Our Little Family

And she ate cake...

2012-02-09T16:33:00.002-05:00

Livi's cake smash photo session wasn't much of a smash at all. Our girl is an eater....and she eats like a big girl! She saw that cupcake and went straight for her mouth. Bless her little heart!!

Liv and Blake are opposites when it comes to eating. She is, and always has been, a great eater. She likes everything. She is always ready to eat. Blake could care less about eating. Eating is a chore for him. It is painful for him to come to the dinner table..he is simply to busy to stop and eat. Ha, I wish I had Blake's problem....too busy to eat?! No such thing!! Liv definitely takes after her mama!! :)

Oh How Pintererting

2012-02-08T11:24:00.006-05:00

Today I am linking up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting!!

I am all over the place on this one this week!! Ha...I guess my mind is all over the place as well.

I LOVE this lampshade...and think that this is totally a craft that I could handle. I think that I may make one. I will show you if I do :)

How cute is this Valentine? I think that Blake would just love it. Totally up his alley.

Source: zakkalife.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

And these look great for Valentines day too...what a cute idea!!

Source: pikadillycharm.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

I am currently reading this book. I am about 1/2 way through. It is pretty good so far...but kinda sad, adn I see it getting sadder before it is over :(

Source: jodipicoult.com via Annie on Pinterest

We just did this in our new house under the kitchen sink. I HIGHLY reccomend this....it was cheap, easy, and it makes the space look SO MUCH BETTER!! Tile were between $1 and $2 each!!

Source: familyhandyman.com via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning? Follow me here...and link up here!!

Our Love Story

2012-02-07T10:55:00.006-05:00

In the spirit of Valentines Day next week, I am linkingup with Mrs. Mama today to tell you our Love Story :)

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
It will be 5 years in March!! Time flies when you are in love :)

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
Well….kind of a silly story. We are from neighboring towns (about 15 miles apart), but we didn’t know each other. I am way older than Ryan (4.5 years to be exact). We were each at a small town bar in the summer of 2006…there was hardly anyone else there, and we had mutual friends. We were all dancing and having fun. Ryan had told one of my friends, Mandy, that he thought I was hot (that just makes me giggle now)…Mandy told me later that “Tito” (that’s Ryan’s nickname) thinks you’re hot….ha, I just kinda laughed it off and didn’t think about it again. Our paths crossed a few times because of mutual friends…and Mandy tagged a few pics of us on facebook. Other than that we had no contact. Fast forward to March of 2007, I was out with a bunch of friedns fror St.Patty’s day. Ryan was out with friends too. I recognized him from the pics on Facebook. He was dancing with this girl (actually I will call her a lady…she looked WAY older). Apparently I thought that he could do better, so I cut in..and told the ‘lady’ that I was his girlfriend..HA, too much green beer apparently {In retrospect, I must have gotten a boost of confidence knowing that he thought that I was “hot” because that is so not my style}. WELL, he must have appreciated me “saving him,” because, as they say…the rest is history!
3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}
We got married on September 26, 2009. We have been married for almost 2.5 years!
4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?
We got married at our little church. We had a pretty big wedding. About 250 people at the wedding and we had a SUPER fun reception. I wish that I could re-live that day all over again!

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
EVERYONE else calls Ryan “Tito” and I call him Ryan, or Ry, of RyRy..so that puts me in the minority. Ryan usually calls me AnneMouse. Annie Mouse has been a nickname that has stuck with me since I was just a little girl….he just shortened it to AnneMouse.
We also use pet names a lot…honey, baby, babe, etc.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
There is A LOT of things that I love about Ryan. I think above all I love that he is the BEST dad ever. He is so hands on and does everything for his babies!! I also love that he trusts me and pretty much lets me “wear the pants” in the relationship. I am a bit of a control freak, and Ry accepts that and lets me be the boss (or at least makes me feel like I am the boss). I also love how loyal he is. Not only is he is loyal to me, his is a great friend to all, he stands up for those that he loves.

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?
Ryan proposed on Mackinaw Island. I had NO clue. I did not make it easy for him. Once again my controlling nature came into play. I was making plans and dictating our vacation/day….finally Ryan got me to cooperate and he took me to the highest point on the Island. He was so nervous, and I was so surprised. It was awesome.

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?
Ryan is very thoughtful and generous when it comes to gifts. He is typically a jewelry kind of guy…I’m not complaining :)!!

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
We are typically pretty much home-bodies. We don’t get out much with 2 babies at home…but we do make a point to get out every month or so and go on a special date.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
Ryan would LOVE to go on an Alaskan cruise. Although Alaska isn’t my idea of a dream vacation…I would love to go with him, just because I know that it has been a dream of his for forever.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.
I guess we haven’t really even talked about Valentine’s day yet. Ryan did ask me to go on a date this weekend…so maybe that will be our “celebration.” The actually day isn’t that big of a deal to me. I remember a time, before I was married, that V-day was SUCH an ordeal…I guess when you have a great relationship 365 days a year…one day isn’t that big of a deal anymore!!

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?
NO...actually I hope that he doesn’t spend money on me this year. Just purchased a new home...and we have LOTS to buy for that! Just a card or love letter would be perfect!

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
Make sure that you take time for just the 2 of you. That gets hard when there are kids in the picture…but time as a couple is SO important!! And kiss goodnight…and spend time talking (actual conversation).

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.
Love is: {My Family}

What is your Love Story?! Link up today!

New House - Before Pics

2012-02-06T15:50:00.003-05:00

We have had possession of our new house for 5.5 days now. I am more and more excited every single day. We have spent the past few days cleaning and preparing the house to move! I haven't really taken any pictures, but I stole a few from the listing to share with you!! The house is such a blank canvas right now. SO plain, and white, and bright. I am excited to put my personal touch on everything!! It is going to be a long process...but we will just go room by room!!

Kitchen. We just purchased a refrigerator today....look at all of the space!! The fixtures will have to be changed. I am not a fan of the gold....and I have to say that the previous owner loved GOLD....eww.

Foyer/Entryway.....

Family room...off of the kitchen. Again, the gold fixtures will have to go....but it is all going to be a work in progress.

I am so excited!! :)

Friday Phone Dump #3

2012-02-03T15:19:00.004-05:00

I just have to say....I LOVE my iPhone! I didn't get one until December....I had been missing the boat. It is the greatest thing ever.

And because if that...here is another installment of Friday Phone Dump. Still not taking TONS of pics, but getting better...and I LOVE Instagram. So fun to play around with that app!!

1. 2 tired babies on the way home from grandpa and grandma's...took Blake about 2.2 seconds to fall asleep...Liv held on for a little longer to give the camera a smirk!!

2. banana cookies. delish! i have made 2 batches this week. they are SO good!

3. had Tuesday off...it was so nice out. Took the kids for a walk. Blake did more running than walking, and then had to sit down and take a break. This has been the mildest winter ever! Not complaining, but it's kinda strange. Not what we are used to in MI.

4. grilled cheese with provolone, avocado, and tomato. i could eat this every day! I am obsessed with avocado's lately.

5. had a little photo shoot with Blake. usually he HATES getting his pic taken, but he was asking and loving it...so I took advantage of the opportunity. He wasn't his pic with all of his little toys...then he would look at them on my phone and just laugh and laugh....man, I love that kid!!

cheers to the weekend!!

Movin' on up!!

2012-02-02T16:01:00.003-05:00

Well, I can finally disclose the big news that I have been sitting on for months…we closed on our NEW HOME yesterday! I didn’t mention it before, because I was freaking out the whole time that it wouldn’t work out and that I would jinx myself by getting too excited! I am beyond excited about it now! It has been a very long drawn out process. We made the original offer way back in September, but there were a ton of issues with the previous owners…and Ryan and I just had to wait it all out. Well….now it is ours, and we couldn’t be happier!

It is the perfect house for us. Perfect location, close to both of our parents. Perfect house, 2x’s the size we have now with an awesome floor plan. Perfect lot, almost 5 acres! We just have to make it “ours” now. I see LOTS of work on our future…but it will all be totally worth it in the end!

Tasty Tuesday

2012-01-31T14:32:00.002-05:00

I am hope with the kids today. My mom usually watches them on Tuesday's, but she and my dad are on a cruise right now {jealous}. That means that I get a bonus day off of work at home with the kiddo's!!

We have been busy playing, cleaning, and cooking. I don't know about you but we OFTEN have bananas in the house that get too ripe to just eat. I saw this recipe on Pinterest and I made it today. I have to say that this one gets 2 thumbs up! YUMM. It was super easy and they taste super delish!! Livi LOVED them.

Source: chef-in-training.com via Annie on Pinterest

I will definitely make these cookies again...and I recommend that you make them too :)

My sweet baby

2012-01-30T15:36:00.003-05:00

Posting a few more pics from Liv's 1 year birthday shoot.

I think that this one is one of my all time favs. Just captures her sweet little disposition so well.

For many of the pics she would not let go of her "baby." She just loves this little thing. Carries it with her everywhere. She drags it all around the house. At first I was mad that she wouldn't part with it for the pics...now I am kinda glad. It will be a good memory looking back :)

Liv's walking has really taken off. She barely crawls now.

Her tooth on the top is starting to poke through...this is her third.

Her hair is getting long on the top. I have to put it in a little pony tail or it is in her eyes!

She is sleeping like a champ. Between 12 and 14 hours each night.

She is the sweetest little thing ever. We just love her.

Friday Phone Dump #2

2012-01-27T11:24:00.004-05:00

Going the iPhone dump for the second week in a row....it's just pics of the kids, kids, kids....what's new!??

The kids getting ready for a little winter fun!! They both love being outside in the snow!!

My little snow bunny!!!

Blake toleratingthe camera....but obviously not enjoying it...

At the dr's office. Waiting to see Blake's Dr. for his 3 year well visit. Still waiting.....

Livi acting like a big girl....

Cousin fun...Blake and Addy playing at gma and gma S's house.....

