Thing1&Thing2

Another Birthday

2011-04-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

8 years ago we brought you home. Our heart was now outside ourselves.

Every day you bring us so much joy.

We cannot believe how fast you grew.

With your little personality.

Full of life and happiness.

And you are the best big brother. How loving you are.

Each year that passes makes us love you more.

Sharing as you explore the world.

Growing into a big boy but always our baby. Our first baby.

Mommy thinks.. you're growing too fast.

We're soaking it all in...

But some days I want to rock you again. At least I can still pick you up!

We are so proud of the big boy you have become. You amaze us every day with your intelligence, your kindness, your silliness, and your love.

Chase you are SO big and you are 8 now!

But you will always be our baby! Always. We love you.

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

Sweet N Sassy

2010-10-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

Here's the little lady with her big birthday present. She picked out Elizabeth from the American Girl store. It was our first trip to AG and undoubtedly not our last.

For the 4th birthday Ellie requested a princess party with make-up and no boys allowed. I stumbled on Sweet and Sassy salon for girls and decided it was a perfect fit. They answer the phone "how can I make your day sweeter?". It's just fun to call them!! Anyway... we booked the Princess Makeover party which included dress up, an up-do, glitter dusting on hairdo, clear make-up, nails, a crowning ceremony, and dance party. What more could a 4 year old girl ask for??

I thought not much more but the salon did call me back and ask if I wanted to add on limo service. Are you kidding!!! They are 4! Carseats and limos should not mix. I don't think she noticed the limo was missing.

Here she is getting her up-do...

She is loving this can't you tell?

Make-up and heart stamp on her cheek.

This looks professional doesn't it?

Nails!

With her princess friends Riley, Catie, and Delaney...

Making her grand entrance after being "crowned". Apparently not too shy!

With all her royal friends.

Dance party!

And then... enters her most glamorous guest... her fabulous barbie cake made by Aunt Mel. It was exquisite! Almost too pretty to eat but eat her we did. I have to admit I ate much more than my fair share of this barbie dress.

Full body view of her homemade barbie cake. Yes, Melissa did every swirl and placed each candy pearl herself! She is cake genius!

So sweet & sassy it was! I have to say I am loving my beautiful 4 year old. And I would love to freeze her at this stage forever. But I think I say this every year. Happy birthday to our sweetie pie!

Goodnight My 3 Year Old Baby

2010-09-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

I just read you Knuffle Bunny and watched you fall asleep. You belly laughed when Knuffle Bunny was left at the laundromat. Then you tucked in Elizabeth your new "merican girl". You picked her out last night and there was no hesitation she was your baby. You took her to the restaurant and got her a booster seat. You made Chase babysit her when you went to the restroom.

You listened to our prayer tonight and told me you loved me and then you were out.

I watched you fall asleep and then couldn't make myself leave the room. I wanted to eat you up I love you so much. I thought I might wake you with too many kisses. This is your last night of being 3. How is this happening so fast?

I hope you know how much you are loved my sweet wonderful precious baby.

Tiny Dancer

2009-02-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

If I talked to you about the tutu purchase, please forgive me. The website to order tutus has way too many color combinations and styles, with ribbon, without, lengths, etc. If you know me you know the choice was not simple. And when the custom tutu finally arrived I was not pleased at all by how short it was but alas there are no returns on custom tutu orders. Ellie instantly proclaimed it was "too little" and "don't fit me" when she opened it, most likely because there was also a new Disney Sleeping Beauty dress as an option for dress up. I finally got her into the ballerina get up yesterday afternoon and took a few pictures. Sometimes I like to pretend that I am a professional photographer and that I have talent. So I try really hard and use multiple settings and torture my kids. However it doesn't really look like she was tortured does it?

No, I believe she loves the camera and posing. So yesterday afternoon while Chase shunned me to play Wii with his new friend down the street and gave me evil looks when I tried to take their picture I changed subjects to the willing two year old.

Sometimes I need to put aside the laundry and dishes and monotonous picking up of things to the side. Stop and capture the moment. I don't do this often enough and before I know it.. poof it will be gone.

Stellar day

2009-02-11T10:32:00.001-08:00

Before I start on the stellar day update I want to point out that there have been no entries since the pumpkins. So sorry and I have no excuse other than I've been busy. I think the only people that occasionally peek at this blog are relatives that don't get to see the kids and I am so sorry because so much has happened since Oct! Geez! They both grew 1.5 inches!

Anywho... last Thursday was a bright spot in Chase and Ellie's educational journey and I thought I might write about it...

First off, Ellie is now in school! Not preschool yet, that starts in the fall but she has started Kindermusic which is a once a week music class for 15 weeks. She is definitely ready! and so excited that she goes to school like Chase now (which he continually reminds her is not real school). Here she is on her first day of "school". Could she be any happier?

Then to top off our stellar day of educational firsts, Chase came bounding off the bus freaking out because he won a contest. What type of contest you ask? A writing contest! And he won a Spy toy which he is proudly displaying below.

His class was asked to write a sentence and he wrote 3! With proper spacing and pretty good spelling or at least sounding out! And the brilliant manuscript is below...
In case you can't decipher it, it says.. "I was with my Dad at his work. My Dad had to type for a long time. My Mom got me McDonald's." Pure genius!

Our Pumpkins

2008-10-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. - Henry David Thoreau

A few pictures from our annual trip to Berry Patch Farms for some pumpkin picking, hayriding, and pie eating. I am learning. We went early in the season and were there when it opened. No nasty rotting and smashed pumpkins in the field the first weekend! Just the pick of the bunch. Here are a few pictures of our pumpkins with the pumpkins...

I give you.... Hair Pigs!!!

2008-10-29T06:42:00.001-07:00

It has been 2 years coming but I am finally able to perform a "hair-do" (well sort of) on Ellie!!! Yes, she is not in any rush to grow out her hair as Chase wasn't either. The plus is that people think she is a genius baby, "wow, she's so verbal, how old is she?". They seem shocked and awed when I say she is 2. Could also be the paci and bottle I still let her have though. I'm in no rush with my baby.

So to cut the rambling... I went and bought the mini hair bands last week and attempted a hair style. Pig tails in fact, which Chase has named "Hair Pigs". Ellie loves them!

67 years and counting...

