Christmas at Home

We finally made it back home to celebrate Christmas ourselves and open Santa's presents! Jacob got a Nintendo Wii, Sam got lots of Thomas the Train stuff and Ben got lots of toys he had no idea what to do with yet! The boy's got so much stuff and by the end of the night it looked like a tornado went through the living room! We had a wonderful Christmas! We are truly blessed and have such wonderful family!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Pictures:
Bubble Share
Kodak Gallery

Christmas with Andy's Family

After my parents house we went over Andy's parents house for a wonderful dinner and more presents! Lynda made a very nice dinner and Patti had some wonderful Christmas cookies for us. Again there were tons of presents to be opened and the boy's got some very nice toys! The kids had so much fun playing with each other and their new toys. Lily even got everyone together for a tea party! Thank you everyone!

Pictures:
Bubble Share
Kodak Gallery

Christmas with Pam's Family

Sam, Ben and I met with my parents and sisters this morning to celebrate Christmas. My Dad made us all breakfast, which was very yummy! Thank you, Dad! After breakfast Sam did the honors of passing out most of the presents, which he did a very good job at. I think Sam had the biggest pile of presents and he took him time opening them at first. But soon he had most of his opened and was helping opening up Ben's too! Everyone got the boys some great stuff and Andy and I got some wonderful gifts as well. Even our dog Ocho got some fun toys and treats! We had a wonderful morning and it was a fun start to our Christmas day! Thank you everyone!

Pictures:
Bubble Share
Kodak Gallery

Christmas with the Pilzner's

Today we celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family. My Uncle Dan and Aunt Toni hostessed the dinner and it was wonderful (thank you!). The boys got some wonderful gifts and I want to say thank you to everyone!

Here are some pictures!
Bubble Share
Kodak Gallery

Happy Birthday Pam!

Today is my 33rd birthday! I tell you what though, having a two year and a four week old though doesn't leave much room for celebrating. Although I wouldn't trade them for the world. I am so blessed to have two wonderful children and a wonderful step-son. I had a nice relaxing day. We ran some errands in the morning and just hung out at home for the rest of the day. It was a quiet day, but that is all I needed or wanted. Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thankgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for... but right here are the three most important...

Please Welcome...

Benjamin Matthew Carter arrived today (November 13, 2007) at 10:27 am. He weighed 9 pounds, 7 ounces and was 22 inches long (the exact same weight and length as his big brother Sam). He was delivered by a c-section, since he was breech. The c-section went great and was actually much easier than when I delivered Sam. Now I am sure recovery won't be as easy though! I will have more updates and pictures being added on Ben's page.

Here are pictures from the hospital. BubbleShare or Kodak Gallery

Happy Birthday Andy!

Today is Andy's 33rd birthday! We really did not have too much planned, since I was due with the new baby yesterday. We all went out to dinner with Lynda at Famous Dave's on Friday. Here are some pictures!

Trick or Treat!

Tonight for trick or treating we went to Rob and Patti's (Andy's brother). Jacob was a black ninja this year and Sam was a monkey. Sam was so excited about Halloween and the concept of getting CANDY!!! Sam got the whole routine of trick or treating down at the first house. He would proudly say "trick or treat" at each house, carefully (sometimes taking way too long) pick out his candy, and shout a nice "thank you" at every house. He carried his pumpkin bucket almost all the way through trick or treating. Jacob and my niece Lucy were off and running from the very start, hitting as many houses as they could! While they ran back and forth across the street, we just kept Sam going down one side so we could try and keep up! We got through one neighborhood and drove to a second, Sam only made it a few houses there, while Andy and Rob went off with Jacob and Lucy to get as much candy as they could. The weather was really nice, just a slight breeze and actually pretty warm. We had a great night and the kids really had a lot of fun! Thank you too, Rob and Patti for having us over!

Here are Pictures.