They are only 4 months apart...trouble!!

B LOVED Addy's Toy Stroy book w/ action figures....might have to get him one...he sat there for hours!! After about 45 minutes of trying to get Blake dressed and ready for school on Wednesday I gave up and let him choose his outfit. He dug through a box and found these buzz Lightyear pajamas (3 sizes too small) and decided this was the outfit today. He felt pretty awesome walking into school this morning. Pick your battles, right??!!

TGIF!!!

I have a 3 year old!!

2012-01-26T16:18:00.005-05:00

I never got around to posting about Blake's 3rd birthday. December is just a crazy month. Blake turned 3. Liv turned 1. Christmas. Parties. Etc. There just really want much time for blogging.

I took Blake to his 3 year well visit yesterday. It seems like just yesterday he was born, and now he is a little guy....not even a baby!! He was 38' tall at his appt. Just over the 50th percentile. He weighed 31.3 lbs. Just under the 50th percentile. His head was in the 50th as well. He is just perfect (but we knew that).

I can't believe how much my little guy has changed in just three years.

On the day that he was born:
At his 1st Birthday:

Second Birthday:

Third Birthday party: If I could only stop the clocks and keep him little forever!!!......

Oh How Pinteresting

2012-01-25T16:10:00.004-05:00

I have been pinning lots of "home" ideas.....maybe this will tip some of you off to a little secret that I have been keeping...
I will divulge more on that SOON....but for now my pins:

I NEED this in my laundry room. A simple white shelf over the washer and dryer makes it look SO much better!!

Source: aglimpseofthegirlnextdoor.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

Check out this bookcase from Ikea, turned on it's side, with baskets....makes for a perfect cabinet/decoration for the entry way!

Source: damarkz.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

Mudd room organization.....I wish that my husband was more of a handy-man when it came to wood working....how awesome is this?!

Source: bhg.com via Annie on Pinterest

Or this one...equally as cool!

Source: google.com via Annie on Pinterest

Great idea....hang a curtian rod, and then switch out wreaths seasonally!! Love this display:

Source: byyourhands.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning? Link up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!!

Tasty Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:43:00.002-05:00

I have been trying lots of new recipes...most of them from Pinterest. I set a goal for myself to try at least ONE new one a week. I made this last night.....
Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

You can click on the picture to get the link to the recipe. I tweaked in a bit. I always try to make things "lighter." This isn't the healthiest meal, but I lightened it up with milk (instead of half and half), and low-fat anything when I could.

On a scale from 1 to 5, I would give it a 3...it was OK. Nothing to blow your socks off...but warmed me up on a cold night, so that was good! It was easy to make. Had left-overs today for lunch, so that is a bonus!
Ryan likes anything, so he is not a good judge. He NEVER complains about my cooking (bless his little heart).

Random Reflections

2012-01-23T15:54:00.001-05:00

Here are a few thoughts spinning in my head right now-

-I am still trying to get organized, caught up, rested etc. Time is just going SO fast.

-The weekend was great – no concrete plans – but it still went way too fast.

-Blake and Ryan had fun outside ice fishing. Ryan has caught two big fish in the past two weekends (good for him – although I don’t want to eat them )!

-Livi is SUCH a big girl and took big strides (pun intended) with her walking this weekend

-I can’t believe that I am compiling tax information. I feel like I JUST did this. Where did 2011 go?

-Not sure where Blake gets his imagination. He says the funniest things. When he and Ryan were fishing Ryan was explaining the tip-ups and that when there was a flag up, that meant that there was a fish on. Blake said, “I’ve got my eye on the prize, dad.” That just cracks me up because it is not something that we say!!

-I am busy de-cluttering the house…where does all of the STUFF come from!?

-I am so happy that some of my shows are back on TV…gives me something to look forward to at night; Bachelor, Biggest Loser, American Idol, etc.

More of Livi's cute 1 year pics:

Friday Phone Dump

2012-01-20T14:17:00.002-05:00

I just got my new iPhone in December. I still don't use it to take a ton of pictures...I guess I just need to get more in the habit of using it! I have seen others do a Friday Phone Dump post....is there a link-up somewhere? I am sure that there must be....

Anyway, I think that I will jump on the bandwagon this week and post my iPhone pics!! (although there are only three :)).

Poor sweet Liv.......she's even adorable when she is mad :)
This is here favorite new hangout. This chair is in Blake's room. He never paid much attention to it, but she thinks that it is the coolest thing EVER. She just sits there acting so proud of herself!

And this is ALL that you will see of Blake these days. He avoids the camera like crazy. Such a MAN. I miss the days when he would pose for the camera!

Happy weekend everyone!! Enjoy :)

Thankful

2012-01-19T14:52:00.001-05:00

I am not sure if I am just really overwhelmed lately….or busier than normal…or just stressing out (probably a combination of all three). It could just be that I am running on minimal sleep, because my one and three years old STILL do not sleep at night. Blake is the worst now. I think that it is karma repaying me for bragging about what a good sleeper he used to be. He is up anywhere from 2-5 times per night. Liv was up 4 times last night. I feel nocturnal.

I keep repeating to myself…this is just a phase, just a phase, just a phase….

Anywho, in the midst of it all, I just want to say that I am thankful for my MOM. She watches the kids on Tuesdays. I know that it is not an easy task. I mean seriously, they are 3 and 1. Both needy, fighting for attention, testing limits, etc. I know what a long day it can be with them (don’t get me wrong I LOVE them more than life itself…but it’s just a trying ‘phase’). My kids are both obsessed with my mom and LOVE when she comes over. And so do I….not only does my mom care for my kids on Tuesdays….but she also cleans my house, and sometimes even makes dinner. And I get to rest a little more in the a.m., since I am just getting myself ready (not the extra 2 for daycare).

So, I just want to say TAHNKS MOM for all that you do….we really appreciate it! And we love you.

Oh How Pinteresting....

2012-01-18T10:51:00.004-05:00

I havent linked up for Oh How Pinteresting in awhile...but since I am back in the routine of blogging, I am joining in today!!

How cute is this?! WOuld be perfect for a party!!

Source: improvisedlife.com via Annie on Pinterest

Love these shelves over the toilet!!

Source: flickr.com via Annie on Pinterest

So true....

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Annie on Pinterest

Love this outfit....the boots!!

Source: imgfave.com via Annie on Pinterest

Yumm!! This looks great for brunch!! I bet my kids would love it too!!

Source: alexandracooks.com via Annie on Pinterest

I'm always a sucker for ruffles!! And it's only $38!!

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

Cute printable for Valentines Day...in a white shabby frame?! CUTE!

What are you pinning? Follow me on Pinterest here!

Pony-Tails

2012-01-16T15:41:00.002-05:00

It seems like Olivia's hair is growing like crazy lately. Her bangs are starting to hang in her face, but I cannot bring myslef to snip them yet! We have started to wear a pony-tail! She looks so cute. Remonds me of my sister when she was little. Mary wore what we called a "whale-tail" until about 3rd grade! ha.
And here are a few more pictures from Olivia's 1st birthday photo shoot:

It was nice to not be super busy all weekend. I worked late on Friday and then we went to bed early. On Saturday we hung out around the house and then Ryan took me out on a date :). Sunday was spent at BOTH of our parents houses...Blake loved sledding and playing in the snow. Ryan was finally able to do a little ice fishing, and he caught a 28.5 inch pike. Now he is going to want to be fishing all of the time :)

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-13T10:28:00.002-05:00

We finally got our first big snow of the winter! It looks so beautiful here this morning. I haven't taken pics yet, because I am working today. Blake is chomping at the bit to get out and build a snowman! I am posting a few pictures of Blake and Ryan playing in the snow last year at this time.....my has Blake grown in a year! He looks like a baby in these pictures. Can't wait to get out there and play with him this winter :)

Smarty Pants

2012-01-12T16:39:00.003-05:00

I just have to tell y’all how SMART my little Blake is. Some days I am seriously AMAZED by the stuff that he knows!! He retains EVERYTHING. He has the longest attention span ever. He LOVES to read. He is obsessed with the iPad and will work on that thing all day long (IF I would let him).

One of his new favorites is putting together puzzles in the Pad. He is SO good at it! I explined it to him just one or two times, to look for the corners, and then the edges, and then to fill it in. He just concentrates on it...and does it...and then is SO proud of himself. And I am proud of him too :)
Check out this look of concentration on his face :)

Not only is my little guy smart...he's also CUTE :)

...and silly!!

I just love him so much!!

And the cuteness just keeps coming....

2012-01-11T09:57:00.002-05:00

A few more pics from Olivia's 1 year photo session. She got REAL serious at about this point...so no smiles here. Ha...I think that she was needing a snack :)

I think that my poor girl got the Galgoczi ears! Luckilly she can pull them off!

The more that I look through these pics, the more that I just love them. They realy capture Livi...and her personality. She is such a good girl!! Ugh....still can't believe that my baby is ONE!!

More cuteness...and an emotional mess!

2012-01-10T14:24:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to post one more little sneak of Olivia's darling 1 year pictures. I think that one is one of my favorites! I just love this little bug!!

Olivia STILL isn't walking. I think that this is a little strange and startling, however I am not TOO worried. She does seem so strong. She is quick as a bee at crawling, so I am thinking that she just thinks that walking is a waste at this point. She stands easily hanging on to something...but not much on her own yet. I guess she will walk when she is good and ready!!

Blake walked just before his 1st b-day, and I thought THAT was late....little Miss Priss is pushing the limits!!

Not sure if I am just being emotional today of what....this about brought me to tears today on Pinterest! I love it...and I sure do love my kids!!

Olivia's 1 Year Pictures

2012-01-09T16:39:00.003-05:00

I had Olivia's 1 year pictures taken on Saturday. A friend that I graduated high school with is just starting to take pictures (professionally/for others). Nikki did a GREAT job, and I am really happy with the pictures that she got. She edited them in a matter of 24 hours and sent the link right away....that was a bonus for this impatient mama :)

We did a few different locations/outfits...this was the 1st and I think that they are my favorite!

