What (she thinks) She's NOT

Breaking News: Elaina IS NOT a baby.

Sadly for her however, she's always going to be my baby. Look at it this way, I'm going to be 33 (Holy Smokes!) and according to my mother, I'm still her baby. Let me just tell you how much I wanted to sink through the floor and disappear when I was a teenager, out shopping with my mom and she yelled across five rounders of clothes, "Baby, do you like this?" or "Baby, I'll be in the next aisle!" Even though I was completely mortified and way too cool to acknowledge being called "Baby," I was, indeed my mother's baby.

And now I know.

Elaina is totally my baby. Even though every. single. day. she does something new, says something completely thought provoking or pee-pees in the potty like a big girl, I can't get over my baby growing up. I know she is still my baby like Lincoln is my baby. Except for that he actually is a baby-baby. My kids are just my heart. My babies.But, getting back to why Elaina is not a baby is because tonight, she said so. We were getting ready to go out on a family shopping date, (I call them "dates" because getting Eric to shop with me IS a rare and special occasion.) Eric was changing Lincoln's clothes while Elaina rocked in her chair singing "Rock-a-bye-Baby." Jokingly, Eric called her a baby and she got very upset, claiming over and over, "I NOT a BABY!!"

At first, I laughed to myself about their banter until I realized that she was actually feeling offended by his remark. And for the record, we have always called her our Baby or BabyDoll, just out of affection and habit. The reality is though, our BabyDoll is growing up. She won't always be 2 and have the world at her disposal. She won't always want Mommy and Daddy at her side and call us her best friends. There will come a day where her two-year-old-tantrums will be like a cakewalk compared to hurtful words that may be exchanged one day when she becomes a teenager. Our girl is really growing up.

Only because this was a "first" you get to share the joy of hearing about it too. Yesterday, Elaina "poopied" in the potty. And being our baby, simple rewards of stickers and candy make her the happiest. Lest, we not make mention of the hugs and fanfare of encouragement that go along with anything relating to my kid's hiney on the potty seat resulting in excrement. Way to go Elaina!

Beyond potty talk, her two year old mind is functioning at a rapid pace and remembers like a steel trap. Do you remember my Walk-A-Thon post? From 2 weeks ago? Remember the balloon release? I didn't happen to mention that we let Elaina hold onto her balloon and take it home. Unfortunately, our exchange of child plus balloon entering the house combined with a gust of wind and slippery fingers equalled Elaina's balloon going up to heaven after all. For two weeks, she has randomly mentioned her balloon going into the sky. And an airplane can get it. And heaven is where her balloon is and the angels and God too. And an airplane can bring them down and she can get her balloon back. (If only...) At this point, she fake whimpers her sadness over losing her balloon and recovers easily.

Everyday, she just blows me away by how her mind processes relationships, memory and functions. She puts so much thought into figuring things out and I am loving to see how her real personality is developing and becoming apparent. For instance, we went out to our favorite pizza place, (where you can usually find us on a typical Friday night) where we meet with 2 other couples and their kids. Once we finished dinner and the girls played awhile, Elaina wanted to give Maddie a hug goodbye. Maddie resisted and pulled back, rejecting Elaina's affection. (Okay, so no one has ever done that to my daughter before.) Elaina put both hands on her hips, stuck out her bottom lip and scoffed at Maddie without a word. She didn't know what to make of her action and didn't exactly know how to react.

Hardly a day goes by that Elaina doesn't say, "I go school today, Mom." Sometimes she'll mention going to school first thing in the morning or after her nap. She thinks she's ready to go to school. God love her! The best thing that she comes up with is hearing her say "I love you Mom" and knowing it is pure and from her heart. That girl continues to take my breath away sometimes. It is so fascinating to me to watch her develop socially, verbally and intellectually. In all of the wisdom that my two year old holds, she's still going to have to get over the fact that she is and will always be, my Baby.

Still Going Strong... 9 Years Long!

October 24, 1998

It was a huge day. A memorable day. A day upon which our family and friends gathered for a giant party. A day that joined our hearts and our lives together in the bond of marriage.

Yesterday marked Eric and my 9th wedding anniversary. Seriously? Nine years and I'm not even tired of him. Better than that, we've known each other for almost 13 years and I'm still in love with him.

If you've ever read my blog, you obviously have picked up by now that I mostly ramble on and brag about my kids (that's mainly why I'm here). So, yadda, yadda, yadda about my kids... how about my husband?

For my little anniversary commemoration to my husband my mind goes a million directions of what I should write about without trying to recount every detail of the past 9 years. I could write about how I knew I was going to marry him after the very first time we talked. We didn't even go on a single date before I told my college roommate that I didn't even need to date him, I just knew that I was going to marry him.

And then there's plenty of room to write about Eric being my all of my strength as we were forced to deal with infertility, pregnancy loss and ultimately losing our angels to heaven too soon. While Eric isn't particularly emotional and doesn't talk about his feelings all that much, he knew exactly what I needed to get through the most difficult times of our lives. Never, ever did he let me feel like I was alone. We were always in it together through thick and thin.

Oh, I know! I could write about how my seemingly OCD tendencies and temper never seem to rattle my Beloved? Eric is always the calm one while I stress myself over a million and seven minuscule details that seem to turn me into a psycho, crazed, goofball that just can't sit still or remain quiet. Never would I say that I am perfect, nor is my significant other. We just happen to be fortunate enough to balance each other out, making up for what the other lacks. Together, we're like a jigsaw puzzle where we fit each other just perfectly and become complete.

And if only I had time, I would tell you about Eric being the Mr. Handyman, Fix-It Mechanic and the butler of our home. He is just about as anal as me when it comes to cleaning up, putting things away and keeping things in order. Where he exceeds me is that he can change the oil in my truck, paint like a pro, wash dishes and bottles without being asked and he even cooks. Since, I'm not going to write about this topic, I would never have enough time to even mention how he completely gutted and remodeled the majority of our house by himself. See? That would take up a lot of time to try and tell you about all of that.

If I were to write about just the little things that make me happy I married him, I would have to write about how I still think that he is the most handsome man I know. (Since I don't personally know Brad Pitt or George Clooney, and Eric doesn't mind) How much I enjoy his humor, his commitment to being a provider for our family, the amount of respect that he holds for himself and others, his pride and his strength. And on top of that, I would probably have plenty to say about having his arms wrapped around me being still the greatest feeling in the world and how we don't even need to talk sometimes to know how the other is feeling.

And how could I even begin to tell you what an awesome dad Eric is? When he plays with our kids, and tells them that he loves them and exercises every last bit of patience he has with them, how do I keep my heart from bursting out of my chest? Just seeing the pure and genuine smiles on their faces that pour out happiness from each of them is all of the happiness I have ever wanted.

