I See the Light!

Newborn stage, bottle and pacifier break, switching from a crib to a toddler bed...these are all things that require consistency and time when raising children. BUT... our little Abby went potty on her big girl potty two times in two days. This is HUGE! I see the light... I'm really trying to vision having all three kids house broken (a little humor). It really makes me excited to think that we may not have to purchase diapers soon... again, I'm seeing a small, faint light :) Yay for Abby!
These past couple of weeks have gone by so quickly because we've been so busy. We are so proud of the Preston Trojans and the Armstrong-Ringsted Mustangs. The Trojans lost last Thursday, but A-R won, and will play this Friday at the Dome. Go Mustangs!
Have a super week! Erica

It's Fall Time!

It's Fall and for the Felkey's that means leaves, leaves, and more leaves. We have two huge trees out front our house and we have a million and 10 leaves. The boys love to help. Hudson drives the 4-wheeler with a wagon tied up behind. Hayden loads the wagon and brings it to Anthony and me to the burn pile. Abby just jump and plays :) Anthony continues to help Holdgrafers in the evening, and is putting in many extra hours at Kunaus. This is such a busy season for him. We don't let it stop us, and we even join him once in awhile!
On Friday night I took the boys to the Clinton High School game. They were undefeated, and we hadn't been to a game yet. I am so fortunate to have David Johnson in my classroom right now two days a week. He is such a good kid, and an amazing athlete. It will be fun to watch him in college as well. The boys lost, but they had a great season. Speaking of football, the Preston Trojans won Friday night, and so they will play next Thursday at the Dome! Our hometown Armstrong-Ringsted also won on Friday night. If both teams win on Thursday we will play the following Friday in the championship game. What an exciting time! What about those Vikings?!? They too are having a fabulous year. AND... the Hawks (okay besides today).
Hudson had H1N1 a couple of weeks ago. He ran a 102.0 fever for three days, and was just absolutely miserable with body aches and feeling like junk! Abby has had a weird digestive issue for 2 weeks, and I'm still hacking away too. I DO believe we are all on the mend.
Hudson and Hayden are fabulous. Hudson was 'Bumble Bee' from Transformers, and Hayden was a Power Ranger for Halloween. Abby was a bouncing Tiger :) Hudson and Hayden both had conferences a couple weeks ago. We couldn't be more proud of them both!
School is good for me. I have conferences in a couple of weeks and then the Hoyers will be down for 'Thanksmas.'
We continue to have our house for sale. We really thought we had a family last week. They went to the bank, loved the house, but they just want to be in Bellevue. Its frustrating, but we're so fortunate we don't have to move like so many bazillions of people. We are in the process of zoning some land out by Geno's (which we are very excited about). We'll have 1 acre and it more out of town (but still in).. Its an awesome location! We had to be approved by the Jackson County Zoning Committee last Monday, and we were. That was step 1 of many. This Monday we have a meeting with the City of Preston. Our motto is, "Time is on our hands." Once we have the land, we can build when the house sells... it might be a year or 5 years... but at least we'll have it. That's what's going on the Felkey's lives! Take care everyone! Love, Erica

It's Been Awhile!

It's official... I'm a terrible Blogger (but I really do enjoy it)! Here's a little update date on 'The Preston Crew.' Life is busy... great, but busy! I'll start of youngest and work my way up. Abby is now 21 months. I thank God everyday that she is in our life. I love having a little girl, and she's such a sweetie. She talks a ton, and has been 'sassy' (pacifier) free now for 3 weeks. She's in toddler room at preschool now, and even sleeps on a cot there... she's just a big girl! She loves babies, princesses, and SHOES! Everything is, "Ohhhh preeettttyyyy" to her.
Hayden loves the Pre-K program, and is doing well. He loves his teachers, and has made many new friends. Hayden loves being outside, and is a huge help when it comes to raking leaves and hauling leaves to the burn pile. He ALSO loves to jump in them! He continues to be my jokester, and cracks us up 300-400 times a day.
It seems as if Hudson has grown a foot in the past couple of months. He too continues to love school and takes it serious. He loves to do 'bubble gum' math at school, and amazes me how well he knows his facts. Hudson loves football, and plays it at any chance he possibly can get. We let Hudson ride his bike to the grocery store the other day to get us some eggs. It was a huge in our eyes, but he's very responsible and did great. Out of the dozen, only 1 egg was broken :)
Anthony (remember I'm older.. ugh) is the busiest I think I've ever seen him. Kunau's is a tractor implement, so you can imagine how busy they are come Fall. He also helps our friends haul corn and beans after work. He continues to LOVE his Vikings, and looks forward to Sundays so he can root them on.
The start of the school year has been great. I have a great group of kids, and like always, its flying by. Preston started a group called PAC 4 Kids. My friend and I share the 'President' role so that keeps me plenty busy. Its a great organization which provides great benefits for our kids here in Preston.
I love reading about all of my blogging friends, and also facebooking. What a great way to reconnect with old/new friends!
Take Care... And Happy Fall, Ya' All!

