5.31.2009
Three Years Old!
Today, we enjoyed a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday celebration for two little characters!
Austin turned 3 today and our neice, Sophia will turn 3 on June 11th, so we had a joint celebration at the lake with our families.
It's hard to believe that it's been three years since Austin was born! Where has the time gone?
Austin, you are a lovable little man and you've grown up so much in the last 3 months-you can slow down a little if you don't mind. We love you so much little buddy!
5.25.2009
Summer is Here!
On Saturday morning, we packed the car and headed up to Michigan for our 2009 inaugural weekend at the lake. The weather was beautiful!
The kids enjoyed playing in the water and we enjoyed getting our fill of sunshine!
What I like most about the lake is that, in a way, we are on a mini-vacation...away from computers and clocks, just enjoying the company and mother nature.
On Memorial Day, we spent the day working outside. We picked up flowers and came home and played in the dirt for several hours planting and adding some color around the house!
5.15.2009
Another Milestone Crossed
This household is Diaper Free! (except overnight, of course)
One week ago today, I decided it was time to turn up the heat on the potty training. We hadn't really been pushing the issue and he wasn't at all interested. Fast forward one week later.
We've only had 2 accidents the whole week and he has filled up his entire sticker chart and we're going to start another one.
One night this week, he wanted to go every 30 minutes just so he could put another Lightning McQueen sticker on the chart.
I'm so proud of my little man...one weekend and Austin has turned into a big boy! What a great Mother's Day gift that was.
One week ago today, I decided it was time to turn up the heat on the potty training. We hadn't really been pushing the issue and he wasn't at all interested. Fast forward one week later.
We've only had 2 accidents the whole week and he has filled up his entire sticker chart and we're going to start another one.
One night this week, he wanted to go every 30 minutes just so he could put another Lightning McQueen sticker on the chart.
I'm so proud of my little man...one weekend and Austin has turned into a big boy! What a great Mother's Day gift that was.
5.09.2009
Laps, Legends, & Legacy
For the last eight years, we have spent the first weekend in May in Indianapolis for the mini-marathon. It has become an annual event that we started before we had children and now the kids enjoy spending the weekend there just as much as we do.
Just over a week ago, Jon completed his 8th 13.1 mile run. This year he was plagued with a bulging disc in his back, so he wasn't able to run as much as he would have liked, but he completed it and I'm so proud of him!
He was joined this year by my Uncle Mike and Cousin Andy. I, personally, have walked the mini-marathon four times, but now enjoy watching all of the action from the sidelines with the kiddos.
35,000 participants and their spectators take over the downtown area and it's amazing what sort of planning must go into this event. I thought I'd share some of the sights that we saw on that Saturday morning.
There is a good chance that if you drink a lot of Gatorade...
and eat several bananas...
You may just need to find one of these along the way!
With our cow bells in hand, we waited to see if we could catch of glimpse of Daddy as he ran past, but we must have missed him since he was running so fast :) The kids and I spent time at the hotel having a wonderful breakfast and swimming in the pool while we waited for Daddy to finish.
The other exciting thing that we get to do on that first weekend in May every year is celebrate birthdays!!
We were able to get together with our very good friends and celebrate 5 birthdays! Brad, Stacey, & I all have the same birthday and Kerri's is just one week before. Brad & Stacey's Dad was also in town and had a birthday within that week, too.
Our kids enjoyed playing together and the adults had a great time visiting with each other as well. As we drive home every year, we talk about how much fun we would all have if we lived closer together and Jon is usually on the computer looking for our next house by the end of the night.
Another successful mini-weekend and we're already looking forward to next year. Jon says next year will be his best time ever and that the training starts next week (Ha-that's a joke, he says that every year!)
Just over a week ago, Jon completed his 8th 13.1 mile run. This year he was plagued with a bulging disc in his back, so he wasn't able to run as much as he would have liked, but he completed it and I'm so proud of him!
He was joined this year by my Uncle Mike and Cousin Andy. I, personally, have walked the mini-marathon four times, but now enjoy watching all of the action from the sidelines with the kiddos.
35,000 participants and their spectators take over the downtown area and it's amazing what sort of planning must go into this event. I thought I'd share some of the sights that we saw on that Saturday morning.
There is a good chance that if you drink a lot of Gatorade...
and eat several bananas...
You may just need to find one of these along the way!
