Happy Birthday to Nancy!

Candy Trades were a huge part of my childhood Halloweens. Different pieces were valued differently and by 3 days after Halloween, I usually just had the stuff worth nothing left. You know the stuff, peanut butter nastiness wrapped in orange/black paper, the weird flavored tootsie rolls, little tasteless bubble gum, atomic fireballs, etc. Luckily my sisters and I came up with a brilliant thing to do with our leftover rejected Halloween candy. Three days after Halloween, we could wake our older sister up by chucking candy at her. Her bed was up high and it was so much fun to stand right out side her door and throw it at her while yelling "Happy Birthday". Weren't we the best little sisters ever!
One year I finally realized that giving her all my rejected candy was probably not as generous a gesture as I had tried to convince myself it was. So I saved up enough money to buy bubblegum at the high school candy store. I wasn't in high school, nor was I allowed to have bubble gum so I sent Nancy to buy the contraband. She asked what kind I wanted, and so as calmly and and casually as I could, I said I couldn't decide and so maybe she should just pick out her favorite kind. After school she brought me the bubble gum (I think it was pink lemonade), which I then wrapped and gave back. I think she was genuinely surprised that it was meant for her, after all everyone knows I am terrible with surprises, (just think of her pink elephant slippers).
So this year I have really good left over candy, as my kids don't even pick the snickers bars, and we have a huge bowl of all the best Halloween candy (except not a single butterfinger). This morning I would like nothing more than to dump the bowl right over Nancy's head to wake her up in a gesture of hoping she has a great birthday. However she lives to far away. But if it is the thought that counts ,then Happy Birthday Nancy, I hope you have a great birthday that is filled with your favorite treats, and not just peanut butter nastiness!

Candy and more Candy!

Oh what a veritable smorgasbord, after the end of day! Indiana Jones, Shirley Temple, Batman, a menacing Pirate, and Superman took home quite the haul of candy last night. Our first stop was to Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's. The kids were excited to begin, but Andrew did not quite grasp the concept. He even left his bucket with the candy sitting on the front step. We then headed to the church for games and trunk or treating. While the older kids played games, Andrew finally discovered the candy in his bucket, he was quite pleased with taking it out and dropping it back in over and over again. Then before we knew it, it was time to head out to the parking lot for the trunk or treat portion. The kids were thrilled to run from car to car. Honey was ahead of me with the older kids and I carried Andrew. I have never seen his eyes get so wide! He couldn't believe person after person dropping candy in his bucket. He began to hold very tightlty to the bucket. After that we stopped at two more houses, and each time we loaded and unloaded he clung to the bucket not wanting to let go to be buckled.

When we stopped at Papa and Grandma Nelson's Andrew would only allow candy into his bucket, not the boxes of cereal or the cheese and crackers, he wanted his bucket filled with only candy. Sam made the kids mission clear when Grandma Nelson opened the door, instead of "Trick or Treat" Sam declared "We are here for candy!"

When we arrived home the kids dumped all their candy on the table and went to town. At the time of the picture, Andrew has 3 whoppers, and a milky way bar in his mouth. They had such a blast!

Happy Halloween!

Can you think of anything better to do on Halloween in Northern MN? Note the pirate hat helps keep it in the right season.

Chivo!

So this picture is a prime example of the kind of mischief that Andrew likes to get into. He loves to climb on top of just about anything, but his number one favorite place is on top of the kitchen table. We call him "Chivo", which is spanish for the word goat. Jeff had a pet goat when he was little, named Mork. Mork would climb on top of things, like their truck and just stand there.

I will find Andrew stuck on top of things constantly. Then he just sits or stands there like he is king of the kitchen counter, or table, or computer desk, or window sill. This particular evening he was thrilled to discover a reward when he made it to the top of the table. It had been taco soup night and we had not cleared dinner yet. He passed his time by smearing himself in the sourcream. He must have done it in literally seconds because one minute he was with me in my room, and the next Jeff found him on the table.

Whenever we find him somewhere like this we exclaim "Chivo", to which he throws his arms up in victory, shouting "Chivo" as he grins.

Goodbye Fiji!

The only other thing my kids miss outside of the Phelps and Morgans, is their beloved fiji room. We had a room in the old house that was painted like fiji, and it was set up as a giant preschool/toy room. I personally had a love/hate relationship with the room. I loved having a place to banish all toys and noise, but I hated trying to keep it organized.

