ART SHOW

St. Pat's had an "Art Show" tonight. Every student at St. Pat's and Clover Patch did a drawing or another piece of art. They had a local financial center display the art in a gallery type format. They had students playing music and they had cheese and crackers to munch on. Allie did a marble painting that turned out very cute. I may have to find a frame for it to be hung up in my house permanently!

SLUMBER PARTY...KINDA...

Jake & Allie have been begging to have a slumber party in one of their new beds. So, Saturday night they conspired and ended up asleep in Jake's bed. Next week, it is Allie's turn.

HOSPITAL TOURS

We went on a tour of hospitals today. We stopped first and saw Scott's step father who is recovering from surgery. He is doing well and going home tomorrow.

We then went to visit the newest member of our family, Maddie. She is so pretty! I can't wait until next weekend when we can spend more time with her. I forgot my camera so here is a picture that my mom shared.

MISS MADDIE HAS ARRIVED

Madeline (Maddie) Terese Thiel arrived tonight at 7:12 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Mama & babe are doing great! Mandy arrived at the hospital at 5:30 & she was here in about 1.5 hours. Yeah for a quick delivery!!

Look for some pictures tomorrow night after we visit her in the hospital.

IT'S TIME...

Mandy is officially in the hospital as I type this. Mom called awhile ago & she is dilated to a "5" & waiting on her epidural. So, hopefully the rest goes quickly & Miss Maddie will make her grand enterance soon! We can't wait to meet her, hopefully tomorrow!

QUICK UPDATE

Jake's group tried out for the Talent Show yesterday. So far, they are probably one of the best groups to try out.

The kids had soccer on Tuesday and both did well. We go again tonight.

My sister Mandy is due to have baby Maddie anyday now. I put in my request for her to deliver tomorrow so I can come visit my new niece this weekend. Mandy is doing her best for me :)

My nephew Ben is 3 today. My kids always call Ben on his birthday and sing the b-day song into the phone. So, at 7:00 this morning, we tried to do that...they were already off to work & the babysitter. We'll catch them tonight!

Walt's surgery went well yesterday & he is recovering now. Scott left here at 4:00 a.m. to get to the hospital, he didn't return home until almost 7:00 last night. Needless to say he was beat! I didn't get a lot of information out of him, maybe tonight??

ANOTHER WEEK

Another week has flown by, so I'll attempt to recap what has gone on here since my last post.

Last Wednesday, we got about 4 inches of snow. Just enough to let school out early & cancel all evening activities! We still held Talent Show practice for our group, it just started early and since none of the moms had anywhere that they had to be that night, we let the kids play later than usual.

On Thursday, we were all geared up for soccer and that had to be cancelled due to the snow on the ground. The kids were disappointed.

Friday brought sleepovers. Jake rode the bus home with his friend Adam. Adam's dad took Jake, Paul & Adam to the hockey game that night and then the boys slept over. Judging by Jake's mood on Saturday, I'd guess there wasn't much sleeping involved! Allie had her friend Jordyn spend the night on Friday night. They watched videos and played so well together.

Saturday, we spent the day recovering from the sleepovers (we were all tired & a bit crabby). We had a Scouting event at Panera that afternoon and the kids learned to make their own bagels. That night we settled in for family movie night (Narnia) but we all dozed in the chairs!

We spent Sunday running errands. We found Jake a new double bed and bedding. We also got a ceiling fan for his room (it isn't installed yet). His room is coming together nicely. Hopefully, today or tomorrow I can get it all in order.

Last night, Allie had her ballet pictures and we went to Texas Roadhouse for a fundraiser night for our school. The kids had a great time seeing their friends and teachers out.

I have spent the past few days subbing. I've been working one on one with a great kid. Talent Show auditions started yesterday and go for 2 weeks. Jake's group has their audition tomorrow. They can't wait.

Scott's step-father, Walt is having open heart surgery tomorrow. Say an extra prayer that everything goes well. Scott, his siblings and step siblings will be at the hospital tomorrow waiting.

The pictures are of Jake in the snow last week. Who gets snow in April?? Allie & Jordyn watching a movie during the sleepover. Makenna & Jake during Talent Show practice last week.

EASTER

We spend most of Easter Sunday in the car traveling home from Kansas City. We did stop at McDonald's in Missouri for an Easter lunch and we ordered Pizza Hut for our Easter dinner. Not the traditional Easter meals, but we were exhausted from traveling!

The Easter bunny left the kids chocolate bunnies at the hotel & a note telling them that their baskets & eggs were at home. When we got home their were eggs hidden & baskets that were filled to the brim. We had a quick egg hunt & all crashed for the evening!


We still haven't colored our eggs yet. Maybe this weekend?? Better late than never!

SWIMMING, A B-DAY BASH & A WEDDING

We went to Kansas City for Scott's sister Kelley's wedding this past weekend. The kids enjoyed swimming on Friday night...we had the whole pool to ourselves, which was cool!

