My Life with the Boys

Logan's Batman B-day

2011-04-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

I am going to spend the day and week trying to play catch up with pictures. These are from 2 months ago.

Here are a few pics from his party. We had lots of fun!!!

$15 and many hours of fun

2011-02-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

Logan and Brian got an apple seed to sprout in a paper towel. It really needed to be planted so the Logan, Parker and I headed to Wal-mart one day, planning on getting a pot and some soil. Well, we got into the garden section and Logan went crazy grabbing seed packets. This is what we ended up with... 14 of these and...

144 of these...

All full of veggies!!! Lots have started to grow and we will see if they live long enough to be planted outside. I am sure we planted all of this WAY too early but Logan couldn't wait and like I said for $15 it has give us hours and hours of fun and a great learning experience for all of us:)

Oh yeah, by the time we planted to the apple sprout Logan had grabbed it out of the towel and tore off most of its roots so it is barely alive right now:( It only takes 10 years for an apple seed to grow and produce fruit. ONLY!!!! Yikes:)

Really makes you think!!!!

2011-02-22T05:23:00.001-08:00

This is great... Read this if you appreciate or even hate teachers.
by Eedroj Remier on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 3:42pm

Are you sick of high paid teachers? Teachers’ hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It’s time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - baby sit! We can get that for less than minimum wage.

That’s right. Let’s give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM

with 45 min. off for lunch and plan — that equals 6 1/2 hours).

Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children.

Now how many do they teach in day…maybe 30? So that’s $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations.

LET’S SEE…. That’s $585 X 180= $105,300 peryear. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).

What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master’s degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 30 children

X 180 days = $280,800 per year.

Wait a minute — there’s something wrong here! There sure is!

The average teacher’s salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77/per day/30 students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student–a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your

kids!)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=10100447924173300&id=13909370

Just around the house last week

2011-02-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a playdate here. The kids where running around crazy and then I got out those little foam capsules that expand in water and the foam is shaped like an animal. Anyway, this got all of the kids very calm and quite. It is not a very good picture but it was really funny to watch them run non stop and then sitting for 10 mins just watching!

My little cheese. I can't believe how fast he has grown!

It was warm so the boys didn't need heavy coats but Logan said he needed a hood so water wouldn't drip on his head. ???? Crazy child:)

Here is my little one saying cheese again, he most favorite pose:)

Hoping for a week full of good information, maybe some info about the wreck and finding out about his insurance and getting our van fixed!

Friday's adventures

2011-02-14T06:03:00.001-08:00

Friday morning we went to a friend's house for a really wonderful Valentine's day party.

Then on the drive home someone slammed into as us we were yielding to get onto one highway from another. Right after this man hit us I jumped out and went back to talk to him. There were cars getting backed up on the on ramp and other cars flying past us on the highway. We decided to pull off the highway because the shoulders were all covered with snow and I didn't want anyone else to hit us with the kids in the van. We decided to pull over on 103rd st. We got back onto the highway and he slowly got over behind me in the exit only lane, I watched him put his blinker on and everything. He ended up getting over and back onto the highway at the very last second! GRRRR!!! I called 911 and reported it right away. The highway patrol think someone called in the run away car and they may have found him, so that could be wonderful!!! But now I am stuck with a smashed up van (the tailgate won't even open) and I just have to wait to see what happens next. I have to wait until the police report if filed, which my insurance said that it tends to take the highway patrol 2-3 weeks. Then I have to go from there.

The kids are fine, thankfully,but my back and neck are really sore so I have to figure out what my next step is for that. What a MESS!!!

Really great idea!

2011-02-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

My cousin sent me this link and I think it is really great and I wanted to share! What a great idea

"Great idea for those with young children in their life! A friend from Hiawatha, Teri (Ginter) Carcano and her husband, started this company. It's an ID bracelet for young kids. Here's the website: http://www.callmecuffs.com "-Courtney

The dish delima

2011-02-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

This is what my kitchen sink looks like right now.
Brian and I do a pretty good job "sharing" the chores around our house or so I thought ;) The other night Brian's family came over for dinner. I was working but when I came home there was a LARGE stack of dishes waiting for me because the dishwasher was clean and Brian doesn't unload the dishwasher.
When it comes to dishes I tend to always unload and Brian reloads the dishwasher. Sounds pretty fair in theory. Here is the problem, I am gone working and oh no there are clean dishes that need to be unloaded, would it be really hard for Brian to unload it real quick and reload?? I guess so because that was 2 nights ago. I started to think after I unloaded the dishwasher yesterday (because I didn't get home until 10:30 Tuesday night) and started to reload that it just wasn't right. Every time I use a dish I place it in the dishwasher. Brian really only has to load dishes that accumulate while the dishwasher is running and he does our dinner dishes, which is really wonderful don't get me wrong!!! I am just asking that when I am away and the dishwasher needs to be unloaded that he would do it.
So I am trying to show him how much I really do. He told me it is my job to unload and his to load. I just wanted him to see what it is like to be the only one to do something. So I am not loading any dishes until he understands. :)
He was going to load it last night but we feel asleep. So he will have to do it tonight. It gives me a break today with the dishes, I don't have any to unload:)
I have a really wonderful husband that does lots around the house. I am very thankful for how great he is. I just want him to be willing to do something beyond his set chores once and awhile!!! :)

Is this too much to ask for? What do you think? What happens at your house?
What are your thoughts??

Logan's reward

2011-02-10T05:47:00.001-08:00

About 6 months ago (it may have actually been over a year ago, I don't remember) Logan started wanting to sleep in our bed instead of in his. When he would come and get in our bed in the middle of the night we he would toss and turn and kick. This was not going to work!!!

I had to come up with something. My friend Jenny told me about this great plan as we were standing in the produce department at the grocery store, that was how desperate I was:) Anyway, she suggested having Logan sleep in his bed for x amount of nights and then he could sleep anyway he wanted for one night. Well, that has been a success for us and lots of fun for Logan. He has slept in a tent, on his floor in a sleeping bag, on our floor, in our bed, but his favorite is when we turn his bed into a "couch." He has bunk beds and the bottom part is like a futon. We keep a normal mattress on it so it is more comfortable on a nightly basis. But when he earns his reward night we take the mattress off our sofa sleeper and turn his bed into a couch. He thinks it is great and we are never stuck with a little one in our bed. :)

Here he is last night.

The best part was that he didn't get up this morning until 7, wow!!! He is normally wide awake and running by 6, 6:30 at the latest. So it was a great treat!

Just in case you want to know how I do it:

I keep track of his nights on a laminated incentive chart (leftover from my teaching days).

I also keep track of his chores there also. Each chart lasts for 14 days. He earns $3 for completing all of his chores also, but he really doesn't care about the money, only where he gets to sleep on the reward night.

His chores are broken down to the 3 times of the day. In the morning he has to put away his breakfast dishes, brush is teeth, and throw his dirty clothes down the laundry shoot. After lunch he has to put up his dishes, brush his teeth, and clean up his toys before nap. And after dinner is the same, dishes, teeth, toys and laundry. He gets for a check each task so that becomes lots of checks during the day, which can be kind of annoying but okay. It helps him but it really helps me hold him accountable for all of his chores.

What do you at your house???

I am back and going to do a better job, maybe:)

2011-02-05T11:42:00.001-08:00

We have had so much snow this month. It has been really great. Logan loves to go out and play. Parker doesn't like to be out more than 5 mins. So I let Brian take Logan out and then other times I bring snow in for the boys to play with. It is messy but no messier than coming in after being outside.

Some more pics

2010-06-07T19:55:00.001-07:00

Here is the last time we went skating.

We had lots of friends with us, it was a great time.

I love the mom's group, that I now organize. It is so great to have a group of friends that all have kids. I feel really lucky! It is called Mama's Connection (I didn't name it) and it is lots of fun. http://moms.meetup.com/3586/

There is an online calendar that has events planned for most days of the week. I would love for you to check it out. You have to join before you can really see anything. But you can check it out for free for 2 weeks.

I would love to have some of the friends that I don't see often enough join!

I think in the last post I told you that Logan saved all of the money in his bank, for about a year and he was able to take it to the bank and then buy this bike.

This is him riding it for the first time to the park.

The mother's day gifts that Logan made for everyone. It was LOTS of work but I think they turned out really cute. Now I have to be creative and get started on father's day gifts.

Just reading in the car.

My good friend Missy, from High School, got married in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun. I got to see Missy and that was great. I also got to see on of my closest friends in HS, Melanie. We had lots of fun chatting. It was really hard because we left the kids at home and still had to drive back home after the wedding so we weren't able to stay real long. But it was great to catch up for a short amount of time. At the end of this post is what Logan did while we were away. Brian and I had pictures taken in the photo booth there that are really cute, maybe I will scan those at some point and share them. It was really great to spend some time with just Brian, we haven't had enough of that in the past year so that was really great.

Then it was really small world. My friend, Heather, that I taught with in KCK was there. Her husband was the best man. So it was really fun to get to talk with her also, she now lives in the Wichita area.

The last day of school Bnai had a carnival. I was still working so Brian came to school to be with Logan. It was lots of fun!

Parker is moving all over the place. He moves like an inch worm. Up and down but he doesn't mind. He is really fast. When I try to take his picture he heads for the camera. Look at that face of determination.

After I took the above picture of Logan he wanted to take a picture of Parker and mommy. He did pretty, ignore the fact that I hadn't showered:)

Logan's next photo shoot. He set them up and all. 2 of his favorite toys at the moment.

The teddy bear is called Jingle Bear. Brian got it when he was about 2 and he pulled a hot pot of water down onto himself. He was in the hospital and he got the bear. (I think that is is the story)
The dog was given the Parker by my good friend Lisa. Poor Parker, Logan takes all of his things and I have to hide them away. I guess that is how the rest of their lives will be!

I was getting Logan something in the kitchen and I came out and Parker was missing. He saw the soccer ball and he wanted it so he went under the table to get it.

You found me:)

Logan and his Super Hero Popsicle. The small treats in life. (This is what I was getting when Parker crawled under the table and since I took a picture of Parker I always take a picture of Logan too)

Parker and his soccer ball.

Love that face

GG, Aunt BZ, Grandma Karen and Aunt Sarah came over for lunch on my Birthday. It was so nice to have lunch with them.

GG and Logan spent most of the time in Logan's room. GG is in Logan's tent playing with him. He can't get enough of GG. He talked her into reading to him for over an hour, I think they read at least 13 books before bedtime.

Look at Parker's two bottom teeth!

We bought Logan a new pool this year so that way each boy could have their own. The first swim with Parker the water was really cold and he HATED it!. This time I was thinking and filled the water up before nap and it was nice and warm by the time they got to swim. Parker loved it, as you can see.

So did Logan. He liked the fact that he got lots of water and got to be in the sun.

This may be my favorite picture!
Enjoy the wild hair because I just cut it last night so I will post those pictures soon, once I get them uploaded.

