Ain't he Cute?

Best Christmas Present

Friday was an exciting and very long day, but we'll worth it. Ian Michael Norrie was born at 3:19 PM weighing 9 pounds and 20.5 inches long. He's a big boy! Here's a picture of him get examined shortly after birth. He was not happy, but according to Grandma Janie the boys were having a great time.

Lazy Sunday

...consisting of wrapping Christmas presents and scrapbooking. I've been told to enjoy my free time before Ian gets here.  The pups seem to be enjoying it too. They are so silly. They lead such hard lives. In the words of Marcel the Shell, "Treats and snoozing. Snoozing and treats."

Merry Christmas

Thursday evening when I picked the kids up from Junior Academy, they asked me if we could make something for their Christmas parties. I immediately said we could just buy something cause I wasn't feeling up to making anything. After thinking about it, I had been wanting to make this recipe so I changed my mind.

Without Jacob's help I would have been up until midnight, but with it, I managed to wrap everything up around 9:00 p.m. after the boys were in bed. I'd say they turned out rather good especially since I'm not really a baker or cake decorator. Wish I could have tried one but I wasn't feeling too good last night. My stomach is still uneasy from the flu bug I caught from John and the kids.

Since I won't be at the parties today, I figured making cupcakes with and for the boys was the next best thing. I hope they have a good time making them and that they have a lot of fun at their parties.

Lion Choir Concert

Jacob is a choir member at King Elementary, and the winter concert was last night.  It was super cute.  Some of the kids played musical instruments, including Jacob.  He played the jingle bells during "We Will Jingle." 

Parents Week

Saturday was parents' week at the Barbara Ellis Dance studio.  All this means really, is parents get to be in the classroom and watch the kids.  I have several videos of William but this one is one of my favs.  He was supposed to do some specific moves but instead he just got out there and made up his own.  To be honest, his were so much better than the other boys.  The kid has some serious attitude.  I love it!

DU Rising Stars

Jacob was selected as DU Rising Star. He and one other girl from his class were selected. We were all given free tickets to the DU men's basketball game last Saturday (12.03.2011). I was disappointed they didn't have a special award ceremony during halftime. They just announced it on the intercom and had all the kids stand up. We haven't been to any basketball games. So, it was a nice family activity.

 

Congrats Jacob!  You are definitely a star!

Christmas Piano Recital

Another wonderful demonstration of William and Jacob's talent and abilities. They have been practicing a lot and it showed. William played Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer, and Jacob played Silver Bells. I'm very proud of them, and I know dad is too!

Here's a video of William and one of Jacob.

Christmas Tree

This year we had to get the tree up right after Thanksgiving. If we didn't, we might not get the tree up at all this year.  We don't have the boys next weekend and after that things get pretty unpredictable with my due date rapidly approaching.

Christmas is so much more fun with kids.  They get so excited, and that makes me excited.  Their enthusiasm is definitely contiguous.  After we were finished William said a prayer.  I asked him why and his response, "Christmas is a God thing."  My response, "It sure is William.  It sure is."  Let's not forget why we celebrate. 

Second Thanksgiving

...was a big success.  John cooked all day and fried a turkey.  The food was really good.  My favorite was the scallop potatoes but everything was very tasty.

Afterwards, we played the Michael Jackson game on the Wii.  We all took a turn.  Well, except John and the pups.  Even Grandma Janie gave it a shot.  It's harder than it looks and a very good workout. Here's a short video.

Toe Injury

Got a call from the daycare today. Apparently William had ripped his big toenail off and it was bleeding heavily. So, I'm thinking he's gonna need stitches and the bleeding won't stop. Hardly. Talk about over reacting. Not to mention, it was Jacob not William.

We went to the doctor. He just said we need to soak it everyday and wrap it up until the nail falls off. Anyway, I'm happy to report Jacob is doing just fine.

House for Sale or Rent

We have to rent or sell this house. We'd really prefer to sell but we'll settle on renting it if necessary. If you know anyone, let me or them know. More pictures and details of the house provided on Zillow.

35 Weeks

Here are a few pregnant pics of me.

Family Photos

The family photos taken by my favorite photographer, Jennifer O'Connell, are so cute!  I love them.  The boys look so handsome. I can't believe how much they've changed in just a year.

Christmas 2011

Family Literacy Night

Last night was Family Literacy Night at King Elementary.  Since Jacob was chosen as a student helper, the entire family went too.  I'm really glad we did.  I know I learned a lot about reading and how to teach the kids about reading.  As parents, we're expected to help our kids but we aren't really given the tools we need.  That's exactly what Family Literacy Night was all about.  There were three, 30 minute sessions, and I learned something from each. Practical stuff I can use at home.  Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Beautiful flowers and Russell Stover candies...my favorite. Thanks baby!

Halloween

Just because you aren't able to go Trick-or-Treating doesn't mean you can't have some fun Halloween pictures!

My job doesn't really afford me the luxury of visiting the kids in school all that often, but every once in a while I manage to sneak away. Even if I have to make up my time later that week, it's worth it. Yesterday, I was able to the kids' school Halloween parties. Surprisingly enough, they weren't at the same time so I was able to go to both. Jacob's party was pretty mellow. The party mostly consisted of them talking and eating their goodies. William's party, on the other hand, was quite active. There were 4 fun party stations - pin the tail on the black cat, Halloween Bingo, create a mask and story time. Afterward, they ate their goodies. It was good to see the them...and I think they were happy to see me too.

Halloween

Halloween Costumes

As expected, Jacob is Harry Potter, and William chose Sponge Bob.  At least, they are predictable!