Pumpkin Carving

Jacob, Sam and Andy carved their pumpkins today! First they drew their faces on the each pumpkin and then Andy cut the tops out. Sam just kept saying "what you doing?" This was all new to him and watched every step that Andy and Jacob did and tried to help. Jacob couldn't wait for me to make pumpkin seeds so he starting getting the seeds out right away! Andy scoped all the gunk out of all three of the pumpkins and then they carved them. Jacob make a really cool face on his and even carved it himself! He did a great job! All the pumpkins look really cool! Great job boys! More pictures here.

Cider Mill Fun!

We went to two cider mill's today, Yate's Cider Mill and Blake's Farm and Cider Mill. We always go to Yate's every year and we love this cider mill. There is a beautiful long pathway that we love to walk down with trees covering it, along the river. It's a beautiful place to take pictures and the kids love jumping over the trees and winding paths. We have never been to Blake's before and we really should have had more time to be there, because there was a ton to do and the kids loved it! Andy tried to get Jacob to go inside the haunted house, but he would have no part of it. There was a HUGE hay-stack that Jacob and Sam loved climbing up and down. There was also a hay maze for them to play in and so much more to do. We really did not have nearly enough time to do everything, guess this is one place we will make more time for next year. It was a great day and I had my dad's camera, so I took waaaay too many pictures, but here they all are!

Yate's Cider Mill and (Kodak Gallery)
Blake's Cider Mill and (Kodak Gallery)

Trying to get a pictures of us all looking at the
camera was just not going to happen!

2007 Fall Pictures

My annual picture taking of the boys in the park. This is my favorite time of the year and I just love taking pictures of the kids outside. Here are all the pictures here and here(Kodak).

2006 Fall Pictures
2005 Fall Pictures
It's amazing to see the changes year after year.

Pumpkins, Cider & Apples

Today Sam and I went to Miller's Big Red for some family fun. We went along with my Dad and Mom and two sisters and we had a great time. We checked out the animals at the petting farm, then boarded a hay ride to take us to the pumpkin patch. Sam had a great time picking out the perfect pumpkin. It had to be one that matched the ticket he got for the hayride and it couldn't be dirty (looks like he has just a little bit too much mommy in him). Jeanette had to clean one off real quick and pretend like he found a clean one. Then we got some cider and donuts and rested for a little bit. It was a lot warmer this year than it was last year. I can't believe it was almost 90 at the beginning of October! Check out all the pictures here (Kodak Gallery) and here (the normal place).

2006 Apple Picking, Hayrides, Cider and Some Mud

Barn Daze

One of our local parks has a fun filled fall festival each year. There are the inflatable jumping things, hay rides, chili eating contests, hay mazes and face painting and tons of other things to do. We spend a couple hours there and the kids had a nice time playing. The weather couldn't be nicer for the end of September. High 70's and not a cloud in the sky. Here are some pictures.

Mass in the Grass

Every year our church (Christ the Redeemer) has an annual picnic. But before the picnic they have the late mass outside at the front of the church in the grass. Everyone brings their blankets and lawn chairs and we have mass outside. We always hope for nice weather and this year it was very nice. A little on the muggy side, but better than rain! Sam bounced from his stroller to his chair (it's nice because none of the little ones are sitting still like they normally would have to inside). Afterwards they have a huge picnic, where everyone from the parish brings a dish to pass (we have the dessert section of the alphabet, so I made brownies). They have a tons of things for the kids to do; ponies to ride, a huge bouncy thing, a choo choo train to ride, clowns with balloons and mini golf. The local fire department brings a fire truck over for the kids to play on (which Sam thought was pretty cool) and the local police have a police officer there with his car. The officer let Sam play with the lights and siren on the car and he loved that! He was talking about that for days. It was a nice time and Sam had a lot of fun. A couple more pictures are here.