We have no such room here and the kids mention that all the time. Most of their toys are still in storage because I am just not ready to begin the constant organization which comes with that many toys. So I have narrowed it down to one insanley organized closet. I wonder how long it will look like this?.

Drew and Krew

These two have not had the chance to get to know each other like the others did. Andrew is small and Krew is chunky, so they almost seem to have reverse rolls of Hayden and Timmy. I am definietly holding out hope that they will end up college roommates, or missionary companions, just because the pattern has shown that Morgan kids make great friends for our kids.

Timmy and Hayden

The two were born just weeks a part. So they didn't have a choice but to be friends, not that they needed one. It was so fun to watch the two of them hit each milestone, learn to interact, and become bestfriends. Timmy was so big and Hayden so small, but Hayden could crawl circles around Timmy (literally he did). This has also been a huge struggle with the move. When we went to the new dance studio, Timmy expected Hayden to be there. Nursery at church has been difficult for the same reason. When we went to the doctor, Timmy completely lost it becuase we didn't see Hayden's daddy. He still dreams about adventures with Hayden, and when Timmy sometimes he starts pretending Andrew is Hayden and tries to play with Andrew like he would Hayden. He still talks about him and and asks to see him. It was fun to visit the Morgans and see the two of them greet each other and immediatley start babbling to each othere in a language few can interpret. They held hands and bounced down the stairs and went off to play as if they had just done the same thing the day before, even though it had been months since they last saw each other.

Sam and Ava

These two were made for each other. Their personalities were so similar it's scary. Sam's life pretty much centered around Ava. He went to dance to dance with Ava, he went to church to see Ava, he went to school to sit with Ava, I think you see the pattern. Ava was so sweet with the babies, and I loved having her come over. I got more done when she was around because when Ava was around Sam was happier and more reasonable. The two were inseperable. Wedding plans were often overheard being discussed, they played highschool musical constantly as Troy and Gabriella, and had each other laughing constantly. Never has the word "chicken" brought as much laughter than when spoken back and forth between those two.

Cori and Morrea

Morrea is actually the same age as Nathan, but the age difference didn't stop them from being friends. In most situations I would consider Cori a leader. Quick to speak up in class, and to decide what to play, she loves to be in charge. But for some reason things were different with Morrea. Cori practically idolized Morrea. Anything Morrea did was what Cori wanted to do. I took Cori to Morrea's dance recital, and that sealed Cori's love and interest in dance, Morrea could sing, so Cori wanted to sing, Morrea took figure skating, Cori is still begging me to teach her(like I know how). They played dolls, tea parties, dress up, and danced. They played house, with the younger kids. Being in a house of all boys there was nothing Cori loved more than spending girly time with the Morgan girls. Morrea was always so complimentary, she always had something nice to say about everyone and everything, it was refreshing. She was also in Nathan's second grade class, I was so glad to know she was in there looking out for Nathan.

Nathan and Cosmo

Never has there been better best friends than Nathan and Cosmo. They were so perfect for each other. Nathan just seemed more confident, talkative, and relaxed around Cosmo. They played t-ball together, had dance class together, went to church school together, and primary, and did all things starwars and legos when ever they had the chance. I loved having Cosmo over at our house because he was always so kind to everone, and polite, and it rubbed off on my kids. He was patient in allowing Sam to join in with the big kids, and would hold Andrew or Timmy for me. He and Nathan could play together for hours without an argument.

I have to say not having Cosmo around has been the hardest part of the move for Nathan. He misses having a best friend that loves exactly the same things. Nathan has confided in me how much he misses Cosmo and he is afraid he won't see him again. I have to say I know how he feels and that is why I can promise him we will make an effort to see him, because I feel the same way about his Mom.

The Morgan Family

These last few posts all about the Morgans. As mentioned before I am using this blog as a family journal, and I just think they have been an important thing for each of us so i want to do an entry for each child and their "Morgan Counterpart". I thought I would post about their parents as well. I hope these don't sound too much like eulogies, it is just that their family has just moved across the country, and I am having to come to grips that they will no longer be part of our daily lives, however I know we will continue to keep in touch. But I definitely needed them to be part of our family journal.

