Novotny News

Merry Christmas

2011-12-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well, since I haven't updated this blog in 5 months, I thought I would post and tell everyone to have a wonderful Christmas and we sure are thankful for our friends and family. The kiddos started their break today and we have been busy cleaning out closets and jamming to Christmas music.
We wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a Happy 2012. Where did the time go? We sure love and miss ya'll!!!:)

The Novotny Family

Summer loving

2011-07-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

My favorite little 1 year old!

2011-05-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Spring fun

2011-04-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of the kiddos. OH my how time flies. I can't believe NOah is almost 11 months old. He is taking 2 steps at a time and getting into trouble all over the place. He is so much fun and such a happy little guy! When I point the camera at him, he instantly smiles! Hope everyone is having a good week.

L.O.V.E.

2011-04-13T04:54:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous trip to Florida

2011-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Over spring break we were busy busy. Grandma Donna came to visit in Texas for a few days and then we headed to Florida. Nick's sister lives down there and her and her husband have 2 precious kiddos. We had a wonderful time. We went to Disney and the beach, and visited our wonderful friends in Cape Coral. We went boating, saw some dolphins, did lots of swimming and listend to Nick and Lucy yell at other boats "HEY, HOW'S IT GOIN?" We had a wonderful trip and can't wait to see the Hahn's, grandma Donna and Elise, and grandpa, and the Rademacher's again SOON!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

My favorite valentine crew!!

Nick 30, Lucy 7, a few chilly days and Lincoln and his 100th day parade

2011-02-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

February has been full of happy birhtdays and fun activities! Lucy turned 7 over the weekend and what a great time! She is full of energy, loves playing checkers, loves playing with 2 brothers, playing her DS, is a spelling champ, dances like there's no one watching and laughs all the time. We had her Wizard of Oz party with playing pin the heart on the tin man, a rainbow pinata, and a yellow brick road cake! What a great time. Her and Nick had the annual daddy/daughter dance and we had a great time getting ready for that. Painted nails, hair curled,a nd fancy dresses.
Nick turned 30 and I had a surprise party for him. We had lots of family and friends to help him ring in a new year!
Lincoln got new glasses last week and I thought it would be a battle to keep them on and he LOVES them. What a whole new world for him. He will have to have surgery next month but we will cross that bridge when it comes. The 100th day of school was on Thursday and his school had a parade so I got to join in that. He loves school and jumping on that bus everyday!
Noah is almost 9 months old and is getting into everything. He is crawling all over and is cruising along furniture. Where did the time go? He has 4 teeth and 2 more are coming in. He LOVES his sister and brother. Now that he is into everything I have my work cut out for me. Every time he pulls himeself up, Lincoln will push him over. I have to watch their every move.
We are missing everyone but finally starting to feel settled here in Texas. We had 4 snow days last week and all I kept thinking was "this would not happen if we were in Iowa." We still got out and went on with our everyday lives. It's crazy the whole town stops for the snow. I think Texas needs to learn a few things from us northerners!! LOL. Anyway-- we are missing you all back home and hope to see you this summer. Love you all. The Novotnys

Christmas time 2010

2011-01-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

I am just now getting to my blog! HAPPY 2011! We had a wonderful Christmas at grandma's house in AZ. The kiddos had a blast playing with their cousin Keiley, Nick and I got to watch those HAWKS bring home a WIN and we did LOTS of eating, shopping, and just hanging out. I can't believe NOah will be 8 months old. He brings SO much joy to our family. He is getting 4 teeth and well on his way to crawling. He has to keep up with Lucy and Lincoln.
We have a couple inches of snow on the ground which the kids love. It's slowly melting but we had a great time in it while it lasted.
We think of all our friends in Iowa everyday and miss them. Love you all and stay warm.
The Novotny crew

Busy Busy

2010-12-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

Buddy Walk 2010

2010-11-08T14:18:00.001-08:00

Fall fun 2010

2010-11-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Noah almost 5 months and some fall pictures

2010-10-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying this beautiful weather outside and have back and forth to pumpkin patches, parks, picnics, eating at the NEW Dairy Queen that just opened up close by, and enjoying each other.
Today there was a fundraiser for breast cancer and after Lincoln got home from school, Noah, Lincoln and I went and saw the pretty pink fire trucks, ate some yummy sandwiches under the tree, and walked around and chatted with everyone...we especially LOVED Probie...the dalmation!
I love this weather. It was so hard for me to enjoy this time last year as I was sick with Noah, and other not so fun things happening. I am taking advantage. I have more pictures but can't figure out where to find them. So when I do, I will post them. Missing you all and I guess I can say...GO RANGERS:)
Love the Novotnys

Happy Fall All Y'all

2010-10-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Noah 4 months

2010-09-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how fast these last few months have gone. I took Noah to his 4 month check up today and he is 15 lbs 15 oz. 75% for height and weight.
We are enjoying him each day and LOVE making him smile. Lucy gets the smiles out of him for sure. He rolls all over the place and is a chatty little buddy. I love how when he smiles his BIG dimples will show. He's such a sweetie and the PERFECT blessing to the Novotny's

Arizona 2010

2010-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to pack up and fly out to Arizona last weekend to cheer on the Hawkeyes. Too bad they lost but it was wonderful time hanging out with my two "big" little brothers and mom. We had a great weekend and we are now trying to get back on schedule here. We hope everyone has a great weekend. Miss and love you all...the Novotnys

Noah 3 months

2010-09-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my ALL TIME favorite picture of this little man. He is SUCH a happy little guy. He smiles all the time and we love it. Lucy and Lincoln are still IN LOVE which is a good thing. I guess I should wait until he can crawl!
Anyway--I can't believe how time flies!!

First week of school!

2010-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Noah 2 months

2010-07-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hello to all. We hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I can't believe school starts here in a month. We sure are enjoying our time swimming, biking (when it's not more than 100 degrees), and eating up our little Noah. He is smiling at familiar faces now, babbling, eating like a champ, and ROLLING! Nick and I were watching a movie lastnight and he went from his belly to his back! We were so excited. He is such a joy to our family. Lucy and Lincoln never get sick of him. Lucy helps with everything and Lincoln is always touching, kissing, poking, or wanting to hold him. It's so much fun.
On Saturday, we recieved a package from our dear friends in Germany. A couple weeks ago, I went to the Christian book store to get a couple dvd's for our journey home from Iowa and I found the BEST present for Noah. It was the Playmobil Noah's Ark. Well guess what the Bluny family sent?!?!?!? The NOAHS ARK! I was more than thrilled. I shed a couple tears because we immediatley put it together and it was PERFECT! I think I was more excited than anyone. Thank you guys for sending it to Noah.
We hope everyone is doing well and we send HUGS to everyone. Take care and enjoy these last couple weeks of summer.
The Novotny crew

Summer Fun 2010

2010-07-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Fr. Shane with godparents Tommy and Kelli
Noah on his big baptism day
Happy 4th of July
My 91 year old grandma celebrating:)
Lincoln and I with Nick's cousins dog...Covergirl!
The whole Novotny crew
Noah smiling at great grandma Helen
Lucy and Lincoln swimming with cousins
The Novotny grandkids
Happy Birthday Lincoln
My buddies Angie and Nicole
Nick with niece Kamryn
Happy 50th birthday Ricky!

