Saturday, December 18, 2010

Let the countdown begin!


Making "Reindeer Dust" with our cousins, Hailey & Konnor!

All bundled up to walk the Christmas Light Park.

Ready to help Momo in the kitchen....

making Gingerbread cookies with Momo & Pops!

Let the Countdown of Christmas week begin :)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Santa!


Getting ready to eat :)

Joel with his train from Santa...when he opened it he stood up and said, "THANK YOU SANTA!" Like, "it's just what I've always wanted" ;)

Eli & Santa

Eli's first glimpse as the "MAN IN THE RED SUIT" walked through the door!

So suddenly, Eli has become a fan of Santa....Joel...not so much! We went with my parents to a special Italian American luncheon and they had a Santa who hand delivered a gift to each child. When Santa called Eli's name, he took off for his lap! Joel on the other hand, wanted no part and stayed at the back with Momo. Unfortunately, Randy missed out on the fun because a day earlier, he took a tumble down the stairs and wound up with five staples in his head...I'll spare you those pictures ;)

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Advent Time












Some images from the last few days...decorating the tree, starting the advent calendars and getting ready to go see Christmas lights :)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful



I am thankful for...(in no particular order):

Being the mother of two wonderful boys. There was a time that I never thought it was possible.
Having a amazing, supportive husband and father to my boys. I have to laugh when people asks if Randy is a hands-on Dad! He gives those boys 100%!
Having a stable job that I love, even if this has been the hardest year of my career.
That my parents live only a 1/2 a mile away- even if it's only for half of the year...I know it's for the kids, but I selfishly love seeing them so often :)
That our boys have real relationships with their Grandparents & Great Grandma and that they get to spend quality time with them, quite often.
All of our "extended family" that has become our boys "aunts", "uncles" and "cousins"
Hearing so much laughter in our home.
Having a church family that makes me want to be a part of the community and be a better person.
That my family is healthy.
That our boys have a daycare/"school" that they love going to and that they are productive and excited about what they do each day.
That my husband is a partner with me...he works just as hard as I do... we do so much together...and I love that!
That Randy lets the "kids be kids" and is giving them a childhood that is filled with fun, laughter & great memories.
That we live surrounded by mountains. Not a day goes by that I don't look around in wonder.
I have lived in the VA/WV area for 19 years now. I am thankful that we have such a strong bond of friendships built over that time.
That I still smile when I hear the word, "Mommy!"...even if it is in the middle of the night ;)
That we have built a home full of comfort- nothing like having the gang over for movie night in the theater!
That I still want to help people and do what I know is right...even if it isn't the easiest.
Seeing our boys want to be near each other...care for each other...and love each other.
Family hugs and dancey-dance time.
Hearing our boys try to so hard to sing along with "Jingle Bells!"
The wonderment and excitement leading up to Christmas...amplified by our kids!
Snuggles, kisses and the occasional pillow fight, monster attack, tickle fest or pile on.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Surprise!



This is NOT our baby!!!!
BUT, this is our best friends little miracle and I just had to take a moment to share their exciting news :)

It doesn't seem that long ago that Randy & I were waiting to be parents...it's not an easy thing to do. When we were finally matched with Eli all we could do was wait and dream. Five weeks before he came home we found out we were expecting Joel. We laughed so hard it was difficult to breathe. Two little miracles blessing & enriching our lives...who would have thought! One of the doctors in our Pediatric office summed it up this way....In her country it is said that one child calls the other...that is how we have been blessed with our two little boys. And so, the blessings continue....I can't think of two better parents that deserve their own little miracle...We love you Uncle Roy & Aunt Lo-Lo and can't wait for your dream of parenthood to come true...we are with you every step & dirty diaper along the way! Prayers to you three :)

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Artists!


Look closely...he is writing his name :)





Here is just a GLIMPSE of the artwork that the boys bring home from daycare!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Buds!







If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times...the boys are close buddies :)

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Airplanes





We took the boys to the Air Show in Martinsburg, WV. It was a gorgeous fall like day & the kids loved seeing all the airplanes.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Pack it all in!

I always find that in the last few days leading up to school starting, we seem to try to pack in as many fun things as possible...


YO GABBA GABBA!!! We took the boys to see the live show and it was an amazingly fun event. I think we had just as much fun as they did :)



The boys first day of "school." Eli started the 3 year old pre-school program and Joel got moved (a month early!) into the 2 year old room.








We took the boys to a great farm for a little "bouncing" and golf! I had to get in on the bounce part!!



Jefferson County Fair!!!



Eli's first trip to the dentist :) Joel fit right in....

Monday, August 23, 2010

So sad :(

Why so glum? Why the sad faces? Why the tears? Why the looks of pathetic little souls? The boys have just realized that it's BACK TO SCHOOL TIME for Mommy & Daddy :( Summer is over. I will spare all of you the pictures of Randy & I sobbing worse than our boys...I'm sure you can imagine how upset we are.
This school year will be quite an adjustment. Both Randy & I have transferred to schools closer to home. The boys will be able to go to "school" at 7:45 in the morning and I will be able to pick them up by 3:30 at the latest! Last year they were at daycare from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Eli will start the full day, 3 year old pre-school this week. Next month, Joel will cross over to the two year old classroom. Very exciting! Keep us all in your prayers through this adjustment period. Change is not easy :(



Tuesday, August 17, 2010

&*!#)*&%

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING VIDEO CONTAINS TODDLER FOUL LANGUAGE!!!! View at your own risk!



I couldn't resist....I know it's horrible of me to post this. Joel was trying to stay "stick," but it came out as something else and we couldn't stop laughing. He's an innocent little 23 month old ;)

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Little Brother











It's very easy to forget that Joel is the little brother....We know it's just a matter of time when, physically, Joel will no longer be the "little" brother, but for now: the boys wear same size, Joel weighs 3 more pounds, Joel is 2 + inches shorter....but I still forget! I think we all do... especially Eli :) It amazes me how much Eli pays attention to what Joel does and notices how we interact differently with Joel. Lately, when we cut up Joel's food, Eli will turn and say to us, "Joel baby?" or if we ask for baby wipes while changing Joel's diaper, Eli will say, "Joel poop?" We have started prepping Eli that Joel will be turning 2 in September! We start to say things like, "Look at Joel, what a big boy"...to which Eli replies very defiantly, "NO! Joel baby!" :)
Here's to the little brother!!!