Whoever knew that trying to come up with an anniversary tribute would be so difficult? I guess that when I finally decide what to write about, I'll have to let you know. Until then, I'm going to snuggle down in bed with the man of my dreams and hold onto him tightly. He's too good to ever let go!

Happy Anniversary My Love!

Get the spackle!

It seems as though sometimes when I'm all caught up in a thought when blogging, I seem to forget some very important parts along the way. I hate it when that happens. So, dig out the spackle, I've got to fill in some cracks!

Over this weekend, so much went on that I did find it difficult to recount all of the events leading up to our special, long awaited day of Lincoln's finalization hearing. Just as important as the paperwork and legal portion that this day entailed, this is also the day that we will celebrate for years to come as "Got Me Day!"

So you see that we had our very first celebration of GMD with grandparents present, yet GMD will continue to be a special family occasion for years to come with just the four of us. GMD is somewhat of a half birthday party celebration of Lincoln's adoption and him legally becoming a part of our family. Everyone gets a birthday, but our kids get a double dose of spoiling on their GMD, just for being OURS!

Another fine thing that I wanted to make mention of in regard to Lincoln's finalization is that during the hearing, the magistrate asked if anyone had anything to say and my mom and father-in-law both took that opportunity to say some very kind and heartfelt words on our behalf. Although we didn't capture the hearing on video, that's just one of those special moments that I want Lincoln to know about when he's older and reading about this. Oh, how that boy is loved!

Celebrating Family

So there was cake! And grandparents! And kids! May as well celebrate! Let me just take this moment to send out Happy Wishes to everyone on their special day! Hooray! Come on over and have a piece of cake, would you? We're celebrating family!

Really, how much can we really cram into a single weekend? Let's see, my mom's birthday was Friday, my brother's birthday and my grandparents' wedding anniversary are today, our wedding anniversary is Wednesday and the newest reason to celebrate this already special day is that Lincoln was recognized by the state as our child. Now that's a reason to celebrate and we couldn't be happier!

My parents came into to town on Saturday morning and because of work scheduling, Eric's parents joined us at the court house first thing this morning. With our family and close friends at our side, the magistrate declared us to be the permanent, legal parents of Lincoln. Although he has been in our custody, all adoptions within our state require a waiting period until the final court hearing which took place today. This was the final red-tape and formality of his adoption that seals the deal, so to speak. From the expressions on our faces, can you just tell that we wouldn't want to have it any other way?

Our court hearing didn't take very long so we spent the rest of the day visiting, enjoying a wonderful lunch and let Elaina and Lincoln bask in the hugs and kisses and laughter that comes with having 6 adults loving them all at once. This was truly a day to celebrate our family being made complete with the addition of our son. Our precious, wonderful, happy Lincoln! Baby, I love You! Since this is the biggest day that we have been looking forward to for some time, there was plenty more activity leading up to this morning's court hearing. In other big news, guess who rolled over for the first time? Our son did! I can't tell you the number of times that Eric or I will lay him down with a virtual plethora of toys within his reach and he lays as content as a rock on his back or belly. Enter Grandma. I have to tell you that my mom and dad were great! They watched the kids, helped with laundry, fed the hungry, hugged the crying and did back breaking labor with my husband. I'll get back to all of that. So, my mom takes Lincoln into the living room to play, lays him on a blanket and within 5 minutes, announces to me that Lincoln is rolling over. The funnier part was that she acted like he did it so naturally and frequently, as if he had been performing this trick for many, many months. NOPE. Little StinkerStink must have been holding out on me, allowing his grandma to bask in the glory of his new stunt. At least he did give me the privilege of witnessing his latest feat shortly after his first 10 rolls for grandma. Or, as I like to call them, Co-Conspirators. And how about this work? It seems like my days pass by, busy and full and I still feel a mountain of to-do's weighing on my shoulders. Or maybe it's just an ant-hill disguised by my overwhelming sense of order and anxiety. Fun combo for me. And so day after day, although I'm busy, I never really feel like I've made a dent in all of the things I would like to have done. Lord knows that I've put blogging on my back burner on days like these, and regrettably so. And so, my parents come. My parents come and let us work. They come to watch our children and lend a hand. Some things I was able to scratch off my list were organizing the 3 giant boxes of Tastefully Simple items that I received 3 weeks ago when I signed up to be a consultant. Those 3 giant boxes have finally been moved from their previous home which was right smack in the middle of the kitchen floor! Nice. Also, despite the awesome fall color and unseasonably warm temperatures, we still live in Ohio and the conditions are subject to change drastically within a 24 hour period. Today was simply gorgeous weather with sunshine and record highs near 77 degrees. The rest of the week however is supposed to be more in line with what we can typically expect in October. Rain. Cold. Wind. Temperatures only reaching 60. That means winter clothes, bundling up and bigger sizes. With my mom here, I tore apart both kids rooms and storage containers and pulled out everything warm and everything with growing room. About 4 loads of laundry in the end. My mom, the Patron Saint of Folding, folded every single onesie, pants, jumpers, bibs, right down to matching the very last pair of socks. The dressers and closets are now cursing my mother's name as they are brimmimg with clothes. Huge accomplishment for me, I should say. Other than tons of little household minutia, my dad helped Eric run wire from the garage to the house and under the house and under the patio and underground and to the attic and I think you get my drift. Unless we have our wires crossed and you didn't follow all of that. Hah!

What is the going rate of this incomparable, full service, help? Treating them to dinner and unlimited hugs and adoration from the grandkids, daughter and son-in-law. Thanks again mom and dad, you've really made my mountain more into an anthill! It was a great weekend to share with my parents and even better leading up to today being remembered as the day our son was made our own!

What makes Me Happy

Just in case you ever wondered what my family does for fun-

It seems as though the goofball to the right of the picture had a little interference in the video due to the fact that she tumbled onto this photographer's head!

And this is what makes this Mommy laugh- Check out the great bear that Lincoln won as a door prize at the Walk-A-Thon! Eric and Elaina won pizza gift certificates and I won free coupons to use at a local deli. Yummola! How lucky we were this day!

Here, Elaina is apparently feeding the bathtub crocodiles cookies and omelets. Usually when bath time is over, she feeds her imaginary birds in the tub, but I'm guessing that the crocodiles must have eaten the birds tonight. Hey! And listen to the crackling, rasp of Mommy-No-Voice. Oh yeah, and that was day 3 that I still sounded that bad! Aack!! Thank GOD I'm all over that!

I was digging through some pictures that I've been meaning to post and here they are! These were all the way back when both of my kids were well and Eric was a happy husband because his wife couldn't talk. Until one day, the quiet wife began to speak again and the children took Mommy's symptoms from her. Oh joy.

