty on the potty. On Saturday she was adamant that she was not going to wear a diaper. We did not have anywhere to go, so we put big girl panties on her and went about our day, having her sit on the potty every hour or so. She had to go. She told us she had to go. But she wouldn't go on the potty. Then she squatted in the living room. Luckily we caught her in time and ran her to the bathroom before it made a mess someplace other than on her clothes. She still would not finish going potty on the potty. Back to diapers we went (which she was OK with at this point). I should have figured that with Ellie being so easy and young to potty train the next one was going to be more of a challenge. She is young, we are not in a hurry--- but when she demands to wear big kid underwear and refuses to go potty on the potty it creates a bit of a problem.
6. Ellie is so excited for Nick's birthday this Thursday. And the first day of Spring. She talks about it every day! I hope she is not too disappointed when the weather does not change to warm as soon as Thursday arrives. I think in her mind spring means playing outside with the neighbors every day.
7. Ellie is also excited for Neve's birthday next week. Her and I went to the mall the other weekend to pick out a present for her to give to Neve. We spent 40 minutes in the Games & More Store at Valley West. She loved it (for her and Neve)! She finally decided on a teddy bear that just happened to be wearing a Happy Birthday t-shirt. Do we need another stuffed animal in our house (for anyone who has seen our basement)... no. Was it super cute watching her decide what to get her little sister... yes. The bear it is!
8. We celebrated Nick's birthday with his Mom and her husband Saturday night. Nick decided he wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, but we talked in the car that if it was too busy we could go to Jethros instead. Ellie heard us talking. She was really hoping that Buffalo Wild Wings was going to be too busy. Sorry Ellie, all the ISU fans waited until after we were done to arrive.
9. Ellie's Princess Points have been working great. She even took us out for frozen yogurt the other week (bonus!). Lately she has just been collecting them. Not spending them and not saving them for anything. Just taking her nap and banking her Princess Point. I find it interesting, but I am not sure why.
10. "What you doing?" aka Neve's favorite question. She asks it ALL THE TIME! Nick says she wants us to say it back to her and it is a game. I going into long explanations on what I am doing, because I think she is genuinely interested in the happenings of my life (because sitting in a car riding home after work is very interesting). Maybe Nick is correct, but I am going to pretend.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
5 on Friday
1. Nick and I were in Arizona last week. So this week I am covering two weeks in one.
2. 80 degrees and sunny... definitely not the weather in Iowa last week. I had a board meeting in Scottsdale, so Nick tagged along to do some mountain biking, and we extended the trip by a few days so we could enjoy the warm weather a little more. And it was PERFECT!
3. The girls took their own vacation... to Grandma & Grandpa's (x2) in Ames. They spent the first days with my parents and then the last day with Nick's mom and her husband. From the sounds of it, they had a good time. We were able to FaceTime with them, which was really nice and made being away easier.
4. While in Scottsdale I was able to visit my aunt and uncle (snowbirds living in Mesa). It was fun to see where they were living, and reiterated saving for retirement so Nick and I can live someplace warm during the winter months when we get older.
5. We were able to get together with one of my college roommates and her husband who live in the area. This is the couple that lost their young child (1 year old) to cancer last year. It was great seeing them, having them share their experience with us (although sad, it is also very enlightening to hear), and talking about the fun that is to come in their lives in the near future (they are expecting a little girl in May!) Wish we lived closer, no matter how long of time between visits--- it is always nice to see them and the conversation is non-stop.
6. Nick and I stayed at a cute little inn, bikes and cafe in Scottsdale after the board meeting. One morning we took the bikes out for a little ride on the greenbelt. Although nice, it was not what I expected and wasn't giving me the desert feel that I was looking for. So the next day we went hiking at McDowell Reserve. Now that was exactly what I wanted and it was beautiful! If only we didn't have to hop on a plane that night, we could have spent more time out there.
7. Ellie's favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Greving: Reiman Gardens. Her favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Thorson: playing with the marbles. On Monday I asked Neve if she wanted to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. She responded with a nod. Then said, "Me-Ma (aka Grandma) work." It seems like whenever someone is gone (outside of Daddy biking), they are at work. I guess Nick and I were at work the entire time we were in Arizona... if only work could be as relaxing as that.
8. When we picked the girls up on Sunday we celebrated Grandpa Thorson's birthday with lunch at Hickory Park. Happy Belated Birthday, Grandpa/Jeff!
9. This week was observation week at dance class. That meant Neve got to stay home with her old day-care teacher, Allison. She loved it! And Ellie loved having Mommy watch her dance. We also learned more details about the upcoming recital... it is going to be really cute and includes the Daddy's dancing with the little girls.
