Our adventures in house hunting

Yep, we're still looking for a house! We have been going out every Tuesday for the past 2 months looking at houses. Damian found one that he liked but I didn't and put an offer down on it any way. They came down to our asking price but I was able to talk Damian out of that house. We continued to look and put down a few more offers but either they were not willing to come down in the price or only one of us liked the house. On Tuesday we looked at 5 houses and Good news we found one we both like.

Here it is!

We put an offer down on it today. We are starting low hoping to meet somewhere in the middle. This house is awesome! It has everything we have been looking for.

Here is the link: http://www.redfin.com/IL/Gilberts/555-Welch-St-60136/home/16910681

I hope that all the time we put into looking will finally pay off. I will keep you updated on the what happens, wish us luck!

Christmas 2008

Christmas morning Areya did not wake up until around 9:30. She was headed downstairs to check things out when I stopped her and told her she needed to wait until her sister woke up. (oh man!!!) While we were waiting for Aniela to wake up I read the story of Christ's birth from the bible (which was a tradition I had growing up) and explained to her that the reason we celebrate Christmas. Aniela was still sleeping so Damian jumped in the shower and got ready for work. Areya was going crazy by this time, she wanted to see what Santa left. Finally after Damian was ready I woke Aniela up and we all went down to open presents.

Santa (Uncle Matt) left Areya a Hannah Montana guitar and Santa also left a princess tea set. For Aniela Santa (Uncle Matt) left a baby doll and stroller and Santa also left another baby doll. (In all Aniela received 3 baby dolls) Thanks Santa (Uncle Matt) for stopping by our house. We hope you liked the milk and cookies.

Next was the huge mound of gifts from my family. After every thing was open you could not see the floor or very small children. (good thing Aniela knows how to walk or she would have been lost in that mess)

Damian had to hurry off to work so for the rest of the day I hung out with the girls watching them play with all their new toys. This Christmas was hard for me because it was the first one away from my family. I really missed them and wished I could have been there. I love you all and am so thankful and bless to have you as my family. Thank you to everyone who sent the girls gifts, they really do love all of them.

As for Damian and I we both got what we wanted too. Thank you for the gift cards, now it is time to spend them on a nice date night with out kids. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and will be blessed with health and happiness for the New Year!

Our Polish Christmas

On Christmas Eve we did our best to have a traditional Polish Christmas. Ida and I cooked/ warmed up the 12 dishes for the meal. (We got some pre-made the day before at the Polish store) Part of the tradition is that you have to try a little of each dish. (There is usually no meat, only fish) We also broke bread and shared it with each other wishing them something for the New Year. Areya really liked doing this and now every time we have bread she wishes us something.
After dinner Santa comes and hands out presents. (the neighbor or dad will dress up as Santa and bring the gifts) We opened the ones from Damian's parent and Ida. (Damian's sister who is living with us) Plus the one with their Christmas Eve Jammie's, which were from Grandma Great this year. (my mom's mother)

After presents we had cake and then Areya put out the milk, cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer. Then it was off to bed. I was surprised how fast they fell asleep.

Thank you Babcia, Dziadek and Ida for the gift. We miss you and hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Playing in the snow

I am taking care of the Peterson's house while they are in Utah for Christmas. When I went over to shovel the snow I thought it would be fun for the girls to play in the snow so I bundled them up and off we went. At first Aniela was so so excited and kept saying snow snow but when it was time for her to get in it she screamed and screamed and screamed some more. Areya tried taking her for a ride a round the yard on a sled but she did want any thing to do with that. After letting her cry, thinking she would follow her sisters led, I put her in the car to get warm and play with the toys.


Areya my little snow bunny loved it and had a blast. She could have stayed there all day and played. She has been asking since the first snow fall to go out and play but I have been either to cold or busy to do it. We don't really have much of a yard for them to play in either so that makes it kind of hard.

The Peterson Family made a ice rink in their back yard and before they left for Utah Areya got to try out ice skating for the first time. She had so much fun and that was all I heard about after I picked her up. I unfortunately was not able to see her, because I was home with Aniela who was napping, but was told that she fell a lot but got right back up and tried again. I guess that we will have to go to the ice rink for some more practice.

Christmas cookies

On Monday Areya and I made cookies for Santa. (if they last that long) We made Christmas Trees, Candy Canes, Snowmen, Stars and Gingerbread men. I think more of the frosting ended up in Areya then on the cookies.

Half way through decorating the cookies we got a little help from the Smith Family. (Amy and I are in Primary together) They stopped into wish us Merry Christmas a share some goodies. So I put the kids to work. I didn't need to ask them twice, they were more then willing to help.


After the kids had their fill of cookies, frosting and sprinkles the Smith Family played a few Christmas songs for us on the chimes. They did such a great job. (Areya helped with Jingle Bells and just loved it)

Thank you Smith Family for the music, treats and visit. We had a great time.

Christmas time is near

My grandma got the girl these really cute dresses for Christmas and they looked so cute in them that I had to get a few pictures. Thanks Grandma Great for the dresses!