Stuntman is 4!!

2010-06-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

Horse races, friends visiting, Lincoln's birthday party, and Noah is a month old

2010-06-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

We have had some fun this past weekend. Friday night we all went to the horse races here. Lucy and I would pick the one with the prettiest name to win each race! We had a great time. Saturday we went to Nick's aunt and uncle's and he has an old woody beach car. We had a great time taking it for a spin. Lucy even got to drive!!
Sunday our awesome friends we met while we were in Germany came to visit. They are only 3 hours from us now. We celebrated Father's Day and Lincoln's birthday since Lucy will be back in Iowa for it. I can't believe he will be four on Saturday. Time sure does fly.
We hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying COOL! Miss and love you all. The Party of 5!

All 3

2010-06-18T05:06:00.000-07:00

Noah Philip

2010-06-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

Noah Philip was born on Monday, May 24th at 2:47 p.m. and weighed 9 lbs. I couldn't believe it! I guess the saying "everything is bigger in Texas" holds true:) Everything went very smooth and we could not ask for a better little guy. He is such a sweetie and sleeps almost through the night already!!! My kind of baby!
We are happy to be home and healthy! Lucy and Lincoln cannot give him enough hugs and kisses and they are always wanting to hold him. He doesn't seem to mind. Lucy is such a good little helper and I hope that will continue!! My mom has been here the last two weeks and left yesterday morning. I was SO glad she was here to get to greet Noah when he was born and help out with Lucy and Lincoln. She was a blessing to have here.
We hope all of you are doing well and we will post more pictures later. We love you all and miss you!
The Novotnys

Next week

2010-05-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!! Well, here I am...3 days to go and STILL NO BABY!!! I had an appt. and we've decided that we are having this baby FOR SURE Monday afternoon. I have a scheduled c-section for 2:30 Monday. I am relieved that there is an end and everything is planned but sad because I was so excited to call Nick and say "hurry home" or text and call all of you.
I am every emotion all balled in one...scared, excited, anxious, happy, and everything else you can think of.
Lucy was an emergency c-section and it was horrible experience. Lincoln was a v-bac and I was SO hoping for that. I know that this will work out just the same but the whole labor thing...I actually was looking forward to:)
Please pray that my nerves will be calmed and know that I can do this. And who knows...there are still 3 days left before MOnday. Anything is possible.
Also, please pray for Lucy. She will go next Friday for another set of ear tubes. I have been noticing her saying "what" alot. Well...wasn't sure if that was selective hearing or her really not hearing me. I requested a hearing test at school and she failed it. I took her to the dr. on Tuesday and she failed that test as well. We went to the ENT on Wed. and he cleaned out a good amount of wax from her ears and gave her yet another hearing test. She failed. She has significant hearing loss in both ears. She will get another set of tubes to open up her ear drums. With the way her ear drums are laying inside her ears, she isn't hearing like you and I do.
ANyway---just something else to be thinking about. Thanks for everyone's prayers and I will keep you all posted on Monday!!
We hope everyone has a great weekend. Love and miss you all--Molly

Almost there

2010-04-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Whew...what a ride these last 9 months have been. This pregnancy has been one tough cookie and we are SOOOO ready for this little man to join the Novotny family! I want my patience back...something I can't seem to find these last few weeks. I feel like such a bad mom but know that this isn't forever. I didn't feel this anxious with Lucy or Lincoln. I think because I have 2 others and want everything to be perfect and know that IT CAN'T!!! Let them mess up the house and run around and try to "help." I guess the house isn't in any order to begin with. We are trying to organize and make it feel like "home." It will come but I want everything done right away...something else I need to know that will come with T-I-M-E!!
Anyway--nothing really exciting here. Just wanted to complain a little bit...something I've been pretty good at lately!!! I miss you all and wish that we were closer so I could have all of your support. I have wonderful people here but it's like I keep saying...not home yet!!
Love, Molly

Catch up!!

2010-04-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Well here are a couple pictures from Easter with our neighbors and hunting for eggs. We had a wonderful Easter but we have been busy since.
We have moved into our house which was EXHAUSTING, but we made it:) It's not home but we are making it ours!!
Lincoln got a new big boy bed last week and LOVES it. His crib is still up in his room and will not sleep in it. It's too funny. He wants to be like his big sissy!
The paintings are Lucy and Lincoln decorating Link's room. It was quite a mess but worth every minute of it. I sure had energy on Tuesday...something that I don't have anymore. I have about 4 weeks to go and am ready to be done. It's the end and I'm ready.
We are missing each and every one of you and think of you all!! If you are ever in TX, come visit. We will hopefully be making a trip back to Iowa this summer sometime:) Love you all...the Novotnys

Baby shower

2010-03-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Nick's aunts and friends and family had a baby shower for me!! I had such a wonderful time sitting and visitng with everyone, playing fun games, opening the most adorable little presents from everyone and especially eating the fantastic food they had!
Lucy even won a game...the game where you measure to see how big my belly was. She got it exact. I guess she stares at my belly everyday and it bumps into her all the time:) She would be the first to know:)
It is so nice to be surrounded by family and great people here!

Part of the party...a few had to leave.
The wonderful ladies who made this happen...Nick's Aunt Angie, and Sharon!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Horseback riding

2010-03-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Lincoln started horseback riding lessons again last week and has LOVED it. He was so excited last week, he unbuckled himself and couldn't stop laughing. He got right out of the car, ran up to everyone and gave hugs and took a brush and wanted to know which horse to start brushing. I am so thankful he is enjoying it. Last session wasn't like this. I would have to give him his pacifier every week. What a little man:)
Today he fell asleep on his horse, Peter Pan. We had to cut his session short. It was such a riot to see him so relaxed! His instructor took a few pictures. Enjoy.

Still a Hawkeye at heart!

2010-02-26T12:27:00.001-08:00

This week at Lincoln's school was cowboy/cowgirl theme and they made pictures, played games, had snacks and dressed up all with one thing in mind...TEXAS!! This was sent home in Link's folder today! I had to share with everyone! Have a great weekend. We love you all.