Logan said "Parker come play in my pool" The next thing I know Parker is moving to the side of the pool and pulls himself up (1st time ever) onto the side of the pool and starts to grunt. So I guess he wanted to go get in the pool with Logan. I put him in and he was thrilled! We had a really nice time outside. I love that most of the deck is in the shade in the early afternoon and it is all shaded by late afternoon.

Logan sleeping the car. Sometime I think he is so grown up. And then there are the small moments like this that remind me he is still a little guy.

Brian really wanted a slip n slide for Logan. Logan really enjoyed it. I even got my suit on and had a good old time:)

We had a playdate at our house yesterday and Parker got to have his good buddy Asher over. Asher is a month older than Parker.

They are really starting to try to and check eachother out.

Yesterday we had a playdate at our house with my mom's group. I had 3 pools set up outside along with bubbles, chalk, our sandbox, a soccer goal, and our outside toys. The kids had ice pops and thought it was a great time. After we were outside for over an hour the kids came in to play. It was so nice. They all played really well. Logan was a bit of a crazy man but all of the other kids were fabulous. We hated for it to end, it was so much fun!

We went to a wedding in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago and my mom and Bob watched the boys, pictures way above. Grandma and Parker stayed at home and Logan and Grandpa went on many adventures. They went golfing, they went to the park and then they went to the mall and Bob let Logan jump. Logan said "it was a teeny bit scary" :)

Pictures, pictures and more pictures

2010-06-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Logan building a sandbox.

Playing in the new sandbox.

Parker taking it all in.

On Wed mornings Skate City has tiny tot skating. It is $5 for a couple hours of skating and a snack. We have gone 3 times and Logan really has a great time. This was our second time. He did such a great job. He didn't even want to hold my hand.

He saw the people working skating like this so he wanted to try it out. So funny!

(sorry about the color, my camera got switched to a different setting without me knowing it)

Parker even comes skating with us. I just stick him in the Baby Ktan and we go.

We have a park right down the street from our house. It is so great, we walk there a couple of times a week. Logan bought a bike, he was saving all the money in his piggy bank, and now he rides his bike to the park. Anyway, here he is playing at the park.

Logan walking into his new school. This wasn't the first day but I wanted to get some sort of picture of him. He is such a big guy. He did great at first with the adjustment. Then for about 2 weeks he would cry every time I left him. But then one day he said he was done crying and he did great every other day after that. It was really hard for him to understand that I was at school but not with him.

The Easter Bunny had to go to the Disney Store so we all took a trip to the mall. I snuck into the Disney store and then we hung out at the mall for awhile. There was a new arcade that opened and Brian just had to go in. So he and Logan had a blast.

Parker just hung out. He is a really easy guy, he just goes along with our crazy life!

Then they rode the carousel.

And we just watched:) Look at that smile!

Parker's big brother is pretty cute also!

Easter was so much fun this year. Logan thought it was the best thing ever to find eggs...

and a Buzz Lightyear.

Parker got a thing to chew on, what more could he ask for:)

Logan got a Buzz for Easter and Parker got a teething toy. Hey they were both happy! Maybe when Parker looks back at these picture he will feel slighted, sorry!

Funny faces

Cute guys, Logan is the best big brother

Parker's car seat because the a helping tool to carry things:)

"Wrestle Mania" Logan has a rule that he can only wrestle with dad or Uncle Andrew. Logan tries to wrestle with them at any chance he can get.

Parker was coming in to check out the action.

Parker with GG on Easter

At one school Logan made an Easter basket at the other he made a bowl full of Matzo Ball Soup.
For those of you that don't know I started teaching at a Jewish Temple preschool a couple of months ago. Logan started to go to school there on the days I taught. He really loved it. It is so great to learn all about a new culture and a world of new traditions. Logan comes home and speaks some Hebrew and tells me all about what he has learned for the day. It is a great program and I am so glad to be part of it. In the fall I will work M, W, F mornings. The boys will be able to go to school there those days also. Parker can't go until he is one and walking but that will just be a couple of months. I can't wait for us all to be together. I can say I never thought I would be teaching Preschool, but I LOVE it!

Yummy dinner. Feta burgers made with lamb on homemade bread. A Greek salad and homemade hummus. I have come a long way when it comes to cooking!

My big man. I am making all of his baby food. It is so easy, I can't believe that I didn't make Logan's. I am so lucky that I have friends to encourage me to try new things.

We have to fight with Parker to let us feed him. This is what happens when he wins and get tries to feed himself.

2 months!

2010-05-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

It has been over 2 months since I have posted. YIKES!!!
Life has been nonstop in these past 2 months.
I think I stopped posting right after my computer died. I still have pictures on it that need to be posted, hopefully that will get done soon. I am so glad I got up to date with my last post.
I started teaching Preschool and that has kept me super busy. I just finished school so I will get caught up again.
I can't wait to tell you all about my cooking, I am having lots of fun.
Update with lots of photos, Parker is such a big guy, 7 months old now.
And I want to find out how you all balance your life, I am in need of some balance.
I have got to spend time cleaning my house, it is out of control, but then I will get back on and post some pictures and some other fun stuff soon, I hope.

Cakes over the past 3 years

2010-03-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Logan's first birthday. We had a storybook theme.
We ordered this cake from a bakery and paid $75 for it. YIKES!!!! Yeah it is cute but we realized we could make a cake for alot less and it would still be cute.

2nd Birthday. Our first cake that Brian and I carved and decorated together. A new tradition was started.

Game board themed 3rd Birthday (not our best)

Logan's first friend party
Simple cake but still fun.

What a fun 3 years

Today and yesterday pics

2010-03-27T12:56:00.001-07:00

Parker has been dying to feed himself so I gave him a piece of toast. I don't think he ate but two bits but it kept him busy during dinner

Logan wanted to get in bed with Parker

Mud

2010-03-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Paker and Logan

2010-03-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

It snowed about 7 inches on March 20th, the day of Logan's party

Logan said "mom, I can be the babysitter"

Logan's Birthday party with his friends

2010-03-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

The cake

I did story books as party favors. I bought 2 different books for the siblings.

I put a thank you and a picture inside each book

The big kids of the group!

We had a storyteller come and tell stories and sing for the kids. Logan really enjoyed it.

Gillian and Amelia

Michael, Violet and Anna

Danielle and Nico

Logan really enjoys Abby. Abby is an older woman, she is 5:)

Funky dancing

Violet with Stuart's tie on

Gotta love how helpful each mom is. (Once again I feel truly blessed to have good friends)

A really neat gift. Anna searched for a story book that had Logan in the title. I will have to think about that for our next party we attend!

The girls were loving Logan's bed:)

New helmet. We found out that Logan has a huge head. This helmet is a size 8 youth. My big guy!!!

Just normal stuff

2010-03-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Logan with his good friend Tanner at the JOCO museum

Logan and Emily at the museum

Parker

Logan really needs a sandbox

St. Patrick's Day Playdate

2010-03-27T10:40:00.001-07:00

My friend Sarah hosts the best parties EVER!!! She always has a theme and goes wild! She has art projects and snacks that go right with the theme. This time she even had bead neckleses and braclets for the kids. I wasn't very good at taking pictures but I did snap a few. This is Logan with his friend Violet.

Voliet really loves Parker. It is amazing because when we first met her she was Parker's about age.

Brian about died when he came home and saw the outfit that Parker was wearing. We were all out of green items so this is what I found.

Here is Logan wearing the outfit almost 3 years ago, and Brian hated it then:)

GG bought it for Logan and it was passed down to Parker.

The boys

2010-03-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Logan and our good friend Cayden

Logan got this great bubble blowing lawn mower. He thinks it is GREAT!!! Grandma Laura bought Logan a shirt from the Disney Store and it was too small so we traded it for the lawnmower. GREAT TRADE!!!

Cutie man

My gym

2010-03-27T10:22:00.001-07:00

With the mom's group I organize we went to My Gym for a free play date.

It was great because it was only our group. We had a wonderful time, even Parker was having fun!

I feel so lucky to have this great support system!

St. Patrick's day Parade

2010-03-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

We got all bundled up and went to the Martin City Parade.

Logan got a hat and beads along with lots of candy.

He was tipping his hat to everyone that went by

Sunday game night

2010-03-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Logan loves games. For his birthday we suggested that games would make great gifts. He got some great games!!! So we started Sunday game night. We have had so much fun

Look at Parker really working hard:)

(Simpson's operation was a game that Brian was given MANY years ago)

Logan swimming

2010-03-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Logan has been begging to swim. Right as the snow started melting he was ready to swim. It was maybe 50 degrees outside so I said "if he could put on his swim suit and go outside and think it was still warm he could swim." Well not only did he put on his swimsuit all by himself he also put on his swim diaper, I got to tell him that this year those won't be needed any more. YAY!!! Anyway, Logan went out side and thought it felt GREAT. So I looked for our pool. It was way up high in the garage so I couldn't reach it. So we dumped out his toy bucket and took it outside. Instead of dragging the hose to the bucket I filled the bucket up on the side of the house and lugged it back to the deck. (The hose hangs at the front of the house and turns on and off at the back of the house) So I get the bucket to Logan and then I think I need to run and get the camera to document swimming at the beginning of March. So I take some photos.

Logan gets in

Thinks it is freezing

and we end up inside in a nice warm bath to swim.

An hour or so later Brian came home and I I left to go tutor. As I was driving down the street I noticed that there was water running all down the side walk, I thought to myself and I remembered I forgot to turn off the hose. YIKES!!!! I called Brian and he turned it off for me. That is what happens when you have too many things going on at once:) Good thing it started to rain mins later and by the time most of our neighbors got home from work they probably didn't know that I had tried to flood the sidewalk:)

P-man

2010-03-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

After Bath

2010-03-27T09:21:00.001-07:00

It still fits! We just unpacked this towel with the baby things and Logan was thrilled to wear it. Logan in July of 07. This towel was given to him by Aunt Lisa (my good friend from Middle school on)

Look at that crazy hair!!!

Paker's first bites

2010-03-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

Logan's first bites on July 07

Logan's Birthday

2010-03-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Aunt Linda and Parker

Tool set from the Wogs

Fun TRIO toys from Grandma and Grandpa and Uncles

Really great Pooh word game and puzzle from Aunt Linda and Uncle Roy

Gator golf from Uncle Brandon and Aunt Sarah

Not the best cake we have ever made but it tasted good

and Logan was happy

Uncle Brandon, Aunt Sarah and Parker

(Aunt Sarah will be having a baby boy in July. It is going to be so fun for the boys to have a cousin to play with. My brothers are too young to have kids and Brian's sister Chris and her husband Nick are waiting)

Grandma Laura and her boyfriend Guy

Logan, me and GG (my grandma) GG is one of Logan's favorite people!!!!!