A New Year

It's that time again for school to begin. Last week was my first week back. Monday-Wednesday was teacher 'stuff', and the kids came on Thursday. I am really enjoying my class. They are all so fresh and ready to learn. I just love their enthusiasm! Speaking of which, Hudson started 1st grade. He is really liking it, and is most excited about gumball math. He's reading like a mad man, and enjoys writing as well. Hayden starts preschool next Tuesday. Preston was awarded with the free preschool grant (insert clapping hands here). He is very excited about not having to take naps. When is it that we live for a nap now and then?!? Abby is great! She's talking up a storm, and still loves "horsies." Nothing else is new in the lives of the Felkeys. We hope all is well with everyone of our 'friends'.

:) Erica

Summer 2009

Hi Everyone! I know its been awhile, but we've been super busy. Last time I left off we were headed to Florida! Florida was a blast. We went into Chicago on a Thursday, flew out on Friday, and flew back in the following Friday. The trip down was very exciting for the kids. They love flying! Abby's ears were bothering her (which by Tuesday led to an ear infection). I'm sure it wasn't related to the plane, but sure didn't help. Our pediatrician called something into a Super Target, and she was much more comfortable. While there we went to Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, The Gulf of Mexico, and Blizzard Beach. One day we stayed at our resort and just swam all day. It was a fabulous vacation, and many memories were made. When the boys are asked their favorite part they say, "The talking garbage can." Okay... so we did so many fun things and the talking garbage can was their favorite?!? Yikes!
Summer vacation is going really fast, and I'm starting to think about school. I went up to my classroom and worked for a couple hours yesterday. When I do that, I get excited to be back. BUT.... I LOVE being with the kids. Hands down to all the stay-at-home moms out there!!! :) Work is busy for Anthony right now. He's been doing some fishing, and every chance we get we're on the river. I think we're official 'river rats.'
Abby is getting big (well older anyway). She had her 18 month check-up this past week. She only weighs 21 pounds! At 18 months Hayden was 30! She's just a little peanut. She talks like crazy now, and continues to be on the go.
Hudson starts first grade in a few weeks and has a big '7' birthday coming up. Hayden starts 4-year old preschool this year. We're super excited because the school district of Preston got the preschool grant which allows him to go for free. Yay! It was an interesting process to receive it. I've been helping Preston get a 'PTA' going... Our name is PAC 4 Kids (Preston Area Cares 4 Kids). I think it will be a super organization that supports our Preston kids and teachers. My friend Sherri and I are c0-presidents. I'm enjoying it a lot so far. We have a food stand this Friday and Saturday to raise some money for an unpack the backpack night before school starts. We are offering a free meal to all families. Good times!

5 million years

Grandpa and Grandma Felkey came to Hudson's special day at school

Hudson made a fabulous crow

Abby (now 17 months) at Preston Days

Anthony driving a Chopper in the parade. The boys rode with and threw candy

Hudson and Hayden both get to play t-ball this year!

Okay... I know its been 5 million years since I've blogged. I really enjoy doing it, I just find it hard to find 10 minutes to do so. I will be better :) All is great! School is out for summer. I love teaching, but I also really love being a full-time mom. I have said this before... I am a much better mom when working. We've already been park hopping and are gearing up for our vacation this week. We decided months ago that we were going to save up and take the kids to Florida. We are leaving Friday and will be gone a week. Anthony and I think this is more about seeing 'their' faces as to whether they will remember it or not. Needless to say we are really looking forward to it. We had practice over spring break flying with the kids to Montana, so we truly feel like pros (ha ha).

As most of you know we put our house on the market. At first we were thinking we wanted to move to Clinton. I rolled the van with Abby last year and this past winter I was a true chicken on snowy type days. We thought there would be so much more for us to do, etc... but now we're leaning towards staying in Preston. We still are selling our home and will look for different one. We shall see what becomes... Just call us wishy-washy Felkey's :) We know.. we know...