Here you go!

2010-02-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Some of you have been asking for a belly picture and since I RARELY get myself ready during the day...I don't want to take a picture! Well, here I am...almost 27 weeks and all happy go lucky because Lucy and I are getting ready to go pick up GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!! I was so excited...now if I only had a little self control:)
Anyway--I am feeling fine, just tired all the time and no energy to do anything. I feel bad for Lucy and Lincoln. Hopefully these next couple months will go by quickly. We bought a house so we move April 9!! That will keep me busy!
I everyone is doing well and can't wait to hear from you all soon:)

Birthdays cont...

2010-02-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

This last week has been filled with excitement!! Lucy and Lincoln didn't have school on Thursday because we got 7 inches of snow. A RECORD FOR TEXAS!!! It was pretty fun to see the whole entire neighborhood out making snowmen and playing in it:)
Saturday we had Lucy's 6th birthday!! We went bowling and had family and a couple friends come and had a great time!! Everyone bowled...including myself. That was a sight:)
And Sunday we celebrated Nick's cousins birthday...and Valentine's Day! Quite the weekend. I'm glad we don't have school today so we can rest up! Lucy is enjoying ALL her gifts. She got LOTS of crafts to do! It is keeping her busy on such a do-nothing kind of day. Sometimes those are the best!
We bought a house and move in April. I am pretty excited about that. It's everything I hoped and prayed for. I wanted to stay in this neighborhood and we are only 2 blocks from this house that we are renting now. It's nice because Lucy won't have to switch schools which was as BIG DEAL to me. I can't wait to have a little more space! And the best part, the name of the street...LINCOLNSHIRE!! It was meant to be!
We hope everyone has a great week ahead.
Love, the Novotnys

Lincoln's face from Nick's cake!!!
Singing to Nick on his birthday

Nick's birthday and more!!

2010-02-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

I have NO energy so I really haven't been keeping up on my blog. Nick came home the other night and told me that I'm not myself...the laundry sits on the couch, the dishes pile up in the dishwasher and so on...NO...THIS ISN'T ME!!:)
Anyway--we have been busy busy down here which is nice. We love being with family! Nick's birthday was last week so I suprised him and had a little get together with his aunt and uncle, grandma and grandpa and cousin! We had a wonderful time out to dinner!
We go over to Nick's aunt and uncle's quite a bit and the other day we were there with the greatest dog ever...COVERGIRL!! Lucy is in love with her. She carries her around like a little baby and is just a little mom to her whenever we are around! She wants a Cover Girl for her birthday...I'm afraid that isn't going to happen.
Lucy and Lincoln's 100th day of school was on Friday so I got to go to Lincoln's parade at school. Oh my...it made my day! Those little kiddos marching around the halls waving at the parents and singing was just the cutest thing ever. Link did great until he saw me and then wanted to sit with me and wave at everyone else from my lap:) Each class had a different hat they made so it was cute to see their creativity!
Anyway--things are going well. We have been looking for houses most weekends, going with family, and just enjoying being here...and not up in that Iowa winter mess:) Although, this isn't home to not have snow down here. I hope everyone has a great week and I hope to keep up on this blog a little better.

Jump for Joy...

2010-01-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

We're having a boy!!!! This little guy has been such a blessing to our family and he's not even here yet!!

Everything is going well. Lucy and Lincoln are so excited to be BIG brother and sissy! May can't get here quick enough! If anyone has boy names...please help us out. I joke with Nick that we are going to leave the hospital and his name will be "no name!" This name game is SO hard this time! HELP PLEASE!

Lucy and Ruthie

2010-01-22T07:25:00.001-08:00

Lucy got Ruthie from Santa last year and this year she got the matching jammies to go along with her doll! One lucky girl
Every night before bed we have to change her into her pajamas and get her ready for bed. Let's just say we start bed time at 7 now!!!!
P.S. Our Christmas decor IS taken down!!!

Feeding the ducks

2010-01-22T07:08:00.001-08:00

After school yesterday I thought it would be fun to take Lucy and Link to go and feed the duckies at the pond. We had a great time and it was so fun to see after each throw, Lincoln make his "duck" noise. He was cracking Lucy and I up. Thank goodness no one fell in!! I was nervous going with both of them by myself, and with little "stuntman" you never know what he will try and do.

Limo Ride

2010-01-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

My brother drives a limo on different occasions and he had to drive it on New Year's Eve. We went up to his house and there was this HUGE thing parked in front. Lucy kept asking me if she was in a dream. The kiddos got to check it out and go for a quick spin before my brother had to leave. It was quite a way to ring in the New Year being 8, 5, and 3 years old:)

Merry Christmas from the Novotnys

2010-01-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

Arizona for Thanksgiving

2009-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving festivities

2009-11-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

Lucy and Lincoln had their little Thanksgiving parties at school yesterday and today. I LOVED going and watching them sing their songs and do the actions. We had a wonderful time.
We will be traveling to Arizona next week for Thanksgiving so I am looking forward to that. If you are traveling, travel safe! I hope everyone has a wonderful week filled with lots of love, laughter, family, and LOTS of eating. I've been looking forward to the holidays being pregnant:)
We are thankful for each and everyone of our friends and family and look forward to seeing you all next month!
Love-the Novotnys

Parades, pouting, and rocket building!

2009-11-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today Lucy was in a parade in our town for Veterans Day! Her Girl Scout group was in it and they had SO much fun. It was cute to see them all with their little smocks on walking down the street with HUGE smiles on their faces!
After we watched the Hawks try to pull it off this afternoon, Nick and Lucy decided to build their rocket that we bought awhile ago. Lucy says that tomorrow grandpa Phil, (my dad), better be ready for a gift from her. It sure put a smile on my face to hear that.
The last picture I took tonight was Lincoln really pouting. I LOVE that he has feelings and it cracked Nick and I up to see him get mad at me because I told him "no". He has come such a long way and we couldn't be happier.
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Christmas came early for Nick

2009-11-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend from college and her family drive down here every year for the Nascar race at the Texas Motor Speedway. Well, since we are living in Texas and Nick likes racing...this year I thought I would get a couple tickets to go. I couldn't believe the people. And I thought an Iowa football game was packed. Wow. We had a wonderful day together and got to see my friend Ashlee and her family. After the race, we went back to their motor home and grilled and hung out! I didn't even have to put the kiddos to bed:) Ashlee and I always attract the mascot whether it's a hockey game, nascar race...whatever. So we HAD to get our picture with SPARKPLUG! Great name!!

