Busy busy.

Wow look how time has passed! It's near 2016 already another year older and another year wiser. We have been super busy the last few weeks. Between parties, Thanksgiving, school, work, and just life. We seem to rarely stop. Which isn't a bad thing for me. Dennie worked a very long, long five weeks this last hitch. It's been lonely without him. But thankfully I am surrounded with friends, kids and family to keep me going! We are ready for a week with him home! 

I feel like I'm so behind (once again) with my blogs so let's catch up! 

We had an amazing Birthday party for Gavin and Payton this year. We did combine being only four days apart and dad only being home for a few days. But that didn't stop us from having a great time. We are so blessed to have so many think of us during our "Birthday season". 

I decided an 'Under The Sea' party would be mutual for Gavin and Payton. A mermaid cake and shark cupcakes. It was so much fun. We had worms, octopus, fish and chips, seaweed, pearls, and everything else you could possibly think of that represtened the sea. The kids enjoyed making a beach vase. Searching for a treasure. And making sea food with rice krispys. I wish I had more pictures. It turned out amazing! Thank you all for the help! Here are a few fun pictures! 

The kids truly were spoiled. What fun special memories to remember. 

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Next my big boy Mason had his first school field trip! How exciting. My favorite days in school were field trips! And Mason is learning quick school isn't so bad. Especially when it's a fun filled day at the fire station! We have a huge appreciation for Fire Fighters in our home. Mason thinks highly of them.  Masons teachers were so sweet to give the kids this opportunity. 

 

All of the kids made a special paper. Here is Masons.

         (If mommy goes Gavin goes, he had a blast!) 

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Look at the big three year old riding his bike he got for his birthday!! I am so proud of him! And he is too! 

 

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Royce was in his first assembly! How awesome is that?! He memorized a line and all. I am so proud of him. And for Mountainside Elementry. They pulled off an amazing Veterans Day assembly.  

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This next moment means the world to me. It's crazy to most but to me in this moment I was happy. Well my day was actually shitty. I had to capture this moment because I was feeling sick, sad, and very angry all at once. I asked the kids to please do something else rather than ask me to play. Do anything. Just leave me alone for ten minutes so I can take a quick nap. Ten minutes is all I ask. I closed my eyes for a minute or two then peeked out to see what they were all doing (no I can't actually sleep while watching my kids. Curse? Maybe) as I laid there on the couche watching them, memorizing their faces rather than sleeping I found myself crying. Exhaustion probably. But this moment felt so good. They all were very sweet. Finding something to do. Yet never leaving my side. These kids love their mom so much.

 I decided to just lay there and take a deep breath because my day/s were going to be ok. I watched them find their own world and do something without me. Which is rare I might add! Anyway. It is so silly but oh so sweet too. 

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Look who cut her hair!!! She's obsessed. 

I'm not to shabby at this cutting thing. 

I love you beautiful!! 

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Randi, mom, and myself ran away!! And all the same time and all at the same place. I have no idea when that has happened last. But we finally did. We had an awesome night. Filled with shopping, primping, food, laughing, and fun! It's going to be a yearly event (just sayin). 

Randi was feeling rather pregnant so we made it a quick event. But we squeezed as much in as possible. 

Look who got her nails done for the first time in many many years!! 

Telling Payton we were at santas workshop. 

The cutest Elfs around! 

Some sweet elf kisses at the sweetest kissing contest. 

 Such a fun, relaxing, cold weekend. I love these two so much!! Thank you Mom and Randi for the fun memories together. 

Thank you grandma Storm for babysitting. 

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Next we have Thanksgiving! I think at this point I was exhausted. Gavin had been sick twice. Peed the bed three times. Thrown up a billions times. Homework was drowning me. Payton started reading. And Royce has a new found love for being a pain in the ass. And Mason is, well my Mason. So what's the best thing to do? Pack them up and send them off to grandmas! After dinner at dads I met with mom and sent them on their merry way. Boy were all three parties excited! You could see the joy radiating off us all.  For example.... 

Haha. So sweet. ❤️ I enjoyed the quiet and they enjoyed the new atmosphere. 

Dinner was amazing, as always. One thing missing of course was Dennie. We wished he was there. 

With the usual company and the parade it was very relaxing and enjoyable. (Thanks again dad and Jan)

 

These two are just the most amazing folk I have ever met. They have never missed a single party we've thrown. They are at everyone's needs at any moment. I'm so appreciative. Such loving caring grandparents. And I don't see it stopping anytime soon! I love you guys!! 

Gavin was thrilled! He had just chucked his sippy across the room while taking this picture. He wasn't happy in the slightest. As you can see above he got over it once he got into grandma Jackie's car. Dad said "just take it, it's something fun to remember." Jan was so cute trying to hold him there yet letting him go the same time. It was the effort that counts!! 

After two days alone I grabbed grandma Manteufel and headed up to Montpelier for some good ol fashion Thanksgiving dinner with mom and Tom. Mom had the kids make pies. They were so cute. Also sugar cookies, and homemade ice cream! Yummy! 

The kids had an amazing time getting spoiled like always. Grandma even bought them a little tree to decorate just for grand kids. She also said grandpa enjoyed the company and was very hands on. I love that my kids have that surrounding. And knowing everyone loves them individually! They truly are so blessed. 

It was a good Thanksgiving Year. Cheers to a better one next year with the hubby! 

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A few pictures with Santa while in Montpelier. 

Carly also thought being together for the holiday was just splendid. Giving loves.... 

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I will end this super long blog, you're welcome, by ending with a thank you to all those who keep me in line, happy, and smiling. I am so blessed to have the busy life that I love so much. 

-Jess