I will post the others soon!!

Trip to Great Wolf Lodge

2012-01-06T15:31:00.008-05:00

Before the holiday and the kid’s birthdays we wanted to take a little overnight trip. Ryan had another vacation day to use. We decided to go to Traverse City for a night and stay at the Great Wolf Lodge. We had been there once before with Blake just before Livi was born. That was our last trip as a family of three. This time all four of us went!

It was very fun. Both kids loved the waterpark. Blake loved our hotel room and kept asking if it was our new house! He had his own room with bunk beds. It looked like a tent, so he was in heaven.

I love making these memories with our little family. This small trip makes me look forward to the bigger trips that we will be able to take when they are a little older!

Olivia checking out the hotel room :)

Me adn my girl getting ready to hit the water park!
She's excited...

Blake and Ryan at the arcade! Not sure who has more fun...Blake or dad?

Intense game of skee-ball!

Weeeeee!

Blake LOVES Wiley the Wolf! We went to "stroy hour" where we listened to a story and did a little dance. Blake was in awe when he got to meet Wiley! So cute!

Checking out the lobby

Daddy and Liv too!

The lobby was all decorated for Christmas!

Getting ready to hit the slides! Blake is SO brave and such a good swimmer!

Livi likes the water too, but had just as much fun watching everyone else.

Time to leave :( Waiting for daddy to pick us up at the front door.

It was a very fun trip. I am so proud of my babies for being such good little travelers!

Olivia's Baptism

2012-01-05T11:25:00.003-05:00

On December 3rd Olivia got baptized at our church. She was a good girl and for the most part, liked being the center of attention. She did NOT like being dipped in the baptismal font…and she let everyone know that. Poor baby screamed like a wild child in front of the whole congregation. The priest commented that there is nothing wrong with her lungs!

I am so pround of my little Livi!

Before mass started:

Godparents, mom, dad, Liv
She sang and danced and put on quite the show for everyone at church!

She was OK until about this point.

Then she realized that she was going to be dunked in the water!

All better now...and in her beautiful gown.

Blake and grandpa Dan:

Godparents: Dani (Ryan's sister) and Tyler (Ryan's cousin)

All of us!

Livi just loves her Tyler!

Pretty girl...but she didn't want to sit still!

Bless her little heart...I just LOVE this girl!!

We pray that God will use you
In whatever He has for you
And your life will be a blessing
Through everything you do
We pray this day you'll sense God
In a new, exciting way
As you go through your baptism
And on through each new day.

(via)

Catching Up

2012-01-04T11:47:00.001-05:00

I realize that I have been the world’s worst blogger since the beginning of December. We had a CRAZY month…..between Blake turning 3, Olivia turning 1, Christmas, and everything else….I am not really sure where the time went!

I am going to start doing some retrospective posts to catch up on what I missed!! I hope that I can catch up and stay up to date moving forward!!

Olivia turned ONE on December 15th. I have lots of birthday pics to post.
She is growing and changing so much. Our little peanut went through a lot during her 1st year….but I am so happy to say that he is as healthy as can be now and just full of personality! She is such a spit-fire! I think that we are going to have our hands full with this one :)

Here are her stats from her one year well visit:
Length = 30.24 inches, between percentile 75 and 90
Weight = 19.7 lbs., between percentile 10 and 25
Head Circumference = 17.5 inches, in percentile 25

Besties

2011-12-09T14:57:00.002-05:00

Blake and Olivia are so cute together. She has ALWAYS wanted to follow him around nonstop...but at first he didn't pay much attention to her. Lately he has been wanting to play with her and I think that it is just the cutest thing in the world!!

He always wants me to put him in "sissy's bed"....he thinks it is just so great to play in there. I guess now that he doesn't sleep in a crib he thinks its cool :). There was a time that he was just dying to get out...haha!
He says "Mama, put by sissy in here!"..and I do...and they just play and play. I leave the room and can just hear them giggling away. It just melts my heart to see them playing together.

I hope that they are always the best of friends. I think that Blake will always be protective of her, and Livi will always look up to her cool big brother!

My Girl....

2011-12-06T15:49:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that my baby girl will be ONE next week. Where did this past year go? I feel like I was JUST pregnant with her..and preparing for her arrival. I feel like she was JUST that itty bitty baby that we brought home from the hospital. I feel like she was JUST curled up in her little swing looking like a little angel.

All of a sudden she is all over the house. She is full of spunk and personality. She is turning into a little toddler and not at all a little baby anymore! I wish that I could just push on the breaks and make time go a little bit slower!

I love watching her grow and learn new things.....but I don't want to loose my baby!!

Denver Trip

2011-12-05T16:13:00.004-05:00

At the beginning on November my friend Tony and I went to Denver to visit my sister! I didn't take my camera...and we only took a few pictures, but I am just not getting around to posting them!! It was GREAT to see Mary, but it makes me miss her more. Luckily she will be back her in Michigan for 5 days over Christmas!!

We went to Golden, CO to the Coor's brewery!

After our tour :)
Mountain views....
Waiting to get on the bus for the tour
Tony and my sister Mary
Learning about Coor's Light :)
And getting some samples too!!
After the tour you get 3 free beers!! Pretty good deal...esp. since the tour is FREE!!
Denver is a really cool place to visit....I just wish that it wasn't so far away or I would go more often! Looking forward to seeing Mary here in just 17 more days!! YAY :)

Holiday Traditions

2011-11-29T15:34:00.007-05:00

Today I am linking up with Neely and Amber for day 2 of the
FABULOUS HOLIDAY BLOG CHALLENGE!

Today's topic is: Favorite Holiday Tradition New or Old

I LOVE the holidays and tradition…so this is fun for me! Blake and Olivia are so young that we have really not developed many traditions YET….but I am really looking forward to starting some with them :)

For the first time this year we are doing Elf on a Shelf! I think that the concept is so fun…and Blake is starting to catch on!! We have a tradition of putting the Christmas decorations up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Blake was a big help this year! I have gotten the kids an ornament for each year….I write their name and the year on it. I think that it will be fun to look back at them all each year. So far Blake only has 3 and Livi 2….but in years to come there will be lots :)!!This is our tree from last year....it seems to have WAY more stuff on it this year!

On Christmas Eve we celebrate with Ryan’s family. His mom is Christmas Crazy so there is lots of chaos and presents….it is fun!Blake opening present at Sander's on Christmas Eve 2010

After spending time with Ryan’s family we go to my parents’ house and spend the night there, so we can wake up there on Christmas morning and spend the day with them! My sister is coming home, so we are really looking forward to that! We always have lots of great food and fun. Mary with little 9 day old Olivia on Christmas Eve 2010

Blake got a "hot rod" from papa last year!!

Playing outside on Christmas day
My parents live on a lake so we can skate and ice fish!

All of these holiday traditions will just get more and more fun as the kids get older (not that I am wishing away the years...just something to look forward to!)

Olivia’s Check-up

2011-11-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

We went down to the UofM Children’s Hospital yesterday for another check-up for Olivia. We were hoping that this would be the last one…but it isn’t. That being said, she IS OK! That is all that really matters.

Dr. did another scope to look down at her throat. I have to say that that is one of the most painful things to watch and be a part of. The older she gets, the harder it becomes. She fights us like crazy now. I have to hold her legs between my legs and her arms down at her side. A nurse has to bear hug me from behind and hold her head. The dr. goes in with the scope…and poor Livi just screams the whole time!! The whole process only takes a few minutes, but it is the longest few minutes EVER!!

The doc was very thorough with Livi yesterday, and that makes me feel good. She still breaths very raspy…but he doesn’t think that is because of her larynx or anything in that region anymore. He assumes that it is just congestion.

He looked long and hard at one specific spot at the base of her throat…and he couldn’t really tell what it was. He said that he couldn’t say for sure, but that it MAY be a cyst. It really looked NOTHING like the first one. That one was huge and looked like a balloon about to pop. This spot now is more of just an abnormality. It isn’t big or protruding into her airway. He doesn’t think that there is anything to worry about.

That being said, he want to see her again in 4 months for another scope and to see if anything has changed with the spot. Hopefully it looks the same (or better) then and we are good to go!!
She is SUCH a good baby and I am so proud to take her anywhere with me. Aside from the few minutes during the scope…she was a perfect little angel!!

So Long Fall....

2011-11-15T11:11:00.002-05:00

It is so hard for me to believe that today is November 15th. Where is the time going?! NEXT week is Thanksgiving?! That just blows my mind! I feel like it JUST turned to fall...and now it will be winter! We had one day with a few snow flurries, but nothing that stuck around. The weather has been very nice, so maybe that is why it doesn't feel like the holiday time to me yet!
I actually have started some Christmas shopping....thank goodness...because Christmas is only 5.5 weeks away!I am really looking forward to Christmas with Blake this year. He is already so excited about it! We talk about it every day...that and his birthday which is on Dec. 13th!

I am looking forward to starting some holidy traditions with the kids...decorating, baking cookies, looking at Christmas lights, etc. We have so much to look forward to! I am ALSO looking forward to Christmas because my sister will be home! Although I was just in Denver to visit her, I feel like she hasn't been home in forever...and I am SO excited to have her come here :)

These are a few of the pictures from our Fall Photos! I have some more good ones...but I am saving them for holiday gifts, so I want it to be a suprise!

My baby girl is growing up!

2011-11-03T15:58:00.002-04:00

Just within the past couple weeks Olivia has changed SO much. She is on a major growth spurt and is learning tons of new things.

She is pulling up on everything and standing for such long periods of time. I think that she is going to be walking in no time.

She has 2 teeth and one more on the way!

She is clapping, waving, and dancing upon request.

She is the sweetest baby girl EVER!!

Fun with Nana

2011-11-02T16:13:00.003-04:00

If there is one thing that my kids love..it's their Nana!! My mom came over to babysit on Saturday night while Ryan and I went to a Halloween party. I snapped these pics before we left. Livi was ALL smiles and Blake was so wound up and I couldn't even get him to say goodbye to me.