Tomorrow is the Bible School Program at our church. I taught 4- year - olds this year. If you haven't taught nine 4-year-olds before you should. 4th graders are MUCH EASIER :) I loved every minute of it though. Many good memories to share.

Blessings to all... I promise to a better blogger!

1 Tooth(less)

Our Hudson lost his first tooth tonight! Yeah for Hudson... He will be 7 in August, so we knew it was getting close. In fact, the other one has already popped through behind it, so we knew it was time. At first he was super chicken, but once I put on the magic medicine (AKA: a drop on infant Tylenol) he said it didn't hurt at all. Funny how that works, huh?!?
All is fine at the Felkey household. Life is busy, but good. We're looking forward for Spring... We're really hoping it means no more visits to Medical Associates for pediatrician appointments. Hayden has an ear infection in his 'bad' ear (the one that failed when he had his hearing checked). He was put on an antibiotic, and was in bed at 5:00 today. Poor Hootie :(
Miss. Abby is getting closer to walking. She took one step tonight. We call her lazy bones. She likes her brothers to do everything for her, and they do :)
Work is good for Anthony and I. I'm REALLY ready for spring break. I love my 19 darlings, but I'm ready for a break away from them... as I'm sure they are ready for a break away from me as well... (naaaaa).... :)
Happy Week All~
Erica

Chicago Divas...

So Saturday night was a night of F-U-N! A group of men/women (I don't really know what to refer to them as) :) came to Clinton for a show. It was just a blast! They were great performers and basically did lip syncing (pretty sure that isn't spelled correctly). Anyway.. it was a great time. Hudson and Hayden both have conferences tomorrow night. I LOVE going to conferences! What a great time to talk about your kids :) Just a handful of days before spring break for us. Yeah! I'm really excited to be on vacation.
All is good... I'm boring tonight. Sorry!

The Wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gries
Me and Abby
Anthony and I.... So Sweet :) Da' Boyz... Notice Hootie's haircut :)

The Beautiful Bride Nicole

Hello Everyone... I always promise it won't take long to post some pics, ect.. but it always does. Sorry!

Nicole and Joe's wedding was just beautiful. It was very elegant and you could just feel the love between the two of them. Congratulations to them! We literally were on the go from 8:30 in the morning. I was so nervous about the kids. I thought they were going to get tired and cranky, but they were perfect. This mama was super happy :) Pictures were great. My favorite was when the two boys smooched the two girls. Hudson wasn't to sure, but Hayden, he went right in for the dive. LOVING every minute of it! We literally danced the night away and you can see in the pictures the kids were exhausted. Abby fell asleep on the table, and Hayden fell asleep watching Aunt Nicole and Joe dance :) Cute! Again, it was a fantastic weekend. Enjoy the pictures.

I started feeling poopy on Monday and its only gotten worse. Today I was miserable. Every single muscle in my body aches. When I have Ibuprofen in me I feel much better. Once it starts to wear off though, UGH!!! I requested a sub tomorrow. I'm going to go in and get checked out. Abby has had a super green nose and started coughing so I'll take her with. We shall see!

As most of you know Hayden you might say is a bit loud. So is his mom, right? Well Anthony and I have always said, "He's loud!" He had many ear infections as an infant and just had one about a month ago. He has had 2 sets of tubes and his adenoids taken out. I really thought it might be necessary to have his hearing checked. So yesterday Anthony picked the kids up and we all met at the AEA in Clinton. A lady took Hayden and did some tests. I really was thinking, "This is all in our heads... probably a waste of our time." When she came back I could tell there was 'more.' Hayden has little to no movement in his ear drum in his left ear. Which totally explains why he has the TV blasting, his Leapster, ect... We have an appointment for next Wednesday at the ENT specialist. We have NO IDEA what on earth he will do. His tube is out... ANOTHER set of tubes? The fluid that is back there is like glue she said. I am just feeling horrible. This could affect his speech and she has requested that we have him evaluated by a speech pathologist at the AEA. During this they will do a developmental screening and the whole works. I will keep you updated. I totally understand him and think that is language is top notch.. but when I think about it, if you didn't know Hayden and he spoke to you... I would probably repeat what he said. She said that is a red flag.... I wish I had done this 2 years ago! I'll keep ya' posted!

