Merry Christmas!

Eryn and Nolan with some of their Santa gifts

Sabelka Christmas (Christmas Eve)

Nolan and I

Derek and his "Thomas"

Carolan Christmas (Christmas Day)

Merry Christmas from the Sabelka's!  It's been a fun packed few days!  Our Christmas started on Sunday with our family Christmas.  We had to adjust some of our festivities due to our work schedules but it worked out really well!  Presents and a trip to holiday lights topped off our Sunday.  Christmas Eve it was off to the Sabelka family Christmas, and today Carolan family christmas.  We are so blessed and fortunate to have good health and great family to spend the holidays with!

Another Santa Sighting!

Our Christmas traditions continue with the annual Santa visit at the Library....some things haven't changed from last year, like Derek's dislike for this Santa...not sure why but he was NOT getting on this guy's lap!

Carolan Christmas 2012!

Yesterday we had the annual Carolan Christmas get together, hosted by my wonderful aunt Gail!  As always, it was a great time with plenty of food, drink and laughs!  A highlight of the day was when Santa paid us a visit!  The kids were so excited but had lots of questions about why Santa had arrived in a van??!!  Santa is a smart 'ol guy and knew all the kids' names!  He also brought a special gift to my uncle Dan. (I tried to upload the video but no luck!).  We also had fun with the guy and girl gift exchange!  There's getting to be more and more great grandkids, so it makes things even more fun! 

Traditions

We all have traditions that we follow this time of year.  Ours aren't many, but they are important to us.  One of them is getting the Christmas tree the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Another one that we started a couple of years ago is gingerbread houses.  Well, this year I found a train, and since Derek is into trains, that's what it was.  The weekend got away from us with deer hunting festivities, so Monday night we got going with the decorating.  We made a night of it with watching Rudolph, having popcorn, and of course digging into the gingerbread train!

Nolan Turns 6!

Our sweet little Nolan turned six last Wednesday.  With both boys having birthdays in November we decided the best way to celebrate them both was to have a party together in conjunction with Thanksgiving.  The boys had a great time, we had beautiful weather, and of course, ate to our heart's content!

Following the festivities, Nolan spent the night with his cousin Keegan while Lexie and Eryn had a sleepover here.  We met up on Friday for a movie and pizza with my parents. 

Since then it's been the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with plenty of baking, shopping and wrapping going in in addition to the other daily duties in this busy household! 

Camo cupcakes

As I got caught up in the hoopla of the birthday party I didn't take any pictures of the camo cupcakes that Nolan requested I make.  The kids say they tasted pretty good, so here's the link.  They were a little more time consuming, but definitely worth it.  I'm going to up the annie a little and try a whole hunting/camo themed birthday cake for the boys for Thursday.  Keep your fingers crossed:)

Camo cupcakes

Yesterday Nolan celebrated his birthday early with some friends.  Being this was his first "friend" party, we started small to see how things would go.  After pondering some options Nolan decided he would like to go to Happy Joes' and play the games:)  So that it was.  With friends in tow, Randy and I brought everyone to Happy Joes' to celebrate.  After pizza, spaghetti, and cupcakes the kids were ready to tackle the games and enjoyed earning tickets to cash in for prizes.  They all had a great time and as  you can tell from the pictures, boys aren't really into taking pictures at birthday parties!  Here's to the first of 3 (yes 3) birthday celebrations for Nolan this year!  The next one will be Thursday on Thanksgiving.  Stay tuned!

A little bit of this and that

There's been a lot going on in this household over the past week.  First off, I was out of town for training for work all week and was it so GOOD to get home!  Don't get me wrong, I love my new job and I even got to spend some QT with the Carolan's in DSM, but I was glad to sleep in my own bed, and see my kids and husband! 