Multi cultural night at Mooneyham

2009-11-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday was multi-cultural night at Lucy's school, Mooneyham Elementary. It was pretty fun to go around to 13 different countries and read about their way of living, the food they eat, the activities they do, and so on and so forth. Well, we must say, we got to Germany...and it was pretty sorry. Lucy even said herself, "this isn't what Germany looks like!" Oh my...
Anyway--here are a few pictures from the night. The best one was getting a picture with the "REAL" Mr. Mooneyham. Way back in the begining of school, Lincoln had an appointment at his school and we went around and introduced ourselves. There were 8 people in the room...and one of them happened to be Mr. Charles Mooneyham, the one who's Lucy's school is named after. Anyway, he said who he was and Lucy looked at him, tapped his shoulder and said, "are you the "real" Mr. Mooneyham?" It was pretty cute. So we did get a picture with him!

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

A fire truck came to lead all the kiddos around the neighborhood!
Lucy and all her little friends

Busy month

2009-10-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

This past month has been a whirlwind of emotions with all that has been going on. We had a couple visitors come for the weekend so that has been of course... WONDERFUL! Nick's cousin Nicole came from San Fransico for a couple days. And then this past weekend our great friend Lynn, from Iowa came for the weekend. They have helped me SO much with everything around the house, and just being here. My dad passed away on Oct. 9th and I have been in AZ since the 10th. I was very fortunate to get to visit there last month. He wasn't feeling the greatest and was just in terrible pain all day, everyday. He had a heart attack and the Lord called him home on the 9th. I find comfort in knowing that there is NO pain in heaven. I miss him dearly but know that I will meet him again.
The exciting news is that we are excpecting baby #3 in May. Nick and I had our appt. yesterday and everything looked great. What a great thing to look forward to. I haven't been feeling the best...but hopefully I am near the end of that.
I hope everyone is doing well and is enjoying the fall weather. We think of each of you daily. LOVE YOU ALL!

Lynn is here!

Uncle Al and Lincoln sharing a piece of cheese!
Nicole came! She was AWESOME!

The whole Sewell clan
All of grandpa Phil's grandkids!

Exciting Things at the Novotny's

2009-09-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

We have had an exciting last couple of days. Lucy had a soccer game on Sunday and they were playing boys. Of course...the boys were winning 14-0. Anyway- the last couple minutes left Lucy scored her first goal. I wish I had my camera ready at that moment!! Her face was as bright as a Christmas tree!! We were all pretty excited about that.
Lincoln is all potty trained. He has been wearing big boy undies for the last 5 days and LOVES wearing them. He is SO proud of himself when he goes...as are we!
Lastnight...Lucy lost her second tooth. It has been loose for weeks now and every night we wiggle it a little more and check it to see if it's ready to be pulled. Well...lastnight it was! Nick pulled it out and the tooth fairy came. As we were getting ready for bed, Lucy asked if the American tooth fairy would bring as much as the german tooth fairy!! Well, she was generous but I must say...not as nice as that german tooth fairy!:)
Today is also my nephew's birhtday! He turns 9 and is such a handsome little dude! I always love to be with him! He can make anyone laugh and is full of energy. He is such a stud. We love you Alex and can't wait to see you again soon.
Hope everyone is enjoying their week~

Okotberfest...well...kind of.

2009-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to a "Texas" Oktoberfest. It wasn't really anything compared to Munich but it was fun and something to do. The weather was beautiful and it was a great excuse to get Lucy and Link dressed in there little german outfits. We ate our "americanized" brats and pretzels, did some german dancing, and even sang some german songs...well Nick and Lucy did.

Ode to squirrels

2009-09-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Lucy's favorite animals above any others are... SQUIRRELS!!
My grandma's name was Lucy and she was deathly afraid of sqirrels. My grandpa would put food out for them and she would just freeze if one ever came in their yard. It's funny how now my daughter...who is named after my grandma LOVES them.
The other day we were at Target and Lucy found this dog costume and we both started laughing in the isle. I'm sure people were laughing at us. I thought I was dreaming. We HAD to get Emma the costume even though it was a size too small. So here are a few pictures of Emma's halloween costume. She is not to happy with us when we put her costume on but we get a kick out of it:

Halloween Cookies

2009-09-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

The other night we made cookies for Halloween. Lucy loved it and Lincoln ate the frosting and candy! We had a fun time!

Rain, rain go away.

2009-09-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

It has rained here for the last 8 days in a row!! We needed the rain but now the sunshine would be nice.
Lucy and Lincoln wanted to wear their rain coats today so I thought I would get a couple pictures of them waiting for the bus!

Meeting Elmo!

2009-09-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

We went to a little gym this weekend where we got to meet ELMO!! It was the greatest thing for the kiddos. Lincoln didn't take the smile off his face the whole time we were there. I wish Elmo could meet us at the studio where we get their pictures taken:)
We played there for awhile and then Nick and I got to go and watch the HAWKS with some co-workers from Rockwell. We walked into the sports bar and it was BLACK AND GOLD!! It was a nice taste of "home!"
We had a great but busy weekend!! Hope everone enjoyed theirs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN

2009-09-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

My niece turns 11 today!! She is such a wonderful little girl and I love to watch her grow up...
Have a wonderful day Morgie and keep on smiling! WE LOVE YOU!!

Spirit Horse Ranch

2009-09-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Lincoln started horseback riding yesterday. There is a program here for special needs children to help stregthen their hips, legs, learn how to follow directions, and give commands to the horses.
Lincoln's lesson starts out by brushing the horse...his horses name is Peter Pan:) Then he helps his teacher saddle the horse. He is turning into such a big boy. I don't have any pictures of him brushing the horse because he just wanted to brush my hair...YIKES. Once he got on the horse he LOVED it. He just kept making the horse sound.
Anyway--just thought I would share a couple pictures of his first day. He will go once a week throughout the year.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-09T06:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I left Lucy, Lincoln, and Nick home and had a weekend with my family in AZ. As the plane was landing I felt like I needed to be cleaning up snacks, toys, books, asking around if anyone has a car that my son threw...but it was JUST ME!!! It was great to see them. The last time I saw my mom and dad was when they came to visit us in Germany last July...so it was OVER DUE.
We had a full weekend of fun and laughter. I can't wait to see them again. Love you guys!!

My mom and I shopping!
My niece Keiley and my mom with Butch...the best dog ever.
Kieley and I pretending to sleep:)
>a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jmafIWI7go/SqeswI2YgoI/AAAAAAAABvI/iYDSrv7SMUk/s1600-h/Visit+to+AZ+013.jpg"> Out to lunch before I left

I wish there was this store closer to me!!!!
My mom's adorable 1st grade class.