Livi is happy because her nana is here for a sleepover!! Blake wants to be JUST like his nana. He tries to wear her glasses and thinks that he is really smart with them on. My mom got him a pair of fake glasses to wear instead. He thinks they are real and tells me everything is really BIG when he is wearing them!!
So cute!

We sure are lucky that my mom is around to take care of the kids all of the time! I just know that they will share a special bond with her their whole lives!!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T16:17:00.002-04:00

We had a fun Halloween yesterday. This is the first year that Blake actually understood the whole trick-or-treating thing, so it was fun to watch him do that! He kept saying "One more house!!"...he got LOTS of candy....and we had lots of fun :)

My little bug....
With cousin Addyson...

Cheese!!!.....

Livi was a trooper and just watched everything happening around her!!

Can't wait til next year...events like this make me excited for them to grow, because I know that it is just going to be more and more fun!!

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-31T16:15:00.004-04:00

Last week Blake's class went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch! It just happened to be a rainy, cold day....but we had fun anyway. I got to go too :)

Blake's first ride on a bus. That might have been his favorite part!!
Checking out all of the different sizes, shapes, and colors of the pumpkins.

We went on a hayride too!!

Blake and his buddy Sam!

Trying to get a class picture....not an easy task! Blake has ALL boys in his class!

And trying again in the bus! You can see the top of Blake's head in the driver seat!

They got to ride the "pumpkin train" too!

Overall of was a fun trip...dispite the cold and rain! I didn't even think that the kids noticed the weather!!

Halloween fun!

2011-10-28T16:09:00.004-04:00

Today was Blake's Halloween Party at school! This isnt actually a school day for Blake, but we took him in anyway because we didnt want him to miss out on the fun!! He chose his cowboy costume and he looked SO cute!!
Olivia went along too as a little ladybug to watch all of the fun!!

Olivia loves to get her picture taken....Blake, not so much!!

Just checking out all of the cool costumes!!

Blake and all of his friends!!

Out of 8 kids, there were two Spiderman, and 2 dragons!! haha

Blake's daycare is connected to a nursing home. The kids paraded around the hallway and all of the residents handed out candy. Fun for the kids...and the residents!!

Livi just paraded around with Blake and his friends. She had fun taking everything in!

and my mom too!!

Blake and his friends!!

Blake was such a good little boy! I was so proud of him. He listened so well to his teacher and said his thank-you's to everyone! Made this mama PROUD...now if I could only get him to act like that at hom!! haha.

Christmas Cards from Shutterfly

2011-10-27T16:26:00.003-04:00

I couldn’t believe it when I got an e-mail from Shutterfly in regards to their 2011 Christmas Card selection…..CHRISTMAS??....already?? And then I realized that yep, the holidays are JUST around the corner and it is indeed time to think about ordering our Christmas Cards!

I am a frequent Shutterfly customer. I have ordered prints, greeting cards, invites, and calendars. The service and turnaround has always been great!!
I used Shutterfly for our Christmas cards last year and I was very pleased with the selection, service and quality.

This is the card (or similar to the card) that we chose last year:

They have a HUGE selection of Christmas cards to choose from this year.

These are a few of my favorites that I am deciding from this year!

If you haven’t checked out the selection that Shutterfly has to offer, be sure to do so soon!

December is a BUSY month in our household with the holidays and BOTH kids’ birthdays. This year will be BIG as we celebrate Livi’s 1st birthday and Blake’s 3rd birthday! I plan on getting party invites using Shutterfly as well.

Shutterfly is also a good stop for Christmas gifts. You cant go wrong with a personalized calendar for the grandparents!! Cute pics of the kids every single month!

They have cute thank-you cards too that will definitley come in handy!

OK....There is my Shutterfly promo for the season :)

Fall Fun!

2011-10-20T16:49:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago my mom and I took the kids to Anderson and Girls Apple Orchard. It was the first time that we had been there...and it is a pretty cool place. It was WAY to hot for a fall outing, but we had fun. There are tons of animals to feed and see, so Blake loved that.

Here is Blake and nana feeding the goats!

Livi wasn't sure what to think about all of it!!

Oops...Blake, where are you?!

There were real horses to ride....but Blake settled for this fake one instead :)

He LOVED this tire swing....it looked like a horse too!!

Blake and I will be heading to another Apple Orchard/Pumpkin Patch next week with his class...he has a field trip!

Splish Splash

2011-10-19T16:39:00.002-04:00

Splish Splash I was taking a bath!! Livi Kay sure does love her bath time now!! She could just play in there for hours if we let her!! Its a good thing that she typically wears pink and has a bow on her head...because in these pictures you cannot tell her from Blake!! She looks JUST like he did at this age. I guess thats a good thing....because he is turning out to be pretty darn cute :)

Olivia is 10 months old!!

2011-10-17T16:49:00.003-04:00

Olivia turned 10 months old on Saturday. 2 more months and my baby will be ONE!! Makes me sad!!

She is SO fun right now. Learning new things every day!

We had a well-visit today and she is doing great!

She weights just over 18 pounds. She is 29 and 3/4 inches long.

Her head circumference is 17 3/8.

Length = between percentile 90 and 95

Weight = between percentile 10 and 25

Head Circumference = between percentile 25 and 50

She is waving bye-bye and it is SO cute!

She also kisses us all of the time.

She is crawling everywhere...so quick!! She is into everything. The house has to be baby-proofed again!
She laughs and giggles all of the time.
She is a big eater...likes everything!!

She wears a size 9 mo or 12 mo.

Size 3 shoe.

Size 3 diaper.

She loves her big brother so much. Always wants to be right next to him!!

We just love her so much!!

It's my baby sisters birthday!!

2011-10-11T10:17:00.002-04:00

Today my little sister turns 29!! I am a little confused how my little sister is that old..considering I still feel 24...but, well...it happens I guess!! I wish that I could be with her to celebrate...but I will be in 24 days when I land in Denver!! I am so excited to visit her!!

Mary is the best sister ever. We have been bff's our WHOLE life. We never had that phase when we didn't get along.

She is a great aunt and loves her little niece and nephew...we just wish that she was closer so we could see her more often!!
Mary lives in Denver...and loves it there, but we miss her at home!!

She is smart, funny, pretty, and has a huge heart!!

She even held my dress while it rained on my wedding day...lol!!

I am so lucky to have Mary as a sister and friend. My life would NOT be the same without her. We had so much fun growing up and in college (where we were roomies :)).

I miss you sister! Can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

Happy Birthday!!

Fall Photos

2011-10-10T15:26:00.002-04:00

We had fall photos taken on Saturday! Ryan had to work at the last minute, so he could not go. I wasn't really planning on being IN many pics...but she did take some with me in them. This is the facebook sneak peek that is up already! Not the greatest of me...but cute of my babies! My parents came too and got in a few with the kids...hopefully those turned out!!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Blake is NOT the best little model these days. haha

Mommy Son Date

2011-10-06T14:55:00.003-04:00

When I saw that The Lion King was going to be at the theater I got very excited at the thought of taking Blake to see it! I loved that movie when I was little. Blake loves movies and ESPECIALLY loves animals...so I knew that this would be a hit! Ryan wanted to go too....but had to stay home with Livi :)

Blake and I before leaving for the movie...have I mentioned how hard it is to get a picture of this kid!? Pretty much next to impossible!!
This is the only decent one of him...and then I look like a fool!!

I bet you are thinking that the movie was a flop (after viewing the wiggle worm in these pics), but it wasn't! He loved it....and sat there like a baby angel the whole time! We ate our popcorn and enjoyed the movie! I actually spent the entire time just looking at his cute face and is expressions the whole time. I could watch him all day long!!

Now he is obsessed with Lions...he says "mama, wions are my favowite aminal. i wove them."

and he names all of his stuffed animals Simba :)

Pretty in Pink

2011-10-05T16:47:00.003-04:00

Just posting a few pictures that I took of Olivia a few weeks ago. She is growing like a weed!! Every day I feel like she is just changing and changing so fast!!

My days of easily taking pictures of her may be drawing to an end as she becomes more mobile!
He bottom tooth is starting to pop through!

She continues to be the best baby girl ever!!

I wish that I could freeze her at this fun age. She is so sweet!!

I've been MIA :(

2011-10-04T10:22:00.001-04:00

I know that I have been a BAD blogger....but I DO totally intend to get back in my routine very very soon! It has been a crazy couple of weeks...and I {might} have some big news to share with you all soon!! Stay tuned :)

Teething :(

2011-09-28T15:58:00.002-04:00

I think that my poor sweet Olivia Kay is about to pop her first tooth! She has been fighting this first one for a while...but I can feel it and I think it is about to pop through. Her big brother didn't get his first tooth until about 10 1/2 months old...so she might beet him by about a month! We'll see I guess

She is sticking everything in her mouth now. Here she is with her frozen teething ring and some ora gel! Poor girl.

She is going to look so different with teeth! I am excited to see what she will look like...but sad that by baby is growing up way too fast.

It's Our Anniversary!!

2011-09-26T16:02:00.002-04:00

Today Ryan and I are celebrating 2 years of wedded bliss!! Part of me feels as if we have been together FOREVER (we have actualy been toegether for 4.5 years) and another part of me feels as if we JUST met. It all just goes by in a blur! Our wedding day 2 years age was perfect (dispite the rain)! We had a beautiful wedding and an awsome reception. I wish that we could re-live that day!
We have been through a lot in our 2 years of marriage...and have a beautiful family today. Ryan is the best dad ever and I am so thankful for that! Our little Livi is SUCH a daddys girl and just lights up when he is with her. I know that Blake and Ryan will always be so close too!

I am excited to see what the future holds for us...and at the same time just enjoying our every day life! I know that life will send us ups and downs...but I am sure that we will get through it all together!! We are so lucky to have each other!!