What a Week! Room Re-Decorating

I had all this week off to redecorate the kid's rooms. Seems like I would never get everything done. And really I have not, there are still some touch ups too do (okay a lot of touch ups) and some small projects to be done. But the major painting and redecorating is finished! Of course I squeezed some extra cleaning into the week too, like cleaning all the carpets in the house and doing some new things to the master bath (hey, I didn't really need a vacation did I?).

Jacob's room is now Jacob and Sam's room. The spiderman theme came down and a bright blue and green room went up. Jacob's old bunk beds were brought upstairs and put back into use. Jacob is sleeping on top and Sam on the bottom. Sam really wanted to sleep on top and he did for two nights, until we had a scare, now he is sleeping on the bottom. They have a new dresser and I added lots of shelving in the closet to make room for two sets of clothing and lots more toys. The TV was mounted up on the wall so that there is more space on the floor (and so that Sam is not pulling on the TV). Sam really seems to like playing in the new room and is sleeping great in his new bed. Jacob likes that all his stuff is now out of reach from Sam and is enjoying the new room too.

Sam's old room is now the baby's new nursery. The old theme was taken down and a new baby jungle theme was put up. All that really had to be done was the trim re-painted and new wall paper border put up. And I washed all the walls down. Then all the baby stuff was brought back up from downstairs (you forget how much stuff a tiny baby needs!). So, except for some things to be washed, the room is all set for our new addition that should be here in about two months. Sam appears to think that this new room is for his baby doll though. His baby doll has slept in the crib and spent countless hours rocking in the swing!

I will be taking pictures as soon as everything is fully finished.

Baby's Room Pictures
Jacob and Sam's Room Pictures

Happy (SURPRISE) Birthday, Becky!

We celebrated Becky's 30th Birthday today! We planned a surprise party at Mr. B's in downtown Royal Oak. Becky was very surprised and had no idea of the party we had planned for her! I hope you had a great 30th birthday Becky! See some pictures here!

Wisconsin Dells Vacation!

Andy and I have been wanting to take a small vacation with the boys this summer, but couldn't figure out where to take a both boys and enjoy ourselves as well. I found this place called Wisconsin Dells, which is called the water park capital of the world. Jacob has always loved swimming and playing in the water and since we started taking Sam to the beach this summer it looks as though he is going to follow his brother with his love of the water. The only drawback was the drive---8 hours! But, we decided to go for it. We left at about 2:00 Thursday afternoon and had a pretty smooth drive. Sam did much better than we expected and we made it to our resort at about 11:00. We stayed at Chula Vista Resort, which was a beautiful place. It had it's own indoor and outdoor water park, plenty of restaurants, golf course (which we didn't use, but looked nice), and our room was perfect for us. The resort was a few miles away from downtown area, but we wanted to get the nature part of the Wisconsin Dells in too.

Friday
We had a nice big breakfast at the buffet in the resort and then got ready for the largest water park in the United States, Noah's Ark Water Park. We had a perfect day of high 80's and lots of sun. Sam and I played a lot at the kiddie areas while Jacob and Andy went down the larger water slides. Jacob's favorite was the Black Anaconda. Sam really like the swing in the water at the kiddie area. We even all got to go on a bigger water slide together, the Congo Bongo. Jacob and Andy really liked the huge wave pool, Sam wasn't so sure of it, so we sat at the front and lets the waves splash us. Jacob and Sam both loved going down the Slidewinders slides. Sam went on Andy's lap and just loved it, he was running back up the steps to go again before Andy could catch up with him! We also all went on Flash Flood, which was very quick and Jacob wasn't so sure of it, but it cooled us all off! After about eight hours of swimming and playing we went back to the resort for some dinner. And you would think that we have had enough water, but nope we headed over to the indoor water park at the resort. Jacob and Sam played in the kiddie area. Sam loved spraying Jacob with the fun sprayers they had. Then Jacob got Sam to go down one of the kiddie slides and it only took a couple times before Sam was racing Jacob to go back up again! Then we all went on the lazy river together before they closed. We all were exhausted from such a fun filled day and the boys were asleep within minutes of getting back to the room.