20 days later!!

2009-08-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

My last post was on the 6th and its the 26th...not too behind am I?!?! In those 20 days we have moved into a house, signed up for school, Nick started work, got the house unpacked and lookin good, finding our way around town, and trying to start our life here!
Our first day of school was great. Lucy met a few new friends and Lincoln ran right into his classroom and the past couple days have been funny...he gets so mad at me when I come to pick him up. I guess it makes it easier for me to see that he is enjoying himself.
Nick's parents were here last weekend so we were busy with them going to a water park, and aquarium.
It's HOT here! It's getting up to 104. I'm NOT used to that at all but I guess it will be fine since I don't think I'll miss the snow...at least I say that right now:)
Anyway-- we are getting into the swing of things and getting comfortable...although we miss everyone back in Iowa, Minnesota, Arizona...and Germany!!!!

A minute to "catch up"

2009-08-06T11:49:00.001-07:00

We made it to Texas and it has been non-stop since we got here! I have SOO many pictures and am sad I can't put any on here because I packed my connections to the computer so I will just fill everyone in.
Lucy went to VBS the week before we left to come down here and had a wonderful time! She was sad when it was over because she had so much fun seeing all her friends before we left.
We drove down here on Sat. and went right over to Nick's uncles house where his family was there to welcome us... THANK GOD FOR FAMILY!!!
We grilled there...which was SO NICE because we are done eating out. AH! I never thought I would say that! I actually miss not having a stove and grill!!! We are living out of a hotel room and I guess I need to appreciate the fact that we have each other and roof over our heads...and AIR!! We went and looked at 7 houses yesterday just to rent and we found 2! We are still waiting to hear back so hopefully this weekend we will have our OWN bedrooms! Our house is packed into a storage unit and I can't wait to open each box. It will be like Christmas....especially all our things from Germany! We haven't seen that stuff since the middle of May! Lucy can't wait to get Ruthie...the packers were too fast and packed her. There is an American Girl store in Dallas and I PROMISED I would take her there as soon as we find Ruthie. AHHH. The good thing is this is only temporary:)
We bought a VW beetle! After being in Germany we love those VWs!!! It sure is a change driving a little beetle around and leaving our "bus" parked!!! It sure is fun to have a little car to cruise around in.
Other than that...we are ready for school to start and get back to some normal lifestyle!!!
We are doing well and glad we are here.
If anyone wants to come and visit when it's cold up there...we are here and would LOVE to have company.
Take care and hopefully I can put some pictures up next week when we get unpacked!!!
We love you all and already miss Iowa!

Day at the zoo with the Archers'

2009-07-23T19:30:00.001-07:00

Wednesday was such a beautiful day and what a better way to spend it than with friends at the zoo?!!!
We met the Archers' in Germany and little did we know that we are both Iowans!! We had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing them soon...whether it be in Iowa or Texas!!

Out with "the girls"

2009-07-22T21:16:00.001-07:00

Tonight I had a night out at the Olive Garden for dessert...AND salad! We had lots of laughs and I had a wonderful time! Thank you ladies for such a great night! Sorry this picture isn't the best but at least we have the memories!!!!

Night with the Hahns

2009-07-20T20:43:00.001-07:00

Saturday night we went to our friends' Brad and Lynn's house for dinner and for some good company. We went on a bike ride...well Lucy and Brad did...and then we had a WONDERFUL dinner and then roasted marshmallows and made S'MORES!!! We had a wonderful night and can't wait to do it again soon.

Summer Fun

2009-07-16T14:06:00.001-07:00

We put our house up for sale and are hoping it goes fast so we are able to get something in Texas!
Lucy is holding our St. Joseph statue that we bought. He was a carpenter and over the years this tradition arose to bury a statue in your lawn when you go to sell your home. You bury him right next to your For Sale sign upside down...his feet are pointing to heaven and towards the house you are selling and then pray to him to help you sell your house. So everyone...pray to St. Joseph for the Novotny house to sell:)
Link in his "big boy" undies!

Lucy, Link, Henry, and baby Bea ready to go to the Children's Museum

LOTS of catching up to do!

2009-07-07T20:31:00.001-07:00

We are back in the USA and enjoying it! We are missing the german lifestyle and our friends and NEIGHBORS (Blunys)!!
We went with the Blunys to Playmobile Fun park the day before we left back to Iowa and had such a great time...even though it was raining the whole day! We miss you guys!
We got back to the states and got settled in and then traveled to the Quad Cities to visit our friends that we met in Germany! We went to lunch and then went to John Deere and had a GREAT time! We will miss the Archer's when we get to TX!
We went to my brother's house for the 4th of July and enjoyed our time there! Lucy cried for the first hour of the trip and was so sad to leave (and I was too).
Now it's time to crack the whip and get cleaning and making this house look good!
We are missing Nick and are counting down until the 24th when he will be home!
We are trying to stay busy here! We are looking forward to whats ahead but will be sad to leave our friends and family here!

Lincoln turns 3!

2009-06-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? These past three years have been so awesome to see this little man grow and learn things each day! He is chatting more and more, running after his big sister, giving "dirty looks", being our little stuntman and best of all...our little snuggle bug. Tonight we had an early birthday celebration for Lincoln, a going away party with our AWESOME neighbors upstairs and a packing party:) My oh my...we are busy. Lucy, Lincoln, and I fly out on Sunday and Nick will stay here until the middle of July. Please pray for me as I am heading out...ON MY OWN!! This year has been such a great year. We have met the best friends, seen what we wanted to see, had family come and visit us, but most of all, we have grown as a family! Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch throughout the year. It sure makes the time over here so much better knowing we have family and friends back home praying and thinking of us!! Can't wait to see you all again soon.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great Father's Day (or Nick did)!!
We slept in, had a little celebration, and then jumped on our bikes and rode to Ladenberg which is a couple small villages over. We then rode a ferry across the river with our bikes...which I thought was pretty neat. Some of our friends were there and then we continued on our journey. We rode to a WONDERFUL beer garden for lunch. And guess what...it was mexican! I was so excited. We had lunch, waited for the rain to pass and then rode to the town of Schwetzingen for a brewery tour. We left there and ran into more rain. That's part of the journey right? We then headed to our friends house for pizza and then back home. The total distance was a 15 mile bike ride! I sure wish I could do that everyday!!!!
We had a wonderful Sunday!!