Ryan took me out for a suprise pre-anniversary dinner date on Saturday night and it was SO good! Today he sent be a beautiful boquet of flowers to my office :)

I would say "Happy anniversary Ryan & I love you"...but I know that he doesn't read this :)

Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge!

2011-09-23T14:13:00.004-04:00

Today I am linking up with Neely and Amber for the Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge. This week has been a CRAZY week....so I haven't joined YET....but I am catching up today by answering all 5 of the posts/topics that they have hosted this week!!

(Mondays)

Fall traditions
Fall is my favorite time of year! I love the cool crisp weather, back to school, the routine, the food, the colors! I could go on and on.
We don’t have any traditions in our little family YET…but I look forward to many back to school traditions with the kids!
I am totally going to do this….

Do this at the 1st day of school each year...and then put them all together in a book for a graduation present....how cool would that me!?

I love this cute sign!

(Tuesdays)
Fall clothes/trends/makeup
I did a whole post on this on Wednesday. Everything that I have been pinning has been for fall. I LOVE scarfs and boots. Give me some trouser jeans and a cute sweater and I will be all set! I am thinking about dying my hair a tinge darker for fall…and I may even get a little crazy and put a little auburn in there too!!

(Wednesday)

What do you do for Halloween/a Halloween Memory?
We had AWESOME Halloweens growing up. My memories of Halloween are some of my most vivid memories of my childhood! We lived in a perfect neighborhood for trick or treating. My dad would take my sister and I ALL around getting as much candy as possible. My mom stayed home and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters that came to our house.

I am excited for Halloween with Blake this year. This is the first year that he actually “gets” it. He is WAY excited and has decided that he wasn’t to be a pirate. I asked what he needed to be a pirate…he said “an eye patch”….”and a moustache”…..I told him that if that was his costume he would just be a creepy little man, so he needs a hat and an outfit too. He has been practicing his “trick-or-treat”, and I must admit he does sound pretty darn cute!!
Blake's 1st Halloween....
Blake's 2nd Halloween...

(Thursday)
Fall decorating
I love fall decorations. For the first time ever we grew our own pumpkins this year! It is fun to have so many to choose from. We grew little ones, gourds, HUGE ones, and perfect carving pumpkins too. I have a bunch on the porch now. I plan on painting some and letting Blake paint and carve others!
I also made a fall rag wreath! It’s pretty cute.

Mine is more of a fall wreath than a halloween wreath...but you can get the point here!

(Friday)

Things you are looking forward to for fall
I really look forward to all that afll brings…..the cool weather, cute clothes, food. Football, Halloween, changing colors. I am even looking forward to it getting dark earlier at night. There is just something cozy about fall….and best of all, it means that Christmas is just around the corner :)

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!!

2011-09-21T16:07:00.003-04:00

I'm linking up with Michelle today for Oh How Pinteresting. I am focusing soley on fall fashion. Here are some outfits that I have pinned that I am lusting after!!

I'm all about trouser jeans and scarfs! I'll take this whole outfit please.

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

Love the boots, the scarf....hello fall!!

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

CUTE sweater!!

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

Ohhh....love the colors. Very classy!

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

Love the high waited pants...I need to get some! Either I'm turning into an old lady adn wanting "mom pants"...or their cool....idk...you tell me :)

Source: None via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning?!

Looking Good!!

2011-09-20T11:36:00.002-04:00

A big THANK YOU to my friend Kelly over at 4 Kids a Mini-Van and a lot of Love (yes FOUR kids!!) who did an awesome job re-doing my blog and updating my look and header!! Poor Livi is JUST now making her debut onto the header (she's ONLY 9 months old!)....don't know where the time goes. BUT, she is there now and "Our Little Family" is complete and up to date!

Thanks Kelly!! You are awesome!!

Olivia is 9 months old today!

2011-09-15T15:16:00.004-04:00

HOW in the world is it possible that our sweet baby is 9 months old already?! I just cannot believe it! I just have to say that she is the sweetest baby in the entire world...and I just love her SO much. She is at the cutest age and I could just freeze her like this forever. She is SO happy and smiley and just melts my heart!!

She weight 18 pounds.

She wears a size 3 diaper.

She is in a size 6-9 month in clothing. She is tall and skinny!

She is a pro at sitting by herself.

She scootches like a machine...but hasn't quite mastered the crawl yet.

She is a great eater. Lover pretty much everything!

LOVES her daddy....is definitely a daddy's girl!

Giggles and laughs all of the time...she is SUCH a happy child.

Still getting up 1-2 times per night to eat.

No teeth yet, but it seems close.

I could go on and on about how great she is....but I will spare you! I just love this little peanut to the moon and back. She is so cute I just could squeeze her!! I feel SO lucky to be Livi Kay's mama....and am SO proud that this little beauty is my baby girl!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday...

2011-09-14T11:29:00.003-04:00

I am linking up with Jamie today for What I'm Loving Wednesday. It has been a few wereks since I have linked up....but I think that my life is getting back into a routine and it feels good to be on a schedule!!
1. I am loving that my mom gets to go to Denver tomorrow to visit my baby sister....but I am NOT loving that I don't get to go with her! I am jealous. I miss my sister so much. I know that she and my mom will have a great time this weekend!!

2. I am loving that Ryan is starting to feel more like himself after his hernia surgery. It was a LONG recovery. He went back to work last week and we are starting to get back into a regular routine. He has a follow-up doctors appt. tomorrow, hopefully everything looks good!

3. I am loving my sweet little Livi Kay who will be 9 months old tomorrow!! She is growing up lick crazy!!

4. I am loving my spunky little Blake William who is such a lover these days! He always wants to "snuggle" so of course we have been doing LOTS of that these days!!

5. I am loving that fall is just aournd the corner! It is only 55 degrees right now, with a high of 60 today! It was chilly this a.m., and it felt so good!!

What are you loving?! Link up here!!

Blake is 2yrs.9mo. Today!

2011-09-13T15:37:00.002-04:00

My little Blake William is 2 years and 9 months old today! In three short months I will have a 3 YEAR OLD!! That seriously just blows my mind!! I feel like I JUST found out that I was pregnant for him!!

I tried to take some pictures of him last night for this post.....talk about MAJOR fail. I didn't get one since good one. He is at that age where he is on the go, go, go. Actually...he has been at that stage for sometime now!!

He weighs exactly 30 pounds and wears a size 2T....he is almost tall enough to be in a 3T now! Still pretty skinny though!!

He has moved up to the Tike room at school and has been doing GREAT with that transition. No issues at all. We are TRYING to work on potty training....but we are not succeeding. He will sit on the potty...but will not go in the potty. He says that he is scared! Hopefully he will get over that soon. I think that the diaper thing is mostly a security issue at this point.

He is SO lovey-dovey. Always kissing and hugging. I bet he gets that from us always loving up on him!!

His hair is crazy. He needs it cut AGAIN. It grows like a week and is still blonde and curly!!

He is a very social kid and gets along with anyone! He still does good with his baby sister. Since she is on the move now and into his things there is starting to be a little jealousy...but you can really reason with him, and he totally gets it!

His appetite is all over the place. Sometimes really good...other times not good at all!! You just never know.

He loves to be outside and is quite the runner!!

He is sleeping just great in his toddler bed...we have no issues there. He has always been a good sleeper!

He is SMART...of course I say that because I am his mama....bu sometimes he blows me away with the things that he knows, retains, and repeats!

We just love this little guy SO much!!

'Cousin' fun!

2011-09-12T16:23:00.004-04:00

My cousin Casey, his wife Alicia, and their daughter Ellen came and visited us yesterday on their way back home from vacation. We had a perfect day on the lake. The weather was beautiful and the kids had fun playing and swimming!!

Blake will be 3 in December, Ellen will be 2 in December, and Olivia will be 1 in December. It is CRAZY the difference a year makes at that age! Blake and Ellen had fun and did really good playing and interacting with each other, seeing that they rarely see one another!

--these pictures uploaded HUGE and are 1/2 cut off....I will try to fix them later!!

Blake and nana having fun swimming!

Casey and Ellen

Blake has become very brave in the water! The swimming lessons paid off this year!!

We tried to get a goot pic of Blake and Ellen....pretty hard at this stage!

Looking at the fishies!

Blake and daddy!

Ellen checking them out from the boat!

Livi was a good girl and just hungout in her stroller!

Ellen loved the juice boxes!!

Playing at the picnic table!

What'cha got cooking?!

2011-09-09T14:47:00.003-04:00

This post is all about food!! I am not usually a food blogger...so I must be hungry or something!! anywho....

I am ADDICTED to pinterest....seriously addicted and I have just been pinning and pinning and pinning. SO, I made a deal with myself that I HAD to try at least one new recipie that I have pinned each week!

I am happy to get back into the fall routine of cooking dinner, being home, and fall-ish foods!! I have reached or beaten my goal of 1 new recipe the past 2 weeks...so I am on a roll!!

I have already made my menu for next week and bought all of my groceries (just today)....so I am ready to roll!!

Here is what is on the menu:

MONDAY:
Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
-I LOVE cooking in the crock pot...esp. during the week while I am working!
-We are not big pork chop eaters in our house....but we like them..maybe I just havent had a good recipie yet....this looks good!
-Blake LOVES mashed potatoes and gravy...so thats a bonus here!!

TUESDAY:
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
-Another crock pot recipie!! cha-ching
-Ryan loves anything that has to do with rice!
-I am craving any kind of soup or "fall" food...so I am excited about this

WEDNESDAY:
I bowl with my girlfriends...so Ryan and the kids are on their own! I bet they will eaither get McD's or have leftovers :)

THURSDAY:
Baked Parmesan Spaghetti
-I typically use a recipie for Baked Spaghetti that is similar to this...but not exact. This one adds fresh basil...so thats a bonus and I am sure that it will be a delicious addition to an already good recipie!
-We have TONS of ground beef in the freezer...so I am always trying to use that in my menu.

