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| Photo credit Stef |
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Saturday Top Five Laughs
Time to link up for Saturday's Top Five Laughs with Melissa! I only have 4 this week but some are pretty good.
When we went to Trunk or Treat with our cousins today, Logan ran up to Ethan. Gave him a big hug and said "Hey buddy! How are you? I haven't seen you in awhile!" Then they held hands and went into church. (the cute, it kills!)
We went to Gary's Dads house for dinner. Our cousin Deb was visiting from Chicago. Gary and I were hugging in the living room when we hear a wee voice say "Oooo you two are in looooove!" (Logan is always cracking us up!)
While playing, Charlie said "Logan, I am really made at you! My takin dis off of you, right now." (this girl is a spit fire)
I came into the living room to find half of Charlie's dolls in a chair in the corner of the room. She looked at me and said "My babies are not yistanin (listening). Day in time out. Dats not good!"
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Worldess(ish) Wednesday - Lightroom Dabbling
For my birthday I received some new additions to light room. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! I have been dabbling and experimenting with them. Tell me what you think??
Each of these photos use a different plug in to get a very unique look:
Each of these photos use a different plug in to get a very unique look:
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Trendy Tot Tuesday
Charlie:
Dress: Gap
Bow: Gymboree
Shoes: Pediped
(don't you love how she put them on the wrong feet?!)
Logan:
Shirt: Gap
Jeans: The Children's Place
Dominic:
Shirt: Nike
Shorts: Nike
Shoes: Nike
Monday, October 21, 2013
Chuck E Cheese to the rescue
Logan had been asking to have a Chuck E Cheese birthday party since we went there in the spring. Gary and I happily said yes for a few reasons: 1-age 4 was the same age we let Dom pick his party and invite some of his friends 2-we did not have to clean our house for hours before and after the party 3- cost was relatively the same, we just had a few less ppl. (My camera started acting up and stopped working OMG so I have to see what is wrong. we have very few pics and most are camera ones. Stef took pictures for us and I cannot wait to see them!)
When the guests started to arrive, they grabbed their tokens and headed out to play. Games galore! A few rides and a jungle gym. In other words, kid heaven. Even the older kids had a good time! After playing for about 45 minutes, it was time to enjoy pizza! Then sing happy birthday and watch the birthday show.
Logan loved it! He got a "golden medal" to wear, he danced around with Chuck E Cheese. The other kids were up and getting in on the action too.
Then it was time for Logan and Gary to go into the ticket booth. Logan did AWESOME. He grabbed the 1000 ticket first and with lightening speed. Then he helped his Dad load up on the other bigger number tickets. He did not waste time with the single tickets, we have obviously taught him well!
Then the kids went back out to play and we loaded up the car with the gifts. We did not want to waste the kids time opening them when they could be playing. Our party planner was fabulous and worked very hard. As an additional thanks, we left half of the sheet cake there for them. She said the staff always appreciates that and it makes their day!
When we got home, Logan opened up his gifts. He was loving them all! He received a lot of legos (teenage mutant ninja turtles and super heros-his new obsession) and other toys that he has not stopped playing with.
Thank you to all of our family and friends that came to make his day special. We love you!
When the guests started to arrive, they grabbed their tokens and headed out to play. Games galore! A few rides and a jungle gym. In other words, kid heaven. Even the older kids had a good time! After playing for about 45 minutes, it was time to enjoy pizza! Then sing happy birthday and watch the birthday show.
Logan loved it! He got a "golden medal" to wear, he danced around with Chuck E Cheese. The other kids were up and getting in on the action too.
Then it was time for Logan and Gary to go into the ticket booth. Logan did AWESOME. He grabbed the 1000 ticket first and with lightening speed. Then he helped his Dad load up on the other bigger number tickets. He did not waste time with the single tickets, we have obviously taught him well!
Then the kids went back out to play and we loaded up the car with the gifts. We did not want to waste the kids time opening them when they could be playing. Our party planner was fabulous and worked very hard. As an additional thanks, we left half of the sheet cake there for them. She said the staff always appreciates that and it makes their day!
