Monday, November 26, 2012

Stewart

I broke down and purchased Elf on the Shelf this year.  I have been watching the neat ideas on Pinterest for a year and a half now, but have thought that it was terribly ridiculous the $30.00 price tag that the elf came with.  But... this year I did it anyway.  And it has TOTALLY paid off so far.  The boys and I went to the store a few weeks ago and brought him home.  We took him out of the box and then read the story.  I put him up on the mantel and pretty much dismissed him.  I told the boys I thought it was pretty silly and he probably wasn't real.  Bennett was positive he was real so we named him Stewart.  I don't remember who came up with the name, but it was a hit right away.  Harrison was still a little cautious and was tending to agree with me as to whether or not he was real.  About an hour later I dusted the house.  About an hour after that Bennett yelled from the living room - "STEWART MOVED!!!"  One of the rules about Elf on the Shelf is that you don't touch him.  His magic will disappear.  When I had dusted, I moved him and forgot to put him back where I had originally put him. He had 'moved' about a foot over on the mantel.  We were AMAZED!  The boys talked about it for the next hour or so.  We also had discussions about visiting the North Pole.  The story says that each night when we go to bed, the elf with sneak out of the house and go to the North Pole to report on if the kids were bad or good that day.  I commented that it was awhile before Christmas so Stewart would probably go see Santa and stay for awhile to help build toys, if he was real... :)  Well, wouldn't you know, Sunday morning, Bennett called me at work.  Stewart was gone!

Stewart stops by to check on Harrison
This morning, Bennett the detective spotted Stewart sitting up on the mantel.  I guess he is back.  It is not even December and I can't wait for day after day of Elf on the Shelf fun!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Day

He who thanks but with the lips, thanks but in part; the full, the true Thanksgiving comes from the heart.  ~ J.A. Shedd


I am thankful for my family.  They are  the best.  Truly the best.  And my mom's stuffing.  Also, the best!

Christopher: I am thankful for a leisurely day filled with good people and good food.

Harrison: I am thankful that everyone is here from Florida and that I am feeling better.

Bennett:  I am thankful for James and Kaitlyn!

One year ago

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

11/21/12

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom. ~ Unknown

I am thankful for Pinterest.  It may be an unhealthy obsession, but I love it.  It is a wonderful way to gather ideas, laugh and share recipes.  Heaven in my book!

Christopher: I am thankful for the gift of going to HyVee the night before Thanksgiving. (Beth thinks he is grateful for the gift of sarcasm.  Christopher responded "No, really, this is quite the experience!)

Harrison:  If I have to be thankful for something; I am thankful that I got to watch movies all day. (Bennett and Harrison both came down with a nasty stomach virus.  Bennett got over his this morning around 4, but Harrison has not been so lucky.  He misses James and Kaitlyn.  :(  Uggg.)

Bennett: I am thankful for God.

One year ago

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

11/20/12

Not what we say about our blessings but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~ W.T. Purkiser

I am thankful that the airlines got my brother and family here safely from Florida.  Let the family week begin!!!!

Christopher: I am thankful for my in-laws being here from Florida.

Harrison: I am thankful for pancake pizza, pancake sandwiches, and taco pancakes.  (They had pancakes and sausage for lunch today...)

Bennett: I am thankful for pancakes!

Miles: I am thankful for a Thanksgiving feast at preschool.  I am bringing the muffins!

Annabelle: I am thankful to go to Mimi's tomorrow.

Rocco is thankful for an orange cup.  He carries it around while he crawls and sometimes throws it and then chases after it.

Eleanor is thankful for Christopher's beard.  She LOVES to pull on that thing!

One year ago


Monday, November 19, 2012

11/19/12

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John F. Kennedy

I am thankful for dry-erase markers.  I love to erase my calendar on the wall and start over.  I fill it in with different colors assigned to the four of us and it just excites me to see all of our activities up on the wall!  Geek!

Christopher: I am thankful for a short work week.

Harrison: I am thankful for P.E. We are learning to play volleyball.

Bennett: I am thankful for outside recess.  I love playing with friends.

Miles:  I am thankful for my remote control car.  It is Finn McMissle and he goes fast.