Here are a couple of the recipies that I pinned and made last week:
Crockpot Italian Chicken
-Good...will probably make again with the addition of a couple more ingredients. It was a little bland!! BUT, super easy...and good!

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
-Super easy and a good side dish. We had with Sloppy Joes. It would be a good dish to take to a pot luck or something.

You can click on any of the pictures and it will take you to my pin where you can link to the recipies. I will let you know how these new ones turn out!!

‘Fall’-ing behind!

2011-09-08T16:01:00.001-04:00

We have been super busy and my blog has been getting swept aside! I will get back in the swing of things soon! I need to start snapping some pics of the kiddos. They are looking so OLD {and CUTE} lately!!

It went from summer to fall overnight. I am loving the cooler weather, but wondering how this happened so quickly! I need to get some warmer clothes for the kids. I keep sending Blake to school in shorts….and then I worry that he is cold the whole day!

Ryan and I had a great time in Nashville and Gatlinburg with friends this past weekend. Our friends got married….and the rest of us celebrated!! So fun. I will post pics soon. The kids stayed with the grandparents and they all had a great time! I am so lucky that they are so cool, calm, and collected wherever they stay!!

The work week is flying by and I am looking forward to a weekend at home!!

Feeding the ducks!!

2011-09-01T10:52:00.002-04:00

Blake and nana feeding the ducks!!

These two SURE do love each other!!

The County Fair

2011-08-30T11:24:00.004-04:00

We went to the fair a couple of weeks back, but I haven't getten around to posting the pictures. Our county fair is pretty weak, but Blake got a kick out of it, so it was worth it.

Here are the kids in one of the barns...

Livi liked just looking at everything....
I THOUGHT that Blake was having a good time....but judging by this picture, I am not so sure.

He loved the bunnies. The 4-H girls got theirs out so he coudl pet them.

And the goats. Every bard that we went on he would say..."I want a goooooooooat" or " I want a bunnyyyyyyyyy" or I want a "cooooooow".....when we got the the pig barn he said "I dont want a pig mama....they stinky"...haha!

My loves...

I THOUGHT that we might be able to get out without riding the rides...but that didnt work...so we ended up letting Blake ride.

Crazy driver!!

The slide was his favorite. I must admit that my legs were sore from carrying him up ALL of those stairs numerous times!!

Taking this ride very seriously!

This is what Livi thought about the rides! LOL

He wanted to ride backwards in the rocket ships...what a little dare devil!!

He got a big kick out of this bounce house too...and it wasnt the easiest thing to get him out of! ha

until next summer......

This and That

2011-08-29T14:44:00.001-04:00

Just some random thoughts for today….
• We took this picture on Friday night before heading to the football game. This was the 5th attempt, and the best of the bunch. Sure is hard to get a good picture right now!

• We walked to the football game on Friday (we live very close to the stadium). The kids were SO good. Ryan’s team beat mine by ONE point at the very end. Bummer! Ha.

• The weather has been BEAUTIFUL. I just love it. It could stay like this all year round if you ask me.

• We spent Saturday at my mom’s house. My mom and Blake went swimming…possibly the last swim and boat ride of the summer!

• We went to Ryan’s parents on Sunday. We worked in the garden. The cukes, beans, zucchini, and summer squash are about done. BUT, the potatoes, acorn, and butternut squash are about ripe. I am excited for some “fall” food.

• Livi has been a little under the weather. She stayed home from “school” today. She has a runny nose and just isn’t acting like herself.

• Blake had a GREAT first week in his “Tike” classroom. No adjustment issues at all. Now we just need to figure out how to convince him that big boys go pee-pee on the potty. He just is not interested yet!

• Ryan and I are leaving for Nashville/Gatlinburg on Friday with friends. My mom is taking the kids for 2 nights and Ryan’s for 1 night. We have a wedding in Gatlinburg, so are going to Nashville as well while we are down there! Should be lots of fun!

Two Peas in a Pod

2011-08-26T14:52:00.002-04:00

My two guys were dressed like twinks the other day....completly by accident....so of course I had to snap a quick picture! Aren't they the cutest?!

We are looking forward to a weekend at home. We are planning on going to the 1st high school football game tonight. My high school is playing Ryan's high school...and we are big rivals :) Tomorrow we plan on spending the day at the lake (weather permitting)! I am so looking forward to a low key weekend without having to be on the go go go!! Our summer weekends are coming to an end now...so we have to soak it up!!

School Days!!

2011-08-25T14:35:00.006-04:00

Blake transitioned from the Toddler room to the Tike room at school this week. It seems like just yesterday I was dropping him off for the very first time. I was so apprehensive at first about taking him to daycare. He is now entering into his third classroom....and daycare is GREAT for him.

We are so lucky to have such an awesome facility to send the kids to. It is really much more like a school than a daycare. Blake learns SO much and has so much fun there. The teachers care about the kids so very much and I have no worries about leaving my babies there.

Blake's teachers from his Toddler classroom just uploaded a bunch of pictures to the Shutterfly Share site that they have...it was fun to look at all of them...and reminded me of how much Blake has changed and grown since he started in that classroom. There are TONS of pics...but I just took a sample for today...I will post more in a later post!

Painting (I see More on the table than on the paper!).

This must have been hat day! ha
Blake and one of his best buddies, Hank. They both look so young to me in this picture! I see you!!

I am glad that he paints at school....I don't think that we could handle this mess at home!

Blake and Lexie. I think that Blake had a special fondness to little Lexie at one point :)

I don't think that you are supposed to eat that! lol

Looks like trouble!!

God Bless the sweet teachers that have to clean this mess up!!

so serious....

He looks like he is a business here!!

My happy little school boy!

When I picked him up on Monday this week I asked how his new class was. He said "Mama, I in pwe-school now".....Ahhh, what happened to my baby?! It will be kindergarten before I know it!!

Take me out to the ballgame!!

2011-08-24T15:22:00.003-04:00

Last week we went to a Great Lakes Loon's game (our Minor League baseball team). This is the 3rd time that Blake has been...once each summer. He did pretty good this time. We made it to about the 5th inning before he had to get up adn walk around. Once that happened, we couldnt get him to come back to the seats...so we just left!! ha.

He was lucky and got to have some soda pop! He loves it.

Nana, Blake, and Papa

And Livi was a doll....watched for a bit and then just went to sleep!

What a little angel!

Hard to believe that summer is winding down...have to enjoy all of the summer activities while we still can!!

Where I've Been....

2011-08-23T11:48:00.002-04:00

I have been MIA lately because I just got back from a long weekend at Lake Comberland, KY! me and 15 of my besties spend 3 days on a houseboat for my friend Megan's bachelorette party!!
It was SO much fun. We rented our house boat from the State Dock. It had 6 bedrooms with double beds, two pull out couches, a 16 person hot tub, 2 water slides, full kitchen, bar, grill, etc. Pretty much everything that you could EVER need on the lake!

This is what our boat looked like! Can you imagine 16 girls living on this for 3-4 days?! Luckilly my friend Erica was an excellent boat captain and could drive this like a champ! I don't think that I could have handled it!

Here we are in the hot tub! Someone thought that it would be funny to put soap in the tub and make a bubble bath! We didn't know what was going on when we first turned the jets on...lol. Isn't the scenery behins us beautiful?! We were ALL alone on the lake!

And THIS is how we got down to KY. 10 hours, 14 girls, in a MOTOR HOME! Yes, we are crazy....but it was so fun and so worth the tiredness that I feel now!!

I will have more pictures to post, but I have to upload them from my camera. I stole these ones from the State Dock web-site and my friends facebook pages!!

Oh How Pintresting

2011-08-17T09:52:00.003-04:00

It's Wednesday again...so that means that I am linking up with Michelle!

1. I am SO doing this! How fun would it be to have this of 1st day of school for every year K-12?!

Source: misszoot.com via Annie on Pinterest

2. Totally made these yesterday and Blake gave him to their teachers today....they loved them!!

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Annie on Pinterest

3. well, duh!!

Source: weheartit.com via Annie on Pinterest

4. It's only 10 a.m., is it too early to want this!?

Source: melskitchencafe.com via Annie on Pinterest

5. One of these is totally going on my Christmas list this year!!

Source: etsy.com via Annie on Pinterest

6. I am ready for fall....bring on the fall clothing :)

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

7. I love this! I think that I should frame it as a reminder to my babies as they get older!!

Source: cookingwiths.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning?!? Link up here!!

One Month Older!

2011-08-16T14:32:00.002-04:00

Olivia turned 8 months old yesterday! WOW. I cannot believe it.

In the last month I think that she has really grown and changed a lot! She is developing such a little personality now. She is such a sweet baby and just goes with the flow!

Olivia is starting to put a little meat on her skinny little bones! Her legs are filling out and so are her cheeks!

She is wearing a size 3 diaper

She is in size 6-9 month clothing most of the time. If it wasn’t her for length, I am sure that she would still be in a size 6 month.

She wears a size 2 shoe.

She is an eating machine. She loves rice and oatmeal. She east 3-4 times per day. Rice with veggies or oatmeal with fruit. She eats meat about once a day…chicken or turkey with rice. She seems to really enjoy that too!

It seems like she has been teething…but nothing has popped though yet. She is constantly chewing on things and drooling. Blake didn’t get his first tooth until 10.5 months…so we shall see!!

Her hair is getting thicker. Still very straight.

He is a laughing machine. Just gets cracking up and it is SO cute! Blake makes her laugh the most.

She does a great job at daycare and just LOVES her friends there. She about jumps out of my arms when I take her there in the a.m.

She has started to sleep through the night (sometimes)…I don’t want to jinx this, but be is getting better and better!

She is trying to get into crawling position….but can’t quite get there. She is a rolling machine! Can get anywhere she wants in no time at all.

Blake turned 2 years, 8 months on Saturday.

I am having a hard time grasping that I will have a THREE year old in just 4 short months. Where did these past 3 years go?!