The weekend was busy with trudging forward on the house project.  Randy primed and painted the garage and room above on Saturday.... yea!  The downfall to this was another layer of sheetrock dust on everything, so with a group effort, we cleaned that up right away on Sunday.  We are so glad to get going again with this project.  Life just sometimes gets in the way, ya know??  Next up...painting...and picking out flooring, trim boards....okay who am I kidding this project is a ways from being complete, but small steps are getting us closer!  

upstairs windows facing back yard

family room

family room

SNOW!!!

I took advantage of my day off today to spend some time with Derek when the other kids took off for school.  We were busy playing trains, folding laundry and making some camo cupcakes for Nolan's birthday party this upcoming weekend with his friends.  Stay tuned for pics!  It also SNOWED today (yuck!)  So not ready for winter....I really think I was meant to live in a warmer climate??  I'm thinking some homemade chicken noodle soup suits this day well, with some homemade bread for supper! 

Can you believe it's less than 2 weeks until Turkey Day???  We have SO much to be thankful for this year!!  We are hosting this year so I have a lot to do to prepare....and Nolan has a birthday this month too!  I am taking on the challenge of making the boys' cake myself.  This year per Nolan's request, a hunting theme. 

Christmas shopping is well underway and I hope to get some more things crossed off the list this week.  Christmas cards are ordered (and delivered) so I can get going on those too.  I love this time of year!!

Have a great week everyone!!

Over the River and Through the Woods....

 

This morning we had a rare opportunity to go for a trek in the woods without the boys looking for deer.  The boys spent the night with grandma and grandpa Carolan and for a little while, this household was back to being quiet..  Since the kids are always wanting to go into the woods with Randy, we thought this would be a good time for Eryn to get to see some deer in action.  We checked the camera and moved it to another location, in which Randy is hunting as I type this.  This involved crossing the river two times, and Eryn got to do it by piggy-back.  It was a crisp, beautiful morning to be out!  We saw a few deer, and hopefully today Randy gets one!

Happy To You Derek!

Today my baby turned 2!  For weeks he's been singing "Happy to you" and just last week started calling himself 'Derek' and not 'baby'.  I guess this is his way of telling me that he is growing up!  Derek woke up to 2 balloons (one of which popped right away when big brother Nolan tried to help untie them from the bed and it ended up in the ceiling fan) and presents!  He didn't know what to think!  He's been having a blast playing with his new car mat and semi/cars.  He also loves his new book "You are my sunshine" which is another song he sings every day. He is such a joy to have around with his boisterious energy, ever expanding vocabulary, and attention getting scream! 

Derek celebrated at Lana's with cupcakes and some cute cards. Tonight we cozied up in the house for pizza, then cake and ice cream.  What a great way to spend a birthday!  We love you to the moon and back Derek Jordan!!!

Happy Halloween!!

This Halloween was a special one, believe it or not the first time that Randy has tagged along for Trick or Treating.  Not because he hasn't wanted to.....it's usually field work time but this year it worked out for him to come along!  We made our usual stops in Spillville, headed to Grandma and Grandpa Sabelka's and then to Great Grandma and Grandpa's in Fort.  The kids had a great time and couldn't wait to dig in on their loot!

Fall Fun!

On Sunday we enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and raked up TONS and TONS of leaves in our yard.  We all worked together and had some fun when the piles were made!  Despite Derek feeling a little bit under the weather (and still is today) he loved being out in the fresh air!

Dare Devil

Well, it was bound to happen sometime, and those of you who know our Derek can attest.  The kid is not afraid of ANYTHING, and three weeks short of his 2nd birthday we had a near miss....I'm talking about a trip to the Dr. for injuries.  Yesterday morning, Derek was going about his usual "I play" routine and low and behold took a "I fall" off of his "yo-yo" (4-wheeler) hitting his head just right on the old console TV in the basement.  I panicked when I saw blood, and rushed upstairs, waking the other kids thinking we needed to head to the ER.  I don't take any chances with head injuries and I certainly wasn't going to with this one either, so I called urgent care and away we went.  (Thanks to Daddy for coming home and being my 2nd opinion).  Thank the good Lord it was just an abrasion and the dr said it would heal in a week or so.  I was relieved to have the peace of mind that it wasn't something needing staples or the like.