When we got home, Logan opened up his gifts. He was loving them all! He received a lot of legos (teenage mutant ninja turtles and super heros-his new obsession) and other toys that he has not stopped playing with.
Thank you to all of our family and friends that came to make his day special. We love you!
Friday, October 18, 2013
My 6th anniversary of being 29!
35 is the new 25. Or so they say.....
Today marks another year here on earth. I was 12 days late from my due date when I was born. My poor Mom! (All of my kids were here by 39w so going over a due date is unimaginable to me!) I started out life slow and relaxed. Now I am fast paced and a champion multitask-er!
Today is an ordinary day. I still work. Gary works. The kids still do their thing. Gary and I are going out to dinner and shopping sans kids, so I have something to look forward to. But in reality, once you hit a certain age, birthdays are the same as any other day. I am more excited for Logan's Chuck E Cheese birthday party tomorrow than my own day today. I guess that is a sign that you are a mother! Everything you live for is for your kids. The look on my children's faces when they are happy is what makes me happy.
I know other people go all out for their birthdays. I even know some people who make it an entire week or month long thing. But that is just not me.
Happy birthday to me and happy mom-aversary to my Mom!
Today marks another year here on earth. I was 12 days late from my due date when I was born. My poor Mom! (All of my kids were here by 39w so going over a due date is unimaginable to me!) I started out life slow and relaxed. Now I am fast paced and a champion multitask-er!
Today is an ordinary day. I still work. Gary works. The kids still do their thing. Gary and I are going out to dinner and shopping sans kids, so I have something to look forward to. But in reality, once you hit a certain age, birthdays are the same as any other day. I am more excited for Logan's Chuck E Cheese birthday party tomorrow than my own day today. I guess that is a sign that you are a mother! Everything you live for is for your kids. The look on my children's faces when they are happy is what makes me happy.
I know other people go all out for their birthdays. I even know some people who make it an entire week or month long thing. But that is just not me.
Happy birthday to me and happy mom-aversary to my Mom!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
We all grow along the way - learning as I approach 35!
Gary and I have been talking about how we have grown over the last several years. How so much has changed. How things are always popping up and you just need to go with the flow. How kids change all aspects of your life and put a spin on anything you can think of. How we never knew we would be where we are today when we think about ourselves and us together from all those years ago.
When Gary and I first started dating in 1998, things were a lot different. I was in college, he was still in *gasp* high school. We both had visions of where we would be in 5, 10, or 15 years. And honestly, not many of those visions are we actually are today! As the years went by, our hopes, dreams and selves changed. We always talked about having kids and never expected to get pregnant with Dominic as early as we did. The first 3 years was a whirl wind of unexpected behaviors and surprises. A twist in life that we did not plan on. Events occurred that changed us and our paths in life.
Fast forward to 2005 when we first moved in together. It was a big step. The milestone that changed the way we thought, the family we were and the beginning of the life that we now have. We got engaged in 2007 and married in 2008. We gave birth to Logan in 2009. We bought our first home in 2010. We gave birth to Charlie in 2011, she completed our family. With each milestone, came a new challenge. A new joy. A new way of thinking. A new way of planning. Our life. My life.
With each passing year, we learn as we go. We have learned that some days we will want to pull our hair out but another day everything will go perfectly. Some days will be filled with fighting among our kids, yelling from us parents and, yet, another day will be all laughs and love.
Knowing is half the battle, right?
Things aren't always going to go the way that we planned for. Some nights all Gary and I want is to be adults and do married couple things. *ahem* But there is a toddler who is having a nightmare. Or there is a weekend that we NEED to get some bathroom remodeling done. But there is a soccer game, a family event to attend and 6 loads of laundry that take priority. Other nights we just want to vedge with the kids but a tween who needs help with homework. Or a sick child who needs to go to the doctor.
There is always going to be an unexpected expense, a twist in a situation that we did not think of, a version of a story that we had no clue existed. It does not always make the unplanned events any easier. However, the play must go on as they say. Even if the play has additional acts that you never seen coming. Or acts that are a direct result of a mistake in another act.
We have to attempt to meet and exceed our goals. Meeting those goals is not easy and changing during the way is just what happens. Some goals we have had to put on hold while others we have met. Some we have not and have had to come to terms with that.
