Tears in the Spotlight

You never know what you're going to get at a Pre-school Christmas Program. Sophia had her first experience today, and after a month of learning and practicing the songs and motions, we found her stage presence a little lacking. It started with the muffled tears as her class marched down the isle. Then moved to clinging onto the neck of her teacher. And finally, panic as she stared out into the audience of 50 people she'd never seen before. We smiled and clapped and tried to encourage, but all she could think about was how she could get off the stage and sit in my lap! Surprisingly, the only song Sophia actively participated in was Ruldoph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Most adults would run and hide if they had to stand in front of 50 strangers with a red paper circle taped to their nose. But not Sophia! She waited to bail on the program AFTER donning a Rudolph nose...
Jacob, on the other hand, had 3 years of Christmas programs under his belt. He took pride in his position in the middle of the top row! And he did great! He remembered all the motions, all the words, and even managed to sneak in a few smiles and waves inbetween.

When it was all said and done, it didn't matter that Sophia cried herself off stage. And while I was proud to see Jacob up there doing his best, the best part of the entire day was watching 40 kids sing their hearts out to a God who sent His son to earth over 2,000 years ago. The innocence of listening to children praising the Lord really puts things into perspective. It doesn't matter if you sing off key, or forget the words, or cry yourself off stage...the Lord finds joy in your effort.

Pooped!

Sophia loves to color! She can literally spend hours at the dining room table coloring her Disney Princess coloring books. She's rather meticulous about it...being ever so careful to stay within the lines and choosing just the right color for the princess's hair, dress, shoes & eyes.

Tonight, while I was making dinner, I noticed that Sophia was unusually quiet (she normally fills the silence with a song, or a story that she tells to herself). I rinsed my hands at the sink and went to check on her. Much to my surprise, I found her like this.... ...all pooped out from her hard work. And no wonder! Check out the detail on that picture!...

Papa's Birthday

Last night we made our way up to Grandma & Papa's house to celebrate Papa's birthday. It was fun for the whole Person family to be together, as Craig's youngest brother, Chad & his wife, Jess, were heading out to sunny CA for Christmas. We always enjoy sitting around the dining room table catching up on the small-town gossip and playing cards. Happy birthday, Papa!

Should've Looked There

I got home from a church meeting tonight and went up to check on the kids.

Jack? Fast asleep.

Sophia? Sprawled out on her bed.

Jacob? Jacob?

Literally, he was no where to be found!

I looked in his bottom bunk. Then in his top bunk.

I looked in his closet. I looked in Sophia's closet. I looked in our closet.

And then, in a desperate attempt, I looked here...

Celebrating Nana

Tonight we celebrated Nana! We've begun the tradition of sharing birthday cake and building gingerbread houses to ring in another year in Nana's life.

I love this picture!

The dress Sophia is wearing was my mom's 1st Communion gown.

Goof Ball!

Nana with the grandkids!!

***

Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing women I know!

Your heart is filled with compassion

Your smile can still erase a bad day

Your hugs allow me to be 5 again...even if it's just for a minute

You never stop listening, supporting and encouraging

You've taught me all I know about being a good mom and wife

And the only thing greater than having you for a mom, is that my children get you for a Grandma.

I Love you!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It's weird to think this will be the last Christmas we spend in my parents' house. Next summer they will be moving to a new home and saying goodbye to the one they have spent over 20 years in. I guess it's the year of moves for the Prentice family!

I thought it would be fun to help decorate with my mom for the last time in this house. Sophia was so excited to help put the ornaments on the tree. She designated the bottom half as her "territory". Nana showing Sophia one of her favorite Angel ornaments

Putting the 1st ornament on the tree
It was so much fun to share these memories together...
3 generations of Prentice girls

Brothers

My typical morning routine starts by being woken up by Jack's conversation with the bear in his crib. I stumble out of bed, retrieve Jack, and we proceed down to the kitchen for a warm bottle of milk (Jack, not me.). We cuddle on the couch for 20 minutes until Jacob and Sophia emerge. I always enjoy those early mornings with my baby. I realize I won't have many more of them.

But this morning, something unusual happened. Jack slept in and Jacob woke up early. So, when we heard Jack's conversation starting, Jacob was right there with me to greet his little brother "good morning". Jacob helped me pour Jack's bottle and then asked if he could be the one to cuddle with Jack while he drank his bottle.

At first, Jack wasn't crazy about the change to his routine, but then he realized there were benefits to having his older brother hold him during his bottle. Jack got to hear several knock-knock jokes, and experienced an occasional tickle. Before long, they were giggling with one another, and Jack somehow managed to forget all about his milk (a rare thing to happen).

