Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!

This past weekend we did a little celebrating for Daddy's birthday.  His birthday was actually on Monday, but I wanted to celebrate while Kade was still with us. I was in a continuing education class all weekend, so Daddy got some good one-on-one time with his kiddos.  Saturday they ventured out to go see Great Grandma Emerson.  She hadn't seen the kids in quite a long time.  We wanted to get over to her place around Christmas, but then we all got sick.  I guess Sis was entertaining and wanting to get into all of her knick knacks.  Then it was off to Wal-Mart so Kade could get some shells for his new shotgun.  Sis got to check out the fish while they were there, which she loved!  Sunday evening we celebrated Heath's birthday with Cowboys cupcakes and opening gifts. Happy Birthday, Daddy!!  We love you!!!   

Ya, I'm 1!!!! (That's for #1 Dad!)

I got a personalized calendar for my office. Love it!!!

Sis loved the frosting.

MMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What up?

It's just my size!

The kiddos with Great Grandma Emerson

Story Time

Fitness Revolution

This weekend has been very low key, which is exactly what I was needing.  This week I started a workout class called Fitness Revolution.  It is 5 days a week, Mon-Thurs at 8pm and then Sat. am.  It is a combination of full body workouts, kickboxing, agility/plyometrics, and yoga/pilates.  I am loving it, but it is just another thing to fit into my already busy day.  Heath has been great help as I totally rush around the house from the time I get home to get everyone fed, supper cleaned up (which Heath usually does), Sis bathed and played with for a little bit before I leave and she goes to bed.  I keep telling myself this is only 10 weeks and it's going to get my butt back in shape.  I am already feeling better physically and mentally.  Then I struggle some days with the whole working mom thing and realize that I only get to spend a total of 2-3 hrs. a day with my baby.  Ugh...I hate that!  Then I pull myself back around and reassure myself that I'm her mom, she loves me, I love her and she is well loved and has fun at daycare.  I just know that these are precious days and that she is only going to be little for so long and grow up so fast.  So, I treasure those 2 hours I get with her during the work days and become a hermit on the weekends to get quality time with her.  Whew...don't know where all that sappy stuff came from...maybe it's because my husband is making me watch a sappy Mercy Me video right now.  

Taking Diamond for a spin.

Cold enough for a hat.

Can I get you anything else Sis?

Holden Turns 2!

Luckily we were able to make it to Holden's birthday party this year!  We missed his 1st birthday because Alexandria had the flu and how ironic that she get it this year again...just a few days sooner.  Holden's party was last Sunday and Alexandria was home sick last Thursday and then Heath and I were both ill on Saturday.  Not fun!  We were all good to go on Sunday though and sing to Holdie in-person.  Last year we had to do it over Skype.  Holden had a sports themed party this year and got tons of neat toys.  We got Holden this puppy that barks and walks around, which he was really excited about and so was Sis!  It was pretty cute, every time Alexandria had it Holden would come over and take it from her and "hide" it.  She didn't quite understand what was going on, but later on he let her play with it.  She just loves puppies...and no, Uncle Brandon, we don't need a real one!  Steph did awesome once again with Holdie's cakes and we also had homemade ice cream which was delicious!  Happy 2nd Birthday, Holden!!!

Fire.

The big 2.

Sis couponing.

Sis capitalized on a nice January day.

Photos by Kade.

A thank you for Great Grandpa Dougan.  We sent this picture to him. He has Presto which is a printer without a computer.

Happy 2012!!!!!

