Challenge Update, 2 months in

So. You may remember that I started a no shopping for a year challenge. It began on August 10th and here we are almost two months in and we are going strong. I went through the kids clothes and realized that Annie and Elias needed a coat and winter boots so I did buy those things already. Elias used to just sleep in his underwear but it has dropped below 50 a few nights and he was begging for pj's so I had to buy him some so I am counting that as a "necessary winter gear" exception. I was noticing that Annie really could use a few more everyday winter shirts, but with the weather not turned cold yet I didn't know if I could justify it or if it was just a temptation. Then I realized that I had a $50 gift card from my grandfather that I hadn't used to JC Penny so I as pretty excited as I went shopping for her! I was able to buy her 3 tops, a pair of pj's and a thanksgiving outfit for SamSam, AND I still have 34 cents left on the card :) 

Other temptations:

Last weekend I was in the cities with my friend Jade and I had a reward points ( think gift card that expires) to the gap that I used to buy 2 sweaters. Totally Ok given the challenge rules. The only other thing I bought was the two coats for the kids, super duper impressive right??? I know, I am pretty proud too! 

I have been learning how to knit and desperately want new yarn BUT I still kinda suck at it and I have some yarn left from 3 years ago when I first took it up. This no shopping challenge has inspired me to keep the old ( but brand new) stuff I have and keep practicing. 

Brandon has kind of been begging for a new basketball and basketball shoes but we decided those would make good birthday gifts for him so he is waiting. We are doing so good!

The only other temptations we have faced yet was Annie's birthday. I bought her a new Leo and a couple of toys that were on her wish list. 

All in all I would say we are doing pretty dang great! I have already started finding new love in our old things and the kids don't ask to go to Target anymore to get a toy because they know that isn't happening. They are however, very excited to add things to their Christmas list...like daily!

Football Fun Take 3

Kellie pointed out to me yesterday that one of the main reasons that I gave up my coaching gig was because I really had no interest in doing the 7 home football games on the schedule, this Saturday marked the 3rd of 4 home games that I have gone to. BUT in my defense going as a spectator with kids is much more relaxing then showing up 3 hours before hand and staying the entire game uffda. Anyways, so, this Saturday marked the 3rd home football game, and this time...I brought ALL of the kids! My friend Carrie was supposed to be in town from Hong Kong and volunteered to help wrangle kids if needed, her plans changed and she wasn't able to make it to town, but not before I told all of the kids we would being going to watch football on Saturday. Lucky for me both Kellie and Jordan were in town and on hand to help out. In addition, both Brandon and Andrew were working the game and station in our area, perfect! I dressed the kids in green and white and we waited...and waited...and waited, 2:30 takes a really long time to arrive when you are dressed and ready to go at 7am!

 Annie ready to cheer on the team!

 I want to go NOWWWWWWWWWW

 Samuel was just along for the ride.

Then, because I apparently am a glutton for punishment, I decided to try to take a kid picture, I don't know why I even try!This was the best of the bunch.....maybe someday, I will upload all the really bad ones. Yes, that is a pink plastic princess shoe Benjamin took off his foot and is now holding.

 Elias' hair is so out of control long, haircuts are always a fight. 

2:30 finally came and we headed to the game. Right away we met the guys because I of course wanted pictures!

 A stop at the concessions and we were ready to go into the game. Benjamin and Samuel were completly memorized by the action of the game. They were perfect the entire time. Elias and Annie enjoyed the game but she was more obsessed with meeting the cheerleaders, so we went for a walk and took a picture with them! More snacks, some great cheering by annie and we were ready to head out. The Sioux lost terribly, but we had a great time!

 What a sight we were! kids everywhere

 SamSam and Kellie having some fun, I guess all that fun wore him out because he crashed 

 Uncle Jordan and his little men, Elias wasn't interested in photos. Cute bunch of guys. 