Annabelle:  I am thankful to get to come to your house.  (Ahhhhh!!)

Rocco is thankful for cuddles, but they don't last long.  Squirmy, little 8 month-olds!

Eleanor is thankful to have her diaper off.  She loves to bring her legs way up and roll into a ball during diaper changes!

One year ago

Sunday, November 18, 2012

11/18/12

Here are the two best prayers I know: 'Help me, help me, help me' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you." ~ Anne Lamott

I am thankful for jeans.  Jeans and sweatshirts.  Jeans, sweatshirts, and slippers.  Ahhhhhh....

Christopher: I am thankful for one-on-one time with Harrison.

Harrison:  I am thankful that they made Big Time Rush into a spy movie.

Bennett:  I am thankful for Book Club.

One year ago

Saturday, November 17, 2012

11/17/12

Rest and be thankful.  William Wordsworth

I am thankful for the Neipert family.  Neipert Thanksgiving was today and it was wonderful getting together with them, meeting Greyson for the first time (adorable!) and spending time with a pregnant sister-in-law.  Can't wait for that baby!

Christopher: I am thankful I got to see so many of my Neipert family members.

Harrison: I am thankful that I got to play with Greyson.

Bennett: I am thankful for apple pie.

One year ago

Friday, November 16, 2012

11/16/12

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.  The important thing is not to stop questioning. ~ Albert Einstein


I am thankful photographs.  Don't live for the memories, but cherish them all the same.

Christopher: I am thankful that it is Friday.  Muscatine thanksgiving tomorrow!

Harrison:  I am thankful that it is Friday.  The weekend is almost here!

Bennett:  I am thankful for papers from school.

Miles is thankful for his sister.  Annabelle was sick today and Miles and I had fun, but you could tell he was a little lost without her.  I love their bond.

Rocco is thankful for neck tickles right before his naps.  And Beth loves the way he curls into himself to giggle.

Eleanor is thankful for things that sound like crinkly paper.  She is so intrigued by this sound!

One year ago

Thursday, November 15, 2012

11/15/12

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Today is about books.  I love books.  The written word is powerful and meaningful and I enjoy taking it all in.  My book club meets tonight and it is one of my favorite nights of the month.  First drinks with a good friend (Chris!), and then discussion with a good group of people.  I am grateful that I get the opportunity to read and even more grateful that it helps to mold me as a person.  I once read that we all live one life, but a reader is lucky enough to live hundreds.

Christopher:  I am thankful that I got to eat lunch with Bennett at school today.

Harrison: I am thankful that I got to renew my book at the library.

Bennett: I am thankful for school.  I really like my friends.

Miles:  I am thankful for playing games with Bennett.

Annabelle: I am thankful my friend, Payton.  I like her.

Rocco is thankful for cupboard doors.  Open.  Shut.  Open. Shut.

Eleanor is thankful her bottles.  Beth is predicting a growth spurt!

One year ago

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

11/14/12

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~ Buddha ( Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

I am thankful for my grandparents.  For most of my life I had taken for granted that people had grandparents in their lives.  I had five great-grandparents until I was 8 and all four of my grandparents until we lost my Grandpa Wilcke in April of 2011.  My extended family has always been around me and hopefully always will.  My grandparents have had a huge impact on my life, from Lucky Charms at Great Grandma and Grandpa Mohr's house to never being able to have a horse because Grandpa Wilcke didn't like them!  Great Grandma Wilcke was a devoted Cubs fan and Grandpa DeBolt was a devoted fan of a chair in the small farm house kitchen where he could watch over my Grandma DeBolt busy-boding herself in the kitchen.  Their love and support has never waivered and I will always be thankful and grateful to have them in my life.

Christopher: I am thankful for soap and those who decide to use it.

Harrison: I am thankful for electronics.

Bennett: I am thankful for sunshine; it makes my cheeks warm.

Miles: I am thankful for playing on the playground.

Annabelle:  I am thankful for my soft leggings and my new boots just like Mommy's.

Rocco is thankful for happiness.  He is such a happy, happy baby.  Today I just couldn't get over how big his smile was!

Eleanor is thankful she can roll over.