Leann was one of two to welcome me to Worthington. I remember how sweet she was at acknowledging the excitement of the purchase of our first home. She came with juice boxes and fruitsnacks for the kids. She apologized for not bringing a meal or being able to stay and help but her three children were in the van with the flu. I couldn't believe she had still managed to come say hello, with three sick kids. The juiceboxes and fruitsnacks were just what I needed to keep the kids happy while I finsihed putting the crib together. I honestly don't know how I would have survived Worthington without her. When we moved there I thought maybe we were there to be a support to them, but outside of helping her chase a bird out of their house, I fear the support was one sided in the opposite direction. She is an incredible mom, and I found myself watching how she handled her kids in order to become a better mother myself. She is literally Super mom if there ever was one. She was able to talk me through so many frustrations, I can't even list all the times she was there for me.



Christian is the dad of the family. He also happens to be the best doctor on the planet! The first Sunday there we were invited to dinner and making gingerbread houses at their house. Sam was crying constantly, Christian offered to look in his ears and sure enough he had nasty double ear infections. I was so embarassed to have been "neglecting" my son and let it get so far (nevermind we were trying to move that week). I felt bad that he had to be doctor during his time off. I did not want to take advantage of him. Well, little did I know that would be the first of many off the clock check ups. Astham attacks, ear infections, fifth disease, a television falling on Cori, and many other random ailments brought Christian to our house or us to his. He was also the Branch President of the branch we attended. He was such a great support while we were there. I think my favorite times spent with him though was when he had the chance to just be dad to his kids. He was always having to juggle so many roles, but when our families would get together for a family home evening is when he seems happiest and most relaxed. And it is easy to see that "Dad" is the most important title he holds. He is one of the most humble, kind men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. It is not a coincidence that Andrew's middle name is Christian. I take namesakes very seriously, and I could not wish anything better for Andrew then for him to grow up to be like Christian.

Speaking of Pirates

Almost a year late, but here are two random pictures from last Chrismas. Santa sent our family on a pirate vacation. We had so much fun. When we woke up Christmas morning there was a large treasure box fillled with snacks and food for a hotel feast and backpacks packed and a map sending us to a hotel with a pirate ship water park. He even arranged for Papa and Grandma Nelson to meet us there. They took the kids to Toys R US and let them pick out a toy. Timmy chose cookie monster.

Pirates:The Musical

As soon as we movied here we jumped into the production of Pirates:The Musical. We had so much fun. I realized how much I have missed being involved in theatre. We (the adults involved) have already begun meetings to prepare for next year. Andrew and Timmy even got into it, and can still be heard yelling "Avast" unaware that this is not something most people say. Timmy insists he is going to be a pirate for halloween. I have tried to talk him into the buzz light year costume that we have, but he just looks at me and says, "Pirates all are we". I have been trying to put viedo on from the actual performance, but haven't been able to figure out how to edit it to just a small part of the performance. But here is a part of the recording from when they performed at the county fair a few weeks before they performed. The recording got cut off half way through. The kids are all in the front row. This song begins and ends the play.

The Morgan Family

I really wanted to just add these pictures from their visit in June. As you can see when we get together there are a lot of kids(10), and also a lot of fun. We miss them tons!

Nathan's Baptism

Nathan was baptized one week after we moved here, on his 8th birthday. It was really a very special day. Honey, My parents, and Melissa and her kids came up from the cities. Papa and Grandma Nelson came as well. Our friends the Morgans came up from Worthington. Cosmo and Christian spoke, as well as my mom. Morrea and Cori sang, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me", at Nathan's request. I though it was beautiful. We also sang the Hymn "The Iron Rod" because that is Nathan's favorite hymn. We were going to go to a park afterwards but it was raining so we all headed back to our house. I still can't believe how quickly time flew from the time he was born to his baptism day. I have really seen a change in Nathan since his baptism. He tries to read his scriptures with out being asked, and during Sacrament meeting he uses the Hymn book the Morgan's gave him to sing every hymn. He is trying to be a good big brother and make the best choices.