Lincoln is still coughing and both kids are just getting over ear infections. Eric took Lincoln to the doctor last Friday and I took Elaina in on Tuesday. Same symptoms for both kids, same meds and same cranky disposition for both. Oh this has been a long week!

Since neither Eric nor I, have a substantial amount of sick leave to use from work (recall: 2 mos. maternity leave) we took morning and afternoon shifts of being at home with the kids and going to work. This worked out pretty well on Monday and Tuesday for all of us. Wednesday we were all back to our jobs, respectfully. How am looking forward to everyone getting healthy and back on track with pleasant moods and no more coughing. Wear. Me. Out. These little crabapples are breaking me down.

Walking For Our Angels

2005 Walk for the Angels-Saturday marked the 3rd annual Walk for the Angels Walk-a-Thon. This annual fundraising event is a result of the diligence and efforts of a local couple whose daughter lived her short life in the NICU before becoming an angel. Even though their hearts were breaking over their loss, they decided to reach out to other families who had experienced loss of a child and formed a support group. Their efforts resulted in the proclamation of October 15 to be observed as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day within their community. This same group has taken their conviction and following their hearts to the State Senate Committee in support of the Ohio Grieving Parents Act. An awesome endeavor indeed!

2006 Walk for the Angels (Eric wasn't able to join us this year)-

So what does this walk mean to me?

Personally speaking, it is obviously a cause close to my heart in remembrance of our daughters. In the years that have passed there is still not a single day that goes by without me thinking of them in some way. Sometimes I wonder how in the world we ever got through the most difficult time in our lives, not once but twice. Sometimes I feel bitter that they didn't get the same right to live in a loving home with two parents who adored them. This is especially hard for me when I see careless teenagers and the like with their round pregnant bellies just waiting to pop and wondering if that mother will even love that child even a fraction as much as we wanted to love our children. And I can't even get started on the anger I feel when I see women smoking, drinking and abusing drugs during their pregnancy and they get to have a baby. (Remember that I work at court which translates to: everyday occurrence.)

Even with these emotions I remind myself that this is the way that God intended. Not our choice, not our entitlement, but what God in His almighty wisdom knew was best. I find peace knowing that neither of our girls are suffering and neither will ever be compromised a quality of life for our selfishness. I spare myself from letting my mind drift off into the what if's? and questioning why? I already know that there is no advantage to even wandering into the unknown because it just IS what IT IS. And look at us now. Just look at us now! I can still remember a time when every fiber of me ached with hopelessness and absolute heartache that I could feel in my bones. Desperate despair in believing that I would never know happiness again. And not even having any motivation in trying to find happiness. I felt that my life, my happiness and my self-worth were non-existent. And look at us now! For the life of me, I don't know where we would be without Elaina and Lincoln. I try not to think of life without them. They were God's plan for us. They were born for us and meant for us. And this, I will never doubt. Custom Made Miracles, you see. Now is a fine time to share something that I clipped from a magazine and have saved since after Ella was born, it reads: "Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible." - Mary McLeod Bethune

I can't tell you the number of times that I have felt this to be true. There is no disputing the power of God and leaning to Him and trusting in His plan. I have since started my own mantra when times are tough which is, You never get over things, you just get through them. And life must carry on whether you like it or not. I know that Ella and Ava are with us and watch over us every minute from heaven. I believe that they had a hand in selecting the most perfect sister and brother for their parents and family to fall in love with and they are our perfect guardian angels of us all. Despite our grief and loss of our two beautiful angels, our life has gone on. With Elaina and Lincoln I feel like we've been given a second chance at parenthood and happiness. Happiness that I never thought existed until I became a parent of such wonderful, healthy children. Just feeling blessed each and every day knowing that these are the children that God created and placed in our life and in our hearts. Calling them our own. Hugging them and feeling their heartbeat next to mine and inhaling their warm breath of life. My heart practically jumps from my chest and the feeling never gets old. During the walk-a-thon, I began to think how someone would ever be able to identify with what being a parent means to me given our history. Just for a minute, think as if you were blind. One day, you woke and were gifted with sight. Would you just roll back over and go to sleep? How about a paraplegic? If given the opportunity to walk with grace and motion, would you jump out of your chair onto the couch to watch t.v.? And if you were deaf, and regained your hearing wouldn't you run through the town taking in every noise and volume and rejoicing at hearing the voices of your loved ones? This is what being a parent means to me. This is our second chance. This is our breath of life and what living is all about. So, here I have this blog. And with this blog I pour out my heart and soul as a story to my kids. This is my opportunity to recount their childhood and offering reflection of our love for them. That each of them will know that there wasn't even a minute in their lives that they weren't loved. Even within their mother's womb, our hearts were ready and waiting for their lives to become one with ours. If I happen to brag or just by chance get sappy over how much I love and adore our kids, it's because it's true. Elaina and Lincoln are my heart, my happiness and all of my love I've waited a lifetime to give. And they are worth it! During Saturday's walk, my friend Bevin and her daughter joined us as she has for the past 3 years. Although the temperature remained close to 60 all day, we bundled up in layers upon layers and walked, talked and enjoyed being together. The balloon release always pulls emotions straight up from the bottom of my heart and brings tears to my eyes when I see so many pink and blue balloons being sent up to heaven for all of our angels. The power of a group of strangers uniting with the common thread of losing a child and suffering heartache like no other can be overwhelming. This event holds great meaning to me and is a tradition I would like to keep with my family throughout the years. A walk for remembrance of our angels that watch over us from heaven and a walk with our angels we have to hold onto on this earth.

Weekend Reality

It's Sunday night. It's almost midnight. We had a long weekend with few plans, 2 sick kids, some sadness, some remembrance and some fun all rolled into what we called Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Eric, myself and the kids got out and joined in a "Walk of Remembrance" in the 3rd annual God's Tiny Angels Walk-A-Thon. There is so much I would like to say about it and reflect on what meaning this walk has to me and my family, but with 45 minutes before midnight and lunch to pack and a second load of laundry to chase through, rushing to recap this event in a nutshell would be an injustice.

Trust me when I tell you that I may slow your computer to a snail pace when you try to download all of the pictures I'm about to post and make sure you pull up a comfy chair. I've got alot.

And about my sick children... I guess that I was a little too optimistic the whole time I endured my battle with laryngitis and a runny nose and really thought I wasn't contagious since everyone around me was fine. Fast forward 2 weeks; unbelievably, I still have some raspy -1-900- operator tone left in my voice and a cough to make sure that I'm really not fully recovered. (Yet, I'm still on antibiotics.) So, what should be the tail end of my sickness, Lincoln develops a high pitched cough that sounds far from healthy. I make Eric take him to the doctor who reports that Lincoln has an ear infection. Antibiotics for him too, although I'm jealous because he gets the yummy bubble-gum pink which is sure to leave it's fluorescent stain upon any fabric that comes within air contact. Lincoln still makes the doctor and the nurses swoon as they report that he has most recently weighed in at 18.11 pounds! Holy Smokes Alive Lincoln! You're big!

