Cold!

We're thinking today that we should've followed our Graber friends to FLORIDA! :) (And, not just because we MISS them already!) It's freezing outside and it's ugly. Good thing we're going to Florida ourselves for a vacation in about 5 1/2 weeks... So, we're pretty excited that we'll get to see The Graber's then! :)

The boys are doing great. It's so hard to believe how fast they are growing up. I mean, it's already almost February of 2009!!! Graden is all over the place now (even more than before!) and is climbing onto everything. He has absolutely no fear and does not know a stranger. Graden tries to say words - but he does more of a grunt... like talking is too hard or something. Ha! He LOVES his big brother still... I'm waiting for that to change, but for now, they LOVE to play together and actually get mad when they can't! Landen is learning something new each day. He's very observant (which I've said before) and asks all sorts of random questions. We love them, because they usually make us laugh! They work on one letter from the alphabet each week at his daycare (which he loves). He's doing very well with it. He's such a sponge when it comes to learning... I hope it stays that way. Landen reminds us DAILY that we'll be heading to "Mickey Mouse's House" soon... he can hardly wait! Graden just laughs at Landen each time he says it, like it's a secret code or something!

Phil is still subbing here and there... hopefully a permanent job position comes open so he can apply. In the meantime, though, he's having so much fun as a sub. The kids at school love him and tell me he does "pretty good"... :) HA!

Things are just good overall... My classes are a lot of reading, but I secretly LOVE it. :) Of course, we're like everyone else and watching our pennies right now. Past that, we have no worries for once. Life is good. :) We don't take that for granted though because we know how far we've come... and we constantly keep our friends and family in our thoughts! :)

We sure hope your home is as warm as ours... :) Our door is always open.

New Year, New Challenges...

Hopefully your NEW YEAR has gotten off to a great start... I know mine has... My theory: it can ONLY get better from here! I look forard to what 2009 is going to bring me and my family!

Well, I finally made a decision: I am going back to school! I have only gone part-time here and there for the past three years (since Landen's birth). I am enrolled and registered to take some online classes starting Monday. I plan on taking it easy this semester, signing up for a class in the summer, and then attending full-time in the fall (while still working, of course). :) Who would've ever thought one could get so excited about taking on such a challenge (with a husband looking for a full-time teaching position, two toddlers, and myself - still working full-time)? I am though... I most certainly am! :) Wish me luck!

Now, the boys started a new daycare this past Monday. Today was their 2nd day and wow! It's going great! It's an "in-home preschool". Landen is learning the letter "M" this week. Too funny! It almost makes me sad that they're in the "school" setting... but, I'm so proud of them both for making the transition so well. (Of course, Ant Kelwee [the previous childcare provider] is GREATLY missed! But, I assured the boys, we WILL see Ant Kelwee again.)

:)

Some Christmas Memories!

Bringing in the New Year...

Christmas has come and gone! The month of December always seems to fly by... does time really fly when you're having fun? I think the saying should go as follows: "Time flies when you've got two boys!"... :) I'm never really sad to see Christmas go - even though I love the season. It's just that I actually enjoy cleaning my house and getting things back to normal (whatever 'normal' is!). Call me crazy, but I just like staying organized... you guys all know that! Ha ha!

December was a great month! Hectic, but great. The boys enjoyed Christmas so much, and I enjoyed watching them so much! Landen is into Santa and how it all works this year... it was fun watching the wheels turn as he asked questions like, "How does he get in if we don't have a fireplace?" and after coming out of his room Christmas morning, he took one look at his presents, put his hands on his hips and exclaimed: "HOW DID HE DO THAT?". Too funny!

The boys continue to grow and make life fun! Daily they do something or say something to make me laugh. Graden got stuck under an end table just last week! Oh, it was priceless. I just don't remember what I laughed at before I had kids. Friends, maybe? :) Ha!

Speaking of friends... I'm still so excited that I got to catch up with so many of my old, dear friends! What fun it was to tell old stories and laughed until it hurt!

Phil is thriving! He loves substitute teaching... he has one week left of a long term assignment after the break. He hopes to land another long term, but said he'll be ok with floating around and meeting new teachers at other schools if he can only sub. It's nice to see him accomplish such a major goal. The boys and I are so proud of him! :)

I'm thinking of taking a class at IPFW next semester... Just a writing (of course) class online. Not sure though. (I know, I know - nothing like waiting until the last minute!) :)

I'll keep you posted. :)
I hope the holidays were as cheerful for you as they were for us. We have a lot to be thankful for... and we continue to pray for those who are not as fortunate, and for our friends who are struggling with their children's health.
Love to all!

Graden 1st Birthday Pictures...

