tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43150510126871595252024-03-12T18:39:29.148-05:00How Do You Do It?I get asked all the time – how do you do it? I'm not sure what people mean by this, and maybe it's rhetorical, but I figured if people want to know, I should tell them.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-48487793017150427682011-04-04T13:52:00.000-05:002011-04-04T13:54:43.656-05:00Puzzles with Daddy<a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=JoeyDinoPuzzle.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyDinoPuzzle.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=JoeyandDaddymakingfaces.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyandDaddymakingfaces.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=JoJodoingpuzzles.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoJodoingpuzzles.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-24891954495613919662011-02-17T10:00:00.000-06:002011-02-17T10:00:09.570-06:00Celebrity Look a LikeScott, has decided that we are going to grow out Joey's hair. He wants Joey to have hair like Owen Wilson. <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=owen_wilson1_300_400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/owen_wilson1_300_400.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Joeylonghair-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Joeylonghair-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, kinda, not really, but okay, whatever. Scott will not allow the hair to be cut, so he looks kind of homeless right now. <br /><br />The good part about having long hair... bath mohawks. <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Joeysinkbath.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Joeysinkbath.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Joeysinkbath2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Joeysinkbath2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-90141474582473019862011-02-16T09:05:00.002-06:002011-02-16T09:20:02.179-06:00Did ya miss me?Oh, hi there. I've been on a bit of a haitus. So, quick update to bring everyone up to speed.<br /><br />Joey - Joey has become the school bully. He is regulary sent home from daycare with notes outlining his rambunctios behavior, which includes tackling his friends and pinning them to the ground until they cry. <br /><br />Tyler - Tyler, almost two now, has started to insist on sitting on the potty at every diaper change. He loves guacamole, and is still not fight back when Joey takes his angst out on him.<br /><br />Leah - Leah is now clapping her hands, but can't come straight across her midline, so it is a sort of side swiping hand clap that is so adorable you can't help but smile and laugh with her. She also plays peek-a-boo by putting the backs of her hands against her forehead right above her eyes. It is the silliest thing. She sits up unassisten, gets up on all fours and rocks, and now does a few challenging yoga positions... <br /><br />Me - I have been very busy at work. Very busy at home. I have been on a self improvement kick which included spending my birthday money on new make up (yes, I realize that my birthday isn't for a couple weeks, but I figured that we have a lot people to buy for in March, so I should get my gift before we run out of money) I also was treated to a fabulous hair cut and color by my neighbor. Who is a fantastic stylist. I feel like a new woman. <br /><br />And in general - we are planning for a triple baptism/birthday party coming up at the end of March. Yes, you got that right, we will be bapitizing all three kids followed by a birthday celebration. It is multi-tasking at it's best. We are still working dutifully on our master bathroom and basement projects. I think we may finish the bathroom within a year, which is great. <br /><br />So, that is what has been happening in our lives. I am working on getting some great new pics uploaded, so more to come, but just wanted to say hello. See you soon!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-87669483241036404732011-01-26T08:46:00.003-06:002011-01-26T11:53:50.470-06:00Bears and BowsI am just now getting over the emotional fall of the Bears to the Packer this past Sunday. I think that Leah can best give you the play by play of the day.<br /><br />Excited<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahBearsExcited.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahBearsExcited.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Nervous<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahBears4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahBears4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sad<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Leahbearsbowtear.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Leahbearsbowtear.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Frustrated<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahBearsScream.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahBearsScream.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shocked<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahBears2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahBears2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Over it<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahBears3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahBears3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-90046932704991837472011-01-21T11:10:00.002-06:002011-01-21T11:14:01.777-06:00My Humble AdviceIf there is one thing I’ve learned from being a mom, it is that all babies are different and what works for one will not always work fo the next. Which is why I don’t like to preach advice or advocate a no fail product. However as my 3rd year of baby raising nears an end there are a few things that I feel compelled to pass on to new mothers, experienced mothers, or even people who think they may someday want to be a mother:<br />I do not consider myself an expert at anything, but this advice is universal.