New hats

2009-06-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

We have been acting silly around here!!! Lincoln runs into our room and grabs these hats and runs off with them! We are winding down here and getting packed to head home! Pray for us this week as the movers come Wed. and Lincoln turns THREE Friday!! I cannot believe how time flies! And then on Sunday, Lucy, Lincoln, and I will fly back to Iowa for a month before we head down to Texas. LOTS to get ready for. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!

We found some familiar faces!!!

2009-06-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Nick's Aunt Cindy and Uncle David from Texas are traveling throughout Europe with a group and Tuesday they were in Heidelberg!!! Lincoln and I met them at the castle and then we kidnapped them and brought them back to our place for the afternoon before they had to get back to their boat!
It was great to see familiar faces because we are winding down our time here and it's getting sad to say goodbye to a wonderful year here!
We played some board games (Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders to be exact:)
Nick grilled some steaks and we had some spargel (which is white asparagus). This is grown here in Germany all over. It's popular like our Iowa SWEET CORN!
We had a wonderful afternoon with them and look forward to seeing LOTS more of them when we get to Texas!

A wish came true!

2009-06-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

When you go to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you throw a coin in in hopes to return someday! Well, with that said, Nick and I did that almost 2 years ago. And here were are back once again with our kiddos.
We made one last trip here in Europe to see our friend Shane. We drove through Switzerland and on down to Rome. We had a wonderful time with Shane. We did LOTS of walking, eating gelato(ice cream) everyday...sometimes 2 times a day:), and just enjoying each others company.
We left Rome on Monday and drove down to the sea. I don't think I have ever seen such blue water before. It was SO relaxing to listen to the water.
We had a wonderful time, minus the driving in Italy! Oh my! I guess if I can conquer the crazy Italian drivers, I can conquer anything!

Our Italian vacation Part 1

2009-06-10T01:05:00.001-07:00

Shane, Nick, and Lucy.
Listening to the Pope give his blessing. He's up in the little window on the right. What a great experience.
The Vatican
The Vatican
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
The Pantheon
The Pantheon
Eating gelato:)
Lucy and Shane getting their gelato
Driving through Switzerland and visiting the Swiss Alps!

Look who lost their first tooth!!

2009-06-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was trying to get everything put away from being back and Lucy came running back to my room and I instantly thought "what happened this time"? With a big grin on her face she showed me her loose tooth!! I told her to leave it alone and it will fall out when it is ready!! Yeah right. She wiggled it all afternoon. She was so excited. And I must say a couple weeks ago, she cried herself to sleep because she didn't have any loose teeth. Her dreams came true.
She was showing everyone lastnight, our neighbors, the people at the ice cream store, really anyone who walked by us lastnight. Every 10 minutes, "mom, when is my tooth going to fall out?" I told her to just be patient and it will.
Well, as we were playing Polly Pockets lastnight being the go getter that I am...I pulled it out(so much for telling to let it fall out on it's own)!! Oh boy! I think she fell asleep with a smile on her face(after midnight)!!
I must say I was a little sad when she told me it was loose. I can't believe how time flies. They grow up WAY too fast.

Trip back to Iowa

2009-06-02T06:24:00.001-07:00

We had a busy last couple of weeks visitng friends and family all over the state!! We went from Iowa City to Mason City back to Iowa City to Dubuque and then off to Sioux City. We had a great time seeing everyone and we look forward to spending time with everyone again before we head to Texas. LOTS to do and pray and think about these next few weeks! Enjoy my pictures and we will see you all again soon.
Love...the Novotnys

Iowa Pictures

2009-06-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Texas, here we come!

2009-05-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today Nick got his last and FINAL call from the Rockwell Collins in Richardson, Texas. We WILL be moving there. Not sure when, not sure what our address is, not sure of a darn thing...just that we ARE going.
I am getting excited about this whole thing. I can't wait to finally be settled again. We have enjoyed being back in Iowa these past few weeks but it's been go, go, go...
This all started a few months ago when he got an offer for a position down there and we thought that we would see what Cedar Rapids had to offer since we have a house in Iowa City...so easy right?:) Not so much. So we came home, visited Texas and loved it. There is nothing really for Nick in Cedar Rapids and we need to be thankful that he still has a job to go to. I am looking forward to the new friends that we will meet, but the old ones we will leave behind!! And that is why we have the blogs...to keep in touch with friends and family.
We are heading back to Heidelberg on Sunday and really not sure of a return date. Maybe the end of June, maybe the end of July?? SOOOOO much to think and pray about. Nothing is really in my hands...so why worry!? Because I am human!!
Anyway--please pray that these next few months will go well and the our trip back will be good.
I am anxious to get back and enjoy these last few weeks with friends that we have made in Germany and a few more trips that we have planned!!
OK! I am done rambling. Thanks for praying and I will post again soon.
Love you all--Molly

Home Sweet Home

2009-05-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived back in the USA on Sunday!The trip went great! I was a little nervous being a 10.5 hour flight but it worked out. Kids ruled the plane so it made it fun for Lucy and Lincoln.
We are in Texas until Thursday and then we will fly to Iowa and we are there until the 31st of May! I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day and I look forward to seeing everyone!
We are enjoying our time here in Texas. We have had full days of visiting schools, houses, and Nick visiting work. Our favorite part of this week was that we visited a horse ranch where Lincoln would be taking horseback riding lessons. It was SOOO rewarding to go there and see all the kiddos participating getting "their" horse ready to ride. When Link put his helmet on and got right on that horse, I may have shed a few tears. He is getting so big. I will have to post pictures soon.
Overall, Texas is a great place and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Novotnys!! See you all soon.

Sunday

2009-05-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

Our plan for Sunday was to go to a great zoo about an hour or so away! Well, that changed. Lincoln decided he wanted to take a trip to the ER instead. We aren't exactly sure what happened. He went into his room and slammed his door shut and we heard screaming from his room. Well, we thought he pinched his fingers. Not so much. I think he hit his head on the door as he was shutting it.
Anyway--after we got back from visiting the ER, we decided to go to a castle close by and eat some MEXICAN for lunch!! YUMMY! We ended up running into one of Nick's co-workers and his wife and son. We ate and walked to the castle with them. It was a great afternoon. The castle was filled with beautiful landscape, flowers, trees, lakes, great churches and there were even little baby ducks all over. Lucy insisted on taking one home!
We had a great day...minus the unexpected visit.

Bundes Liga game

2009-05-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

One of Nick's co-workers had some tickets for a soccer game. Nick bought them and we decided to go and check it out! It was another sunny day and took advantage being outside! No one scored. It was 0-0 but it sure was exciting. People cheering and yelling through the whole game! I kind of felt like I was at a HAWKEYE game. It just got me more excited for football season:)

Kurpfalz park

2009-05-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

Nick had the day off last Friday because it was Labor day! The USA is the only country that celebrated Labor Day in Sept. You learn something new everyday.
Anyway--we went to a great park with our neighbors from above! There was so much to do. They had so many different kinds of animals, roller coasters, slides, swings all over. You got the best of everything here! It was a beautiful weekend to be outside so we took advantage!