Saturday
We got up and ready for another fun day. They had a Starbucks at the resort, so we just had a quick breakfast with some coffee and the boy's got some hot chocolate. The weather didn't look so great this day, but we still headed off to another large water park which included an amusement park, Mt. Olympus Theme Park. Andy and Jacob went on some go karts, which they enjoyed. There really wasn't as much for Sam to do and since we thought it was going to rain, we didn't go towards the water park area. Unfortunately it really started raining, so we called it quits and headed to the car. I wish that we could have gotten to the water park area, but hopefully there is always next time. We thought we would check out the downtown area in between the rain. There were lots of your usual t-shirt and souvenir shops. Andy wanted to try out Culvers, which he saw on the Food Network, so we had some lunch there. The boy's got an airbrushed t-shirt and we went into this huge candy store. Then we headed back to the resort and went back to the indoor water park. Sam loved the kiddie water slides and was up and down them more times than I could count. Jacob relaxed in the hot tube for awhile and Andy went down the larger water slides. We all rode the lazy river again and after a few hours we could tell that the boy's were getting tired. We got cleaned up for some pizza for dinner and called it a night.

Sunday
We relaxed in the morning and then got ready to leave. We left the resort at about 11:30, drove for a little while and stopped for a big lunch at Cracker Barrel (Andy's favorite vacation restaurant). Sam did great on the ride home and Jacob read some books and played his handheld Nintendo.

We really had a great time. It wasn't a relaxing vacation, but then we didn't plan it to be. It was great to spend some time all together as a family and just have some fun!

Here are all the pictures. (I really didn't take as many as I thought I would.)

And some videos...
Sam Swinging in the Pool
Jacob, Sam and Andy Water Slide
Sam and Andy Water Slide

Fun with Kelsey & Lucy

Kelsey and Lucy were visiting with Lynda and Ed for a few days this week and so Jacob and Sam got to spend a lot of time with their cousins. Jacob loved having them to play with and Sam just kept them going and going. Here are a couple pictures that Lynda took one day.

A Day at the Beach

Jacob and Sam love (I mean LOVE) the water! So we decided to go to the beach today. Andy took them earlier this week too for the entire day and they had a blast. What is really nice is that Andy was able to borrow a pass for a private beach for the summer. So it not a packed with a lot of people and it's really clean. The water is really shallow for the first 30 feet or so, which is great for Sam. Since I came along this time, Andy and Jacob were able to swim out to the deep, deep part and jump off the dock, while Sam and I played in the sand. I think that we will be visiting this beach a lot this summer! See pictures here.

Happy Birthday Maya!

Today we went over to my friend's Erin house for her daughter Maya's 3rd birthday party. Sam had a great time. He really like playing with the other kids and playing in the pool. Maya got so many cool clothes and fun toys. And the birthday cake was super yummy! Thanks Rich, Erin and Maya for a great time!

You check out all the pictures here.

Happy Father's Day

Today we went to Rob and Patti's house to celebrate Father's Day and Kelsey's Birthday. Rob had a wonderful BBQ of ribs, brats, hot dogs, shrimp and more! Patti made a wonderful salad and Andy's favorite bean mix and a kiddie menu. The food was great! Then the kids and Andy went swimming at their neighborhood pool. Jacob and Sam loved the water, but it was even harder to get Andy out of the pool when it was time to go! We then sang Happy Birthday to Kelsey and had cake and ice cream and she opened presents. I can't believe my niece is going to be a teenager next year! We had a great day and I hope that Andy had a wonderful Father's Day.
You can see all the pictures from the day here.

Another Peek...

I had another ultra sound today of the baby. Becky and Jeanette tagged along as well so they could see their new nephew or niece. At this point I am 18 weeks and 6 days along. The baby is laying on it's baby* and you can see it's right hand sticking up, coming up to it's face.

oops... I meant to say the baby is laying on it's back! (Hey the brain gets all messed up when you are pregnant!)