With our cow bells in hand, we waited to see if we could catch of glimpse of Daddy as he ran past, but we must have missed him since he was running so fast :) The kids and I spent time at the hotel having a wonderful breakfast and swimming in the pool while we waited for Daddy to finish.
The other exciting thing that we get to do on that first weekend in May every year is celebrate birthdays!!
We were able to get together with our very good friends and celebrate 5 birthdays! Brad, Stacey, & I all have the same birthday and Kerri's is just one week before. Brad & Stacey's Dad was also in town and had a birthday within that week, too.
Our kids enjoyed playing together and the adults had a great time visiting with each other as well. As we drive home every year, we talk about how much fun we would all have if we lived closer together and Jon is usually on the computer looking for our next house by the end of the night.
Another successful mini-weekend and we're already looking forward to next year. Jon says next year will be his best time ever and that the training starts next week (Ha-that's a joke, he says that every year!)
4.14.2009
Highlight of the Night
Last night's bedtime conversation:
Avery: "Mommy, I'm in charge of my room, right?"
Me: "Yes, I suppose so"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my Barbie house, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my closet, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "Is Austin the boss of his room?"
Me: "Well, actually it is his room, but I wouldn't say that you or he are the boss. Mommy and Daddy own the whole house, so we really are the bosses."
LONG PAUSE
Avery: "Well, Congratulations!" (in a slightly sarcastic tone while reaching over and patting me on the shoulder)
I couldn't stop giggling!
Avery: "Mommy, I'm in charge of my room, right?"
Me: "Yes, I suppose so"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my Barbie house, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my closet, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "Is Austin the boss of his room?"
Me: "Well, actually it is his room, but I wouldn't say that you or he are the boss. Mommy and Daddy own the whole house, so we really are the bosses."
LONG PAUSE
Avery: "Well, Congratulations!" (in a slightly sarcastic tone while reaching over and patting me on the shoulder)
I couldn't stop giggling!
4.13.2009
2.16.2009
I'm Taking A Break...
...from blogging.
I need a little separation from the blog these days.
Work has been so busy lately, I want to enjoy time with the family after I get home from work, and I'm too tired to think up creative things to share with the blogging world once everyone has gone to bed.
So like the groundhog..I'm going into hiding for another 6 weeks or so, until Spring comes and renews the senses!
Be well!
I need a little separation from the blog these days.
Work has been so busy lately, I want to enjoy time with the family after I get home from work, and I'm too tired to think up creative things to share with the blogging world once everyone has gone to bed.
So like the groundhog..I'm going into hiding for another 6 weeks or so, until Spring comes and renews the senses!
Be well!
1.28.2009
Forever Friends
Last weekend, I was able to slip away to the city for a Girls Night Out (or G.N.O., for you Hannah Montana fans!)
We've all known each other for a long time, but the time we spent together during our Chicago adventure has brought us even closer. Imagine what can be accomplished through nearly 30 hours of uninterrupted conversation with your gal pals!
We rode the train downtown and made our way to Michigan Avenue for some retail therapy, followed up with some dinner and then headed back to the hotel. We enjoyed girly things, like painting our fingernails, celebrity gossip magazines, and a bottle of Easley Wine (thanks Tommy!)
Then we got all dressed up and headed out for some excercise, or dancing.
A fun time was had by all and the time went by way too quickly. We've already promised to make this an annual trip. You can visit Stacey or Jamie's blogs for more fun pictures from our adventures.
Thanks, girlies, for a great trip. The next one can't come soon enough!
We've all known each other for a long time, but the time we spent together during our Chicago adventure has brought us even closer. Imagine what can be accomplished through nearly 30 hours of uninterrupted conversation with your gal pals!
We rode the train downtown and made our way to Michigan Avenue for some retail therapy, followed up with some dinner and then headed back to the hotel. We enjoyed girly things, like painting our fingernails, celebrity gossip magazines, and a bottle of Easley Wine (thanks Tommy!)
Then we got all dressed up and headed out for some excercise, or dancing.
A fun time was had by all and the time went by way too quickly. We've already promised to make this an annual trip. You can visit Stacey or Jamie's blogs for more fun pictures from our adventures.
Thanks, girlies, for a great trip. The next one can't come soon enough!
1.15.2009
Food Drop 2009
Each year, our church (via the Christmas Offering) buys semi-trucks filled with boxes of food and personal care items from Feed the Children.
The boxes go out to several local food banks and neighborhoods in the city where we live. It's awesome to see our money going to local people that need help so badly, especially during these trying times.