10. After all the excitement of the past two weeks, I think the girls are ready for a little down-time this weekend. I know I am.
2. 80 degrees and sunny... definitely not the weather in Iowa last week. I had a board meeting in Scottsdale, so Nick tagged along to do some mountain biking, and we extended the trip by a few days so we could enjoy the warm weather a little more. And it was PERFECT!
3. The girls took their own vacation... to Grandma & Grandpa's (x2) in Ames. They spent the first days with my parents and then the last day with Nick's mom and her husband. From the sounds of it, they had a good time. We were able to FaceTime with them, which was really nice and made being away easier.
4. While in Scottsdale I was able to visit my aunt and uncle (snowbirds living in Mesa). It was fun to see where they were living, and reiterated saving for retirement so Nick and I can live someplace warm during the winter months when we get older.
5. We were able to get together with one of my college roommates and her husband who live in the area. This is the couple that lost their young child (1 year old) to cancer last year. It was great seeing them, having them share their experience with us (although sad, it is also very enlightening to hear), and talking about the fun that is to come in their lives in the near future (they are expecting a little girl in May!) Wish we lived closer, no matter how long of time between visits--- it is always nice to see them and the conversation is non-stop.
6. Nick and I stayed at a cute little inn, bikes and cafe in Scottsdale after the board meeting. One morning we took the bikes out for a little ride on the greenbelt. Although nice, it was not what I expected and wasn't giving me the desert feel that I was looking for. So the next day we went hiking at McDowell Reserve. Now that was exactly what I wanted and it was beautiful! If only we didn't have to hop on a plane that night, we could have spent more time out there.
7. Ellie's favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Greving: Reiman Gardens. Her favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Thorson: playing with the marbles. On Monday I asked Neve if she wanted to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. She responded with a nod. Then said, "Me-Ma (aka Grandma) work." It seems like whenever someone is gone (outside of Daddy biking), they are at work. I guess Nick and I were at work the entire time we were in Arizona... if only work could be as relaxing as that.
8. When we picked the girls up on Sunday we celebrated Grandpa Thorson's birthday with lunch at Hickory Park. Happy Belated Birthday, Grandpa/Jeff!
9. This week was observation week at dance class. That meant Neve got to stay home with her old day-care teacher, Allison. She loved it! And Ellie loved having Mommy watch her dance. We also learned more details about the upcoming recital... it is going to be really cute and includes the Daddy's dancing with the little girls.
10. After all the excitement of the past two weeks, I think the girls are ready for a little down-time this weekend. I know I am.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Definition: Cuddle-Rock
Cuddle-Rock (v):
1. To cuddle with a young child while making the rocking chair move back and forth
2. A favorite past-time of our youngest child
3. An request presented by a 1-year old to delay or avoid bedtime
Use in a sentence: Mama, I want cuddle-rock.
1. To cuddle with a young child while making the rocking chair move back and forth
2. A favorite past-time of our youngest child
3. An request presented by a 1-year old to delay or avoid bedtime
Use in a sentence: Mama, I want cuddle-rock.
Friday, February 14, 2014
5 on Friday
1. Happy Valentine's Day! Ellie was very excited to take her Valentine bubble's to her friends at day-care. Neve opted for an applesauce pouch themed Valentine this year.
2. Last Saturday we introduce Nick and Neve to baby Alida! Neve was not so sure about Daddy holding a baby, but got over it when she realized that meant she could play with Aunt Megan.
3. On Sunday we had our monthly dinner, after a few months off. It was great seeing everyone again and we loved getting the tour of our friend's new house.
4. On Tuesday night at dinner Nick and I were discussing our upcoming trip to Phoenix. Here is the conversation:
K: And I thought we could hit up the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix so I can get my collectors glass.
E: Oh, you are going to Venus! That is a planet.
K: No, we are going to Phoenix.
E: What planet is that?
N: Phoenix is on planet Earth.
E: Oh. We Pluto used to be a planet, but it is not anymore.
Dang our little girl is getting smart... even if she does think Phoenix is Venus.
5. A conversation on our way to work today:
K: Guess who I get to put to bed tonight!?! (It is my turn to put Ellie to bed.)
N: NEN! (aka Neve)
K: Well, I think it is Daddy's turn to put Neve to bed tonight, and Mommy gets to put Ellie to bed.
N: (after thinking a few seconds). Daddy - Ellie. Mommy- Nen.
I guess we know who she prefers to put her to bed. My guess is it is because I sang songs to her last night when I put her to bed, and Daddy does not sing much.