<br /><br />1. You are capable of more than you think you are.<br /><br />2. Everything will work out<br /><br />3. The missing bottle is probably either under the couch, in the toy box or in your car.<br /><br />4. The only socks I’ve found that stay on are the Robeez Brand, sold at Stride Rite, often found in the clearance bin, because seriously who pays $12 for 4 pairs of socks.<br /><br />5. Patience really is a virtue<br /><br />6. That mom that is judging you, is not better than you, she just doesn’t get it<br /><br />7. Don’t judge that other mom, you don’t know what she’s going through<br /><br />8. That missing sock is behind your dryer, or if you have a front loader, it is in that little flap up front<br /><br />9. It’s okay to make mistakes<br /><br />10. Don’t freak out, see number 2.<br /><br />That’s all I’ve got. Hope it helps someone.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-72005136586711418872011-01-19T11:32:00.004-06:002011-01-19T12:19:11.415-06:00My little hamburglarTyler recently discovered that he is stronger than chairs. And that when standing on chairs he is taller than counters. Knowing all this, he soon realized that he can access food from heights previously unatainable. His most frequent victim of food theft has been Leah. He heaves and hos the chair up to her high chair and indulges to his hearts content. While, I think I should probably be against him standing on chairs and stealing his sisters food, I think it is so adorable. So, instead, I take pictures. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=TyStealingfood3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TyStealingfood3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=TystealingLeahsFood-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TystealingLeahsFood-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=TyStealingfood4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TyStealingfood4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-85172920075201244222011-01-18T10:41:00.001-06:002011-01-18T10:41:00.094-06:00And the biggest Christmas hit was....The box! Hours of fun. <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Boysinabox-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Boysinabox-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Leah was not amused.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahNotAmused.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahNotAmused.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-52393121574888115992011-01-17T10:30:00.001-06:002011-01-17T10:33:09.190-06:00Look what I can do!Miss Leah has started to sit up on her own with some consistency. She held it for about two minutes yesterday. All by herself! I am one proud mama. <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahSittingUP-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahSittingUP-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-42869232002308823882011-01-11T14:18:00.002-06:002011-01-11T14:34:04.547-06:00White Chicken ChiliThis was so delicious. We started with this recipe:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Creamy-White-Chili">http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Creamy-White-Chili</a><br /><br />We used a rotiseree chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts. Then we added on full jalapeno, celery, and corn.<br /><br />It was so good. I highly recommend.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=WhiteChickenChili2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/WhiteChickenChili2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-19930705976006569552011-01-10T10:32:00.002-06:002011-01-10T10:58:11.134-06:00Leah is 10 Months Old today!Time really does fly. I can't believe my littlest baby is already ten months old. Time to start planning a first birthday party! <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=LeahCute-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahCute-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-88986617427522413372011-01-05T11:51:00.002-06:002011-01-05T11:55:27.248-06:00Happy Belated ChristmasHello dear family and friends. I have missed you. The holidays are over and life is back to normal. Normal meaning that I still have three screaming kids but no longer have Santa to threaten them with. There is no longer a tree in my living room. The jingle bells singing stuffed dog and dancing Santa have been relegated back to the basement. The empty boxes are in the garage, the bags of wrapping paper have been driven off the over populate the nearest landfill. The cookies are stale (but I’m still eating them). Life is good. <br /><br />So the holidays took every bit of energy I had left for this blog and sucked it right out of me, but I’m back for the New Year and excited to start 2011. So much to look forward to! The Bears in the playoffs in January, first, second and third birthdays in March, Joey starting hockey in April. It is going to be a great year.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=TyinSantaHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/TyinSantaHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=Leahinherdress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/Leahinherdress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=Cousins.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/Cousins.