Luigi's 1st Birthday!

I can't believe that Luigi is already 1! I think of the many memories that we already have and what a blessing he has been to our family. Tweetsy and Mario loved to hold him when he was really little but aside from that they didn't notice much that he was around. He's been such an easy baby not requiring much of anything (possibly wise in his young age that Tweetsy and Mario are handfuls!) He does everything that Tweetsy and Mario never did like put everything in his mouth and creeped for a very long time before crawling and is constantly on the move. He also loves to cuddle and it's so sweet when he just lays his head against your chest. When I recall Tweetsy and Mario at 1 I think they were much more 'grown up' and more toddler like. Luigi is still just a baby. He's so sweet and doesn't have the fearlessness, or confidence or independance that Tweetsy and Mario had/have. It's amazing already to see the differences. But there are the similarities too...Luigi has the same infectious laugh that they do.
The birthday party for Luigi was a fun one and close family and friends came but Luigi didn't really realize that the party was for him. I decided to make cupcakes and made a cupcake cake in the shape of a one...a bit of a creative touch but definetely not professional. I also made Manicotti for the first time (which turned out ok). Katie came early and helped me immensely with the appetizers and showed me a few tricks that I didn't know...thanks a bunch Katie! Luigi wasn't even sure about the cake...he tried it but we had to help him get messy! Mario & Tweetsy opened his presents for him but again, Luigi didn't notice that the presents were for him. I remember Tweetsy and Mario's 1st birthday...they were very into the presents and Tweetsy looked at each card as if she knew what they said. What a difference! Luigi got lots of new summer clothes and a few toys. The party was a lot of fun and it was nice to relax and enjoy some good conversation too. Thanks to everyone who came and even to those who couldn't make it but still made it a very memorable birthday for Luigi!

Lots of fun things going on!

Well, it has certainly been a while since I updated you all on the what's been going on in our life. Peter has been working so much and the kids and I have been trying to find things to do to keep busy while it's still cold outside. It'll sure be great when spring arrives and we can shed our coats and snowpants! First off...the kids went to see a play on a field trip with their school. Fearless Jacob was able to go up on stage and test out some of the props. Fearful Aniella missed her opportunity and when she was finally comfortable enough there weren't any more chances. Just a glimps at their personality traits!

After being cooped up in the house for many many days and having a day off from school I decided to find a place to take the kids swimming. I took them to the Shoreview Community Center. Jackpot! But of course it was a day that a lot of other families had the same idea. This place is family friendly for kids of all ages and safe for little ones including a ship water slide that they loved. JT wasn't as thrilled to be there and I had to hold him the entire time but I didn't have to worry about Aniella and Jacob. This is definetly something we'll do again and it's affordable.

We've done a few other fun things like meeting Grandpa and Grandma N. at Wooddale Fun Zone where they have a large climbing area and slides for kids plus lots of games. This is one of our favorite places! The kids have also taken turns going to Grandpa and Grandma M's in St. Cloud. This gives them each a special time to spend with their grandparents. Each time they would go Peter and I would take the other to Chuck E. Cheese for a special outing! Good times :)

Outdoor Fun!

The past couple of weekends we were able to do so many fun things but only because of my very best friend Leslie. The first weekend we went snowtubing at the Badlands in Hudson, WI. We all had a blast (of course Jon stayed home with Dad). It was a lot of work just getting up the hills with one of the kids. Eventually Aniella and Jacob were (somewhat) doing it themselves and braving going down the hill alone! We were sore and worn out the next day but it was well worth it. We can't wait to do it again...next year!
Then, this past weekend Aniella went to visit my mom in St. Cloud. So, Leslie and I decided to take Jacob and Jon to my dad's cabin for some snowmobiling. We all tried to go...Grandpa Steve, Grandma Jan, Leslie, myself, Jacob and Jon! Jon was not enjoying this at all so Grandpa and Grandma headed back to the cabin and the rest of us headed out on the trails. We went for a few hours on Sat and a few hours on Sun. Part of the time Leslie and I were able to go just the two of us and went to lunch in Balsam Lake. It was a great time.
It's a great blessing to have Leslie in our life. Not just because of all the fun that we have but because she's alway there when I need her. She's the kind of friend who understands you better than you understand yourself and is still my friend in spite of so many things. She also loves my kids a lot and my kids love her too!

Prayer for my Brother

I said goodbye to one of my very best friends today. My brother will be gone for at least 2 years while he serves time for violating his probation. He's not a criminal but he did make a few too many mistakes while trying to quit drinking. He has struggled with this for so many years and so many people have been hurt in his path trying to help him. Without alcohol he's an amazing person and would do just about anything for anyone. Lately, he's been saying "I can fix just about anything, but I can't seem to fix myself". This statement is very true. He has a great heart but along the path of his life there have been hurts that he, for some reason, can't seem to get over. Most people have good coping methods and can stay strong no matter what life throws their way but then there are the select few that don't know how to cope at all and so they don't or just can't. So, I'm praying for my brother that he comes out on the other side of the next two years healed, with a strong character, at peace with himself and with the world and ready to start over.