Picture preview!

My friend/photographer/hairstylist, Dayna, took these pictures of the kids a few weeks ago. Her website is www.daynamaephotography.com and I highly recommend her! The kids are always acting up, yet somehow she still gets good pictures of them. I had all these fall outfits picked out (sweater vests of course) and then the day turned out to be a Michigan Indian summer day (80 degrees at the end of October). Anyway, we went to Cobblestone and got some cute pics! Jack is so much more photogenic than he was a year ago when we had pictures done...love them. Thanks Dayna!!! 

 So cute!!!!!!!!!!! Love his smile!!!!!

 Hunter had the fake smile on, Jack has a cheesy smile, but it's ok :)

 I got a large canvas of this and I can't wait to get it! 

Hope you have a good weekend. Our is going to be BUSY. Tonight we are going to the Toledo Zoo with friends....they do their Christmas Lights event. I've never been, but have heard about it and it looks like a lot of fun. Tomorrow is my great-grandma's funeral, so it's going to be a long day for all of us. Sunday is my birthday :) We'll go to church I'm sure and then Nick is taking Hunter to two birthday parties and I'll be napping or reading a book when Jack naps. Is it weird that for my birthday I just want two hours to be by myself and rest? ha! Then we're going to my parents for dinner....I just hope Nick got my gift requests in time (shoes and a purse--what else?). 

Last post about Jack's bday--and mostly pictures :)

Sunday we had grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. over. There were about 15 of us and our kids were the only kids, so they had fun getting all the attention from the grandparents and relatives. My parents got Jack this 4-wheeler below. Hunter has his "gator", but Jack doesn't like to drive it--he'd rather be the passenger. Besides, Hunter would freak out if Jack tried to drive it. 

 Jack was totally out of control. The kid just doesn't put it all together and was off like a crazy person.

 I wish I was a kid in the year 2012. Seriously, the kids and their toys!! What a life. My step father-in-law was commenting about that and it's so true. They are a tad bit spoiled being the ONLY grand kids on BOTH sides of the family!! 

 I just had to include this one above b/c Nick has a beer in his hand and jumping after Jack b/c Nick just paid to have some new trees and landscaping done and Jack was going for a tree. I know Nick wasn't concerned about the new toy, but rather his new tree. He moved fast above then he does when I scream, "Hurry and bring me some wipes, I have kid poo on my hand" or "Hurry and help I have vomit on my shirt from a kid!" Slow as a snail to react most of the time. 

 My parents got Hunter a Spiderman mask and Jack some other one (Avengers maybe??)....they went around and kissed everyone with their masks on :)

 We (well I, since Nick didn't know anything about gifts until they were opened) to Jack a table air hockey table, radio flyer big wheel, puzzles, crayons, and coloring books. I even put the big wheel together at work with my cousin for 45 minutes so Nick wouldn't have to do it. Because.he.sucks.at.putting.things.together. No joke. He won't deny it either. 

 The smile is silly, but still cute! He got banana cake of course! 

This little munchkin is the best. HOWEVER, his mommy's boy personality is worse than ever. I kind of love it, but feel sorry for others. For example, I had to leave last night and when my friend picked me up, I decided to sneak out on Jack b/c I knew it would be BAD otherwise. Once he discovered I was gone I got a text from Nick saying "This is the worst night of my life. Jack cried 'mama come home' for two straight hours. I mean non-stop". Poor Nick. Nothing like adding to my mommy guilt though! And last week Nick arranged a play date for Hunter for the FIRST.TIME.EVER. I was so happy. He took both kids to Jungle Java one evening. I thought they'd be back at bedtime (they left at 5:45pm). One hour later after he paid $15 to get in, he texts me to say they are on the way home b/c Jack cried for me the whole time. I told him to leave the kid home, but he insisted on taking them. Yes, I was so happy. However, I cleaned out the whole fridge, made myself dinner, sat down to eat in peace and watch tv and they were home 15 minutes later. So much for my relaxing night at home for a couple of hours. Then Nick was mad b/c I was annoyed and seemingly ungrateful and it went downhill from there. If I would have just sat on my a$$ instead of cleaning for an hour, I would have been more grateful, but to get a text that he's on the way the moment I sit down was not cool. I truly believe he was just too cheap to pay to buy them food there which is so dumb. 

Sad day :(

My great-grandma Marie passed away this morning. She was 99 years old. I love that we had five generations living at the same time. My Great Grandma Marie, my Grandpa Ron, my dad, me and my kids! Not many families can say they had 5 generations living. She lived in a nursing home up in Brighton. It was so hard to visit her with the kids, but we tried. We had a big fun birthday party for her in April which I think she really enjoyed. She had a lot of memory loss and was just not in great health these past few years. She was actually great when I got married and things sort of went down hill after that. Anyway, I am sad, but I know she is in a better place now :) Please say a prayer for our family today!

Weekend and Jack's bday

We had a nice weekend celebrating Jack's birthday. He turned three on Friday, so we ended up just doing something as a family on Friday evening. The kids wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese so we went and played, ate dinner, and then got ice cream on the way home. It was a fun evening with just the four of us! 