Our New Year's weekend started out with my work Christmas party, which was held at the Des Moines Golf & Country Club.  I have been with Accelerated Rehab now for 8 years and we've never had a Christmas party, so this was quite a treat!  It was a formal party, so I actually dug out a skirt and Heath got all dudded up with shirt and tie.  We were excited about the party because of it simply being a night out, free meal and drinks!!!  How can you beat that?? Plus, Nana and Papa Hendricks came down to babysit and play with Alexandria.  From what we hear, she was a hoot!  Thanks, Mom and Mike!!  The party was pretty fun because I got to see a lot of previous co-workers from when I worked in Urbandale and my previous student who now works in Altoona.  We enjoyed a lovely meal, cocktails, and a little dancing.  They had a raffle drawing for prizes with the proceeds going to the Heart Connection for Children's Cancer.  Heath and I got lucky with us both winning prizes...I won a gift certificate for the Bonefish Grill (which we love!) and Heath won Bose earbuds (which is perfect for him to listen to all of his music!). 
New Year's Eve was spent getting all the Christmas decor put away and the tree taken down.  I forget every year the mess that it makes and all the work it takes.  I guess I will remember again next year when I drag it all back out!  We did not do a thing on New Year's Eve night...which was fine with me.  We grilled steaks, played with Alexandria, and watched a movie.  I am happy to report that I did see the ball drop this year in NYC (so 11pm here) and then went to bed.  Heath then went down to the Joneses to bring in the New Year since I was a party pooper.
Sunday and Monday were just spent hangin' at home.  Alexandria and I were all by ourselves on Monday since daddy had to work.  We did A LOT of playing!  She is really turning it on lately and getting to be more fun everyday.  She is also turning into a little love bug, which we just hate...NOT!  She loves to cuddle up with us in the evening with her favorite new blanket (thanks Aunt Jess and Uncle Brandon!) and read books.  Her favorite new game is chase, which gets her so excited and very giggly!     
We wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2012!!!

Hamball anyone?

Sis loves to read books.

Mr & Mrs. Main

Sis entertaining Grandpa.

Cheese.

Al rocking the Star!!!

Knock em down Sis.

Main Family Christmas

We celebrated our family Christmas on Christmas Eve morning when the kids got up.  I was kinda surprised that sis didn't wake up until 8:00 that morning.  Kade was already up anxiously awaiting for the rest of us.  After eating cinnamon rolls and taking the morning pics, we dove into the presents.  After the wrapping paper mess was all cleaned up, we got ready for church.  We chose to go to the first of six Hope services on Christmas Eve, which was at 1:00, so we could get back home at a decent time to host Christmas for Heath's family.  The Church service was amazing as always...they never seem to disappoint!  The message for this year was "The Greatest Gift".  Sis enjoyed all the singing and then went to the kids room to play.  She got some comments from the people around us about her pretty Christmas dress.  She also had fun "flirting" with a high school age boy that was sitting behind us. 
After church, we hurried home so I could get all the food ready for our Christmas Eve supper.  Luckily, I had prepared everything the evening before so all I really had to do was get it all out and heat it up.  Once Heath's family arrived, we all enjoyed visiting while the food heated up.  Alexandria was quite the entertainment and has started to really turn on her charm.  After supper, we opened presents and had to quickly get all of Alexandria's toys out for her so she could check them out.  It was a very nice evening, but it went way to fast.  We sent the kids to bed fairly early so we could unwind and get ready for Santa to come!
Christmas morning came too early!  We had to get up early because Kade left at 8:00 to go have Christmas with his mom.  Kade was pumped with his gift from Santa...a 20 gauge shotgun!  I think Heath might have a new hunting partner come next season...but, not before the hunter safety course!  The rest of our Christmas Day was very relaxing and peaceful.  We feel very blessed this season!  We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2012!!!

Hey, it's Christmas time.



Fathead Ravens.

Sis loved her stacking cups.

Angry Birds.

Sis loved her puppy pillow pet.

Bug got a gaming chair.

Ready for church.

The Greatest Gift is Jesus!!!!!

Silent Night.

Sis entertaining.

Scottyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!

The mayhem.

Nice jacket Bug.

Bug got a 20 gauge from Santa.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!

Some Fun Days Off!

Earlier in Dec. I took a few days off of work so I didn't loose my PTO days.  It was nice to get some holiday prep done and spend extra time with sissy.  My first day off I spent the whole day shopping and then an evening with mom, aunt Patty, and Steph.  We ate downtown at Dos Rios and then went back to Steph's to watch Bridesmaids.  It was a fun evening!  The next evening, I headed up to Hubbard to have a little Christmas celebration with some good friends.  We enjoyed some wine, appetizers, and good laughs!  I was also able to get a lot of holiday goodies made and some presents wrapped.  On my last day off, Alexandria and I were able to go to Jaxson's preschool Christmas program at Hope.  It was adorable and sissy really liked it.  After each song, she clapped and cheered...it was very cute.  Jaxson had a lot of family there to watch him and after the program we enjoyed cookies and chocolate milk.
Heath has been recovering from pneumonia and wasn't able to go hunting as much as he would've liked, so no deer this year...bummer.  Kade has also finished his first wrestling season and plans on going out again next year.  Sis is getting more personality and learning new words all the time!!
Here are some random pics.

Goofing around.

Sis loves to be bounced  in her blanket.

Kade leaving his final match of the season.