Christmas...Christ's birth, family, friends, gifts....

Okay, I lied. I've made time in the midst of the holiday craziness to tell about our Christmas. Thursday, the 20th, we took Brooklyn, Camden, and our friend Annabelle to Christmas at the Zoo. The kids sat on Santa's lap...and no crying! They also decorated a cookie...and ate it, and then we saw some of the animals and the dolphin show. This was a great way to kick off a fun week of Christmas! Then, we spent Fri., the 21st- Sat. 22nd with Cade's family. All of us had a great time opening gifts and visiting. Cade's mom always prepares a great meal and delicious cookies! Sat. evening we ventured home to spend time with my mom, Rich, and my sisters. We stayed up late Sat. night opening gifts and playing games...and laughing, lots of laughing! Sunday after church was more time hanging out (and eating!) and then everyone went home. Monday morning was kind of our "Santa" time with the kids. Brooklyn really enjoyed her gifts and actually Camden liked eating and pulling on the paper too! Next we headed to Ft. Wayne to spend Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family. Afterwards we put the kids to bed and opened our gifts and played more games and laughed, and laughed, and laughed!! The next day Brooklyn knew it was Jesus' birthday. We did have a cupcake with a candle and we sang happy birthday to Jesus...Brooklyn loves to sing, and loves cake! We're finally home now and enjoying sleeping in our own beds and putting the kids down for the night early. We were so grateful to all our family this Christmas and their generosity. We have plenty of new toys, clothes, and Cade and I are looking forward to going out on a few dates with gift cards!
Last night we met up with Cade's family again and went to Chuck E. Cheese. Brooklyn loves Chuck, the games, and being with her cousin, Avery. The funniest thing when we were there was the classic picture of the kid picking her nose while on a ride that takes a picture....it's hilarious!
The most precious moments we have been enjoying lately with Brooklyn have been her prayers. It's amazing how much and who she remembers. She thanks God every night for Mommy, Daddy, Camden, Papa, Dawn, doggies, Papa, Gigi, GoGo, Rich, Amy, Molly, and whoever else she might have seen that day. She even thanks Him for pancakes, Barney, or whatever else she enjoyed for a meal or playtime. It's too cute and moments we never want to end. Today I had a lot of good Mommy/daughter time with Brooklyn when we went to paint pottery. Brooklyn wanted to paint a candycane ornament. If anyone knows me well enough, you would understand that it took all I had in me to actually just let her paint a candycane red, yellow, black, and green...very camo. It was good for me to just let go and let her express herself and have fun...even if it meant making a mess! Then, we went to Chic-fil-A and had a yummy lunch and Icone (as Brooklyn calls it).
Well, we're looking forward to the new year and everything it will bring. Obviously we have new resolutions, but more things we just hope to permanently change in our lives. We pray all of you are able to make the changes you need to grown spiritually, physically, and emotionally as well. Happy New Year!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

Well, knowing the way I blog, I can confidently say this will be the last blog of the year! We are definitely feeling the hustle and bustle of the season. Things are going well as we are almost finished shopping (just a few last gift cards) and cleaning up the house for family and friends. Brooklyn has really loved our couple days of good snows as she has bundled up and went out to play...she loves to throw it and loves to eat it! Camden usually sits by the door and watches her. Speaking of Camden, I think he's going to get his "two front (bottom) teeth" for Christmas. He's been madly chewing and drooling this last week, so hopefully they come in. I'm also hoping Camden gets this crawling thing down soon (well, kind of). It kills me to watch him lift himself of high with his arms, but he can't seem to coordinate that with lifting his bottom up in the air as he's on his knees...he just needs to put it together so he can go! He's getting around well though and in his walker he can pretty much get into everything and around everywhere, so maybe the whole crawling and walking thing can wait!?

We are really looking forward to our time with family this year, and we can't wait to see Brooklyn open her gifts. She hasn't totally grasped this whole concept yet, but I think after this weekend she will. However, it has been so precious to be sharing the real reason for the season with her. We've been doing an interactive Nativity with her all week and she does know most of the people. She really loves Baby Jesus and we hope to keep that our focus. On the flip side of Christmas, she has really liked seeing Santa (even though she doesn't know what he does) and all the snowmen. Also, we've probably watched the movie Elf every day!