It's such an amazing thing to watch these 2 interact. Jack couldn't be more in awe of his older brother. And Jacob couldn't be more in love with Jack. What a blessing they will be to one another as they grow up. What a blessing...BROTHERS!

Goodbye Old House

Sorry for the serious neglect on the updates! This past month has been a whirlwind! On November 10th, we purchased a new home. Over the next week and a half, Craig, the kids, and I spent the majority of our time going between our new house and old one, meeting contractors, packing up boxes, and preparing for the upcoming move.

Within 10 days of closing on our new house, we were moved in! We spent a couple days cleaning our old one, in preparation for the new renters, and just like that, we said goodbye to our old house! It didn't hit me until I walked out the door for the last time...looking into the empty living room that witnessed so many memories.

The last night in our house, Jacob laid his head in my lap and sobbed. "I changed my mind, I don't want to move! I have too many memories in this house!" I couldn't help but feel a little bit the same:
*This was the first house Craig and I bought together
*This was the first house our kids came home to after the hospital
*This was where we had 1st birthday parties and holiday dinners
*This wasn't just our first house...it was our first home.

So, for 20 minutes, Jacob and I talked about our favorite memories in the house...rocking him to sleep at night when he was a baby, him learning to ride his bike without training wheels. And then we talked about all the new memories we would have in our new house...riding the bus on his first day of Kindergarten, getting our first pet.

As much as I loved our old house, I've been reminded over the past couple weeks that a house is just a house...it's our family that makes it a home.

Halloween

Trick or Treat! It's that time of year again when dressing up and asking strangers for candy is the norm. I will admit, it's fun to see the kids get so excited about choosing their costumes and living the life of a character for awhile. This year, we had the privilege of walking door-to-door with Batman, Ariel, and Tigger. The kids raked in a ton of candy, which they forgot about within 2 days...and Craig and I have graciously taken to eating for them! Hope you had a happy Halloween!

Birthday Boy!

One year ago, we welcomed a sweet, quiet, laid back baby boy into our family. Tonight, we celebrated him turning 1! He's still sweet and laid back, but he's far from quiet! He can talk to keep up with the rest of them, and even though you don't know what he's saying, he says it with intention!

Mmm...the sweet taste of cake

(No real surprise that all our kids love cake!)

What a cute family...posing so cute for the camera
And...this is how it really went:
Jacob stealing a bite of frosting;
Jack getting mad at Jacob;
Sophia looking all innocent, but she's just thinking of how she can steal a bite without getting caught
Playing with some new toys
(these weren't hand-me-downs...these were new and ALL his!)

The Unexpected

For those of you who know us well, Jack was an unexpected surprise. Craig and I had every intention of only having 2 kids. So, when we found out I was pregnant again, it was a tough pill to swallow. My pregnancy was difficult. Horrible heartburn, migraines, exhaustion...every day was challenging. I couldn't figure out why God would give us another baby.

Then one week during the summer, my Grandma Mozelle came to visit. She saw me struggling, took me aside and said something I'll never forget. "Christine, God has a very special plan for this baby. He doesn't make mistakes. And He has chosen you and Craig to be his parents. That is such a special blessing and God is always gracious. So trust His plan for your family, knowing that this child is going to be a greater blessing to you than you could ever imagine."

After that, I knew our little boy needed a name that reminded me of God's grace...JACK.

Every day I wake up and see Jack's face and I'm reminded of how much God loves us! This family is more fun, more exciting, and more complete because of our little man. His dimples make you melt. His smile lights up the room. His laugh is contagious. His hugs warm your soul. I thank God every day for His grace and for showing us that His purpose for our lives aren't always what we plan, but they're always better than what we expect!

The World Cup

Ok...so maybe it's not the World Cup, but it was to these guys! It was a fun and exciting season of fall soccer, which culminated today in their final game. It was a real nail-biter, as much as an under-6 soccer game can be! Despite their loss, they felt like champions as their coaches handed out their medals.

It's amazing how much Jacob has grown in his skills since the first game. He was actually out there going after the ball (instead of waving at the crowd!). And he came VERY close to scoring a few goals. He's determined to fine-tune his skills at a winter skills camp this year, so he can get out there in the spring and dominate on the field. It was a great season and we can't wait to cheer him on next year!

Pumpkin Time!