 Jack had fun with his tokens--playing games and riding rides. I think he likes feeding the tickets into the ticket-muncher thing the most though!  

 He picked out the most bright pink ice cream I've ever seen with sprinkles on top :)

I'm not sure how this one felt about Jack getting all the attention. On the way home from ice cream my parents called to talk to Jack and Hunter started crying. It really hurt his feelings that they weren't talking to him first. However, when they wanted to talk, he refused. Love the 5 year old attitude! 

Saturday we took the kids to basketball and soccer. Afterwards, Nick drove Hunter to Grand Rapids for a sleepover with Uncle Mark and Aunt Brandie. He had a great time! Saturday night we went to a cousin's party for my mom's side of the family. We went to dinner (20 of us) and had a euchre party at my parent's house after. Nick won the whole pot!! Which is so funny b/c we always make fun of him for being a bad card player :) I'm sure we'll be hearing about his win for quite some time. Sunday we hung out with Jack until people came for his bday get together. We kept it super small and simple for once. Just grandparents and aunts/uncles. Nick was sick, so it all worked out. 

Overall, we had a nice weekend!! Kids were crabby and crying by 7:30 pm on Sunday, so early to bed! 

More pics of Jack's birthday party coming soon :)

Jack is THREE

Jack is THREE today!!! He slept in good for mommy today---YAY. First morning in about 10 where he's slept past 5am. He slept till 6:30am and I was happy for that. The kids played well together b/c I kept reminding Hunter that it was Jack's special day. Daddy stayed home to make him is favorite--cheesy eggs with toast and some fruit. Hunter opted for Kix instead--crazy kid! All was well until we walked into school and he tripped and fell....then tears. His lunchbox broke and he was hysterical. I managed to fix it temporarily. Then when he got to his classroom, more tears b/c he wanted to ring the bell and there were other kids waiting at the door....ahhhhh. The drama. By the time we gave kisses and said good-bye he was a happy camper. They do a birthday ceremony at school at snack time (we can't bring in treats--boo hoo, but it's probably a good thing). I brought in pictures from each year of his life that the kids will all get to see. After school we are going to Chuck E. Cheese. My parents might come too....and then out for ice cream. The boys are very excited about this. Then tomorrow Hunter goes for a sleepover at uncle Mark's. Sunday we are having a mini-party for Jack. Just the grandparents, great-grandma Gigi, aunts and uncles. Should still be 15 people, but we just decided to keep it super small this year....mostly due to my lack of planning these days and inability to think ahead.

What has Jack been up to these days.....
1) He loves to do whatever Hunter tells him to do. Of course usually naughty things including calling people "Dumb baby", throwing things, hitting, or doing other stuff that makes me mad. I love that he looks up to big brother, but big brother does not always set the best example. Just being honest.

2) Jack is still so sweet. He loves to sit on mama's lap, cuddle, kiss, and play. He is the biggest mama's boy and I LOVE IT. Nick can't do anything for him, but that is ok with me b/c I don't mind. He will just come sit on my lap for no reason and it's just so sweet. Hunter has way too much energy to sit and get some love from mama!

3) He is learning more words all the time. He has apraxia of speech, but we are in therapy 2 days per week. It's interesting b/c most people would not even know this about him. He does talk, can say a lot of words, comprehends everything, but has difficulty putting lots of words together. We work on this a lot and therapy has really helped. We'll continue this as long as needed!

4) Jack loves to help! He will clean up toys, vacuum, sweep, change laundry, etc. He can't go to sleep if anything is out of place in his room....no books or clothes on the floor!!

5) Speaking of sleep, my baby is still in his crib. I don't really care what anyone says b/c it keeps him confined, he LOVES his crib, and has shown no interest in a toddler bed. For now, I'm all about making life simple and I'm not excited for the transition b/c it means a longer bed time routine, and dealing with the transition. Trust me, he won't be in there when he's 4. However, until he climbs or falls out, we are not changing a thing.

6) Still working on potty training. Ok, I won't lie. Nick and I are just more lazy with Jack. Hunter demands SO much of us that we just aren't super motivated. He wears underwear at school and most of the time when he's awake. He still has plenty of accidents. We still wear diapers at nap and bedtime....we just need to work on him telling us when he has to go...may be part of the speech thing, I'm not sure. I may have to get him some presents for when he goes on the potty. I'm not worried about it--again, I'm sure he won't be in diapers when he goes to college. It's so funny how things change with a second child. These were all things that stressed me out with Hunter and this time, I just don't care b/c in the big scheme of things how long he wears a diaper and how long he sleeps in a crib is not that big of a deal. Yes, we need to work on potty training more, but he's coming along at his own pace!

7) He has his three year checkup soon so we'll see where he is with his measurements. He's in a 3T mostly and can still wear some 2T shirts. He's just the sweetest, funniest, little boy. He gets so proud of himself when he accomplishes something new or a new word...he'll put his hands up and shout "Yay!!".

Jack, you are the sweetest little blessing ever!!!! Mommy Daddy Hunter and Chopper all love you SO much!!!!! Your kisses, cuddles, and hugs are the BEST and mama can never get enough!!!!