Although I love Blake more than life, I think that he is in that terrible 2 stage. One minute he is the sweetest little love-bug. The next minute he is so defiant. I think that he is really testing his limits.

He is SO extremely smart. Too smart for his own good in fact. He knows how to work everyone!
He will be moving up to the Tike room at school next week. I think that he has been ready for this move for some time now. This is a big move….and it means potty training. I pray that this is a somewhat easy transition. He acts like he isn’t interested now, but I think that he really just doesn’t want to stop and take the time to pee on the potty.

His vocabulary is so huge. Sometimes I am blown away by the stuff that comes out of his mouth. He retains EVERYTHING like a sponge. You have to be very careful what you say around him….because he will remember it, no doubt!

As of now he is in a size 4 diaper…but hopefully underpants soon!

He is not a big eater. Never has been.

He is tall and skinny. Could wear size 18 mo. shorts….but wears 2T or 3T in everything else because of his height.

Wears a size 7 shoe…but just bought an 8 in the latest (although I think that they are too big….he told me that the 7’s were “too tight mama”).

Blake has the thickest blonde hair ever! It has the prefect amount of wave to it….he is overdue for a haircut, but I can’t bring myself to get it cut off!

I just love this kid to the moon and back…but for our sanity, I hope that these terrible two’s are over soon!!

Oh How Pinteresting

2011-08-11T10:44:00.003-04:00

I am linking up with Michelle a day late....

I meant to get this up yesterday...but lost track of time (story of my life!)....

I love the vanity and colors in this bathroom!!! Looks so nice!

Source: houzz.com via Annie on Pinterest

I need to do this....what a smart idea!!

Source: kitchens.com via Annie on Pinterest

How cute is this?! Would be cute on a child or an adult. I wish that I was crafty and could make my own!

Source: etsy.com via Annie on Pinterest

Love this outfit for work!! I bet that I would feel very professional and powerful....I better go buy all of it :)

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

Good thinking!!

Source: everythingfab.tumblr.com via Annie on Pinterest

These look cute and yummy! Might have to try this!!

Source: picky-palate.com via Annie on Pinterest

LOVE this dress!!

Source: net-a-porter.com via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning?! Link up here!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-08-10T14:23:00.005-04:00

I am linking up with Jamie today for What I'm Loving Wednesday!!

1. I am loving that it is my birthday today!! Well...maybe I am NOT loving that I am getting a year older, but I do love all of the attention that comes along with my birthday. I have been getting lots of phone calls, e-mail, facebook messages (over 100 already!), and tweet love! Thank you all for being so sweet!
I am celebrating by going out to dinner with my family tonight. Tomorrow I am going out with my girlfriends. I already went to lunch and shopping with my mom! I am pretty lucky. PLUS, Blake said to me on the way to school today "It's mama's birthday...its her special day"....awww...bless his little heart!

2. I am loving this grilled pizza that I made last night. I used this recipe from one of my favorite sites. It was delish. I grilled veggies that we grew in the garden!!

Ready to go in the oven....

Yummm...delish!!

3. I am loving that I made my first batch of dill pickles! This is my 1st attempt at canning (aside from Strawberry Freezer Jam). I am anxious to see if it worked! If so, I am going to make lots more, because we have TONS of pickles/cukes growing in the garden!

Once I get the hang of it I may even try to make some salsa!!

4. I am loving that I am featured over here on this awesome lady's blog today!! How cool....and it even worked out that I was posted on my birthday too :)

5. OF course I am always LOVING by adorable babies!! Here they are at the fair the other night!!

What are you loving?!!? Go link up here!!

Jury Duty

2011-08-09T11:47:00.002-04:00

I am on jury duty this month....ugh. This is the 1st time in my life that I have ever been summoned, so I shouldn't feel too bummed...but it is such a pain! I have been on for the month of August, and luckilly this morning was the first a.m. that we actually had to report. I was only there for a couple of hours. We went through the orientation, and then they released half of us and I was one of the lucky ones that got to go for the day! I have to call in again this afternoon after 4:30 to see about tomorrow a.m. though! That is the big pain...rememebring to call in, and waiting until after 4:30 to make plans for the next day.

It is just such a pain with the babies. Poor Ryan still cannot lift anything over 10 pounds because of his surgery...so he can't be much help right now. My mom usually babysits the kids on Tuesdays, but she is on juyy duty TOO....what are the odd's!? At least we get to sit there together...but it makes for a major pain working out all of the logistics!!

My little baby is growing up!!

2011-08-08T14:57:00.002-04:00

It seems like Olivia is changing so much right now. She is really growing up!!

I know that I will probably look back at this one day and think that she was such an itty-bitty baby....but right now, she seems so big to me!!

She is so strong and independant. Moving everywhere by herself. She has such a little personality now. I just can't wait to see what she is like as she gets older!

On the boat!
Watching Blake swim!

What a little peanut. I just love her!

Liv and nana swimming!!

She will be 8 month old on Saturday. I will do a manthly update post about her growth/accomplishments soon!!

Splash Park

2011-08-04T12:16:00.003-04:00

These pictures are from a few weeks ago and I just haven't gotten around to posting them. We took Blake down to the Splash Park that we have in our town. He just loved it! We don't take him often, becauce we are usually at the lake. He only went once last year and has been twice this summer. These pictures are from his 1st trip this year. He got right in and loved every minute of it!!

Livi Kay wished that she could join in too!! Maybe next year :)
The water is COLD! But that didn't stop him.

Daddy and sissy watching from the sidelines!

So fun!!!

He would just run back and forth....I think that he learned this trick from running through the sprinkler!

This has been a long week....and I am so ready for the weekend. I haven't been getting much (if any) sleep. Between the kids being up and Ryan hurting from his surgery I am feeling pretty stressed/wore out! I am really ready for everyone to be themselves again!! We have no major plans this weekend...so hopefully I can catch up!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-08-03T09:50:00.002-04:00

I am linking up with Jamie today for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

1. As crazy as it may sound...I am loving that we finally got a little bit of rain! It is SO dry here. Our lawn is dried right up and my flowers are suffering. It rained last night and I am so happy. Although, this does probably mean that I will have to mow the lawn now...ugh....I am on lawn duty since Ryan has had the hernia. I haven't had to do it TOO much since it has been so dry!

2. I am loving that Blake is feeling better! Last week was pretty rough. He had croup, and was NOT a happy camper. This week he is back to his sweet self....and it makes us ALL feel much better!

3. I am loving that it is Wednesday already. I was out of the office on Monday because of Ryan's surgery, so it is hard to believe that it is Wednesday already! I am READY for the weekend!!

4. I am loving Big Brother! I really like watching Big Brother...and look forward to it every summer. There isn't much on TV that I like right now...so this is a highlight for me :) I am rooting for Jeff and Jordan. I love them!

5. I am LOVING my mom (as always). We have had a rough couple of weeks. Between Ryan's surgery, Blake being sick, Livi being fussy with teething and such.....but my mom helps us out TONS. She seriously does so much for me and I have no clue what I would do without her!

6. Of course I am always loving my sweet Livi bug. She isn't feeling the best right now so isn't sleeping (at all)....but I still just love her to pieces. I think that she may have gotten a bit of Blake's croup....but not to the extent that he had it at all. She has a slight cough and seems congested. She is also teething (I think), so the poor thing is just not herself. BUT, she continues to be so sweet and lovey. What a doll!!

What are you loving this week?! Go link up here!!

Ryan’s Surgery

2011-08-02T15:29:00.000-04:00

Ryan had surgery yesterday to repair the hernia on his left side. He actually has bilateral hernias (one on each side), but they are just repairing one at a time. This is the THRD surgery that he has had on his left side hernia. He tore it originally from high school football…and has had problems with it ever since.

Surgery was originally scheduled for 07/25, but got pushed back one week because of the doctor’s schedule. It was scheduled for 7:00 with a 5:00a.m. check in time. The hospital that we had to go to is 2+ hours away. We woke up at about 1:00 to leave a 2:00 yesterday a.m. Talk about an EARLY morning.

Surgery went well and the doctor is confident that he repaired it this time. Fingers crossed. Ryan is in LOTS of pain right now, but I guess that is to be expected. He is home. He is to be off of work for at least 3 weeks. He cannot lift anything over 10 pounds for 1 month. UMMM, hello Dr. we have 2 babies that weigh more than 10 pounds each! Ha. I guess this month will be a major workout for me lugging both babies everywhere by myself!

My mom stayed with the kids when we left yesterday morning and again today when I went to work. She is a lifesaver. I have NO clue what we would do without her. Thanks mom!!

Now I am just hopeful for a speedy recovery for Ryan and for the kids to be on their best behaviors this next few weeks while Ryan can’t help. It started out bad last night. None of us got much sleep. Ryan was up most of the night. Livi is at a phase where she isn’t sleeping (at ALL...EVER). Blake was up a couple of times too. Let’s hope that tonight is a better night for everyone!!

Thank you for all of the prayers, well-wishes, etc. that everyone was sending our way yesterday!

Oh How Pinteresting!!

2011-07-27T14:23:00.004-04:00

Time again to link up with Michelle!!

We have veggies coming out the wa-zoo in the garden...so I have been pinning lots of recipies that we can try using all of our fresh veggies. This one looks yummy!!

Source: annies-eats.net via Annie on Pinterest

This outfit has me writted all over it to wear to work. I think that I have most of it...just need to put it together. I KNOW I have that necklace...I just need the shoes!!

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

Another recipie to try so we can utilize our gazillion zuchinni!!

Source: handletheheat.com via Annie on Pinterest

I think that I could totally make this!! And the posibilities are endless!!

Source: the-inspired-nest.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

and if I get really good at it I will have to rememebr this! A wreath base for less than a dollar!

Source: thepennyparlor.com via Annie on Pinterest

Just watched this last weekend and it was SO good! Had to pin it!

Source: amazon.com via Annie on Pinterest

LOVE....for my Blaker

Source: granvillehouse.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

I WANT this space...the openness...the windows....everything!!

