Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year, along with February 14th, July 8th, July 28th and August 9th, December 24th and 25th:) I love the meaning of the day, because I have learned just how thankful I really am. I cant possibly deserve all the great things I have, but very thankful that God has given these blessings to me.
   We spent Turkey Day watching the Macy's Day Parade, (G kept thinking Maci would be on the T.V.) lunch at Nana and Papas and relaxing the rest of the day. We stuffed ourselves silly with the plethera of delicious food! We had all the normal dishes and I made a Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle, Mini SF Maple Pecan Pies (for Papa) and some awesome Garlic Roasted veggies! As I was tucking G in bed, I asked her to tell me some things she was thankful for, and what she said will always stick with me and melt my heart: I am thankful for Jesus and that he loves my whole heart.  ♥♥♥Beyond preciousness!
      Black Friday was a rather peaceful experience. Mom, Maci, Ace and I braved the dreaded crowds in Wichita that morning and it wasn't that bad. We got some good deals and I am around 95% finished with Christmas gifts! Ace joined the fun since he wasn't feeling the best and I didn't want him to be too whiny for the sitter. He actually did a great job and was very snuggly little man:) I love having one on one time with my beans. It doesn't happen often, so I take advantage of when I can. That evening we had the Aichele family Thanksgiving at out house. We had smoked turkey and it is so good! We have been doing that the past few years and I really enjoy that, since it is different from what my family does.
   Today was the much anticipated mommy daddy get away to KC....that wasn't:/ On our way out of town, we decided to just go to Wichita instead of the 3 hour drive to KC. So we shopped at Dick's and headed to the Mall and as we were walking around Luke mentioned he was feeling weak and looked rather pale. So we went to get some lunch. After we ate he said he felt a bit better so we went to VS, Barnes and Nobles and Nature's Grocer. The movie we had planned to see didn't start for another 1.5 hours and Luke still wasn't feeling up to par and I really missed the beans, so we decided to head back early. So much for the weekend away that we had planned for the last month or so! Oh well it was a nice kid free shopping trip for the time being.

Trying to catch the snowflakes on her tongue!

Another try!

Enjoying the snowfall with her hot cocoa.

♥ X 3! Love Chlor's face in this shot:)

Muah!

Poor Acie. He wasn't feeling his turkey shirt that Whit and I made him:(

Parent Teacher conference review!---------->SUPER PROUD MOMMA!

So I know I just blogged yesterday, but I had to write this down so I wouldnt forget the AWESOME report I got from G's teachers. They had a list of all the things they want the child to achieve by the end of the Older Class, which she will be in next year. She knows all the letters, numbers 1-12 and recognition of them, answers questions when prompted, can spot the same object when asked,knows all 11 colours they learn, knows sequence and patterns and can cut paper semi-well (Minus holding the scissors upside down for the 1st portion of class). They said she was the ONLY student to know all 8 shapes!! Score! All those flashcards and Nick Jr games are paying off! They have written cute things that happen through out the year and a few of them are: A little girl named Lucy is rather shy and usually sits in the corner because she misses her mom and G goes over to her frequently and offers to "read" her books, or "curl" her hair with the play beauty items, and talks in a high pitched voice to comfort her! I would say one of my qualities is being a comforter, so she must get that from me:) She also wanted the play phone so she asked one of the children "May I please have the phone?" After it was received, she said "Thank you". Plus all the manner talk is paying off! She plays well with a number of students and branches out instead of just hanging with her bff, Brodie. Luke and I both walked away feeling very proud and thankful for such a smart little cookie!   She has her Christmas program on December 21st and I cant wait for it! ♥ my little green eyed, golden hair baby!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How I truely love thee

Last week was rather laid back and we were happy since we have been busy the last week with the wedding and all the festivities.
      On Wednesday, Luke went to G's preschool to talk about his job as a Barber. He talked for about 10 minutes about all he did and of course the kids said some completely off the subject things. One little girl, Becca, told him she had a Doctor's appt the next day with Dr Melisa. One kid said she cut her barbies hair and another told him the his Mom said he would be in big trouble if he touched scissors. G just sat there and smiled at him and watched Ace walk over to the kid's backpacks and just inspect them all. I think Luke really enjoyed talking at the school and I know G felt pretty proud that her daddy came to talk.