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=JoandTyinCabinet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/JoandTyinCabinet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=JoeyandTymatchingoutfits.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/JoeyandTymatchingoutfits.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=LeahSleeping.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/LeahSleeping.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=Leahopeninggifts.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/Leahopeninggifts.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=Leah.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/Leah.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=OpeningGiftsfromSanta.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/OpeningGiftsfromSanta.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=ScottJoeyandLeah.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/ScottJoeyandLeah.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=StockingsatGrandmas.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Christmas%202010/StockingsatGrandmas.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-52118200399276850622010-12-14T14:11:00.003-06:002010-12-14T14:25:37.822-06:00Clothing - Optional<a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=DSC_0152.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0152.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=DSC_0148.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0148.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=DSC_0150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0150.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-8106948690216043062010-12-13T09:01:00.002-06:002010-12-13T09:29:51.009-06:00This Entry is about Vomit and PoopWarning - if you have a week stomach it is probably best to stop here. <br /><br />Our weekend started off great, I had my work Christmas party on Friday afternoon, and then Leah and I went out to dinner with my family. My aunt was in town from Florida, so there was a big group of us. Scott stayed home with the boys. I was in great spirits. Leah had thrown up at my moms earlier that day, but I figured it was probably just a sour stomach, no big deal. Boy was I wrong.<br /><br />I got home around 8, Joey and Tyler were just getting ready for bed. Everyone got tucked in and Scott and I ordered up Twilight - Eclipse on pay per view, which I will say is one of the dumbest movies ever. Anyway, it was nice to lay on the couch, relax, and then with about 20 minutes left in the movie, Ty starts whaling. Scott goes back to get him and shouts from the bedroom, Tara - I need help. <br /><br />Tyler was covered in vomit, he was screaming crying. The crib was a mess. Scott starts taking the sheets off the crib, I start cleaning him up and bam, he throws up again, all over me. He is so upset, he wants to snuggle, so I stay on the couch with him, every 30 minutes he throws up - then around 2 in the morning, the diarrhea starts. The foulest smelling diapers I have ever had the pleasure to change. This all continues on through the night. By 4 o'clock I have changed my clothes no less than 4 times. Somewhere in there Leah wakes up and needs a bottle. It was mass chaos, covered in vomit. <br /><br />The next morning starts out fine. Ty is drinking water and eating saltines. But, I leave him home with Scott and take Leah and Joey over to my parents house for breakfast. When I return home Ty is napping. We feed Joey lunch and then put him down. I clean up the house some more. Four o’clock rolls around, the kids get up. Scott puts a ham in the oven. This is when I start to feel it. The fever, the chills, the achiness. I new something was wrong. I drag myself to the couch. I get myself to the table for dinner, but can't eat. Around seven thirty, I put myself to bed. At around 1:30, a wake and run to the bathroom. Vomit. Painful, I vomited like I haven't since college after one too many shots of tequila.<br /><br />Sunday morning, Ty sleeps in, Scott goes to check on him around 8 only to find him and his crib once again covered in vomit. Ty is clearly under the weather and he and I spend the better part of the morning lying in my bed. After a while, we get up, head out to the living room and set up camp on the couch. Scott has been such a trooper. He makes lunch for the boys, launders endless puke covered cribs sheets and blanket. The house is a bit of a mess, but I can hardly fault him. When the boys go down for naps, I do too. I wake up, house smells great. My husband has made a soup using the left over ham, and various veggies and broth he found in the fridge. I am very impressed. We all sit down for a soup dinner, I am finally well enough to eat a little. At about 8 o’clock, Scott puts Ty down for bed, and announces that he is going out to watch football. I can't argue, he's been a saint and deserves some time out. I get Joey and Leah to bed and promptly pass out myself. <br /><br />I woke up this morning feeling fine. There was no puke in Tyler's crib. I think we are over whatever it was that hit our house. But, wow, that was the worst little stomach bug I have ever been in contact with.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-31149137036311052962010-12-06T09:46:00.002-06:002010-12-06T09:54:20.918-06:00Picture PerfectHaving kids changes things, and I’m not just talking about the ability to close down bars on Saturday nights…<br /><br />I always thought that I would do things a certain way. Christmas is no exception. I envisioned perfect little argyle sweater clad angel children decorating the perfect Christmas tree that we picked from the best lot in town. We would make hot cocoa and beef stew and strategically place precious memory filled ornaments on each branch. But here is how it really happened.