On Saturday, we celebrated Alex's 8th birthday (Scott's sister Tracy's son). It is hard to believe that he is already 8!!

Kelley & Mike's wedding was beautiful. The kids enjoyed dancing and playing with their cousins. Allie really enjoyed meeting Mike's daughter Francesca, they hit it off immediately & she's been asking every day when she gets to see her new cousin again!

TALENT SHOW PRACTICE

We had our 2nd practice for the Talent Show. The boys modeled their new outfits & they think that they look pretty cool! All of the kids are doing really well with the "moves" and with a little more practice they should be more than ready for the show at the end of May!

THE WEEK IN REVIEW...

On Saturday, we had a Tiger Scout "field trip" to the museum. The boys got to do mini scavenger hunts & find various animals in the exhibits. I think that everyone had fun! After the museum, we went to see TMNT. It was o.k. Allie asked if she could sleep about 1/2 way through the movie. Jake & his friend Paul LOVED it! Saturday night, Alishia came over to babysit so that Scott and I could go on a date. We had dinner and drinks then went to the movie Shooter, which was good. We made it home by midnight. It has been a long time since the 2 of us were alone & out on the town!

Sunday, Scott got a wild hair to switch some beds & dressers around. So, Allie's room got a new makeover. Next it is onto Jake's!


Monday, Allie had parent's day at dance. It was fun watching her try her hand at ballet. Most of you know that she isn't overly graceful (like me). That night we had a Pack meeting for Scouts and a special guest was there...a bald eagle. It was pretty neat!

Last night Jake had another swimming lesson. He did great. He swam by himself about half of the pool. He just got tired, so now we are going to work on endurance. He seems to have relaxed a bit in the water, which is great. One more lesson & then we are done until the Fall.

The rest of the week & through the weekend are looking busy too...never a dull moment here!

YET ANOTHER CRAZY WEEK...

Jake & his Talent Show group have been practicing for their upcoming audition. His group is dancing to "Surfin' USA". There are 3 girls & 3 boys from his class & they all have the moves down well. I picked up matching trunks, t-shirts & sunglasses for the boys. Another mom got matching bathing suits/skirts for the girls. It should be a cute act!

Allie had her friend Olivia H. over this week (she has another friend Olivia F & Jake has a friend Olivia P., gets confusing) . She also had Jordyn over & went to Jordyn's house one day this week. She certainly loves her friends!

Jake had his 2nd private swimming lesson with our dear coach Jamie. I'm amazed every time he goes how much he learns. He is still a little nervous in the water, but is doing well.

I went to Kindergarten Round Up for Allie the other night. It was funny going this time compared to 2 years ago when I went for Jake. This time I knew all of the teachers & staff & a lot of the parents. Allie will go to a practice day in April.



Olivia H. & Allie during their play date!
Jake's group practicing their dance. The boys will have matching outfits at the next practice.
Jake's group. Left to right: Ben, Olivia P., Paul, Sophia, Jake & Makenna.
Allie & Jordyn having a snack. Jordyn is Makenna's (the girl in Jake's group) younger sister.

WEEKEND

We had another busy weekend. On Friday after Jake got out of school, we went to Michael & Kim's house. We grilled out and had a bonfire. We stayed up chatting & just having a good time.

On Saturday, Allie, Kim & I went to a bridal shower for Kim. We played a fun game where Kim had to answer some questions that Michael had answered & if they matched answers, great. If not, Kim had to chew a piece of gum. In the end, she had about 9 pieces of gum in her mouth...pretty good considering there were 30+ questions.

While the girls were at the shower, Michael, Scott & Jake worked on Jake's bike riding skills on the bike path behind Michael & Kim's house. They planned to golf, but the rain started & washed those plans away. So, instead they went for lunch at Hooter's and came home to watch ESPN.

Saturday night, we met my entire family at Happy Joe's to celebrate Ben's birthday. Since the baby is due within days of Ben's actual birthday, we decided celebrate early. After Happy Joe's we all went out to Mike & Mandy's for cake & presents.

Sunday, we left early to get Jake back home for a birthday party for his friend Mason. It was held at the Rec Center and was sports themed so the kids got to play kickball, basketball, dodgeball & soccer...perfect for Jake. After the party, both kids went to friend's houses for the rest of the afternoon. It was SO quiet here!!

Kim showing how much gum is in her mouth!
Mom, Kim, Allie, Me & Mandy
Scott & the kids with a hot fudge sundae at Happy Joe's
Uncle Will with his niece & nephews.
Jake at his friend Mason's party.

DENTIST

Allie had her 6 month check up at the dentist today. No sugar bugs! She has been blessed so far with good teeth!! She has one "wiggly" tooth in the front...it is barely loose, but it satisfied her to know that is was wiggly (I'm guessing it is about 6 months away from falling out). She is also very concerned about braces & questioned both the dentist & the hygienist as to when she'd be getting her braces. I have NO clue where that came from!!

