Sub Zero Temps & Connor's 1st Birthday Party!

This week was COLD!  If we weren't ready for winter, well too bad!  It hit us and hard.  We had highs in the single digits almost all week and I write this in my cozy basement with the fireplace going all while knowing the temp outside is -25, yes before wind chill factored in - HOLY COW!  Thankfully we get some more snow later this week - YAY white Christmas - and temps rise to mid 30s - HEAT WAVE!  While we were freezing at home, Clint headed to PA for work Tues-Wed.  We are so happy and ready to have no trips on the calendars for the next several weeks, it makes for a hectic work/school week when daddy travels for a part of it.

Baby Fun!

 Poor Pre-School Teachers

Lots of Snow Outside but Kids Cant Play Outside b/c of Temps

They Brought Snow Into the Kids :)

My Lovey is Obsessed with the Mistletoe and KISSES

Friday - So we deemed it snowmagedon which was supposed to descend on the city around noon on Friday afternoon.  However, it was 3p and still no sign but then around 330p as I am talking on the phone I start to see a few flurries and by the time I leave at 430p there is already an inch - UGH!  I had to get to the mall for the very few last minute needs for Christmas gifts as I will NOT have time this coming week - will explain later.  So I venture out and had a very successful and quiet trip to the mall since I was one of few crazies attempting to get things done in this weather.  I got all my errands done, grabbed a few cute winter items for Connor at Nordstrom and even grabbed take out from Big Bowl for the family dinner that night :)  SUCCESS!  I got home and showed Maci one of my surprises, TROLL PUZZLE!  We loved the movie and I love puzzles :)

Finished Product

Yes, that is Real Troll Hair on Poppy!

After putting Connor to bed, Maci, Clint and I cuddled on the couch and rented Secret Life of Pets - super cute.  Maci proceeded to watch it 2 more times before the renewal was up over the weekend.

Saturday - So we wake up to sub zero temps and another 5 inches of snow.

Thanks for the New Hat Mom :)

Maci's dance is cancelled and I can't decide what to do for Connor's first birthday party.  After touching base with the guests we learned Zehr's were out (Figured with a 40 min drive minus the weather) and Fike's were out (sick kiddos, no thanks!).  However, Karoline/Stephen from next door and Cassem's from less than a mile down the road were in - YAY!  Clint did the driveway and ran to get the cake/pizza for lunch.  Connor had a blast at his 'make shift' birthday party - poor 2nd kid and before the holidays birthday!

My Favorite Boys Waiting on the Guests

 Cutie HUGE Cake & Smash Cake for Connor

 Birthday Boy Chair

Clint Couldn't Find a 1st Birthday Balloon

#2ndkidproblems

 Someone LOVED His Cake

 Present Fun Post Bath

After everyone left around 2p, we put Connor down for a nap and had some quiet TV time.  Clint ran the grocery trip for me this week due to freezing temps.  We then watched the Toledo bowl game (Bummer) and Dolphins Saturday night game (Jets butt whooping).  What a wonderful way to spend a freezing cold day in MN.

Sunday - The coldest of all cold days!  We had a neighbor that threw bowling water in the air and it instantly froze - NUTS!  The kiddos and I haven't left the house all day - Clint on the other hand keeps finding reasons to run quick errands - silly boy!  We spent the morning cleaning all the toy boxes and play room because we had to "give toys to kids who don't have them" and get rid of any JUNK to the garbage!  I feel so good now with Christmas a week away and knowing the house is about to be full with new items all over again :)  I also went through all of Connor's clothes and packed away what he has outgrown :(  The only good thing about him growing is that I love purging and getting rid of unnecessary stuff in our house.  We then watched the Bengals implode against the Steelers.

I Simply Love this Face!

We are now prepping for a crazy week ahead.  I unpack my new office at work tomorrow (finally in our permanent spot after 2 years of remodeling the current HQ) along with a jam packed schedule.  Tuesday through Thursday are Global Controller Leadership Team meetings which I am a part of and facilitating a few topics.  This means all day meetings but also team dinner on Tuesday night.  On Thursday, Clint takes the CRV in for service during the morning, just got the Pilot done last week (winter tune ups), I run the kids to school, finish the leadership meetings at lunch time, get a bit of work done before my hair apt at 445p.  We then have Friday off but plan to send the kids to daycare, enjoy brunch together and pick Maci up to take her on a mommy/daddy date to the new movie Sing at the movie theatre while brother is still at daycare.  Oh and then it is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - Whew!  It will be here before we know it but we wouldn't have it any other way - our family life is crazy, hectic, busy but FUN and full of LOVE!

We hope all of you have a wonderful week leading up to the Christmas Holiday!
With Lots of Love,
C, K, M & C

Holiday Fun!

We had a kind of odd week in the Mondell house with various icky illness and different schedules.

Monday - I worked from home which made for a very productive but LONG day.  I also had a night call with Asia that lasted from 7-10p OUCH!  Connor enjoyed some painting at school.

Tuesday - I woke up feeling feverish with being overly hot and then really really cold.  ICK  I powered through the work day but probably wasn't my best self.  After work, I met Clint and the kids at daycare for a visit with Santa and Mrs Clause.  It was so cute how excited Maci was and how unsure Connor was with his little lip quivering the whole time :)

 Who Are You?!  MOMMY!