2008-10-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle. - Amy Bloom

Here are my grandparents in 1941. The year they were married. They were 20 and 21 years old. Can you imagine marrying the person you were dating when you were 21? And then staying married for 67 years?

Here they are at my house the day we celebrated their anniversary.

They have been through a lifetime together. Ups and downs... births, deaths, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many homes, businesses, travel, through every phase of their life. They recently moved to Atlanta to be closer to our family. It was extremely difficult for them to leave Florida where they went to retire 20+ years ago. They left behind many friends and their FL home they shared many happy memories in. But they made the move and faced this new journey in their life with a wonderful attitude and excitement to be around family.

I asked them at dinner what made their marriage last and what made it so wonderful. Several years ago I asked the same question (I think it was their 63rd anniversary). My grandfather's answer at the time was 3 things... 1) No fighting over money 2) lots of sex (this one was hard not to giggle at) and 3) love. Now in their 67th year together I asked the question again. My grandfather looked at my grandmother and teared up and only had a one word answer this time. "Love".

I hope Dusty and I are around for our 67th wedding anniversary and I hope we are lucky enough to have the entertainment for the occasion be our great grandchildren singing and dancing for us.

More More Princess...

2008-10-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were invited to a birthday party for Ellie's friend Riley who was turning 2. Typically we are going places for Chase so this is a new spin that Ellie actually has places to be! As we pulled up late... lo and behold a Princess was getting out of her car and going to the party too! This just could not be! Ellie was ecstatic! Chase, not so much. Dusty was happy there was a keg of beer and football. So Ellie spent her afternoon as close as possible to "Princess Marie" and scored a balloon flower, a face painting of balloons, a party hat, and a balloon ladybug bracelet all bestowed on her by the Princess. All of which, according to the Princess, she requested. Riley was cute as could be in her little poof which I am now thinking Ellie might need too. Chase also decided face painting might not be so scary and got his first ever face painting! It was so sad when the princess had to go. Ellie followed her out running after her yelling "more more princess". However, then there was more fun, riding in the wagon and making peanut butter bird feeders. What a party!

We are so excited to have friends close by and hope to spend many more weekend afternoons together!

Ellie with the Princess...
As requested... "blue balloons". Posing with her face painting.
Lady bug bracelet.
I do like your party hat! Wow, what a party hat!
Chase's dragon complete with fire on his nose.

Ava, Riley, and Ellie with the wagon.
Birthday girl Riley chilling after party with Ellie.

Wildcats

2008-10-07T10:57:00.001-07:00

So Chase is a Wildcat this year. Roar! He no longer is on the green team... we've moved on to the color navy blue and are a little fiercer this year than last year's "gophers" and the previous year's "toads". He is a Wildcat. It's pretty serious out there and Chase is only happy when playing although he is making vast improvements in his sportsmanship during his time on the sidelines. Daddy again is a coach which means I am not obligated to attend practice since Dusty has to be there. See how smart I am? Ellie and I have not missed a game yet! We even dragged my grandparents across 4 fields to watch one morning. Ellie actually watches this year or at least stays on the sidelines playing with dirt and rocks. She also yells "Go Chase! and Go Cats" which I'm sure is making a difference in the game outcome. Chase is relentless and continues to impress us with his soccer abilities and good behavior as a teammate. Here he is in action...

Chase stealing the ball...
Super fast.

Best part of the game, running through the parent tunnel.
Afterward on the playground with fellow "cats".
Ellie on the playground.

Our little princess is 2!

2008-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe Ellie is already 2!! It feels like just yesterday that we were bringing this sweet angel home. Here is Ellie 1 day old at Northside. She was such a wonderful, sweet and good baby!

Now she's our wonderful, sweet and funny 2 year old! Yesterday we celebrated her 2nd birthday with a Princess Party at home. And as Aunt Liz says... "Ain't no party like a Princess Party, 'cause a Princess party don't stop!" Yes, it's catchy isn't it? And true apparently. It was a late night!

Here is our little Princess...

She had a blast at her party as did Mommy, Daddy, Chase, and all our royal guests in attendance! The theme was of course "Princess" because Uncle Jack and Nana introduced her to disney over the summer and she's now really into "pincess" stuff. Aunt Liz painted her a castle and a pin the horn on the unicorn game and the kids dressed in princess and knight outfits and played outside until they were either carried away in a sugar fit or passed out mid-playing (as Chase did later in the evening). I was lucky to have a few fairy godmothers (Kathryn, Melissa, and Liz) as helpers to decorate and help run the show. Here are a few pictures from our royal affair... (Bare with me, we took 253 pictures yesterday.)

Ellie with her singing balloon from Aunt Kathryn. This is the only thing she asked for - a balloon.
Ellie at the coloring table. Crazy boys were already in the jumpy but she decided to chill with her crayons.
Mommy, Daddy, and Ellie in front of the castle Liz painted. It's cool to have an artist for an Aunt!
Ellie dressed up in the princess party favors.
Walking expertly in her heals.
Birthday cake.
Pin the tail on the unicorn game Liz made.
Chase pinning on his horn. Me making sure he's not peeking. I had fun spinning the kids around then I further confused them by asking a trivia question.
Chris putting the blindfold on Beau. Livi and Carmella waiting patiently with their horns.
Carrie, Tracy, Jen. Beautimous!
The jumpy is going down. Ellie, Carmella, Chase, Emma, and Claudia are too much for the jumpy!
Ellie, Luke and Preston.
Holden and Ellie.

We want cake!
Blowing out the candles faster than I can get the cake to her.
Making a wish!
Royal guests... Papa, Corey, Princess Hunter, Paul, Nat, Chris, Nana, and Liz.
Ellie's great grandparents King Papa and Queen Nana.
Dusty talking to the ladies... Cherie and Tracy.
Ellie gets her kitchen!!!
Cinderella Princess dress from Grandma and Grandpa!
All decked out! The dress is not coming off!
The after party... Chase, Ellie, Carmella, and Beau.
Tackling Ryan.
Ellie this morning in her chef hat busy cooking in her new kitchen.
What a wonderful birthday! Thank you everyone for celebrating with us!

Now it's time for my fairy godmother and her magic wand to arrive and clean up my castle!

