Thursday, December 30, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Here are two of the pictures our friend took for us. We hope you had a very Merry Christmas spent with family and friends remembering the true reason for this wonderful season. Peace and Joy to you in this coming new year!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Ice skating party
A good friend of Andrew's had a birthday party in Columbus at The Chiller. Andrew had lots of fun with this Stinger mascot for the Columbus Bluejackets hockey team. Carson on the other hand wouldn't go near this large green bee. But later the white bear, I believe Chiller mascot, came by and Carson thought he was ok.
Andrew had his first experience with ice skating. He did pretty well with Chad's help. (Carson didn't want to try skating which was ok with me - not sure I should be ice skating right now espically helping a little one who might pull me down.)
I think these pictures were taken at the beginning of the skate time. By the end, Andrew was skating alone a lot of the time.
Andrew had his first experience with ice skating. He did pretty well with Chad's help. (Carson didn't want to try skating which was ok with me - not sure I should be ice skating right now espically helping a little one who might pull me down.)
I think these pictures were taken at the beginning of the skate time. By the end, Andrew was skating alone a lot of the time.
Andrew turns 6!
Andrew is now 6 years old. His birthday was on November 16th. Here he is enjoying his birthday cupcake.
He was excited to take cupcakes to school to celebrate with his kindergarten classmates. He decided that he wanted both white & chocolate cupcakes because some of his friends didn't like chocolate cupcakes. I told him I would just buy them then, which he was fine with. I was relieved because after baking for Carson's class birthday party & then for their birthday party with family, I really didn't feel like baking again so soon & two different kinds! But isn't that thoughtful of him? He was a bit disappointed because at school he had to have a white cupcake but really prefers chocolate. I was glad I saved some chocolate ones from the container for at home for him.
He was excited to take cupcakes to school to celebrate with his kindergarten classmates. He decided that he wanted both white & chocolate cupcakes because some of his friends didn't like chocolate cupcakes. I told him I would just buy them then, which he was fine with. I was relieved because after baking for Carson's class birthday party & then for their birthday party with family, I really didn't feel like baking again so soon & two different kinds! But isn't that thoughtful of him? He was a bit disappointed because at school he had to have a white cupcake but really prefers chocolate. I was glad I saved some chocolate ones from the container for at home for him.
Batman Birthday Party
Back on Nov. 13th (boy am I ever behind!) we had a joint Birthday party for Andrew & Carson. I had thought Andrew may want his own party this year with friends but he surprised me and said he wanted to have a party again with family and next year he can have one with friends. I was actually quite touched cause I know how much he loves going to friends' birthday parties.
It was decided that the theme would be Batman. Here is the birthday cake.
and the boys with the Batman birthday cake. (impossible to get them both looking & smiling)
We had a great Birthday party with family. Thanks for making it so fun for us all!
It was decided that the theme would be Batman. Here is the birthday cake.
and the boys with the Batman birthday cake. (impossible to get them both looking & smiling)
Carson blowing out his 4 candles (love his curly blond locks)
and Andrew blowing out his 6 candles (how can that be?)
next November, we will have a 7 year old, 5 year old & 6 month old!
Some cousin time with the new DS, Leapster & a pinball game.
At least they are all together, right?
We had a great Birthday party with family. Thanks for making it so fun for us all!Christmas pictures
We had family pictures taken this fall outside. I really was pretty pleased with the way they turned out. Lots of beautiful fall leaves and the day was perfect to be outside. The boys did pretty well. Carson is not one to look at the photographer, no matter who it is. And neither of the boys smiled their natural smile but over all did well.
We considered ordering our family picture from that photographer for our Christmas card but decided it was just too expensive. A friend of ours enjoys photography and has taken pictures of his own kids as well as other families but became too stressed out doing it professionally, especially weddings because you can't really do a re shoot if the couple isn't happy. So I asked if he would be willing to take some pictures for us.