Grandma and grandpa Novotny are here!

2009-04-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

This past week has been such a great time. Nick's mom and dad have been here visiting. It has been great having them here with us. It makes the time that much better!!! We played games, shopped, did ALOT of eating, traveled quite a bit, and looked for watchmakers!!
Anyway--the weather was great the time they were here and we can't wait to see them again...only this time in Iowa!
Thanks Rick and Elise for the great time. We always have a wonderful time with you guys.

Family picture in one of my favorite places...Prague
The "tough" ones carrying Lincoln up the stairs. Lincoln thought he was pretty special.

The crew!
These guys were all over trying to sell us on the BEST boat ride. It was great watching Nick and Rick chatting with them.
The John Lennon wall. "PEACE!"
Lucy wearing a scary mask and scaring grandpa.

Nick and his daddy!
"Adults only" out to dinner!
A trip to my favorite little town, Bad Wimpfen
A fire truck that Lincoln thought he needed to get into...only grandpa's would lift him up! He's a load these days:)
Lucy and grandpa driving the boats on the Neckar river.

Easter weekend

2009-04-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

So what more could you ask for? Beautiful weather, the sun shining, friends gathering at your house, your husband surprising you and taking you to a spa for the day? This weekend was great.
Friday we went to a park in Mannheim with some friends and had a picnic. It was GREAT! The kids had a blast running through the fountain and pretending the falling flowers was "snow." Thanks for the great day Shaefers!!!
Saturday Nick SURPRISED me and took me to a spa. He had the sitter all lined up and all. He asked me what this weekend was and I stupidly answered "Easter weekend and we have to get ready for our guests." WRONG. This weekend marked our 10 years of being together as a COUPLE! We got massages and had a great day!
Sunday we went to church, got a few eggs from the bunny, and had friends over for a feast! Everything was great!! Thanks everyone for the AWESOME day! We can all meet again next year...although not in Iowa, there might be snow on the ground!!

I gave the kiddos powder to get the sand off their feet... an easy way, I sure didn't know that. Thanks Kimberly. Well, I should of stayed there while they got the sand off their feet. Instead they decided to throw it all over the brick and play in it! Henry even ran inside to tell his mom and dad that it was "snowing" outside. The things they come up with!

The kids getting ready for the hunt!
This is the new look for men!
Happy Easter everyone! Love, the Novotnys

The "snow" that Joe shook out of the tree!

Our travels

2009-04-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's pretty quiet around here. Becky and Melissa left on Tuesday and Lucy and Lincoln are in depression! Anyway--we had a great time with them! Here are a few pictures from the couple weeks with them. They are from Belgium, the castle in Heidelberg and just fun ones!! We even got to watch Lucy and Link's friend Henry. He got to come to the castle with us. All three kiddos enjoyed running around there!
Anyway--hope everyone is having a great week. Happy Easter to all! We are missing you all.

Girls night out for dinner!!

Lucy's egg hunt at school!

Visitors

2009-04-03T01:07:00.001-07:00

We have had some visitors these past few weeks from home. Becky is our neighbor and her daughter, Melissa came to visit and we are having a great time. We are doing lots of traveling and sight-seeing. We went to Holland last weekend so here are a few pictures from that! We will be lost when they leave!

Look who can ride a bike!!

2009-03-25T13:50:00.001-07:00

So while I was away for a girls' weekend, Lucy decided to learn to ride a bike with daddy! On St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday the 17th...she was ON a bike. It didn't take her long:) Nick told her as soon as she learned how to ride one, he would buy her a new one. She sure caught on QUICK!! I remember when my niece and nephew learned how to ride and now it's LUCY!!! My how time flies!! WAY TO GO LUCY!!

Ladies weekend in Prague

2009-03-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough this past weekend to go on a "ladies only" weekend with 4 WONDERFUL ladies from church! We had a wonderful time full of laughter, food, walking, fellowship, searching for the "right" piece of amber(which Prague is known for), and just having a great time!! It was so refreshing and I appreciated the time I had with them!

The ladies who went on the trip-Pam, Dawn, Dina, myself, and Kimberly.
This man was a guard (not really) standing in front of the castle. If you got to close to him, he would slam his gun on the ground loud enough to "scare" you. Notice I was chatting with him while the picture was taken!

This is a beautiful church located in the town center. There are over 1,000 churches in Prague and the sad thing is that the majority of the population are athiest. Although we were walking home on Saturday night and we noticed in, of all places, McDonald's a couple doing bible study! It was cute! Notice the two steeples. The right one is taller than the left. All the churches in Prague are like that to depict Adam and Eve...or man and woman.

Dina, Kimberly, and I.

Lucy and Lincoln

2009-03-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

I finally had some time to put up some of my favorite pictures from Lucy's birthday and a few others. I hope everyone is having a great week! We are enjoying the BEAUTIFUL spring weather that is upon us!!!

Fun with my camera!

2009-03-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Rothenburg

2009-03-01T02:20:00.001-08:00

On Saturday we headed to Rothenburg with out friends Andrea, John, and Henry! It was a gorgeous day to be out!
This is now my new favorite town! It is surrounded by a wall from the midieval times and is one of the most picturesque towns there is. With all the cobblestone and narrow streets, there is always something to look at! Plus, there was wonderful shopping with LOTS of Birkenstock stores(in which we will be going to back for those)!
We had a wonderful time!

This manger scene was in the year-round Christmas store we went into. I payed for my things and turned around and found Lucy saying a little prayer and being thankful for all her friends and mommy and daddy and for the best brother. I wish she would think that ALL the time!

The wall surrounding the town.
The gate going into the town!

Spring HAS sprung!

2009-03-01T02:15:00.001-08:00

The other day Lucy and I were waiting for her ride to school and she noticed all the little buds coming up from the flowers. I would of never noticed them if she didn't point them out! Thank God for little ones to point out the little things in life!

Parades, parades, and MORE parades!

2009-02-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

Today was "Fat Tuesday" and the whole town shut down! Lincoln was sick and the pharmacy across the street was shut down and we couldn't get his antibiotics. Finally, Nick and John found one and all was well. Hopefully Lincoln will be back on his on his toes.
The schools let out early and we walked downtown to the parade...minus Nick and Lincoln!
As you can see, we had a great time. We got front row spots and the kiddos had a great time...and so did the adults! These germans sure like to have a good time!