He puts on this super huge cheesy smile :) Julie and Hunter made the signs in the background for Jack and it was so sweet of them!!! Hunter colored lots of pictures to tape up too....what a sweet big brother!! 

  

Just some sentences

Jack is turning three on Friday. I can't believe my baby is going to be three!! I have not planned anything for his birthday and I feel like a bad mom. Two fall birthdays--one right after the school year starts and the other right before holiday craziness is just plain hard for me to plan. I will plan something for us to do as a family on Friday to make his day special. Sunday we are having just grandparents and aunt/uncles over. It will be plain and simple. He will gets lots of love and attention and that's the most important thing!! I just love this child so much. He wakes up in the middle of the night and I just have to let him come in our room. I can't let him "cry it out" when he's yelling "mama come, mama come" over and over. Yes, my almost three year old is in a crib. He likes it and it confines him, so until he climbs out or insists on a toddler bed, he will stay right where he is. It's so sweet. He cuddles up next to me in bed and goes back to sleep most times. If I try to turn my back to him he grabs my face and makes me turn back around so we can snuggle. At least I have Jack b/c Nick spoons Chopper every night. ha! Last night he kept giving me these LOUD kisses on the check and would laugh hysterically at himself after he would do it. So sweet. It's been a rough morning. Long story, but we had some doctor's appts with the kids and it was stuff that was just not fun. Please pray that we can figure things out soon. Nick and I are both so stressed about it all and wish we had more family help around to coordinate things. With us both working it's just rough. I have thought at times I should stop working so I can take care of these types of things more easily. Thank goodness for now I have flexibility at work, a great team, and can do what needs to get done at work and on the home front. We are adopting a family through our church this year for Christmas. I called to pick my family (a single mom with GIRLS of course!!) and then I wonder why I add stress to my life by signing up for one more thing. I guess I can't help it and it's for a good cause. My co-worker, Kathy, loves to wrap presents, so I know I can get her to help me with this project. ha! Nick encouraged me to do it, but he won't be helping me shop for the family. We are blessed in many ways and I just thought it would be nice and rewarding to help someone a family in need this time of year. Hunter is staying at Uncle Mark's on Saturday night. I'm excited for him to have a sleepover, but way to paranoid. I know they will have a blast and he'll be in good hands, but I know I'll miss him and have anxiety over wondering how he's doing, riding in the car back to ann arbor, etc. I just can't help it.
Well, life could be better, could be worse. Hope the holidays aren't too stressful this year--wishful thinking I'm sure.

Some Pre-Halloween pics

Some pics of my cuties! From my phone, so not the best quality. 

 We went to our club last night for their Halloween event. My parents came along too which was fun. They had a wonderful buffet, haunted house, pumpkin painting, and more. The kids had fun! They had two dinners....the 5:30pm was for little ones and the 7:30pm was for bigger kids. They added more scary stuff to the haunted house for the later seating. Above is Jack on his way with his Elmo bucket! 

 Jack and "Peepaw" as he calls him. No clue where that came from. Or he just calls him "Tom" which is funny too. I think it's just easy for him to say. If you point a camera at him he turns on this smile and it's so cute! I love this picture :)

 Pirate Hunter eating his dessert. 

 Trying to scare Nana with his "Rrrrrrr" pirate noises. 

 My mom and dad...it was fun to have them come (and to have the help too--ha!)

 Eating dessert :)

This is random, but Hunter likes an audience to read to. It was SO CUTE the other night he said "can Chopper lay on my bed so I can read my story one more time?"....love it! This was at 6am yesterday morning....everyone up and in Hunter's bed reading while I took a quick shower. 

Happy Halloween. Hoping the rain holds off so we can go out tonight with another family and go trick-or-treating!! 

 

Iphone photo dump from the weekend

Our weekend was exhausting, so I have no energy to blog, but have lots of pictures from my phone :)

 We took the kids to "Trunk or Treat" at St. Paul's yesterday. It was cold, but awesome b/c it was not crowded, I saw lots of MOPS friends, and we were in and out in 30 minutes with lots of candy--ha! Hunter got lots of compliments on his costume. 

 Jack was so cute too....he didn't have his mask on, but those pics are on my phone. He was so funny choosing his candy! 

 I was desperate to wear the kids out while Nick was out of town. At soccer and basketball they play this game called "the shark and the minnow" and "farmer and the fox"....we played that till they were sweating. They are not dead for real, just dead tired. Success!!  

 Ok, seriously, is this not the cutest little soccer player EVER? Ha! Of course on the last day he had the most fun and participated more than any other time. It starts a new session again next week though :)

 Going to get his trophy and certificate :)

 He was so proud of himself and of course I was proud too! 

 

 Afterwards Hunter, Jack, and Tyler (cousin) all sat with their trophies for a group picture....so cute! 

 After basketball/soccer on Saturday the kids played out in the cold with the "birthday tractor" as Hunter calls it. Jack never used to want to ride it, but now he likes it! 

 They enjoy chasing me the most and trying to run me over. I'm just happy they are playing together! 

Hope you had a good weekend. Ours was ok, busy, exhausting, and I hate going to work Monday feeling more tired than I did on Friday afternoon!!