One year ago

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

11/13/12

Happiness is a warm puppy. ~ Charles Shultz

I am thankful for breakfast.  I really love breakfast food.  Today at sautéed onions and green peppers and then fried two eggs on top of the onions and peppers.  YUM.  I also love french toast topped with too much butter and powdered sugar.  Oh, and sausage links drenched in maple syrup.  And Honey Nut Cheerios with a cut up banana.  Mmmmm, breakfast.

Christopher: I am happy that liquid nitrogen to the face doesn't hurt as much as one would think.

Harrison: I am thankful that we found my hat at school.  Now I can go back to saying I have never lost anything at school!

Bennett: I am thankful for trucks.  Someday I will have one like Grandpa.

Miles: I am thankful that my friends listened today while I was interviewed as Super Star of the Week in preschool.

Annabelle:  I am thankful I get to go home to see my family.

Rocco is thankful for my book-shelves.  He pulls one down.  I put it up.  He pulls another one down.  I put it up.  See a pattern?


Happy Birthday, Grandpa (Greg)!!

One year ago

Monday, November 12, 2012

Veteran's Day

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. ~ Marcus Aurelius

Today and all days I am thankful for veterans.  I can not tell you how many men and women I know who have supported our country by joining the military.  They are heroes in our country and should be treated as such.  In my heart, I believe in peace.  In my head, I understand the need for a  country to protect itself.  Thank you for your service to our country, especially my grandfather, Robert DeBolt, World War II veteran my one of my heroes.

Christopher: I am thankful that my beard keeps Eleanor happy.

Harrison: I am thankful for the Hawkeye basketball season game tonight.  I got to watch til half time and they seem to be doing better than the football players.

Bennett: I am thankful for my winter coat and scarf and hat and gloves.  It is cold outside!!

Miles:  I am thankful I get to go to school today.

Annabelle: I am thankful for my dad.  I love him.  He's so funny.

Rocco is thankful for toast.  The boy likes to eat!

Eleanor is thankful for anyone who will hold her.  I get the feeling she was held a lot this weekend in Davenport!  :)

One year ago

Day 11

I haven't failed.  I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. ~ Thomas Edison

I am thankful for all the wonderful friends I have in my life; past and present.

Chris: I am thankful Harrison cleaned the bathroom.

Harrison: I am thankful that I got to clean the bathroom and the toilet.  I have never done that before.

Bennett: I am thankful that my mom took me to Wreck-It Ralph.  I liked this movie.

One year ago

Saturday, November 10, 2012

11/10/12

Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get. ~ Mark Twain


I am thankful for movie theater popcorn.  I am taking the boys to a movie this afternoon (surprise for them!!) and I can't wait for the popcorn!!  Yum.  Yum.  Now I am wondering if I can drop them off at Wreck-It Ralph while I go see Argo.  Hmmmm.

Christopher: I am thankful for the beautiful weather we are having.

Harrison: I am thankful for Elf on the Shelf.

Bennett: I am thankful for Stewart.  Our Elf on the Shelf.



One year ago

Friday, November 9, 2012

Day 9

It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.  ~ Unknown

I am thankful for my job at Starbucks.  I have been there for 3 1/2 years and while sometimes, I just want to stay home and have dinner with my family, I am grateful for my fellow baristas, my fellow shift supervisors, and my manager.  They are fun and interesting!  I try very hard to shop local and support smaller businesses, but as a very large business goes, I feel like Starbucks is one of the best.  I am also thankful that I don't have to work tonight!  It throws off my week when I pick up an extra shift and work on different days!

Christopher: I am thankful for food day at work!

Harrison: I am thankful that Mrs. Mathews takes us home on Fridays.  It is always fun to go in her car and talk with her.

Bennett: I am thankful for climbing up ladders.  Then I can slide down the slide!

Miles: I am thankful for my shoes.  They have pockets that open.

Annabelle: I am thankful for my Hello Kitty purse.

Rocco is thankful for his knees.  It may seem like he stands all the time, but to get from place to place he covers a lot of distance.

Eleanor is thankful for the play gym.  She loves to pull on those toys!


One year ago

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thanks!

