Sitting up

In the past couple of days, Joseph has really been getting stronger and can sit for brief moments without us holding him up. It won't be long before he is sitting like this every day playing with Thomas.
What a big boy, you can see Thomas in the background, he was in the middle of his speech therapy, but I had to snap a couple pics of Joseph because he was doing so good.

Big Brother is proud of Joseph too.

Happy Thoughts

found in a magazine...

"It's True that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true
that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives."- unknown

"Happiness is good health and a bad memory."-Ingred Bergman

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Self-pity is the worse poverty; it overwhelms man until he sees nothing but illness,trouble, pain."-Saki

"The Universe is like a dome; it vibrates to that which you say in it, and answers the same back to you; so also is the law of action; we reap what we sow- Saki

Our weekend.

This was a weekend that I was basically on my own with the kids because Allen had stuff going on all weekend. I had my friend and her 3 kids over on Friday night, here the girls are doing their cheer leading moves.
Here are the boys doing lawn fishing
Here is Joseph in his new favorite walker, he is fast in this thing.
Savannah's Brownie troop at the pumpkin patch on Saturday
Grandma with the kids at the Pumpkin patch.
We were supposed to have plans today with Grandma as well, but allergies got the best of the kids this morning, so we skipped it. It was an exhausting weekend both good and not so good, and I am ready for kids to be back at school tomorrow.

Blessings in my Life

First of all, for those of you who know me well, you know that I am not your touchy feely, huggy, kissy, etc kind of person. But, for those that know me well, you do know that I do value friendship very much. I am one of those people that tries to find the good in every body, I feel that there is something good to be found in each and everyone of us. Lately, I have noticed lots or turmoil surrounding me in family, in friends, in co workers and its starting to get me down, man. There seem to be so many people around me that are having problems in their marriage, friendships, problems with siblings or other family members. So, what is all this rambling about, you ask. Well, I decided to sit back and evaluate my own life and here's what I discovered.

I married my best friend, and we have 4 beautiful children. We live in a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, our kids go to a good school. I feel that we are raising them to be good kids. I am blessed to be able to work part time, so our kids have never had to be in day care, and I can be there for them when they get home from school. Allen works hard at supporting our family, he works hard at being a great Dad and a great husband. I feel lucky that he is so involved with the kids. For the past 3 years I have worked almost every Friday night, and so every Friday night he "camps out" with the kids. They stay up late watching movies, and they all sleep together in one room watching movies, and cuddling. This is something that they all look forward to every week. This summer has been a little harder with an infant in the house, but Allen still manages to find a way to make it work each weekend.

I am blessed that I still keep in touch with friends of mine that I have known since college, high school and even middle school. I am so happy that our kids are growing up knowing each other too. I love that fact that I have friends that I may not see for months, and months and than when we get together, its like we haven't been apart for more than a day.

I am blessed that I work with such great people at the hospital. Every one at work is there for the same reason I am, because they love kids, they love helping people, they love making a difference.

I know so many people who are struggling through personal issues right now, and I think everyone needs to just sit back and evaluate the good in your life and appreciate what you have in life. Stop focusing on the negatives and look at what you can do to find more positives. I have had to do that with myself recently. I recently had to do just the same, and i think my days are much better.

I don't know why I felt compelled to write this today. Could it be that my husband passionately kissed me goodbye this morning... could it be that drooly grins that Joseph has been giving me all morning... could it be that Thomas was so happy when we were playing dinosaurs and little people this morning... Could it be that I have such good friends that they call before they go to the grocery store to see if I need anything... could it be that I have a great sister who helps us with the kids almost every Friday night to make our life easier... could it be that my parents are going to keep the kids for Allen and I in a couple weeks so we can have a night away... could it be that a couple weeks ago a received a card in the mail, for no reason from one of my friends just thanking me for being her friend...Could it be that every time I need to make a schedule change at work, someone steps forward to help out... I think that it COULD Be a combination of all of these things. I am happy today, happy with life and happy to have all the wonderful people in my life that I do.

