Lovin' Life with the 4 of us!

2010-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Some tid bits from the Tots.....

2010-05-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

I will have to post pics another time. We are in desperate need of a new computer! Life has been incredible these days. Andrews 5th Birthday was, to say the least, an experience I don't think Phil wants to relive. He had 5 friends over and Phil did an amazing job setting up a "fun" obsticle course up at the school. Trying to get 6 five year olds to listen to any kind of instruction is just tiring. One boy, who will remain nameless would not do anything he was asking so Phil decided to ask all the other boys if this particular boy was retarded. I gasped! The boys just looked at Phil then at one another and shrugged their shoulders. (: I guess Phil forget calling someone retarded is not appropriate.
We welcomed baby Noah into the family in March and he is oh so yummy. (phil says i sound like a hamster wanting to eat their young when i say that?!) But, HE IS! I can't wait to put up some pics. Way to go Rach and T!
Emma is singing, dancing and still refusing to go potty on the toliet these days. She loves having cousins! Whenever baby Jamesons name comes up she immediatley states that baby Jameson has a penis, just like brother. Should I be concerned? We love to laugh!
I was trying to sneak a quick shower and left the kids downstairs.... (not a great way to start a sentence i know...) but they did behave for the most part. I came down the stairs and they were each on a couch watching TV. Andrew let me know they wanted a snack and they each had found one in my purse. (which was poured out all over the floor) He was opening an energy bar and Emma was trying to open a tampon. I am laughing as I type. Never a dull moment.
T Ball season is here. I wish I could say we are having so much fun but to be honest, I wish I would have put Andrew in a dance class. Thats all he does out in the field! Honestly, it is BORING! I must be a good example and have him finish the season since we do want to teach our kids quitting is not an option.
There is so much to be thankful for and we praise God everyday for the family and friends we have in our life. Until next time....

Auntie was here and Jameson arrived!!!!

2010-03-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun as Danielle arrived for an entire 5 weeks the day after Christmas. I will post more pics later... Thank you Auntie for all the love and laughs you shared with the entire family but especially Andrew, Emma and baby J. What a blessing our little Jameson is. He is absolutely adorable and I am excited to post more pics to this post when its not almost 1 am. (:

Time for our Christmas recap

2010-03-06T23:09:00.000-08:00

Rachel and Taylor enjoy a final Christmas as "dinks" and can't wait to add another cousin to the adorable mix!

The kids had so much fun opening all the wrapped gifts from Santa in their stockings!

"Buncle Tis!" We all love you so much.

Our humble happy tree straight from the awesome Frank family tree farm (:

Emma loves helping out in the kitchen.. esp when

chocolate is involved!! Yum!!!!

I am a little behind on my updates...as we approach Spring Break I thought I really ought to post some fun Christmas pics. The holidays get more and more special and magical the older the kids get. We spent many evenings with the Chipmunks Christmas CD blaring as we baked cookies. Andrew was fully aware that his behavior and Santas generosity were directly related. Sweet Power... Emma was oblivious to that but loved helping decorate the tree and I couldn't keep the candy canes out of her hands. "Tandy Tane!" This year marked our 2nd annual "were staying home on Christmas Eve" and I thank God our family is so understanding about us wanting our kiddos to wake up on Christmas Day in their own beds. I absolutely love hosting dinner so papa, nana and buncle tis made the drive down to enjoy.... gosh, I honestly can't remember what I made. (thats what i get for slackin on the updates)

From a dot to a line.....