GG and Grandpa Kieth

The boys

2010-03-27T08:22:00.001-07:00

Why you should strap your child in:) He doesn't look happy in this picture but he was really enjoying himself

Happy man

Baking some muffins for Dad

Parker was chewing on a hammer so Logan had to join in the fun:)

Logan is the best big brother, always playing with Parker.

Valentines' Day

2010-03-27T07:50:00.001-07:00

Big guys

2010-02-13T12:43:00.001-08:00

Sledding at grandma's house

Parker just hanging out

Please mute the video because I am talking but look at my big guy jumping!!! I can't believe Logan will be 3 in a couple of weeks and Parker will be 4 months old. Time Flies!!!

Picture Updates

2010-02-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Brian pretending to sleep. Look at Parker's grouchy face:)

Logan playing cars. Look how cool he looks with his headset on.

Cutie man!

My boys

Getting Valentine's put together for school.

Logan gave Parker all of these toys. That is Logan's new game, when Parker wakes up he goes in and gives him every toy he can get his hands on. Parker doesn't know what to think about it.

Logan enjoying the snow. This was this weekend when it was warmer and snowy. Now it is really cold and snowy.

Brian shoveling the drive

and Logan using his shovle to help

On Saturday I got to meet up with some sorority sisters and their kids. Chrissy had us over to her fabulous house to play. It was so great to see Chrissy and Kelly and their kids. It is crazy to think that we are all moms.

Chrissy and Jacob, her youngest son was sleeping

Kelly and Hayden

New Job!!!

2010-02-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

Since Logan was born (almost 3 years ago) I have had some different jobs. I got to just stay at home, nothing else, for the first 6 months of Logan's life, while we were in Indiana. When we moved back I worked as a Reading Teacher from 9-1 (something like that) and Logan went to a wonderful mom that lived right by the school. In Jan of that year Gwen asked if I could come back and help watch her kids after school. So I would pick up Logan and we would head to Gwen's house. He would take a nap while I got her house straightened up and then we would go pick up Aden and Jason from school. By the time we got back from school Brian would be there to pick up Logan. I would work until about 6 or 7 every night. So in a year I went from staying at home and enjoying just my family to working from 9-7. I realized I couldn't do that much longer so I went to work for just Gwen the following school year. It was the PERFECT job when I had just Logan. I love her kids and after 9 years of being with them I feel like we are all family. But then Parker came along and there was no way I could do everything with both kids. So for the past 3 months I have been tutoring Jason, watching the kids whenever the other babysitter is sick or busy and I have even had the kids while their parents are out of town. So I claim to be staying at home right now but I am still working alot these days.

As Logan is getting ready to start Preschool next year I have been thinking about what he needs to help prepare him as a student. What skills will he learn in preschool and what can I do at home that is age appropriate. I went and bought 2 preschool curriculum books just to see what they said. I really enjoyed learning all about the early development of kids and I started thinking that maybe preschool would be the next step back into a classroom for me. I spoke with Logan's Parents Day Out teacher and she said I should really check into it. I really started to like the idea and thought that next school year Parker will almost be 1 and he can join me at a school at the end of Oct. So I really started to like that idea.

I was at Gillian's house for an after the holidays party. I was telling Gillian that it was my next step to go and talk to the Preschool director at Logan's school to see if she had any openings for the fall. Jen (a friend of Gillian's) was right there and overheard me say this. She works at a Preschool and they are hiring many new teachers for the fall. So I met with Rachel, the director, and she hired me on the spot. I need to have a class only 3 days a week so both of the boys can be with me, Parker can only go 3 days a week. So I told her once she gets it all figured out I will teach whatever she wants me to teach just as long as it is on days that work with Parker's days of school. Anyway, we left it at that and I was excited. Mom is going to help out with Parker until he is one and then I will take both boys with me. I will be working M, W, F from 9-12:15. So 9 hours a week will be just enough to get me out of the house and start with a new teaching path.
The downfall about preschool is that the pay isn't much at all and it is expensive to have the kids there. So it will be great to go back to work but I won't be making any money. I will be more or less working so my kids can go to school. So you ask why would I work??? Well, I figure if I wasn't working next year I would still be putting Logan in school and paying for that and soon I would have Parker going 1 day a week, just so he can get used to being away from me. So I would be spending the money no matter what, so it will be like a trade, I will work for my kids to go to school. So that was the plan!

But as the world works the plans changed a little bit. A PreK (4 year old) teacher quit as of Monday. They were able to work it out so that one of the teachers could move her students around to other classrooms and she could move up and teach the 4 year olds M, W, F. That left them without a teacher for Tuesday and Thursday. So that is where the new job comes in. I will be teaching the 4 year olds on Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12:15 until school is out. I went to check it out yesterday and it is a whole new world for me but I am looking forward to it. Logan will be going to school there those two days in addition to his Parents Day out on Mondays. He went yesterday and LOVED it! Parker will be staying with my mom, the most wonderful person EVER, on those 2 days. (My mom is not only a grandma she still is mothering my 2 high school aged brothers so any time she offers to help is just amazing!!!)

So long okay REALLY long story short I will be teaching Preschool as of tomorrow at B'Nai Jehudah http://www.bnaijehudah.org/preschool.asp. YIKES!!!!!! Oh yeah, I didn't mention that is is a Jewish Temple school, so I also have to learn all about their religion and traditions. Sometimes I wonder what I get myself into:)

I am still unsure of what I will be doing next year but this will give me a good idea of what it to come.

Look-alike Meter

2010-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

This is really funny because people always say Logan looks just like Brian.

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2010-02-05T10:41:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2010-02-05T10:23:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family tree template - Blank family tree

Parker, Parker and more Parker

2010-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Our 3 month old

Our cutie!

Fun filled days

2010-02-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

We woke up Tuesday morning to a dead/ almost dead fish in Logan's fish tank. He was crying and laughing at all the same time. He was really sad to say goodbye to the fish but thought it was really funny to get to flush it down the toilet. BOYS!!!! We made some muffins after that to get our mind on other things. He hasn't said anything about the fish since that morning. I wonder how long the other fish will last. We have had these fish for about a year, pretty long for some goldfish. My baby is already learning about life, everything is better after baking:)

Kidscape

2010-02-05T09:21:00.001-08:00

After Funky Mama we stayed at the Johnson County Museum and Logan played in the Kidscape area. He loved the theater section.

Funky Mama

2010-02-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Logan attended his first Funky Mama concert. You can check her out at http://www.funkymamamusic.com/ She is local mom that performs all over the place. We will have to go to another concert soon. Logan was having a blast!!!!

Showing his muscles

I was so amazed. He went right with his friends and was dancing up a storm. I was standing out in the hallway area watching the whole thing. It was really crowded and Parker was sleeping in his car seat so we watched from afar and enjoyed every minute of it.

Brotherly Love

2010-02-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

What more could I ask for?

StrollerFit Friends

2010-01-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

This is some of the StrollerFit kiddos. Most of these kids we have known for a year and a half.

Our boys have been there since the start. Logan and I joined the class a month after Gillian had started teaching. Logan is a year younger than the other two boys but he doesn't realize it.

These two cuties were just babies when we started!

Same with these guys. These boys are ready to join in with the big boys as they turn 2.

It has been so fun to watch our kids grow up together. I am so thankful that I found such a great way to work out!!!

Thursday GG, Grandpa Kieth, Aunt Dorothy (Grandpa Kieth's sister in law), and Grandma all came over for lunch. Grandma bought the boys their cute matching outfits.

It was really great to spend time with family!!!!

Amazing:

Last week I had a bad headache, it got really bad on Thursday night. Last night the same thing happened, around 8 my head was hurting so bad I was starting to feel sick to my stomach. Today at class I saw Alyssa, the amazing Chiropractor. She "read" what my body was saying and then barley touched my head above my eye and the pressure was gone. She is the most amazing person!!!

Here is her info if you ever need some magic worked http://www.dralyssaonline.com/

They grow so fast

2010-01-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

Parker is now 3 months old!!!

Parker is rolling and moving all over the place. He was on his back and turned all the way around (like 180 degrees around)

And then was stuck and calling for help.

Logan has been a really great big brother!

We went back to Little Monkey Bizness Friday with our mom's group. When we got there it wasn't very busy so I got some pictures of all of the fun Logan was having.

I am going to start taking more pictures of Parker and I like this:)

The other day Logan got a new box to play with. Saturday I gave Logan his water colors to paint the box. I was doing something in the kitchen and Logan came in and told me Parker was a cow. Yes, a cow. I was really confused until I walked in and saw that Logan painted Parker's face to make him a "cow." As you can tell Parker didn't care at all!!!! I can already see what life will be like as they get older and get into more trouble.

Here is the artist himself, with his painted hands and the box behind him. He was so proud:)

Sunday the boys were playing on the sleeping bag. Parker was loving it as much as Logan was.

Two of the other fun shirts that Kelly gave them, I still have to write Thank yous, YIKES!!!

My life with the boys!!! I am out numbered but I love my boys.

Sunday afternoon all of my boys were sleeping and we had a Birthday party to attend. I decided I would go by myself. It was so nice. Chloe turned 3 and it was a wonderful party. It was great to see friends and not have to worry about my children:) Teresa made these adorable bags filled with great party favors. I couldn't believe she made them, they are so cute!!!!

She made tiny cupcakes, medium cupcakes and huge cupcake cakes. She sent Brian and Logan home a piece. I better get on planning Logan's party because my friends are too creative!!!

Snuggling with my boys on Sunday night

Brian pulled out the pacifier the other day and Parker couldn't get enough of it. He has really been sucking on his hands so this is a nice alternative to that.

Sometimes when he is laying down playing he gets his head and some of his shoulders off the floor as if he is trying to sit up. That is when the bumbo works out so well. He sits in it and plays and he will also listen to me read. He really enjoys looking at pictures in books, I don't remember Logan liking it like this, but who knows???

Parker is full of funny expressions.

Logan is full of funny games and loves using his imagination these days. He was walking around like a cat and meowing, he said the boots were his paws.

He plays with his food these days. I don't even mind, I love hearing all about the stories he is telling with it. I know I should stop him but I love him using his imagination!!!!

Sleep updates. Parker is no longer sleeping for 8 hour periods, he is now only sleeping for 6 hours, then eats, then four hours and eats and then 4 more hours and then awake.

Logan is sleeping all night long again. He was waking up around 2 every night and screaming and crying. I think it was because he had to go to the bathroom. He was always waking up with a dry pull up on. We actually had stopped using pull-ups for awhile until Christmas. We stayed in Atchison for Christmas and we didn't want to worry about any accidents so we put him back in a pull up for bedtime. After that he still wasn't having any wet nights but he was waking up and didn't want to go to the bathroom but I am sure that was why he was awake and crying. Sure enough once he went he was fine and would go right back to bed. He then had two nights of wetting the bed so we went back to the pull ups. Now he has been sleeping all night long and waking up with a wet pull up. It is good to know that he can wake up and go to the bathroom. But I also really enjoy not having to wake up with him in the middle of the night in addition to waking with Parker. I may start to wake Logan up after I get Parker back to bed and see if that helps out. But if I had to chose, I would chose a wet pull up to him waking me up in the night, is that bad?????