Source: houzz.com via Annie on Pinterest

OK...go link up here!!

Tractor Ride

2011-07-26T15:05:00.003-04:00

Great-Grandpa Bechtel (Ryan's grandpa) has lost of tractors adn loves to take Blake for rides. I am not actually sure who gets more excited about it....Blake or Grandpa! ha. Here are a few pictures of them on a ride the other day. It was a hot, hot day....

Headed down the street!!
Livi stayed behind this time :)

Maybe she can go for a ride in a year or two!

Putting along....

What a fun memory for these two!!

This is one of grandpa's older restored tractors. Looks pretty good, huh?!

Looks like serious business!!

Blake "drives" and feels so proud of himself!!

I snapped a couple of pictures of grandma's flowers while I was waiting for them to return!

They could just do this all day long!!

Pretty soon they will be putting Blake to work in the fields!! Although, I am sure that he would absolutley love that!!

Next time he is heading out on the combine! At least that is enclosed and has some air conditioning. What a lucky little boty Blake is for having SO many people that just love to spend time with him!!

Family Pictures

2011-07-25T14:14:00.003-04:00

I got some more of the proofs back on our pictures that we had taken a couple of weeks ago. This is the first time was we have had family pics taken as a family of four!!

Little Olivia LOVES the camera and cheeses it up every time!!
Unlike her big brother who seems to HATE to have his picture taken. He needed a little extra special attention from me to get him to crack a little smile.

Here Miranda caught him with a real smile! I love this one.

Check out more of Miranda's work here! She is amazing.

Summer fun!

2011-07-22T13:58:00.003-04:00

We have been having some HOT weather here in Michigan lately!! This weekend it looks like it will be raining....but we have been enjoying the boat and the lake on the sunny weekends!!

Blake loves to go on the boat and swim!! He jumps right off with no hesitation whatsoever. Ryan is always there to catch him!

My boys...cooling off in the lake!

My mom and Olivia hanging out on the boat while the boys swim!

Sweet baby Olivia!!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! Blake says over and over, "Do again Daddy?!"

Olivia wishes that she was a little bit bigger so she could play too!!

But she is pretty content to just watch right now!!

I can hardly believe that July is almost over. Where is our summer going?! I am hoping that we can enjoy as much as posibly for the next few weeks!!

We've got a jumper!!

2011-07-20T21:09:00.002-04:00

Ryan brought Blake's old Johnny-Jump-Up up from the basement on Monday for Olivia. She LOVES it and has spent hours in this thing since Monday!! She will just jump and jump and jump!! I can't believe how much out little Livi has developed and changed over the past month or so! I just love her to bits :)

Olivia is 7 months old!

2011-07-15T14:50:00.003-04:00

Olivia is 7 months old today! I can’t believe that she is over the hump and on her way to 1 year old! So crazy!

We had her 6 month check-up today (so we are a month late, but that’s ok)! She is looking healthy and is growing. She is still a peanut, but we expected that.

She is in the 75th percentile for height
The 50th percentile for head circumference
And only the 3rd percentile for weight!

We need to put some meet on her skinny little bones. Blake was the same way at this age. The pediatrician wasn’t concerned, because Olivia IS growing and is healthy.

She can start eating 2nd foods and meats now so maybe that will bulk her up a bit!

She slept through the night last night (8:15 p.m. to 6:15 a.m.) for the first time! Hallelujah. Hopefully this is the start of something great! She woke up at 6:15 to eat and went right back to sleep. We had to wake her up at 8:50 to get ready for the doctor’s appointment.

Typically she has been waking up 1-2 times per night…but just to eat and then its right back to bed.

She is a pro at rolling now and rolls everywhere. She is trying to get into a crawl position, but isn’t quite there yet.

She can sit very good with assistance, but isn’t quite there on her own yet…maybe within the month though!

She wears a size 3 diaper…but they are a bit roomy! 2’s seemed too snug though.

She is in a 3-6 month size clothing…and some 6 months as well because she is getting tall!

She laughs all of the time…especially at her brother!

She is seriously the best baby ever. We just love her SOO much. She is so good and so sweet.

Although I just love her as a baby, I cannot wait to see what the future holds :)

Slip 'n' Slide!

2011-07-14T16:18:00.003-04:00

These pics were taken on Sunday when we were at the in-laws for dinner. Blake and his cousin Addy were having a blast on the slip and slide! Blake is 2.5 and Addy turned 2 in May...they are so brave!! They would go flying right down that slip 'n' slide at warp speed adn run right back to do it again!!

Blake...

Addyson...

Oh How Pintresting!

2011-07-13T16:09:00.002-04:00

Linking up with Michelle again this week!!

Here are a fewe of my recent pins!!

1. I love this idea to frams and hang in the kids rooms!

Source: etsy.com via Annie on Pinterest

2. Love this look! Especially the trench! So cute.

Source: polyvore.com via Annie on Pinterest

3. Doesn't this bedroom look cozy?! I LOVE the pictures over the bed and the colors!

Source: diy.roomzaar.com via Annie on Pinterest

4. This is a great idea. Ryan and I are both so indecisive...

this would make date night fun and easy!!

Source: shannonbrown.typepad.com via Annie on Pinterest

5. I am totally doing this! I have already adapted my list to work for my house.

Time to de-clutter!!

Source: littlelucylu.com via Annie on Pinterest

6. Love this dress!! Love the color and the ruffles!!

Source: stylehive.com via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning?! Link up here!!

Doctor re-caps and Pictures!!

2011-07-13T14:44:00.003-04:00

On Monday my mom and I took Olivia down to U of M for a follow-up on her throat. It was raining like crazy the whole way down! It typically would take about an hour and a half or a bit longer to get there, but because of the weather it took us over two hours. Needless to say, we were stressing and late. BUT, when we arrived we saw a sign that said that Dr. Koopman was running about an hour late. I guess it all worked out in our favor. We waited in the waiting room and then in the back as well. Olivia was a perfect angel the WHOLE time. Seriously, she is just SO good. She had all of the people in the waiting room just so entertained. She smiles at everyone and giggles. She is such a sweet baby girl!

When the doctor finally came in he decided that he wanted a scope her again. That is a pretty painful process, but Livi did a very good job. They squirt saline solution in her nose and then put a scope in and down her throat to look around. The hardest part is that I have to hold her the whole time. She was crying like crazy, but stopped as soon as he was done and never made another peep!

The doctor said that everything looked good! GREAT news for us. He said that “he thinks that she is out of the woods…but she isn’t quite out of the woods yet”…those were really his words. Ha. Anywho…we have to go back one more time in 4 months. If she looks good again then I think that she will be cleared!

She has come SO far since that initial surgery. We are very lucky to have gotten the referral to that hospital. They are definitely the best of the best!

On Tuesday I went down to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit with Ryan for his hernia. We didn’t know quite how long it would take to find the place or what traffic would be like, so we ended up getting there an hour and a half early, ugh. THEN, we hear that this doctor is running up to TWO HOURS behind. Blah. All together we were there for about 6 hours….tack the 4+ hour trip on to that…and the whoe ting took ALL DAY!

Again, we hear that this doctor is the best of the best, so it is worth it. Come to find out Ryan has bi-lateral hernias…one on each side! Poor guy. The left side is a re-tear. He has already had 2 sports hernia surgery’s to repair that side. SO, we will be addressing that side first. The doc said that he would never do both sides at the same time because of the extreme pain. He will operate on Ryan’s left side on Monday, July 25th.

I feel so bad for Ryan because he has been in an extreme amount of pain for quite some time now. I really hope that this helps him!!

This past weekend we got some pics taken by the awesome Miranda at MP Photography. She posted these two sneak peaks on Facebook. Could they be ANY cuter?!?

Working for the Weekend....

2011-07-08T14:49:00.002-04:00

I am on a weekend countdown.......2 hours and 10 minutes until mine begins! This was technically a short week, so it should have flown by...but it didn't and I am READY for a break. I am excited to not have any mojor plans this weekend.

Tonight we are just going to hang out at home. We are getting our pictures taken tomorrow morning, so I want the kids to feel good and rested and then *maybe* we can get some smiles out of them! We shall see...

The weather is supposed to be awesome this weekend, so I am hoping to spend some time relaxing at the lake! I have been waiting and waiting for summer and it is finally here in full force!

Since I don't have any new pics to post I am posting these from about a month ago. Taken at our "Summerfest." Blake thought that it was so fun....and Olivia just sat back and watched all of the action!

Playground!

2011-07-07T11:41:00.003-04:00

Blake LOVES to go to the playground. It is the first thing that he asks about when he gets up each morning. "Mama, we go to playground today?".....we do take him often....and he just LOVES it. Luckilly we have one close to our house and we can walk there!

I took these pics last night. He is looking so OLD these days!!

**don't mind the mis-matched outfit. We went after dinner and he got his original (matching) shirt dirty!

Oh How Pintresting...

2011-07-06T14:52:00.004-04:00

I decided to link up with Michelle today for Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays....this is the first time that I have linked up....but I figured that I should because Pintrest is a new obsession of mine!! (Just what I need...ANOTHER excuse to be unproductive!) Here are a few of my recent pins....

How cute is this for fall?? I have these glass vases...I just need to throw a couple of baby pumpkins in the bottom!!

How do I get my legs to look like this?! Amazing!!

Source: google.com via Annie on Pinterest

I NEED one of these!! What a great gadget!!

Source: coxandcox.co.uk via Annie on Pinterest

Cute way to highlight the kids at various ages....I am going to start doing this!!

Source: flickr.com via Annie on Pinterest

This looks delish!! And so pretty...

Genius!! LOVE this idea. I will put these in my dream home :)

A recycle shoot and a garbage shoot that go out to the garage!

Love this look for fall. Can't believe that I am thinking fall...but truth be told, it will be here before we know it!!

Source: dee-construction.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

Follow my pins here!

Link up with Michelle here!