First Day of School

2008-09-10T06:48:00.001-07:00

So I am only a month behind here but I finally downloaded pictures from Chase's first day of school. I think the adjustment was harder on me. Actually I know it has been harder on me! Chase is doing awesome! He rides the bus to and from school... this is way cool apparently. His teacher, Ms. Scaccia, has taken a liking to him as well as the assistant Ms. Elder. I am adjusting to the lack of communication from public school. Total night and day difference from his private church preschool. I am learning to let go a little. It's hard stuff!

Here are a few pictures. First morning with Ellie before the bus.
Heading to the bus stop with his green lightening backpack.
Getting on the bus the first day.
All smiles coming home!
I have already seen so many changes in Chase. He is much more independent. He's working hard to figure out how to make friends and socialize with different types of kids and adults. He has a girlfriend now, Megan, who apparently likes tuna salad and is "really cute". He also had decided he needs the Wii (however you spell it).

I was much more emotional than I thought I would be. This is a huge step! This meant he will never be home with me on the weekdays. I look in the backseat and see his car seat while Ellie and I are running errands and I feel a little empty. I was feeling blue and then I remembered we have summer every year! Oh it's hard to grow up! But it's much much much harder to let go.

Kindergarten Dry Run

2008-08-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

So last night was the big night. We took Chase to tour his new school and meet his Kindergarten teacher. He was so excited to have a night with just Mommy and Daddy (Ellie was with Grandma and Aunt Mel).

He held both our hands while we walked through the school and he was a little quiet meeting his teacher but wasn't too shy to ask questions, like ... "Can I use those computers?" and "Are there games on those computers?". You know the important things I was forgetting to ask.

He was very brave and so excited to start on his new adventure.

We left and went to the restaurant of his choice... Taco Mac. Because ,you know, there are video games there.

This morning I decided we needed to do a dry run of getting up at 6am since Chase (and Mommy) normally wake after school will be starting. He woke up happy and we had a Chase and Mommy breakfast and then put on his backpack and walked in our pjs to the bus stop.

It was pretty cute and he wanted to "play" school when we came home. We set up the classroom complete with a "centers area" for hotwheels. He read me an easy reader book and we practiced writing his name.

I was leaving his room to get another cup of much needed coffee when he told me he would need a cell phone for Kindergarten. I wasn't really expecting this request this young. He kept insisting though and when I asked why he said ... "Mommy, I need it! I will need to call you in case I can't spell Teverbaugh!".

I love how he thinks I have all the answers.

Sleepover, part deux

2008-07-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

About a month ago Chase spent the night over at Beau and Carmella's house. Although he slept the entire afternoon following it was a success. So last night my time was up so to speak and it was my turn for keeping the boys. This was great timing since the day before I had suffered from my first visual migraine ever. What a great way to fix your headache with a 5 year old boy slumber party. I headed to the store for some migraine medicine pre-party and all was well!

Here are a few pictures from the adventure...

Chase and Beau in ninja/powerranger costumes.

Secret ninja moves.
Mmmmm Tara fed us warm chocolate chip cookies. (What is a sleep over without cookie dough, right?)
Ellie likes cookies too.
Burning off some energy.
Beau on bike.
Beau and his musical talents.
End of the night. Movie time.
They watched 1.5 movies before we pulled the plug and Daddy said lights out. They really didn't argue too much and slept through the night no issues.

So Nat came this morning and after pool time took Beau home. Chase is on the computer. Ellie is napping. Aaahhhhhh quiet time for mommy!

Old pals

2008-07-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well me, Camille, and Natalie got together the kids earlier this summer and here are a few pictures from my house after the pool eating popsicles. Aren't they cute?
This is Beau, Chase, Carmella, Ellie, Charla, and Julianne. Carmella came first as she is the oldest and the rest of them have known each other since birth. Ellie is definately part of the pack and doesn't tolerate being left out.

Here is Chase being an attention hog.

Ellie and Carmella's best smiles...
This was a "see how tired we can get the kids day" and a playdate that went from morning pool to dinner and baths.

Hopefully we will have many more kid and mommy playdates before the hectic schedules of school start.

First Haircut

2008-06-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

I really have been putting off Ellie's first haircut because I have been so excited that she actually has hair I couldn't imagine cutting it off. But I finally gave in to the need to get rid of the baby mullet. I have been trying to curl it up and pretend that the rest is going to grow any day and catch up with the back. But there is no denying she is business in the front and party in the back.

So today we headed to Cuts 4 Kids where Chase has been going for years and they have toys, trains, lollipops, movies, you name it, and had a simultaneous beauty session! As you can see Ellie was very excited about her first haircut and had no issues whatsoever. It helped that Chase was right next to her showing her the ropes.

Here is Ellie in the fire engine...

Pre-cut, the party in the back...
Distracted by lollipop and Elmo movie.
Chase all dapper dan.
Chase and Ellie.
Ellie mid cut.
Ellie's new hairdo with tiny bow and stick on earrings (not Mom approved but fun).
Ellie again with lollipop.
Chase all handsome. (Note: Chase overrode my short sleeve shirt decision and chose this long sleeve one instead. He decided I was right later on since it was mid 90's and humid today).
Ellie's new cut in the back.
So I admit it wasn't as traumatic as I thought I would be. I mean traumatic for me. I knew Ellie would be just fine!

The Sleepover

2008-06-26T06:04:00.001-07:00

Last night was Chase's first ever sleep over at a friend's house. Beau and Carmella's. He woke up yesterday morning and had decided he was not ready yet. Nope, definitely sleepovers didn't happen until you turned 6. I was fine either way but knew he'd been working on his good behavior for weeks in anticipation of sleeping at Beau's house. This has been a carrot I have been hanging in front of him for over a month now and it just happened to work that last night fit everyone's schedule.

By 10:00 am he had changed his mind and the sleepover was totally on. This was good thing because I had reverted my attention over to Ellie and Poison Control. Yes, Ellie decided that super glue looked alot like lip gloss and that she would apply some to her lips and maybe eat some too. This turned out not to be as devastating as it sounds and more common than you think. She barely got any out and apparently it will stick to the lips and is not easily swallowed. How come I can never find super glue when I need it?

Both issues solved we headed over to Natalie's for a late pool date and hotdog cookout with 12 kids! I stayed while the kids bathed and got ready for bed giving Chase plenty of options to head home. How they still had energy after swimming for three hours I don't know but Chase and Beau (both having recently seen Kung Fu Panda) were pretty ready to work their moves on each other well into the night. Ellie and I packed up about 8:30 and headed home and left Natalie with 4 kids!

