It's the little things...

Sometimes I swear that kids grow up before your very eyes! I know I'm a busy person, and that I TRY to keep track of all of the things my kids are learning every day... well last night it hit me. Each night I read a story to the kids before bed. Last night, Eryn brought down a book from her room that I hadn't seen (at least I don't think I have) before. She looked at the title and rattled it right off. Caught me completely off guard. So I opened the book and asked her to read the next page... yep, she is reading this book:) So-- it was her turn to read to me and Nolan last night. She did an awesome job!! I know all kids learn to read, but when those "firsts" happen for your own kids, it's special!! It's those little things in life that give me the warm fuzzies:)

To top it all off, Eryn is having her first sleepover tonight!!! Can't wait to see how it goes!!!

All for a good cause...

This weekend was full of what I call "good causes." Things that I truly believe in, and am passionate about. Saturday morning it was off to Waterloo to participate in the March of Dimes walk. I am part of team Angel's in Heaven; there were ten of us, and despite the cold rainy weather in our neck of the woods, when we reached Waterloo it was dry and sunny! We even broke out in a sweat during the walk:) My friend Miranda and I even made the Sunday Waterloo Courier:) Here's the link: http://wcfcourier.com/image_78a98866-5246-5ca7-bb40-5dc8d624bdfe.html

After a quick stop to Target, it was back home... to great suprise; the bathroom was repainted!! Amazing how just some paint and a new countertop make things look so different! Nolan had to get his tools out this morning to be daddy's helper!

Later in the afternoon we headed back towards what I call "around home" (anywhere around the small Irish town of Lawler) to Fredricksburg for my cousin Kim's benefit. What an amazing turnout! It is so great to see people in the community come together to support each other! It was also great to see family for two weeks in a row! With us Carolan's that sure doesn't happen too often!

Today was a little slower of a day, which was much needed in this household! Eryn spent some time at a friends before her final Luther PALS event of the year:( Eryn has really looked forward to all of her Luther PALS events, and this one was no different. She has really grown in the past year and this program has definitely helped that! We can't wait for next year! The best part is that Eryn's pals, Alice and Chelsea, are only juniors this year so they can be paired up again next year! YEAH!!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I was suprised tonight to see that Nolan had something to "show me." I never know what to think when he says that, but Lana assured me it was a good thing... and it was! Nolan jumped on Eryn's bike (without the training wheels) and away he went!! No kidding!! It only took him two days from Eryn learning to pick up on the "new" bike thing! Granted he needs some practice, but he is a determined little boy! Needless to say, Eryn was not near as excited as me to see Nolan ride away.... even so it just goes to show just how different two kids can be!!

If at first you don't succeed, try try again!

Eryn has been trying to learn to ride her bike without training wheels since last fall. Both Randy and I have worked with her several times, but each time she gets frustrated and wants to quit. We figured on her own time she would learn.... well that day has come! Tonight she was practicing on her own up and down the sidewalk. I was so suprised! Even more suprising, within an hour or so, she was riding between our house and the neighbors on her own:) We are so proud of her!!! I even was able to videotape her for about five minutes before she caught on to what I was doing. So, Randy and I have told Eryn that when she is able to ride without the training wheels, she can get a new bike. She already was shopping online (with mom's help) tonight and has one picked out at Wal-Mart... now Nolan wants a new bike; so maybe now it's time to get him trained!

The next hurdle to jump with Eryn will be Little League this summer!

Bustin' a Move

Yet another productive weekend! On Saturday I baked with my sister in laws, which is always a good time! In the evening we headed to West Union to my cousin Ann's wedding reception and dance. It was decorated so beautifully, not to mention the bride was also beautiful!! The food was excellent (cake balls)! It was great to see family that I haven't seen since Christmas. The kids had a blast on the dance floor; Nolan was so cute; he went up to my aunt Leann and said "do you want to dance?" It was priceless! They were both worn out by the time we left. I think Eryn was asleep before we left town!

Today we took it easy and got some things done around the house. Needless to say the kids were still recovering from a late night last night. We took lunch out to Randy in the field and Nolan got a ride in the "blue tractor." After that we headed home and Nolan took a much needed Llllooonnnggggg nap!

Tonight I took the kids for a quick bike ride before getting ready for bed. Now it's time to hit the hay and get ready for another week!

A Spring Picnic!

With the weather being soooo nice today, the kids have been playing outdoors most of the day. I thought it was a perfect day for a picnic! The kids loved eating outside; some of their favorite foods (although not the healthiest): hot dogs, doritos, Oreos and kool aid! Tthe only complaint was the bugs!

In other happenings in the Sabelka household, we attended my brother's 30th birthday party last night in New Hampton. It was a good time... and Chris was suprised:) Nice to see some people and visit with them!

This morning was a busy one, but very productive. Randy and the kids helped me clean house and then 4 hours of baking! The freezer is now full of goodies:)

Happy Easter!!

We had another busy weekend at the Sabelka household. On Saturday Eryn, Jodi, Stacy and I went on a road trip to Williamsburg to the outlet mall. We stopped in Coralville as well to do some shopping. It was a great day! Randy and Nolan went to Waterloo to Menard's to pick up some things for the house and then rode 4 wheeler!

Today, we were all up early (Grrr) to see what the Easter Bunny brought.... the usual candy assortment (mostly chocolate!) and some movies, sandpails and baseball gloves and balls for both of the kids! They can't wait to get outside and try them out!

We went to church this morning and then it was off to Stacy and Jer's for Easter Brunch. So much good food and great times! After we ate, the kids did an Easter egg hunt and then got a chance to fly their kites from Grandma and Grandpa Sabelka. The kids had a great time trying to get them as high in the air as they could (with dad's help). From there, it was off to my parent's to visit with them. We were soooo full from brunch that Mom sent home food with us for supper. Thanks Mom:)