"TWO!"

Sam got up this morning and we asked him, "how old are you today?" and he proudly shouted "TWO!" This is probably due to the fact for the past few days we have been telling him that he is going to be two today. But he was just so darn cute saying it this morning. Andy got him saying it on the video camera last night, but he was not as excited about it yesterday as he was this morning. I don't think that he really realizes that today is a special today for him, but this morning he was in an especially good mood, running all over the house with his lawn mover that he got for his birthday last year. I think that he knew something was special about today, but doesn't really get why. But he is soooo ready to have some cake!!! He wanted some this morning for breakfast! Guess he already has one of the best things about birthday down pat! We are celebrating with my family today, tomorrow he is celebrating at school and Friday we will celebrate as a family with Jacob and then this weekend we will celebrate with Andy's family. Just some small celebrations so he doesn't get too overwhelmed. I will post pictures as I can.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY SAM!!!

Sam's Birthday with Daddy, Mommy & Jacob

Celebration with Pam's Family

Celebration with Andy's Family

(Could we take anymore pictures?!?!)

To My Mom...

Mom -
I know that saying "thank you" is not enough for being my Mom. For everything that you have done for me, from caring for me before I even entered this world to still being there for me today. There are thousands, make that millions of things, that you have done for me that I can't thank you enough for. For taking care of me, for being there, and just for simply being my Mom. I hope that you know how much I have appreciated everything you have done for me and for all the times you have been there for me. Thank you for being my Mom and more than ever, "I Love You."
Love,
Pam

Happy Mother's Day

Today Sam and I celebrated Mother's Day at my Grandma & Grandpa's house. We have a very nice BBQ and everyone saw that it only took Sam about 20 minutes before he was the bouncing little toddler that he is at home. He loved being able to play outside the whole time we were there. He played with everyone I think, anyone that would stay outside with him that was, including Aspen (aunt Becky's dog). We also celebrated Sam, Nick and Uncle Jeff's birthday! Happy Birthday!!! Sam says thank you for all the fun gifts too! Grandma, he loved playing with the squirt bottle from him new toy in the bath tonight! Thank you Grandma & Grandpa for a fun time. Happy Mother's Day!!! More pictures from the day here.

Lynda - Happy Mother's Day to you too. I hope you are having a great time in Gatlinburg!

5 Years Already?

Today is Andy and I's wedding anniversary (is that a word "I's"?). I can't believe that it has been five years already. Seem like it was just a year or two ago that we were in Gatlinburg in the mountains saying our vows. I am so very lucky to have Andy as my husband and the family that he has given me. We didn't do anything special, but hopefully we will get a chance to have dinner or something soon. Here is to another faboulous five years!

April Birthdays

Today we celebrated the April birthday's on Andy's side of the family. Happy Birthday - Rob, Ed, Kim, Matt and Lucy. (even Sam got an early birthday present!) The kids had a ton of fun rolling down the hills in Grandma and Grandpa's back yard. The ran and rolled and chased each other until they couldn't walk anymore! Rob and Ed BBQ some hamburgers and hot dogs. Which was delicious! Lynda made a great salad and of course special treats for the kids! Thank you! The kids played some more outside (how I don't know!). We sang happy birthday and had desert, then opened presents. It started to rain a little bit so the kids played inside for a little while until we all had to leave. We had a great time! Happy Birthday everyone! You can check out all the pictures here!

Spring Pictures

Jacob and Sam got their spring pictures taken today. They turned out great again! You can take a sneak peak at them if you want. Just click here and look under the date of 4/28 or our last name (the code is 1050). I have ordered pictures for Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.
Note: There are some pictures that seemed to have gotten cut off, these were just special effects made on pictures and already in the sittings.

A First Glimpse

Today I went to the hospital for an ultra sound and got to see the baby! I couldn't believe how much it was developed already and how it was already this little person. It was moving it's arms and hands all over and it's legs a little bit. But it was nice and cozy in it's spot and wouldn't move it's body where the technician wanted it to. I got some pictures to share too! My next regular appointment is May 14. (if you click on the picture it will enlarge it.)

