365[50]

Build and Grow.

Did you know that Lowe's holds build and grow clinics for children? I didn't know until my sister mentioned it. It's actually pretty neat! The hubby took Braden this morning and they were building fire trucks. They get their own little aprons, goggles, and Lowe's supplied all of the supplies they needed to build their little trucks. They also had real fire trucks there where the kids could hop in and check them out. Not only was this a fun activity but it was also free, can't beat that! I'm so glad that my sister mentioned this to us, we'll definitely be going back!

The Firetruck! We won't mention anything about a minor discrepancy ;)

A very serious fire boy.

Cart's checkin out the goods.

Shako [Belly]

My sister is due to have her second baby girl in just a few short weeks so we headed out for some belly shots of her and the fam. We had originally planned to take the photos at her hubby's families farm (that's a mouthful!) but that didn't end up working out. We ended up having awesome weather though when we headed to a nearby park and had alot of fun. My niece, Jocelyn, had a good afternoon nap and did a great job (if you have kids you know how important that nap can be)! I <3 these people!

Apple Picking and The Farm.

Apple Cider Donuts, apple pie, apple picking, apple cider, YUM! Oh and I should mention, beautiful weather to enjoy such fun activities. Grandma Arlene (my sister's mother in law) invited us out to go apple picking and visit with them at the farm afterwards. We had a great time and of course the kids didn't want to come home!

365[49]

Apples, apples, apples.

Fall craftiness.

I finally got around to getting a couple of things together for fall. Love this time of year- looking forward to doing some fall crafy projects!

365[48]

I didn't have a chance to take any type of fabulous photo today- just some snapshots into our everyday life...

Today I am thankful for being able to stay home with these two hunks of love and march around in pjs (or diapers) and play loud, obnoxious instruments like recorders and tambourines :)

Third Night.

Tonight is the third night that Braden is sleeping without his paci, we are so proud of him! The first two nights we had a bit of a struggle to keep him in bed for the first 45 min or so but then once he fell asleep, he stayed asleep all night! Tonight he only got out of bed one time!! So far the hardest part has been naptime- he has only successfully napped once since Wednesday (yesterday) and he is alot moodier than usual. But all in all I must say that it has gone so much better than expected. [Sigh of Relief]

I know I keep saying this but my boy is getting too big. And because i'm feeling so mushy gushy about this here are some oldies..

Going home from the hospital 12/25/06

October 2008- almost 1

December 2008- After his first haircut

August 2010, 3.5 yrs.

365[47]

Bye Bye Paci.

This my friends has been long overdue. My boy is 3.75 years old and still very much in love [need] of his beloved paci (ahem, no judgements please). We have been talking about getting rid of the pacifier for quite some time. Actually, I had originally planned on getting rid of it by his 2nd birthday- he was attached but I thought we'd get rid of it before it was too traumatic and before baby brother came along. Well, we decided we were moving and I thought that getting rid of the paci before a big move probably wasn't the best idea. We moved, but then we were adjusting, 2 shorts weeks after moving from VA to NY baby brother came- more adjustments. More adjustments and guilt and of course the attachment and seeming need for it became more pronounced.
Some where along the way we got down to only using the pacifier for sleeping times- this wasn't too terrible of an adjustment but I must admit very convinient. One thing after another has come up that has convinced Rob and I that we would just wait a little longer- I mean who really wants to sit with a screaming kid on a plane or in a car on the way for vacation?? Not I. That's ok if you think i'm selfish.
Well here we are. Over a year later and after talking to Braden on several occassions over the past months, reading books, discussing it some more- he willing said that he would give up his paci's for the baby (my sister is due have her baby in several weeks). He had originally mentioned it yesterday but then decided he needed it one last time. Honestly I had no intentions of pushing it, the thought of him crying through naps and bedtime made/makes me anxious. But he mentioned it again this morning and I decided to go with it. We decorated an envelope, put his paci's in, and delievered them to my sister's house for the baby. We headed to ToysRus where we strolled every aisle until he decided on which toy he wanted. Everyone's still ok, everyone's still happy.
Fast forward to nap time. Alot of hysterical crying. He needed it one last time, again. He was scared. It lasted 45 min but alas there is silence. I believe we have made it through our very first paciLESS nap. While this is a success, I can only imagine that I will be up all night with a very sad boy wanting his paci. I can only pray i'll have good news.

java.