I have changed and grown in my family and my professional life. My own person has some flaws now that I never had before. (Hello anxiety and depression that I don't talk about much) I now have knowledge and expertise in things that I never imagined I would have. Your child has a rash, let me take a look because I have seen so many different kinds. Thank you working at a daycare for 5 years and having 3 children! I have forgotten a lot of what I knew from school. History, what is that? I crunch numbers all day and play with spreadsheets at night. I know more about health insurance than I ever knew was possible. I can cure the sadness of my children with a little bit of tickling. I can sometimes cheer up my husband with just a hug. I can help my friends just by listening. I cry more now than I have ever in my life and that is not always a bad thing. I multitask so much that if I do not have 5 things that need done at once, then I have no idea how to act.
Gary and I have grown as a couple. There are things that always need improved upon, that is never going to change. We continue to teach each other things.
Our life with friends change as we change. Some people we are very close to and yet they do not live near us. Others live right down the road but we have grown apart from them because our interest and goals are not the same. Some friends we can go days, weeks and months without communicating and pick up where we left off. A few friends have the same hopes and dreams that we have and it helps our friendship thrive in this every changing world!
Our life with family also changes in the same was as with our friends. Family is blood and that will never change. You will always love and cherish them. However, you realize that some family is closer to you and is always behind your every move. Supporting you in ways that you need and sometimes in ways that you didn't want or know you needed. Others are just not supportive.
Gary and I are not the same version of ourselves as we were 15 years ago. I am not the same as I once was. Our family is not the same. Our circle of friends has changed. Our interest, dreams and hopes for the future have changed. If I could go back in time and tell us about what life was really going to be like all these years later, I wouldn't. That would take the fun, the scary, the awesome and the crazy out of what we have experienced.
As I approach the ripe old age of 35, I can honestly say that who I am now is a direct result of my husband, my kids, my parents, my friends, my family and everything that we have gone through together. I will continue to try every day to be more of the person I want to be. Accepting change and challenges, even when they are so hard that you just want to walk away and give up. Learning through my experiences and growing along the way.
Here is to another 35 years in this life!
When Gary and I first started dating in 1998, things were a lot different. I was in college, he was still in *gasp* high school. We both had visions of where we would be in 5, 10, or 15 years. And honestly, not many of those visions are we actually are today! As the years went by, our hopes, dreams and selves changed. We always talked about having kids and never expected to get pregnant with Dominic as early as we did. The first 3 years was a whirl wind of unexpected behaviors and surprises. A twist in life that we did not plan on. Events occurred that changed us and our paths in life.
Fast forward to 2005 when we first moved in together. It was a big step. The milestone that changed the way we thought, the family we were and the beginning of the life that we now have. We got engaged in 2007 and married in 2008. We gave birth to Logan in 2009. We bought our first home in 2010. We gave birth to Charlie in 2011, she completed our family. With each milestone, came a new challenge. A new joy. A new way of thinking. A new way of planning. Our life. My life.
With each passing year, we learn as we go. We have learned that some days we will want to pull our hair out but another day everything will go perfectly. Some days will be filled with fighting among our kids, yelling from us parents and, yet, another day will be all laughs and love.
Knowing is half the battle, right?
Things aren't always going to go the way that we planned for. Some nights all Gary and I want is to be adults and do married couple things. *ahem* But there is a toddler who is having a nightmare. Or there is a weekend that we NEED to get some bathroom remodeling done. But there is a soccer game, a family event to attend and 6 loads of laundry that take priority. Other nights we just want to vedge with the kids but a tween who needs help with homework. Or a sick child who needs to go to the doctor.
There is always going to be an unexpected expense, a twist in a situation that we did not think of, a version of a story that we had no clue existed. It does not always make the unplanned events any easier. However, the play must go on as they say. Even if the play has additional acts that you never seen coming. Or acts that are a direct result of a mistake in another act.
We have to attempt to meet and exceed our goals. Meeting those goals is not easy and changing during the way is just what happens. Some goals we have had to put on hold while others we have met. Some we have not and have had to come to terms with that.
