Third time is the Charm.

So I kept debating whether or not to post this.  I finally decided I would.  Chad and I are expecting a baby boy at the end of the summer.  We are all very excited!!  We just found out last week that it was a boy and couldn't be more happy.  Our two boys bring us such great joy and we are excited to add another to that fun.  Nicholas got to tell us at the ultrasound what the gender was.  We had the technician write it down and she printed out the picture and gave it to Nick.  He had a big smile on his face and said "I knew it was a Boy!!"  They are both looking forward to helping with him and teaching him all kinds of fun things.  We feel very blessed:)

January 2013

This month has been fun but tiring.  We had such a great vacation it was hard to get back into the daily schedule of school and speech.  Chad's been so busy with work.  Busy is good but again.....tiring.  He keeps busy with his church calling  and all the other "Dad" and "Husband" things that need to be done.  Nicholas has been working hard in school.  He loves Math (he gets that from Daddy.) He is also really good at Spelling.  Almost every spelling test he's gotten 100%.  We are so proud of him.  He started in a new class at church and really likes it.  He just got his very own CTR ring on Sunday.  He was excited to wear it to school today to show his friends and his teacher.  He is such a good example to us and his little brother.  He also lost his 6th tooth last week.  He is looking more like a young man and less like a little kid now.  As happy as we are that he is growing up it is also sad since he will always be our baby.  Jacob is one busy kid.  He really likes preschool.  His best friend at school is a girl named Emily.  She is a lot like him (more on the quiet side) so they just love to sit together and play.  The teachers say that they hold hands almost daily.  It is just so cute.  He is also keeping busy with speech therapy.  I have seen such an improvement in how he pronounces his letters.  So have his teachers and other family members.  He tries hard and make time to practice at home.  Only a few more months and he'll be off to Kindergarten.  Chad and I were discussing that the other night and just can't believe how fast the time goes.  I am keeping busy.  I work two afternoons a week.  I also help Nicholas' teacher with all the party planning that needs to be done in their classroom.  Young Women's has been getting more and more busy with camp coming up.  I know its still months away but there is so much we have to accomplish in the next few months it doesn't seem like enough time.  I am so thankful for my counselors.  For awhile it was just me and my first counselor (who is just awesome!!) Then in December we were able to get a 2nd counselor and we are all so excited that she is able to be with us.  Our Young Women are so great, we all feel so blessed to be able to serve them.  Well that is pretty much it.  Keeping busy with life and trying to enjoy the ride.  We hope everyone is enjoying 2013 so far.  One month down, 11 more to go!!  

New Years Eve and January 2013

This New Years we spent at my Dad's house.  It was extra special because my brother and sister in law and their kids, came out from Illinois to spend it with us.  It has been over 2 years since we have seen them.  Nicholas and their son Nathan (who is 5) were best friends in about 20 seconds.  It was so cute.  Nicholas doesn't have a lot of boys to hang out with his age on Chad's side of the family so having another boy who loved all the same things was just heaven.  The kids went sledding together with Chad and my brother Kyle.  The had a blast!  We had a fun "Christmas" with my Dad and Debby since we didn't see them for actual Christmas.  The boys got cool digital piggy banks with some money in them.  They LOVE earning money now and watching the amount go up.  They also got some awesome cars (also very loud!!) from their Aunt and Uncle.  They love playing with them. New Years started with Chad watching the ball drop in NYC.  Everyone else fell asleep.  I made it to about 11pm and couldn't stay awake a second longer.  This is the first year I haven't stayed awake since as far back as I can remember.  Oh well.  We also went and visited my brother Brian and his wife Carrie.  They have 2 girls and a boy.  The kids were so excited.  Especially Jacob who seems to have a sweet relationship with Olivia.  They are just adorable together. We got to hold our newest nephew Owen who has to be the most calm baby ever. Unfortunately, we had to leave later that day because the boys had school in the morning.  I loved hanging out with my family and seeing all my nieces and nephews.  Kyle and Stacey called us later that week and decided to get a hotel down our way one night and go swimming and invited us to come over.  The boys were so happy to be able to spend time with them.  They swam for over an hour and then we went back to the hotel room and had pizza and watched a movie together.  Hopefully it won't be another 2 years until we see them again.  January has been quiet.  We had some snow.  Not too much but enough for the boys to play.  Getting back into our school schedule has been harder to do.  Vacation was just too fun.  Well that's all for now.  Happy New Year Everyone:)             

Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas!!!  We had such a great Christmas this year.  My mom came down on Christmas eve to celebrate the holiday with us.  We had them missionaries over for dinner and then afterwards we went to Washington park in Albany and saw the Christmas lights displayed.  It was a really fun night.   All the different lights were just beautiful.  When we got home the boys were anxious to go to bed.  They didn't want to chance Santa skipping our house because they were awake.  After they were in bed, we set out the cookies and milk and all the presents.  We were in bed about 10pm.  Christmas morning.  Nicholas came in our room about 6:30am.  He knows we don't get up until 7am but he was so excited Santa came.  He came out in the living room and went through his stocking.  When we came out at 7am he had already had about a dozen mini reeses peanut butter cups!!  He was a little hyper.  We had to wake Jake up but as soon as we told him Santa came he popped right out of bed.  We had to wait a few more minutes until Michelle came over.  By that time the boys couldn't wait any longer.  Chad passed out he presents and they began tearing away at them.  Nicholas got a remote control helicopter and a scooter from Santa.  Jacob got a Batman cave and scooter from Santa.  They probably could have stopped there and been happy but they got a lot more from their grandma and aunt.  Jake also got a Jake and the Neverland pirates ship with action figures.  Nicholas got a board game called Catan Junior.  We have played it A LOT!!  It was a fun morning and a relaxing day.  Chad's brother and his family came by and gave the boys slippers.  Nick had Darth Vader and Jake had Yoda.  They are so cute.  We got to skype with a lot of our family all around the world.  My youngest brother is in Korea right now and it was nice to see him.  We had a wonderful day and was so glad to spend it with family.  I love Christmas and the spirit of it.  It was such a great day:)       

Nicholas and Jacob's Christmas Parties

The boys both had Christmas parties at school thins year.  Thankfully they were on different days (not so lucky with other holidays) and we were able to attend.  Nick's was on December 19th.  Jake and I got to the school and went to his classroom.  He was so excited to eat lunch with us.  They had pizza and veggies and LOTS of cookies.  We socialized for about an hour and then we all went into the Gym and ALL the first graders (there are 5 classes) sang us some songs.  It was so cute.  Then Nicholas gave us a present.  I told him I couldn't wait until Christmas (and I'm glad I didn't) and opened it when we got home.  It was a wreath he made out of clothespins.  It is seriously so cute and replaced our real wreath and was immediately put on our front door.  Jacob had his party on the 20th at dinner time.  Chad brought the boys over and I met them over there ( I was coming from work.)  The class sang some songs (Jake didn't sing ONE word even though he has been nonstop at home) and then a special visitor showed up.....SANTA.  He was carrying a big bag of toys which was when I realized I forgot to bring a toy!!!  Worst Mom ever!!!  I told the boys that Santa had given me their presents earlier and I forgot to bring them.  I said as soon as we got home I would get them.  They were totally cool with that.  I love my boys for not making me feel so much worse than I already felt.  Anyway, we had a great dinner and headed home.  The boys got teenage mutant ninja turtle action figures. I'm pretty sure "Santa" didn't realize how much noise they made until that night.  Oh well.  They loved them and that's really all that matters.  I didn't get very many pictures unfortunately.  I am so thankful for my sweet boys and all the joy they bring to my life.   

Nicholas' News December 16, 2012

Look who lost another tooth today??  That makes 5 now.  The tooth fairy has been busy at our house the last few months.  

Gingerbread Houses December 9, 2012

Last weekend we went to my brother and sister in laws house after church and made gingerbread  houses with the kids.  They were the smallest, cutest houses.  Perfect size for little kids.  They all got to decorate their own and eat lots of candy in the process.  It was a great day and time spent with family.

