d1's First Day of Pre-School

d1 started a new daycare last week and it's fantastic. It's a Methodist church that has a child development center as well as half-day preschool. We are so excited about it! Looking back, it makes me cringe at where we sent the boys before. They were "looked after" but beyond that, it doesn't hold a candle to this new place. d2 will start at the same school in a couple of weeks when his new room is finished being remodeled. And another perk of this new school, which initially led us here is that D1's aunt has taught here for years so the boys have a family connection. These teachers are so loving to the children, they go to Chapel every Tuesday, and it's only about 10 minutes from my new job. AND every Wednesday, parents are encouraged to eat lunch with their children. I can't wait!! Being this close to their school AND having a new, super-flexible position, I won't miss out on any classroom parties or programs and I just might get to chaperone some field trips....hopefully before I start waddling from this new growth in my uterus! ;) Here is my lil' guy on his first official day of preschool!

Ready or Not - Here He/She Comes!

So, about two weeks ago D1 and I discovered that we are unexpectedly expecting bebe #3. We found out while on vacation and are still adjusting to the news (shock). d1 and d2 were very much planned pregnancies and with this one...well, we were pretty sure there wasn't going to be a third. Nonetheless, we both know that this is nothing but a miracle in itself and a gift from God so we are overjoyed in so many ways. Our first announcement of the upcoming arrival were to the little people....the soon-to-be big brothers. d1 was excited and continues to tell others that I have a baby in my belly and offers to show them by lifting my shirt. Hmmmm....not happening, buddy! He also insists that it's a baby sister so D1 and I are both hoping that he knows something we don't. No matter what, we will be thrilled whether it's a boy or a girl but for anyone who reads this, THINK PINK for me!! PLEASE!! I need a little estrogen in my home. Maybe the pink ticker will help me out?????

Home Sweet Home

We made it back, safe and sound! Our trip to MO was really nice (and LONG). We had lots of time to visit family and friends and new bambinos. We attended a wedding, "milked" cows at a farmstead, made sundaes and played at Paradise Park, soaked up the sun in the pool EVERYDAY, rode four-wheelers and tractors at Papa Murphy's farm, had a surprise party for D1's Big "30th" Birthday, just to name a few events. D1 participated in his high school alumni baseball game and hit a homerun...I was so proud! d1 spent most of his waking moments on a tractor or the riding lawnmower. If he wasn't riding one of the two, he was asking....over....and over....and over. One track mind, that boy has! d2 had a ball playing with Blue, G-pa's dog, and following on d1's heels. His new thing is this ~ everytime d1 asks to do something or for something, he chimes in with "and ME!" It's absolutely precious! He wants to be just like his big brother. d1 also had his first sleepover with CJS (it still counts, even if Mom and Dad are there, doesn't it?) He didn't make it through the night in the tent, due to CJS waking up in the middle of the night for his Mommy. d1 was funny...when I went in there to see what was going on and why they were crying, he said, "I'm crying because he woke me up and I wanted to still be asleep." Here are some random pictures from our trip.

Deanna Rose Farmstead

Paradise Park

Papa Murphy's farm

d1's fav activity

My baby brother

First sleepover

Party Time

This past weekend we had a combined birthday party for d1 and d2. We had the bash at Gymboree with lots of dancing, shaking, moving, bubbles and giggles. d1 had TWO pieces of multi-colored birthday cake (later added by two more at Papa's house) so he was full of life (and some other things!). We were very happy with the venue and how they handled the children. The parties they have are targeted for children 2-5 years old and since we had a mixture of 2's and 4's, it worked great. Thanks to all that came and partied with us and for all the great gifts! The boys have been thoroughly entertained. Here are a couple of the cool toys they got from Papa....d2 does great on his, d1 has some "growing" to do before he can work his gift without breaking a bone or tearing his knees apart.

Mother of the Year Award Goes To....NOT ME!

So, yesterday, on Father's Day no less, we traveled over to a friend's home to go swimming and hang out for awhile. As we were waiting in their driveway, we were letting the boys play in the van to pass the time. d2 had made his way to the drivers seat and was playing with the steering wheel and pressing BUTTONS. When it was time to go, D1 closed the hatch on the back of the van and made his way to the front. Unbenownst to him, d2 had pushed the LOCK button during his playtime. We soon realized the van was locked, both sets of keys were in the van and so was d2. And it was about 90 degrees....Talk about a freak out!

Our friends immediately called AAA and 9-1-1 for help while we "coached" d2 into somehow getting the doors/windows open. Of course he thought we were playing a game when we were "cheering" him on to push the button. He had the lock button figured out, only he didn't understand to push it up rather than down. And with our particular style of van (or maybe b/c of some add-on feature that we didn't know about), if you push the lock button three times in a row, the van starts. So at this point, my child is not only locked in a hot van, he has the engine running. And no, the air wasn't left on so it didn't solve the heat problem...only gave me another fear of him messing with the steering column and putting it into drive (if that's possible without pressing the brake). By now I'm starting to freak and have bad scenarios pass through my brain because I notice sweat beads rolling down d2's forehead. D1 was just about to borrow a hammer to break the window when we coaxed d2 into rolling down the passenger window (less buttons to mesmorize him). He pushed it, I grabbed the window and pushed it down and got him outta there! PTL he was perfectly fine but WOW what a scary event! I've heard the stories before but when you are in the drivers seat (excuse the pun), it's a whole different stream of emotions! So, word to the wise (not that anyone would ever do this!), keep your keys on you at all times and keep the kids out of the drivers seat!

I'm a Big Boy Now!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Yesterday was d1's 4th birthday and I am still in shock at how fast he's grown up. Although his actual party isn't until next Saturday, we wanted to give him some gifts from us on his actual birthday. All he asked for was a bike and we knew that's what we would get him but it's always fun to play little tricks on him. Of course he woke up bright and early (no different from EVERY other day - by 6:15) to a room full of balloons. We got downstairs and he found a couple of gifts waiting. He opened them and liked them and then said, "Thank you for my presents...but I asked for a bike!" HAHA! We apologized and said that maybe he would get one for Christmas. While he was playing with his toys that he had to settle for, D1 snuck upstairs and brought down the bike. He freaked! Loved it, wanted to ride it at 6:30 in the morning. Later in the day, I was having a sentimental moment and wanted to watch the video of when I was prego with d1 and at the hospital....wow, did it bring back some memories and emotions. Watching that video made me want another baby....but that quickly passed when I had to clean up d2's blowout diaper. Ahhh, good times!

Take This Job and Shove IT!

That's right ~ I gave my notice at my job. My last day worked will be June 20th (d2's 2nd birthday - double celebration!) D1 and I have done lots of praying and pondering and decided this would be best for our family (and my sanity) if I left my current position. I still have to find a professional P/T job (which I realize could be a challenge) but I'm hoping and praying it will work out where I can be home at least 2 days a week. If we can't find that, I may be going back to a full-time position in the fall until I do find something P/T...but at least I'll have the summer to search and spend some quality time with my boys. If anyone knows of a part-time position in the Accounting & Finance field, please send them my way. I don't wanna go back to a 40 hour job! WAAAAAA!!



Since D1 has the entire summer off, we've decided to make the most of the timing and travel back home for 3 weeks to visit family and friends. We're looking forward to this trip as are the boys to go back and have their fun on the farm while we get to catch up with old friends, many of whom have been popping babies out left and right! We can't wait to meet all of the new additions!!


It's Summertime!!!! Bring on the fun in the sun!!