What's in A Decade?

Things have been so busy I inadvertently did not post about our 10 year wedding anniversary!!  It was back a couple weeks on 9-28-12.  We celebrated by going away for part of the weekend, traveling to Owatonna MN and then Rochester for some shopping and relaxing, and a nice dinner! n We even managed to sneak in some early Christmas shopping, and I don't remember when we were able to shop this early!  Nonetheless, it was a great time to celebrate the last 10 years!  A caring husband, three wonderful, healthy and happy (most of the time) kids, a home that my husband has worked so hard to create for our own, and a family full of love, that's what is in a decade:)  I can't wait to see what the next decade brings us!  We are so blessed!

Memories...

Dad stoking the smoker



The finished product

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted, and we have been busy with work, activities and the like.  Last Sunday we went over to my parents to make homemade sausage, just like my Grandpa Langreck used to make.  It brought back so many memories, and made me realize just how much I miss them, but I am sure they are both smiling down at us:)

Enjoying Fall!

Derek and Nolan at Lion's Park in Calmar



Derek playing at Grandma and Grandpa Carolan's

The kids like to play in the garage when its cold outside

Nolan and Eryn playing at Grandma and Grandpa Carolan's

Just before raking leaves

Field Trip!

Eryn and I

Today I had the pleasure of joining Eryn and her 3rd Grade Class in Fort Atkinson for Rendevouz!  It was a great day, beautiful weather!! 

3rd Grade Girls

Harvest Time!

Chris, Lexie and Eryn in the combine

Derek enjoying one of Grandma's "tookies" (cookies)

Derek and Papa

It's that time of year again....my favorite time of year.  Fall is in the air, and because of too little rain this summer the crops are ready to come out of the field.  Each year the kids are and I try to get in on a little combine time with grandpa.  This year Uncle Chris has gotten some combine time so the kids were eager to get in a ride with their Uncle.  This brings back so many memories for me as a kid getting rides with Dad in the combine, Mom making lunch for everyone and bringing it out in the field, and of course, the conversation that goes along with it.  I learn more and more every year about farming (and a few other things!).  Either way, I LOVE that I can make these memories with my kids, while I reminisce about my own childhood.  It's those little things in life that make all the difference, ya know?!

Nolan loved riding so much he got in two different rides.  Chris said the boys (Keegan and Nolan) hardly talked but when the girls rode, it was a different story...so funny to hear the things they say!!

Derek loved his ride as well; I rode along since I wasn't sure how he would handle it on his own.  He kept saying "raining" as the corn was filling the hopper behind our seat.

Last weekend the kids got their pumpkins from Grandma's patch and they are now in front of the garage, awaitng carving time.

I made a stop at the orchard this week as well to get a few apples, and today made the first apple crisp (yum!) and a pot of soup.  This household is battling colds (for the past two weeks) and I am hoping we are at the tail-end of it!!

Derek and I are inside doing various projects today while the older kids and Randy are out with the 4 wheelers putting up trail cameras.  Nolan is really getting into hunting this year and has been looking forward to this!  He is asking for camo clothes and a bow and arrow for his birthday:)

Another busy week ahead for this house, with tumbling, religion class and Nolan's last week of flag football...and our 10th Wedding anniversary on Friday!  Hope everyone has a great week!!

Homecoming!

