I Want Him Out!!!

Sophie informed me this morning, after I reminded her about him when she blindly smacked Noah on the head, that Charlie the Elf must go immediately (see post from a couple days ago). Apparently, she's sick and tired of this silly little elf watching her every move and wants to know why he insists on living with us. I tried to sit her down and read the story again to explain exactly why he is here with us, but she was not having it. She didn't want to hear the story, didn't want to make peace with Charlie, and was adamant that his stay was short-lived. Evidently, this may be a clear example of overkill on Mommy's part....and it's not even December yet.

Faster, Sophie, Faster!!

Here's Noah putting his big sister to work. He was absolutely loving it as she pushed him around the whole house at full speed!!

Reading is Fun!!

I was introduced to the cutest book by a co-worker of mine. It's called "The Elf on the Shelf" and Sophie and I read it for the first time this evening. It comes complete with a little elf that watches over Sophie and Noah and reports back to Santa whether or not they have been naughty or nice. The book has beautiful illustrations and Sophie was really wowed by each page. She ended up naming the little elf Charlie and he is most definitely going to be watching over Noah and Sophie, making sure they are being good to each other, and more importantly, to Mommy and Daddy! It was so cute this evening because each time she'd walk by him, she'd look at him out of the corner of her eye as he sat on the shelf, totally aware he was watching her....I am hopeful it will work!! I am sooo not above using this little elf as leverage!

A couple of recent pics of the kids:

Look Mommy! I like to read too! Well, I actually like chewing on books more!

Mission: Accomplished!

Black Friday was quite a success for us. I honestly did not get much sleep the night before because I was pretty excited and anxious! That and trying to go to bed at 9pm just doesn't work for me. We hit several stores and even decided to battle Toys R Us this year. Excluding this visit, the rest of the morning went really smooth! First, my sister threw a mini tantrum because Tim and I made her wait in line at Toys R Us with no cart and about 5 huge boxes to take care of....two to hold and the rest to kick with her feet as the line moved forward. All this while Tim and I were running around grabbing things and trying to figure out the lines, since the checkout lines seemed to wrap around the whole store. After Michelle stood in line for what felt like forever (to her anyway, in real time it was only about 10 minutes, if that!), Tim finds out she is in the wrong line. Apparently, there is a line specifically for electronics and then another for checking out all other items. It was such chaos in the store. Clerks were yelling all the things they already sold out of. I was scolded because I apparently crossed some invisible out of bounds line? Some of the employees were so overwhelmed by nagging shoppers, I heard one of them say, "You know what lady, I have no idea what line this is."

Needless to say, we might keep this store off the list for next year unless they have something major. And thankfully, Michelle bounced back quickly and forgave us. I was about ready to kick her out of the car when she asked me for Advil after the first store! Luckily for me, she's a pro and the rest of morning was a terrific success!

Here's Tim checking out the sales for the following morning. Does he not know Comp USA is NOT on our list?

Don't I Look Pretty?

Sophie cooperated this weekend while I gave her a haircut. It is becoming more and more evident that her hair requires a professional and not her impatient mommy. This is most definitely the LAST haircut I ever give her because people can easily tell when I mess up! She was a little shocked at how much I took off, but she adjusted like a champ and loves it now!

Alarm Set for 4 a.m.!!!

Ok, so maybe I am a little crazy for participating in what is known as "Black Friday." I remember the first time I woke up at 4 am to catch some doorbusters. Of course, I was ill-prepared because I thought the whole idea was silly and I was even a little embarrassed about taking part. We reluctantly went with my sister and some friends and, naturally, I was too cool to do such a thing. That was until I experienced some weird shopping euphoria from all the frenzy! Come to find out, if you decide to participate in this sporting event (and it is a sporting event), it is essential you are equipped with a solid plan, back-up plan, exit strategies, and most definitely make sure your teammates are fully aware of their role (you are only as strong as your weakest link, people).

Granted, I didn't become such a huge fan of waking up at 4 am until I actually became a parent and was often wide awake to see this hour on the clock. Now, the idea of going shopping this early is not such a big deal....especially when I can score some serious bargains. However, I really need to learn to shop more for others rather than myself!!

Now I must turn in and mentally prepare for tomorrow morning's event. Happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving

We should all be thankful for

those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
-- Albert Schweitzer

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
-- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Just a regular Tuesday night!

This is a typical night in the Youngberg household with Sophie and Noah. I'd like to say Sophie is on a sugar high, but nope, this is just another normal night of fun!

WE WIN!!!

Sophie's Favorite Art Project

Sophie is so proud of this art project she did in school, she made me take a picture of her.....and how could I say no?

Another angle....isn't she just so talented?