My quick get-away

So back in February, my mom sister and I were on our way to Florida to be with my sister who recently lost her husband, I flipped the car on the interstate and we never made it. My mom called the airlines and they gave us all vouchers for our tickets so I have had a 700+ dollar credit with my name on it that I had to use before February. I have 4 kids and a husband in a PhD program and with a weird-houred- full time job...It isn't exactly easy for me to get away. I was a little annoyed that this ticket was going to go to waste and that the airlines wouldn't let my mom or one of my sisters use it, but then, I had a brilliant idea! I would take Samuel and we would fly to the cities to meet Jade for a quick weekend. Jade and I have been getting together once a year since 2005 (or so). It works out great when we can meet halfway in the cities since it is a cheap trip for the both of us. We used to spend our weekends shopping shopping shopping! Now that we have family and houses on the brain, it has become more of a visiting, window shopping trip...still Lots of fun though! Anyways. I didn't bring my camera with me so I figured I would do my trip summary via my instagram pictures..Enjoy!

 Our flight left at 5pm on Friday night. Samuel had not had much luck sleeping during the day which actually worked out pretty dang great for me. I fed him right before we left for the airport and he fell asleep in the car. He woke up briefly when I had to take him through security but fell right back asleep when I put him in the wrap. He slept the entire flight :)

Through security and ready to board the plane!

 After we landed in Minneapolis, I found the nursing room which was of course occupied. The room is in a secluded area so I just fed him in a chair outside the room. He was a pretty happy boy with a full belly. We were supposed to meet Jade at the airport but her flight was delayed so instead it was time to pick up the rental car and go meet Kellie at the hotel!

 Kellie! I unpacked a bit and then we loaded up Sam and headed back to the airport to pick up Jade. By this time, it was almost 8 so we headed straight to the Olive Garden for endless pasta bowls. Yum. We ate one and got one to go, we had a fridge and microwave in our room so we figured in addition to the free breakfast, we might as well do a free lunch too!

 The next morning we decided to head to the outlets, Samuel was pretty excited as you can see. I was excited because he slept for like 8 or so hours! It was glorious and wonderful! Once we got to Albertivlle I headed into the Columbia outlet to get coats for Annie and Elias. I found a great deal on one for each of them and I was pretty happy.

Samuel had a meltdown and I took him back to the car to feed him and let him stretch his little legs out. Jade did a quick stop in one store then met us at the car to continue on.

 My my how times have changed! We were at albertville for a whopping 1.2 hours! We used to spend all day there. We got home, heated up OG and relaxed until it was time to go meet Michelle and her mom at the mall. I took a quick selfie with SamSam. Jade, you are welcome, I cut her out of the background, she is napping:)

 We met up with Pam and Michelle and chatted for a bit before we began our wandering around the MOA. Have you ever gone there and not bought anything? Me either, until this weekend. # soproud :)

 Samuel was getting pretty hungry and it was going to be awhile before the shuttle was ready to pick us up. Michelle had told me about a mothers room on the 3rd floor of Nordstroms and so I booked it there to feed him. Such a wonderful little private area, it was very relaxing!

Someone is a happy boy after dinner!

When we got back from the mall we waited until it was time to feed Samuel again, then we headed out to a local Target then to Babies r us. Once again we didn't buy anything, we just wandered and shopped. It was actually pretty dang fun! We ended the night with traditional pineapple and cheese pizza from Dominos YUM!!!!!

somewhere in there, I took a shower while Samuel and Jade enjoyed some quality time together

 The next morning was Sunday and the last day of our trip. We slept in, Samuel gave me 9 hours!!!!! We ate a quick breakfast then packed up and headed to the airport. It was a short trip but still so fun to get to visit with Jade in person rather then via email. I was finally able to meet up with Michelle in the cities as well, it seems like every time I am there, she isn't!

Samuel was less then impressed to be heading home( or he may have been pooping, you decide)

I fed Samuel quick before we boreded, and once again, he slept the entire time in the wrap! Have I mentioned how much I love my wrap?