Love,

E

Here Comes The Bride~

Hello Friends~
We will be in Armstrong next weekend for Nicole Felkey's wedding. She and Joe are getting married in Estherville on Saturday afternoon with a reception to follow. What a SUPER exciting time for them (us too). It seems like forever since we have seen all of the Felkey's and we are very excited to see them. Our family from Montana and the Cities will be there as well. YEEE HAWWWW!!!!! I'll post pictures and more details next weekend. Good luck to Nicole and Joe for a wonderful day and evening!
All is good in Preston. It was a fast week, but uneventful (which is soooooo okay) :) I worked at school tonight until 8:30. Anthony brought the kids down and we all went out for pizza, and then Hudson and I went back up to school. It feels good to get ahead of the game for a week or so. I HATE feeling behind in lesson plans, seating arrangements, and just cleaning. Ugh! It felt good to get ahead. Plus I had Hudson's good help!
Mr. Hayden Joseph got his hair cut this week. I will take a picture and post soon. Its so cute, and really needed it. When he was really little it would curl, where now it was getting a bit shaggy. We love his new 'mohawk.'
Abby has had a great week. She loves daycare and loves the kids there. She's standing, but no steps yet. I was hoping she'd be walking for Aunt Nicole's wedding... if not, that's A-OKAY too!
Anthony is busy at work right now. This coming week he'll be at a school all week in Wisconsin. He leaves Sunday and will be back late Thursday night. The kids and I will slumber party all week.
We booked a family vacation for this summer. We are headed to Disney World. We're staying in a resort on/right beside Disney. We're going to go for 6 nights/7 days and literally may not be able to wait!!! We can't wait to see the kids and their reactions. WHO CARES if they don't remember the details... its about making memories and seeing the twinkle in their eye right now! Hopefully we'll be able to go back when they are a little older too! Can't wait!!!!
Have a fun weekend everyone and Go Steelers!

What a Week!

Hudson and Hayden 'shooting' around of golf.

Hayden loved playing in the grocery store :)

This was so funny! She loved the grocery cart... Watch where you're going sweetie :)

I see you Hudson and Hayden.. Hudson in the top window and Hayden in the bottom.

Our three babies all grown up driving in the car. Like Grandma Felkey said, "No room for girlfriends or boyfriends." Lord knows Anthony, Nicole, and Lacey didn't :) HA!

It's been a mixture of 'stuff' this entire week. On Friday night we had Disney on Ice. My parents and myself took Hudson and Hayden and I had a babysitter here to watch Abby (I'll tell you why Anthony didn't go in second). Disney featured CARS, Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Tinker Bell. It was fantastic. We've been going every year since we have lived here and plan on going until the kids are 30. Hudson (now 6) always has to sit on my dad's lap and every year I say, "When do you think he's going to be to old to sit on your lap dad?" His response is, "Never." :) Hootie Boy (Hayden) just loves and soaks in every single second of it. His eyes just glimmer. Hudson understands the story lines now so its so much fun to watch him 'get into it.'

Anthony left on Friday night to go on a Snowmobiling trip out West. This is something he has done for years now. It used to be a full week to 10 days, but now its 5-6 days with his own family and work. It's something he really looks forward to and truly deserves to take time away and do. I'm sure he'll take the boys when they get older too! He and another guy are coming back tonight. When he called just a little bit ago they were about 6 hours away from Armstrong. YEAH!!!!!! He'll sleep and get up and come home tomorrow. I can't wait to hear all about it, and the kids are SOOOOOOOOOOO excited to see him.

On Saturday to get out of the house I took the kids grocery shopping.WEEE, fun, I know! It got us out of the house though! On Sunday I loaded them up and went to the Discovery Center in Clinton. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Its all hands-on and the kids just go wild over it.

Hudson has struggled with Croup since he was 3 months old (that was his first episode). When he was younger he would get it a few times in the winter and he had only had it once so far this winter. When he starts to 'bark' I just give him a breathing treatment and get it under control. Anyway, Sunday night he went to bed. No coughing, no symptoms, everything was normal. He woke up at 11:00 and was 'barking.' I took him outside in the cold so his airway would open up. Didn't help. Put him in the tub for some hot steam, didn't help. So... I gave him a breathing treatment of Xopenex and gave it about 10 minutes, nothing (now I'm panicking). He also has a steroid breathing treatment that is call Palmocourt. It did nothing. His breathing was HORRIBLE!!! He was grasping for breaths, on his hands and knees begging for me to help. I WAS SCARED! I called Kevin and Claudia (FREAKING AWESOME FRIENDS) and Kevin came up while I rushed Hudson to the ER. By now his face was swollen and his Oxygen had obviously dropped. They quick gave him a shot of 'miracle drug' I call it and then the respiratory department came down and gave him a breathing treatment of epinephrine. Within 15 minutes his breathing was better, his temperature was back to normal, and he was acting like himself. At 2:30 am. I begged the ER doctor to let us go home and told him the whole I'm a single mom right now because my husband is out West, I have a neighbor watching the 2 little ones, and I had to work the next day. We got home and both of us were back asleep by 3:30.... Okay... I'm NOT getting mother of the year for 2009 because I sent Hudson to school. I called and checked on him and his teacher just couldn't believe anything had happened. He was acting just like himself. He hasn't coughed 1 time since. Its a Croup induced asthma attack. SCARY!!! This had happened (where we couldn't control it) one other time when he was about 3. We hope this was the last. Last night we were ALL in bed by 7 o'clock. Abby was sleeping by 6:45, the boys by 7:15, and myself by 8:30. It felt good to get caught up!