Copy & paste the link below into your browser to see some of Graden's first birthday fun! :)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=182940&l=7e239&id=726190432

Growing Up!

I just can't believe it. Everyone told me during both pregnancies that once the boys were born, time would fly... I tried brushing them off, but they were right! Graden will be celebrating his first birthday tomorrow!

He's a walking, grunting, mumbling, teething, drooling, giggling machine! He makes me smile - no matter what kind of mood I'm in - and loves his big brother. If he can't SEE Landen, he moves all through the house until he finds him. He becomes a speed-walker/crawler if Landen yells "Graden, come play with me!" Graden is a total 'Daddy's boy' and is also quite fond if his Pawpaws & "Uncle B"! He's into anything that makes noise, Mickey Mouse, Landen's cars, balls, peek-a-boo, food, climbing, being outside, and head-butting. (Not sure where that last one came from, and I laugh out loud just typing it... but it's true! He head-butts everything!) It's hilarious to watch and even funnier to know that it makes Graden crack himself up!

I'm grateful watching Phil interact with these boys, too. They already want to be just like him... I'm sure I've mentioned this before. I remind myself daily how blessed I am and I constantly wonder what I did to deserve such a home...

These boys are truly the joys of my life and the pieces that make my heart whole. I never thought I'd experience such a feeling... I never knew it existed until these boys came into my life. I'm such a lucky mom!

Many happy fall days to your home... :)
Enjoy getting ready for the holidays...

Graden and some Landen!

That time of year...

Cooties. It never fails that as the temperature changes, I somehow manage to get some cooties! As if it hasn't been busy or stressful enough in the past few weeks, I've managed to not just catch a cold, but get the flu! I thought I wasn't feeling well last week... then I felt a little better and decided it was just a cold or some sinus. This morning, however, I woke up and felt like a bus had run over me and barely made it into the bathroom before I got sick. I don't get sick well. For some reason, I always feel like I'm going to pass out... So, who do I yell for? Landen! Poor little guy came running and said, "what do you need mommy? you got a bellyache?" :) Ah, if he only knew that my insides felt like they were coming out. I just asked him to keep an eye on Graden because that little monster is fast! :)

I've mentioned before about Landen my caregiver. Maybe this will make it even more true... Before he could watch Graden, he must have decided to take care of me! He actually reached into the shower (he has a little shelf with toys and he keeps a washcloth in there) and grabbed his washcloth. He went into his room and got his step-stool. He got the washcloth wet (soaking wet mind you - because he didn't know to squeeze some out first!) and put it on my head!! Precious. Of course, it was freezing and I was soaked, but it totally made me feel better!

I'm feeling a little better now, but I'm about ready to get rid of my cooties! I've got so many things going on, that I must be a little run -down too because I just now (at 4 pm) got out of bed. Colds are one thing, heaving is another! Hopefully your families stay healthy...

Random fall thoughts...

October 1st?! Are you kidding me? Wasn't yesterday, July 4th?

Fall is my most favorite time of year. *Yes, I said MOST FAVORITE! I love the air. I love the leaves. I love thinking about my family being together for Thanksgiving and no presents. I love football. I love bonfires. I love jeans. I just really love the air. It's just so crisp and brisk... :)

I'll admit, recess was a little chilly today though! :)

I know I've said it before, but time flies! It's so hard for me to believe that I'll be planning Graden's 1st birthday party soon! I am so lucky...

Actually, I'm lucky for so many reasons. My mind is on overload ... it has been since a week ago today. Mike has been gone for a week now. We are all moving forward - but not moving "on". Mike will remain in our hearts forever...

My best buddy told me today that she was remaining positive. (She was a close friend to Mike, too.) Everyday she has been waking up, reminding herself to be thankful for what she has and knowing that she (as well as the rest of us) is lucky for what she still has in her life. We just have to realize that - and every day will be a good day! What a great friend she has been to me and my family...

Yet, another reminder that I'm lucky: GREAT FRIENDS!

I read a blog today of a friend of Phil's... they went to school together so they are the same age as us. Even though we don't see them much, I'm SUPER excited to read that they are about to pick up their NEW BABY! They get to adopt a brand new baby! I LOVE THAT! I love the feeling of knowing this couple is about to experience one of the greatest feelings in life: CHILDREN. There are days of course when that baby will test their patience - - but nothing (NOTHING) will ever compare to the happiness you'll experience when they look up at you and recognize that you are their parent. Ah... makes me feel all mushy inside! :) Congrats to them!

Off to work I go... Enjoy your day today and your days to come. Please remember to say things today because we just don't know if you'll get a chance to say them tomorrow....