Christmas is over

This year our family decided to travel to Chicago, IL. to visit my Dad and step mom for Christmas. We had a full car going up there because my sister, Becca, and her baby, Brandon, rode with us. Hold on though four kids and three adults doesn't make my car crowded at all...we added two dogs to the mix. I thought the worse when we headed for Chicago at 4:30 a.m. I knew it was going to take us a while because we had to stop at least every three hours to feed the babies. We had to change two kids, take two kids potty, go potty ourselves, order some yummy fast food (not really), and walk two dogs on every stop. What were thinking again? Even though we hit a little snow on the way up there, the trip was pretty successful. We didn't have a single breakdown. That includes me because I sometimes get a little stressed out.

We had a very memorable time in Chicago. Our first day was a whopping -6 degree outside, and yes folks that was the high. It warmed up a little the second day as it was 0 degrees. This was hard on the kids and Adam because they could see wonderful white snow on the ground but they could not play in it. By the third day it was 22 degrees and the kids bundled up and headed out to the fresh powder of snow on the ground. We only stayed out for 30 mins. or so, but the kids had a blast.




It is our family tradition to make sugar cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. We have a lot of family out of state, and I thought this would be a great tradition for the kids and I to start since everyone owns an oven. Lindsay really had fun making the cookies this year, but Zachary wanted to play with his cousin, C.J., instead. At one point I think I had said something like, "now we are making cookies for Santa and you are going to have fun doing it."



Christmas morning was a riot. This may be a little much, but I don't care. Every year I like to go to Children's Place and get the kids matching outfits for Christmas, and every year Adam makes a big deal because he thinks the kids should open their gifts in their jammies. Well, this year they opened their stockings in their jammies and then we headed upstairs to change into their nice outfits. The kids looked adorable and well dressed when they opened their gifts from Santa. Lindsay got a purple baby doll that she wanted and Zachary got a new train set that he wanted. After the kids opened Santa's presents we took a break and ate a delicious brunch that Debbie had made. Then, we went back to the living room to open more presents with Debbie's kids, their spouses, and Debbie's parents. It was a full room, but I wouldn't celebrate Christmas any other way.







Our Christmas vacation is over and we are all packed to head back home. I am amazed that Adam was able to get all of the packages in the car. However, at 11:00 p.m. Zachary headed into our room and mentioned to Adam that he had thrown up in bed. Oh no, this was a big mess. We thought maybe it was something he ate or maybe he just had one too many cookies that evening. However, the vomiting lasted all night. We were supposed to leave at 4:00 in the morning, but I could put our sick kid in the car. Adam had to get back to work and Becca had to take Brandon to the doctors to get new casts the next day. We new we had to do something. We decided to wait it out and by 11:00 a.m. Zachary was doing a lot better. It truly amazes me how kids bounce back so quickly after being so sick. We loaded the four kids, three adults, and two dogs in the car at 12:30. I was still a little nervous because I did not want to clean up vomit in the car. We had beautiful weather driving home that day and everybody remained healthy in the car. We arrived home at 3:30 in the morning exhausted and ready for our beds.

Christmas activities!

I absolutely love this time of year! I love putting up the Christmas tree and placing the ornaments in that perfect spot (all glass ornaments have to be placed high so Nicholas can't grab them). I love hanging the stockings and the lights. I always finish my shopping early so I don't have to drag three kids out with all of the 'crazy' people that are frantically trying to find the perfect gift for their love ones. It is so nice to stay inside and do activities with the kids. We made Christmas ornaments this year for our big activity. We made the ornaments out of salt dough and then we baked them and painted them. They turned out great! I will have to post a picture when they are completely dry and the ribbon is added.






Earlier this month we went downtown with Adam's brother to look at the lights. It was really cold that night and it did start to snow a tiny bit. Zachary loved the train in the James Center and we could have stayed there all night, but we didn't.






We also went to see Santa. I was expecting at least one kid to cry this year and boy was I wrong. Lindsay and Zachary had been stating for weeks what they wanted. Lindsay wants a purple a baby doll...that was great because I already got her one without knowing. Zachary wants a new Thomas train and he was stuck on this. I just sent Adam out yesterday to pick one up for him. We couldn't have Santa not bring him a train.




Merry Christmas!

Pilgrim hats

Zachary and Lindsay had a blast making pilgrim hat cookies with their cousins Jacob and Kayla on Thanksgiving Day. This was a craft that my mother-n-law found in a magazine and she graciously shared it with me. I guess she knows we love doing fun activities around the house. Plus, it kept the kids out of the kitchen while my Mom cooked us a wonderful meal.


The kids opening Reese's peanut butter cups



Zachary hard at work



"Don't you eat my cookie"



YUMMY!



Our lovely pilgrim hats...The kids did an awesome job!