The Kid's Own Place

No, we have not asked the kids to move out and get there own place... yet! But I have decided that since I cannot keep up with the scrap booking to make a page for each of the kids. (I have to learn to says kids now, instead of boys, unless this one on the way is a boy, then I can say boys again.) Here you can go and check out the day-to-day things of each of the kids and I have a place to keep the endless amounts of pictures (oh yes there are more than I what I post here!), milestones and just the day-to-day things that I want them to be able to read about when they are older. I will still be keeping this blog to post about family happenings. So now you will just end of staying on here longer when everyone you decide to pop on here!

Jacob's Jungle
Sam's Spot
The Baby

These will always be on the side bar for quick access.

Doctor Visit Update

I had my second prenatal doctor's appointment today. Everything is still looking good and right on track. But the best part.... I got to hear the heartbeat!!! I wasn't sure if the doctor would be able to pick it up since I wasn't even eleven weeks yet. But she picked up right away and it was so strong. That is really just the sweetest sound (besides that first cry they let out!). The whoosh whoosh of the little baby's heart beating brought a little tear to my eye. Just knowing that he/she is doing okay in there means so much.

I have an ultra sound scheduled for next Thursday, April 26. I can't wait to get my first glimpse of my new little one. And I can't wait to show him or her off!

Also, if case you haven't seen it, there is a ticker on the bottom that shows how many days are left until my due date and how the baby is developing. (okay this disappered when I changed the blog around, but I will be adding something soon for a countdown.)

Happy Easter

I hope that everyone had a very nice and Happy Easter. Sam and I went to church with my parents and sisters. Then we were suppose to go the my grandparents for dinner, but my grandma was sick, so dinner was cancelled (hope you are feeling better grandma). So we went to breakfast and then hung out at Becky and Jeanette's house. Andy just enjoyed the house to himself and hung out at home. It was a very nice and relaxing Easter and Sam and I and enjoyed spending some time with my parents and sisters. More pictures when you click here.

HAPPY EASTER and GOD BLESS YOU!

Easter 2006

A Hiding Spot?

Sam finds all kinds of hiding spots around the house - this one I thought was pretty cute! He even knew how to close the door (until he realized that the light goes off then he didn't like that)!
A couple more pictures here.

53 days down... approximately 227 days before...

So you are asking, what is 280 days? Let's see it would be 40 weeks, and that would make it approximately 9.5 months. Are you starting to figure it out now?!?! Now??? yes.... i'm pregnant!!! Can you believe it? Neither could we!!! While this wasn't a planned pregnancy, it is still certainly a true blessing and (after the shock has worn off... well almost) we couldn't be happier! It's going to be a little rough road, with Andy only one year into getting his nursing degree and me just starting a new job and let's not forget the 22 month old that we have who thinks he is "king of the household!" But I know everything will work out just fine and what could be a better surprise than creating a new life! So, in early November we will make our home of four into a home of five and we really are very excited (just still in a little bit of shock!).

So far this has been a breeze of a pregnancy (wait... maybe I shouldn't say that). I really haven't not had any morning sickness, just a little queasy in the morning and even that only lasted two weeks. I have been very hungry and exhausted though. I really can't come home after work and take a little nap like I did when I was pregnant with Sam. Hopefully it stays this easy (until the end of course!) I already had my first doctor's appointment and everything looks perfect and on schedule. Of course I will be posting updates regularly and I can't wait to start taking those belly pictures! I am just hoping not until the end of summer though!

oh - and sorry... we will all have to wait approximately another 227 days to find out what it is...

A Little Taste of Summer

Andy wanted to get the BBQ out this afternoon. So he cooked up one of both of our favorite summer tastes - Brats! They were so yummy and made summer feel like it was right around the corner - well we just started Spring, but we can pretend right? What a great dinner (and I didn't have to cook - oh I love summer and the BBQ)!