       On Friday we were at the Y and the girl who takes care of the beans at Toddler Time just randomly mentioned that she had put her Christmas tree up the night before. A light bulb, or rather a string of Christmas lights, went off in my head, "Hey I am gonna do that too!". So I told G about it on the way home from the Y and she was totally game! I told her to not tell Daddy so we could surprise him. Everything was cool until he called at lunch to talk with her. She said "Hey daddy we are gonna do the Christmas...." Me: (Whispering) "NO! Say never mind" G:"Oh never mind, just never mind Daddy". Good save G! (He later told me he thought that's what she said and then saw the lights when he pulled up and knew what was up...) So after naps I pulled all the boxes up from the basement and we got in the mood with a little Christmas Pandora starring Harry Connick Jr and Buble! While we were putting the ornaments up, I noticed that they kept ending up on the floor..the culprit, ACE KEEGAN! I knew this would be the year we would have this issue. He finally got bored of taking them down, handing them back to me as he smiled and then would have to be walked back to the tree as I put it on and firmly say "No" and do a little swat, so he went out to find something else to do, like push the chick and sippy cup in the stroller. We got it all done just as Daddy pulled in. He smiled as he walked in and told me he was chuckling in the car because of the phone call earlier when G hinted at what was going on. He was happy he got out of it this year, but next year just be ready to do it all together, just as early! By the way, he still has to put up lights and garland outside, lucky little stinker! That evening we went to Brian Hopp's open house for his sound buisness. They had some killer appetizers! Afterwards we went out to eat with our neighbors and back home to unwind and watch a movie, and enjoy the Christmas lights on the mantle below the T.V. :)
   Saturday morning, Mom, Maci and I went over to Buhler for the Adrian's Christmas Open House. Like always, it is a zoo and impossible to get through the store without saying "Excuse Me" like 121 times because it is so tiny! I got a few stocking stuffers, so it was a success! That evening Luke and I had an engagement party for Brian Hopp and Kendra. (Luke is a groomsman for their April wedding) It was at his parents home in Lindsborg. We ate fried chicken, green beans, cole slaw, potatoes, broccoli salad and rolls. His sister, Amanda, who is also one of my friends from sorority, made the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G desserts! There was Pumpkin Sheet Cake and Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Luke got the 1st and I got the 2nd so we could try each others. As much as I LOVE pumpkin, the apple dessert was out of this world. It wasnt like a normal cheesecake. It was a sheet cake style, with a crumbly topping and the apples were perfect! Then they had Swedish Egg Coffee, sounds weird, but is probably the best coffee I have ever had!  http://www.food.com/recipe/swedish-egg-coffee-170798
It was a very fun party and we are thankful to have good friends like Brian, Amanda and their family.
  Sunday Funday was church and lunch at Applebees with Mom and Dad. Then naps for the beans and Daddy and I went to the Y for a bit and then over to see Liz's twins, Peyton and Alexis. They are beyond precious and so little! I am so happy for them and know the twins are truly little miracles.
  This morning we took Ace to the Dr as he has been acting as if he is coming down with something. After some tests and checking the little man out, we came to the conclusion of just a viral infection. Those completely stink because there is nothing you can do except wait it out. So today was spent cleaning during his nap and then cuddling the little man while G and I watched Polar Express. (One of my all time favorite books) She is so funny when she watches this movie, because she pays more attention to the little girls hair and clothes and told me "Mommy can you do my hair like the girl and put those 2 clips in it and get me that dress too?" Love that little girly. So you guessed it, tomorrow she will be rocking "Hero Girl's" piggy tail braids, the dress not so much.

Funny things said by G:
---Ace picked an ornament off the tree and we did the whole drill and after he got his little swat, G goes "Eww Acer, those spankings sure hurt don't they?" Haha she cracks me up!
---G has certain things that "scare" her and they are rather weird. She always tells me that the lights on the microwave, cable box and CD player scare her, so I have to unplug her CD player in her room. Heaven forbid she ever sleeps in the family room because the microwave and cable box will have to be unplugged as well. She had a Thanksgiving book in her room and after we read it she said "Mommy you need to take that out of my room because the Indian's smiles scare me!"

Speaking at the preschool

We took advantage of the descent 60 degree day and had a picnic!

Coming down the slide! What a beauty she is♥

Playing in the Christmas decorations. I used to make Max and Sugar wear these...

♥♥♥

O how I ♥ thee, O Christmas tree

Coming down the slide all Fast and Furious-esque

The Dirks Shenanigans...

