Perhaps I'll try this blogging thing again...

another priceless driving convo with Allie: about prayers

Alex asked me today if you can pray to others besides God. I explained that sometimes i say hello and I love you to those I know in Heaven, but that i dont technically pray to them like I do God. She said shes 'not much of a prayer' but that during nap time at school she prays 'alot'! She then reluctabtly told me she prayed to Santa the other day. I told her Santa really isnt someone we pray to but I could understand why she might be confused. She then told me that she decided it wasnt a good idea either and then rerouted her prayer to God. She said she asked God to talk to Santa and the Easter Bunny and told them what she wanted for Christmas and Easter (mostly she named a variety of different candy). Then she said 'but dont worry mom...i also made sure to thank God for you and the sun.'

In life, you can never do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

mr bedtime

Sam is really getting older! He now says a few words. He says mama, dada, uh oh (his favorite, infact the words that put him to bed and wake me up on the monitor in the morning), bah (bottle), signs 'more' but really seems to stand for 'i want' and tonight has mastered 'duck'. He Loves all books, mostly to eat or bite or point to the various pics and says 'dis'....'dis'. Im pretty sure he can read already ;)

It definatley is true that with the second babe every milestone (though maybe not documented with 100 pics, or baby books, etc like it goes with the first) seems a little sweeter. Perhaps its because you learn how quickly it all passes and how truly quickly they grow up. Maybe it goes youre not so engrossed in documenting everything but instead immersing yourself in the moment.

I am always saying to Tim, 'i cant imagine Sam not being Sam and being a girl (like i was so convinced i wanted another girl as i had no idea how to raise a boy)...but now i literally cant fathom my life without him, my sweet little silly man.

Alex is probably the best big sister ever. In fact, she is at her gma and gpas for the next couple days and i miss her (of course) but i also miss what a huge help she is! There is no one like alex is in sam's life. She lights up his day like no one else can. And she takes her job very seriously.

My two beans make life so sweet. Coming home to them everyday makes everyday a new adventure.

And did i mention, Tim? Hes only the best dad i could have dreamt for them.

Yeah, life is pretty darn sweet. Maybe its my job that helps me remember the fragility of life? Or just getting older? Whatever it is ive really been trying not to take a moment for granted or for waste.

Oh and, Florida, here we come! And when i say 'we' i mean all my girls that love me unconditionally (and i love just the same), no judgement, and i can count on forever...some of them 23 years and counting! I am so thankful for each of them!

cute little mister video just for fun

coop attacks whilst sledding

gingerbread deication

Tim and Al worked very hard on Sunday on their gingerbread house. It looks so awesome. Im pretty sure next year Tim will be buying two...one for he and Al to create together and one for himself

Daniel and his Favorite Aunts

Daniel did such a great job in the musical! I am so proud!

daniel as beast

So proud of my sweet nephew! He rocked the house!

happy turkey day!!

more boogie

after bathtime boogie

Yes, we rock out to kidz bop. I know you're jealous.

gigglebox

noodles

I just figured out how to upload my videos to youtube from my phone! Hopefully they will get a little more exciting!

some halloween pics

the confidence of a four year old...

Alex wore a halloween costume to school last friday. She chose her bride costume (out of her zillion choices from dress up clothes). She also selected pink tights to wear under the dress. Bright pink fuzzy tights. I asked her if she was sure she wanted pink and not ivory or white, instead, to stay true to a real bride costume look. She stopped what she was doing (jumping on sams bed while waiting for me to get him dressed), looked for a minute at the pink fuzzy tights with the all white bridal ensameble, stretched her leg out to get a better look...examined...then said, "yeah, im sure! These look great on me!" Then got back to jumping. What i wouldnt give for her fashion confidence. I hope she never loses it.

in total random order

Some of these pics are on my facebook, but eventually I want to get off facebook all together. I hate it. (yet, love it). Anyway, they are all totally out of order. Owell. Just wanting to keep a somewhat up to date "electronic" photo album for the babes when they get older. Notice in this pic above how close all the kids are. With every present they kept moving closer and closer. It was too cute.

See how they are further away and sitting? And have some breathing room? This was taken before the one above.

Old man in his wagon.

Al's 5th birthday cake! She was very very impressed and excited about this. Every time we go to the grocery we have to stop to check out the cakes and go through the cake "book" as she points out each cake she is "getting for Christmas" (this is what she says about anything that she may want right that second but knows I will not get it for her, yet she feels the urgency to have it...I often hear her in the TV room singing or saying "I'm getting that for christmas! OOOHHH! Im gettin' THAT for christmas! And that! OH! and that, too!" as she watches the toy commercials on the kid channels. Whatever works.

I'm not sure why but I love this picture! Imagine being at a birthday party with your adult friends and posing in one of these totally-not-awkward-poses or smiles.

he loves his buggy

I swear it looks like paint but it WAS icing. Very yummy icing, I might add.

A pic of a cross at the West Baden Hotel we stayed at in French Lick. If you've never been, GO! It's SOOOO beautiful there! We loved it! Unfortunately, my camera battery died upon arrival so we couldn't take many non-phone pics. (no idea why that font did that?!)

