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!