Free Nursing Cover

2010-01-28T04:50:00.000-08:00

I just got this email and wanted to share. I ordered a cover for me, the black one:) Shipping was $10, not so bad at all. I also ordered Sarah one of the gift sets, the one in brown and that totaled $15. So if you are wanting a nursing cover I feel like this is a good deal, I would never spend
$32 then plus the $10 shipping.

"We wanted to say thanks for being one of our Planning Family members and give you a promo code for a free $32 nursing cover at uddercovers.com (if you're not currently breastfeeding they make great baby shower and holiday gifts)! We have made an arrangement with www.uddercovers.com so you can get one nursing cover (regular price $32) free. You just pay the shipping. The code is "Family2010". Go to uddercovers.com, click on "Shop Now", select the product you would like (they also have 3 piece gift sets available with this promotion) and you will automatically be directed to the center of the page where you can enter in the promo code! Type in "Family2010" and it will pull up the ones available. They are selling out fast. You can use the code more than once - you just have to open a new browser/window to do so. Good Luck! This promotion gives you a $32.00 discount off your total order no matter what you put in your cart! This promotion code is valid once per transaction, so you can order as many times as you would like!
Thanks again,Planning Family"

Busy busy busy

2010-01-20T11:26:00.001-08:00

We went to Little Monkey Bizness last Friday. Logan was running around and having a great time. I had Parker in the Baby K'tan and I wanted to see if he was happy or not so I took a picture of him so I could see his face:) He was really into watching everything.
Funny thing is that I didn't take a single picture of Logan while he was playing.

On Sunday Logan had his first ice cream cone. Yes it is in the middle of winter, I guess that was good because it didn't melt=) He ate every last bit of it and VERY little was on him afterwards. YUM...ice cream

One of our recent projects. We read The Mitten by Jan Brett. Logan colored each animal as I read about them in the story. We talked about the colors and the names of the animals. Then I cut out the animals and he cut out the mitten and he glued the animals on the mitten in order from the story and he retold the story as we went.

His coloring is really funny these days. He is getting the idea to stay inside the lines so he is taking the less is more approach!

On Monday a friend came over for a playdate and she taught us about having wings on our juice boxes. By pulling up the tabs the kiddos aren't squeezing the box and therefore the juice doesn't get all over the ground. Wonderful idea!!!

In the morning my friend Chrissy, from Kstate, came over with her two boys. We had a good time meeting the boys and playing. In the afternoon my friend Amy, from my workout class and mom's group, came over with her two boys. Her oldest will turn 4 next month, he is almost exactly 1 year older than Logan and her youngest is just a couple days younger than Parker. It was so much fun to share stories with both friends.

This is Tuesday mornings breakfast. Logan wanted a jam sandwich. At school he can't have peanut butter because of a kid's allergies, so he likes to eat jam sandwiches. With school closed on Monday he missed out on his jam sandwich for the week so he requested it for breakfast on Tuesday. He also insisted on spreading the jam on his sandwich all by himself. And just in case you cared he was having strawberry and blackberry jam, 2 types make up for the lack of peanut butter.

Tuesday morning we went to Matt Ross for Toddle Time. I meet up with two of my mom's group friends and we had a great time chatting while the kids played. We did follow our kids closely, we weren't the moms that were just talking instead of watching the kids.
This open gym was very different than the ones we have been to at other community centers. This had more imaginative play items. They had dress up vests, puppets, blocks, puzzles, tunnels, hula hoops, bean bags, balls, floam (the stuff Logan is playing with below), some Cozy Coupe cars and some of the big red balls to bounce on that have the handles. Anyway, it was a nice time. The things that Logan really spent a lot of time playing with was the sit n spin and the floam. Gotta love his tongue sticking out in the above picture.

It is so great when you can get out and really enjoy your time. There weren't many big kids running around crazy. Most of the moms were all watching their kids closely. I look forward to going back again soon.

Tuesday night I had an amazing workout. Gillian started a new class that combines a sculpt class with a Pilate's type class. It was a great workout and I had great friends to share it with.

This morning I had StrollerFit and it was tough to do another workout but I am ready to step it up and really push myself.

The rest of the day we just relaxed at home, it was much needed we have been busy!

Parker is still sleeping like a champ. He is even rolling from his back to his tummy and then back over. He is a wiggle worm!

Tonights dinner

Foil-Pack Bruschetta Chicken Bake

prep time 10 min
total time 50 min
makes 6 servings

What You Need!
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.)
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Make It!
HEAT oven to 400ºF.
COMBINE tomatoes, stuffing mix and garlic just until stuffing mix is moistened.
PLACE 1 chicken breast on center of each of 6 large sheets of heavy-duty foil sprayed with cooking spray; top with basil, stuffing mixture and cheese. Bring up foil sides; double fold top and ends to seal each packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Place in 15x10x1-inch pan.
BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF). Cool 5 min. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening packets.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
No heavy-duty foil on hand? Just use double-layer sheets of regular foil instead.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/foil-pack-bruschetta-chicken-bake-115294.aspx

Tomato Cream Soup

2010-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Oh-So-Easy Tomato Cream Soup Recipe
4 Servings
Prep/Total Time: 20 min.
Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (I used whole tomatoes because that was what I had here and I also added an 8 oz can of tomato sauce to make it less creamy)
1 package (8 ounces) Kraft Philadelphia® - Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil (I used dried basil because it was here)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan; heat through. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts: about 1 cup equals 292 calories, 24 g fat (15 g saturated fat), 75 mg cholesterol, 642 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein.
From Taste of Home

It was really easy and good. I served it with grilled cheese sandwiches, a nice and easy meal for the night:)

Yummy dinners

2010-01-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

Mini Greek Turkey Burgers with Cucumber Sauce
Crusty French loaf bakes up beautifully as fresh, warm sandwich buns to hold little burgers topped with a tangy cucumber-yogurt sauce.
Prep Time:
35 Min
Total Time:
35 Min
Makes:
6 servings

INGREDIENTS
1
can (11 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crusty French loaf
8
oz fat-free plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt (3/4 cup)
1/4
cup finely diced peeled cucumber
1/4
teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4
teaspoon lemon juice
Dash salt
Dash pepper
1
lb lean ground turkey
2
small cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4
cup finely diced red onion
1/4
cup finely chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1
teaspoon seasoned salt
1
teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4
teaspoon salt
1
tablespoon Crisco® 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Pure Olive Oil
1
block (6 oz) reduced-fat feta cheese, cut into 6 (2x1 1/2x1/2-inch thick) pieces
6
lettuce leaves
DIRECTIONS
1.
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. Cut loaf of dough crosswise into 6 pieces to make buns. Place buns, seam sides down and 2 inches apart, on cookie sheet. Cut 2 (1/2-inch-deep) slashes in top of each bun. Bake 19 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
2.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, dill weed, lemon juice and dash of salt and pepper; refrigerate.
3.
In medium bowl, mix turkey, garlic, onion, parsley, seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon of the oil. Shape mixture into 12 patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Place one piece of cheese on each of 6 patties; top with remaining patties. Pinch edges to seal well.
4.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Add patties; cook 5 minutes on each side. Increase heat to medium-high; cook 3 minutes each side or until burgers have dark brown, caramelized appearance and thermometer inserted in center of turkey (not cheese) reads 165°F.
5.
Cut buns horizontally in half. Place 1 tablespoon yogurt sauce on bottom of each bun; top with lettuce leaf, burger and top of bun. Secure each sandwich with toothpick; serve with remaining sauce. If desired, serve with Green Giant® frozen green beans & almonds, prepared as directed on the box.
http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=47271

*Brian is not a fan of turkey burgers and he was really complaining about this meal until he tasted it and he couldn't stop talking about it all night long*

Healthified Chicken and Broccoli-Parmesan Pasta

Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:30 min
makes:6 Servings
8
ounces dried whole wheat or multigrain penne pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
3
cups Fresh Broccoli, cut into florets
1
pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1
teaspoon adobo seasoning
2
tablespoons olive oil
1
clove garlic, minced
1/4
cup light mayonnaise
1/8
teaspoon black pepper
2
tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
1.
In a Dutch oven cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain well. Return to hot Dutch oven.
2.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine chicken pieces and adobo seasoning; toss to coat. In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add chicken; cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
3.
Add chicken to drained pasta and broccoli in Dutch oven. Stir in mayonnaise and pepper. Cook over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
4.
To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Use frozen broccoli instead of fresh.
http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/recipes/healthified/healthified-chicken-and-broccoli-parmesan-pasta.aspx

Adobo Seasoning Recipe
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup sweet paprika
3 tablespoons ground black pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine 1/4 cup sweet paprika, 3 tablespoons ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican), 2 tablespoons ground cumin,1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
http://www.chow.com/recipes/10555

*Brian also complains whenever I use whole wheat pasta but this time he thought it was great. I had to cook the pasta longer than the box said it needed to be cooked so I added the broccoli too soon and it was over cooked so watch out for that. I also added more Parmesan than it called for. Some people said that they use low fat cream cheese instead of mayo so that would be good to try. This was a big hit also*

Just one of those days!

2010-01-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Logan's train. He is really into playing with Parker's toys.

Silly face

What mom?

Parker went down for a nap and Logan and I headed outside. It is in the 40's now so it is great to get out before all of the snow melts.

We have been reading about snowmen and Logan has become obsessed with the idea of making one.

I have made maybe one snowman in my life. So I am not the best teacher/ helper. But we made it work:)

The eyes are grape tomatoes, the nose is a baby carrot and the mouth is a peach slice. Like I said I was making it work!!!
Logan thought it was the best thing ever.

We had a snowball fight, snow races, and then the poor snowman got smashed. BOYS!!!!

We came in to have a picnic lunch. I made a yummy grilled cheese sandwich with some soup and Logan had some chex mix with it all. Ignore the fact that the house is a mess and Logan is still in his PJ's! We are having one of those days, it is great.

I am pretty uptight about having things cleaned up. But right now there is a sink full of dishes, the dinning room table has play dough toys all over it, the living room has toys spread from one side to the other and our snow clothes are all over my bedroom floor. But yet I sit here during nap time and type. It is just one of those days and I LOVE it=)

Too cute!!