Here we have one on the mend. And then... Elaina comes down with a runny nose. And then the fever. Lincoln (Thank God) only had a cough unaccompanied by fever. She has had a little bit of a cough for about 3 days now, but overall she's been fine. Today however, Elaina was plain old-fashioned B A D. She didn't feel good, she didn't want to eat, she had the chills, her belly hurt from not eating, you name it. Girlfriend had every symptom of everything tonight. And, ironically, our day started off very pleasant.

At this point, I've had a long day. I'm headed for a 7 hour rendezvous with my favorite set of flannel sheets and pillow. Eric's already been there for about an hour now and would assume that I'll be lying against him when he wakes up. Better go! Nighty Night!

Miss Quoted

Some random funny quotes from Miss 2- Year-Old:

On receiving some new plastic jewels:
"Mommy, sometimes my bracelets make me happy."

On leaving home on our second cold morning of fall:
"It's cold, Mommy. It's colder than popsicles outside!"

On being served with her 137th egg for dinner in her lifetime:
"These are the very best eggies I ever had."

On being told to come over to Mommy for the 10th time so I could get her clothes changed:
"Mommy, say please."

On echoing Mommy shouting down the hall at Daddy:
" I do it Mommy. 'Air-wic (Eric) don't foget his me-cine!'"


On wanting to go into Daddy's "Man's Room" to roll pool balls across the table:
"Mommy, I wanna play balls. I go in Daddy's room, Mommy?"

(You really have to know that we have a pool table in our house to be able to think that isn't inappropriate.)Oh whatever would we do without her?

Just like unwrapping presents

And now you know how I feel about checking my blog and reading your comments!

I just wanted to extend an overdue "Thank You" to Marianne for continuing to follow our journey known as parenthood. I just want to tell you how awesome it is that you, like so many others, have been able to witness the miracle of Elaina and Lincoln becoming a part of our family. However, you identify with our lives in such a great capacity that others could never fathom. I respect our bond of motherhood and I'm happy that you're still a part of our lives when we are finally able to share so much happiness. I'm glad you're here!

And how about my cousin, Logan! Hey Girl, You Rock! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I hope you continue to check back and see all that you have to look forward to in parenting. There's really nothing that can compare to the smiling face and warm cuddles with your child, but I'm sure you already know that. Now if I could only interest you in starting your own blog so you can share your little cutie, Kristopher... think it over. You would never regret it!

Can you help me out here fellow Mommy-Bloggers? What do your blogs mean to you? Also, can you offer my dear Cousin here any encouragement?

Go Logan GO! Go Logan GO! Go Logan GO! Go Logan GO!

sometimes I wear myself out by thinking

Please commiserate with me if you would.

Am I the only one that can walk through every single room in her own home and see in an instant at least 10 projects or tasks that desperately need to be completed? All in one room?

Often times I go to bed and my mind begins to race at all of the things that I could be doing while the rest of the world sleeps. I often convince myself that the solution to getting more done and finding more hours in the day is working around the clock. No more sleeping. My predicament is that I really love to sleep and become an absolute crank if I don't get enough shuteye. Foiled.

It makes me sick to think about all of the things that I could be getting done if only I had the time. For instance...

How many times do I have to look at those rotting bananas on my kitchen countertop before I find the time to make banana nut bread?

I wonder if Keegan will keel over dead one day because his water bowl is so dirty. And while I fret on and on about his water bowl, I wonder when I'm going to make the time to clean up the potting soil which spilled from one of my plants as a result of being tipped over. Three weeks ago. Another sight that my neurotic eyes zoom to focus just beyond Keegan's water bowl.

How old do you think my children will be before I finally get some of my snapshots developed in print?

Does anyone exactly remember when I said that I would be mailing kid pics to grandparents and aunts and uncles anyway? Yeah.... um... don't feel so bad if yours haven't quite arrived in the mail yet. Ahem.

I wonder if I remember where I keep my Pledge wipes? Pretty soon, I may have to just use a dustpan and a hand brush to collect all of the dust from my house.

Exhausted yet? No? Oh, do you think I'm talking about where you live too? Thanks for not letting me feel so alone.

So, let me tell you the things that I have recently accomplished.

Both kids' closets have been purged of all-things-summer. And packed away.

I've got my summer capris put into another closet and my winter pants pulled out. (1/3 done: shirts and shoes to follow)

I finally got my Halloween decorations out and my house is looking Spook-tacular! (Yeah right!)

Over the weekend, I spent more than enough time with my old friend "ironing board." I'm breaking off our relationship starting when I hung up my last pressed pair of pants. Unfortunately, I know it's only a matter of time and another load of permanent press cottons until I come crawling back to use him. It's a steamy relationship, what can I say?

And last but not least, I'm trying to stay caught up on my blogging! Hooray!! The bottom line is that my kids absolutely come first and their happiness alone, is enough to keep me going. The bananas may just need to go in the trash this time around.

All that's missing is the Dalmation.

Is everyone aware that it October is Fire Prevention month?

Consider yourself in the know.

In case I haven't mentioned it before, Eric is a Captain on the local volunteer fire department which hosted their annual open house this evening.

Since I was so busy taking pictures and videos and since Blogger (my BFF) now makes it so easy to post videos, I'll let you be the judge of what a great time Elaina had. Adjust your volume before playing the video. Because the fire trucks were left running for the kids to get the real excitement of the noise and flashing lights, it makes for some loud background noise in my videos. (I guess no one else was concerned.)

The kids that Elaina is rolling with are her friends, Troy and Abby. Their Daddy's are Eric's fellow firefighters.

This is Eric's actual equipment that Elaina is trying on. I'm glad that it fits Daddy way better than Elaina.

My Tribe

If this is an Indian Summer, just call me Chief Wind Be Sparse.

Come. Meet my followers. I give you Little Sparrow Moonsong and Rainbow Babbling Stream.

Seriously, is this the type of weather we should be having in Ohio, in October? Shewee! It's like 87 degrees outside. Hey, this is funny. You;ll never guess who turned off the air conditioning units 4 weeks ago. Oh yeah, turned off, sealed and covered tight for winter.

If you guessed US; you are right!

It seems as though we had a little cold snap about a month ago and Eric and I guessed that cooler temps were going to be making their grand appearance in typical Fall fashion. We've enjoyed leaving the windows open and the just-right-feel of 75 degree days. Who would have ever suspected we would get back to this heat?