He's Finally Home

Jacob's new brother is finally out of the hospital and at home. He has a feeding tube going down to his stomach through his nose. But he is getting better and better every day. Carrie and Darren had him out and about and when they picked up Jacob this evening we got to see him for a little bit. He is such a cutie and so precious. Jacob is really happy that his new brother is finally home and so are we!

Brayden's Birthday

Baby Lily

My niece Lily was spending the night at my in-laws tonight and we decided to visit. I asked Sam, "do you want to go see baby Lily?" He ran to the back door, screaming, "yes, yes!" He could wait to go see his cousin! Normally getting out the door is a five to ten minute ordeal, struggling with shoes, coat and a hat. But he ran and got his own shoes and stood at the coat closet door, "jacket, jacket." We were out the door in less than two minutes. All the way over there Sam kept saying, "Lily, Lily." We got to my in-laws and he couldn't wait to see get inside and see his cousin!

I got some cute pics of her right after she got a bath too. There are a couple more pictures here.

What a Day!

Sam goes to "school" (a.k.a day care) on Thursdays. So far he has not taken a nap there, he must be having just way too much fun! Today we got home as always he was pretty fussy (must be the not taking a nap), so we sat in his bedroom to read books after dinner. Five minutes later he was passed out on the floor! I let him sleep about an hour then woke he up to get ready for bed. He was only half awake for his bath and fell back asleep for bed without his normal before bed books. He sure must of had a fun filled day!

Lily's 1st Birthday!

My niece Lily celebrated her first birthday today! I can't believe she is already one year old! She loves Dora the Explorer, so that was the theme of her birthday and she had it at Chuckie Cheese's. Everyone had a great time! Jacob and Sam had a ton of fun playing games and running all over! And the pizza and ice cream cake was just delicious! Thanks for a great time Lily and hope you had a great first birthday! More pictures here!

Happy 75th Birthday Grandpa & Grandma

We were suppose to celebrated my grandparents 75th birthday last Sunday, but we ended up having really bad weather. And since I had my niece's first birthday today I was not able to join my parents to celebrate with my grandparents for dinner this afternoon. But I wanted to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA & GRANDMA!" I hope you had a great dinner and sorry I couldn't be there. Miss you!

"Mommy"

Sam said "dada" long before he said "mama." But eventually he did, and so for the last nine months or so that is what he calls me. Today though out of the blue he started calling me "mommy." We don't say it around the house really, so I don't know where he picked it up from. Although he has been talking a lot more since he started school (a.k.a. daycare). I love my new name, and the way he says it, is so sweet.

Happy 10th Birthday Jacob!

I can't believe that Jacob turns 10 today. The big double digits! I hope you have a great birthday Jacob. Daddy, Sam and I will celebrate with you on Monday night! More pictures here.

Finally, Some Sledding

We finally got a decent amount of snow the other day (see previous post). And daddy got some time to spend with Sam while I was at work, so they went sledding in the back yard. It was Sam's first time really playing in the snow. Andy said that he kept falling down - face first in the snow! I think they both had a fun time! More pictures.

Andy's Perfect Sandwich

Okay, Andy will not let up about his sandwiches (and I really don't see what is so spectacular about them, but whatever...) He actually took pictures of one the other day (apparently he is not studying as much as I though!). He insisted that I put it on the blog, so here goes. Really it's nothing much, but guess I should include Andy in this blog from time to time!

A Future Hair Stylist?

This morning Jacob thought he would do Sam's hair - Turned out pretty cute!

First Jacob puts some hair gel on and combs it it...












Sam offers Jacob a kleenex...












Putting the finishing touches on...












And... The finished product!

Some Snow! (and Happy Belated Valentine's Day)

We finally got some snow last night. We really have not had any big snowfalls this winter. And really this wasn't that much compared to other years. I think we got about 6 inches. Hopefully Sam gets to use his snow pants and boots that have been patiently waiting in the closet!