Jordyn, Alex, and Grace
(Alex's two besties :)

Thought I'd finish off with some funny Alex sayings...

1. The other night I yelled from the kitchen to the upstairs for Tim to come downstairs and help me for a minute. He yelled back that he couldn't (for whatever reason) and Alex looked up from the kitchen table as she was coloring and said, "Oh man...I bet he's upstairs fart'n in his fart sack." She said it in an almost whisper as if she thought perhaps he might be doing exactly that. I'm not sure where she comes up with these things!

2. We were on a lovely outing to walmart last weekend to exchange a bday gift for Alex. As Alex and I were walking through the store trying to find Tim and Sam we experienced a very not-so-pleasant odor passing a particular isle. (To me, this was not so crazy as we were at Walmart, anything goes there). Anyway, as we both were assaulted with the smell Alex says, "Daddy must be near by...I smell his stinky toots." Need I say more? There seems to be a theme here.

3. The kids and I were driving to the grocery and all is quiet in the backseat (which is rare...those that know Alex know she is NEVER not talking). I look in the rearview and see her very seriously gazing out the window---I know those wheels are turning about something pretty big. Usually those looks are when she asks me how the earth was made and why dinosaurs don't live anymore and why did God make us have jobs, etc. Finally, she ask me, "Mom, I don't understand why God can't make me be a fairy now...I'm tired of being a human...If he does I will still live with you." As if that was the only reason God was not turning her into a fairy, for fear she may decide to not live with us anymore.

4. Alex has acquired a new little friend from across the street that he own father describes her as "politely defiant"...that's putting it nicely. Tim and I have both had to, quite literally, hold on to her shoulders and scoot her out the front door when its time to go home. She just doesn't take a hint and likes to stay at our house at all costs and mostly wants to find ways to hang out with Tim and I. Anyway, she was over yesterday afternoon and she and Alex were not really clicking well, as Alex enjoys playing with toys (i.e. barbies, pet shop, t ball, etc). This little darling mostly likes to find excuses to send Alex inside or to come inside herself and ask for various things (i.e. gum, a toasted pop-tart, juice, etc.). Anyway, long story short, Alex comes stomping inside and announces she doesn't want to play with friend anymore. I tell her that's just fine with me. Then I ask her if she told her nicely that she was done playing and coming inside. That's when I got the look...She stared at me as if figuring out how to say exactly what she wanted. Then says, "Well, Yes. I told her...nicely....but she didn't listen, mom! I even tried to close the garage door on her." What!? I ask! I explain to her that's not nice, blah blah blah and the garage door is not a toy, etc. THough I understand Al's frustration as this little girl is like a bee at a picnic! She never gives up.

At this point I know the g-door is closed cuz I was in the kitchen (which connects to garage) and heard the door closing when she came in from there. I figured it was a null issue, assumed the little girl had finally gone home, and I was just hoping Alex didn't hurt her feelings.

Then Alex opens the door to the garage, (where it is dark since the overhead g-door is now closed) and I hear her talking and explaining that she was sorry but she really didn't want to play anymore. Then I hear the g-door motor and see the door is opening...then i hear footsteps running. Alex had literally trapped her little friend in the garage with no lights and came inside to chat with me. WTH! Oh that girl! I just never know what to expect with her! Atleast maybe her new friend will get the hint that when Alex is done playing she better run before she gets trapped in a dark garage.

5.And as far as Al is concerned, Jesus and God, are responsible for EVERYTHING! They created the computer, they made costumes (some itchy--which really upsets her. I mean, why would they do that on purpose?!), her shoes, etc. I suppose this comes from my catch-all answer to her many many endless curious questions which is, "I don't know, Alex...that's just how God made it." Perhaps I should come up with some better answers. They are getting a bad rap and taking the heat for some stuff---like bedtime at 7:30, and naptime, etc.

6. Alex was helping Tim make homemade chicken noodle soup the other night. The chicken still had the skin on it and Tim was adding it to the boiling water to make some broth. Alex was very curious about the skin (Alex is an unofficial vegetarian as she refuses to eat nearly all meat unless it is highly processed and, in my opinion, hardly even meat anymore (i.e. chicken nuggets, deli ham) and even then it requires a bribe and I always fear her gagging. Anyway, she was inquiring about the skin and Tim explained that it was once alive and living much like she and him were alive. He explained that chickens have skin much like we have skin. (it sounds gross when you really think about it, hence, I totally get vegetarianism) So, Alex stares into the pot with the chicken and says, "Oh, I get it. So were those chicken bad guys and that's why they got killed...like were they thieves?" Uh....not quite. Tim had to do some further explaining to ensure she understood we were not eating PEOPLE!
Sometimes Tim and I forget that Al is only 4 and we assume she already knows such things.

Summer picture wrap up and updates (from newest to oldest)

Sam, Alex, and I went to a park/trail close to our house on the first day of fall! The weather was amazing! Alex got to try out her new bike on the trail. She did great with it! You should have seen some of the poses she struck with her bike! She's so funny!