Joseph and his messy carrots

Just moved the high chair upstairs yesterday, because I had been feeding him in the car seat and it was getting way to difficult to keep him clean. His fingers are always in his mouth. So, here he is eating his first meal from his high chair. What a big boy.

Dad's solution to a messy problem.

I am happy that Allen thought to take a picture of this, so I could post it to my blog.

So, now for a brief explanation. I worked Friday night, and when I came home early Saturday morning, Thomas walked down the stairs wearing this bag that you see. Apparently, Daddy had to deal with one of the very, messy, leaking out of the diaper and onto the floor poops that I had been dealing with all day on Friday. So, Daddy being the problem solver that he is... thought to place a bag around Thoma's diaper area, just in case there were any messes during the night. Luckily there were no messes through the night, but I thought his idea was a good one. AS you can see Thomas didn't seem to mind one bit.

Playing in the backyard

Looks like a lot of kids when they are all lined up like this.
Thomas and Savannah reeling in the toad...
Can you see the poor little toad who is sitting on a frisbee? They were playing with a fishing game that they have, but instead of catching the plastic fish, they would cast catch the frisbee and reel him in. They really thought the Toad was having fun. If it makes you feel any better, I did make them let Mr. Toad go last night.

We can't talk about what happened to the other toad...but he is no longer with us.
Joseph loves watching his siblings play outside, hard to believe next summer he will be right in the middle of it all.

Thomas and the Terrible Two's

I love him I really do, and I know he is adjusting to the girls being gone during the week, and life with a baby can be annoying to a boy who used to be the baby of the family, but come on... there have been one to many days this week that my little boy has been in a bit of trouble.

Monday, the doorbell rings at about 3pm, I am upstairs drying my hair, rush down to get the door, its Thomas he says, "bugs momma" apparently he had gone out the front door to catch bugs, and couldn't get back in. So, I learned that it was time to start using the bolt on that door again.

Tuesday morning, found Thomas in the coat closet using a pen and decorating Savannah's flip flops.

Later that day, drying my hair again, realize Thomas is too quiet. Go looking for him... front door is still locked, the door to the garage is slightly open. There he is sitting in the front seat of the van, he had pressed every button he could press, turned the lights on etc. Okay, lesson learned use bolt on door to garage.

Wednesday, getting ready again ( really I don't take long to get ready, I am very low maintenance kind of gal, but apparently this is when Thomas thinks he can get away with things)... its too quiet, "Thomas where are you?" Thomas replies " hiding fwom you in Yoshif's woom" Okay, then another 5 min or so pass by, "Thomas where are you..." in he comes to my room with white lips and legs, and arms, covered in desitin cream. I actually reacted very calmly and explained that we don't play with cream, its not safe blah blah blah. I reacted calmly I think because, I was so thankful that he didn't do what Addy had done at the age of about 18months when she had smeared it through her hair. Wow what a mess that was.

He keeps me on my toes, yes he does, but he makes me laugh and gives me so many hugs and kisses. I love him so much, but this week has been challenging.

Cool September Weekend

We had a good week here. In Addy's second grade class they were learning about Frogs and Toads, and the teacher had stated that they could bring in any frogs or toads that the kids caught in to school for a day. It just so happens at our house we always seem to be catching frogs and toads, and we had two at our house. So, Addy took them in on Wednesday, and Savannah then took them in to share with her class on Friday. After school on Friday they let those toads go, but then...what do you know the very next day they find two more.



Saturday night Allen and the girls went out to ride bikes, Addy found this toad in the street.

Savannah then found this big guy in the garage.
This morning while Allen was mowing the lawn he found this little tree frog.
The rest of the weekend we spent playing games, riding bikes and going to the park.

Here is our gang on their bikes and Joseph in his ultrasaucer.

Here is a cute shot of Allen and Thomas at the playground today.
At home this evening. Thomas was sleeping on the couch, but I took Joseph outside to play with his sisters for awhile. He loves being outdoors as much as they do.