Wednesday - Clint flew to CO early in the morning for work.  I had a busy day at work that ended with a call from daycare saying Connor had pink eye UGH!  So in 15 degree weather I hauled both kids to a last minute 6p Dr apt to get Connor an eye drop RX so he could be back at school on Friday.  I also re-worked my calendar to make sure working from home with a baby was possible on Thursday - UGH again!  Thankfully Meghan, neighbor, came over after Connor went down to bed to watch M so I didnt have to haul the kiddos to the pharmacy as well.  I needed a drink - bad!

I need to remember this at times!

Thursday - Connor and I had an OK day at home together and the main things that had to get done got done so I call that success!  I had a good night with the kiddos and enjoyed a hot bath before bed.

Friday - UGH now I woke up feeling like poo!  I decided with a lighter schedule to clear my morning and take a sick day.  It was so nice to get the kids to school and go home back to bed - much needed rest!  Around 140p I had to pick up M and meet Clint (who had just landed) at Maci's kindergarten readiness assessment for the state of MN. . . yes she doesn't go for another 18 months but this is the age they recommend having it completed.  Maci did great!  We headed back home for me to take 1 quick call and then dad was off to get Connor man from daycare while I rested on the couch.  We watched a little bit of holiday TV before I fell asleep on the couch.

Saturday - Thankfully I woke up feeling much better - probably just worn down from a crazy week! We headed to Maci's dance class and then to a few errands - including Connor's 4th haircut!! HA the kid has so much hair :)  After resting at the house a bit, we were off to Mall of America to see Santa and enjoy dinner/holiday decor.  Maci even chose me to be her riding partner for the first time in forever!  Both kids did pretty well until about the time we were leaving when Maci started to melt - ugh that kid when she is tired!  Then when we got out to the parking lot she looked at 3 people smoking and said "That is disgusting!" Oh Jesus!  Yes, I agree it is gross but we don't need to yell that at people.  Thankfully the one guy was a good sport and said "you are right, it is gross."  Ahhh time to go home.

Sunday - We woke up to our first real snow fall!  We probably have about 5 inches outside!  Clint and the neighbors cleared driveways and sidewalks while I took care of early risers inside.  Due to the weather, I decided to be lazy and order for groceries to get delivered vs running out in the snow.  I got quite a few errands done around the house and now we are enjoying football games with both our teams winning!  Clint and M may hit the snow again in a little bit and I may get some work ready for the week ahead.  We are getting so very excited for Christmas in this house!  How fun are the holidays with kiddos?!

We hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and enjoy this magical season!
Lots of Love,
C, K, M & C

Christmas Fun Begins!

A full week back to work and school - we weren't sure how we would do after only a two day week the one prior but we all survived!  Clint was in Colorado Tues-Wed, I had a happy hour with my co-worker/friend John on Thursday, Maci loved every minute of having the tree and her elf back around and Connor had a respiratory check in on Friday (everything looking good)!  All in all, we will call it a good week.

Baby Play Time

 Play Food Fun

Maci Laying Under the Tree - So Pretty

 Costume Kim was Mrs Clause

Friday - After a long week, we were ready for some pizza and relaxation!  I got some Christmas wrapping completed and hit the hay early - thank you Clint!

Saturday - Clint took Maci to dance while I stayed home with a sleepy Connor.  This allowed for me to tackle a huge holiday to do list and some bill paying.  Once they were home, we were off to brunch and grocery shopping.  Not long after getting home, we all had to start getting dressed for our super fun annual new momma Christmas party at the Cassem house.

Saturday Morning Fun w. Dad in Maci's Room

 Kiddos at the Dinner Table

 The "Big Kids" were SO EXCITED for Santa to visit this year's party!

All the kiddos were really happy with their gift - Maci got a play dough pizza set - FUN!  We played until around 730p and then had to hit the road for Mr C's bedtime.  A great time was had by all and we were so excited to share happy holiday wishes with such wonderful friends!

Sunday - I had even more holiday to do list items - lots of wrapping - laundry - planning Maci's birthday party etc.  I got moving right after waking up with Connor around 8a.  By 11a we were off to the Ridgedale mall to get Mr Connor his first "real" pair of shoes which is required in the next room (1-2 year olds).  Connor will start the transition any day and in order to survive all those walking kiddos - he too must have on some shoes - baby boy :(  We got Clint a few things too before grabbing a snack and heading home just a little after our team's kickoff for football!  After our teams played, Maci and Clint hit the local sledding hill which finally has a "bit" of snow on it which is quickly melting.  I got a lot done around the house today which feels great!  I plan to focus on my work to do list in a little bit after dinner.  

1st Pair of "real" shoes are also his 1st Jordan's 💙💙

 Sledding Pals 

I look forward to a fairly quiet Monday with my calendar blocked for working time and a plan to work from home - should be a good start to the week.  Clint has yet another work trip for a portion of this week which means some good mommy's/kiddo time!  Fortunately we have a date night this coming Saturday which will be greatly needed 💖🍸

We hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and are enjoying all there is to appreciate/enjoy during this holiday season!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C