Cade and I did purchase ourselves quite a Christmas gift this year. For over a year we have been saving for a Minivan and one crossed our path recently that we too good of a deal to allow to slip through our hands. We're pretty happy to have it and it worked out perfectly that we will have it to travel over the holidays! It's so sad that I'm so excited to have a Minivan, but yeah, it makes a mom's life easier.

We pray that everyone be happy and safe over the next couple of weeks. We can't begin to thank so many of our family and friends for supporting us as I stay home with our kids. It is an amazing gift to watch them grow each day...closer to us, to each other, and to the Lord. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Life Update

Wow, it's been forever since I've posted a blog. Everyone who can keep up with this stuff...kudos to you! Anyway, we've just been really busy, but a good kind of busy. I will try to keep the update short, by giving a little snip of everyone's life in a nutshell!

Cade: Cade is doing well. He likes the NCAA, and work is keeping him busy. Cade is such a great dad and very helpful with both the kids. I appreciate all he does and it always makes me feel better when I have to be gone to know he can have the house and kids under control. I love him a lot...more each day!

Brooklyn: She turned 2 on Oct. 9, and lately she's going thru quite a stage. She's totally fine if we drop her off somewhere or leave her with a sitter, but when we're home she is attached to my hip! I think it's some delayed jealousy with Camden and she just wants to make sure she's not losing her Mommy. She's been absorbing so much though and saying so many funny things. Lately, she's been saying "Oh my gosh!" It's hilarious! She knows her ABC's and sings them a lot, and she can count to about 13. She also enjoys singing songs. Overall, she has such a great heart and is such a lovey kid. One of her favorite things to do each week is see Annabelle. I watch Annabelle on Fridays and we usually go to the zoo or Children's Museum. It's definitely a weekly highlight!

Camden: He will be 6 months this week. Let's just say he's kept me up a bit lately. He's totally cutting his 1st tooth. Last week was the fun diarreah part and this week is just a painful cry. He's getting through it though and is still a happy baby! I love his personality and the joy he has brought to our family. I have been giving he and Brooklyn baths together lately and I just love to watch him watch her. He adores her and thinks she is so funny! Camden is finally starting to eat solid foods. We're still in progress though. Today he did have some oatmeal and sweet potatoes!

Me: I'm doing pretty well. I've been trying to put any stress into running. I have enjoyed being able to take the kids out. On Thursdays I do Community Bible Study where we are studying Luke. On Fridays we have MOPS, which is just a great time of fellowship with women. At both, the kids get to go to class and they're having a lot of fun. Tonight I'm trying a new thing...Dinner by Design. I'm hoping this will work out for our budget and help us to have more complete meals. It will make it easier for me in the evenings before Cade gets home.

Well, hopefully this has caught you up. We had a good Oct. Brooklyn liked going to the Pumpkin Patch with Grandma Debi and Grandpa Jon. She enjoyed her Halloween being a ladybug and visiting with GoGo. Camden was Superman! And of course, she always loves being with GiGi and PaPa, and Papa helped her carve her pumpkin this year! She gets to see PaPa (my dad) tomorrow, so she's looking forward to that and her M&M's! Well, I will try to stay up on the blogging! Take care, all!

Brooklyn @ the Dentist, and Camden Just Being Cute!

It's been awhile

Wow, our lives seem to be so busy lately! Camden and Brooklyn both seem to be keeping us very busy. Brooklyn enjoys going to the park (every day!) and playing on the swings. She's also been singing lots of new songs. The best is Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Let me illustrate how she sings it...Row, Row, Row your butt, street, Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry....it's too funny! She also loves Twinkle, Twinkle, Ring Around the Rosie, and ABC's. She's also been back into reading books again, which makes me very happy! Brooklyn also had her first visit to the dentist yesterday, which was quite a treat! She did so well and they were able to brush, floss, and do a fluoride treatment on her teeth. Finally, Brooklyn has started memorizing scripture verses and she is doing so well. It's amazing that she can't speak to us in sentenes yet, but she picks up on these verses and loves to say them. When you see her, you'll have to ask her about it.
Camden, well, he's a healthy boy! He is doing just wonderfully! He is about the happiest kid I've ever seen from sun up 'til bedtime, the kid just smiles and coos whenever he isn't sleeping. Seriously, God could not have blessed us with a better kid! Camden isn't doing anything to exciting yet, which at times worries me, but I know they all have to grow at there own pace. I'm still not sure how much to account for since he was early. I mean, at this point, he definitely doesn't "look it" but I'm sure some of his first milestones can be affected. We go for his 4mo. appt. next week, so I'm looking forward to hearing what the doc has to say!
Just to brag on myself a bit, I did just get my life insurance license. Yep, I went a couple weekends ago to an intense class, and took the test last week and passed! I definitely want to know what I'm doing as Cade and I build our business through Primerica. It's an opportunity God has really blessed us with. Well, have a great week!