Dance

My kids are still doing dance. The studio up here is a lot bigger than the one in Worthington, because of that they are able to offer a lot more classes. We are still trying to find the right fit for the kids and the schedule, so although Nathan and Cori were doing tap and ballet, today we are switching to tap and jazz. The instructor wants them to do both ballet and jazz, and has even trimmed costs in trying to make it work, but between time and money we have had to choose, hopefully it won't be long and they will both be in ballet again but for now this will have to do. Sam is in a multiple exposure class that is going well, but he still really misses his old class and teacher. I tried to get pictures of the kids but everything turned out blurry so all I got was this before class picture of Nathan and Cori. This is right before hip hop, the class that Nathan and Cori love, they do this class while Sam is in his so it works with the schedule fairly well.

Tuesdays with Timmy and Drew

My Tuesdays have become very busy. I do dance class with Timmy and Andrew, and then head straight to ECFE for a class with Timmy. After that we try to meet up with Jeff for lunch, then I head home in time to put the two younger done for nap, and next thing you know the older three are running off the bus.

The dance class is a mommy and me class. I was expecting it was just mommies helping their little one twirl in a circle and jump up and down. I was wrong. She is having the moms stretch and move in ways I am not sure I could do even in middle school gym class. TImmy loved it, and Drew was hit and miss depending on what she asked us to do. They loved the scarves and the balls and did not want to leave when calls was over. But they had to leave because we have to run to ECFE right after dance class.

Timmy is in an ECFE class and Drew goes to sibling care. We are having definite attachment issues with Andrew but each week it is getting a little easier. Timmy loves his class and especially making art work and drawing on the chalk board. Awhile ago in church we sang the song "You can make the Pathway Bright", and Timmy loved it, especially the part "if there' s sunshine in your heart" so now he wants me to draw a sunshine in a heart every chance he gets. So he stands at the chalkboard singing about "Sunshine in Timmy's heart", it is very cute.

The ECFE class is right next to the building where Jeff works. We try to make it work so that I can meet Jeff for lunch. It has been really nice. There are two pizza buffets where under three eat free. It's funny 6 years, ago going out with two under the age of three would have seemed like too much work, but now I enjoy the break. And since neither one talks very clearly, we can get away with it, and the older three are none the wiser.
I don't get much else done on Tuesdays, but it is a fun way to break up the housework for the rest of the week. It also gives my good time to focus on just the two little ones.

Our New House

This is our new house. The scaffolding is gone and we have grass and a flower garden as you walk up. We also have a sidewalk that was not done when this picture was taken. I could go out and take an updated picture, but it is cold out, and this one was aready online so I took the lazy approach, but at least you get the idea.

First Day of School

This picture is from the first day of school. I think their outfits say a lot about what they are liking this year.
Sam was so excited for school to start. Before he left the first morning he told me, "I know today is going to be great, because my teacher is going to love me, because I am that cool!". Sure enough when he came home he proudly announced, "Everyone in my class wants to be my friend because I am really cool!". Underneath his superman shirt is a star wars Lego shirt. Luckily he has two so we can rotate them, if he could he would wear these every day. Star Wars is his favorite thing right now.
I love how Cori posed for the picture. She really wanted to model her outfit. This is her favorite new school outfit because she thinks it looks like something Selena Gomez would wear. Selena Gomez is her all time favorite Disney star right now. Last night she even insisted that Jeff enter an online contest in hopes of having lunch with the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place. Out with baby dolls and in with tween pop stars with sassy attitudes, she has even requested a name change. At school, church, and dance she has requested to be called "Amy". I'm not sure I will get used to it, but that is all she is called at school so now everyonce in awhile I hear Nathan call her Amy.
Nathan is sporting a Batman Lego Shirt, which he loves as much as star wars(that is saying something). He was the most nervous for the first day of school, and although he has made some friends he still misses Cosmo, his best friend from Worthington, quite a bit.

The Salamander House

One of the things the kids love about living here is all of the animals they get to see. When going on a walk one day we saw a turtle, squirrel, and rabbit. They also found multiple sets of deer tracks. Seeing deer up here is almost a daily event, we have seen up to six in our yard, and there are usually a couple on the side of the road as we drive home. But the most exciting is what is found in our window wells. At first it completely grossed Cori out and she would pray that no salamanders would get stuck in her bedroom window. Eventually she began to like them and has even picked them up and held them. She has even been found digging for the salamanders. Of course the kids insit on wearing their gardening gloves when they pick them up. There are usually a couple toads found there as well. After it rains Jeff goes around and collects them out of all the window wells, one day he found 27 salamanders. I think the salamnders are now digging deep enough to hide out for the winter but the kids still check just in case.