 Bye Bye Minneapolis

Samuel was a perfect baby the entire trip. He slept both plane rides and on every major car ride including the ones to and from Albertville. He let me eat all of my meals and didn't have any blowouts. He lost his cool only twice and both times he was just a hungry boy. Great little travel buddy! Reunion 2013 is in the books. Maybe 2014 will bring another visit to Chicago for me, only time will tell!

Sunday Funday

Like most families in America, Sunday's in the fall means one thing......FOOTBALL! Sunday's at the Eberhardt's are no different. Now that we have kids, we have to plan ahead to be able to actually watch a game. We do lunch early, and go down for naps as the game is starting. The kids wake up usually a bit before halftime and then we head outside. Halftime is no longer for napping but time for more football. It keeps the kids happy and gives them something to look forward to after they wake up from their naps, and wears them out enough so that we can watch more football when we go back in. 

This Sunday, SamSam and I had just gotten back from our quick weekend get-away to the cities and thought we would join the rest of the family outside for a little football.  I love my family and the little traditions we are starting, such as this one! 

Elias was trying to tackle daddy, it is a lot tougher then it looks my son.

Benjamin was confused as to what sport we were playing.

It was Benjamin's turn for the ball, he thought this meant he got to carry the ball around. He was not happy when Elias tried to chase him and get it.

Sneaky little guy got away though.

Then he found his bat and proceded to the endzone

He made it all the way for a touch down, even with these two quick defense men on his tail

Then Brandon and Jordan began trying to feel atheltic...I love this picture of Jordan

Annie was just happy cheering them on, that's my girl!

Nice catch!

Jordan and his mini-me. Benjamin had decided to trade the football for a shovel and he was not too happy about being picked up this particular time. He was in a mood for sure!

Jared Allen uh, I mean daddy, sacked the QB

Annie was doing her best cheer: "Let's go green, Let's go white"

Jordan looks like he is 2 in this picture, I bet I have several pictures of Benjamin sitting like this.....

Flashback to Football season 2009 and then the present. Man they really do grow up so fast!

Lego Mania

First of all I would like to say:

KELLIE ARE YOU HAPPY? I updated our blog picture with this tragic family photo from a 85 degree day. Everyone is sweaty, I have zero makeup on and the kids looked pooped...but this is a pretty typical Eberhardt family photo, so I shall leave it up....at least until Sunday when I hope to get a better one of the family!

Moving on to the topic of today: Legos!!! For Christmas this past year, Aunt Nikki gave Elias his first lego set. Elias didn't pay much attention to it that day but as the newness of his other Christmas presents wore, he became more and more interested in this blue box. As soon as he sat down to play with the set for the first time, he was hooked! From a young age, Elias has loved knowing how things work. He likes to take apart and rebuild anything he can. Naturally,legos fit right into his world. Since that day, all he can talk about is legos! Have you ever looked into legos, no I mean really looked into legos? They have like 1000 different sets all with themes: Ninjago, chima, creator, city, star wars, super hero's, monster fighters etc etc etc. Each theme has several sets in it and of course tons of mini figures....oh the mini figures! For awhile, we were buying the sets and putting them together. Elias would get pretty upset when they would fall apart, and, after a few weeks his once prized piece was nothing but a frame. Brandon came up with a solution. Once or twice a month they build a giant "moon base"( Elias gave it this name, no clue where it came from). Elias plays with it until someone(i.e. Benj) destroys it, then it is time to create another one. Brandon takes great pride in his masterpieces and Elias has great fun playing with them! 

Well the other day I transferred some pictures onto the computer from my camera, to find a bunch of pictures of the latest and greatest moon base...Turns out Brandon is so proud of his creative genius( his words) that he wanted me to do a blog post on it. 

Ok honey you win, here is your post. The world can now see that you are not only a master Lego builder, but a wonderful father. 

 Don't get me wrong, I believe this took forever to build and there are a lot of movable parts, but I am slightly less then impressed. Then again, I haven't sat down to make one.

Look at my little man in his Skinny jeans and combed over hair.Such a little stud...do you like how the skinny jeans are too big? This kid is thin I tell you!