We went over this past Saturday and had a great time with them. We took pictures in their basement where he had back drops and lights set up. The boys did really well, I think it helped that his wife and kids were getting the boys to look in the right direction and smile a natural smile. He also took pictures in rapid fire sequence, one right after the other, which I also think helpe a lot. We shared a meal together and some playtime/conversation.
We ordered one of the family pictures for our Christmas card - which you will see at a later date. Here is one of the two boys.
And here it is after a little editing. He gave the boys alien eyes. Andrew thought we should definitely send this one out as our Christmas card!
We considered ordering our family picture from that photographer for our Christmas card but decided it was just too expensive. A friend of ours enjoys photography and has taken pictures of his own kids as well as other families but became too stressed out doing it professionally, especially weddings because you can't really do a re shoot if the couple isn't happy. So I asked if he would be willing to take some pictures for us.
We went over this past Saturday and had a great time with them. We took pictures in their basement where he had back drops and lights set up. The boys did really well, I think it helped that his wife and kids were getting the boys to look in the right direction and smile a natural smile. He also took pictures in rapid fire sequence, one right after the other, which I also think helpe a lot. We shared a meal together and some playtime/conversation.
We ordered one of the family pictures for our Christmas card - which you will see at a later date. Here is one of the two boys.
And here it is after a little editing. He gave the boys alien eyes. Andrew thought we should definitely send this one out as our Christmas card!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Bribes
I can remember bribing my younger brother to do various tasks for us. "Tim, will you please go get the ______? ...... I will time you!" And off he ran.
Well this morning I witnessed the bribery beginning between these two little siblings. I walked out into the living room where Andrew was getting dressed. I saw Carson pick up Andrew's pjs and carry them into Andrew room. I followed Carson and asked what he was doing. He very excitedly told me that Andrew had paid him to do it, as he proudly held up the wadded dollar bill in his hand. Too funny.
Well this morning I witnessed the bribery beginning between these two little siblings. I walked out into the living room where Andrew was getting dressed. I saw Carson pick up Andrew's pjs and carry them into Andrew room. I followed Carson and asked what he was doing. He very excitedly told me that Andrew had paid him to do it, as he proudly held up the wadded dollar bill in his hand. Too funny.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Lots & Lots of Leaves
Chad has worked out in the yard a few nights now getting all the leaves back into the woods. He uses a blower for a lot of it. The boys were out with their ball bats and were swings at the leaves as he blew them out of the yard.
This is a big pile of leaves they put together. If you look really closely you can see the tip of someone's head....
surprise! It is Carson.
This is a big pile of leaves they put together. If you look really closely you can see the tip of someone's head....
surprise! It is Carson.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Halloween 2010
Carson was Batman and Andrew was Robin for Halloween this year. They (well Andrew) was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to go Trick or Treating around our neighborhood like we have in years past.
Halloween weekend we were in Goshen, IN for a cousin of Chad's wedding. We love being back in Goshen, seeing friends and family. I told Andrew as we drove passed Goshen College, that this is where Mommy & Daddy went to college and where we met. His response was something like "you mean it is still here?!" It was a beautiful weekend weather wise and the wedding was simple yet beautiful all at the same time. Julia & Josh have some very talented friends and we enjoyed the music at the reception so much. The boys were showing off their dance moves. One particular song I really liked was a song sung by three young ladies, One Voice by The Wailin' Jennys. Again so simple, so beautiful. One of the young ladies that sung this song at the reception I used to babysit! This made me feel really old! She was the youngest of the three siblings I used to watch.
So back to Halloween, we found some alternatives to Halloween. The Children's Garden in town had trick or treating the week before. The students who attend the career center were dressed in costumes, which I think was a bit puzzling for the boys. They were really quiet when getting candy from the students...kind of dazed. We also went to a local nursing home the night before leaving for Goshen. The boys received candy from the residents there, had some cookies and played a few games. They each had parties at school as well on the Friday before Halloween.