Quick Look now...oh its too late

I am sitting here taking a break, I am sweating entirely too much. I have been on my hands and knees for hours it seems. I started out this morning with my Pilate's class, its an hour long class and let me tell you it is not easy. Then I took Thomas and Joseph to the park, where we met Grandpa... more time spent crawling around and chasing Thomas. Then after about an hour break, I began the dreaded task of cleaning the wood floors. My floors were in bad shape needing some TLC, more than the swiffer could handle. After those were done, I began the other dreaded task of vacuuming, which included the stairs and the baseboards around the main living area. Everything looks great, but it about 30minutes, the boys will be awake, the girls will be home and the dog will have to come inside. Allen rarely gets to see the house in such a beautiful state, but looking around I am very pleased.

Aunt Liss and the kids.

On Sunday night we celebrated the August Birthdays at my parents house. Suddenly as we were getting ready to head back to our house I realized that I hadn't taken any pictures of Liss with the kids and we wouldn't be seeing her again until Christmas. So here is Liss with the girls. Thomas wasn't cooperating very well, but we managed to get this shot as we were getting ready to leave.

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad

Since January my sisters and I have been planning a surprise party for our parents who both are turning 60. Actually, my Dad is now 60....sorry Dad, but its time to face the facts. Mom, will be turning 60 this month.

We rented a bus to pick up friends and family and then drove to pick my parents up at their house. The group consisted of neighbors from the neighborhood we grew up in, some new neighbors, My Dads siblings who all drove in from St. Louis and My Mom's sister who flew in from California.

Needless to say they were shocked when the bus pulled up to their house, they had no clue what was going on. When they stepped onto the bus, they were thrilled to see so many friends and family. My Mom's sister was not on the bus, so she was yet another surprise later on.

The bus took us to a restaurant where we had dinner served buffet style, and there was live music playing throughout the night. Here is a cute shot of my Mom and my Aunt Pegi, when Mom first saw her at the restaurant. Allen picked her up from the airport and they were waiting for us at the restaurant. They think it has been almost 5 years since they had seen each other last.
Here is My Dad with his two brothers Bill and Jim and sister Bev, her husband Guy is sitting in the front.

Here is a shot of my parents showing that even in their 60's they can still party. There was lots of dancing on the chairs by numerous guests. Luckily no one was hurt. Here I am with my two younger sisters Bri and Melissa. Melissa also flew in from California for the party.

Addy and Me

Here's Addy and I... early Saturday morning before heading to Old Settlers Day Parade.
Her Brownie Troop all dressed up. The theme "Our Favorite Holidays" The plan was that the girls would sing songs from all of the Holidays. The girls were actually pretty quick learners. I never knew there was actually a song for every Holiday, but there is.
Little did we know that the Mom's who ended up walking with the girls, would have to sing all the songs as well. The girls did a great job, but they were distracted by all the people on the sidelines watching us.
Mother Daughter Moment, right before the parade started.
Allen and the kids dropped us off early in the morning, and then came back to pick us up after the parade was over. I know Savannah and Thomas would have loved the parade, but It would have been too much for Allen to try and keep all 3 of them on the sidelines.

Here is Daddy with Savannah and Thomas right before we left to go to the parade.

Thomas's first Day of Parents Day Out.

Here is Thomas this morning before we headed off to school. He was a little teary when we got there, but he calmed down right away. He will go once a week from 9-2. Joseph and I spent the morning at Kohls.

Ahhh how cute. He is growing fast.

Brothers and Sisters

Allen and I feel so lucky to have kids that love eachother so much. What more could we ask for.

Just thought I would post some of my favorite pics of the kids.

The Boys and their big moments

Thomas will be 3 in October. He has shown no interest in potty training until very recently. SO, this weekend was a HUGE deal when he actually went on the toilet three times. He was very proud of himself and couldn't wait to do it again. It is going to take a lot of patience on my part to potty train him. Diapers are expensive, especially when you have to buy them for two kids, but they are also convenient.




Joseph had his first taste of cereal. He has now had it two times. He seems to enjoy it. He is not yet sleeping any better, but we are hopeful.