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!

Halloween Fun from the Jim's

Click on the link below for our fun Halloween routine...

http://www.monstermashup.com/14bd96

Happy 4th Birthday, Ryan!

Ryan has become such a big boy...thoroughly enjoying preschool, learning good manners, singing lots of songs (mostly Taylor Swift music), and is truly growing into a nice young man. He plays so well with Ethan, but also loves his "alone" time when Ethan is still at school. He decided that he wanted a "Scorpion" themed birthday cake, so I attempted to make one, although Godmother Stephanie will be creating the REAL DEAL next weekend in Minnesota. Stay tuned for that work of art. For now, our own family celebration consisted of a playtime at Makutu's Island, some gift opening, and a cake made by mommy with love. (at least it was Auntie Steph's recipe, so it tasted good anyway). All in all it was a good day. We had to celebrate one day early since Daddy had to go on a trip, but there'll be another celebration once we arrive in Minnesota next weekend. Hooray for 4!!!

Escaping the desert...

We were lucky enough to be able to run away on our first weekend of Fall Break from school and explore Greer, Arizona. We rented a cabin with our friends, the Wagner's, and we had an absolute blast! We went hiking and tried fly-fishing, fed the ducks, played games by the fire, sat in the hottub on the deck, and enjoyed the beautiful views of the White Mountains. We missed Daddy, since he had drill weekend, but we can't wait to go back and bring him along.

Ethan's 1st Lost Tooth

Ethan was SO EXCITED on Tuesday, September 22nd when Mommy pulled out his first tooth! He was so brave and so determined to have it finally out. Apparently, there's a tooth fairy chart in his kindergarten class, so they're graphing the lost teeth each month. It's been loose for a week or two, so we finally got it out and the tooth fairy made her first trip to the Jim house. Ethan had to come to my bedside at 3:30am to inform me that the Tooth Fairy had made it! After a quick, quiet celebration, I shuffled him back to bed. The money is burning a hole in his pocket. He has NO desire to save this. Big fun in the Jim house!

Scabetti Night at the Jim's

In true "Ryan Fashion", Scabetti (spaghetti) Night at our house was wonderfully interesting. He destroyed his clothes, entertained himself thoroughly by twisting up the noodles, and pretty much made me have to HOSE DOWN the kitchen table and floor, but after seeing this adorable face, it made it all worth it. I keep trying to remind myself (and my OCD cleaning tendencies) that messiness is okay, so this photo is amazing proof of life's blessings. messes are okay, messes are okay, messes are okay...

Fall Soccer Season begins...

Ethan was SO excited to start the Fall Season of Soccer, especially since he was only able to play 2 games last spring due to a broken arm incident. He's very happy to be playing with one of his best friends, Benjamin, and he was thrilled to get to the field last Saturday morning and learn that he was going up against one of his old friends, Freddie! Ethan got 2 goals in his first game and is very aggressive...his skills are improving and he is loving the action despite the HEAT! Fall season still has us playing and practicing in triple digit heat. Thank goodness for ice cold water bottles and personal misting systems.