Totally Spoiled

I was totally spoiled with wonderful and needed gifts. Of course there were many adorable and pink outfits for the littlest Fenberg girls. I really can't believe that I am going to start all over, and with two at that! Somehow it is just too much to wrap my mind around.

Many of the women went together an purchased me this beautiful glider chair that came with a ottoman as well. (It had to be put out of sight due to the fun the kids were having on it:). I was also given a darling new infant seat so that we can actually get home from the hospital once they are finally born. I think we are set and ready to go, now if they will just be born! Brooke keeps telling me she wants them to come out. We'll see if she changes her mind...

Wonderful Friends

Mary and Anna were thrilled to get to come and be apart of the celebration. They were very well behaved and had a great time with the other little women who were there. As we left Mary declared, "This has been the best night ever!" I would have to agree.

Unfortunately we did not get a group picture, so for memories sake: (Laurel, Sarah, Shelley, Angela, Sarah, and Jessica.)

(Lisa, Tisha, Heidi, Emily, and Laura.)

(Tracie, Holly, Lisa, and Heidi)

The Ultimate "Pinkalicious" Baby Shower

These pictures only give a little inkling of what kind of women I get to associate with. They are capable, talented, and generous to say the least. Not to mention amazing at creating delicious and beautiful food, something I really appreciate!

As you can see the shower had a pink theme. Everyone did their best to dress for the occasion. These are the women who are responsible for putting this all together for me and I am sure there were a few more. Thanks especially to Sarah and Lisa for organizing it, as well as to everyone else who braved the terrible weather and were so thoughtful. The night was perfect!

Jacob's Treasure Hunt

It seems the treasure hunt to find the gifts is officially a tradition now. We always had to find the gifts as the family sang Bula, Bula (something like the "hot/cold" game), but our kids never really took to it. Jacob had lots of help from his sisters to read the clues and find his gifts. He scored a Leapster, a little remote style helicopter, and a few other things.

Jacob is not the only one benefitting from his new toys. Moss is really enjoying the older "boy" presents Jacob is now getting.

Jacob's 5th Birthday

Jacob is finally five. I really can't believe it. It seems like he should stay 3 forever and be my little boy. We had his party at a local gymnastics gym and all the kids had a blast! The foam pit is a definite favorite, and harder than you think to get out of. Jacob has made such great little friends and is really going to miss them when we have to leave.

Fortunately Moss was able to get away from work for a while. There is nothing quite like a dad to come and make everything more fun. Every kid wanted a chance, or two, to swing on the rope (which is really meant for climbing up). Moss pushed and pushed each kid while the rest of us Mom's enjoyed the chance to just sit back and relax.

The weather was horrible that morning and school was out for a "snow day", for which Mary and Anna were very glad. All the moms were good sports and willing to brave the icy roads. The kids all enjoyed brownies and ice cream with sprinkles on top. Most importantly Jacob was thrilled to have all his friends come and celebrate his birthday.

The Latest Craft

After stealing this technique once again from a friend, we decided to use it on a jewelry box. We bought the unfinished box at Michaels, picked out some paper, paint, and embellishments and put it all together with a little modge podge and hot glue. We had a fun time doing it together. It is definitely a quick gift idea for little girls. (It would be even better if you wait until the boxes are on sale.)

And Growing...

Well, for those who are wondering how I am coming along, here I am in all my glory. I think having the kids in the photo gives you better perspective. I can finally say my abdomen is like a rock. There is no squishy-ness at all when you give me a poke. The kids are having a great time watching the babies move around and push out in a variety of directions. It really is quite fascinating. I am to the point of not being able to see my ankles (even in the morning) and none of my shirts are doing their job. (For example, the red sweater above.) Thank goodness my friend loaned me her "unit belt", which keeps me modest. January 6th is the planned induction date, and I must say I am hoping to come on my own before then! We are still open to names, so if you have any (helpful) suggestions please feel free to share them.

The Skating Party- A Success

Since I am not completely myself these days, we decided to have a skating party for Anna's "friend" party. The girls really love it, and we had just gone in NC on our Thanksgiving trip. It was well worth it to have it there and to not stress about the house and the wild raucous that would have occured here.

We were worried about what to do with Brooke, but they had these great shoe skates that let her go like crazy all around the floor. It was also nice that it was a special skate time where only kids 10 and under were allowed to skate. Brooke was unrestrained and didn't quit until we had to make her take them off.

Anna with her friend Sammi, and Brooke

Who's helping who?

Anna's 7th Birthday

We started the day off with a treasure hunt for all of Anna's gifts. I had posted the first clue by her bead, and in the dark of night I heard feet pattering down the hallway. We had to send Anna and Mary back to their room so we could at least get out the camera. They had a great time finding the gifts, and it prolonged the excitement of all the surprises.

Anna has been in need of a new bike for a while, and she was excited to get it. She had been saving up for a new bike this past summer but lost interest. Now she is glad that she got one for her birthday so she can spend her money on something else. Plus, her little bike made it possible for Jacob to beat her in bike races, so now she is ready to take him on.

We had a yummy breakfast with blueberry muffins, eggs, and strawberry milk. And of course we had to include a candle for the fun of it. I was able to take in a birthday treat to Anna's class and we went out to celebrate for dinner, and to celebrate our match to Boston, which happened to be the same day.

Happy Birthday Anna!

Let the Celebrations Begin!

Anna and Jake both have their birthdays in December, 3 days apart. It makes for a extra busy holiday season.
They began their celebrations with a visit from the best primary leaders ever. They each received their own personal cake, decorated just for them. They were in heaven.

Lisa, knowing Anna's love for dogs, made this super cute puppy cake, and of course Jacob was very impressed with his soccer ball. And we all enjoyed eating them!

And the verdict is.....

Well, I have to say I am surprised and relieved all in the same moment, but we finally know where we are going for fellowship...so much for somewhere with a mild climate, we are headed to Boston, Massachusetts!

Decorating the Tree

The Annual Gift Exchange

Every year we have the cousins draw names and give each other gifts. It is always a big hit, and the kids were patient in taking their turn to open their gifts. Jacob received a globe, which sits proudly on his dresser and he admires it daily. It really has invoked a whole new level of questions about geography (Thanks Alister).

Leo was the recipient of a set of marshmellow guns. He was thrilled, and had a hard time when the babies wanted to eat all his ammo. I think Moss had as much fun helping him put it together and shooting other people.

We made Lilias a fleece boa and headband, and and apron with her name on it. She gave the girls some very appreciated littlest petshop animals that have log on codes to play on the internet. Mary and Anna are still having a great time playing with them together, as well as protecting them from Brooke.