Sleeping Habits

Ok, so the transition hasn't been too easy, but I think that it is getting better. They love to share a room, but they(meaning mostly Cannon) definately have some weird sleeping habits.

Where did he go?

Really?

That can't be comfy!

Slightly obsessed with balloons?

Can we say choking hazard? Bad Mommy!!!

Long Awaited Pics of "The Room"

The journey began with green and purple striped walls.

Unfortunately I didn't know to use primer. Apparently it would not have taken 4 coats of white paint if I had used primer...
The yellow goes on the wall...
Then the task of the diamonds... I think we painted 150 or so...What a nightmare, but totally worth it!

Long Awaited

The Room...

Long Awaited Pics of the Room

The final touches....

Yeah Right!

I wish I had a shirt printed up that said, "No, its not a hickey!" and had worn it today. I really needed it, and even though the story is funny, I am getting tired of telling it over and over. SOOOO, for the last time -
Rich and I are inspired to finish a bunch of house projects before the baby comes. I am actually the mastermind, and he is my workhorse in this situation. (He is cheerfully going along with all my ideas though, and for that, I am truly grateful.) Our latest endeavor was our bedroom and bathroom. I wanted to slightly change a few things in the bedroom, and the bathroom needed a new paint job, and some serious updating.
Rich got all prepped for the job, took down the lights, mirror, shower doors, etc. I helped as much as I could, but you know, in my delicate condition...
So we worked all weekend, busted out all the major things, and really finished a lot. I was so proud of us!
Sunday night, we were putting our room back in order, and I moved the lamp that we had been using in the bathroom for light, back onto our nightstand. As I leaned over to plug it in, I accidentally pressed my neck on the BLAZING HOT BULB that had been on for hours while we worked. Oh, the agony! It stung like the dickens, and immediately turned red.
Well, being the trooper that I am, after all, I have survived labor, I went on cleaning and tidying up with tears in my eyes. After the burning and stinging subsided, I even managed to forget about it. We had company over that evening, and I looked truly cute in a tank top and hair pulled back, completely forgetting about the red mark on my neck. After our guests had left, Rich comments, "Nice hickey". I laughed, thinking that it was possibly still red, and irritated looking, but not really taking any initiative to check it out in the mirror.
Next morning I get out of the shower, give myself the once over, and notice that my neck has a full-on burn/red/scabby mark on the neck. Perfectly matching where and what a hickey would look like. Luckily, I didn't have to go anywhere, and could hide the mark with some strategically placed clothing. (Remember, now, my hair is pretty short!)
Well, today, different story. Still red, burned and hickey-ish, I have to survive the world staring at me while at the dentist (getting teeth cleaned - awkward conversation starter), grocery shopping (cashier did a double take), running errands (got the knowing 'wink-wink' from a creepy sales assistant) and picking up the kids at the in-laws (oh gosh, what were you and our son doing?????)
We will see how quickly this little marking will heal, but if it sticks around for more than 1 week, I am going to go crazy!!!! And the worst thing is, that my excuse sounds so lame, people think I am making it all up! "No, its not a hickey, I burned myself on a lamp..." Yeah Right!

Sharing Rooms

In preparation for this new baby, we are putting the kids into one room early so that they are all set into the groove before #3 arrives. It has been an ordeal! First getting the room ready...
then organizing two childrens' toys and books to fit all in one space....
then figuring out how to actually get them to sleep in the beds....
Ok, so we are still working on that one. My kids are tired, cranky and not so much fun to be with as they transition to one room. They love playing together and the fights over toys have not been too outrageous yet, but the sleeping...we have yet to figure out a good system for that.
Pics are coming soon. Still waiting for the bedding to be done...

Poor Puppy

So I had to take Treks to the vet the other day because he had been licking his paw for a few days and was obviously bothered by it. I called early in the morning and got an available appt. that was only a few minutes away. Thank goodness the vet is close. I loaded my limping dog into the car, and headed to the vet. When I arrived, they asked me what paw was hurt, and I told them the right foot. (Turns out that it is MY right, his left - awkward...)
The vet searched for a thorn, bristle, scrap of metal, glass etc. What she found was an "abrasion", and a small one at that. Basically he had scraped his foot very lightly, and had irritated it by licking it too much. So, she washed it, put some antibiotics on it, covered it with gauze, tape and sent me home with a $60 bill.
When we got home, Treks milked it for all it was worth. He wouldn't bear weight on it, he walked around on 3 legs as if his other one was broken. It was worthy of an award. "And the Oscar goes to .....Treks for best performance as an injured dog in the drama category".