I didn't have my camera but I knew Nat would. Here is her take on the night with pictures and even movies... http://thenegativesplit.blogspot.com/.

The Most Magical Place on Earth

2008-06-11T05:46:00.001-07:00

"I'm freaking out, I'm freaking out. I think I'm gonna throw up!". Those were Chase's comments as we drove into the entrance of Disney World. It was quite exciting and overwhelming!

Thanks so much to Uncle Jack and Nana for organizing and treating us to a day at Disney. The kids first time. We had a blast! Here are few pictures from our long, fun, hot, and sticky day...

Chase and Ellie on the train ride into the Magic Kingdom. There are lots of trains and lines and shuttles just to get in. Jack met us at the gate with autograph books for the kids and pins. Yes, pin trading is the new thing at Disney and even Dusty got into the trading.
Dusty, Chase, and Ellie at the entrance.
Ellie meeting Princess Aurora (AKA Sleeping Beauty) who she calls "Princess Booty". Ellie got her autograph. Being a Princess seems to be lots of work and HOT. I cannot imagine the makeup and longsleeve velvet getups, not to mention the dancing shows in this heat!
Chase and Daddy riding the Motor Speedway. Jack and Aubrey were riding their tail.
Mommy and Chase on the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Ellie totally loving on the Chip n Dale statues in front of the castle. She calls them "monks".

Chase drinking coke with caffeine because he needed the energy.
Chase and Ellie in front of the castle right before the dancing Mickey Mouse show. I will say this might have been the highlight of the day. The kids were really into it and calling out to all the characters. Chase is still not sure what is real and what is make-believe so it was so cute to watch. He was totally freaked out when the evil witch came out and placed a hex on the crowd chanting "nightmares come true". He was the loudest (can you imagine that?) yelling with Mickey that "dreams can come true". It was precious. And when the show was all over, Ellie wouldn't leave her seat and kept saying "gain" for again.
Dancing Princesses in the show. Mommy's favorite part.
Meeting Chip N Dale for hugs and autographs as we were leaving the park.
What an incredible day and wonderful memories. To top it off it was our 8th wedding anniversary. Definitely a magical place to celebrate!

The Graduate

2008-05-22T19:42:00.001-07:00

Here he is ...our kindergartener! Today was Chase's graduation from preschool. I cried my eyes out yesterday in carpool line. My last day of driving him to preschool ever! It really hit me as we pilled in the car and went through the route we've been making for the past three years. How did this happen? Wasn't he just two years old and clinging to my leg with his puppy lunch box? Now he is, choke, graduated! Thankfully I shed my tears yesterday so I could concentrate on the slide show and singing this morning.

Lots and lots of singing.
Here is Chase getting his diploma from his teacher Ms. Cindy.
Chase and Daddy with diploma.
Chase and Mommy.
Ellie with Aunt Mel. Thank you, thank you to Aunt Mel, and Grandma & Grandpa for helping with Ellie today so Dusty and I could work our camera and camcorder without distractions. Grandpa (aka "Boppy" as Ellie has decided she will call him) walked the school for at least half of this morning's production.
Chase with his cap on. Note: He is holding his hotwheel again.
Chase, Ellie, and Boppy (sorry Dad I actually like it).

Anyway, I am happily looking forward to Chase starting kindergarten. A little sad though at how quickly time is passing. I'm trying not to be too mushy but geez it's hard when they play the Jack Johnson Curious George soundtrack to the year end slide show.

Tonight we are all packed and ready to head to FL at the crack of dawn tomorrow. We told Chase his present is a day at Disney World. I don't know who's more excited... Chase or me!

Congrats to our big boy! We love you!

Imagination

2008-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

So Chase has had an imaginary friend, or friends, for quite some time. One day he told me "Kinko" was his best friend and he elaborated on how he met Kinko or Kengo up at Taco Mac. I always thought it was odd that his imaginary friend came from Taco Mac, but regardless Kinko has been around for quite some time. He shows up at odd times and he's always knocking on the door and bringing other friends over for sleepovers and such. He was really into Kinko when Ellie was born and I was worried that he was upset in some way and really researched the imaginary friend thing. I was pleasantly surprised when the Internet told me this was quite normal and in fact highly creative and intelligent to have imaginary friends. So Kinko has been with us on and off for awhile. I have even had to turn around on the way home from preschool because we accidentally left Kinko in the parking lot. I had nothing better to do so we back tracked to school where Chase opened the window and yelled at Kinko to get in the car already.

We have had other friends too like "Peppy" the woodpecker that used to ride with us places in the car and liked to accompany us through carpool line. Oh and "Johnson", Chase's long lost big brother who apparently spends the night out alot and is away at college.

Kinko though, he's been here through thick and thin and I was quite excited when Chase announced he was going to draw a picture of Kinko the other day. See I've grown quite fond of Kinko and I was finally going to see what he looks like. Well, here he is, our dear little Kinko who keeps Chase occupied and doesn't mind taking the blame for any accidents that might occur..

Oh and in case you're wondering, that's "Familia", right next to Kinko. His little sister apparently.

Club Turtle Rock

2008-04-10T19:21:00.001-07:00

Woohoo Spring Break '08! It's not Club La Villa, but Club Turtle Rock is pretty hopping. Oh how different Spring Break is all grown up and with kids. Nat had some Mommy's over for a little spring break playgroup and other than the zoo, hands down it was the definite "party" in my Spring Break. It's not as sad as it sounds though. There was lots of fun, lots of noise, spiked punch (for Mommas not the kids), party tricks (motorized razor scooter riding), older boys and younger chicks (Ellie and Patric), and fast rides.

The boys hanging out. They were chanting "boys rule, girls drool" of course.

Pretty Princess room. Livi and Carmella give Ellie a makeover.
Cupcake eating contest.
More cupcakes.
Ellie with her older man, Patric.
Deanna on the scooter.
Patric and Ellie in their fast ride.
More fast rides.
Thanks ladies for the fun filled afternoon!

Our Baby is 5!

2008-04-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, today my baby turned 5 and I'm having a hard time with this one. We talked yesterday and I told him it was the last day he was going to be 4 years old. He hugged me and said "it's ok Momma, don't be sad. I have to get bigger but I will still cuddle you in your bed at night."