What our Elf on the Shelf has been up too

After Thanksgiving, the boys received a gift on the front porch.  Their very own Elf on the Shelf.  They were beyond excited.  First they couldn't decide on his name.  I told them they had to agree on one before we could do anything.  They finally agreed that his name is Peppin.  So at first Peppin was kind of quiet and didn't do much but sit on top of the fridge or a shelf in the living room.  Then I think he started to notice how silly my boys are and decided to start doing some silly things as well.  So far we have had him draw funny faces on a picture of the boys.  He strung toilet paper all over our Christmas tree.  He dyed all the milk in our fridge green and replaced the boys stockings with a pair of their underwear.  The boys crack up every morning when they see that Peppin did something crazy the night before.  We have really enjoyed having Peppin in our home this year.  He is a constant reminder for the boys that someone is always watching and he brings us a lot of laughs.  Also (thankfully) he cleans up after himself;)  

And the Season Begins.......

I LOVE this time of year.  I love the music, decorations, lights, hot cocoa and ALL the other things that we get to enjoy.  Today was a busy day.  We went to our first Christmas party of the season.  There are MANY more to come.  Chad had his party today with his military unit.  The boys had fun with a couple of the crafts they were able to do.  They made Rudolph the red nosed reindeer from a candy cane.  They also each got to decorate a paper Christmas tree.  Then later this evening we set up our Christmas tree and a few decorations.  I just love the spirit of Christmas.  If I didn't get a single present, I would be okay with that.  I love to see the smiles on my boys faces.  I want them to experience the spirit of the season.  To have these memories for years to come.  I know I look back fondly on Christmas's spent with my family growing up.  I just want to give that to them.  That is worth more than anything I could ever buy them.  I have been crocheting a quilt for Jacob since May.  It is ALMOST done.  I made one for Nicholas' birthday and then decided that since Jake birthday is in July (and who wants another blanket in July?!) it would make a good present for Christmas.  I know he is going to love it.  We have a busy month with lots of Christmas parties (2 school parties, work and church) and family get togethers.  We are trying to remember the reason for the season.  I am trying to think of things the boys can do for our neighbors.  Some kind of acts of service.  Haven't quite figured out what yet but I will let you know.  I also have an ornament party I am attending this Friday.  I have been crocheting ones for a few weeks now and have about 5 left to complete.  I am excited to get to celebrate Christmas with my Mom this year.  It has been a long time since I saw her Christmas morning.  Well that is it for now.  I will do updates probably weekly to post about all our various events.   

 Holding their candy cane Rudolph

 Their Christmas trees

 Posing in front of our tree 

Each holding their stockings

Wicked November 25, 2012

My sister Michelle took me to see Wicked last night.  It was the last night is was playing in town and I'm glad she was able to get tickets.  I didn't know much about it before hand but I loved it!!  Such a cool twist on The Wizard of Oz.  As soon as it ended I said "I have to watch the Wizard of Oz now."  It was funny and sad, and the music was amazing.  I think even Chad would have enjoyed it.  I would love to see it on Broadway sometime.  I didn't get many pictures but it was a really fun night.  Thanks Michelle:)

 The trailer outside of Proctors.