More Soccer

I couldn't get any pics of Brynn playing soccer last time I took my camera. Here are a couple of her doing her thing. She may never be a superstar, but she sure is cute!

Pre-Soccer video game time. They don't know yet that it actually takes money to play the game. They just love to do it anyways.

Getting ready to play and practice the first drill. I think that she is learning, but I am never quite sure..

Dribbling the ball down the field. She is cautious and makes sure that she is doing the right thing.

Waiting further instruction.

Our Business

Hey, I just added some new baby items to "Our Business" link. Check them out and get them while their hot! Elissa and I are ready to work, so see if you like them, put in an order and we will get them to you.
(Nice plug eh?)

Hawaii '08

What a trip!
We packed up during "the storm of the year" and drove out to San Fransisco on Friday night. We left a dark, cold home (because our power was out) and checked into a dark, cold, hotel (because THEIR power was out). A bit of a disappointment, but it was not going to ruin our trip...
Saturday morning we caught a shuttle from the now well lit hotel, to the airport and started on our journey. Check in was chaotic, we had to dump liquids, remove shoes, and my grandma thought she could smuggle in a purse full of knives without a problem. (I am serious...)
We got on the plane, and took off for our 4.5 hour flight to paradise. The kids did great. They wandered the plane, ate the cool snacks that I packed, watched movies, colored, and played with the new toys in their bags. We did fine too.
We arrived to 80 degree sunshine in beautiful Maui. It was amazing. Our condo was amazing too. The back porch had a span of 10 feet of grass, then the beach. We were literally, on the water. People threw on suits, life jackets for the kids, and started the week of play...

View from our back door to the right

Another view from the back door to the left

From the beach to our house

Hawaii '08

The first thing that everyone wanted to do was hit the beach. It was amazing. Warm water, warm sand, short walk from the house. Absolutely perfect. I felt really old, and young at the same time. I can't remember the last time that I wanted to play in the sand so badly. The excitement was contagious. The only part that I couldn't stand was being covered in it from head to toe. I felt like I had to keep getting in the water, cleaning myself off, and trying to dry before I sat down again. And keeping the kids from dragging sand on the towel? Impossible. By the end of the trip, I did let loose and get over all of the sand all over the place. We even managed to bring about a handful home with us (not on purpose)...

Rich surfing outside the condo

Dancing in the sand

Building castles

Going Hawaiian Style

Hawaii '08

Here is a group shot. The entire family was able to go on this trip, but we could never get the entire family together to take a picture. This was the half that stayed in our condo.

Hawaii '08

After all the splashing in the ocean, and building sandcastles the kids were worn out. They slept so well, (except for the usual night terrors of Brynns) and woke up each morning ready to have another great day on the beach. We, stupidly, attempted the infamous "Drive to Hana" which backfired and ended with crying kids, frazzled mom, multiple mosquito bites, 9 hours in a minivan, and two bouts of vomiting carsickness. Yeah. Note to self, this drive is not recommended for an 18 mth old and 3 year old. If I ever attempt to do it again, we (Rich and I) will be sitting in a convertible, hair blowing in the wind, surrounded by the smells of the rain forest and jungle, enjoying ourselves - without the kids....

Playing with Daddy at dinner

Sunset on the Beach with the kids

Out like a light

Nite-nite

Hawaii '08

This was such a wonderful vacation. Rich and I had the opportunity to really enjoy ourselves as well. We got to spend some time alone window shopping, perusing the harbor, and watching beautiful ocean sunsets together. We are very grateful for this trip, and will remember it for a lifetime.

The Harbor in Lahaina

Enjoying Hawaii, pregnant belly and all

Sunset at our Condo

When We Got Home...

We arrived home after the week in Hawaii, and this is what we were greeted by in our fridge. Do you think that its time for real life again?

Little Artist

Brynn loves to watercolor, and this has to come from Dad. I have zero ability in the art department. Glad that we have found another favorite pastime for the little one.

December Catch Up!! (Hurry, don't miss it...)