2010-01-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Parker slept for another 8 hours last night, for a 3rd night in a row. He is going to bed around 8 pm and waking up around 4am. He eats and then sleeps until about 8am. I have been thinking back to Logan. When I was pregnant with him I would wake up at 1, 3, and 5 to go to the bathroom. When he was born he would wake up at 1, 3, and 5 for the longest time to eat. When I was pregnant with Parker I would only wake up around 3:30 and now he wakes up at 4. Do you think the baby establishes that pattern or does the mom??? Just a thought for the day. So Kelly bought Parker these cute shirts. It worked out really well because she bought all different sizes. Two of them are 4T so Logan can wear them now. In this picture Parker has on a 18 month shirt, it is too big but not that big.

Don't they look so cute in their fun shirts and jeans and sneakers. Look at Parker's big guys shoes. Whoever said dressing boys up isn't fun was wrong, I really enjoy my boys.

We are nowhere even close to be thinking about another child but we are thinking about not having any more children. What do you think? When do you make the decision for the guy to go in and take care of the situation for good? Brian would go tomorrow if I gave the go ahead. But I would hate to want another kiddo in 4 years. However, I think 2 is a good number. We are very happy with 2 boys. I have been very lucky with my pregnancies but there is a chance that something could go really wrong with my platelets next time. So many things to think about. What do you think?

Talking away

2010-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Our cutie little guy just talking away=)

So busy!!!!

2010-01-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

My old classroom calendar is now in Logan's room. We count the days and talk about the days of the week and the month. It is something fun to get him ready for Preschool.
My friend Nicole gave me a great idea. I am going to make a fishing game with letters. I will post when I get it all done and see how it works.

I started this new sticker system with Logan and it is working GREAT! He gets a sticker every time he brushes his teeth, puts his plate in the sink and throws his trash away, picks up toys and puts dirty clothes in the laundry. It is also really helping me hold him accountable for his small daily chores.

Parker got this "book" for Christmas from my Aunt BZ and he really likes to stare at it.

One of Logan's art projects. I love his tongue sticking out:)

I found a great new website with some good free activities. There are even more that you have to pay for but you can take their ideas and make your own. http://www.twigglemagazine.com/

Then I let him cut on the dotted line, YIKES!!!!

But I thought he did a pretty good job.

He is getting bigger every day!!! Today at StrollerFit he even rolled from his tummy to his back. I am truly loving life with two kids. We are at a really good point in life right now:) Parker slept for 8 hours straight the past 2 nights=)

Sometimes when Parker is laying down he gets his head up and part of his shoulders as if he were trying to sit up. I thought 2 months old was way too young for the Bumbo but he really likes it. He doesn't get much time in it but he really enjoys sitting like a big guy. (Logan enjoys sitting in it too)

I no longer ever leave Parker any where but on the floor. He is moving all over the place these days. He started out laying straight on that and he got himself all turned in a matter of minutes. He is growing so fast. His outfit is even a 6-12 month one and it fits just right, he is not even 3 months old yet!!!!

A fun art project that I got from my friend Allison http://www.thestoryof5.com/. "All you need is chalk, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water (for each chalk.) Put in a bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes or so and it kind of becomes like watercolors."

Logan really enjoyed coloring with the chalk. He was making a rainbow.

Gwen had small get together for me so people could celebrate Parker. This is my Aunt BZ (MaryBeth) and her daughter Sarah. Sarah is "Aunt" Sarah to my boys because we have grown up like sisters. She surprised us on Christmas with the news that she is going to have a little baby that is due in July. I am hoping for a boy that way I can get rid of all my baby stuff and know if I ever need it back it will be close=) I am so excited that we will have kids close in age. My brothers better not have kids for many years and I don't know about Brian's sister and brother in law. So Sarah's kids will be just like 1st cousins, I hope.

Carrie (Gwen's neighbor helped out with it all), Danielle and Kelly (mom's group friends)

Nicole (StrollerFit and mom's group friend) and Christina (my sister in law)

Brian's mom, Laura, and Christina with cutie man Parker

Gwen and I

Anna (StrollerFit and mom's group friend) walked Parker to sleep and he slept for a long time in his car seat. What a great baby!!!

Sarah and I =)

Notice how tall she is compared to me, we are both barefoot, and let me say she is 4 years younger than I am.

Kelly got Parker 4 super fun shirts. Batman, Superman, Pink Floyd and Kiss. They are all different sizes, which is fabulous. Today Logan is wearing the Pink Floyd shirt and Parker has on the Batman, pictures to come.

I think the gifts that I have been given for Parker have been so much fun. With Logan I needed everything and this time around all of the gifts are fun and creative and all a surprise since I didn't register for anything. It is so much fun!!! Thank you to all of my amazing friends and family for spoiling us all.

A really fun Andy Warhol board book from Danielle.

Laura gave Parker this outfit. Brian's grandfather, Bela, played baseball for a minor team, maybe the cubs or a Chicago team of some sort. (Brian doesn't know the story. ) Brian's middle name is Samuel so we named Parker after Brian. However, Brian was named Samuel for his grandfather's family... so Parker ended up being named after Bela so Laura thought this was a fun outfit. I don't think that really all makes sense so please just smile and nod.

My mom was there but she had a tennis match so she had to leave early so she is missing from the pictures.

Some new good recipes.

Healthified Chicken Curry with Couscous

Time:10 min
Start to Finish:30 min
makes:6 Servings
Nonstick cooking spray
1
large onion, chopped
2
teaspoons curry powder
1 1/3
cups water
2/3
cup whole wheat couscous
2
cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 12 ounces)
1
cup Frozen Bagged Sweet Peas
1
large red sweet pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2
cup light mayonnaise
3
tablespoons bottled mango chutney
1.
Lightly coat an unheated large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion is crisp-tender. Stir in curry powder; cook for 1 minute more. Add the water and couscous to skillet; bring to boiling. Stir in chicken, peas, sweet pepper, mayonnaise, and chutney; return to boiling. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/recipes/healthified/healthified-chicken-curry-with-couscous.aspx

We all really enjoyed this meal

Then Logan and I made a sweet treat. He is smashing the graham crackers.

Fudgy Chocolate Chip-Toffee Bars

INGREDIENTS
1/2
cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
2
cups graham cracker crumbs (32 squares)
1
bag (8 oz) Heath® Bits 'O Brickle® toffee bits (1 1/2 cups)
1
roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
1
bag (12 oz) Hershey’s® semi-sweet chocolate baking chips (2 cups)
1
can (14 oz) Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1
tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1
teaspoon vanilla
DIRECTIONS
1.
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
2.
In medium bowl, stir 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 1/2 cups of the cracker crumbs and 3/4 cup of the toffee bits. Press mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until firm.
3.
Meanwhile, let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften. In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, milk and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Spread mixture over cracker crust.
4.
In medium bowl, break up cookie dough. Mix in remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs with wooden spoon until well blended. Crumble mixture evenly over chocolate layer. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup toffee bits.
5.
Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For a firmer bar, refrigerate 30 minutes longer. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.

http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=47194

(there are coupons on the website too)

These were also a hit, very messy but good!!!

My happy guy:)

It finally has warmed up here. By warmed up I mean it is no longer in the single digits or even below zero. This day it was in the 20's and we thought it was warm, okay warmer. We have about 13 + inches of snow on our back deck and Logan was having a blast.

This is Parker still in his carseat inside just as happy as can be watching Logan playing. (We picked Logan up from school on Monday and went straight outside. I hated moving Parker out of his carseat because he was so happy)

Gwen gave Parker this great bear rug. Now you won't see him on the wood floor, as much. He was really enjoying how soft it was.

Carrie gave Parker some great new lotion and baby products so I was getting him all lotioned up:)

He was playing and really happy. I was helping Logan with something and then I came back into the living room and here he was...

fast asleep. I was even able to move him to his bed and he continued to sleep for about 2 hours.

Logan is a really great brother. I notice that when I get upset and stressed so does he and then he acts out. If I stay calm he tends to act better also. For awhile I was getting so uptight about him being loud while Parker was sleeping. Logan reacted by being even louder and slamming doors. So it was a really good lesson for me to see how I need to stay calm and not overreact.

Logan is also growing so fast. I can't believe he is becoming a big boy.

Brian has been working 12 hours days so it has just been me and the boys. I am so proud of Brian for working so hard but we do miss him.

It feels so much better now that it has warmed up. I hated having school cancelled on Wed and Friday because that meant that StrollerFit was canceled and I really missed working out. This Monday's class was killer and I was still sore for today's class and today's was super tough also. I love getting such a great workout while I get to spend time with great friends.

Gillian is starting a new class on Tuesday night and another one Thursday morning. It is a scuplt and pilates class and I am really looking forward to the great workout. I am also really excited because some of my friends are signing up for class which means I will get to see them once a week. YAY!!!

Okay, I think that is it for now.

Snow snow go away!!!

2010-01-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

We are still stuck inside!!! On Monday we went to StrollerFit and had an amazing workout, I was sore for days. On Tuesday I went to the store and we took Brian lunch. Since then we have been stuck inside. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday all the schools were closed so StrollerFit was closed on Wed and Fri. (This is the first time EVER that I have been sad to see school canceled!!!) We had a playdate planned for Friday afternoon and that was canceled because no one wanted to get out of the house.
So we have been stuck inside!!!! My camera has been in my purse, which has been in my van, that is in the garage, and the garage is super cold so we don't have pictures for this post. YIKES!!!
Good news: Parker is doing a great job sleeping in his bed. Last night he slept for 5 1/2 hours straight. YAY!!!
The good part about being home and having a sleeping child is that I have gotten many projects done here. I got the entire basement reorganized and sorted through. I have been opening up cabinets and closets and resorting. I got my calendar from my classroom and got it set up in Logan's room. We have been doing calendar daily.
My parents gave us their own printer/scanner/ fax so once I figure it all out I am going to scan some old photos to share. There are some really good ones, Alyssa inspired me:) I am getting ready to make a chore chart with stickers. I also have some art projects I want to get started on for Parker's room. I think I am also going to get some pictures printed to update the frames around here.
That is what we have been doing while we have been stuck inside. Have you been stuck inside? If so what have you been doing to keep busy?

Stuck inside!

2010-01-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Snow, snow, and more snow. It is so cold outside we can't even go out and enjoy the snow. So we have been stuck inside for most of the week. We have made some trips to Grandma's house and we all went to St. Joesph,MO but other than that we have been stuck inside. Parker found his thumb the other day and was LOVING it. He hasn't found it again but he always has his hands in his mouth so we will see.
I love the idea of a self soothing thumb sucker but I was a thumb sucker and didn't kick the habit until I was way too old to be sucking my thumb.

Parker has also been rolling over to his side from his back all of the time. (Ignore the fact that he is just rolling around on the hardwood floors)

Parker is really growing these days. He is becoming a person and it is so great to get to see his personality come out!! I am really loving being a mommy of two.

Logan got the dot-to-dot book out and I looked over and he had done this on his own. He doesn't know the numbers or even how to do a dot to dot but I was impressed at how well he just followed the dots.

