Jakey Boy

Jake has grown up so much in the last year. He started Kindergarten last fall and is officially one of the "big kids"! I took some pictures of him and Josh the other day for some new frames in their room. He was a great about it and let me get lots of shots of him. Yesterday when I arrived home with a trunk full of groceries he happily started helping me unload them without me even asking. He takes care of Cole without me asking too. He's an awesome playmate with Josh; pirates, Star Wars, super heros in their new capes....the list goes on and on. I love how every morning he literally RUNS down the hallway to our room to greet each day with much enthusiasm. What a great kid you are Jake!

"Colina"

In an attempt to make Hanna laugh during an emotional crisis tonight, I decided to put those unused cute girl clothes in Cole's closet to good use. Many friends have asked if we have put bows on him for fun and no we haven't, at least that was before tonight. As I put the pink outfit on him I thought funny he still looks like a boy just dressed in pink, then the bow went on and I went oh my goodness he looks just like a girl and a cute one!! Jury is in Cole, you are so beautiful that you could pass as a girl. Sorry buddie. At least Hanna was nice she said "Mom, this is just kind of weird, because we know he's a boy". Where was Dad during all this?? Church Basketball. Duhhhh, like he'd ever let us get away with this one if he was here.

Webkins Crazed Kids

My kiddos each got one webkins for Christmas. My sister in law convinced me this was a good idea over Thanksgiving.... her kids whom my children adore, have them and love them. So we got them one not thinking much of it. Boy have we got some mileage out of these gifts!! They each love them. We often find them all huddled around the computer taking turns looking at each others rooms, looking at new things they have purchased for their webkins, and sending each other's pets secret gifts...all via the internet. I am loving a toy they can all enjoy together that has no fighting or violence (like a lot of video games). This month we found a coupon for 40% off at "Justice", so they each bought a new Webkins with their allowance money. This is them all loving their new Webkins the next morning while hanging out in mom and dad's bed!! Love the bed head they've got goin' on.

Cole-man

Love this hat--thanks Ashley and love this picture--thanks Sarah!

Cole is already 4 months old!!! We are loving every minute of our cute little guy and can't believe how fast time flies. He is a great sleeper, happy, smiley, and talks to us all the time. He kind of tapered off with his weight gain so we had to start supplementing with formula. We're even trying soy based formula because we are wondering if he might be lactose intolerant. He's had a spitting up problem since birth and it didn't get better with the medicine so plan B is soy based formula. We love this little guy!!!
Cole started sucking his thumb at exactly 3 months.....just like another little boy we know JAKE!! This is Jake at 4 months sucking his thumb!!

Confessions of a "bad after school snack Mom"

I confess, after school snack time is not my favorite thing. I have visions of being the perfect mom to great each of my children with a hug and smile, apron on bread baking, and nutritious snack waiting. Reality is I usually make them rummage up something on their own while I catch up on all the projects/tasks that I never got to yet during the day. (am I really letting you all hear this?)
I have rules: it must be a snack not a treat. Usually a piece of fruit, and some crackers or yogurt. They are pretty good at getting it on their own, but its something I'm definitely trying to get better at and be more a part of. Today I actually planned ahead and had something fun for them. They loved it and now are asking for it everyday! Thanks Family Fun magazine for the inspiration for these delectable little snowmen.

FHE Red dinner

We had our annual red dinner a little early this year so that our friends the Carters could join us. They live around the corner from us and have been great friends instantly. Carter and Jake love their boys! Hanna had fun with 4 year old Lindsay. Lindsay is always such a cutie. On the menu this year: Sweet n sour chicken, pink rice, red jello, red apples, strawberries, slushy red punch, and strawberry cake! You can imagine after all that sugar, just how much fun we had with a house full of boys!



my pictures aren't the greatest....camera issues.

rainy days

We've had the most rainy days in a row this past weekend since moving here. It was nice to stay home, drink hot chocolate, and spot the most beautiful rainbows or double rainbows as it was last friday after school.

Boot Camp

Courtesy of the Military, we recently got YMCA memberships.....(yes, go ahead and pause to sing the song you know you want too).... and I have really been enjoying going. I even get free child care while I work out. Last week I tried an aerobics class and the awesome ellipticals that rotate positions while you exercise. Today I tried a class titled "Boot Camp". It was so fun. The instructor had 10 different stations that we rotated to. Jump roping, bleacher jumping, elastic bands, running against tension bands etc.... Then we did a bunch of sprinting, galloping, kick boxing and such across the length of the gym. To top it off we did a lot of tummy training on mats. It was amazing to run around. I felt like a kid again at P.E. class. (can you tell I've been feeling trapped in my own body over the past year being pregnant?) Anyway, this class was way fun and definitely kicked my tail. Hopefully I can make a habit of it and hopefully start to regain my girly figure again.