Finally

Well, it's been forever since I've had a post because we've just been soooo busy. Last week we had 2 playdates, one on Mon. and one Fri. These can be rough as these girls are learning to share and take turns (sometimes crying and timeouts), but it's all a good things as they're learning about life! Brooklyn is now 22 mos. and Camden 3 mos. I took some pics of him last week and boy was he hamming it up. He's just so stinkin' cute! He smiles and coos a lot and enjoys looking at himself in the mirror. He also is up in the exersaucer a lot and tries not to puke when his sister spins him around. He's doing so well. Right now both the kids have some sort of cold--in the middle of the SUMMER! Camden's is worse...the poor guy has had to sleep upright in the swing and all I do is stick that bulb up his nose...lotsa snot!
Brookly is just a sponge. I'm really enjoying hearing new words from her every day and putting words together to almost make sentences. She can pretty much say her ABC's now and can count at least from 1-10, and sometimes more. I introduced her to Play-doh yesterday and I think she's still figuring it out. Also yesterday, Brooklyn got orthodics for her feet...yes people, our very own Forrest Gump. No really, she's doing well with them. When she woke up at 5am this morning that's the first thing she wanted was to put them on!
Well, I'm actually looking forward to the fall. I am going to be a part of CBS (Community Bible Study) on Thurs. and MOPS on Fri. It will be good for me and the kids to get out. Plus, I think I'm just ready to wear jeans and sweatshirts again. It's just my favorite time of year!
Well, have a great rest of the week!

so grateful

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family. Although we've had our rough spots, they are my biggest support (other than Cade) in raising our children. Both Cade and I are so blessed in how generous our families are to us. Cade has been gone since Wed., and my mom and sister came down and played Cinderella at our house. They trimmed the trees, mowed the lawn, cleaned house, helped with the kids, washed our cars, etc...--and NO, they're not out for hire. All of this and they never ask for one single thing in return.
Then, my dad, Dawn, Aunt Joyce, and other sis came down on Sat. to visit and to go to my cousin's grad. party--way to go Suz!! It was so fun to see everyone together and Brooklyn was quite a character--jumping, laughing and knee slapping, and saying all the funny things she can say! What a week, but I am very excited for Cade to return tomorrow and all of us to be together!
Have a great week!

Clarification

I just want to clarify a fact in my recent blog "tagged". My sister Molly is a beautiful Christian woman who only has had many "first/last dates" because she has very high standards! Actually, I admire her a lot for not just dating around to get free dinners and movies...she knows what she wants and is looking for that man who will make her a perfect bride! So, if anyone knows any Christian guys with the following interests/criteria, please let me know so we can make a match: Christian, fairly tall, athletic, good sense of humor, love of children, financially independent, and get get along in our dysfunctional family!

Tagged

I have been "tagged". Thanks, Amy. If you find yourself "tagged" like me, here are the rules you must follow...The Meme Rules:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are my 8 facts:
1) I love being a mom.
2) Cade grew up in the country, and I grew up in the city...how we ended up together I have no idea?!
3) My mom and sister are visiting this week!
4) Life is not fair.
5) Jesus rocks!
6) My sister finally went on a second date with someone (she's had more first and last dates-all in one-than anyone I know)
7) Ft. Wayne has the best Pizza Hut pizza hands down.
8) Bees make honey!

Okay, I don't have very many people to tag b/c I don't know of too many friends yet who have blogs, and those who do have already been tagged by Amy, so I'll just be tagging Nicole & Danny.