The sun lay like a friendly arm across her shoulder. ~ Margorie Kinnan Rawlings, South Moon Under

I am thankful for my friend Shannon and her little boy Hudson.  They come over for lunch on Thursday's and we are so grateful to have them.  Hudson has had a tough 18 months of life and is struggling with wanting to eat.  We were having mac and cheese and he was having some puffs.  He kept reaching for Miles' plate so I got him some of his own.  He didn't eat any, but he played with his spoon and tried to get some on his spoon and tasted his spoon that had sauce on it.  Shannon was so happy.  I can't imagine the struggles and joys that she goes through on a daily basis, but am blessed to be part of their journey.  

Christopher: I am thankful for Shepherd's Pie.

Harrison: I am thankful for Harry Potter.  It is a GREAT set of books.

Bennett: I am thankful for Douglas.  I am glad he still loves me.

Miles:  I am thankful that I get to be Super Star next week.

Annabelle: I am thankful for my house.  It is red.  I like that.

Rocco is thankful for his Dad.  Just ask him.  He will say 'Da. Da. Dadadadada. Da.'

Eleanor is thankful for Harrison.  Everyday when he gets home from school he gets her out of her car seat and sits on the couch holding her propped up on his knees and legs.  Today he pretended she won a cage match and he lifted her little arms in victory saying 'And the winner is... EJ!'  Yesterday he blew raspberries at her and she blew them back at him.  She is very lucky to have such a great big cousin!


One year ago

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Mimi for President

It is just that we should be grateful, not only to those with whose views we may agree, but also to those who have expressed more superficial views; for these also contributed something, by developing before us the powers of thought. ~ Aristotle


I am thankful for yogurt.  I just really like yogurt.  And granola.  Yogurt and granola make a really good combination.

Christopher: I am thankful we don't have a president named Mitt.

Harrison: I am thankful that Obama won and we got donuts.

Bennett:  Me too!  I am thankful for donuts!!

Miles:  I am thankful that Barack Obama won last night.  He gets to be our president for four more years and then somebody else gets to be president.  AB ~ "Like Mimi.  Mimi will be president for four more years."  Miles ~ "MIMI?!?!  Maybe..."

Annabelle: I am thankful for my baby brother cause I love him soooo much!

Rocco is happy that he can pound his hands on his high chair tray and send Cheerios flying everywhere.  Beth however...

Eleanor is thankful for the backs of her eyelids.  She has slept so much today.  Hope she sleeps tonight.


One year ago

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

VOTE!

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~ Cythia Ozick


I am thankful for the right to vote.  I am proud to have attended Iowa State University, the college of women's voter activist Carrie Chapman Catt and I am proud that the education of my parents and the education of my school helped to develop me into the educated, independent, informed voter I am today.  Men and women have long strived for the right and privilege to vote and I did so today in their honor.  Thank you.

Christopher: I am thankful it took two minutes to vote today.

Harrison: I am thankful and excited for my first indoor soccer game tonight.

Bennett: I am thankful I got to vote with Mom today.  I wish she would have filled out ALL of the ovals.  (I predict great Iowa Tests of Basic Skills for him!)

Miles: I am thankful that my dad picks me up after lunch and takes me to school.  I just like him. :)

Annabelle: I am thankful for my shoes.  I love them.  (The girl loves shoes!)

Rocco is thankful for toys, i.e. ~ the ottoman, the dining room chairs, the tv stand, random shoes lying around.  Toys.

Eleanor is thankful for the exer~saucer.  She loves that thing!



One year ago


Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday, Monday. La, laaa. La, la, la, laaaa.

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~ Charles Dickens

Today I am thankful for for Bennett's wave.  When I come around the corner to pick them up for school, I just melt every time I see Bennett wave at me.  He smiles with the happiest smiles and waves the tiniest, happiest wave.  It makes me feel so warm and loved.  Don't get me wrong, Harrison waves too.  But, unfortunately, it is one of those waves that says 'I am a little too cool to be waving at my mom, but I missed her so I will give her a quick show of recognition.'

Christopher: I am thankful for beef stew.  I sure hope Beth turns the leftovers into Shepherd's Pie...

Harrison: I am thankful for my new shoes and that I learned how to tie them.