With Halloween just around the corner, and the weather turning more "fall-like", that craving for apple pie and pumpkin bars has reared it's ugly head...and we decided to take the kids to the apple orchard. Jacob & Sophia spent a good 30 minutes exploring the pumpkin patch to pick out the very best pumpkins. We then made our way into the bakery where we snagged up a bag full of apples and some tasty treats! Gotta love this time of year!

A Little Responsibility

This morning Jacob asked if he could have some money.

"I think it's time you start doing chores to earn money," I said.

"I can do chores!"

"What kinds of chores do you think you can do to help out around the house?"

"Well, I could make my bed." That would be helpful.
"I could pick up my toys." No complaints here!
"I could vacuum the house." Awesome!
"I could plug the toilet." Hmmm...I guess we'll have to keep brainstorming.

Removing Tats

I'm not sure what it is about kids and temporary tatoos. Mine LOVE them! Even Sophia, who's the girliest-girl, has no problems stomping around with a tatoo of an octopus on her arm. And as a mom who is pretty OCD, those darn tatoos don't like to come off with just soap and water. They make you scrub!

So, after a week with tatted up kids, it was time to take them off. I found the best solution...a paper towel and a little olive oil. Sophia was first. She didn't mind that I almost rubbed her arm right off. She thought it was cool that the octopus that was once there, was magically gone.

But Jacob was a little more skiddish. He's not fan of anything that requires sitting still, and despite that his younger sister was still smiling, he thought that pain would somehow be involved. A couple dabs of the olive oil and I began scrubbing.

"Owww! Mommy...that hurts! Please stop!"
Sophia, who was sitting right next to him, looked over and said, "Suck it up, kid! It's just olive oil!"

There's nothing more humbling than getting schooled by your little sister!

Frana & Purdy

Last night, 2 good friends from my Kemps days, came over for dinner. It was so great to catch up and reminise about the good ol' days when cubicals, ice cream taste tests & office drama were our life.

Now, we all have different careers. Frana's, a marketing job on the other side of the city; Purdy's, marketing at Caldrea & the mom of baby Connor; and mine, well...you get to see my job any time you visit this blog!

Jacob & Sophia enjoying Baby Connor

32

I woke up this morning thinking, "Man, it's going to be so weird to say that I'm 33!" Fortunately, after my grogginess wore off, I realized that I'm only turning 32. I guess that's what happens as you "mature"...you forget how old you are.

I think this is one of the first times in my life that I can remember wearing shorts and a t-shirt on my birthday. With temps hitting near-record highs today, we headed out to Stillwater for dinner and an afternoon enjoying the weather.

After 32 years of life, I can honestly say how blessed I am! Amazingly supportive & encouraging parents; fantastic & loving in-laws; 3 beautiful children (that despite their energy, I wouldn't trade for anything); and a best-friend and life partner that consistently shows me how to let go of the little things and enjoy life to the fullest! I'm totally undeserving and unspeakably grateful!

Oh...and what day wouldn't be complete without a photo op in front of a Jameson sign!

Does He Love His Food?

You bet he does!

Go Gophers! RAH!

Today we took Jacob and Sophia to the Gopher game. After a little bit of tailgating with our friends, we entered the stadium. Sophia was amazed at the marching band and Jacob was anxious to see Goldy. Fortunately, we got a front row seat to Goldy's opening cheer and the players as they ran onto the field.

Then it was up to our seats for the game. Much to our surprise, Sophia handled it pretty well. We put her on a mission to find Goldy and she liked watching the cheerleaders. Jacob, on the other hand, was more interested in kicking the seat of the guy in front of us, and begging us for pop. So, we opted to go to the top deck so the kids could run around and we could watch some of the game in peace.

She Went Like This...

This was Sophia's ensemble for the 2nd day of school. Parents and teachers were literally trying to hold back their chuckles as she walked past them in the hall. Her "diva-ness" is not as subtle as it used to be!

Another First

Another year has begun. School started today...and it couldn't have come any sooner! Jacob has literally been climbing the walls for the past 2 weeks and Sophia is starting to make her own mischief. It was high time these 2 went off to preschool.

For Jacob...this is an old hat! He's a pro and was excited to get back to his classroom, teachers and learning. Sophia was just excited to have a whole room of dress-up clothes, doll houses and a miniature toilet. Hey...whatever makes them happy, right!?!

After a prayer for our day, we were off. A couple hugs, a few tears, and lots of kisses and their day began. I found myself on the drive home praying that their day would be spectacular! When I went back at 11:30 to pick up Sophia, she exited the room with a huge grin & paint ALL over her face & arms. Not to mention some remnants from snack all over her mouth. My greatest surprise?...she didn't have one accident at school! YAY!