Ok, quick synopsis of Decemeber.
Christmas tree hunting -great fun!
Broken Digital Camera - not so fun!
Sonogram of the new baby - awesome, everything looks perfect (I think its a girl...nothing to base it on, but mothers intuition?)
Christmas party after Christmas party - great time with family and friends
Brynn's first time iceskating - she cried almost the entire time
Christmas Eve Eve - fun with the Mittelstadts
Christmas Eve - amazing church service and fun with the Andre's
Christmas morning - family time, then more family time
Christmas day and dinner - (we got a new digital camera - YEAH!!!!!) family time with the Nelsons
2 more Extended family dinners - everyone got the privilidge of sharing christmas with us this year...
Today - Cannon hurt his cute little pudgy ring finger, so sad...
Tomorrow - New Years Eve party with friends
New Years Day - Brunch with more friends
Friday - Leave for Hawaii

I will stop there. I am so blessed and excited about this upcoming year. The trip with family to Hawaii, a new baby coming to meet us, Brynn starting preschool, Cannon mastering sleeping in a "real" bed. So much to look forward to. I pray that you all have a full, exciting and blessed New Year as well.

Christmas Blessing

Our family received the most wonderful surprise in the mail a few days ago. During this season, the kids and I love getting the mail, because of all the Christmas cards, pictures, and newsletters. They love opening the mailbox, and finding all the letters, and I love opening the letters and catching up with all of my friends. We got an unusual letter, with a blurred postmark, and no return address that felt especially heavy. I was excited to open it and expected the possibilities of multiple pictures, or a thick letter from friends. Instead, and to my absolute amazement, was an unsigned Christmas card, with two very generous gift cards inside. What an amazing thing to find! I called Rich, and we both talked about who in the world would think of us for such a great gift. We are completely stumped, and utterly grateful for such a fun and thoughtful anonymous gift. I am still smiling about it! Merry Christmas!!!!

Happy Holidays

Ok, so I know that there is controversy about the whole "Happy Holidays" vs "Merry Christmas" thing. I went out to dinner with friends a few nights ago, and they were saying that they have to be careful about what they say to people at the workplace. Oh my....I feel sad about it. It is the most joyous time of year, and not because of the presents and holiday bustle. This cartoon made me laugh in a "oh my" sort of way...

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Hee Hee

Thought this one was funny too!

Broken Camera

I am sure glad that Christmas is coming. Our digital camera broke, and I have been dropping hints like crazy to my mom that a new camera would be a great present.
Rich is back from Juarez. He had an amazing time, and can't stop talking about the ministry and opportunities that he had down there. I don't know what is more of a miracle: that we survived the 5 days without him, or that he didn't get an unhappy tummy with all the spice and different foods down there....
The kids are enjoying their time running around the our Christmas decorated house, and I am enjoying all the ornaments that I find scattered around. I am so "lucky" to get to redecorate my tree every night...
No new pics to post, due to broken camera (another huge hint for mom) but here is a funny cartoon.

Oh Christmas Tree

Picking out the perfect tree has never been so fun. Not only did we manage to all agree on a tree only 20 minutes after arrival, but we also didn't have to carry any children as we traversed among the millions of trees.

Brynn chose all the little ones to love,

Cannon gathered sticks (for goodness knows what reason),

Treks bounced around, and Rich and I just had a great time.

Success!

December 1st!!!!

Well for all you planners, and even more for those of you who don't, only 24 more days until Christmas! We got a jump start on the Santa experience for the kids this year. Cannon had his 18 month pictures taken, and while we were waiting to view and agonize over which ones to get, and which ones to discard, we went to get both kids some lap time with Santa. He's different this year, and that is a fact in itself that I am sorry to know. Why should I know which guy usually plays Santa, and if there is a new one or not. I am officially a holiday mom.
Cannon wasn't his usual chipper self for the entire morning, and we all suffered. Brynn was happy to go and be out and about, as usual, but I think that Cannon would have rather stayed at home curled into a ball under his crib. He was that fun to be with.
We couldn't get a smile out of him for his photo session with the photographer, and it just got worse as we dragged out our time at Coddingtown. He was in full blown tears, mouth open, wailing on Santa's lap, and after a short trip on the holiday choo-choo train, it was temper tantrum time. Fun, fun. The "elf" taking the Santa picture tried to get me to buy the one that was taken in a split second between sobs, but I laughed so hard at the crying one, that I had to get it. Enjoy!