I made this wreath for a friend and loved the way it turned out so I had to take a picture and share it with everyone. It is made out of a wire coat hanger and strips of fabric. I had made a few in the past but I think this in one of the best ones I've done.

Gingerbread House

We got a gingerbread house kit from the store and thought it would be fun the have friends over to put it together. The Peterson Family has been so kind in taking us in and making us feel like part of their family. We love them and are so grateful to have them so close that we invited Kyle and Lori over to help build our cookie house.

Here is Lori helping put icing on so the kids could put on the decorations.

Aniela helping eat the candy before it even got to the house.


Kyle and Areya being silly showing off their finished house.


Here it is our new home. 3 beds 2 baths and it only cost $10
What a steal! We are all ready to move in.

I wish I could say that we have found a house but sadly no. Damian put in an offer on one Tuesday but they wanted more then we are willing to pay, so we are still looking. Yay us!

Christmas around the world

Friday night we have a little Christmas around the world party at the church with one of the other wards that meet in our building. People from the wards that have been to other countries set up tables and told about Christmas traditions in that country. The kids were each given a passport and then went from table to table to hear about these traditions. They got to either sample a food item or make a craft item.


The countries that were represented were :
* England * Greece
* Netherlands * Poland
* Scotland * Ukraine
* Korea * Philippines
* Canada * Columbia
* El Salvador * Kwanzaa

Ida and I did the table from Poland. We had Porgies, Polish bread and candy. The kids had a great time and we learned a lot too. It was a lot of fun and I hope we will be able to do it again next year.

Christmas Ideas

Looking for simply and cute Christmas ideas? My friend Shantelle e-mail me some and I wanted to share, so here they are:

Deliver with a bag / tin of popcorn:
“Just ‘poppin’ in with a warm Christmas greeting!”

M&M’s:
“Have a Merry & Most wonderful Christmas!”

Cookie Dough:
“I thought you could use a little extra dough this Christmas”

Sprite:
“May your Christmas be Merry and Sprite!”

Candle:
“May your holidays be merry and bright.”
"May the light of Christ be with you this Christmas season"

Can of nuts:
“Merry Christmas from all of your nutty friends!”


Chex Mix:
“Remember Santa ‘chexs’ his list twice.”

Almond Joy candy bar:
“Wishing you lots of Joy this holiday season.”

I think I finally got all my Christmas shopping finished. I really should do more during the year so we are not spending so much money at one time.

I also finished wrapping everything and I can't believe how spoiled my girls are, they both have so many gifts under the tree. I guess that just means they are loved.

5 Things Tag

....5 things I was doing 10 years ago.....
1. Attending High School
2. Working at Lagoon
3. Hanging out with friends
4. Getting my drivers license
5. Helping build our house

....5 things on my To-Do list today....
1. Finish Christmas shopping
2. Get organized
3. Sent off Christmas gifts to family in Utah
4. Make banana bread
5. Find a house

....5 snacks I enjoy....
1. Chips and dip
2. Popcorn
3. Fruit
4. Ice Cream
5. Cookies

....5 things I'd do if I were a Millionaire....
1. Build my dream house
2. Get a maid
3. Help my family
4. Put money away for my girls school and weddings
5. Go on a totally awesome vacation

....5 places I've lived....
1Ogden, UT
2. Provo, UT
3. SLC, UT
4. Clearfield, UT
5. Arlington Heights, IL

....5 jobs I've had....
1. Toppers Bakery
2. TSA
3. Lagoon
4. Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind
5. Stay at home Mommy

....5 people I tag....
1. Brandi
2. Ivy
3. Sheri
4. Melissa
5. Who ever things this would be fun to do

Our first snow

We got our first snow of the season. It started Sunday and continued (off & on) through Monday. In this area we got just over 3 inches. The girls are so excited and can't wait to go play in it. The hard part will be them talking me into it. They both stood at the door watching them plow and shovel the roads and sidewalks. Aniela kept saying SNOW! and then would giggle. It was so cute! It has been really really cold and I don't even want to leave my house let alone play in the snow. I bet they'll talk me into it by the end of the month. I just wanted to post a few pictures of our tree. We got a new one this year and I love it! It's pre-lit which makes it even more fun to decorate and is white.

Areya and I set it up on Thanksgiving while Aniela was napping. It was really nice to be able to spend some time with just her. She loves to help me and we had a great time.

Aniela was so excited to see the tree all lit up after her nap. She loves all the lights and wants to play with the "balls", she also wants to hold the baby ornament. (Every year I take a picture of the girls and put their pictures on an ornament, it was a tradition my Aunt Rea started when we were small and I loved it so much I do it with my kids.)

All we need now is a visit from Santa.

Happy Thanksgiving

I have to say that I was not looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. This is the first year that I spent Thanksgiving away from my family. Damian had to work until 8:30 p.m. which really sucked, but I guess I should just be Thankful that he has a job.



I cooked my first Turkey and it turned out great. I also made all the other good stuff to go along with it. I was cooking all day, I cooked everything on Wednesday because we were going to have a Thanksgiving breakfast before left for work, but we ate Wednesday night instead because most of the food was still warm.


I even made a Cherry Pie which turned out pretty good.