LEPRECHAUNS & THE TOOTH FAIRY

The leprechauns visited the kid's room this weekend. They toppled over Allie's rocking chair & threw some toys around her room. Jake's room had some toys scattered all over too. The kids couldn't believe how tricky those leprechauns can be :)

Jake lost his 2nd tooth over the weekend. Actually, Scott pulled it out. He was looking at it & took a small tug & it was out. Jake had no clue he had pulled it...it was definitely ready to come out! You can't really tell it is out since the new tooth is almost in (the bottom right tooth)! The tooth fairy left Jake a dollar & he was thrilled!

SPRING BREAK '07

The kids were on Spring Break last week. We had a nice relaxing week full of fun!!

Monday: My friend Kristin & I took the kids bowling and out to lunch. Allie couldn't get hte hang of bowling & about halfway into the first game I realized why. She was taking tips from Jake using her left hand!! After bowling, we went to Carlos for lunch & then the kids went to Paul's for a playdate while I cleaned.

Tuesday: The kids and I went to my friend Cathi's for a playdate with her daughters Makenna & Jordyn. Kristin & Paul joined us too. It was a GORGEOUS day, so the kids played outside. We ordered Chinese food for lunch & called it a day around 3:00. I then took the kids over to Chuck E. Cheese's to meet Sophie & the kids to talk about Scouts. We took Paul along & the boys thought that they were pretty cool with their new funny glasses that they won.

Wednesday: The kids and I hopped in the car and went to visit Uncle Michael & Aunt Kim for a few days. We had a quick lunch at McDonald's playland and then drove into Illinois. The kids were SO excited to be in a new state! We had dinner at Chili's and had bonfire with S'mores!

Thursday: Kim, the kids and I ate met up with Grandma, my cousin Abbie & her son Leo at Happy Joe's for lunch. Then we went back to Grandma's house to visit for awhile. Kim took my kids out for ice cream while I got my hair cut. We met my parents, my sister & her husband & my nephew Ben for dinner that evening.

Friday: Happy Birthday to Kim!! We had lunch with Kim and her cousins Alishia & Jenna at Carlos, then we hit the road for home. We got home to a surprise...Scott was actually off of work! We hung out with him the rest of the day.

All in all a fun Spring Break! Enjoy a few of the pics taken last week.

FUNNY

The other night in the car Jake was FREAKING out because he was "too hot with his coat on". He was whining quite a bit. Out of nowhere, Allie says "Jake, I think you stole my whine!" I about died laughing. Allie is SO right, she is typically the whiner in our family.

SPRING CONCERT

Jake had his annual vocal music concert on Thursday night. My mom came up to see his big performance. He did great!! Attached are some pictures from his big night.

GIRL'S MORNING OUT

My mom, Allie & I dropped Jake off at school yesterday, then headed to Cup of Joe for some coffee & hot chocolate. We ran over to Target and did a little shopping, then it was over to Red Lobster for lunch. It was a fantastic way to spend a dreary Friday morning!

MATH FAIR

Jake had his Math Fair on Tuesday night. We visited his classroom and learned about the various math games that they play in 1st grade. We all enjoyed our evening.

BASKETBALL

Basketball is over for this season. Jake really enjoyed himself & I saw TONS of improvement from the first game to the last game. The football OBSESSION has now turned to a basketball obsession. I wonder what will happen during soccer & baseball seasons??



PINEWOOD DERBY

Jake participated in his Pack's derby on Saturday. His car didn't do too well. Maybe next year!

MORE SNOW...

We got MORE snow last night. It is blowing like crazy today & drifting as well. Therefore, school was cancelled today, which means we are going to school until June now! YUCK!!

Scott got stuck this morning when he went to snowblow a friend's driveway. He was driving a 4 wheel drive SUV and got stuck in the street near their house. He called later & told me that one of the main roads was AWFUL and that there were drifts, slush, ice etc. He advised me to stay in all day. For those that are counting, I've been in the house since Tuesday afternoon when Jake was sent home sick. I'm ready to get out!!

Jake is still running a low temp. Nothing that is keeping him down, just a little higher than normal. The Math Fair that he SO wanted to attend last night was rescheduled due to the weather situation, so he should be able to go to that now. Tonight is the weigh in for the big Derby. Hopefully, Scott makes it home in time to take him & the car over...otherwise I'll be doing it & possibly making adjustments to the car. That could be interesting!

UPDATE ON JAKE

Jake is still running a slight fever, so no school for him again today. He was pretty bummed...tonight was his "Math Fair" and his classroom was going to have all of the "Everyday Math" games that they play during school. The kids were going to get to show their parents & siblings how those games worked. I told him that there is a possibility that the fair would be postponed due to the impending weather...he was content with that!

This weekend is the big Pinewood Derby. I took his car to the Post Office to be weighed on Tuesday morning. He is .1 ounces light right now. Scott has a small weight that he can stick on the car tomorrow night at the official weigh in if the car is still light.