Today we celebrated with a day at the zoo, the Varsity for lunch, presents and cake, and then Moe's for dinner (as requested). Dusty took the day off work and we took our first family trip to Zoo Atlanta. I was a little worried about going on Spring Break but we got there early and got ahead of the crowds and the weather was perfect. Here are a few pictures from our big day...

I caught Chase telling another kid on the zoo playground that he was "5". He was pretty smug about it too!

With Daddy at the giraffes. Ellie was very serious all day. I think pretty overwhelmed at all the animals.
Baby Panda Mei Lan. She's two weeks older than Ellie.
Holding hands.
Riding the duck with Ellie.Again on the duck. Not sure if you can see the two hotwheels in his hand. He carried them the entire time we were at the zoo.

Leaving the zoo.
Chase blowing out a candle and making a wish.
Ellie licking her fingers.
Chase and his power rangers megazord.
Riding his new Hotwheel scooter. Already an expert.
So 4 is over and we are on to bigger things like the big kids department. No more "toddler" in his clothing size. Kindergarten. Lots and lots of questions (more every day). I can't keep him small forever. I am just trying to suck it all in. Every precious day we spend together.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you more than you will ever know.

Egg-stra cute

2008-03-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

I am really a slacker on the blog lately and I apologize. I still have pictures from our trip to FL to add and I will I promise! I wanted to share some pictures from Easter.

It's so amazing to see the excitement when the bunny comes. Chase woke us between 6 and 7am frantically announcing the bunny left tons of eggs and there were baskets for everyone! He was so excited that the bunny knew exactly what he wanted (hotwheels & powerrangers) without even having to sit on his lap. We did walk by the bunny and wave but no lap time this year. Ellie got some pink glitter princess shoes which she was all into. Afterwards we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for a yummy meal, egg hunt, and cocktails. Here are a few pictures from our day.

Chase with his powerranger movie...

Ellie's basket and glitter shoes.
Shoes close-up.
Ellie on chocolate (note it's still dark outside).
Before the egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa's.
Ellie and Jackson.
Chase mid hunt.
Little sister wants what big brother has.

Only Two Wheels!

2008-02-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

This weekend Chase asked to try his bike sans training wheels. It's foggy on my age, I'm thinking I was 6, but I do remember the carnage of learning to ride a bike. And I remember the road and lots of crying. I was thinking I could teach him on the grass but apparently the grass makes it much more difficult to peddle.

So Daddy took off the training wheels on his small bike and we put him in his already ripped jeans, helmet, and elbow pads.

Here they are removing the wheels.

His first trip without his crutch.
Look! Dusty's not touching!
He's getting a little too brave for Mommy.
So concentrating on balancing totally takes your mind off actually stopping. Chase was so excited he was "doing it" that he wasn't much into speed control so Dusty stayed right on him.

We are so proud of our big boy!

Atlanta Snowman

2008-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

Love the sunbathing snowman our neighbors made! Complete with beach towel and sunscreen. The snow is pretty much all melted now with the exception of tiny lumps of dirty snow that used to be snowmen.
Here is our house covered (well covered for the South).
Ellie in her snowsuit.
Chase and the snowman he built with Daddy.
I am so happy we got some of the magic of winter. More please!

Hanging on by a thread...

2008-01-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

or itty bitty hairs. Yes, that is a bow in Ellie's hair! It really looks ridiculous but I am working on putting it in so she can slowly get used to it. I figure when she finally has hair, around 2, she will not be as willing to wear hair accessories since she will be in full toddlerhood at that point.

So, when she was brushing her teeth the other day, which she LOVES to do since she's such a big girl now, I sneaked up and clipped it in. She looks a little surprised but quickly remembers she is holding a tooth brush!
She's all into good oral hygiene.

Ut oh, she found it! Still very skeptical.

My new favorite number

2008-01-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

My old favorite number used to be 13. No real reason other than I just picked it one day. My new favorite number though is overwhelmingly 98.6. Yes, 98.6 means my kid is healthy and this is by far the best thing in the world to a parent when your kid has been sick. It means you don't worry (well you worry less), and you sleep more (perhaps).

Sometimes it's not good to be first. Being first is usually a good thing. It usually means you win something or are good at something. But being the first case of positive flu diagnosed at Scottish Rite Childens Hospital, well that's not a good thing. It really sucks to be first at some things.

A quick overview if you're curious... Chase started to run a fever a few days after our return from Denver. He stayed home from school and said his stomach hurt. By the end of the day he was 104 on medicine and we were on our way to the ER. Fever and tummy ache can indicate appendicitis so we were there as fast as we could get there during Atlanta traffic in the rain. Anyway, Chase went through lots of torture including the standard strep test, exam, full bloodwork, xrays, IVs of fluids, etc. We watched 4 full Disney movies before they decided to run the test for flu.

It was positive and the hospital staff was pretty shocked. Apparently Chase was the first positive result they had seen at Scottish Rite. Go figure. By the way, we are blaming the flu on our plane ride back from Denver. Check out this map from the CDC showing outbreaks on a state level. CO is the only state with "widespread" outbreaks right now. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm

Anyway, they put him on Tamiflu to shorten the duration and severity and that stuff works. Within three days he was up and running around and apparently having band practice in his room with Ellie. It's good to be 98.6.

Snowbunnies

2008-01-10T11:37:00.001-08:00

Here are our little Atlanta peaches in the snow!

Right after Christmas we visited Dede and Heather in Denver and stayed through the new year. We lucked out in getting to really experience snow with the kids for the first time since Denver was covered! I didn't realize that Chase didn't really know what snow was until a week before the trip he started asking me things like "Mommy is snow hard? What does it feel like?" I think the last time it snowed in Atlanta Chase was about 9 months old. And of course snow in Atlanta really isn't snow.

The kids had a blast with Dede and Heather as did we and we absolutely loved Denver and look forward to many more visits. Lots of fun in the snow, lots of Mexican food, and lots of Dede spoilage. Hopefully the plane experience will improve with each visit, but I will not talk about the plane.

Here are some pictures from our trip....

Happy New Year. We went to this fun cowboy restaurant for New Years with an inside slide, a cowboy band, a dance floor, a balloon man, and martinis (the best part). Fun for all ages! Ellie loves her balloon doggie.
Dede and Chase dance. Chase says no one is allowed to watch, but Mommy sneaks up with camera. hee hee.