We've always given to our Christmas offering, but haven't participated in the actual Food Drop festivities.
Last Saturday morning, Avery and I bundled up and headed to church to help load the trucks. What an awesome ministry! It was freezing out and the snow was flying, but nearly 2,000 people showed up to volunteer.
We stood in lines and passed boxes person by person, unloading 4 semi trailers into 12 smaller trucks that were headed out into the community.
I'm so glad that Avery and I were able to experience it together. I'm hoping that it will be something that we continue every year going forward.
1.06.2009
2009 Resolutions
2009 is underway!
I've never been big on New Year's resolutions so to speak, but I do love to check things off of lists.
This year, I have some goals that I'd like to tackle.
Here are the top five:
De-clutter and Donate: planning on another successful garage sale this spring. The rule is that anything that goes out to the garage, doesn't come back in the house.
Trim a minimum of 15% off spending: Menu planning, creative gifts, eliminate non-essentials, etc.
Re-evaluate the future: additional investments, look at refinancing the house, 401K review, set family goals
Earlier to bed, earlier to rise: The first one is for the children, and the second one is for me, in hopes of making our mornings less stressful as we try to get out the door.
Date my husband again: we need more "us" time and the grandparents always need more kid time. Easy enough.
Let the fun begin!
I've never been big on New Year's resolutions so to speak, but I do love to check things off of lists.
This year, I have some goals that I'd like to tackle.
Here are the top five:
De-clutter and Donate: planning on another successful garage sale this spring. The rule is that anything that goes out to the garage, doesn't come back in the house.
Trim a minimum of 15% off spending: Menu planning, creative gifts, eliminate non-essentials, etc.
Re-evaluate the future: additional investments, look at refinancing the house, 401K review, set family goals
Earlier to bed, earlier to rise: The first one is for the children, and the second one is for me, in hopes of making our mornings less stressful as we try to get out the door.
Date my husband again: we need more "us" time and the grandparents always need more kid time. Easy enough.
Let the fun begin!
12.24.2008
Merry Christmas
Aahhh...Christmas Eve. There's something calming about driving home from the Christmas Eve service and all the stores are dark, fewer cars are on the roads, and Christmas music is being played on the radio.
We've begun our annual traditions and we're anxious to spend the weekend with family and friends.
Making Cookies for Santa and others to enjoy.
Watching Polar Express together as a family.
We have two Christmas trees set up in our home. One is decorated all in red and silver and sits in our front entry area. The second is our family tree. It represents our childhood, our vacations, our babies' first Christmases, and our favorite things.
This ornament is a family favorite this year...after our recent trip to see the Mouse.
This angel ornament used to belong on my parents' tree. It's always been my favorite...I love the little angel hanging inside the halo. A few years ago my Mom gave a few of my childhood ornaments, including this one to our family. We have some of Jon's from when he was little as well.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
12.17.2008
Simple Christmas
With Christmas being just one week away, I think that it is so important to remember the true meaning of Christmas. His story, His birth. It is so easy to get caught up in the commercial celebration of the holiday season. Sometimes it even feels that pop culture is working against us as we try to teach our young children about the first Christmas.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the classics like Rudolph, the Grinch, and Charlie Brown. I love to decorate our home, enjoy driving through a particular subdivision in our town that has a decorating contest each year, and love sitting by the tree at night looking at the twinkling lights. I also love to see the expressions on the faces of those on the receiving end and I'll admit its pretty cool to receive something that may have been on your own wishlist.
However, the things that I remember most about the holidays are gatherings with friends and family, the pictures taken, the smiles on faces, and the stories we all share from year to year. I hope that each of you find time to embrace the real reason for the season and take time to make memories with your loved ones. Memories that will be treasured and remembered for years to come.
12.09.2008
The Vacation is Over
On Sunday, we arrived back home to a driveway full of snow-a nice reminder of how wonderful it was to be in a warmer climate and feel the sunshine for more than a week!
Here are some stats from our week:
2500 miles on the Honda
-only $140 worth of gas thanks to the drop in prices....more than supporting our case to drive rather than to fly, even though we may have lost a little of our sanity along the way. Thank goodness for the invention of portable DVD players. The final "are we there yet?" count was 56. We became very familiar with rest stops and McDonald's bathrooms. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how smooth the drive went and would consider driving again for other vacations.