It got so warm in our house today that I stripped my sweaty children down to their drawers and let them flounder about on the floor as a fanned them with a book. Elaina thought it was a game and Lincoln thought Mommy was funny how she kept reappearing after that big 'ol thing kept on waving past her face. Who knew I could come up with such great entertainment to enjoy while sitting around sweating?

The Beginning of Noise

Friday evening, we arrived shortly after kick off at the high school football game which our friend, Derek, coaches for. We found seats next to our friends and enjoyed the game, which the Fremont Little Giants won!

You know there's really nothing that makes you feel quite as old as when you go to a high school sporting event. It just so happened to be their homecoming game and the high-school hoochies were rampant. Within five minutes of being seated, Eric and I looked at each other and wondered who let the stripper referees up in the stands. Two pretty teenage girls had claimed their railing (which, I'm guessing may someday turn into a pole) and showed off their tight-enough-to-be-painted-on referee striped spandex shirts and shiny, pleather, pleated mini skirts. Just to show a little more of their fashion sense, they paired their skimpies with white knee socks , hooker heels, ball caps and whistles. Wow. Jaw dropping. I saw one talking on her Razor cell phone and wondered where in the world she had pulled it from. Her outfit was THAT tight that their was hardly room for a bulk which a Razor phone would have.

We (and probably the other 300 football fans present) wondered where in the world their mothers were and could almost feel their parents' embarrassment if they only knew what their "pretty" daughters were representing.

So, you really don't need to hear any more about how many times my eyeballs nearly popped out of my face in shock and sometimes horror over teenage behavior and appearance, let me tell you about what a good weekend we had. After the Friday night game, all of the coaches gather at our friends' house and hang out, have some drinks and eat too much food, way too late. Such was the case this night also. Elaina had a great time at the football game and was more than excited to be going to her friends' house to sleep over. In addition to Mackenzie, Camryn and Kendyl, there were 2 other little girls there to join in the fun. Between the 6 girls playing together, the toy room looked as though it had been hit by some supernatural force of nature to cause so much destruction. I'm only mildly exaggerating but, these three little girls who live there have just about every girl themed toy ever made, which made my little girl feel like she was in toy / babydoll/ cooking / jewelry paradise. Saturday morning was off to an early start when Elaina woke at 5:30 wondering where she was and trying to find her missing binkies, followed by a sleepy Lincoln who woke at 6:00 due to all of Elaina's commotion and flopping about. Eric and I were definitely paying the price of late night visiting with our friends and an after 2:00 bedtime. And so we were up. And so Saturday never stopped. The guys hung out watching what else? Football. The little girls played and napped. The big girls (Beth and myself) hit a few end-of season garage sales. And our little linebacker-in-the-making was held and kissed and passed around onto every 2, 4 and 6 year old lap in the house.
We made time to visit Derek's parents who wanted to spend a little more time visiting with us and seeing the kids than the first half of the football game in bleacher seats had to offer. After dinner, we drove 20 minutes to my parents' house to drop off some Tastefully Simple hostess kits for my mom to host a book party and my other friend to serve at her November show. (WooHoo, I'm getting shows booked!)

We already knew that we wouldn't have much time to spend with them since we had already had a long day and an even longer drive home. For the 45 minutes that we stayed, Elaina was overjoyed to play with her Pop-Pop and asked her Gramma to make her cinnamon rolls. Boy does she have each one of my parents' pegged with what she wants from them! Even for a short visit, it was so worthwhile. I had to pry Lincoln out of their arms just to change his diaper and had to con Elaina into getting back into the car by the bribe of the binkies awaiting her to go to sleep.

It was a great, busy, full two days, but, again, so worthwhile to see so many people we love. I think we both felt like we were cheating on Eric's parent's since we literally had no time to make a trip to their house. I even felt like it was unfair to only be at my parents' house for under an hour. That never happens. And so I was the lucky winner to make our nearly 3 hour drive home while Eric and the kids slept soundly. We arrived safely home after 11:00 and were all ready to drop. (Refer to: functioning on 3.5 hours sleep the previous night.)

Why did we have to hurry home on a Saturday night rather than Sunday, you may ask? Because Eric had Steelers tickets for Sunday's game. Yes, it is all about the Steelers.

(Editor's Note: I was able to crackle a little bit above a whisper on Friday night and a full blown crackly-hoarse voice was my achievement for Saturday. NICE.)

in a hush

Day 3: No voice. Whispers only.

This sucks.

Rather than bore you with my misery of having one of life’s great enjoyments such as talking and conversation sucked from my vocal cords, let me tell you about our weekend plans. Also, sharing a fun little Elaina story always perks me up.

Tonight we are headed off to a football game 2 ½ hours from home. Trust me when I tell you that I’m not such a huge fan that I travel far and wide to go to a football game. Especially when I can’t even talk. Eric and I just happen to be huge fans of the football coach for a Division One high school. Our friend Derek coaches in Fremont and we’ll be traveling there to see the game and stay overnight to hang out with him and his family. Unfortunately, this little laryngitis bit has worn out it’s welcome and will make visiting with my friends more of a strained effort in trying to hold a conversation and having fun. Did I mention how badly this sucks? I would consider this family to be our very best non-family friends in the world and I can’t even carry on a conversation with them. Let me say it again since the universe can’t hear me scream that THIS SUCKS!

Sorry. Just a little built animosity toward my low functioning vocal region.

Back to perking me up! I’ve been reading about my little bloglet friends, Harper and Wesley and how involved they get in their pretend world with their stuffed animals and the like. Coincidentally, Elaina has taken to allocating personalities and life into inanimate objects. For instance, she lined up her collection of sippy cups in a row, 3 total (don’t ask why 3 were filled) and began feeding them her cheese.

“Oh Sippy, Oh! You hungry? Okay. I love you guys! Cheese for you. Some for you. Hi Guys!” (Insert vision of child wrapping her arms around 3 sippy cups in a hug.)

Beyond sippy cups, she also came across a new pet in our house. Apparently Keegan is no longer the one and only pet worthy of adoration and attention. Elaina pulled one of my jar candles from an end table and proudly brought it to my attention, proclaiming it to be her “pet.” In fact, she was so proud of her pet that she carried it upstairs and wanted to let it take a bath with her. Since I don’t know where this pet has been and if it’s a boy or girl pet, I passed on inviting “pet” to join in the suds with my kid.

There is something to be said for a child with a good imagination! I just have to remember to use my creativity as my ticket into her imaginary world!

What day is today?

October 3rd?

Sound familiar?

Significant?

Noteworthy?

According to my new friend, Katie at The Yap, (which I am calling my friend because I only know her in the blog world and think she's pretty cool, like a friend I'd like to have) it's National Delurking Day!! Hooray for Lurkers!