<br /><br />Friday after work, I rushed to my Moms house to pick up Leah, Scott got the boys and we met at Home Depot, and there came our first balk worthy Christmas event. Yes, I bought my tree at a big box chain. I am unsure why I am so ashamed of this. I just feel like it is so wrong. As far as I know the tree was not imported from China but, it was about $20 less than we usually spend at aforementioned tree lot.<br /><br />Now in my picture perfect holiday dream me and my children scout out each tree and pick out that special, tree. At home depot, I take Tyler and Leah inside because it is freezing, while Joey tells Scott that he wants “that one” as he points to each tree in the row. The trees are all netted up, so it’s a crap shoot as to what you are getting. Scott picks out “any” tree and goes to strap it to the car.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I am looking at lights and I stumble across these:<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=MarthaStewartOrnaments.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/MarthaStewartOrnaments.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I have always thought that color coordinated trees were, well stupid. In my mind ornaments are more than just tree décor, they are special Christmas memories. Every one of my ornaments has been gifted to me by my parents or grandparents and represents family and sharing the holidays together. I wouldn’t trade my hodge-podge of glorious ornaments for anything. In my very humble opinion family Christmas trees are not meant to look like they belong on display at Macy’s. <br /><br />So, as I stared at that box of 100 Martha Stewart matching shatter resistant ornaments, I recoiled a bit. But then I thought SHATTER RESISTANT and it really just made sense. I threw that $30 plastic canister in my cart. I knew at that point that my Christmas vision was officially shattered.<br /><br />We get home and I have nothing planned for dinner, so I throw in a frozen pizza. Later that night after the kids are in bed, Scott and I put up the tree in the living room, we hang the lights and beads we are one strand of lights short. So, we will deal with that tomorrow. We go to bed. Joey comes out in the morning and about dies. He LOVES the tree. LOVES IT. I don’t think he even cared that it was from Home Depot.<br /><br />The plan had been that, Friday, we get the tree, and Saturday we decorate it - after we see Santa. Which in the land of perfect made great sense. We would go to the store in the morning and get the ingredients for Beef Stew, then we would get all dressed up and go see Santa, come home and decorate our perfect family Christmas Tree. I’d get priceless magazine worthy photographs. It would be great. But, it snowed on Friday night, so here is what actually happened.<br /><br />The kids woke up and saw the snow. Scott, being the big kid in the family immediately got them all bundled up and took them out to play. They shoveled the drive way, jumped in the snow, and had an all together great time. So, scratch the trip to the grocery store and scratch getting dressed up in our perfect sweaters, it’s a snow day. And after all, this too is picture perfect.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=TyandDadaShovelling.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TyandDadaShovelling.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Sledding.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Sledding.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We went and saw Santa. Joey and I practiced for days. Joey, you have to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Okay mama, okay mama. We get there, Joey gets up on Santa’s lap and says “I want presents”. “What kind of presents?”, Santa asks. “I want toys” says Joey. Tyler wouldn’t have any of it. Leah was precious as always. The associated press was there and asked for our names, so we may be featured in our local paper. It was perfect.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=Santa.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Santa.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We get home; have lunch and then the kids go down for naps. I head back to Home Depot to find that last strand of lights. I get home only to discover that the strand I bought has purple lights in it, and the ones that are on the tree already do not. Well, of course we can’t mix lights and we simply can’t decorate the tree until the lights are done, so Saturday goes by and the tree remains undecorated. So, Sunday will be the big day..<br /><br />Sunday morning, I take the kids to my parent’s house while Scott picks up his Dad from the airport and runs some errands. Most important of said errands, find a strand of lights that does not have purple on it. Scott tries three different stores before coming home empty handed. Unsure of how to proceed, the day goes on, when all of a sudden Scott say “screw it, let’s decorate”. He opens the big plastic canister and starts putting hooks on the shatterproof ornaments. We let the kids decorate the tree. Joey in jeans and an Iron Man T-shirt, Tyler in a rugby shirt and diaper. They put ornaments on the tree. They had a great time. I have nothing planned for dinner, so I reheat some deep dish pizza from Thursday night. And our weekend was complete.<br /><br />There was no tree lot, no argyle sweaters, no beef stew, no hot cocoa, no memory filled ornaments. But it was nevertheless picture perfect.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view&current=ChristmasTree.