Dede and Ellie grooving.
Our trip to Boulder. Daddy and Chase find the local ice skating rink.
Downtown Boulder.
Me and Ellie in Boulder.
Ellie on "Ellsworth" Avenue. The affectionate nickname Uncle Chris bestowed on her.

Chase and Daddy with their sleds. We had lots of snow fun... sledding, making angels, eating snow, making snow slushies. Oh and Mommy and Daddy got to actually ski too!

Chase and Daddy sled racing. Chase busting.

Chase and Daddy sledding in Keystone.
Professional sledder.
Ellie loves to sled! Giggles all the way down.
Chase kissing Ellie after their sled ride together. "Good job Ellie" he said.
What a wonderful trip and incredible memories.

Visit to Santa

2007-12-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

We already know Ellie is a little freaked out by facial hair. Uncle Chris has been working on her for a long time. So, it was really no surprise that Ellie was totally ho-ho-horrified by Santa...

And Santa was a little stressed out by Chase's detailed list of wants. (Note furrowed brow on Santa below).
Ellie calmed down when Mommy held her but still was very skeptical.

However, Ellie did absolutely LOVE the carousel ride.

As did Chase...

So overall our Santa trip was a success because Daddy scammed us a better spot on the Santa wait list which was originally 2.5 hours when we showed up but he sweet talked us in for a 10 minute wait. We scored a great picture to show Ellie when she gets older. And of course Chase told Santa his heart's desires. When I asked what he told him he responded with "It's a secret Mom! You'll see on Christmas morning". I did hear some of the rambling but was a little distracted with tiny screamer.

Hopefully Santa will get it right!

Prince Charming Chase

2007-11-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Well he's definitely stolen Mommy's heart.

When Ellie sleeps Mommy and Chase get to play. So Ellie took a good nap last week and Chase asked if he could be a Prince. Much more fun to Mommy than the power ranger stuff. So we looked on the Internet until we found a picture of a prince outfit to copy that was acceptable to Chase. It took several pictures to convince Chase that princes do in fact have crowns. This is not just for princesses and boys do indeed wear them. We ransacked my closet and found my old brown silk halter I used to wear with my "going out" jeans when I actually used to leave the burbs. We put that over an old button up white shirt. Added my flattest boots we could find. And from Chase's room... red cape, sword, and paper crown. Instant Prince!
He paraded around the house then headed out to slay dragons in the backyard.

Serious Prince pose...
When he came back in Ellie was up and I was feeding her lunch. We heard him rumbling around in the coat closet. I asked "what are you doing in there Prince Charming Chase?". Clearly irritated that I didn't already know he gave me a face and said "time traveling! I am going out the front door and when I come in the back we will be in a different land." So he came back and then announced that we were now in California.

Being 4 is so cool!

The hills are alive...

2007-11-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

No it's not the Swiss Alps, but Amicalola Falls is really steep! Dusty went hunting (aka camping for Chase) and not to be outdone in fun I called in for help. Kathryn drove in from Charlotte and we dragged Melissa out of bed to check out the seasonal leaves in the north Georgia mountains and hike with the kids. We hiked to the top of the falls. Well I opted out of the last part 175 steps straight up. I had had enough of lugging Ellie on my back and I have seen the waterfall plenty of times. I usually make Dusty wear the baby backpack but I tried it out and apparently my petite frame (aka shortness) doesn't quite jive with the backpack. Kathryn wore Ellie down the trail and I guess 2 inches made a difference because she was not bent over like a hunchback while hiking. She is 2 inches taller. I am the oldest, and the shortest.

Anyway, we had so much fun and the kids were great! Chase thinks he "climbed a mountain" and he could "see California" from the top.

Check out my bad posture here...
Chase at the top of the trail...
Aunt Melissa, Aunt Kathryn, Chase.
Our postcard picture.
Ellie and Mommy taking a break.
Chase and Melissa with the largest tree we saw.
Kathryn with Ellie.
The bears we found in the lodge.
Chase under the bear.

Holy Cow

2007-11-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

Holy cow how did I get to be so old that I am the one supervising field trips instead of the one being supervised?!? So I chaperoned my first field trip to Holy Cow Farm, see here... http://holycowfarm.com/ . I took Ellie with me and holy cow it's hard to keep up with her now!

The 4 year olds are cake compared to the toddler who loves loves loves animals and dancing to the country music they were playing on the farm. So Chase had fun, Ellie had fun, and I did too.

I also lucked out because I had the smallest car and therefore only had to drive 2 loud 4 year olds instead of 4 of them. More reasons to keep my current car.

Halloween Festivities

2007-11-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Last night was Halloween! Our annual chilli night and trick or treating with our neighbor Taylor. This year Chase was a blue power ranger. He knew a month in advance with no waffling. He tried the costume on in Party City back in September, tried out his moves, and that was it. Sold.

Ellie was an angel. No need to dress her up really but we did add some wings and a halo (thanks to Camille!).

We did the main drag of the neighborhood this year and let the big kids go until they asked to go home. It's pretty festive on the main street with people tailgating in their driveways, fortune tellers, and one group requesting performances for candy if you were over a certain age. Chase and Taylor skipped this house. Too much work and way too many other houses.

Anyway, we had a great time! We took way too many pictures, but here are a few to enjoy...

Starting out for the night...

Power ranger Chase. Mermaid Taylor...
Ellie's mode of transportation. Dusty with roadie.
Angel from behind.

Ellie's first piece of candy...
Back at home. Counting the loot.

Aspirations...

2007-10-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at a birthday party for our friend Livi, who was turning 4, a group of Chase's friends were talking during the cake festivities. They were answering Natalie's grueling questions while she videotaped them. Tough questions like "What's the best thing about Livi? What do you like to play with Livi? etc." They went around the table and answered or said "pass" if the question was too hard.

Then I heard "What do you want to be when you grow up?", to which Chase replied "A picker-upper!". Hum I was thinking to myself what in the world is a picker-upper? definitely not someone who picks up things like dirty rooms or toys. He can't possibly mean he wants to clean up after people all his life.

Anyway, I didn't think anything of it until a few days later when he said "Mommy, I really do want to be a picker upper when I get big." I asked what is a picker-upper Chase? He responded quite surprised that I didn't know. It was someone who drove around and picked people up! I said oh, like a taxi cab driver? He said "yea, but a long long long car". Oh, a Limo driver! "Yes, that's it Mommy." I told him he could be whatever he wanted to be as long as he was happy.