Making Great Strides

Brooklyn has had a huge month! First, she has done awesome sleeping in her big girl bed. Of course, she occasionally gets out and walks down the stairs to say hello, but is always cooperative to go back in her room and nod off with her teddy bears. It's so funny some nights how she'll sit up in bed and talk to them...I even caught her playing hide-and-seek under her covers one afternoon. Also, Sun. night I cut off the nipple on her pacifer, so there basically was just a hole! She asked for her paci (a word she finally just learned!) and we gave it to her. It was mighty hilarious to watch her try to figure out how to suck on it, only to realize something wasn't quite right. She tried to give it back to us, hoping it was a mistake we could fix, but we told her it was just broken. Hesitantly she accepted that answer and after about 24 hrs., she is totally over it and living a normal life without the pacifier. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Tonight was so funny as my sister and I took the kids to the park (approx. 1mi. from the house). Brooklyn literally RAN the entire way home. She's my little cross country star...I'll be having her as the youngest participant in the Mini Marathon here in a few years. Let's just say she didn't have any problems wanting to go to sleep.
Then there's Camden. He's doing great and growing like a weed. He smiles and coos, and is attempting to stand in the exersaucer as Brooklyn turns him in circles. He loves it and I think she enjoys playing with him. He's a great baby. He's now sleeping in his crib and is so close to sleeping all through the night. YEAH!

Holiday World

Well, on Friday we went to Holiday World with Cade's family for the second year in a row. It's definitely a fun trip, but a lot more work with 2 kids! Brooklyn had a lot of fun riding all of the big rides...when we first got there I was disappointed because I thought no way would she be able to ride any of these things by herself. But if you've never been to HW, they have a great kiddie section with about 6 rides and she could do all but 1. It was almost hard to let go and realize how independent she is becoming. Anyway, she totally loved it and she enjoyed the water park as well. We think she's getting some new teeth, so she didn't act as outgoing about the whole thing as we thought she might, but we could still tell she was having fun. About mid-afternoon it stormed, so we left the park and on our way out got hit by a downpoured, and EVERYTHING got soaked...what a mess. It was one of those things you laugh about LATER! We stayed at the Jasper Inn, which is a Holidome, and we ordered pizza that night because our kids were in no condition to sit down at a restaurant. Brooklyn ran around and played hide-and-go-seek with her Pa-Pa, and enjoyed the pool and running all over the place! Through the whole day Camden was a real trooper and was wonderful! We're glad to be home now though to rest. Well, hope to post pics soon of Brooklyn on the rides.

gotta love their pretty faces!

Aunt Mania

well, Brooklyn had a lot of fun this weekend with her aunt amy and aunt molly. i must say they spoil her rotten! we had two weddings on sat., so amy and molly took brooklyn to the pool and chic-fil-a. it's so awesome for me to see someone else enjoy what i get to experience every day...what a blessing! the laughter that filled our house this weekend was so refreshing. from brooklyn trying to say "i saw a dinosaur", which sounds like a--hole, to my funky neck and leg tan lines from falling asleep in the sun, to molly repeating comedic monologues from "last comic standing"...let's just say many laughing tears were shed. i love my sisters so much and i love how they love our kids. thanks amy and molly for your generosity in an overwhelming way...we all love you!

Summer Fun

We've really had a great summer so far. We've spent many days at the pool, and we've gone to the zoo a handful of times too. Brooklyn loves the water and mostly like dumping it on her head. She also likes going in the big pool with her daddy! Brooklyn has also had a lot of fun and become more courageous at the park as she'll attempt most slides and will even swing on the "big people" swing! Unfortanately when we go to the park, she also likes to play in the mulch, which can make for a dirty adventure, but hey, it wears her out and that's all the more sleep mom and dad get!!

the Big boy

Camden is getting so big. He is about 11 lbs. 10 oz. He's finally able to fit into more of his clothes and is just becoming cuter every day. He has finally started smiling and cooing, and he is quite the snuggler.

Children's Museum

Well, yesterday we went to the children's museum and Brooklyn had a great time! She is just beginning to do so many more new skills and explores new things each time. She also learned a new word yesterday...dinosaur. However, it doesn't always sound like dinosaur, but a--hole, like the little boy in Meet the Fockers. I must say it's pretty funny and she's quite a character!

Our first blog

Welcome to our blogspot. Hopefully this is an opportunity for all of our friends and family far away to keep up with our lives. Brooklyn and Camden are both growing and doing new and funny things everyday, so this will not only inform you, but keep you smiling as well! We hope to do a better job of sharing pics and keeping you up-to-date as they grow.