P.S. Jacob tied his own tie and even taught me how to do it!

Dancing

Here's a super long video of William in dance class.  He's at the beginning and at the end...so you might wanna skip some of the middle stuff.

Busy Thursday

Yesterday was a VERY busy day.  I went on Jacob's field trip to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.  It was very interesting, and I actually learned quite a bit. The kids seemed to enjoy it too. We learned about steam engines, watched a movie, panned for gold and did an exercise with cookies to further understand mining. Afterwards, we ate our sack lunches outside. It was a beautiful October day.

Rock Mining Museum

Later that evening, the Norrie's attended a sibling class hosted by the hospital. It was just a 1 hour class to get the boys used to and thinking about how to behave around the new baby. They learned how to put on a diaper, fold a swaddling blanket, watched a movie, took a hospital tour, read a story and at the end they each got a 'I'm a big brother" t-shirt. William wasn't interested at first but he warmed up quickly and behaved like the ham that he is. Jacob couldn't stop talking.

Sibling Class

Baby Shower

The baby shower was Saturday, October 15, and it was wonderful. My cousin, Jen, did an amazing job and my friend Patty cooked some excellent food! Thank you to all who came! It was so much fun.

Baby Shower

Trouble

 

"He's a scandal, honey.  He's a little outlaw."

- H.I. McDonough, Raising Arizona

An IKEA Birthday

October 8th was mom's birthday and we went to IKEA. It was a lot of fun. It wasn't easy getting there since it was the first snow and there 5 wrecks on I-25 but we made it.

After shopping, we worked up quite an appetite. The line was just like at Disney - long but always moving. The food was yummy.  I had the Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese - no veggies for me!  Mom had fish, veggies and mashed potatoes.  And of course, we had to have dessert.

My one suggestion if you're going, remember to be patient.  You are going to be there a long time.  There's lots to see and lots of people doing the same.  So relax and have fun and get some cheap stuff!

Track and Field Day

Track and Field day is always a fun and exciting school day.  I remember them when I was in elementary school.  We started early with a few events then have lunch outside and finish the day with the remaining events.  Each class would participate in the long run...not sure how far we actually had to run.  I do remember absolutely dreading this event.  Running just isn't my thing - and it showed too.  I came in last place...even the fat girl, Ginger, beat me!  I have pictures to prove it too. It's funny now but back then it wasn't.

Anyway, Jacob and William are much more athletic than I ever was and boy am I glad  Here's a few pics John took of them while participating in their events.  I'm so glad he went.  I think it makes kids feel special and helps them understand how much they are loved. 

Happy Anniversary

We celebrated our one year anniversary by going to a Rapids game. They tied. What a bummer.

Afterwards instead of driving home we headed to the hotel in downtown Denver. The hotel was very nice. Now the food, on the other hand, wasn't so good. I just hate to spend a lot of money on crappy good. Should have got the French toast!

We took our time checking out of the hotel. We're in no hurry to get home so we took our time. We left Denver not knowing where we were going and ended up on highway 85 headed to Castle Rock. We stopped for Chinese...it wasn't bad. Not the place we were looking for though. Darn you Google Maps!

Headed home now to finish the weekend. What a wonderful and exciting year it has been. I can't wait for the ones to come. Love you baby and Happy Anniversary!!

28 weeks

This is the one and only pregnant picture I'll be sharing with everyone. So enjoy!

Excellent Game

Today Jacob had a soccer game down south at El Pomar.  They didn't win but Jacob played very well. He is really improving, and I am very proud of him.  I hope he continues to enjoy the game.  There are so many life lessons to be learned by playing a team sport. I really like his coach this year too. He's stern but fair.

Pride Soccer - 9.24.2011

September Birthdays

William's birthday party at Mr. Biggs was a big success. He had a great time. We celebrated with cake and presents to start and then it was time to play games and have fun.

Jacob's Birthday 2011

William's Birthday 2011

Jacob's party is tomorrow. We're trying something new. It's going to be at The New and Seasoned Cook Each kid gets to make their own cake and pizza, and they get to be as messy as they want. I'm excited cause I don't have to clean anything up. I can't wait to take pictures of all the fun and excitement.

Amigurumi Crochet Animals

Just started knitting and now I'm learning how to crochet. The driving force behind learning this new crafting hobby are these Amigurumi animals. They are sooo cute!

The kids and I just love them. So, while learning to crochet make me say a lot of not-so-nice words, it'll be worth it when I can make these little animals. I'll post a picture of the one I'm working on when I'm finished. Santigo, the Boston Terrier is so cute. I can't wait to see the finished product! I hope he looks half as good as the one shown below!

Future Home?

We are very interested in this house and made an offer. I hope we get it. It has everything we are looking for. To be continued...

Spring Soccer

Today was a good day for soccer. Despite the wind, William scored a goal and Jacob played some mean defense. I am so proud of them both. They have improved so much and really seem to have a great time playing.


Love my boys!

House Hunting

Well the house is under contract...again. The inspection should be coming back today. Hope it's nothing too major. In the meantime, John and I have been looking at house. We found several we like and hope to go see some of them this weekend. Huntsman, Pierrepoint, Bridgeport, Courtney are just a few of the ones we're interested in. I'll keep ya posted.

Scrapbooking at Junior Academy

A few weeks ago, I volunteered at William's school to make mini paper bag scrapbooks. We, especially me, had so much fun making them. I could tell William felt really special.

Here's the link to view the rest of the pics. Enjoy!

Jacob's First Filling

Yesterday Jacob went to the dentist to have a filling done. His parents were more worried about it than he was. He did great. Not really a big deal at all. He handled it better than some adults I know.