And Happy Valentine's Day too! Andy and I really don't do anything for today. We just think it's more of a "Hallmark" thing and celebrate our love on our wedding anniversary. Jacob was at his mom's and Sam is really too young to even know what it is, so we didn't do anything with the boys either. But, Jacob and Sam did get lots of Valentine's and candy from school.

I'm Not Addicted... (really)

Sam just had to have the Pepsi bottle this evening while I was cleaning up dinner. He thought he was having some "special" juice and just couldn't get enough of it, but it was just water. He was just too cute though and I got some cute pictures!

Jacob's New Brother (pictures)

I got some pictures of Jacob's new brother (see previous post). He is still in the hospital and doing well. It looks like he will need surgery on his instestines. Of course, when I have more information I will post it.

Works of Art

Jacob and Sam got the Crayola Color Wonder paints (did you think I would let Sam have the "real" thing?!) this morning and made some beautiful pictures! Sam went through paper after paper putting paint everywhere, while Jacob took his time and made his new brother a get well picture. See more pictures here.

Mr. Clean

I use the Swiffer vacuum to clean the kitchen floor each night after dinner. Sam has a fit if he cannot help, he loves to help me clean (I am teaching him early!). Here is a cute video of "Mr. Clean."

Please Keep in Your Prayers

Jacob's new brother, Brayden (see previous post) is at University of Michigan hospital in critical, but stable condition. He has a serious infection in his intestines. Please keep the new baby and all of Jacob's family in your thoughts and prayers and pray that Braydn is not in the hospital very long and can go home with his family soon. I will post updates when I get them.

UPDATE 1/22 - I talked to Carrie today and it looks like he will be in the hospital for at least another 2-3 weeks. He can not have any foods for two weeks, then they will slowly start feeding him and see how he reacts.

UPDATE 3/4 - He had one surgery about two weeks ago and did great. He had to have another emergency surgery on Thursday (3/1). They are still not sure when he will be able to come home from the hospital. But he is doing good and I saw some new pictures of him today and he looks great and so cute! Let's hope that he gets to come home soon.

UPDATE 3/18 - He is finally home. He has a feeding tube for now. But he is doing better and better every day.

He's Out of the Box!

Sam got a T.M.X. Tickle Me Elmo for Christmas from Aunt Becky (see Christmas post). At first it was not allowed out of the box and as soon as he heard Elmo's laugh he would shake his head no. But today Elmo was allowed out of the box for a short period of time and he got "tickled!" See more pictures here.

UPDATE 1/23 - Elmo's box was thrown away yesterday! Elmo is free for good now!

Jacob's New Brother

Please join me in welcoming Jacob's new brother to the world. Brayden Patrick was born this morning, weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces. Hopefully I will have a picture of the new little one soon.

I got pictures!!!

(updates on his condition)

Visiting with Mamwa and Cheryl

Andy's Grandma (we call her Mamwa) and Aunt Cheryl were up from Indiana for a few days. We got to visit with them this evening. It was nice catching up and spending some time together. Good to see you Mamwa and Cheryl! Here are some more pictures.

A Kodak Moment

I take so many pictures and I just love it when I get that perfect one.
This is Sam giving Lily (my niece) a kiss.

Daddy Day Care

Andy was on break from school this week, so was home with Sam and they had a ton of fun together! He also took over the picture taking as well for me! Andy and Sam have a whole different routine when they are home together. Here is what they did during the day.

They started the day off with feeding and watching the squirrels...












(Squirrel feeding is a very important part of the day. It takes awhile to get the squirrel's peanuts in just the right places so they will come right up to the doorwall. And if they are lucky their friend the fox will come out as well!) There are some more squirrel feeding pictures here.

Then it is time for breakfast...












Then Daddy gets him dressed for the day...












Of course there is lots of playtime!












And a snack after naptime...













You can see even more pictures here!