2. Last Saturday we introduce Nick and Neve to baby Alida! Neve was not so sure about Daddy holding a baby, but got over it when she realized that meant she could play with Aunt Megan.
3. On Sunday we had our monthly dinner, after a few months off. It was great seeing everyone again and we loved getting the tour of our friend's new house.
4. On Tuesday night at dinner Nick and I were discussing our upcoming trip to Phoenix. Here is the conversation:
K: And I thought we could hit up the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix so I can get my collectors glass.
E: Oh, you are going to Venus! That is a planet.
K: No, we are going to Phoenix.
E: What planet is that?
N: Phoenix is on planet Earth.
E: Oh. We Pluto used to be a planet, but it is not anymore.
Dang our little girl is getting smart... even if she does think Phoenix is Venus.
5. A conversation on our way to work today:
K: Guess who I get to put to bed tonight!?! (It is my turn to put Ellie to bed.)
N: NEN! (aka Neve)
K: Well, I think it is Daddy's turn to put Neve to bed tonight, and Mommy gets to put Ellie to bed.
N: (after thinking a few seconds). Daddy - Ellie. Mommy- Nen.
I guess we know who she prefers to put her to bed. My guess is it is because I sang songs to her last night when I put her to bed, and Daddy does not sing much.
Friday, February 7, 2014
5 on Friday
1. The girls and I made a trip to the grocery store with just the three of us--- for our full grocery list! This is a first (that I can remember) and an accomplishment in my mind. I usually try to take just one child, since until recently Ellie would sit in the cart (as would Neve) and Fareway only has single seat carts. But, with Nick at Baconfest and an empty fridge we did it on our own. It was actually pretty easy, and I can now start going to the grocery store first thing Saturday morning with the girls while Nick sleeps in. Do you see the trend in how lucky Nick is (Baconfest and getting to sleep in on Saturday's while I grocery shop with and take care of two kids)?
2. I cannot complain too much, as Nick had the girls on Monday night while I was spending the day with my new niece (and my sister) and Thursday while I got my hairs trimmed. My niece is such a doll--- super easy baby thus far and a lot of fun to cuddle with. I also had a blast when my 2-year old nephew got home. At first he was shy, but then he warmed up and was my little helper while we made dinner (he 'taste tests' just like my girls). I felt really loved when my sister messaged me to let me know he cried because I left.
3. The 2014 Winter Olympics have begun! Remember when Ellie was just a baby and loved watching the Olympics?! She was so little!
2. I cannot complain too much, as Nick had the girls on Monday night while I was spending the day with my new niece (and my sister) and Thursday while I got my hairs trimmed. My niece is such a doll--- super easy baby thus far and a lot of fun to cuddle with. I also had a blast when my 2-year old nephew got home. At first he was shy, but then he warmed up and was my little helper while we made dinner (he 'taste tests' just like my girls). I felt really loved when my sister messaged me to let me know he cried because I left.
3. The 2014 Winter Olympics have begun! Remember when Ellie was just a baby and loved watching the Olympics?! She was so little!
4. Ellie has started earning Princess Points for taking naps at day-care (because we went through a very un-fun stretch where she would not take a nap and was falling asleep in the way home or in bed by 6:45 at night). She is able to 'buy' things with her Princess Points, such as going out to lunch with Mommy or Daddy, time on Mommy's iPad or picking a special dinner on Wednesday's after dance class (because we drive right by Jimmy John's and McDonald's and she always asks if we can go there and I say no). At first she was trading in her Princess Points for iPad time. Then we said she could only do that twice a week, so she started saving and had enough to get McDonald's after dance class Wednesday night. She was super excited! I was impressed because when I asked her to get me the 10 Princess Points she owed for dinner she asked if she could just give me 9 since I had not given her a Princess Point for taking a nap that day! Not so sure, but I think the kid might be good at math!
5. Ellie also earned herself a Gummy Life Saver the other day. Neve saw her get one and wanted one herself. I told her she had to earn it and could earn it by sitting on the potty. She looked me and walked towards the bathroom. Then looked back to make sure I was following her, which I did. Sure enough, she sat on the potty so she could have a treat. Unfortunately we were short on time (had to get to dance class), so I had to make her get off the potty. She was not a happy camper with that... signs she is ready to potty train??? (She already tells me before she goes and wants to get changed, but until now she refused to sit on the potty.)
Friday, January 31, 2014
5 on Friday x2 weeks
1. Ellie continued her birthday party streak with a princess party a couple weeks ago and a party at Pump It Up in Urbandale last weekend. Good thing we have a Super Bowl party to attend this weekend, otherwise she would be in party withdrawal.
2. Last Saturday I had the pleasure to be there for the birth of our newest niece, I was honored to be a part of such a special occasion! Welcome to the family, Alida Kaye!