Yesterday at school they went around the room and asked the same question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Chase told me most of the kids said superheros, or policemen or firefighters. So I asked him, do you still want to be a picker upper? "No, I think I want to be a Daddy when I grow up."

I said, "oh that's cool." Chase said "yea, but I don't want to get married and I don't want any kids. And I'm going to live with you and Daddy until I'm 87."

Sounds like a plan.

Girl Stuff

2007-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

After a few years of Chase liking Thomas the train, hotwheels, monster trucks, swords, and superheros you can imagine our house is full of lots of boy stuff. Sure Chase had generic baby toys but once he hit a year it was all boy. What do they say.. snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.. that's what little boys are made of. So our house was ready for some sugar and spice and everything nice.

For Ellie's birthday we finally got some girly things! Baby dolls and a stroller and SHOES! Pink shoes in fact!

And, really hip patent leather driving moccasins from her friend Riley...

She has been really happy with the cars and trucks and definitely prefers Chase's room to her own for playtime.

However, the stroller and dolls are quite a hit. Here she is testing them out.

Ellie's 1st birthday bash!

2007-09-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

The big party was a success! On Sunday we had about 35+ people over to celebrate Ellie's first birthday! We lucked out with incredible weather so I didn't have to worry about cramming everyone into the house. Dusty and I had minimal stress before hand, I had lots of party setup elves (aka Kathryn and Melissa), and Ellie took a really long morning nap. It couldn't have worked out any better! Here are a few pictures to recap the big day...

Ellie and Chase exchanging presents before the party. He got her a play cell phone and key chain and she got him a set of batman hotwheels. They were both thrilled!
Ellie greeting baby Nathan. He looks about her size and has more hair, but he is only 4 months old right now. Her younger man.
Some of the 1 year old monkeys... Ellie, Holden, and Riley hanging from the gate. Such great pals!
The guys on the deck drinking Dusty's home brew...
Some of the ladies at the "coloring" table...
Ellie and Riley taking turns clapping.
Ellie's cakes. White with pink polka dots. The smash cake was huge!
The only picture I have of Ellie in her birthday hat. It didn't last long.
Chase showing Ellie how to dig in.
Ellie figures it out.
Ellie gets to the chocolate.
Carmella, Carter, and Spencer (the big girls) help me bath Ellie.
Present from me and Dusty. I painted the cradle my great uncle made me when I was little. Also a tiny baby doll.
Ellie loves on her baby doll.
Ellie in the cradle. This is her new favorite thing... climbing in and out and standing and rocking in it. Yes, scary!

Ellie's present from Grandma and Grandpa. Chase checks under the hood while Carmella is ready to push.

Woohoo, this ride rocks!
All her big girl helpers... Carter and Carmella take turns pushing her around. So spoiled.
More driving.
Daddy takes Ellie for a spin in the backyard.

Happy birthday sweetheart!

Kelly Green Gophers

2007-09-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Chase just started soccer this season and he is #2 on the Kelly Green Gophers. Green is his favorite color so this was a good thing. We got a call at 7AM on Saturday that the head coach's daughter broke her arm and Dusty needed to fill in for the first game. It was a hustle to get the gang out the door fed and dressed that early but we made it which is good since we have 8 more weeks of early Saturdays. Here's a picture of Chase with Coach Daddy...
The cool thing about this season is that the kids actually play a real game. With a referee and all! Last season when Chase was 3, half the team was in pull ups and almost everyone cried at least once each game. On Saturday the game was an hour and it was fun to watch. The kids actually played! When they fell down they got up and kept playing. Amazing! Ellie and I watched from the sidelines. Here is a picture of Ellie in her new cool pink stroller with Chase on his break. She even clapped and said "Chase" during the game. His personal cheerleader.
Another picture of Chase after the game saying "Gophers are #1". They won 2 - 1 and it felt good!

Let the shoe shopping begin!!!

2007-09-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ellie is walking!!!

Over the weekend Dusty and I noticed her venturing further out from her standard cruising along the furniture. She walked between us 4 steps and ever since is taking more and more. Tonight Dusty saw her take 15 before she went back to crawling. So 9 days before our baby turns ONE, she proves again she is no longer such a little baby. She has places to go and we have shoes to buy! Oh I am giddy just thinking of all the shopping we can do for cute little shoes!

Sharing

2007-09-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today was not a red letter day for sharing in our house. Chase locked himself in his room to play leggos and Ellie was banned from the death trap room of tiny choking hazards (much to her dismay). Everyone was just a little crabby today. Maybe tired from our trip to Hilton Head or worn out from the downsies (aka intestinal bug) that Chase had. Anyway, when nerves run thin I like to remember how sweet my children are and how sweet they are to each other.

I took this picture of Chase sharing his popsicle with Ellie on our recent trip to Sarasota. After a long day in the heat Chase wanted a popsicle. He yelled at me in the other room and asked if he could share with Ellie. I said sure give her a lick and came to watch.

You can't see that Ellie is on her tip toes trying to reach better, her little fingers holding tight to her big brother. He didn't just give her a lick. He shared the whole popsicle. Isn't that what siblings are for?

1st Day of School

2007-08-27T17:35:00.001-07:00

School started today! Woohoo! There were no tearful goodbyes this year. It was just business as usual and it barely felt like we were gone for summer vacation. Chase is an old pro apparently.

Here is a picture of Chase on open house day. He inserted a hotwheel into his belt loop as a last minute fashion accessory. It was to let his new teacher Miss Michelle get to know him. He said this was how she would know he likes hotwheels.

Here he is this morning, the first day of 4 year old preschool. Doesn't he look so grown up? Note the cool new "hotwheel" lunch box.

Chase explaining to Ellie that he is going to school because he is a "big brother" and that she can't go because she's a "baby" but he will be back soon so not to worry.

And here he is in carpool line. He practically jumped out of the car he was so ready to go!

How did this happen? He is so big and I cannot even begin to believe that next year will be the big leagues. Kindergarten. I know there will be tears then... mine!