My sleeping man

I tell Logan if he wants to play with Parker's toys he has to play with them like they are meant to be used. (Before I started that rule you would be amazed at how this thing was being thrown around)

This is Logan's tent that Santa brought him. It has been a hit:) It has also really helped keep him entertained since we have been stuck inside.

On Wednesday some of Brian's cousins got together at our house for a late Christmas get together. All of the guys sat at the table and talked while they ate and us girls hung out in the living room and chatted. It was funny how we split like that without even noticing.

(Logan was playing with stamps before dinner so please ignore his paint shirt)

This is Brian asleep on the couch not even noticing that his son is on top of him. This is why I wake up and do all of the kids stuff at night because he is dead to the world when he is asleep.

Silly guy ready to go outside. He has had a cold this week and you can really tell it in his eyes in the picture, another reason we have been staying inside.

He came in to the kitchen and asked me to help him get his back pack on, it already had the skate board in it. Where do they get these ideas???

My life with my boys!!

It's amazing!!

2010-01-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

I told you about my friend Casey and that I was going to post about her new passion.
Casey started a new website where you can get interior design plans and ideas for a great price. I can't truly explain how amazing it is, you have to check it out for yourself:
http://kenwoodstudiosdallas.com/

You can get design help at 3 different levels for 3 affordable prices, compared to what it would cost for someone to come into your home.

I think I want to have her do my whole house. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Feel free to share it with all of your friends too:)

Co-Sleeping

2010-01-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

What a controversial topic. Many studies support co-sleeping and many studies are against it. When it came to me I threw in the towel and went with what my gut told me and truly what gave me the most sleep:)
When Logan was born the only way he would sleep was in my arms. We tried everything to get him in his own bed and spent way too much money on all of the wedges, wraps, and beds etc... He slept for hours in my arms. At night I never had to get up to feed him, I got to the point where I would barely have to wake up when he cried. It was wonderful! But then we went to the Pediatrician around 3 months and she asked about his sleeping and I told the truth, I really respected and trusted her so I knew she wouldn't be too judgemental. She asked where we want Logan when he was 5 and we said his own bed. So she said if that was the case it would be easiest to work on getting him out of our bed/ arms now.
So I bought all of the books I could find about sleep and started to try all of the gentle ways to get Logan to sleep by himself. Finally we just had to let him cry himself to sleep. I left the house those first couple of nights because I couldn't take it. But sure enough a week later Logan was sleeping like a champ in his crib. From them on Logan slept better in his own bed. He made a good transition from crib to toddler bed to full sized bed. As he got older we let him snuggle in our bed to watch TV. Now days every once in awhile he will want to sleep with us in the middle of the night but we make sure we don't let it happen too often.
When it comes to Logan and his sleep I feel we have been very lucky and successful.
So then little Mr. Parker comes along and we are faced when the big choice again. Well from the first night he slept in my bed. I learned not to fight or stress about it. Parker has been sleeping with us but he doesn't sleep like Logan did. He tosses and turns and fusses and wants to eat non-stop. When he falls asleep alone he seems happier. He enjoys sleeping in the swing, car seat, and stroller (unlike Logan.) But we haven't been able to figure out how to get him to sleep well in his own bed. I have tried to lay him down in his bed a couple of times with no success.
So last night I thought we are ready to start getting him in his bed. (If it were up to me I would keep him in my bed because I sleep better but he is ready to move.) Last night after Logan was in bed I feed Parker and he was falling asleep so we moved him to his bed. He cried for 3 mins and then fell asleep, wow that was easy. Oh wait, not quite:) He was up again in 20 mins and we let him cry for about 10 mins and then went in to get him. His feelings were really hurt when we picked him up. (I know that sounds really funny, he is only 2 months old. But when his feelings are hurt he has a different cry, more of a whine and it takes him much longer to get over it.) Anyway, I feed him and he was still winning, as to tell me look how much you hurt me lady. So Brian and I decided we couldn't let Parker cry for more than 10 mins as we are working on getting him in his own bed. Parker and I both feel asleep on the couch for a couple of hours and Brian woke me up to say Happy New Year. Parker let me change his diaper and he slept through the whole thing. I feed him and then put him in his crib. I held my hand on him for a couple of mins during the transition and he was out. He slept in his bed for only an hour. But I feel like it was a good start. No crying and a hour of sleep. I brought him back to our bed from 1:30-5:30, I was too tried to keep on trying. At 5:30 I was more awake so I put him in his bed and he slept there until 7:30 when big brother Logan woke up and was yelling. So I feel like for our first real try at getting Parker in his own bed we were successful. I think the small steps are good for him and me:)

Update: 1/2/2010
Parker is an amazing kiddo. He is loving his new bed. We haven't had to let him cry at all since the first time we let him cry. Now I feed him and he gets tired and I lay him in bed and he falls asleep. He isn't sleeping much more than an hour, 2 hours max but that is okay. He is loving his bed and it was REALLY easy.
I guess I really shouldn't speak (write) so soon but I just feel really good about this entire situation. I will keep you posted.

More get togethers

2009-12-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

When we were finally able to leave Atchison we stopped in Leavenworth to celebrate Christmas with Grandma Laura's family. Logan was really tired, no nap and starting to get a cough. So we didn't stay very long. He was playing with his cool new toy from Uncle Phil and slipped and hit his head and just fell apart so we scooped up the kids and headed out. We were all so worn out that it was really hard to enjoy ourselves.

Parker was the only one that was doing okay:) Here he is with Grandma Laura.

Parker hanging with Aunt Linda and Uncle Roy.

We left Leavenworth and had to head straight to my mom's house to see some cousins and to celebrate my brother Adam's birthday. Logan slept in the car the entire way, which wasn't long enough, and then rested when we got to Grandma's house. We had a great meal and cookie cake. It was fun to spend time with these cousins. My mom's cousin Cindy and her husband Mike where there with their grown kids, Kristen and Jeff. Kristen got married last year in Hawaii to Ty and it was really great to catch up with them. Jeff and his wife, Paige, have a 2 year old, Jackson, and are expecting their second baby. Paige and I really enjoy sharing mommy stories so we talked nonstop the entire time, it was really nice. We finally made it home that night around 9 and still had to unload the entire van and shovel the sidewalk and driveway. We brought my brother Andrew home with us to help out, that's what brothers are for:) Brian and Andrew got the things done and Andrew dropped off and poor Brian wasn't back until 11 pm.

Monday we went to the Dr and Parker is 15 lbs and 12 oz and 26 1/2 inches long. What a big guy!!! Dr said he looks great!

Monday night we headed to Topeka to see some KState/ Chi-O friends.

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jane bought the boys a dvd player for the car. It is really neat because there are two screens that attach to the headrests. Parker has awhile until he will enjoy it but Logan was mesmerized by it. He will only be allowed to watch a show when we are traveling a long distance so we just take it out of the car so there are no temptations.

Casey holding Kaitlyn (Annie's daughter) and Annie holding Parker.

Casey and Phil were in town from Texas and it was really great to see them. She is starting a really neat business that I will be posting about soon!

Here are all of the kids.

Lilly, Kaitlyn, Tate, Logan and Parker

Lilly and Tate belong to Alyssa and Pat

Annie, Alyssa, Casey and me

It doesn't feel like it has been that long since we were all sitting on the couch of 1829 (our house # when 7 of us lived together)

It was so great to see everyone. Annie thanks for hosting

I am going to plan a trip to see Alyssa in Wichita and Casey in TX.

(Now that I blogged about it I have to do it)

Alyssa wrote on her blog about the time together and posted some great old pics. Her blog is linked on the left side, McLain family.

Yesterday we went to my mom's house for dinner and to say good bye to Cindy and Mike (their kids had already left town.)

Today a friend was supposed to come over to work out but plans changed so I got to spend some time updating this:)

We may be doing cousin's Christmas with Brian's cousins tonight at our house. When does it stop??? :)

But it feels good to be all caught up, for a couple of hours:)

I have already been taking more pics of Logan enjoying his Christmas gifts.

Christmas Day

2009-12-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

After being spoiled all week long, we continue to be spoiled on Christmas:) (Thanks Dad and Jane!!! )

They are wearing their matching PJ's again:)

Cheese:)

This is my favorite picture from the morning. We spent more time opening gifts and playing with toys than taking pictures.

We took Parker's swing with us to Atchison. It was great to have a place for Parker to hang out during all of the festivities

We got LOTS of snow on Christmas so most of our plans had been canceled. My Aunt BZ (Mary Beth) lives a couple of blocks away so we got dressed and headed that way. Brian had to dig the van out of the driveway and we got stuck at the bottom of the drive but after that we made it there fine. When we got to BZ's house her two boys jumped in our van with Brian and they all went to shovel GG and Grandpa Kieth out of their house.

"Aunt" Sarah (my cousin) and Parker

The boys had these adorable matching outfits but I didn't take many pictures of them.

This is where we spent most of Christmas, on the couch. My uncle Kent made a wonderful meal and we opened gifts and relaxed!

GG and Parker

Sarah, Parker, BZ, Logan and GG.

We left BZ's house and drove back to Dad and Jane's house. We spent the next couple of days snowed in there. We did make it to Grandma Peg's house one day to see some family but I didn't take any pictures (if you did I would love to have copies.)

It was a very different Christmas. My mom was stuck in Kansas City. Lots of famliy never made it to town. We had to miss out on our Christmas get together with my friends from High School because we were in Atchison, which was really disappointing.

Thank goodness I overpacked. What was supposed to me one over night turned into many.

How did the weather change your holiday plans?

Christmas Eve

2009-12-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

This was Logan's "big" gift this year. He really wanted a tent. We packed this tent to take to Atchison and he slept in it the entire time we where there, which was much longer than planned (more on that to come.)

Parker is wondering what is going on!!!

Look at all that work it takes to open a package:)

The aftermath

Logan got 2 remote controlled toys, a bulldozer and a backhoe. He got a new game for his Leapfrog Cick Start and his tent. We didn't go out of control on gifts this year.

Parker checking out the remote

After our Christmas we headed to my mom and step dad's house for Christmas there. This was Logan's 3rd Christmas and we still have many more to come. What a lucky guy!!!

He is really into remote controls this year and that is why he got so many of them. He is beyond thrilled with each one.

We don't ever have pictures of the 4 of us let alone just us. So I made sure to take advantage of the fact that there were other people to take our pics.

Our first Christmas as a family of 4:) I love their matching outfits.

We left my mom's house just as the rain started to turn to sleet. We headed to Atchison. It took us an extra 30 mins to make it there because the weather started to get bad. We were glad we didn't leave any later or we may not have made it.

In the past we normally go to my Grandparent's house to see all of the family but this year Jane and Dad had Grandma and Grandpa Bartlett up to their house. It was a nice relaxing change but we really missed seeing the Dennis family!

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Peg.

Logan got an ambulance from them this year.