Welcome Brandon

My nephew Brandon Taylor Young was born on Nov. 15th. He weighed 6lbs. 3oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. He entered this world with a rough start. After my sister, Becca had an emergency c-section Brandon was rushed off to the NICU because he was not breathing. Becca did not see Brandon until well into the second day. He was on oxygen for a few days, but now he is home with Becca and they are doing great. He is so tiny compared to my kiddos and looks so pitiful because he has a cast on each leg...he was born with severe clubfeet. My kid’s absolutely love Brandon. I can't wait for Becca to go back to work so I can watch this little guy. I am going to be his aunt and babysitter. I know we will be extremely busy around here, but I know I can handle it...with a lot of prayer being said of course.



Zachary loves his new cousin Brandon



Lindsay loves being a little Mommy



Nicholas looks so huge

Fall Fun!

Yesterday the kids played in a huge pile of leaves beside our house. Adam blew the leaves there about a week ago. We have been so busy with the birth of little Brandon and visiting with my Dad and Step-mom, Debbie, that he has not had a chance to bag them up yet. This was a huge blessing to the kids because all kids love to jump in leaves. We had a great time but had to cut it short because it was windy and a little chilly.



I love this picture of Zachary



Lindsay having a blast



All Nicholas wanted to do was eat the leaves

Bounce

Zachary loves playing the part of being a big brother. When Lindsay was old enough to sit in the doorway jumper Zachary would sit by her side helping her bounce.



Now Nicholas is old enough and Zachary again is sitting by his side helping him bounce.



The bouncer is in the same doorway, but you can see Adam's handy work. He put in hardwood floors and got a bigger TV.

Letting it out!

We have been using portrait innovations since Zachary turned one. We feel in love with them and think they take gorgeous pictures. We have never had a problem with them until we took Nicholas for his 3-month portrait. We had to wait for 2 hours until they could take his picture. I was starting to get frustrated because Nicholas was on the verge of a breakdown because he was so exhausted. Luckily, we got him to smile and he took a great picture that day, but we vowed that we would never return on a Saturday.

Now Nicholas is 6 months old and we went back to portrait innovations today (Friday early afternoon). We arrived and the parking lot was packed. I thought maybe it was packed because there are a few small restaurants next to portrait innovations and it was lunchtime. However, I walked into the studio and the waiting room was so full that I had a hard time finding a seat. Adam, my assertive husband, went to ask how long the wait was going to be. They told us an hour. Wait an hour, why did I schedule an appointment? I don't know why but they feel it appropriate to schedule appointments every 10 minutes. That is hardly enough time to set the room up. Needless to say we waited. During our wait Nicholas was starting to suck on his thumb. When he starts to suck on his thumb it is a good indicator that he wants to take a nap. Now I am starting to get nervous again. I just want a good picture. After the long wait we ended with a perfect picture but now we can't pick them up until tomorrow. Portrait innovations have their own printer in the studio and have same day pick up. Not today though.

Now Adam and I are wondering what to do for Nicholas' 9-month portrait and of course Lindsay and Zachary's birthday pictures. We only pay $26.00 for pictures for Adam’s family and mine. That is a steal! They take beautiful pictures and I love using them. However, we have young kids and it is risky to try to wait for an hour or two every time we need a picture taken. I guess we will worry about it when the time comes, but for now I just had to vent a little.

Zachary and election day

This morning Adam and I were getting ready so we could go and vote. Zachary, not use to waking up and going so early in the morning, asked Adam where we were going. Adam explained to Zachary that we were getting ready so we could go vote for a new president. Zachary said in a very exciting voice, "Yay we are going on a boat and we are going to get presents". It was so priceless!!! A three year old does not understand voting (boat) or a president (presents). Zachary was a little disappointed when we told him we weren't going to ride a boat or get presents today.

Halloween Fun!

Every year Adam and I attend the Fall Festival that our church provides as an alternative to trick or treating on Halloween. This year the kids had a BLAST!!! Zachary picked out Adam's dream costume...Jeff Gordon. I guess after watching his Daddy scream "GOO GORDON" every Sunday Zachary could not resist. Lindsay was the cutest little ladybug that you ever saw. She won second place for the best animal costume (there wasn't a bug category). Nicholas was the cutest little bear ever. If this costume looks familiar to some that is because it was Zachary's first costume. It was so cute on him I could not resist the temptation to let Nicholas wear it.



Our kids with their cousins Kayla and Jacob



Our little Jeff Gordon playing jug toss



Yes, folks Lindsay made this shot




Zachary on a horse



Lindsay just loved riding this little pony



Nicholas was too cute

Not sure about being a soccer Mom....