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/ChristmasTree.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-60313821599872865492010-11-22T15:22:00.003-06:002010-11-22T16:02:23.809-06:00Dance Like No One is WatchingThere is nothing in the world funnier to watch than a toddler dancing. They are just so uncoordinated and jaunty. Joey is no exception. But, the boy has got some moves. And rhythm. And a kick ass splits move. The video is a little on the long side (2:11) but you won't regret dedicating the time to this special performance.<br /><br /><br /><embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid773.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy16%2Ftms1st%2FVID00081-1.mp4">Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-88199101165024552642010-11-19T10:00:00.000-06:002010-11-19T10:00:08.746-06:00Want To See Leah's Nursery?I am so in love with this room. Granted it never actually looks like this, but when it's clean, it really is adorable.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Nursery%20Pictures/?action=view¤t=DSC_0433.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Nursery%20Pictures/DSC_0433.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Nursery%20Pictures/?action=view¤t=LeahWallLetters.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Nursery%20Pictures/LeahWallLetters.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br /><br />I made the wall letters myself. And I am not crafty, so I am really proud of them. I think they turned out great.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-72827085363030233632010-11-18T10:00:00.000-06:002010-11-18T10:00:07.530-06:00Firetrucks!I love it when the kids all play together and no one is screaming or being tackled. This happens about once every 48-64 hours and last on average about 2 minutes, but those 2 minutes make it all worth it.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=LeahFireHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahFireHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=TyFireHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TyFireHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyFireHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyFireHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-38478722528279909562010-11-17T10:25:00.000-06:002010-11-17T10:25:00.631-06:00Joey's Big Boy BedJoey has officially been moved into his big boy bed. Which apparently means that he doesn't nap anymore, but that aside, it's been great. We got him new bedding with cars on it. And Joey jumps in his little bed and looks up at me and says "cars on it?" He is so sweet. Here is a picture, this will probably be the last time the bed is made until he is old enough to do it himself, so I figure I better capture it. <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyBed1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyBed1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-79969312977783335622010-11-16T12:17:00.002-06:002010-11-16T12:25:36.834-06:00Leah's New ThumbLeah's thumb is free to be opposable again. She is not longer wrapped up or splinted, so it's time to start working on that pincer grasp! Here are some pictures of the final product. She was such a trooper through this whole process. I am so proud of her. <br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=LastPhotoofthumb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LastPhotoofthumb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=LeahThumb1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahThumb1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=LeahThumb2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahThumb2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />In other exciting news, she is now holding her own bottle and only getting up once a night. Yippee!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-25212870921739268382010-11-05T13:49:00.002-05:002010-11-05T13:54:15.788-05:00Trick or TreatI know I am really late on these, but I have been sick all week so cut me some slack. The kids had a great time Trick or Treating. Mom and Dad had a pretty good time too. Here are the pics!<br /><br />This is how we rolled:<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0900.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0900.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0934.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0934.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Leah went as a Butterfly:<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0888.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0888.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0918.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0918.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Trick or Treat!<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0903.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0903.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I want candy!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0907.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0907.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0908.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0908.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Too Cute!<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0906.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0906.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=DSC_0910.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/DSC_0910.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-59804259993363314422010-10-29T10:00:00.000-05:002010-10-29T10:00:00.180-05:00The Pumpkin PatchOur second annual trip to Didier Farms:<br /><br /><strong>Waiting for the Hayride</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyandTybeforeHayRide.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyandTybeforeHayRide.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><strong>Picking Pumpkins:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=TyPickingPumpkins.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TyPickingPumpkins.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyPickingPumpkins.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyPickingPumpkins.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Driving Cars:<br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyandTyontheRide.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyandTyontheRide.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><strong>Pony Ride:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyPonyRide.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyPonyRide.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-40732508250788647132010-10-28T11:04:00.004-05:002010-10-28T14:13:37.629-05:00Reason #851 that I am officially all grown upLast night I went to a Tupperware party - and I had a really good time. Tupperware has so many fascinating products - Like these shot glasses with handy lids.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=shotglasseswithlids.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/shotglasseswithlids.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I ended up buying a $20 spatula.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=p10055773000_detail.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/p10055773000_detail.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And some cups and bowls for the kiddos.<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=p10048897000_detail.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/p10048897000_detail.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=p10086676000_detail.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/p10086676000_detail.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I could have easily spent about $500 on this stuff. I am still trying to explain to Scott why someone who considers Betty Crocker Brownie mix the creme de la creme of baking should own a $20 spatula, but it was great getting out and visiting with adults. Can't wait for the next one!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-13687633095120468152010-10-26T10:00:00.000-05:002010-10-26T10:00:06.426-05:00Leah's New HatOur day care provider Patty bought Leah this adorable winter hat! I can not wait for it to get chilly enough for her to wear it. That's all, nothing more to see here...<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=LeahsNewHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/LeahsNewHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-23167866840866933982010-10-25T14:57:00.002-05:002010-10-25T15:10:49.352-05:00Elephant Hunting **No Elephants were harmed...A couple weeks ago, I picked up Joey from daycare and asked him if he wanted to see an elephant. He responded "elephant?" Have I ever mentioned that every word that Joey said is pronounced as a question. With the emphasis on the last syllable. Yeah, he's cute. Anyway, I told him that tomorrow morning we would wake up and go find an elephant. He was psyched. So, the next morning, we got up and headed to the zoo.<br /><br />It was a lot of fun.<br /><br />Joey loved watching the train go by, but when it came to riding it, he was not so sure. He sat with his hands at his side holding the seat with this really serious look on his face. It was cute. <br /><br />Tyler loved the animals too. But I think he was pretty content just to be running around and probably wouldn't have even noticed if the exhibits had been totally empty.<br /><br />Leah was a trooper. Didn't cry the whole time, and loved the train. <br /><br />Here are some pictures:<br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=TrainRideLeahandGma.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/TrainRideLeahandGma.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=GrandmaandJoeyatZoo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/GrandmaandJoeyatZoo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=JoeyonTrain.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/JoeyonTrain.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=Lookingatthegiraffes.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/Lookingatthegiraffes.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=MeandTyTyatZoo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/MeandTyTyatZoo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />This was a GREAT outing. I can't wait to go again.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315051012687159525.post-74653071473637344842010-10-19T09:00:00.002-05:002010-10-19T09:05:04.382-05:00A Trip to the FarmA Couple Pictures from our recent trip to <a href="http://www.lambsfarm.org/">Lambs Farm</a>. This is a great place for kids and families and a great cause to support. Lambs farm provides assisted adult living for people with developmental disabilities. If you live in the Chicago area I urge you to check it out.<br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=lambs4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/lambs4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=MeandTyTy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/MeandTyTy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/?action=view¤t=lambs1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/tms1st/lambs1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536706526633973890noreply@blogger.com0