2010-01-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

Bright and early on Dec 18th, our incredible little boy underwent a procedure that makes any grown man cringe in pain. We were told 2 months ago from a pediatric urologist that his urethra needed to be larger (hence the title of this post). Needless to say, I was doing my best to keep it together as they administered the first dose of toddler "Valium" to relax Andrew. They did this so when the doc and anesthesiologist took him to the operating room without me he was cool calm and collected. "Can I have some pleeeeeeese," I begged the nurses. The procedure took all of around 10 minutes but from the time they took my lil guy and returned him was 45. Oh boy, Andrew did NOT like the IV he woke up with. He was literally 'screaming' when they wheeled his bed to the waiting area. I left all my belongings in the room as I RAN to try to calm him down. He wanted me to carry him from there back to our room and for the next 5 or so minutes I was thanking God that I lift weights every week. He was extremely heavy from still being somewhat sedated and doing all he could to rip out the IV. The nurses assured me that many kiddos react to anesthesia like this but it didn't do much good for my emotional well being at that moment. After returning to our room the head nurse had to give him something to calm him down. She put the medicine in his IV and within seconds he was staring at the TV and I was crying. Alright, enough about the tough points. Our drive home was pleasant with Phil sitting in the backseat with Andrew and playing with some new toys we had bought him the day before. (he was also back there b/c many kids throw up a couple hours after waking up) We were back to Salem by 2pm. The first couple days afterward were rough. Many tears fell when he had to pee. It was truly heart breaking. He started sitting down to pee "like mom" he said. I guess it didn't hurt as bad that way? He is standing now! After a week or so we were golden. Two funny things Andrew has said in regards to this. #1- One of his stitches was sticking out of the hole at least an inch or so a couple weeks after the procedure. Phil and I both noticed it after he was out of the bath. Phil asked to look at it and Andrew said quickly, "dad, don't touch it.... its just a hair." We laughed hysterically!! Phil ended up trimming it with Andrew watching nervously. #2- heading out the door for Emmas dentist appt. Andrew made sure this appt was not for him. "Only Emma has to see the dentist today because I already had my penis fixed." Again, laughs laughs laughs.
God is so good. Seeing many children up at Emmanuel that were suffering from major illnesses made me step back and praise Him that what we went through was so minor. Andrew, buddy.... you make us so proud!
I have pic from this day of Andrew in his hospital pj's and will put them up next time!

Orlando get away!

2010-01-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

One word to sum up our trip.... Replenishing!

Leslie, Cindy and me enjoying an evening!

Some of our amazing mentors, Brad & Julie

Universal Studios was an evening we won't forget! Amway rented the entire park for 2500 people which meant no lines at concessions or rides. The Mummy was our favorite! We were screaming like little kids. Going ride to ride without anything in my hands and not pushing a sroller made the evening feel like we were newly married. The funnel cakes made a lasting impression on me! Yum! All the food was free along with rides, shows you name it. First class!

Second Honeymoon in early December 2009! Orlando Florida was a blast and 6 days without the kiddos was just what the doctor ordered! We spent our time relaxing with friends, giggling about not having to clean up after meals, sleeping, eating way too much, drinking lattes together, sleeping, expanding our minds with new business info and oh did I mention lots of rest and relaxation?!

I love spending time with you Phil! You are my best friend!! Let's go away again soon!

A gal who inspires me with her amazing love for people and joyful heart. Thanks Kimberly!

2009-11-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

Andrew has become quite the little helper in the kitchen. He can crack the eggs by himself. We just got done licking the brownie bowl clean together in this pic! Emma and daddy last May at bush park!

I was laying down with Andrew tucking him into bed last week when he popped his head up and asked me a question that gave me goose bumps... "mommy, will I always live here with you?" Our conversation went on about him living here for many many more years until he goes off to college. Next question.. "Will I be gone at college for a long time?" I continued telling him that if he was at a school close he may be home on the weekends or maybe just during holidays and summertime. He frowned his little eye brows and said, "i want live here with you forever mom."

Its times like these that make all the work so worth it.

Emma loves saying everyone in our families name. She says "mommy daddy bwother EMMA." Yes, she exclaims her own name. Daddy is pretty much her favorite thing right now. (i guess second to her binki, blanket and hanta veedee) that means santa dvd (: He gets home from work or a meeting and she jumps up and down enthusiastically shouting "Daddy home Daddy home!" Very sweet. They play this farm animal game that is so adorable to watch. She just giggles and stares at him with such admiration and love. God is so good.

Halloween night.... lil' mj. Kristen or Jen....not sure how to rotate this? Help!!

2009-10-31T23:48:00.000-07:00

MJ would be so proud if he could have heard Andrew sing, "YOU KNOCK ME OFF OF MY FEET NOW BABY, OOOOHHHHH" at each house he went to! Andrew, you truly made so many peoples night - Most neighbors went to grab their cameras and/or camcorders when they saw you. We laughed all evening and we were so happy Nana was here to see it all.