"So, Sophia did you have a good day?" I asked when we got in the car.
"No. I didn't have a good day," she replied. "I had a GREAT day! And I've decided I'd like to wear my underwear all the time now...no more diapers."

I honestly think I heard angels rejoicing!

Then we went back to school at 2:00 to pick up Jacob. He was a little more reserved this year...most of his best friends from last year went to Kindergarten, so he was faced with the understanding that he would kind of have to start over when it came to friends in his class. But he was all grins when his class was dismissed too. His stories about the day included his awesome lunch and the new friends he made...one of which even liked to play Batman with him!

All in all, it was a great 1st day...and we're looking forward to what this year has in store for them as they continue to grow, learn and amaze us every day!

A Decade

Hard to believe a decade has passed since 9/11. And like most people in the country, I've been reflecting all day on those events that changed our history. It's funny how you can remember exactly where you were when you heard the news. I remember I was student teaching when another teacher came into the class to tell us. The rest of the day was spent with our 8th graders talking about terrorism...expressing our concerns, fears, sadness. That evening, I remember spending hours glued to the TV with Craig and my roommates, watching the horrific scenes taking place...feeling totally helpless, vulnerable and scared.

Over the years, the memories have faded, the country has picked itself up and move forward. But watching the images replayed today brought me back to that first day and crying over the state of our world. Realizing that we have brought 3 beautiful children into this world...and finding myself praying for our Lord's protection over them.

Then I heard something on the radio. Something that brought me an immeasurable amount of peace:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33

Spa Day

Every few months, Nana, Aunt Molly, Cousin Ellie, Sophia & I try to plan a "girls" day. After all, being surrounded by boys all the time requires us to remember that we need a little pampering inbetween the wrestling, legos and trucks. So today, we all met for lunch at Noodles and then headed over to a salon so the girls could get their 1st mani/pedi. Sophia loved it! From picking out her own color nail polish, to sitting in the pink butterfly chairs, this was right up her alley.

1st Soccer Game

This morning was Jacob's 1st soccer game. He was so excited to put on his "personalized" jersey and shin guards and get out to the field. The anticipation was high. All the parents lined up on the sidelines with their fold-out chairs and coffee. The kids on the team were antsy to start the game and the coaches were confident in their players.

The whistle blew and the yellow team drove down to our end of the field and kicked a goal within a matter of seconds...and it was pretty much down hill from there. After a valiant effort by our guys, the team lost 15-0. The parents were all frustrated, but the kids shook hands with the other teams and hopped off the field. They didn't keep score. They didn't even realize they had lost. They were so proud of themselves...which I guess is a good reminder for all of us...The definition of losing changes depending on how you handle the loss.

Little Miss Stubborn

We're still battling. The toilet, that is. Sophia is unsure if she likes the "big girl" persona we're trying to convince her is so cool. Yesterday, I went upstairs to tell her we needed to try to pee on the pot again.

"I don't want to," she said.
"If you don't try to pee on the pot, then you'll never earn your princesses," came my reply.
"I don't want my princesses."
"But, Sophia, you've worked so hard to stay dry. Just try to pee on the pot one more time."
"No! If peeing on the pot is so important, you go do it!"

And the saga continues...

Everything on a Stick

The end of summer brings with it the State Fair. Normally, I'm not a huge fair-goer, but this one just can't be resisted. The Pronto Pups. The cheese curds. The Sweet Martha's Cookies & unlimited milk. And, of course, the 1 1/2 ton pig! I mean, can you honestly say that you'd be willing to pass on such an experience!?!

Last year, Craig convinced Jacob to go down the big slide with him. Jacob was excited until they made it half way down. That's when the fear set in. He was going to die. Not really, but in his mind, it was a very good possibility. This year, Jacob refused to go...and Sophia was right in toe. Craig had no other choice but to take Jack. Poor guy...he doesn't have the vocabulary to protest. And he never passes on the opportunity to spend some time with Daddy. So off they went... ...getting ready to push off...
...beginning to realize this wasn't what he had in mind...

...and now our 3rd child will never ride the big slide again!

Jacob chose to do the bungy jumping instead of the Ferris Wheel... ...and up...

...and this was the point when he realized he'd been missing out all these years...

After the rides, we enjoyed some hot, Sweet Martha's cookies and took a stroll. Jack had his fill and was down for the count a couple seconds after taking this picture.

And that ended another year at the Great MN Get Together!