 The map of Oz that took up the entire stage.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!!  We had such a great holiday.  We went up to visit my parents in Peru NY this year.  On Wednesday afternoon, we went to my Mom's house for a late lunch/early dinner.  She made the most delicious meal.  I have only come to find out in the last few weeks that I love brussel sprouts.  She made a dish that was so good I couldn't stop eating it.  I will have to ask her for the recipe.  We talked and the boys had fun.  We were a little tired from the trip (even though its only 2 hours) but I love my mom and enjoy spending time with her.  She even let the boys open 1 of their Christmas presents early.  She got Jacob a really nice, warm winter coat and she got Nicholas another pair of jeans.  We discovered that Jake grew out of his coat and she offered to buy one but knew he couldn't wait until Christmas to wear it so she decided to give them each a present to open.  Nicholas has been tearing through his pants at an incredible rate.  Just last week he tore another pair in the knees.   Thankfully my mother got them things they really needed.  They will each have another one for Christmas morning even though I told her it wasn't necessary.  We left a few hours later and headed to my dad's house.  We had a lot of work to do to get ready for Thanksgiving.  Every year on the night before Thanksgiving we make my Dad's stuffing.  It is one of the few traditions we have but I love it.  It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it.  The boys were all too excited to help grind the ingredients, although we knew it wouldn't last long.  They each grinded for about a minute or so until they declared they were too tired.  We all took our turns and got it done.  It taste the same as it always has and is one of my 2 favorite dishes to enjoy at the dinner.  Michelle and I also baked the pies that night.  I had the idea a few weeks ago after I made mini quiche for a party, "Why not make mini pies for Thanksgiving?"  So we did.  We made Cherry, Apple and Pumpkin.  They weren't to hard and looked so stinkin' cute.  Bite size pies are way better than having to cut into 3 different pies and eating a whole slice right??  Even Chad (who I thought was not going to be happy about our new idea) said that this is how we have to make pies for now on.  We went to bed around 10pm knowing we had to get up early to get things going.  Chad stuffed the bird shortly after waking up and got it in the oven.  Then I made him go out on a run with me.  I enjoy running but I hate running alone.  He doesn't like it but was a good sport.  I ended up running 3 and 1/2 miles.  I should of just signed up for the turkey trot race earlier that morning.  I decided that I will definitely do that next year.  We hung around the house the rest of the day.  The boys helped my Dad hang Christmas lights, while the rest of us finished up the last minute details for dinner.  We sat down to eat around 4pm.  It was a delicious dinner.  It is nice to be around family too.  After dinner and clean up, we sat to watch "It's a Wonderful Life".  Apparently my dad used to torture my siblings and I by forcing us to watch this movie our whole childhood.  I admitted to my brother and sisters surprise that I had NEVER seen this movie before!!!  Not sure where I was when all this torture was happening but I seemed to have escaped it.  I absolutely LOVED it!!  I even went out and bought it today.  I plan to watch it again, maybe on Christmas Eve.  It will be a tradition in my home as well.  I have so much to be thankful for this year.  My family, especially my husband and two boys.  My life would be so boring and empty without them. My extended family.  My parents, siblings, in laws, nieces, nephews and so on.  The gospel in my life.  Knowing that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father and what that means.  I am also truly thankful for answered prayers.  My father and step mother were in a terrible car accident just 3 weeks ago and what could have ended very badly, ended with just some scrapes and bruises.  Heavenly Father loves us and blesses us continuously.  For that I am thankful.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving:)                  

 Helping with the stuffing

 Watching Papa Rick do all the work

 Hanging Christmas lights

 Just about ready to sit and eat

 Looking at the lights after dark

 Silly faces while eating the pies

Jacob's Thanksgiving Feast November 16, 2012

Today at preschool Jacob had his Thanksgiving Feast.  He has been singing various songs at home that I knew they would be performing today.  I showed up at 10:30am and for whatever reason he was not in a good mood.  He refused to sing any songs.  The teachers went around and asked every kid what they were thankful for.  Jacob literally said "nothing."  He is such a stinker sometimes.  The teachers said that when they practiced that part he said his Dad.  All the kids had cute little hats on.  They also made necklaces out of pasta noodles and a place mat with their name on the turkey feathers.   We had a yummy lunch.  Turkey, stuffing, corn, applesauce, mashed potatoes, rolls and cranberry sauce.  Jacob also had 2 cookies.  It was a fun morning other than his unpleasant mood.  Hopefully he will be in a better mood on Thanksgiving Day:) 

 Jacob not even willing to crack a smile for me.  

His cute place mat he made .

October 2012

October came and went so fast.  Chad and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on the 8th.  We went out to dinner which we don't get to do very often.  It doesn't seem like 8 years already.  Time flies when you're having fun:)  General Conference was AMAZING!!  I really enjoyed the talks and the spirit I felt in my home as we listened to the words of the prophet and other church leaders.  Chad kept busy with work, his new calling and also being a DJ for a wedding.  Nicholas had a fun month at school.  They went to a Halloween Fun Fest and got to hang out with Daddy while I helped the PTA with a few activities.  Jacob had another field trip to a pumpkin patch.  He went in a corn maze and got to pick out a pumpkin for him and Nick.  We carved them as Family Home Evening the following week.  Jacob has also been doing speech therapy 3 times a week.  It is going well and we are seeing a great improvement.  We got to enjoy a Trunk or Treat at church later in the month.  Halloween is a month long thing in our house.  The kids are constantly asking how much longer until Trick or Treating and trying on their costumes daily.  Nicholas was Iron Man and Jacob was Thor.  We love Halloween and all the fun it is.  My wonderful husband and my sweet sister also threw me a surprise birthday party on the 27th.  (My birthday is Nov. 2)  It was a fun night with great family and friends.  I truly feel so blessed to have them in my life.