Our little pirate princess for year number 2! (whose counting) She pranced around the neighborhood tonight holding tightly to all of her candy until she realized she could still carry it if she would just put it in the pumpkin. Emma had some sort of candy in her mouth the entire time trick or treating so she never really said "trick or treat" but she was so sweet b/c she said "sank you" to everyone who gave her candy. This was such a fun night! Andrew and Emma, we are so proud of you two and just thank God everyday you are ours.

Downtown Salem watching a bunch of Zombies do the Thriller dance last weekend. Having fun with the family! Andrew turned all the heads since he had his MJ costume on (:

~FALL FUN~

2009-10-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

We had an absolute blast at the Pumpkin Patch with Andrews preschool class! Emma loved all the animals (off the record..this is NOT me standing behind her) (: She had NO fear of the goats or any other animals - I, on the other hand, was sweatin just imagining the goat salivating at Emmas little cute chubby hand. I had to post these pics of Emma b/c I actually got her binki out of her mouth!

Sorry about the crotch shot Emma but Andrews smile is too cute not to post. Bauman farms showed the kids how apple cider was made and served it up with warm donuts! Yum!

Emma needs rain boots! My biceps got a workout hauling her around. I am usually in between Andrew and Emma. Andrew runs way ahead singing Thriller or Beat It and Emma stops (or falls) to pick things up.

Life is good! This picture is missing daddy ): We certainly miss him on days like this. We are so thankful for how hard he is working and can't wait for him to be FREE! The best hours of everyday should be spent with the people you love the most. Thank you for Phil. I love my life.

2009-10-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you Emma on Sept 18th! We can't believe she is 2 years old! Andrew loved "helping" her open ALL her gifts as well as blowing out her candles on the cake. Emma, you are one incredible little girl. She is repeating everything she hears. Andrew says, "Emma- say baby, say mommy, say banana, say poop, say diarrhea, say toot".....yes, it always goes south. (: Life is good.

Andrew asks daily, "mommy, whats my name?" I know the answer but I usually guess a few different names before he firmly tells me... "MY NAME IS MICHAEL JACKSON!" He begs to watch his music videos all the time and I can't run any errands without both kids wanting to listen to Beat It. Even Emma has the moves down. Everyone tells me this is a phase but when he wakes us up at 3am to tell Phil he is MJ, it makes me wonder?!

2009-09-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

I am trying to find some updated pics but here are a couple from the summer. After getting kids bathed (did i spell that right?), teeth brushed and pjs on I feel like I can do anything. I almost have a swagger as I head downstairs to fold laundry and clean for the next hour or so. They love doing the "naked races" after bath time which inevitably ends with Emma crying. Its starts very sweet with Andrew chasing Emma around upstairs from room to room. Chasing turns to pushing and oh boy, when Emma gets mad at Andrew she lets everyone know! Phil and I stay up too late because by the time we finally get them to bed its after 9. I don't understand parents who are in bed by 930 or 10. Maybe someday.

What else can I write other than.... SO CUTE! Andrew woke daddy up (thank you A) every morning at Eagle Crest by 730am wanting to go in the hot tub. I snuck up on them one morning and got some cute pics.

2009-09-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

Andrew had quite a day at a Seattle Mariners game with daddy last week. They were 5 rows behind home plate! Andrew enthusiastically listed all the food he ate over the phone on their way home....cotton candy, dr petter, gum, hot nuts, popcorn and chicken wings. WOW! Thank you Phil.

Peter Cetera is in town tonight and I must have asked 13 people to come with me and the most common response was...Peter who? Hello...the lead singer from Chicago! Who didn't have "your the inspiration" as one of their songs with their boyfriend? I sure did.

2009-08-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Where is my dear friend, Kristen B when I need her?? Thanks to her and Jen T, I am entering the blogging world. These two gals inspired me with how beautifully they capture everyday moments. I must remember though... I was a middle school Phys Ed teacher so I need to be kind to myself with all the grammatical errors. (: The only reason I can even type these few words is becuase both my kiddos are napping! Of course I had to bribe Andrew with ice cream from the ice cream lady for him to stay in bed. By the way... that's GOT to be a lucrative business- I spend 2+ bucks for an ice cream bar?!
Phil should be arriving home any time now from a super weekend in Chi town. We missed him so much!
Alrighty...lets see what happens when I click "publish."
Jen and Kristen- be ready for some calls with questions.