3. Sunday morning Ellie and I went to the hospital to pick up my nephew (and new big brother) so he could spend the day with us. Of course we got to see the baby as well, which was HUGE for Ellie! (The first thing she asked when she woke up was when she could go see the new baby.) Ellie smiled so big as she held Alida Kaye, it was adorable. On the way home she asked when we could have another baby (oh my!)
4. Liam hung out with us Sunday. Although Neve and him are 8 months apart in age, they are about the same size and when dressed in blue and pink matching PJs they sort of looked like twins- I loved it! It was really cute watching them play together and we loved having Liam join us for the day.
5. Do you ever look back and try to remember what you did over the past two weeks, only to draw a blank for the most part? I know we were busy, but I cannot remember what with. This is why I need to blog weekly--- otherwise I forget. Sorry for the slacking. I will try to do better next week. And maybe some day I will post a picture or two!
2. Last Saturday I had the pleasure to be there for the birth of our newest niece, I was honored to be a part of such a special occasion! Welcome to the family, Alida Kaye!
3. Sunday morning Ellie and I went to the hospital to pick up my nephew (and new big brother) so he could spend the day with us. Of course we got to see the baby as well, which was HUGE for Ellie! (The first thing she asked when she woke up was when she could go see the new baby.) Ellie smiled so big as she held Alida Kaye, it was adorable. On the way home she asked when we could have another baby (oh my!)
4. Liam hung out with us Sunday. Although Neve and him are 8 months apart in age, they are about the same size and when dressed in blue and pink matching PJs they sort of looked like twins- I loved it! It was really cute watching them play together and we loved having Liam join us for the day.
5. Do you ever look back and try to remember what you did over the past two weeks, only to draw a blank for the most part? I know we were busy, but I cannot remember what with. This is why I need to blog weekly--- otherwise I forget. Sorry for the slacking. I will try to do better next week. And maybe some day I will post a picture or two!
Friday, January 17, 2014
5 on Friday
1. Ellie kicked off birthday month with a party last Saturday night. She came home with lots of energy and full of sugar--- she loved it. Nick, Neve and I had a dinner date. I think Neve enjoyed the two-on-one attention she received.
2. I had LASIK surgery on Tuesday. And now I can see without the assistance of glasses or contacts! I love it! I still have to wear shields over my eyes when I sleep, but only for a few more days. All I can say is amazing and I wish I would have done it long ago.
3. Nick is on a biking trip near Branson. He left Thursday morning and will be back Sunday.
4. We were under a blizzard warning Thursday afternoon during the commute home. It took 1 hour to make it just over 4 miles home. See #3 and remember that Nick is our primary driver--- especially during snowy times. Although there was no blizzard, it took 1 1/2 hours to get to work due to slick roads and cars getting stuck going up a hill. It made me miss Nick and being able to sit in the passenger seat during times like this.
5. I am in charge of the inside of the house. Nick is in charge of the outside. This means I do not shovel the snow or mow the lawn. Prior to marrying Nick, I lived in a townhome which meant I didn't have to shovel snow. I do not remember the last time I shoveled snow.
Remember how Nick is gone and it snowed? That meant I got to shovel. Living with a three-car garage and corner lot is not fun when you have to shovel. Thank goodness for a kind neighbor who helped out (or did most of it). Although, in my defense- I could have done it all by myself, it just would have taken a lot longer. Thanks James!
2. I had LASIK surgery on Tuesday. And now I can see without the assistance of glasses or contacts! I love it! I still have to wear shields over my eyes when I sleep, but only for a few more days. All I can say is amazing and I wish I would have done it long ago.
3. Nick is on a biking trip near Branson. He left Thursday morning and will be back Sunday.
4. We were under a blizzard warning Thursday afternoon during the commute home. It took 1 hour to make it just over 4 miles home. See #3 and remember that Nick is our primary driver--- especially during snowy times. Although there was no blizzard, it took 1 1/2 hours to get to work due to slick roads and cars getting stuck going up a hill. It made me miss Nick and being able to sit in the passenger seat during times like this.
5. I am in charge of the inside of the house. Nick is in charge of the outside. This means I do not shovel the snow or mow the lawn. Prior to marrying Nick, I lived in a townhome which meant I didn't have to shovel snow. I do not remember the last time I shoveled snow.
Remember how Nick is gone and it snowed? That meant I got to shovel. Living with a three-car garage and corner lot is not fun when you have to shovel. Thank goodness for a kind neighbor who helped out (or did most of it). Although, in my defense- I could have done it all by myself, it just would have taken a lot longer. Thanks James!
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