What's keeping us busy???

The boys have been active in all sorts of things this spring that have kept us on the go. Ethan started playing hockey and has fallen in love! We're all going to be thrilled to be going to Polar Ice during the summer instead of sweating it out at Snedigar Fields for soccer when it's 115 degrees. Ethan is also involved in Flag Football and Basketball in the after school athletics club, so he's getting a taste of everything, but he insists he'll be playing hockey for the rest of his life.

Ryan has begun his first team sport and is enjoyed T-ball. The attention span is a little short, but he really loves to hit the ball off the tee (I mean who doesn't love swinging a bat?) He's a little like Ferdinand the Bull, smelling the flowers in the outfield when he's not batting and needs a little re-direction, but overall, he's loving the experience. And mom is loving that it WEARS HIM OUT!

2010...a new decade!

Tons of fun in Minnesota! The boys loved playing in the snow in Hastings and I had a great time with friends and family. I got to gather with some Tridelt friends in Minneapolis to watch the Sioux vs. Gophers hockey series in January. It was wonderful to see my old buddies.

Christmas Fun 2009

The Polar Express

On December 5th, after Ethan's soccer game, we headed up the mountain to Williams, Arizona with some friends to go on the Polar Express. It's a short train ride to visit the North Pole and have a little encounter with Santa. They served hot cocoa and cookies on the train and read the book The Polar Express and we sang Christmas songs. It was very magical and the kids and I really loved it. Sadly, Daddy couldn't come along since he had to work, but we still had fun and took lots of pictures to show him and tell the story...

Ethan's last soccer game of Fall

Ethan played in his last soccer game of the Fall '09 season on Saturday, Dec. 5th. Although his team did not win this game (or very many others this season), he had a great time, learned a lot, and made some new friends. He LOVES his new trophy - a soccer head bobble head - and really? That's what it's all about. The trophy. Fortunately, Grandpa Clarence was back in town to catch the last game. Unfortunately, it was the COLDEST one by far. Our game was at 8am and it was 35 degrees on the field. We bundled up and cheered on the Hornets one last time.

Bird, Bird, Bird...Bird is the Word!

Thanksgiving at the Jim's was a lovely day...we invited the neighbors over and a fellow pilot friend of ours and cooked a turkey with all of the fixings. The boys had made a PLETHORA of Thanksgiving decorations at school, so all of their artwork adorned my kitchen. It was gorgeous outside (even for Arizona) and our meal was fabulous (if I do say so myself). While we wish that our families could have been with us, it was a great day. Ethan and Ryan were excited about the prospect of pulling the wishbone, so the next day, they played tug of war and broke it completely down the middle - something I've never seen before. They both believe they're getting their wishes. Toys, of course. I am thankful for healthy kids, I am thankful for healthy kids, I am thankful for healthy kids...

Go, Vikings, Go!

Ethan and Ryan have a new found LOVE...FOOTBALL! When I first met Michael, I thought I'd have to convert him...after all, he grew up in Hawaii. Why on earth would I assume that he'd be a Vikings fan? Because, he spent school years in Canada - close to Minnesota, and lucky for me, he was ALREADY a fan. :) Anyhoo, the boys picked a great year to jump on the Vikings bandwagon. They are kicking ass and taking names. Favre, despite doing time as a Packer, has proved himself still valuable and is taking our team toward the Superbowl.
Uncle Nate was sweet enough to send the boys some Favre jerseys and they are WEARING THEM OUT! They love them so much. We'll need replacement jerseys by the time the Superbowl gets here. We decided to take them out for a little photo shoot. This is what we came home with...

Stacey's new job...

Mommy's got a new project! I've taken my passion for photography and started a business. It's something that will give me a creative outlet and allow me to work around the schedules of my busy boys and my hardworking husband! I just had my first PAYING customer this past weekend and was thrilled that they loved their family photos. It's been fun putting it all together and I hope to have many satisfied clients as I build the business.

My photography website is: http://staceyjim.smugmug.com

Check it out and book your session today!

Fall Fun...

We had a fun Halloween at our house, but since we were all still in "recovery mode" from our illnesses, the boys and I were in slow-motion. We did not carve pumpkins, we painted them, we did our best to stay at parties for at least an hour, and we covered almost HALF of our neighborhood in trick-or-treating. We lacked a little energy, but mustered up just enough enthusiasm to enjoy it. We still missed Daddy, as he's been on a long trip for the military.

Ethan's been doing very well in soccer and stopped for a moment to pose a little for mom. More action shots will be on their way soon!