Today is the day that you're able to come out and post a comment on my blog, letting me know that you're a reader. Even if you've only come across it today. Or yesterday. Or even 4 months ago. It's A-Okay! It's really more of a roll call to see who's here. It's flattering to know that someone more than just the grandparents are reading about lil' ol' me and my fam. (Hi Grandma's and Grandpa's :-)) You can comment too!!

And just to let you know, it's really not that hard, I was the one who outed myself on Katie's blog and the world didn't even come to an end. In fact, she welcomed me. See, you'd probably like to be her friend too, now wouldn't you?

The only embarrassing part is if NOBODY outs themselves. AACCKKK!! Please people, surprise me!! I'd love to welcome you too!

And like my new blog friend Katie, I'm posing a question to everyone out there. Please tell me what your all-time favorite Halloween candy is. And has it changed since you were a kid?

Now...... comment!

**Don't forget to post your name! I need to know my friends' names!

quiet time

This morning at 5:30, Lincoln woke and began to coo and gurgle and basically make general noises of a 4 month old which sound like he's communicating with dolphins. Cute, huh?

This morning at 5:50, Elaina woke and found her way into our bed and demanded toast for breakfast. Over and over and over. And since we're used to midnight bedtimes and 6:30-7:00 wake-up's, Eric tried to talk Elaina into cuddling in bed for just a little while longer.

Why is this all relevant you may ask? It's because I was the only one not talking this morning. In fact, I can barely talk more than a whisper all day long. When I woke up from the chatter of my children, my neck and glands felt swollen as large as a oak tree trunk, I figured it was going to be a quiet day. Laryngitis strikes again! Eric told Elaina that Mommy's voice was broken today. Sweetness was so concerned for me that she whispered back as she patted me on the back and said "It's okay, Mommy. You voice be better."

The greatest part of all of this is that since this Mama only has 16 hours of paid sick leave, I still had to go to work. (Hello sarcasm!) My co-workers had a field day with me, all in good fun, of course, but I couldn't even throw back my witty comments back their way without a voice. Whispering my wise cracks only made it more humorous.

Now, after 17 hours of whispering, coughing and sucking lozenges like a junkie, I'm anxious to see what tomorrow has in store for me. I don't have the same symptoms of a cold, so I'm leaning toward allergy related crap. Crap.

Does anyone happen to have any quick fixes for allergies and/ or laryngitis?

help. me. please.

Simply Yours

Just in case I don’t think I have quite enough balls in the air at one time trying to balance work, kids, cooking, housework and rest, I have recently decided to become a Tastefully Simple consultant. (Put your rolling eyes back on straight now.) I have never let myself branch out like this before in such uncharted territory as far as a home-based business, but as of now, I’m pretty excited about my new endeavor.

Just in case you’re not familiar with the Tastefully Simple collection, it's worth checking out their website at TastefullySimple dot com. I hosted a home party in April for my consultant friend and ended up netting the highest sales she had ever reached with one show. Pretty impressive for not even trying. It was more or less doing her a favor in booking a show. Also at that time, I committed to host a book party in the fall in order to reach a selling goal of earning another free piece of stoneware from their hostess collection. So here I am, having my book party, collecting orders so quickly that I hardly have time to write them all down and I made my mind up that maybe this consultant gig wouldn’t be so bad for me after all. With the encouragement from my consultant friend, I pushed myself over the edge, consenting to get started on my own.

I placed my first online order the other night and saw that this really could work out to be as easy as my friend claims it to be. The only thing that I have some reservation about is my time spent away from my family. So, that leaves my independent intellectual side of my brain to remind me that it’s good for me to get out of the house from time to time while Eric fills his role as full time Dad and I’m going to be doing it to actually make us some mad money to spend on the side. Besides, each show requires approximately 4-5 hours of work anyhow. Listen to the rational side. Listen to the practical side. Be wise, Mommy. It’s a good thing.

And finally, that leaves me to you. Who wants me to come do a party for them?

Squeezability

I don't know if this is common, but whenever I refer to a warm, tight hug, I just call it like it is and say "Squeeze." Common? Or just me?

Now that we're on the same page and if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you already know that one of my favorite things to do is wrap my arms around my kids and squeeze them. Hugs, you know?

Squeezes must be contagious in this household because when Elaina woke up this morning we all sat on the bed with Lincoln and she asked if she could squeeze Lincoln.

"Squeeze this much Mommy?"

"No Honey, not too tight."

"This much, Mommy?

"Okay, Elaina, I think that's a good squeezy hug from his big sister. Nice job."

And then Eric and I proceed to squeeze, squeeze, squeeze Elaina with tight, tight hugs.

Happy Trails

Seriously, has the month of September really come to an end? We have had nothing but gorgeous, sunny days with just a slight undertone of fall mixed in for good measure. I know that I have mentioned the weather so admirably before but it just keeps on getting better and better. And it's fall, for Pete's sake! My favorite time of year and my favorite kind of weather. Loving it!

Wanna' know who else I'm loving? Elaina and Lincoln are simply the best! We had such a fun weekend. After our wagon sat in the garage all summer with very little attention, Elaina happened upon it, climbed right in and said, "Let's go for a wide, Mommy!" And so we did. I stuffed Lincoln's butterfly play mat in the bottom to act as a pillow and padding as he lay in the wagon facing his sister and away we went. Both Saturday and Sunday, we paraded a trip around town and even a stop at the playground. Lincoln is so perfectly content to sit in the baby swing and will laugh and smile whenever he gets close to me. SO cute that boy!

And did I say laugh? Oh yeah, Lincoln has begun to laugh. Gone are the days in which his throaty, little gurgle would catch in his throat, so near an audible giggle, he is laughing! Eric and I crack up every time he gets all fired up with laughter. At one point, Elaina was playing peek-a-boo with Lincoln and he laughed the loudest I had ever heard. And after his bath one evening, Eric was putting lotion on Lincoln and rubbing his hands and Lincoln busted out again with hearty belly laughs. My trick to get him rolling is playing up-down and wiggle with him. I stand him up sooo big and then sit down (on my lap) and then wiggle him back and forth until the broad smiles give way to laughingggg!! Did I mention that I love that boy? Oh, melt!

And let's just talk about his big sister for a minute. At 27 months (exactly, on Tuesday) Elaina talks like she's 15. In fact, we ask her how old she is and she replies "Two." When asked how old she's is going to be, her answer varies between 15 and 16. And she says it as plain as day. And I beleive that she will be 16 next year. What a little silly! The things that she comes up with just floor me these days. While we were eating breakfast the other morning, she told me that grandma makes her cinnamon rolls and that she wanted grandma and pop-pop to come to her house. Apparently, she was over the bacon and eggs that I was serving. Cinnamon rolls were what she was after!

More Elaina funnies:

* Pulling out of the driveway next to the trash cans: "Mommy, watch out for trash. Whew, it's close." (with the back of her hand against her forehead for dramatics!)