5 full days at the Disney Parks
-we walked many miles, stood in many lines, and made Magical memories. It was wonderful to see it through the kids' eyes. I realized after the 2nd or 3rd day that it would be impossible to do everything, but we definitely got our money's worth playing in the parks. It was so hard to leave the Magic Kingdom on our last day...as we were leaving, I kept turning around to see the castle and envision all of the wonderful memories we had made during the last week.
30 Character sightings
-a highlight for the kids on the trip. Avery kept asking if it was the "real" Tinker Bell or Buzz Lightyear, etc. Austin enjoyed them, but I don't think he smiled in any of the pictures with the characters. We have a book full of signatures and plenty of pictures to share.
5 Roller Coasters/Thrill Rides
-Avery has no fear! One of our favorite memories was watching in amazement as Avery overcame her initial fear and then became addicted to thrill rides. Thanks to Disney's Switch Rider pass for families with young children not old enough to ride, Avery was able to ride twice in a row on each ride, once with each parent (and even rode 6 times on Big Thunder Mountain). It was fun to be the 2nd one to ride with her, so that she could tell us what to expect in a play by play scenario for each ride.
1 afternoon at Sea World
-a friend of mine in Florida had given us passes to Sea World, so we happily took an afternoon to explore the animals and attractions there. For the holiday season, they turned their arctic north pole ride into a simulated Polar Express event. We rode the Polar Express to the North Pole and even got to meet Santa Claus once we arrived. We also enjoyed a Christmas Miracles Shamu (or Shampoo, as Austin says) night show.
398 photos and videos to remember the trip
-how am I ever going to decide what select few to put in our scrapbooks??
I hope to take the kids to Disney a few more times while they are growing up. After working for Disney during college, I have such respect for how they manage the day to day operations of the entire facility. Everything behind the scenes is so calculated to ensure that you truly have a magical experience. The level of service provided is top notch and everything was so clean.
We had a blast and it went by way too quickly. Now we're back and Christmas is just over two weeks away and I need to get busy.
Here are some stats from our week:
2500 miles on the Honda
-only $140 worth of gas thanks to the drop in prices....more than supporting our case to drive rather than to fly, even though we may have lost a little of our sanity along the way. Thank goodness for the invention of portable DVD players. The final "are we there yet?" count was 56. We became very familiar with rest stops and McDonald's bathrooms. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how smooth the drive went and would consider driving again for other vacations.
5 full days at the Disney Parks
-we walked many miles, stood in many lines, and made Magical memories. It was wonderful to see it through the kids' eyes. I realized after the 2nd or 3rd day that it would be impossible to do everything, but we definitely got our money's worth playing in the parks. It was so hard to leave the Magic Kingdom on our last day...as we were leaving, I kept turning around to see the castle and envision all of the wonderful memories we had made during the last week.
30 Character sightings
-a highlight for the kids on the trip. Avery kept asking if it was the "real" Tinker Bell or Buzz Lightyear, etc. Austin enjoyed them, but I don't think he smiled in any of the pictures with the characters. We have a book full of signatures and plenty of pictures to share.
5 Roller Coasters/Thrill Rides
-Avery has no fear! One of our favorite memories was watching in amazement as Avery overcame her initial fear and then became addicted to thrill rides. Thanks to Disney's Switch Rider pass for families with young children not old enough to ride, Avery was able to ride twice in a row on each ride, once with each parent (and even rode 6 times on Big Thunder Mountain). It was fun to be the 2nd one to ride with her, so that she could tell us what to expect in a play by play scenario for each ride.
1 afternoon at Sea World
-a friend of mine in Florida had given us passes to Sea World, so we happily took an afternoon to explore the animals and attractions there. For the holiday season, they turned their arctic north pole ride into a simulated Polar Express event. We rode the Polar Express to the North Pole and even got to meet Santa Claus once we arrived. We also enjoyed a Christmas Miracles Shamu (or Shampoo, as Austin says) night show.
398 photos and videos to remember the trip
-how am I ever going to decide what select few to put in our scrapbooks??
I hope to take the kids to Disney a few more times while they are growing up. After working for Disney during college, I have such respect for how they manage the day to day operations of the entire facility. Everything behind the scenes is so calculated to ensure that you truly have a magical experience. The level of service provided is top notch and everything was so clean.
We had a blast and it went by way too quickly. Now we're back and Christmas is just over two weeks away and I need to get busy.