This weekend was a big one, Whitney dropped the Sechler and became a Dirks. I wonder if it is a bit sad for a mother and father to have their daughters name become different...I think when G gets married, I will be a bit sad to see the Aichele name be no more. Maybe she will be so powerful that he will take her last name?!? Anyways this weekend was super busy and crazy. Surprisingly Whitney seemed to be pretty cool, calm and collected. On Thursday evening almost all the wedding party did a bachelorette party at the nail spa in Hutch and then we ate at Carlos O Kelleys afterwards. G wanted to join but had to stay back this time. On Friday we decorated the church. Actually I chased G and Ace around while everyone else decorated. I finally gave in to Ace's whines and laid him down in the nursery for a little cat nap. We got it all done in about an hour. We ate lunch and headed home for naps. When we went back over, Matt, B and Dash were there! We were very excited to see how big Dash had grown and of course see Auntie B and Uncle Matty!  Later we had the rehearsal dinner at the church and munched on some AMAZING lasagna, salad and brownie sundaes. Matt and I decided that brownie sundaes are probably the best dessert in the world! I am not a huge pasta fan, but this lasagna was out of this crazy world! Luke was in heaven, as lasagna is his favorite meal. Luke took all 3 beans (D was with us for the weekend) home and I went over to Mom and Dad's to make mints. We worked on them until 10:45pm. I was so tired and the next morning would be an early rising.
  Saturday morning we got up and ready for the big day. Misty and Ashley, Josh's sisters, came over to watch D, G, Ace and Chloe for the morning. We got ready at the church and then ran home to grab the children for pictures. Ace was sooo over pictures from the get go, so he was a lot of fun. (S.A.R.C.A.S.M) Thankfully the photographer was pretty good with quick shots and dealing with little ones. Ace got down the aisle fine, mainly because he was in the wagon, but G stood at the back of the church with her arm covering her face. I hope this isnt a glimpse of what will happen at her wedding, that could be a disaster for her and her husband to be! She walked a few steps and then was lovingly nudged down by her Nana. Then Ace decided to say "Mama" throughout 90% of the ceremony...Other than the Aichele monsters getting their 15 minutes of fame, it all went well! G boogied on down at the reception and did it well past 9:30! She told Cassie the next day that she was a "Party Animal!" (Her words exactly!)
  Sunday funday was a relaxing kind of day. We slept in, well G and D and I got up at 7 (or 8 since it was Daylight Savings) and hung with the little man. We ate breakfast and played until the girlies got up around 9:30, then went to Walmart to grab a few things and walk thru .every.Christmas.aisle.again. G thinks that Christmas and the book section is just routine at Walmart. That evening we went over to The Dirks, Josh's parents, for dinner and wedding gift opening. We ate that amazing lasagna again and more wedding cake! Delish!
   Monday was back to the grind and I tell you what, I was so ready for routine again! We did family pictures with Pam. They were an epic fail on Ace's part. He is just not a photo guy. The only thing that would calm him down was the You Tube video of Yo Gabba Gabba on my phone. (I knew there was a reason for getting an iPhone) Whew! What a mess we have gotten ourselves into with this little man. On the way home Luke told me to clear my evening the next night, because I have soo much going on. What for you may ask?? Well my loving husband got me a massage since I have been pretty stressed lately. ♥ him to pieces! He is such a good guy to me. Very thankful God made such a "perfect for me" person.

G and Lo having a serious convo.

Precious Dash sleeping on the floor. Impressed that he was on his back and out within 2 minutes!

Only because I liked my makeup on the wedding day.

Pretty girl

Acer!

Cutie Patooties!

Party Boy! Getting ready to go home after the reception, too much partying for this fella!

Dancing Queen!

G and Dash! Cousin ♥

Hanging with Mama♥

Halloween and Pumkpin patches!

G's candy stash...and chocolate covered dino chompers!

Lady Gaga! Our neighbor girl dressed in this and G wanted to wear it. (Her dad made it too!)