I have changed and grown in my family and my professional life. My own person has some flaws now that I never had before. (Hello anxiety and depression that I don't talk about much) I now have knowledge and expertise in things that I never imagined I would have. Your child has a rash, let me take a look because I have seen so many different kinds. Thank you working at a daycare for 5 years and having 3 children! I have forgotten a lot of what I knew from school. History, what is that? I crunch numbers all day and play with spreadsheets at night. I know more about health insurance than I ever knew was possible. I can cure the sadness of my children with a little bit of tickling. I can sometimes cheer up my husband with just a hug. I can help my friends just by listening. I cry more now than I have ever in my life and that is not always a bad thing. I multitask so much that if I do not have 5 things that need done at once, then I have no idea how to act.
Gary and I have grown as a couple. There are things that always need improved upon, that is never going to change. We continue to teach each other things.
Our life with friends change as we change. Some people we are very close to and yet they do not live near us. Others live right down the road but we have grown apart from them because our interest and goals are not the same. Some friends we can go days, weeks and months without communicating and pick up where we left off. A few friends have the same hopes and dreams that we have and it helps our friendship thrive in this every changing world!
Our life with family also changes in the same was as with our friends. Family is blood and that will never change. You will always love and cherish them. However, you realize that some family is closer to you and is always behind your every move. Supporting you in ways that you need and sometimes in ways that you didn't want or know you needed. Others are just not supportive.
Gary and I are not the same version of ourselves as we were 15 years ago. I am not the same as I once was. Our family is not the same. Our circle of friends has changed. Our interest, dreams and hopes for the future have changed. If I could go back in time and tell us about what life was really going to be like all these years later, I wouldn't. That would take the fun, the scary, the awesome and the crazy out of what we have experienced.
As I approach the ripe old age of 35, I can honestly say that who I am now is a direct result of my husband, my kids, my parents, my friends, my family and everything that we have gone through together. I will continue to try every day to be more of the person I want to be. Accepting change and challenges, even when they are so hard that you just want to walk away and give up. Learning through my experiences and growing along the way.
Here is to another 35 years in this life!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Happy 4th Birthday Logan!
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| Newborn |
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| 1 year |
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| 2 years |
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| 3 years |
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| 4 years |
I cannot believe you are 4 years old today. It feels like just yesterday you were in my belly wiggling around! Yet here you are, turning 4. Almost a full hand. Looking so much like a kid and less like a little boy. I did not approve this growing up so fast thing, young man.
You are sweet. You are adorable. You talk...NON stop. You jump around, dance, sing, play with lego's and minecraft. You make us laugh and smile every single day. Everyone you meet, instantly, becomes your best buddy! You live life to the fullest and it is awesome. You are so easy going and that is a great thing because your sister is quite the little Ms. Bossy Boss. You adore hanging out with your brother and all the older kids in our neighborhood. You are awesome!
I thought it would be fun to ask you a few questions:
1. What is your favorite color? Green
2. What is your favorite toy? Iron Man
3. What is your favorite fruit? Orange Juice
4. What is your favorite TV show? Blue's Clues
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Special crackers
6. What is your favorite outfit? Khaki's and a polo (he said this outfit!)
7. What is your favorite game? Minecraft
8. What is your favorite snack? Poptart
9. What is your favorite animal? Tiger
10. What is your favorite song? A Pirate Ship Song (he sang it: Pirate, Pirate, Pirate. Ar!)
11. What is your favorite book? Blue's Clues
12. Who is your best friend? Dylan and Jack
13. What is your favorite cereal? Fruit Loops
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play
15. What is your favorite drink? Orange Juice
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blue blanket, its Winnie the Pooh!
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? French Toast Sticks
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Tacos
20. What would you wish for if you were granted any 3 wishes? A phone, A pumpkin toy, Blue's Clues bird
Bonus Question: What do you want to be when you grow up? A Halloween guy
You are the best little guy and we love you so much! Happiest of birthdays to our middle man!
Love, Mommy
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Trendy Tot Tuesday
It is finally getting a bit cooler in Pa, however, it was still 75 degrees when we went to the pumpkin patch!
