Nine.

We celebrated Jason's 9th birthday today with a secret, simple surprise party! This year he just wanted to have 2 friends sleepover and go to The Wow Zone. But since we aren't able to schedule that anytime in the next few weeks, I thru together a party for after school today. I had Becca pick up Jason, then we surprised him when they got here.. He said, "I can't believe you guys did this for me."

Jacques was unable to be in town today. So we took Jason to dinner last night to Famous Daves and they came out and sang with a desert and candles! He was also able to open his gift last night.. a huge 1,254 piece Lego set. He had been talking about it for weeks.. and was convinced he wasn't getting it. But Momma Bear (with a few extra shifts at the Y) came threw..

It's been an amazing nine years.

Love You Always, Momma

Twelve Days of 2012

Zachary's already had an ear infection. He was sick for 4 days and on antibiotics.

Ryan started preschool. He has been for 3 days now. He is thriving and loves it.

I love the 5 hours a week to be just me, even though it just flies by. Today I came home, climbed back in bed with a book, coffee and season two Tru Blood.

Jason will be 9 next week.

Tomorrow night is Date Night with Dake. We are going to see Mark Walhberg's new flick. I love that man. Jessica is watching the boys. (Side Note: Last time we went out, we got home at 8:30 and Zach was mad because Jessica wouldn't give him cookies, "because it was late at night." Daddy said, "You wouldn't give him cookies? Come on Zach, I'll get you some." And that's how we roll..)

My reading is really sluggish so far this year..

I hate winter. It's cold.

We spent New Years Day at Mall of America. Shopping, Lego land and Nickelodeon Universe.

Ordered Jason's spring soccer uniforms $110 plus enrollment was $185. Ouch.

And A Happy New Year.

Updates.

We had a very Merry Christmas. No traveling. Up early for stockings and presents. Then assembling said presents.. We had lunch out on Christmas Day.. I finished a book, read another.
Life is Good, Busy.

I have rearranged 3 rooms.. I purged a ton of junk, organized toys, totes and everything else.

Today is Dake's 1st day back to work in 10 days. I'm sort of lost without him. Today is also the first day in weeks, that I have no where to be, nothing to do. And I'm rocking yoga pants because of it.

Jason went to Mall of America's Nickelodeon Universe last Friday with a batch of the Y kids. He rode every ride there! Even the biggest, scariest.. SO proud of him.

Other Big News. Last week Jason was having a terrible time with a loose tooth causing him pain. I got him into the dentist, and it was infected, his gums, not the tooth. He had it pulled (We did it with him numb and not knowing.. I knew his fear would be greater if he heard the words "Pulls It" so we said the dentist was "gonna work on it.") But it was awful to see him upset by the pressure of the work. It was BY FAR the hardest mommy moment I've had so far.. When he was done, I told him the dentist pulled it out.. He didn't even know!! The dentist said it was one of those random things. The tooth was perfectly healthy, so she didn't know why his gums got an infection. The Tooth Fairy left him a $20 that night.

Ryan starts preschool January 3rd. He's in Zach's class and I am super nervous for him! I also have them enrolled in preschool for Fall 2012-Spring 2013.. Then they are off to Kindergarten! FYI- I think they are class of 2027.

I'm on my 96th or 97th book of the year.. I'll have the official tally once the year is over.

I am sooooo ready for 2012. Twenty-eleven was great!!

I celebrated my birthday last week with almost 30 guests!! I got a ton of amazing gifts, not to mention, had a TWILIGHT cake..

I'm not sure if I will keep the blog running much longer. Seems like I have less time, less readers.

I  didn't send out Christmas cards, but I do have some that I will still mail out with photos for my most favorite families.. and if I have those favorite families addresses.

A BIG Thanks to all those who sent us Christmas cards, and gifts for the boys. We love you all, M

Time to PARTY!

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas a video by mandydake on Flickr.

Zachary at his preschool Christmas program today. 12/13/11 There are 4 clips total on flicker, all 30 seconds or less. You must be signed into see the others. Hugs, M

I have TWO FOUR year olds!

And here they are! On the 3rd. So they are 4 here! And look, I still blog. Who knew, right? I will be back later with a BUNCH of updates on the Dakes. More photos up on flickr. Hugs, M

Currently on our fridge.

Jason's November reading calendar.
A school lunch menu until Wednesday.
A photo of me and Bieber together.
Zachary's preschool calendar for November.
A reminder he needs an apple for school Tuesday.
Jason's swim lessons guide.
A notepad that has my grocery list.
Our calendar.
A conference reminder for Jason.
A ton of magnets.
An acorn Zach made.
A list of upcoming important dates.
A photo of Dake & his brothers via 1980's.
A Leapfrog letter learner.

Some Photos are Posted..

Just click here.. PUERTO Rico to see them.. they are not labeled yet, but you'll get the drift. All photos are public, so you do not need be signed in to see them... hugs, m

Puerto Rico.

Been There. Done That. More Photos and the stories too come.