 

 

This is my favorite time of the year! (You will hear me say this again around Christmas as well...) I love the fall colours, the crisp air, the awesome comfy scents burning in the house and of course all the yummy things to bake, which 99% of them include pumpkin:) Ace has been eating pumpkin muffins every morning and at Miss Thang's request, she has been munching on Oatmeal Raisin chip muffins.
   Saturday morning we went to Grammy's Pumpkin Patch. It was so fun and free! Ace loved the tub of corn kernals and G loved the barrel train. as well as the smash zone. We started walking around and looking at the games, Ace made his way to the tub and played and giggled so loud. He was in love! G wanted to ride the train, but not alone. So I climbed into the train with all the other kiddos...I am not sure why I was the only adult but I am pretty much kid sized so it worked ok:) We rode around the woods and saw some pumpkins then chose a little gourd. We went to the "General Store" and got her a cookie, me some picture frames and Luke found "The perfect pumpkin". We then went over to the Smash Zone. They rigged up some big machine with a lever where they smash pumpkins, soda cans, water balloons and other objects for fun. G thought the pumpkin was funny but was less than impressed when the water balloon splashed her. Typical girl. That afternoon she went to Becca's birthday at the Y. Luke had to take her since I was colouring my friends hair. They did a jump jump and had cupcakes.
   Halloween day was a party filled day! We started with a party at the Y. Both beans wore their costumes, Lilo and a pumpkin. The Cutest Lilo and Pumpkin I may add! Then we did a quick change in the car from Lilo to a Barber and not just any barber...Luke The Barber! It was "dress like your parent's job" day at preschool. We dressed her in a white smock that we pinned on the back and got her a comb and a pair of "shears". (Daddy removed the blades, phew!) No scissors for this gal, I fear her cutting her beautiful Rapunzel hair:/ Ace and I went about 30 minutes early to attend their Fall party at the school. They ate cupcakes and played games.  I love watching her in action at school with all her friends, especially her best buddy, Brodie. That evening we ate "Mummies" for dinner. (Cresent wrapped hot dogs) Then headed off for all the trick or treating Daddy could handle. We started at Darlene's (G's old babysitter), The Warren's, Nana and Papa's and ended at Gordon and Gloria's. They hit the jack pot! We talked with G before hand and decided she could eat what she wanted (which was only maybe 5 pieces) and then keep a few and we would "buy" the rest from her. She was totally ok with this since she would get a new item out of this. When we got back, we went through all the candy and she chose what she wanted and then we loaded the rest up for Luke to take to the Barber Shop. We had maybe a dozen trick or treaters when we got home and G loved seeing all the costumes. Then we acted like a scrooge (Or whomever the Halloween hater is) and shut the door and closed the blinds and called it a night, after a Milky Way or 2:)
         Tuesday we went to Salina to get Whitney's wedding gift and hit the jackpot on Halloween 2012! G chose a Snow White outfit and we got Ace an Elmo costume. Talk about planning ahead and we all got new Halloween novelty shirts for next year! Plus I got both costumes for under $20! Let's just hope that we still like those characters by next year. (I will probably start in August 2012 and talk about cool Elmo and Snow White are...) G also chose some Dora footie fleece jammies as her candy exchange. They are super cute on her and so soft but a booger to get out of when there is a bathroom emergency! Then we went to Spangles for lunch. G claimed she saw and Indian in the drive thru!?!? Dont you hate the seat by the drive thru where everyone who drives by stares at you while they are waiting to get their food? Annoying, but G seemed to make a handful of them smile. Destiny spent the night last night and we roasted pumpkin marshmallows in the fireplace. They are gigantic marshmallows and I swear G and D ate like 4 each, gut ache! Ace had already bounced, otherwise he would have munched down a few too. He loves marshmallows.

FUN THINGS ABOUT THE AICHELE HOUSEHOLD: 
~Ace now says Pup Pup! Luke taught him last monday! It is so cute. He is trying to get Thank You or at least try to mumble something so he gets praise, kinda like a pup pup:) He can say mama, dada, nana, papa, bye bye and bad. (He picked up bad rather quickly)
~When I was sick and miserable, G came over to the couch and asked how I was and I told her I felt really bad and she goes "Oh ok here mom" and handed me my phone and said "Let me turn on QVC for you". What a sweetheart and she knows the way to my ♥.
~While I was sick, G asked me at least 3 times if she could pray for me and would always say "Jesus thank you for helping Mommy not be sick." Love love love her little prayers, so innocent.

The kernel tub Ace loved!

3 footer!

Ashamed of his munchkin-ness.

Train ride!

Trike race!

♥ this picture of them!

Lilo (& Stitch) and my Punkin

G's class. (Brodie is the little blonde next to G and they are BFF)

Other table. Becca is the curly blonde gal that had the bday party on Saturday!

G the Barber!

Would you trust her to cut your hair???

3 amigos. These three are T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

♥ x 2!

His new "Juicy Joey" hat. (Maci)

Sleeping Pumpkin

Phone fun.

Ace's 2 favorites, his snacks and his chick.