Here are some pictures of the dynamic duo.
Look at those muscles
At the children's garden parking lot
I guess the sun was a bit bright!
On the way to the children's garden
At the children's garden
Carson's 4th Birthday
Unbelievable that this little guy is 4 years old. (and unbelievable that it took me over a week to post something so as important as a birthday!) That's right, sweet little Carson is 4. Here are some pictures of his celebration, just the four of us. I love the picture after he blew out the candles and has that dazed expression as he watches the smoke in the air.
He was so excited to open presents and the pictures that I did take are a bit of a blur. He was so enthusiastic and quickly moved from one thing to the next. The top right picture is directly after a very genuine thank you hug to big brother Andrew, which was so quick I missed it. The bottom right is after we had Carson hug Andrew again to capture it.
Carson is a fun little guy. He loves his big brother and misses him a lot on Monday afternoons when Andrew has school but Carson does not. Carson is a little snuggler and often says "Come here you little cuddly bear" as he snuggles up to you. He freely gives compliments "Mom, I like your earrings" or "Mom, your hair is so pretty and curly whirly". He does have a bit of a temper and mornings are sometimes very difficult until he has eaten a little breakfast. He has a vivid picture in his mind as to how things should go and what he wants. But he isn't so articulate at letting you know those wants...you need to be able to read his mind. Or I have learned to ask very specific questions, which sometimes irritates him too. He loves going to preschool and interacting with friends there.
We are blessed to have this little 4 year old in our lives. He will be my baby just about 6 more months, but really he will always be my baby.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Fall in full swing
We are well into Fall. The boys both played in Upward soccer this fall. That meant practices for Carson every Monday night, practices for Andrew every Tuesday night and games for both of them every Saturday. Soccer is now over. They are also both in a church choir with practices every Wednesday afternoon. They also sing in the church service the third Sunday of every month. Chad & I are both singing in The Messiah with a local university choir, with practices each Wednesday as well.
The boys are enjoying school. They both go in the afternoon. Carson goes Tues. - Friday. The four of us had same family pictures taken outside a few weeks ago. I am looking forward to seeing those pictures. Hopefully Carson looked at the camera in at least some of the pictures.
The weeks are going by pretty quickly and sort of feel like the same thing, week after week. But perhaps the big news of this Fall is that we are expecting baby #3. I am now 12 weeks along with a due date of May 8th. A C-section will be scheduled sometime the week before the 8th if all goes as planned. We are all excited about this new little baby. After we told the boys, Carson went to his room is search of some left over pacifiers for the baby and also said I am going to tell the baby "goochey-goochey-goo". Andrew has said "I am proud of the baby" and has shown some concern for my "belly" (when I was climbing up on the kitchen island to change a light bulb - not the best idea!).
My mornings are good but I have been having a lot of nausea in the afternoons & evenings the past 5 weeks. I am hopeful that this will improve soon. And also some pretty uncomfortable indigestion or I'm beginning to wonder if it might be gallbladder related. I am looking forward to the weeks to come, hopefully I will feel better and look forward to feeling this little peanut move for the first time!
The boys are enjoying school. They both go in the afternoon. Carson goes Tues. - Friday. The four of us had same family pictures taken outside a few weeks ago. I am looking forward to seeing those pictures. Hopefully Carson looked at the camera in at least some of the pictures.
The weeks are going by pretty quickly and sort of feel like the same thing, week after week. But perhaps the big news of this Fall is that we are expecting baby #3. I am now 12 weeks along with a due date of May 8th. A C-section will be scheduled sometime the week before the 8th if all goes as planned. We are all excited about this new little baby. After we told the boys, Carson went to his room is search of some left over pacifiers for the baby and also said I am going to tell the baby "goochey-goochey-goo". Andrew has said "I am proud of the baby" and has shown some concern for my "belly" (when I was climbing up on the kitchen island to change a light bulb - not the best idea!).