Bennett: I am thankful for this bag of candy.  (BTW ~ If your child got too much candy trick-or-treating, it is rotten to send that excess candy to school in cute little candy bags for the other kids to take home.  We have ENOUGH candy!!!)  :)

Miles: I am thankful that I get to go to Little Ninja's tonight.  Caden will be there.

Annabelle:  I am thankful for my mommy.  I love my mommy so much. (If only you could have heard her say this.  So sweet and with such adoration!)

Rocco is thankful for bananas.  He loooooves bananas.

Eleanor is thankful for her daddy.  I know she missed him this past week!




One year ago


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Thankful day 4


All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you’ll be quite a lot. ~ Dr. Suess

I am thankful for my alone time the past 2 days.  The boys packed up for a trip to Davenport to see Gpa and Gma and Uncle Ryan and Aunt Kaylee.  Chris got to attend a surprise birthday outing for his friend, Scott and because I had to work this morning, I choose to stay home.  While I missed seeing everyone, I was glad to get out of the house and run some errands by myself and I was elated for some quiet, uninterrupted time to read!!  But now, it's 6:15 and the house is still empty and quiet and I am ready for a little noise (they should be home any minute).  I will probably regret saying that by 7:30 when we start getting ready for bed... but I miss my boys!

Christopher: I am thankful for a fun-filled evening with friends at Jersey Grill.

Harrison:  I am thankful that I got to see Uncle Ryan and Aunt Kaylee.

Bennett: I am thankful for my two day weekend.


One year ago

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Thanks

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.  ~ Woody Allen

Today I am also thankful for laughter, just like Woody Allen.  I have a wonderfully funny family and they make me laugh on a daily basis.  From my mom and he inability to tell jokes (A giraffe walks into a bar and says ~ I've got the high balls!  NOOOOOO!!  Mom, it's 'The high balls are on me!') to my dad and my brother's ability to remember every line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  My own boys are becoming comic genius' themselves.  Bennett likes to lock doors and watch people run into them and Harrison loves to tickle my feet and laughs uncontrollably that I HATE THIS!!  Laughter makes for a happy life and that is all I want for myself and my family.  To be happy.

Christopher: I am thankful that I am going to see my mom and dad.

Harrison: I am thankful that we are going to Davenport.

Bennett: I am thankful that we are going to Grandma and Grandpa's.



Thankfulness one year ago



Friday, November 2, 2012

Thankful take 2

The children have been a wonderful gift to me, and I'm thankful to have once again seen our world through their eyes.  They restore my faith in the family's future.  ~ Jackie Kennedy

Me: I am thankful for Harrison.  He is caring, kind, GREAT with the babies and loves to learn.  I couldn't be more proud of my fantastic boy.

Christopher: I am thankful for a 3 day work week.

Harrison: I am thankful that we did blog writing today. (Nothing new today, but here is a link to the classroom blog ~ http://cappercrew.blogspot.com)

Bennett: I am thankful for slides.  I can go fast.

Miles: I am thankful for Legos because I like them.

Annabelle: I am thankful for my new coat.  It has flowers and purple on it.

Rocco is thankful for the French.  His own kissing style is modeled after theirs.

Eleanor is thankful for jumping boys.  Bennett and Harrison like to jump up and down in front of her and she giggles every time!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thankful

It's that time of year again and I couldn't be happier.  I love the thankful season.  It feels good to be grateful for something on a daily basis.  I feel overall that I am grateful for what I have and I look forward to having a great excuse for documenting what my family is grateful for as well.

Me: I am thankful for my love of cooking.  And the Pioneer Woman.  Maybe.  Butter...

Christopher: I am thankful for a Dunkin' Donuts in Des Moines.

Harrison: I am thankful to be studying maps in school.  I love learning all of the states.

Bennett: I am thankful for recess.  I will probably be thankful for recess tomorrow, too!

Miles: I am thankful for Barack Obama.

Annabelle: I am thankful for Barack Obama signs.  Mommy has one, you have one, I like them.

Rocco is thankful for Eleanor's forehead.  He must think that it tastes REAL good!

Eleanor is thankful for rolling over.  Today I set her on her tummy to go get Rocco and I when I came back she was on her back!



Past thankfulnesss