Brian was the big hero this holiday because he went out and picked up Grandma Peg and Grandpa Bob. My grandparents have 6 kids, my dad being the oldest. My grandparents have about 20 grandchildren and then about 10 great grandchildren, so we have a really large family. It was big change just having my grandparents and my parents with us on Christmas Eve. The rest of the family was trying to make it to town or was having to stay home because of the weather.

Christmas Eve Eve

2009-12-30T07:00:00.001-08:00

Santa comes to our house Christmas Eve morning so we "baked" cookies to leave out for Santa. "Baked" consisted of breaking apart and placing on the cookie sheet.

Brian's mom, Laura, her boyfriend, Guy, and Brian's sister, Christina, came over to celebrate Christmas. Christina's husband Nick was sick so he missed out on it all and we missed him. Logan got to pass out all of the great gifts.

What more could you ask for, this is the second night filled with toys!

Parker was really enjoying this:)

Logan got a remote control truck.

This really cool glow station. This has been a huge hit, it traveled all the way to Atchison with us.

Grandma Laura and Aunt Christina

Laura and Guy went to Florida on a cruise so we got many Key West gifts. These are shirts for the boys, very cute.

Dad checking out his new tools while Logan uses his Glow Station. Christina and Nick made us a really yummy gift this year. YUM!!!
Christina and Nick also made dinner and brought it to our house, we were going to go to their house but moved it to ours when we found out Nick was sick. Dinner was amazing, thanks guys!!! Logan and Parker and their matching PJ's. GG gave them these for Halloween, they fit just right and it was really fun to have them matching.

Santa's cookies. We told Logan we would put out the milk before we went to bed so it was still cold for Santa. Brian poured a glass of milk to eat with the cookies and left some in the cup so Logan could see that Santa was here. This is the first year we have done this, how exciting!!!!

Logan also got to have a cookie

And before bed we had to throw out the Reindeer Food.

It was a really great night with family and getting ready for Santa. Brian and I got everything set up before bed and couldn't wait until the morning. It is so much fun that Logan is really starting to understand what is going on.

The madnesss begins

2009-12-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Wade (Brian's dad) came over tonight to celebrate Christmas. Don't ask about the hat, I have no idea:) Logan was just as excited for Grandpa to open his present as he was to open his own. He ripped open his gifts and was so thrilled with each one. He was so fun to watch. He is at a great age to really enjoy it all.
Grandpa Wade did a great job with the gifts, each one was just right.
Brian got a new tire for his truck.

Parker taking it all in

This robot walks, spins, and talks. Logan was scared at first, he was jumping out of the way.

He also got a remote control dune buggy. This dune buggy goes so fast, we will have many crazy times with it.

Logan also got a really great sticker book about animals. Three perfect gifts.

Parker got a big box of diapers. JUST WHAT HE NEEDS!!!

My gifts:) A new microwave, notice that it says 7:51 (way past Logan's bedtime), and a new hand mixer. Both things that were really needed.

Logan checking out his new dune buggy. It was flying all around the house. They even took it outside to check it out. I don't know who was having the most fun.

Look at all of the boys playing:)

We finally ended the playtime when Logan got out his stick horse and was trying to play hockey, the dune buggy as the puck. YIKES! What a night!!! We are in for a really busy week.

Getting ready for Christmas

2009-12-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

Logan has really been wanting to make a gingerbread house. We found this one on sale at Michael's so we thought we would give it a try.

Logan watched Max & Ruby's Christmas on TV awhile back and since then he has been obsessed with making a gingerbread house. Because he watched the show he wanted his house just like theirs. So we went out and got gummy worms and peppermints to make it look like the one on tv. Brian was really into it also. Look at him working really hard to make it look nice:)

In the show they have problems getting the icing strong enough to hold the walls so they do alot of mixing. That was the part that Logan wanted to do. He was very into mixing the icing.

Parker was just hanging out and checking it all out.

Daddy working hard while Logan is stirring away.

Now to the fun part!!! (We later found out you are supposed to wait an hour before decorating so the icing dries and it is solid) All was going well but Brian was getting worn out.

Logan was eating one, then would put one on the house and then one in his bowl.

As you can see more candy was in the bowl than on the house.

Parker was getting fussy so Brian took over baby duty and I started to make dinner. Logan was left to "decorate" the house.

My boys:)

Still looking good. Some how Brian left to change a diaper, the house fell down and then Logan started to put it back together.

So this is the finished product.

Let me remind you what it could look like:) I guess we need some practice. Good thing we have many more years to work on it.

Great Grandma Karen (my step dad's mom) got to stop by for a quick visit to meet Parker.

Tummy time

This morning we were hanging out before StrollerFit. I wish we could just spend more time hanging out in bed watching TV.

Parker laughing at Logan

Logan taking some time and relaxing and playing his game. It is amazing at how well he does with the mouse. He really doesn't play this very often but when he does he really enjoys himself.

We have spent the last couple of weeks enjoying friend's birthday parties, playdates and some more open gyms. I think I am getting a hang of having two children, it is different but I really enjoy them. Brian has been working 7 days a week so I am really adjusting to doing everything myself and it gets easier all the time. I remember the first time I left the house with both kids, I have come a long way:)

Catching up before the holiday picture overload:)

2009-12-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

We made it to see Santa again this year. This time I got Parker out and had him join Logan. We went to Bass Pro Shop because they had a free Santa picture and others had said it was a fun place to go.

We were wondering why they offered a free picture. This is why! Logan got to check out and play with all of the toys.

Big toys too!! This is him driving a boat

Parker wondering what in the world we were making him do. He was happy to sit on some strangers lap but now he is ready to go home!!!

But Logan and Daddy continued to check out the big toys.

In the past couple of weeks Parker has started to smile and laugh at us. It is so great to watch him grow.

Logan set this area up for Parker to play. Parker was on the other side of the room and Logan drug Parker and the mat over so he could hang up the mirror for him. (SCARY!!!) But what a great brother. Logan has been really wonderful with Parker, let's hope it continues.

The Drennon generations.

My handsome little man is all smiles these days:)

Allie cat all snuggled up with Parker taking a nap.

We really needed to get a family picture taken. It was not an easy task. We went to my mom's house and tried to get one good shot. This is Parker and I just hanging out. He is happy here, so maybe we will have some luck!

This is the picture that we are using for our email Christmas cards.

Here are some of the ones that we didn't use.

One kid laughing while the other cries, the story of my life these days.

Logan thinks he is really funny. Most of the pictures these days are of him making a funny face of some sort.

My big guy!!! He is 2 months old this week and he is just a great addition to our family.

We are loving every smile we get from him.

I am loving my life with the boys!

I wanna win it!!!!

2009-12-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Check out MckMama, she is giving away a HP touch smart. Wouldn't winning that be a great Christmas surprise!!!!
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

There are 4 other blogs that are also offering the same thing. Here are their links:
http://totallytogetherreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-computer-review-and-give.html

http://nienie-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway_09.html

http://boomama.net/hp-touchsmart-600-giveaway/

http://kellyskornerreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hey-who-wants-to-win-free-computer.html

I would love to win this. Gwen has a touch screen and Logan was really enjoying playing some games with Brian on it when we stayed there for the weekend. It would be so great!!!

Trying to keep up

2009-12-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Parker is 7 weeks old today. It is amazing how I feel like he has been with us forever, I can't imagine life without him. I do slightly remember how much more I got done once upon a time. I used to be able to always have a very clean house, I used to be able to have more than 10 mins a day on the computer, and I used to be able to really relax during Logan's nap time. Well that has changed but look what I get in exchange, two cute little boys in my life. I wouldn't trade it.

Logan's tent

One morning I was getting ready to give Parker a bath and Logan started to get undressed also. So I real quick grabbed the camera and filled the tub up for two!

Logan checking out the bath seat. He has even checked out the little green bath tub that Parker normally bathes in.

Parker's hair is really curly when it is wet.

Crazy child!

Brian is a great dad. This is one Sunday morning just hanging out in our PJ's. This is what my life is like with my boys

This is my boys when we went out to celebrate Lisa Kelly's 30th birthday. Lisa and I have been friends since middle school and her family has adopted me into their lives and I love them for it!

My big boy. I can't believe he is almost 3!!!!

Parker hanging out in the swing with his dog from Lisa.

Later on that same day sleeping in the swing with his bear from Jason (the boy I tutor.) Logan likes to get Parker's items and give them to him It actually looks like he is snuggling the bear. How cute:)

Gillian's (my StrollerFit instructor and good friend) son Cayden turned 4. Logan whacked that pinata so hard, I was shocked.

Logan was one of the youngest "big" kids at the party so we he just taking it all in. Parker spent most of the time in the sling. I will have to get a picture of him in it. He LOVES it and so do I. I got the Baby Ktan, thanks to my cousin Kallie for suggesting it. It is amazing and I am able to do so much, like attending a 4 year old's Birthday party without Brian.

Look at that amazing cake!!! Gillian and her husband, Jason, made it.

Logan at home "fixing" his truck. At one point the truck was on top of him and he was working on it. I just am really enjoying how his imagination is growing!

We went on a quick trip to Atchison on Sunday. This is Parker on GG's floor.

There's Logan. The having matching outfits, I think it is so much fun:)

Parker watching me put up the tree.

He is so happy just hanging out. He loves to spread out. I love the hardwood floors but when it comes to Parker laying around I wish we had carpet.

Parker started really smiling at people about a week ago and it is so amazing.

He is such a great baby. (Once again just hanging out on the floor)

Logan's imagination at work: The box for our Christmas tree has become a rocket ship, a dog house, a surf board, a snow board, a skate board ramp, and just a thing to work on and build with. This box has been fun for about 4 days now.

Snuggling watching a show

We got some snow on Tuesday night and Logan and Brian went outside to play for a little bit. It was super cold out so they didn't stay long. Doesn't he look like such a big boy?

I LOVE this picture!!!

Please ignore the fact that we had a mini photo session on the kitchen floor. The boys in their cute outfits again.

Grandma Karen and Parker smiling!

In the background you can see my brother, Adam, at the table. He has been coming over every night so I can try to help him get organized and get all of his school work done. He is a sophomore in High School this year and is having a hard time being responsible so lets see what I can teach him.

I LOVE all three of my boys!

Wow! That was a long post. Yesterday I spent my extra time working on emails, I had over 200 in my inbox. Today I have spent my free moments working on this post and working out. Now maybe I can get caught back up on my housework, YIKES!!!

Maybe I can update more often so it doesn't take forever!

our week

2009-11-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow. Logan enjoyed it

STOP!!!

Popcorn balls

My cutie guys

Parker is now 4 weeks old!!!

This week has been full new adventures. I got out many times this week with both boys. On Tuesday and Wednesday we went to open gym at the community center close to our house. I met friends there but I still was excited to get out for over an hour with the boys. Yesterday I even took Logan and Parker both to the park, with friends but still it was a good feeling. The more I get out with friends the more comfortable I feel getting out alone with them!