When Adam and I got married I knew that one day I would become a soccer Mom. I was fine with that. I know soccer is a good sport, I enjoy watching soccer, and it is great exercise for the kids. When Zachary was finally old enough to play soccer, Adam signed him up. Adam and Zachary were so excited. The first few games were great. I loved to watch Zachary practice and play. Then, the weather got cooler. I did not enjoy sitting in the cold for an hour. I am more of a summer person. To tell you the truth it really wasn't that cold out. I thought to myself it could be worse. I don't know why I do that because next week indeed was worse. It was rainy, muddy, just plain nasty out. I tried to convinced Adam that Zachary did not need to play in the rain. Adam did not budge on this suggestion. I also suggested that Zachary wear a baseball cap so his head would not get soaked. Again, that idea was shot down because "soccer players do not wear ball caps". What was I thinking? We finally arrived at the field and I asked Zachary one last time if he really wanted to play. Of course he wanted to play. What kid would miss the opportunity to play in the rain. I was sitting in the car trying to gear myself up to get Lindsay and Nicholas in the stroller to watch the game. I was thinking that maybe basketball would be a better sport for Zachary. Basketball games are always inside and we would not have to deal with nasty or cold weather. Again, I was shot down and was told that Zachary was going to play soccer. I am not sure if I am cut out to be a soccer Mom, but I guess I will have to put my best foot forward and be the best Mom cheerleader there is despite the weather.



On a side note it was great to see Zachary's face when his coach gave him his very first soccer medal.

Could it be...

Today I had to go to the doctor because I felt as if my head was going to explode. The doctor gave me some medicine and I am starting to feel a little better. However, we got to talking about my asthma. The doctor that I saw today was not my normal doctor because she had appointments all day and I needed relief right away. Anyway, he was asking me my height and stuff because he wanted me to do a peek flow test (it is a tube I breathe into to test my asthma)...he said since you are in your thirties and 5'3"...I was like in my thirties. Wait a second, I am only 28. Then, it dawned on me. I am getting old! I walked into an American Eagle store the other day and I had to leave fairly quickly because the music was too loud. I have a political campaign sign in my front yard. I have three children. It is so odd for me to admit this because at our church Adam and I are always being mocked at for being so young. It is so weird to think in a couple more years, I will actually be 30. That sounds so old, but yet so young. All my life people have mistaken me as being younger than I actually am. Today was an eye opener because for the first time I was older.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Bad Wall

Two days ago Lindsay was walking down our hallway...okay nothing new. Like a normal two year old she was not paying attention as she was walking and all of a sudden BAM she ran right into the wall. My first thought was oh no she is going to cry. Boy, was I proven wrong. She looked right at that wall, and said "bad wall" and then continued to walk down the hallway. I wish you could have heard her voice. It was hilarious!!!

Zachary playing soccer

Once Adam found out we were going to have a son, he was talking about soccer. Adam grew up playing soccer and really enjoyed the sport. He wanted the same for Zachary and now Nicholas when he gets older. If I am completely honest, he wants Lindsay to play soccer also. I told Adam I am fine with Lindsay playing soccer or whatever sport she chooses, but I want to put her in dance or gymnastics first. I want my girl to do "girly" things when I have a say in it. Is that such a bad thing? However, I am sure she will be my little athletic tomboy because she is sandwiched between two brothers.

So hot that day!

His coaches told him to do that! I am not sure what soccer skill that is teaching!

On his way to score a goal!

Zachary sucking his thumb

I can't remember why he had his shoes on when he was wearing his jammie shirt. Too weird! I do remember that he was very sick that day. I felt it was appropriate to add a picture of Zachary sucking his thumb. He was a year and a half in this picture.

Nicholas is a "thumb-aholic"

When Zachary arrived into this world, Adam and I agreed that we would not use the pacifier. We wanted our children to be able to self soothe themselves without us putting a "plug" in their mouths. Plus, a paci is so hard to get rid of when it is time to do so. I do not want to offend anybody who does use a pacifier, but that is Adam's and my opinion. Well, Zachary only sucks his thumb when he has his yellow star bear. He only gets this bear when he is in bed. Occasionly it comes into the living room if he is sick. Lindsay never really found an interest in her thumb and puts herself to sleep on her own. Then came Nicholas. He found his thumb at about 3 months old and will not stop sucking on it. I do not mind him sucking on his thumb to go to sleep. That is a great thing because it calms him down and he is able to put himself to sleep. However, all day long he wants that thumb in his mouth. We are always pulling it out and telling him no. Lindsay and Zachary have joined the fun and are also pulling his thumb out of his mouth. You know he has a problem when I am carrying him and I have to hold his arm down so that he doesn't put that thumb in his mouth. I am sure one day he will only suck his thumb to put himself to sleep, but for now we will keep pulling it out of his mouth and telling him no.

My three beautiful children

Here is a quick blog...I am still trying to figure this thing out. Adam and I are very busy these days due to the fact that we are raising three beautiful children. Zachary is 3, Lindsay is 2, and Nicholas is 4 months old. We wouldn't have it any other way. Some people think we are crazy but others think that it is great to have children so close together. When we have days that they are all crying at the same time I might for a slight minute think, "what in the world were we thinking?", but that quickly changes when you see their smiling faces. I know (well I hope and pray) that they will always be close and have a wonderful relationship with each other. Right now Lindsay and Zachary fight a lot over toys, but that is normal behavior for their age. I will try to write more later and keep more pictures coming.