On Thanksgiving day we put up our Christmas tree and went over to the Peterson's house. (a family from our church) They are so wonderful and I am so thankful for them. They have blessed our lives so much and have made the adjustment of living here easier.

I am also Thankful for my Husband who works hard to provide for our family which allows me to stay home and care for our kids. I am Thankful for my little monsters and for the joy they bring to my life. I love being a mommy and enjoy the time I get to spend with them. I am Thankful for my family and friends. I am Thankful for all the love and support they are to us. We have been blessed many times over and I am so Thankful for those blessings. I am also very Thankful to have the love and light of Christ in my life.

Pictures

I got the girls pictures taken at Kiddie Kandids yesterday and wanted to share them with everyone. These were their birthday pictures and Christmas pictures all in one. Ok, so I was 7 months late get Aniela's birthday pictures taken, so what! I got really cute Christmas cards too so if you want one make sure I have your address.

Pregnancy Tag

I got this off a friends blog and loved it so much I thought I will give it a try.

1- Where were you when you first found out you were pregnant? In the bathroom.

2- Who was with you? No one, Damian was at work both times.

3- How did you find out that you were pregnant? A home pregnancy test.

4- What was your first reaction to finding out you were pregnant? With Areya it was surprise because I didn't think I would be able to get pregnant with all the girl problems I had. With Aniela excitement.

5- Your husbands reaction? "Are you sure?" with both of them.

6- Who was the first person you told? Damian

7-Did you plan to get pregnant? With Areya we didn't really plan it but we weren't preventing it either. Aniela was planned down to the month.

8-Was everybody happy for you? Yes, my mom more then anyone.

9- Did you go out and celebrate? Nope, we did surprise everyone with the news at my dad's birthday dinner. (Areya)

10- Did you want to find out the sex? We found out with Areya but waited with Aniela.

11- What was the sex? Both girls

12-Did anyone throw you a baby shower? Yep

13-Did you get any outfits at the baby shower that you just knew you weren't going to put on your baby? I don't think so.

14- How much weight did you gain? 15 lbs with both. I get really sick and end up loosing tons in my first trimester.

15- Did you loose all of the weight that you gained? Yep

16- Did you get a lot of stretch marks? Only a few on my hips.

17- What did you crave the most? Potatoes any way I could get them.

18- Did you crave anything crazy? No

19- Who or what got on your nerves the most? Not being able to see or reach my feet.

20- Were you married at the time? Yes

21- Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? No not really.

22- Where were you when you went into labor? I was induced with both girls, so in the hospital.

23- Did your water break? With a little help from the doctor.

24- Who drove you to the hospital? Damian

25- Did you go early or late? I was induced a week early with both.

26- Who was in the room with you when you gave birth? With Areya it was Damian, myself, the doctor and a nurse. With Aniela it was me, Damian, my mom, my sister in-law, the doctor and a few nurses.

27- Was it video taped? Yep, both times.

28- Did you have any drugs for the pain? I got an epidural with Areya and tried to get one with Aniela but was too late.

29-Did you go Natural or have a c-section? Natural with both.

30- How long were you in labor? Areya - 7 hours Aniela - 3 hours

31-What was your first reaction after giving birth? Happiness

32- How big was the baby(s)? Areya was 6lbs 7oz Aniela was 7lbs 8oz

33- Did your Husband cry? Nope

34- Did you have a name picked out before you went to the hospital? Yep, but Aniela's changed while we were filling out the birth certificate.

35- What did you name the baby(s)? Areya Mae Deja Aniela Deja

36- Was your baby(s) named after someone? Areya - after my aunt Rea who died of lung cancer and also my cousin Lacy. Aniela- after Damian's grandmother who passed away a few years ago.

37-Did the baby(s) have any complications? Areya's heart beat dropped after I was given the epidural.

38- How old is your baby(s) today? Areya is 5 and Aniela is 19 months.

39- When is the next one(s) coming? Good question? I don't want any more but Damian wants to try for a boy.

40-If you could, would you do it all over again? Yes

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Halloween is so different here, they don't have trunk or treat and there is a designated time for trick or treating. We were unsure of where to go so we went down town Arlington Heights with a family from my church. I guess a lot of other people had the same idea because it was packed. I got so many compliments on both the girls costumes but I had people stopping me to check out Aniela's. The kids had a great time and got tons of candy. Once we got home I decided to try a few building in our complex. Some of the doors were locked and the ones that were open only had one door who wanted trick or treater's. (you hung a sign on your door if you wanted people to stop) Everyone we went to said that we were the only trick or treater's had and were giving out handfuls of candy. Areya could have kept going all night but Aniela was getting tired so we headed home.

Here is the pile of candy they got, I think it might last us until next year!

I got into the Halloween spirit and made some cookies.

Areya had a Halloween party at preschool. They had food and game and sang songs they have been working on. One of the mom's made really cute spider cookies fun treats. Aniela wants to do everything her big sister does so she wore her costume to preschool too.

I was a party pooper this year and decided not to carve pumpkins. Maybe next year when we have a house and Aniela is older. I know Boo me!