This week was Homecoming week at school.  Despite a whirlwind of a week, it ended on a good note.  Sunday morning, Eryn woke up with BIG tonsils, and they kept growing...no fever, but finally on Tuesday I took her in to the Dr, and sure enough...STREP!  Thank goodness for antibiotics and she was off and running again by Thursday to school.  Nolan had a small bout of illness too, but just enough for a quick visit to the nurse's office at school.  Mom, on the other hand, wasn't doing too well herself.  I did something to my back last Sunday and could hardly walk.  That continued into Monday, and after my dr visit and xrays, Physical Therapy was the remedy...maybe.  I haven't gone yet... I have a lot of faith in my Chiropracter and have been there twice this week.  So far so good.  I have never been SO happy to wake up on Friday morning and be able to tie my shoes to go for a walk...literally.  Not being able to run is killing me, but I will be okay for the next week while I continue to heal. 

Anyways, Friday afternoon the kids and I attended the Homecoming parade, went home and cleaned house, made a great supper of Cheeseburger Soup and then it was off to the game.  The two older kids are more interested in running around playing with friends, but Derek stuck by Randy and I watching and cheering on the Warriors to a WIN!!!

Powerful Words

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."  Matthew 7:7

Derek's Milestones

As fall approaches, it is hard to believe the boys will again have birthdays and we will officially have a 2 year old in the house.  We have been practicing with Derek to say "two" and it's funny, he likes to say "6" and "9", which are the next birthdays of his siblings. Last night, as we were all sunggled in my bed watching Toy Story, Nolan got Derek to count to three.  It was the cutest thing ever!  This little boy is growing up and learning so much!  He is also working on his colors, and even though he only has 'blue' down at the moment, I am sure the others will come soon.  Since the kids have started school, he lives to see the bus each morning and afternoon saying "Bob."

  His sense of personality is also shining through, and I think that I will definitely get more gray hairs from my youngest child!  For instance, Randy always plays a game with Derek when he's hugging me, saying "my mommy."  Well....yesterday morning Derek wanted me to hold him, so of course I scooped him up and he looks at Randy and says "My mommy!"  It was so funny, and just shows what type of personality this kid's gonna have.  Watch out!

Ridin' Along

Derek loves riding on the tractor!

First Day of School!

The annual picture by the porch

waiting for the bus to arrive!

Believe it or not, school started this past week.  Summer went by way too fast!  The kids (and I) were definitely ready to get back into a routine though, so they were up early the first two days of school.  Both have wonderful teachers, and I am excited to see what the school year brings.  Eryn had the task of helping out a new girl in the class, so that was exciting!  Nolan lost his front tooth on the second day of school (despite my many attempts to pull it in the last week).  Derek, he's having a harder time adjustsing to the kids not being with him all day, or maybe its that they get to go on the bus and he doesn't??  At any rate, he lives to see that bus in the morning and afternoon, no matter what bus, thinking his big brother and sister are getting off of it!

I Love This Kid!

If one thing is for sure, it's that this almost-two-year-old has a great sense of humor (as you can see).  Love him to pieces!!!

Last Minute School Shopping

I don't know why I waited until the last possible day to do clothes shopping with the kids, but I am glad I did!  We headed up to Rochester this morning, bright-eyed and bushy tailed....except for Nolan who took a  nice nap on the way up (Thanks Dramamine;).  Once we arrived it was time to find some deals, and that we did!  Taking advantage of every coupon and sale we could, we got the needed essentials, and had a great time doing so!  I usually am not a fan of food courts, but in order to meet everyones' taste buds, it was the thing to do today!  Subway for Eryn, Sbarro Pizza for Nolan.  We all learned some things today:
1. It's almost impossible to win a stuffed animal in the games in the entryway of WalMart.  We tried...$5 later, still no stuffed animal.
2. Nolan likes to "test" out cologne samples for his Dad (he sure smelled good today!)
3. Eryn loves shopping at Justice.  I may have to get another part time job to meet this need!
4. Eryn loves to read to her brother, and did so most of the way home (Little House on the Prairie).  What a great big sister she is!
5. Derek doesn't know what to do without us!  He was so glad to see us this afternoon, and we missed our little guy while we were away!

I'm off to get the kiddos ready for bed before the big day.... I had a great time off from work, but it's back to routine for all of us in the morning!