* Just a week ago, we were walking to visit her friend Ali at her house. Elaina told me that Ali fell out of bed. Since we were still about 200 yards away, I figured she was just pretending to think that Ali fell out of bed. I asked her more questions about Ali's fall and with her answers, I realized that she had remembered that Ali actually did fall out of bed when we were at her house for her birthday party. Elaina remembered that her friend fell because Ali cried, but she was okay.

* Speaking of pretending, Elaina has an awesome imagination. It's just the reality check that I sometimes need to not take things so seriously. When she pretends and we play a game with imaginary kittens and crocodiles, it makes me remember to appreciate the small things. That she doesn't need all of the most high tech toys and devices with 8 levels of music and sound and 38 light up colors, she needs some attention and someone to help her run from the crocodiles.

We had a great weekend together, just sitting back and enjoying the small stuff!

Structure

It's quite possible that I may have mentioned that I am slightly anal when it comes to doing things a certain way and trying to constantly be organized and efficient about everything I can control.

Since becoming a mom, most of that has just gone out the window. The only thing that I don't waiver at any level is anything that involves the spread of germs or washing hands. I just don't budge. Often times, I surprise myself at how many things that I let slip through the cracks while I try to rationalize some prospective in not sweating over the small stuff.

One thing that has become clear is that Lincoln is in need of a better schedule. Now that he is almost 5 months old and has proven to be big and healthy, we need some structure.

Our night went something like this: come home, play, drink bottle, giggle, cat nap in swing (while the big people eat dinner), bath time, lotion massage, play, wiggle and smile and then rice cereal.

I like it. Well, all of the one night that we've tried it so far. I just know that I need more sleep when my eyeballs hurt throughout the entire day because they haven't been closed long enough (for SLEEP) and when I'm falling asleep as I try to blog a simple little post and then have no idea if it is even making sense and then look at the clock and realize that it's already past 11 and I haven't gotten a thing ready for tomorrow and then I have to go back in my post to remind myself what it is that I'm rambling about....

We need a change.

11:00 ? Hmmpph!

So much for my planning. An 11:00 bedtime. Hah! Ha-ha-ha!

It seems as though I just like to read about all of my favorite blog-kids just a little too much and just maybe I like to check out the latest deal websites a little to frequent that I just can't seem to back away from the computer when I should be going to bed.

Last night we got dumped on with a huge thunderstorm. Shake the windows-rattle-the-foundation-huge-thunderstorm. It was just 11:00 and I was brushing my teeth when I hear a little shriek from down the hall. I stopped brushing immediately to then hear the pitter- patter of little feet racing down the hall. The thunderstorm had woke Elaina and she was scared. I held her close and we looked out the window together and searched for the moon (which we had been in awe of earlier; it was a full moon). She made it clear that she wanted to sleep with Mommy and Daddy and I was really okay with that too. It does great things for my ego knowing that my daughter knows that Mommy and Daddy keep her safe and that we can make everything better for her. I love that part about being a mom!

Soooo, Eric and I both had an early start to our morning. He, because he had to teach an 8:00 class an hour away from home and me, because I then had the two kids and myself to get out the door all on my own. Unlike myself, Eric didn't happen to have a whole lot of rest last night. He reported that Elaina tapped him on the shoulder all night long asking for her lunch, her sippy cup, a trip to the potty and she cried about wanting to go to a Steelers game. Seriously child!?!? A Steelers game? Oh, you are such your Daddy's girl! He deserved to be the one to be poked just to hear that!!

Phenomenon

1) I mopped my kitchen floor last night. I know, I know, it doesn't sound monumental to some, but to me, this is huge! Come over for a visit! You're feet won't even stick to the floor! See what can be achieved with two parents home at the very same time?

2) Lincoln isn't a kitty anymore. (Shouldn't that really be Number #1 on my list?)

3) We put Lincoln to bed last night without his late night bottle which we would feed to him between 10-11:30 p.m. and he didn't even miss it. He slept all night and woke at his usual time! Hooray! No more falling asleep trying to feed him at midnight!

4) I have written the very final thank you note on behalf of baby gifts to Lincoln. I thought I was done a few other times and then "Ta Da! Look what so-and-so sent in the mail!" Certainly not complaining because "Hello!" We love baby gifts and baby clothes and big sister gifts and everything that comes with having a new baby but seriously, tame down the generosity folks, you're spoiling us!

5) Elaina went to tumbling class tonight and did great. She only paid me a visit back at the parents' table two times in the whole 45 minute class. Didn't complain the whole time and didn't even whine. She watched and followed along with the instructors and even tried to mimic the actions of the other kids.

6) Lincoln sat in the high chair for the first time tonight. He didn't exactly eat his rice cereal in the high chair like I had planned, but his butt made an appearance. He is still very interested in his new soft food within his mouth and ate a fair amount. I'm determined to give cereal to him on a more consistent basis. He's only had it on one other occasions, that being his first. (Slap my wrist!)

7) It's not quite 10:30 p.m. and I'm challenging myself to get to bed before 11:00. This will make the first time in ....in.... I don't know the last time I went to bed before 11:00. I need to just put the blinders over my eyes so that I don't notice the laundry mountains which have taken over the love seat and NOT. LET. MYSELF. SURF. ANY. MORE. BLOGS. Notice my refined restraint? 11:00 People! Have a good one!

Super Reader to the Rescue!

It's moments like these that make me want to plop Elaina in front of the t.v. all day long. Is that bad?

We've discovered a new show on PBS that airs at 7:30 in the morning. The show is called "Super Why" and is completely awesome! "Why?" you may ask. Because from the very first episode it stopped Hurricane Elaina in her path of destruction, tearing up our bedroom in her boredom as we were getting ready for work one morning. And the next morning, the very same thing occurred. She was fixated on the characters, the content, the questions, the story, everything about this program is awesome! They really should be calling it "Super Awesome!" instead of "Super Why." Umm, have I mentioned that it's "awesome" more than once?

The show is about a group of kids who are super readers instead of super heroes who find problems in fictional stories (Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.) and change the story. They help early readers to recognize letters and piece together words. Just about the entire content of the show teaches a lesson in one way or another. I am hooked on Elaina being hooked!

It's become evident to me that she's grasping some of the fundamentals of the show when she is pretending. When we were at the playground yesterday she told me she was going to get her cape and "Super Reader to the rescue! I change the story." She cracked me up! Often she will walk around the house announcing that she is a super reader and waving her magic wand (from Grandma W.) she says "Abba-cadaca, I change the story!" Just like in the show.

With all of her imagination running wild and being creative, I'm not sure if I should be worried that she decided to turn Lincoln into a kitty this morning. She waved her magic wand over him and said he was now a kitty. In fact, when it was time to leave for the sitter's house, she became worried and said, "Bring my kitty, my kitty!" She of course was referring to Lincoln.