Abby had her 1 year check-up today. She is still a little peanut and in a low percentile for weight. She dislikes Dr. Corpuz (even though we LOVE him). She takes one look at him and just cries, cries, cries. She had 3 shots, and he said she couldn't be any more perfect (we agree). :)

What an amazing day in history! It was so special to share in this event with my 19 school children. We watched all of the coverage this morning and then did many activities with Civil Rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. this afternoon. I hope it's a day they will never forget.

Love to All!

Erica

Pictures of Abby first week

Abby just a few days old here. Funny Look!

A walk down memory lane.. no drugs... no doctor.... nice! She slid out!

Proud Big Brothers Hudson and Hayden

They look so serious!

Belly picture before delivery... yikes!

Abby turned 1

One year ago today I was sitting at home thinking, "3 kids, come on' this is a PIECE OF CAKE!" Yeah... that was before she could move! Abby Dabby Dooskie turned 1 on Friday. Abby took rolls to daycare to share with all of her friends. She really hadn't had a roll before and her teacher said that she ate 2. She was probably like, "SUGAR!!!!" We had her birthday party on Friday night and had a great time. She didn't care much for getting herself messy and so when I literally put her fingers in it she just got mad and cried. The more we tried the angrier she became. She was great though and it was a fun time! Still can't believe she's 1. I love taking pictures and take a lot, but I quickly forget the moments like 1st smile, rolling over, and crawling. Thank goodness for cameras I guess!
Grandma Schirm has been in the hospital and is really having a tough time bouncing back. She went back to the ER today and is again home. Please keep Loretta in your prayers.
Hayden Joseph had strep throat last week. He's just mister tough guy.. He was eating lunch at 'school' AKA: Preschool and wouldn't eat. His teacher asked him if he felt alright and he kept telling her that he was fine. When she took his temp it was 102. That is the magic temperature around our house. Anthony brought him down to Clinton and come to find out he has strep. He's on an antibiotic and doing/sounding so much better.
Hudson continues to love school. However, tonight with the snowstorm he said slipped a little extra request in his prayer that there would be a 'stay at home day' tomorrow. His school let out early today. Mine didn't... BOOOOO!!!! The roads were cruddy on the way home!
Anthony is gearing up for a snowmobiling trip. He's headed West again, and really looking forward to it. They should have snow (ha ha)!!!
Have a fantastic week everyone! Stay warm and drive carefully!

Back to Reality :( UGH!!!

Today was the last day of Christmas break for me... that means the tears start tonight and will end about 10 miles away from Clinton. I hate being home with the kids like this and then its back to reality. Its HARD with a capital 'H'! However, I must say (and I've said it a million times) I am a much better mother when I'm working. I give stay at home moms SO MUCH CREDIT! I like the juggling of the career and the mom. I do think I work 100 times harder when I'm just at home. The stress level alone should earn a stay at home mother 200,000 a year! I know that it sounds like I'm complaining and that I don't like being at home, but I'm not. I LOVE IT!! I just feel that the structure of working and being a mom works much better for us.

This weekend was a lazy weekend around the Felkey house. Love those kinds! I got groceries (and a new grill, yeah) on Saturday and we made pizzas. On Sunday we lived like hermit crabs. We watched the Vikings and cried as a family :( I was really hoping they would win for Anthony's sake! He was so disappointed in them.

Nothing else is new on our end. We are preparing for Abby's birthday this coming Friday. We just can't believe she is going to be '1' already. Where on earth has this time gone?? I'll post some of my favorite pictures of her throughout the year later on in the week.

Boys are both fantastic. I think they are ready to be back with their friends however. They have been a bit of the 'bicker brothers' today, I must say. They are great though! They made signs for Abby's party last night.

Happy Week Everyone!