I am also feeling like I am getting back to getting things done around the house. I miss having all of my chores done everyday, but I know I will get back there soon.

I went back to the hematologist yesterday. My platelets aren't as high as I would like them to be, there were 96, but the Dr said everything looks as it should and I don't need to go back to him. He did refer me to a Rheumatologist because in all of the blood work he has done I came back with a positive antinuclear antibody (ana). This can be a sign of many other problems or nothing at all. He didn't seem too worried and was telling me that many people have a positive test with no other problems. When I google it Lupus is the first thing that comes up but I have had so many other types of blood work done to know we can rule that out. So I will just hope I am the 20% of people that have positive ANA and no other problems:) The best part of being at the dr was that I found out I only have 15lbs left of baby weight!!! I plan to go back to StrollerFit in Dec so I can't wait to tone my body and get back to feeling good.

The past couple of weeks

2009-11-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

We have been adjusting to life with two little ones.

Bedtime, Parker was helping me read to Logan

Logan helping daddy rake the leaves. Brian got started and then it got dark and there is still a large pile of leaves. Now it is raining, I just want the leaves GONE!!! :)

Brian's dad, Grandpa Wade

A couple of weeks ago my cousin Jessica called and surprised me and asked to come see me. She came with my cousin Kallie, her daughter Isla, and her mom Alice Karen (Alice Karen is my step dad's sister). It was so wonderful to get to spend time chatting with them. Jessica didn't want to be in a picture, silly girl, so that is Alice Karen and her family with Parker.

With Logan in the mix:)

A couple of days later my friends from High School came by to meet Parker. This is Jon and Teresa

and their daughter Chloe. Logan and Chloe really enjoyed playing together, you guys need to come over more often!!!!

Grandma Laura, Brian's mom. She came over with her boyfriend Guy and they brought an amazing dinner, a huge box of diapers and wipes. We had a really great night with them.

Laura took this photo, Logan was already in bed.

My StrollerFit friends had a really small Sip and See for me, just the people that have been there forever. It was really great because this is a group of us that have been working out for about a year together, it seems like we have been friends forever. Going to StrollerFit 3 days a week I really became close with this group of moms. They have become such a great support system for me, how did I survive without them. I just can't even explain how lucky I feel to have such great friends (StrollerFit friends and all of my other amazing friends)!

Lindsey with Parker

Gillian made this great cake!

Anna, Gillian and Lindsey had this made. WOW!!!!

Cutie onesie from Angela, she also gave this really cute outfit that Parker is wearing today. I will post a pic soon.

Great onesies from Lynn, they came with pants and she also gave a green frog blankie but I forgot to take the picture of that, oops! I am sure you will see Parker with it soon.

Kim made this adorable Red Barn themed gift basket. The socks were the eggs and there was shampoo labeled Parker's Honey and baby lotion labeled Drennon Family Milk. How creative!

Nicole made this for me. (She sells them if you want one for yourself or for a gift, I can get you in contact with her, just let me know)

Parker's first pair of Vans from Lindsey, Anna, and Gillian. They came with the dinosaur hat and then they also got the great bib.

Thank you to everyone that has bought Parker and Logan great gifts. Once again I am so lucky!!!!

Brian and Logan working on Logan's first model. (It was a dollar at Micheal's)

This weekend Gwen went out of town so Brian and I hung out with Jason and Aden (kiddos I used to babysit for). Downtown Overland Park was having their tree lighting so we went to check it out. Logan was REALLY into Santa, I just made Jason go along for fun.

Logan said he wanted a remote control football. ???? He is really into the idea of remote controlled objects so why not make a remote controlled football.

We took a hayride. The horses were huge!!!!

Jason and Parker

Aden and Logan watching Parker sleep

This baby swing has been wonderful!!! Thanks Aunt Sarah. We found it on craigslist for a steal and it was like new. Brian went to pick it up and while there found out the guy was selling it because he found out the baby wasn't his. YIKES!!!! We got a great swing out of the deal.

This was yesterday and Parker was full of funny faces.

Anytime Logan talks Parker is checking it out. Logan is an amazing big brother so far, let's jut hope he keeps it up.

Parker stuck his tongue out so...

Logan did it right back

Chubby man

What a cutie

Logan said "Mom, these are so small, I can't even get my hands inside them"

I love this sweater and the hat that goes with it. There are also mittens. Aunt BZ bought this for Logan.

Big yawn... I am almost done with this post

My two boys... how lucky can one mom be???

MANY photos

2009-11-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Parker Samuel

My boys

Daddy and his boys

Grandma Karen

Grandma Karen, Logan and GG (my mom and my grandma) I love this picture!!!!

GG and Grandpa Keith got Logan the Click Start computer for his big brother gift. He loves playing it and he is doing really well moving the mouse and playing the games. He really is becoming such a big guy

GG and Parker

Cutie man after a bath

My mom's group had a Halloween party. My friend Kim is showing off Parker.

All the kids had so much fun! It was my first time out with both boys and I felt so great afterwards. I haven't been out since but I look forward to my next outing:)

Logan really enjoyed playing with this remote control car. He carried it around most of the party.

Logan has been a WONDERFUL big brother so far. He kisses Parker and loves on Parker. He has been helping out with anything and everything. I hope he keeps it up:)

HALLOWEEN!

Our first stop at Grandma Karen's house. This is the first year Logan has really been excited about it all and really understands what to do.

He got a recorder (thanks for that, just what you need when you have a new born baby) and some animal crackers.

Tiger Logan and Uncle Andrew

Off to Atchison

Logan was "reading" the atlas on the hour drive to Atchison

2nd stop at GG and Grandpa Keith's house. Logan got all sorts of goodies.

Aunt BZ came over to see the boys. It was wonderful, she held Parker the entire time!!!

GG has many Halloween decorations and Logan was having a great time exploring her house.

3rd stop was at Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jane's house.

Grandpa Jim (my dad) and Parker

I love this picture of Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jane even though you can't see Parker. This was the first time they had seen Parker so they were really enjoying him.

This is Parker with Great Grandma Peg and Great Grandpa Bob (Grandpa Jim's parents)

Parker was really awake and happy the entire time we were there. It was such a great night.

The Bartlett's

Grandma Jane and Parker

My cousin Amy came by to Trick or Treat with her two cuties. She was excited to get to meet Parker

Logan got to hand out candy to all of the Trick or Treaters. You can tell by his smile he was having a blast.

Grandpa Jim and Logan being silly, sleeping and then giggling

Our last stop of the night was at Aunt Sarah and Brandon's house (Aunt Sarah is my cousin and her mom is my Aunt BZ)

Parker just hanging out

Sleeping man

Our little guy is already getting so big! At 1 week he was 10 lbs 10 oz. We go back to the Dr tomorrow so we will see how much he gained this week. YAWN.... this post took was so long

Natural birth of a 10lb 6 oz baby

2009-10-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Logan's last night as an only child! We all went to Monkey Bizness at the Great Mall in Olathe. Logan was having a great time. I was having contractions, I had been having them for a couple of days. Some yummy Original Pizza for dinnerThen I wanted to walk around the mall to keep the contractions coming:) So Logan got to check out all the quarter rides. They even had a fire station museum there. What a great night to spend with Logan before life changed as he knew it:)

So we went home and got Logan ready for bed. I was still having contractions and around 9 pm they were every 5 mins but not really painful. I went to sleep thinking that this could be the real deal and I better get some sleep. Around 11 I woke up and thought, I better get up and get moving. I am READY to have this baby and I will not let the contractions stop:) I sat on my ball for awhile but realized I was the most comfortable laying on my side and relaxing. By 1 am the contractions were getting closer, 3-4 mins and stronger. By 2 we called the Dr and told her we were heading that way. Sarah (my cousin, more or less my sister) was heading this way, I had already sent the Bradley Birthing info home with her and she had been studying and was ready to help coach me through this birth. We all got to the hospital around 2:30. I was about a 3-4 at that point. I was thinking that with Logan at 3 am I was a 3 and he wasn't born until 10:20, I was not wanting to do this all night and morning. Anyway, I was doing okay relaxing through contractions. By 4 am I was already a 6. By 5 am I was an 8 and feeling pressure. During contractions Sarah was rubbing my feet, Brian was rubbing my arms and Jane (my wonderful Doula) was rubbing my back. I also was making sure they were talking me through the contractions to keep me focused, they were AMAZING!!! There were times when it was getting harder to relax but I was able to get through it with the help all my wonderful coaches!!! By 6 am I thought I was ready to start pushing. What I didn't realize was how hard/ painful it was to push!!!! I could relax through the contractions and get over it but how do you tell your body to put itself in pain and continue to do it over and over. Anyway, the Dr was in the room by 6:30 and they were getting ready for the baby. I finally pushed the baby out at 7:06 am. We had talked before that Brian would call out the sex. Well, I saw the baby flop over and I screamed "It's a boy!" So I stole Brian's thunder but I was so excited!!! I also couldn't wait to see how much he weighed. Right after he was weighed I called my mom to brag about how big this baby was. It was really painful afterwards without drugs as she had to put in some stitches, but she said I looked great for the size of this kiddo. I also forgot to mention that as she went to help him get his shoulders out he was holding on to one shoulder with his hand so we was really stuck. But he came out and was so ready for this world!!! I was amazed at how wonderful it all was. Yes, there was alot of pain. But I was so "me" during the whole birth, last time I was barely aware of what was going on. After I had Logan I thought it was the worst experience of my life, I had pregnant friends that I didn't want to talk to right away because I thought it was the most painful thing ever. This time it was truly painful, but right after it was over the pain memory was really gone. Instead I was loving my new baby! I would do it over again!
My platelets were never an issue, on Saturday around noon they were back in the 100's so they should be fine. We will check them again in 4 weeks.
Overall, it was the birth I had imagined. I had no pain meds or iv until after Parker was born. It was truly perfect experience!
Proof of his weight:) They had to go and get size 1 diapers for him. Aunt Sarah holding him right after he was born. She thought it was so amazing. I was so glad she got to share the experience with us. And she says she is still okay with having a baby after seeing it all take place:) This is one of Logan's big brother gifts. He came up to see the baby and he was so sweet. Parker Samuel Drennon This is the Dr that delivered Parker. She wasn't my normal Dr but she was just as wonderful as my Dr is. My Dr had told her all about me and my wishes. They are a great team, I would recommend them to anyone!

When we got home Logan got his other present from Parker.

My boys!

Relaxing at home on Sunday. What a wonderful family!

My new little guy.

I will keep posting pics and updates. Thank you to everyone for all the congrats and comments. Keep checking back to the blog, I will be updating at least once a week.

IT'S A BOY

2009-10-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

This was about 10 mins after Parker was born! That is how great I was feeling!!!!

Proud daddy!

Parker Samuel Drennon born at 7:06 am today Friday, October the 23rd. He weighed in at 10lbs 6 oz and is healthy baby boy.