Charlie:
Shirt: Gymboree
Skirt: T.J. Maxx
Hair Bow: Walmart
Logan:
Shirt: Gymboree
Jeans: The Children's Place
Dominic:
Shirt: Arizona (JcPenney)
Jeans: Crazy 8
Shoes: Nike
Monday, October 14, 2013
Put a ring on it!
Last Christmas my baby sister got engaged. I am not sure how she is old enough for this because she was just a teenager sharing a room with me. Time flies and we are now preparing for her big day.
With camera in hand, we headed down town to a few spots that we thought would be perfect.
This last shot is my absolute favorite!
With camera in hand, we headed down town to a few spots that we thought would be perfect.
This last shot is my absolute favorite!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Pumpkin picking
On Saturday we met up with my cousin and her family at our local farm! They have a free hay ride to the pumpkin patch, give out apples on the ride, have a little play area with hay and a corn maze. It is a great free fall activity for families!
When we got into line, we noticed that our friends Stef/Grant were also there. They moved back in line with us. Our group became enough to fill half of the hay ride! 8 kids! 6 adults! The view on the ride to the patch was amazing. I really love fall, especially when the weather is staying in the 70's!
They have the ride decorated with scary guys. Logan thought they were funny but he hated the skeletons in the store. He clung onto me and buried his head in my shoulder.
The boys ran ahead to the corn maze and took off running and laughing through the entire thing.
My sweet Charlie was loving getting her pictures taken. It was awesome! She was posing and cheesin. I know that I am biased but this girl is beautiful! I think we may be in trouble when she gets older!!
My boys were being cooperative for pictures too! It was an amazing day. I fear we will have our hands full with the cute boys too!
Ethan is our cousin and Logans best buddy! They love getting together and playing. Logan slept over his house last night and is going to another pumpkin patch with him today while we go to Pittsburgh to take my sisters engagement pictures.
Little Ms. Lily was trying really hard to get up and have her face in that pumpkin!
5 of our goofballs!
Dom picked our family pumpkin this year and it is a whooping 25#'er!
Our family of 5! We love going to the pumpkin patch, one of our favorite fall family activites.
With my cousins family! Mandy is like my 2nd sister. We grew up close and that has not changed.
These two girls are the best! They are too cute together.
When we got into line, we noticed that our friends Stef/Grant were also there. They moved back in line with us. Our group became enough to fill half of the hay ride! 8 kids! 6 adults! The view on the ride to the patch was amazing. I really love fall, especially when the weather is staying in the 70's!
They have the ride decorated with scary guys. Logan thought they were funny but he hated the skeletons in the store. He clung onto me and buried his head in my shoulder.
The boys ran ahead to the corn maze and took off running and laughing through the entire thing.
My sweet Charlie was loving getting her pictures taken. It was awesome! She was posing and cheesin. I know that I am biased but this girl is beautiful! I think we may be in trouble when she gets older!!
My boys were being cooperative for pictures too! It was an amazing day. I fear we will have our hands full with the cute boys too!
Ethan is our cousin and Logans best buddy! They love getting together and playing. Logan slept over his house last night and is going to another pumpkin patch with him today while we go to Pittsburgh to take my sisters engagement pictures.
Little Ms. Lily was trying really hard to get up and have her face in that pumpkin!
5 of our goofballs!
Dom picked our family pumpkin this year and it is a whooping 25#'er!
Our family of 5! We love going to the pumpkin patch, one of our favorite fall family activites.
With my cousins family! Mandy is like my 2nd sister. We grew up close and that has not changed.
These two girls are the best! They are too cute together.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
He keeps going and going and going ......
Until he passes out.
He is known for falling asleep while still eating, while standing up and in just about any comfy spot he can find. Although it is a rare occurrence, Logan does nap sometimes. And if he falls asleep around his little sister, she covers him in toys as to try to wake him up so they can play.
He is our energizer bunny. He runs full force until his batteries run out!
He is known for falling asleep while still eating, while standing up and in just about any comfy spot he can find. Although it is a rare occurrence, Logan does nap sometimes. And if he falls asleep around his little sister, she covers him in toys as to try to wake him up so they can play.
He is our energizer bunny. He runs full force until his batteries run out!
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