Does this look like a kitty to you?



So.... other moms with "Super Readers" let me know you're feedback if you come across this show sometime!

Sunny Sunday

Original title, huh?

Oh, I can hardly believe this beautiful sunny weather we're having with just the perfect combination of bright, warm sunshine splashed lightly with a gentle breeze with just a hint of the smell of fall. When you live in Ohio and you can experience 3 seasons worth of temperature changes, all in one day, you already know what I'm talking about.

Last night, Eric had a buddy of his stay overnight so they could get up at the buttcrack of dawn to begin tailgating at Heinz Field before the Steelers game. Let's just say that when Eric's alarm went off at 4:30, this non-football fan was barely conscious. Seriously, 4:30 a.m. for a 1:00 game? We only live ONE hour away from Pittsburgh folks! Since Lincoln has begun to sleep through the night, the only time I want to see 4:30 a.m is when I arrive at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving! Hey, he doesn't make me go and I don't make him go. That seems to work for both of us.

Along with the gorgeous weather today, our town also hosted a walking tour of the historical sites and homes in our neighborhood which are over 100 years old. Our house just happened to be on the tour with a little podium set out front telling the story about a dentist and his wife who lived here in the late 1890's with their two children. (Yeah, our house is pretty old.) There were about 50 other sites highlighted on the self guided tour with little vignettes and activities throughout the town. I was thoroughly impressed how they had residents dressed in 1900's period clothing who appeared to walk through the streets so naturally as if it were really 100 years ago. All that kept going through my head as I was pushing Lincoln in his 2006 Costco stroller, while the super stylish Elaina bounced along next to me with her sunglasses and backpack on was, "Good God, if it really were 100 years ago, I'd probably be smoldering in a super long dress, dog tired from beating my laundry on a rock to wash it and hang it dry while I had to fetch water from across the street and still remember to stir the stew over the fire and not let my 2 year old throw bread on the floor that took me three days to bake!!" Whew! Sounds like I have it made in 2007! No more complaints here!










Look who took his first solo ride on the swing!!!

End of Summer, 2007 - Elaina finally succeeded climbing this ladder and stepping up onto the base, all by herself!! Good Job, Big Girl!

Blogger; My BFF

Could this really be? Blogger? Are you really my new best friend?

Are you kidding me? Is it really possible that you made uploading a video that incredibly easy?
Now that I have my other friend, Camera, back in my life and you willing to take on all of our needs in an instant, I love you more than ever! BFF For-eva Blogger!

As if that weren't enough, you've hooked me with this...

For you non bloggers, this link is addictive. It is a running scroll of random pictures of absolute strangers as they are posted to their own blogger sites. It's worth checking out and definitely hard to stop watching. You never know who's going to pop up next. Just remember to stop back to see me once in a while. Give me a shout out when you do!

What's dinner without some dancing?

So how does our family kick back to relax after a great evening out with friends and a delicious dinner? All four of us flopping around on Mommy and Daddy's bed, of course. This is Lincoln's absolute favorite position. He's a "hanger." He and we both discovered this favorite flop of his when he was only a few weeks old. I would try to cradle him in my arms and he would kick and shove to push the back of his head just over the bend of my arm. And hang. Weirdo. Here, his big Sis tries to see if the "hang" is really all it's cracked up to be.
And just how about some fine, country pickin's of oldies but goodies brought to you by Daddy and the Hillbilly Network. Welcome to the hoedown and the makings of a very dizzy darling girl!

More Custom Made Miracles

This evening we joined some close friends of ours and their family for dinner. Mind you, this isn't just any group of friends, it's 3 generations of a family who Eric practically grew up with.

(Doesn't it look like Lincoln is reading the menu over Jenni's shoulder? )

In high school, Eric's best friend was Trent. Trent and his whole family pretty much accepted Eric as a part of their family all throughout high school and still continues to today. Trent has since had a family of his own and is living in North Carolina. His older brother Troy and his wife Jenni however, live less than an hour from us.

Troy (and Trent's) parents were in town this weekend and were kind enough to extend an invitation to dinner with them. Talk about a fun group! Troy's parents, Jake and Suze made me feel like a part of their family since the day I met them. It's always a guarantee for a good time when we are with all of them and not ever a dull or quiet moment.

The additional pieces to this family tree that make them so special to us is that Troy and Jenni have adopted their two children also. Tyler and Olivia are biological siblings and are their Custom Made Miracles and awesome, gorgeous kids to boot! I'll never forget the very first time that their kids met Elaina. They were so excited to know that she was adopted by us and they were able to see another example of how a family was made for one another as part of God's plan. In a way, I feel just as important to them because they can see the way our love pours out onto our kids and realize that although they didn't become a part of their family from birth, but this is the mom and dad that God intended for them all along. They can see that it's the same kind of pure, true love that their mom and dad have for them.

Awhile back, I asked Tyler and Olivia if they would be willing to be Elaina's special friends as she grows up and asked them if they could talk to her if she ever has questions about adoption. They were both all smiles and happily agreed as if they could feel the special bond already growing with Elaina. They already know what an important role they will have in her life and now Lincoln's too and are excited to have another Custom Made friend.

Lovin' Lincoln

Now, who really wants to hear about my evening spent cleaning the house and doing 97 loads of laundry when I can give you this?

God, isn't he cute?

This single, little boy makes me so incredibly happy that I often run out of words. He still makes my heart melt and then swell with joy with his sweet face and cuddly self. 100% miracle!

Why It Will Never Be The Same

Guess who got her camera back?

Guess who got her camera back?
La- la, La-la, lala!

Wahooey!After weeks of withdrawal, do you even know what this means for me and my precious blog? Updates!! Pictures!! Videos!! At LAST!

And just what if I did kiss my dear camera upon it's safe return to my home? It's home now capturing unforgettable moments with me and my kids. Between you and me, I think that Camera even missed us too. And just as a welcome home present to Camera, Eric got a super, giant memory card so that Camera will never have to go hungry again. As you are about to see, I've been doing my personal best to see just how many pictures I can stick onto one card and to make up for lost time.

My Camera is home!

Now we can resume the all-important update pictures. Remember our patio project?

It's done! The big 'ol ring off the patio just happens to be out newly built fire pit. We sent our stand-up, rolling fire pit home with my parents since they had gifted it to us a few years back and now we can both enjoy campfires in our own back yards.

As happy as we are about the end result of such a huge project, my favorite feature by far is the corner of the house which a small square was reserved for our kids' hand prints. It's funny to look at this giant slab of concrete and know that what I am most happy with is that 16" by 16" square in the corner which will forever preserve my kids as a part of this house as a part of history.

It really is all about the little things in life, isn't it?