I love it. I'm not partial to a particular place. I just love it. Sometimes I think I drink too much, othertimes I think I should drink it more.

I love the way it smells. I love the taste. I love the calm feeling I get while I drink it- even if it only lasts the second it's in my mouth. I love cool places that serve it. I don't mind a little twist to it (iced, flavored, swirled). I love how it accompanies a good conversation, book, magazine, or chilly morning.

Call me crazy, I call it a little bit of sanity.

365[46]

Change is coming. I can see it and I can feel it.

In just a few weeks this tree/bush will look like this:

(photo taken last fall -2009-)

365[45]

Not the best photo but love his concentration as he tries to get his socks and shoes on because this is quite tricky you know ;)

fresh air.

Do you ever have one of those days where you know you need to get out for fresh air? Today is a chilly, gloomy, very fall day. The boys were going stir crazy by 8am, tossing every toy they owned all over the living room, Braden had been in time out a good five times, and Carter was doing an awful lot of whining. So we headed down the road to the park to check out the changing leaves, run around, find some acorns, and throw some rocks!

Love living down the street from my sis. She and Joce came along with us.

Have I mentioned how much I love fall??

A little uneasy about this sitting on the fence idea I had ;)

Sorting through the rocks.

Some lunch afterwards and cousin play time and everyone is alot happier!

365[44]

365[43]

365[42]

Hello, September!

I am excited for September for many reasons..For starters, fall is my favorite season! I love the cool, crisp air, wearing sweaters, the changing leaves and how beautiful everything looks. Fall feels fresh and like the beginning of something new. I think this year i'm a little extra excited for fall for some reasons I can't share just yet [and no we are not having a baby :)]. And I can't forget- in just a few short weeks my new baby niece will be here! I cannot wait to meet her, hold her, snuggle her, and of course snap some photos!

I was originally somewhat mourning the end of summer- it was a great one, lots of fun, outdoor play, and memories for us as well as the boys. I think it was extra special just because Braden is old enough now that he can really remember the different things we did and places we visited. Just the other day he was telling someone the places we went to on vacation this year- he remembered each place in the order we visited. Sigh, my boy is getting big. But ok, back to loving September.

This September I really just wanted to take the time to jot down a couple of "goals" or things I really wanted to focus on this fall. I did something similar to this at the beginning of the year and it has been nice to look back and see what i've accomplished or how i've done with certain things I wanted to work on. So, this is nothing serious or long but just along the lines of really wanting to focus and take the time to enjoy the moments and this season that will be gone before we know it.

So this September [or Fall really] I want to:
~ Stay consistent with my running, at least 3 times a week (i'll be participating in my first 5k at the end of the month, yikes!)
~ Go apple picking- I really like Bowman's Orchard so I definitely want to go there but i'd also like to check out a new place. Just read about a place in Burlington, VT hmm..
~ Pick back up on my reading! I love to read but it seems that I haven't picked up a book in quite some time. So i'll be starting this up with two books that I started and didn't get very far in. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards and The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian.
~ Be purposeful with time spent with my boys. This is Braden's last year before he heads to school. He is already so big and I have been blessed to be able to stay home with him. I don't take this time for granted one bit. I want to soak up this time I have with him.
~ Keep up with my 365. I had started at the beginning of the year and then slacked. Thanks to motivation from a friend I started it back up and have been able to keep up with it.
~ Work on my editing and Photoshop skillz.
~ Figure out a schedule/routine for myself and the family that I can live with. Where I can get things done around the house, spend quality time with the boys and hubby, and still get time in there for myself.

Thankful for this new season and anticipating all the great things that are in store!

365[41]

365[40]

Love baking with my boy.

Today, Lemon cupcakes yum.

365[39]

 

this is what my reading consists of these days and i can't even keep up.

you should see the pile of real books that i have waiting.