My mornings are good but I have been having a lot of nausea in the afternoons & evenings the past 5 weeks. I am hopeful that this will improve soon. And also some pretty uncomfortable indigestion or I'm beginning to wonder if it might be gallbladder related. I am looking forward to the weeks to come, hopefully I will feel better and look forward to feeling this little peanut move for the first time!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Andrew's First Soccer Game - August 28, 2010
Andrew's team lined up walking over to the tunnel. Andrew is #8, Chad is the assistant coach for Andrew's team, he is at the end of the line.
Andrew running through the tunnel prior to his game.
Andrew's defensive stance.
Andrew & his team pointing at the ball, waiting for it to be kicked in by the other team. I believe this pointing at the ball is to have the kids focused on the game.
Get it Andrew!!
Carson watching Andrew's game and snacking.
Andrew kicking it in.
Andrew is really loving soccer. He had a lot of fun this first game. The boys didn't have games this past Saturday because of Labor Day weekend. Andrew's practice was cancelled this week due to thunderstorms. He was a little upset about not being able to practice, but it may have been a good thing since he has a cold & most likely a bit of bronchitis. (I had to give him 3 breathing treatment yesterday due to chest tightness/pain and shortness of breath. His breathing seems better this morning) Ever since his practice was cancelled this week, he has asked "How many more days till my soccer game?" every day. For the first game, I think he had a bit of butterflies, so cute.
Andrew running through the tunnel prior to his game.
Andrew's defensive stance.
Andrew & his team pointing at the ball, waiting for it to be kicked in by the other team. I believe this pointing at the ball is to have the kids focused on the game.
Get it Andrew!!
Carson watching Andrew's game and snacking.
Andrew kicking it in.
Andrew is really loving soccer. He had a lot of fun this first game. The boys didn't have games this past Saturday because of Labor Day weekend. Andrew's practice was cancelled this week due to thunderstorms. He was a little upset about not being able to practice, but it may have been a good thing since he has a cold & most likely a bit of bronchitis. (I had to give him 3 breathing treatment yesterday due to chest tightness/pain and shortness of breath. His breathing seems better this morning) Ever since his practice was cancelled this week, he has asked "How many more days till my soccer game?" every day. For the first game, I think he had a bit of butterflies, so cute.
Carson's First Soccer Game - Aug. 28,2010
Here are some pictures from Carson's first soccer game. Below is Carson running through the tunnel prior to his game.
Just before the game started, his team is huddled up. Carson must be giving them all a little pep talk!
I love this photo. So serious, so grownup.
Would have been a great shot of Carson moving the ball up the field but I cut off his head. Oops. You can see his tongue out in his concentration facial expression.
Popping a squat during one of the rest breaks.
Carson had a pretty good first half of his first soccer game. At the half, he had a bit of a meltdown and didn't want to go back in after that. Though Carson is really enjoying soccer, this might be a long season for him with long Saturdays. I looked at the boys' game schedules and they never play at the same time. That means we always be able to watch both of their games, which is great. It also means that we will be at the soccer field from 9 until 12:30 every Saturday til the end of Oct. Just might be a tad long for this nearly 4 year old.
Just before the game started, his team is huddled up. Carson must be giving them all a little pep talk!
I love this photo. So serious, so grownup.
Would have been a great shot of Carson moving the ball up the field but I cut off his head. Oops. You can see his tongue out in his concentration facial expression.
Popping a squat during one of the rest breaks.
Carson had a pretty good first half of his first soccer game. At the half, he had a bit of a meltdown and didn't want to go back in after that. Though Carson is really enjoying soccer, this might be a long season for him with long Saturdays. I looked at the boys' game schedules and they never play at the same time. That means we always be able to watch both of their games, which is great. It also means that we will be at the soccer field from 9 until 12:30 every Saturday til the end of Oct. Just might be a tad long for this nearly 4 year old.
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