This pose was awesome. Looks so natural, right?!

Sammy in the wagon that he is addicted to.

Al loved taking Sam down the slide. I swear I did not make her keep her helmet on.

Awwwww....

We went to this small town fair last weekend. It was a lot of fun and Alex has no fear when it comes to rides. She takes after her dad in that area. I'm a chicken. I rode the ferris wheel with her and thought I was going to get sick! Ha! Going to Kings Island this weekend so that will really put her bravery to the test!

Me and my little man :) I love him so much I can't stand it!

Al striking a pose on the ferris wheel. Where does she come up with these poses!?

Some of the girls and me out for my birthday! It was an interesting, yet very fun night. Tara and I made an entire night out of it and closed the bar down! Ha! I can always count on Tara!

Sammy and Al in Alex's barbie jeep.

I wish I could get a video of this uploaded! Sam loves to push Al around on his corn popper! He even manages to push her up hills! And all around the house. This was taken before he could even walk alone. He's walking now but still enjoys pushing her.

Me and the babes at the zoo. This was the only pic I got of all three of us. At least one of us is looking at the camera.

Lake fun!

First time in the sand

Uh...not so sure why the serious face.

Cooper looking so regal.

Sam loves to have me chase him around the house and play peek-a-boo. This is a common look I get before he takes off with serious speed to hide from me.

Alex and her new friend she met this summer.

Alex with Chuckie Cheese (or Chuckie Jesus, if you will remember this is what she use to call him AND Jesus). Man, did she have fun there!

This picture does not do this slip and slide justice. It was very long, on a big hill at the lake house, and had carpeting underneath it to make for a very smooth ride, then you land in the pool at the end. Often times you would be going so fast you would flip out of the pool. Tim is awesome with this kind of stuff. What lucky kiddos! I about killed myself going down it...but it was so fun!

Sammy with bink....I didn't get many pics of him at the lake without it in his mouth. Luckily we are over this addiction now.

Al snoozing with her most favorite snow globe. It was my Grandma Mary's. It is her "special treasure" she says

My parents came to visit for my big garage sale weekend (which they helped tremendously!!!) and we couldn't find Al and my dad. We finally did. They were in the basement for forever playing all kinds of REALLY exciting games. (game in this picture is princess and the pea...and yes that's a beer in the background. For my dad, not Alex. Sometimes it's necessary to drink when playing these kids games over and over!)

Tim trying to teach Ally to play guitar hero. Didn't go so well.

This summer seemed to go by so fast and I can't believe it is over already! And I can't believe I am now also 30 years old! Holy Hell! Life goes so fast.

I've been really bad about blogging this summer and I will probably stay bad at it! Ha! But I will try to keep up on it as I want this to be something the kids can look back through when they get older. I wish my parents would have had the opportunity to make something like this for my sisters and I.

Funny things Ally has said recently:

1. While coloring at the dinner table, she looked up at me and very seriously asked me, "What's another word I can say instead of damnit?" Hmmmm....we settled on darn it.
2. While watching Ellen the other day she explained to me that she really didn't enjoy watching Ellen and would rather watch one of her shows. I explained to her that I love Ellen and want her to be my friend. She told me I should ask God to make her come to life and make her a real human. When I explained to her that she already is real and so are the people on the shows she watches (like I Carly) she about fell out of her chair. She couldn't believe it. So funny! I just assumed she knew they were real people!
3. Yesterday I kept forgetting to get her popsicle after she ate dinner. I started laughing and said, "I'm sorry, I keep forgetting!" She said, "geez mom! You always forget! Why did Jesus make you so forgetful!?" I don't know Alex. I wonder that sometimes too.
   

I'm sure there are tons more, but now I'm drawing a blank...sigh...I guess it's that forgetful thing again! Darn!

Sam is walking now, not ALL the time but most the time. He is such a fun little guy. So happy and so funny and full of life. He keeps me busy. I'm going back to work in November to my old position in home health. While I'm not looking forward to my time ending at home with Sam, I know it will be good for all of us. Sam has already visited his class and seems to really have fun in there. It will be a big adjustment for him AND me but I know we will get use to it. Luckily my job is so flexible that even as full time status I am usually done working by two or earlier. So I'll still have my afternoons with him. Alex on the other hand is very excited to go back to school full time. She goes just three days a week now.
Last but not least, I think I'm going to quit Facebook. Yup. I know. Big decision. It's just so addicting and a waste of time for me when I should be concentrating on my babes and my life in the "here and now". So, I've narrowed down the people on my "friend" list to people I talk to regularly (for the most part). But I think I'm just going to go for it and get rid of my account all together. But You can still visit me here! ;)

Stay tuned for Kings Island pics and Halloween pics! Lots of Halloween festivities planned and a huge 5th birthday party planned for Al on Sam's bday. We will be celebrating both but mostly Als. She's never had a REAL friend party so she is SOOOOO excited. She measures everything by how many 'night times' away it is. 24 more night times!
Happy Fall!!!!