Little Pebbles was at the parade!
A walk over to the parade!

Go Vikings! This guy was from Germany and had a Vikings jersey on so of course I HAD to get a picture!
Andrea and I at the parade!
Adults can have fun at parades too!
Our friend, Henry!
Lucy got to dress up for a party at school today and wanted to be a fairy!

Fasching

2009-02-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

Today is the the start of Fasching! It reminds me of Marti Gras or the begining of the lenten season! We went to a parade today with some friends who are over here from John Deere! They have some co-workers who's house was right on the parade route so we went along with them and had a wonderful time. Lucy got LOTS of candy and everyone decided to take a nap after we got home.
Carnival or Mardi Gras goes by many names in German, depending on the region and dialect: Karneval (Rhineland, former Roman settlements), Fasching (Austria, Bavaria, Berlin), Fastnacht (Baden, Switzerland), Fosnat (Franconia) or Fasnet (Swabia). Whether it's Fasching or Karneval, it is a time to let off steam and live it up before the Lenten period that once called for fasting (die Fastenzeit). It is this fasting tradition that gave the celebration its Fastnacht name ("night before fasting"). In the 15th and 16th centuries, amusing plays known as Fastnachtspiele were performed during the pre-Lenten season. Today there are elaborate parades (Umzüge) in all the large and small communities where Fasching is celebrated.

New camera!

2009-02-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am SOOO excited because we got a camera today!!
Lucy and I decided to take a few snapshots of the 2 of us!

Lucy's birthday party!

2009-02-16T04:10:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend took some pictures from Lucy's party since my camera is BUSTED!! I can't wait to get a new one!
Anyway--we had a great weekend with friends...even some from IOWA!
Lucy couldn't wait to light her number *5* sparkler and when we lit it...she sprinted away! I'm not really sure why she did because she LOVES sparklers. When I asked her why she did, she told me because everyone was cheering:)
We opened presents and then we had a sleep over with 9 kiddos (and moms ONLY)!
It was great fun. Thanks everyone for the fun time!

Thank you friends!

2009-02-13T03:07:00.000-08:00

Lucy wanted me to write on my blog and say thank you to all her friends in Iowa for the Valentine necklaces and all the cute cards that you guys wrote! She has them all hanging in her room! As soon as I get a NEW camera I can take pictures and post again...with PICTURES!!! I am so bummed out. I have a camera...like I said before. But I can't upload them to this ancient computer!!
Anyway--we wish we were there for the party! Miss you all---Lucy and Molly!
Nick and Link too:)

Let the party start!

2009-02-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

Like I said before, Nick is leaving for a ski trip tomorrow so we started celebrating Lucy's birthday today! We went to her school for lunch and on our way in, I dropped my camera! I started crying because it is a GONER!! I am so sad! There won't be any pictures for awhile but at least I can still update my blog!
We had a good lunch but was so sad that I couldn't take pics! Lucy took Lincoln's hand and sat him right next to her! It was so great!
After lunch, I dropped Nick back off at work and came home and wrapped Lucy's presents and decided to get on the computer! I started it up, but it wouldn't boot up! Oh my! It's not Friday the 13th yet!!!! Well, Nick came home from work and guess what? We need a new computer too! I sure hope we hit the jackpot soon!
I called a friend of mine that just moved over here from IOWA as well and she brought me her camera...THANK GOODNESS! Thanks Andrea! So I am able to take LOTS of pictures but am not able to put them on our laptop...which was Nick's WAY long ago. It's SOOOOOOO old and it's taking me WAY too long to even write this post!
Back to Lucy's party...she got lots of fun things from gramma's and grampa's and we are enjoying all of her new clothes for Ruthie!
We LOVE the mail from our friends back home! She is wearing her candy necklace to bed and I need to figure out how to take it off without her waking up! Thanks Millers!
Tomorrow we are having NINE kiddos stay the night here...don't worry. I'm not keeping them myself! The other husbands are going on the ski retreat as well!
Then on Sat. we are going bowling and the party just keeps going!
Anyway--we wish everyone a great weekend and I CAN'T wait to post some pictures.
I am so happy to have great friends to help celebrate our little monkey's 5th birthday! Lucy is so full of life(wonder where she gets that from)? We are so proud of our little girl! I LOVE how she has such confidence and can take care of any situation...so she thinks! She is always wanting to be friends with everyone! And of course...she's a little tattle tail! Oh my, she has to let me know what everyone is up to! Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad:)
Anyway--hard to believe where the time goes?!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Dan Meyers

2009-02-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Nick is going on a ski retreat this weekend with a bunch of men and the one who is heading this trip is Dan Meyers. He came tonight to church and put on a little mini concert for everyone and he is a great singer(and a little cutie too)! His website is www.danmeyers.com. You should all check him out. He's wonderful!
Anyway--just thought I would share with you a little note about tonight!

Guess who can tie their shoes?!!

2009-02-10T07:52:00.001-08:00

Diamonds and Denim

2009-02-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

I joined a Heidelberg woman's club and each month they put on this fabulous themed lunch and fun program. Well this month was a dinner and auction with our spouses.
It was flea market finds with BEAUTIFUL items that we could bid on!! I'm afraid we didn't bid on anything. But, we did buy a bunch of raffle tickets and put our names in different items for us to WIN!! I NEVER win...as soon as I said that...I won this beautiful tea cart! I was so excited.
We had a great night with friends and enjoying each other's company!

Surprise

2009-02-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

Nick came home from work the other day...on his bike, and was carrying the most beautiful flowers that I think I've ever seen. And the best part...they were for ME!! Thanks Nick.

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2009-02-04T03:50:00.000-08:00

We went bowling for Nick's big day and a few people from Rockwell met us there. We had a wonderful time. Lincoln stayed with my girlfriend at home and we brought Lucy to hang out with the "big kids." She was very excited to be coming with us.

The 2 Nick's at Rockwell!

Lucy and Link did an excellent job on daddy's cake!

Nick's birthday

2009-02-02T23:30:00.001-08:00

It's Nick's birthday today and we had him open one present until later! He got a remote control fire truck!
A few weeks ago, I overheard Lucy asking him if he was going to get me the Molly doll from American Girl for Valentines Day and his response was "Lucy, that would be like mommy getting me a remote control car." We went to Toys R' Us and the remote control cars were MUCH more expensive than the fire trucks. So, we opted for the fire truck and he thought it was a pretty good gift!

American Girl party

2009-02-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

We went over to some friends this weekend and they have Kit and Marisol! Lucy brought Ruthie and they sure had a wonderful time!