12.03.2008
Update from Disney
We've been too busy playing with Mickey Mouse and the princesses to update the blog.
We'll be anxious to tell everybody about it when we return, but here's just a teaser:
The weather has been anywhere from the low 60s to 80 degrees and mostly sunny. We've enjoyed visiting as many characters as we can find and have learned that Avery is a thrill ride junkie!
Though she still has little patience for riding in the car. The "are we there yet?" tally is up to well over 30.
Sadly, we'll start making the trek back north where we're sure to encounter snow.
We've enjoyed listening to Christmas music while wearing shorts.
11.27.2008
The Adventure Has Begun
M - I - C (see ya real soon)K - E - Y (why?, because we like ya)
M - O - U - S - E
We are already 5 hours into our trip (only 15 more to go)
The "Are We There Yet?" tally is at: 8
M - O - U - S - E
We are already 5 hours into our trip (only 15 more to go)
The "Are We There Yet?" tally is at: 8
11.21.2008
There's White Stuff in the Air
It's that time of year. This is my 33rd winter and I'm never really ready for it. Does it seem like it starts earlier and ends later every year?
Well, this year it started with white stuff flying around inside our house....in the bathroom to be exact.
I don't know about any of you, but bathtime is one of the most stressful parts of my day. It really should be a calm, warm way to end the day. But for some reason in our house, it just gets us all riled up again. It could be that I put too many bubbles in the bath, or that I get a little panicky when water starts splashing my walls, or that my 5 year old and 2 year old still take baths together (2 on 1 isn't easy when there is water involved). Last night I was about 15 pages into my new Parents Magazine, when all of a sudden I have a puddle of water in my lap and my magazine is soaked. I look towards the bathtub and little man is standing there with a Princess tea cup in his hand. Interestingly enough, I was just starting to read an article about "Yellibacy" (a mother who vowed to stop yelling at her children). Thank you, God, for that subtle reminder.
Meanwhile, outside our house, there is white stuff all over the place in the form of white fluffy snow. We've broken out all of the winter gear this week...snow pants, boots, hats, scarves, etc. The kids are excited for now. We'll see if they are still excited in March!
All I'm going to say is that the weather forecast for next Friday in Orlando, FL is a high of 73 degrees and sunny!
Well, this year it started with white stuff flying around inside our house....in the bathroom to be exact.
I don't know about any of you, but bathtime is one of the most stressful parts of my day. It really should be a calm, warm way to end the day. But for some reason in our house, it just gets us all riled up again. It could be that I put too many bubbles in the bath, or that I get a little panicky when water starts splashing my walls, or that my 5 year old and 2 year old still take baths together (2 on 1 isn't easy when there is water involved). Last night I was about 15 pages into my new Parents Magazine, when all of a sudden I have a puddle of water in my lap and my magazine is soaked. I look towards the bathtub and little man is standing there with a Princess tea cup in his hand. Interestingly enough, I was just starting to read an article about "Yellibacy" (a mother who vowed to stop yelling at her children). Thank you, God, for that subtle reminder.
Meanwhile, outside our house, there is white stuff all over the place in the form of white fluffy snow. We've broken out all of the winter gear this week...snow pants, boots, hats, scarves, etc. The kids are excited for now. We'll see if they are still excited in March!
All I'm going to say is that the weather forecast for next Friday in Orlando, FL is a high of 73 degrees and sunny!
11.13.2008
Big Boy!
Austin's food intake today:
Breakfast:
Two apple/cinnamon cereal bars
One cheese stick
2% white milk
AM snack:
Cottage Cheese/Peaches
Lunch:
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Green beans
Mandarin Oranges
2% white milk
PM Snack:
Teddy Grahams and juice
Dinner:
Two sloppy joes
Banana
Chips/dip
2% white milk
He ate more sandwiches (or sammerichs, as he calls them) at dinner than Jon or I. And he's 2 1/2!
I think I better start a savings fund for future grocery bills.
Breakfast:
Two apple/cinnamon cereal bars
One cheese stick
2% white milk
AM snack:
Cottage Cheese/Peaches
Lunch:
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Green beans
Mandarin Oranges
2% white milk
PM Snack:
Teddy Grahams and juice
Dinner:
Two sloppy joes
Banana
Chips/dip
2% white milk
He ate more sandwiches (or sammerichs, as he calls them) at dinner than Jon or I. And he's 2 1/2!
I think I better start a savings fund for future grocery bills.
11.10.2008
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