Tiny Italian

2007-08-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ellie is proving her Italian roots in her love for spaghetti! Yes, she has a little Italian in her. Can't you tell with her tan skin and dark hair? Yes, she does finally have some hair and it's coming in much darker than Chase's. My Nana, Ellie's great Nana's maiden name is very Italian... Mary Marino. Daughter of Giochino Marino from Cantana, Italy. Who knew I was so Italian! When I was in college my Nana told me that if I took Italian she would take me on a trip to Italy. I promptly signed up! Still waiting on that trip. Nana does make a mean spaghetti sauce though.

Don't you wish you could enjoy your food this much?

Oh it's so good! I am sooo happy!

It didn't all make it to her mouth we noticed when dinner was over...

Wait Mom! I'm not done! There's more in my toes!

Where did July go?

2007-08-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

I guess I don't have to tell you that I have been very slack at adding pictures. I just realized that there were no entries for July! And what a chuck full of stuff month it was! I could blame it on the kids getting sick that overtook everything for about a week or my computer being out of commission but honestly that wasn't more than a week either. Anyway, July sure did fly, but here is a quick recap of some of the highlights...

First off, I finally got a t-shirt! For the Peachtree Road Race that is! After living in Atlanta since I was 8 I finally got a number (thank you Nat & Jim) and ran the largest 10K in the world down Peachtree Street. It was an incredible experience and one I hope to repeat!

Afterwards, I met Dusty, the kids, and friends at Mandy's pool for a cookout and some swimming. Dusty took the kids to a 4th of July bike parade while I was running to start off their day.

It was Ellie's first 4th of July this year and she really seemed to enjoy herself!

We ended up back at our house after swimming to rest and so Dusty could nap because taking care of two kids all day is way more exhausting than getting up at 4am to run a 10K. Right?

We ditched our friends (sorry guys) to make sure Ellie saw fireworks on her first 4th and met my parents and Melissa at Will's Park. It ended up being a great night and both kids loved the show. Ellie wasn't even scared of the noise and tried to reach for the lights as each firework went off.

Here are a few pics from the fireworks...

Although the kids were exhausted after the 4th, the large bags under Chase's eyes foreshadow the events to follow. Chase ended up coming down with a nasty bug the following weekend which was diagnosed as an Adnoid Virus that led to a nasty secondary infection and warranted one ER visit, 4 visits to the pediatrician, 2 full blood cultures at Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital, 2 horse shots of antibiotics in his legs, and then another round of antibiotics to make sure all the germies were gone. Ellie, unluckily being related to Chase, was tortured with a round of bloodwork herself when her temp rose to 103 but luckily she only had a quick bout of the virus and no infection. We were quite done with the childrens hospital after a week and broke from the copays and toy bribery. All of this sickness meant that I missed my girls beach weekend to Hilton Head. Super sucky but I won't go there.

Let's see, July also included another week of Bible Camp for Chase at his preschool, Alpharetta Presbyterian. The theme was "Secret Agents of God" and included song and dance with dark shades and making of secret briefcases. He had a blast with his friends and learned cool new songs which he performed on the last day of camp.

Ellie also learned a few tricks of her own this month like crawling up the stairs...

She is now successfully chasing cat, cruising like an expert, and starting to let go of her props to stand momentarily all by herself! She is so big! I can't believe I will be soon planning her first birthday.

Speaking of birthdays, Chase's best friend Beau, turned 4 in July too. We celebrated at a pool party at Nat's and the kids had a blast. Who wouldn't at a party that lasts from 2pm until 10pm when you're 4! Here are Beau, Livi, Chase and Carmella with Beau's big gift. Trouble!

The biggest thing of all though that happened this month was Dusty's Mom and mine too, Dianne (otherwise known as "Dede") , putting her house on the market to move to Denver. We blinked and it sold and before anyone knew it she was buying a condo in Denver and planning her big move. Being out of your house in 14 days is quite a feat! She spent a few days with us before she left and she is already greatly missed but we are so glad she loves her new place and is with Heather in CO. She stayed in Chase's room while she was here and he got up this morning thinking he heard her. He really got used to having her around, as did Ellie. I was very spoiled in my ability to run and shower every morning without kids for a few days! Every night she was here she read to Chase until he fell asleep. It was pretty cute! I'm sure it will be a wonderful memory for both of them. We are looking forward to many visits!

Say Cheese...

2007-06-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

...or "Stinky Pants" or whatever makes my kids smile like this for two hours!

Last week I woke up sick to my stomach that I wasn't getting more professional pictures done of the kids. That morning they just looked bigger, like they grew overnight (which they do of course). For some reason with Ellie time seems to be flying more so than it did when Chase was a baby. Maybe it's that we have so much more going on in the house or maybe we're so distracted with our first. Whatever reason last week I couldn't drive fast enough to the portrait place. We spent two hours there and they took 127 pictures! How I only picked 4 was amazing. It was like taking an eye exam... do you like A or B better, okay B, how about B or C, and so on until we hacked through all 127 of the possibilities. Thankfully I spent enough to get them all on a disc so I can click through them to my hearts content.

The pictures turned out better than I expected and I was quite pleased with Portrait Innovations, especially since they print the pictures while you wait which is good because I really like instant gratification. Who doesn't?

So I have my pictures. I've saved the date in time. And of course, they have already changed and gotten older since last week... sniff sniff.

Chase going "tickle tickle Ellie" actually it's more like "ticca ticca Ewwie"...

Now, you still have to act surprised if you get one in the mail!

Happy Campers!

2007-06-18T10:02:00.001-07:00

We are back from our Father's Day excursion in Escape Pod 1 to Lake Hartwell! I am very lucky to have such a wonderful husband who is an incredible Daddy. He must love us alot to want to spend the whole weekend with us in such a small space (see accommodations below).

Our trip was a blast and chuck full of incredible memories like Ellie popping through the tippy top of her first tooth (bottom right) and Chase learning to cast a fishing line all by himself and then stunning Dusty by catching fish all by himself. Yes, Chase caught about 20 fish, two of which he caught solo. He was quite disappointed that we weren't going to eat the fish, but Brim bait fish are not too tasty. He called them rotten and "freed" them back into the lake.

We took a hike with Chase leading the pack claiming Dusty got us lost every 5 minutes or so. Ellie loved the backback and happily rode as we figured out the 0.5 mile trail back to camp. We did the typical camping things... roasted hotdogs, ate watermelon, swam in the lake, hiked along the campsites, made smores, slept little, relished in the beauty that is the pop-up.

I was a little like a fish out of water walking to the community bathroom in my pink pjs with my Clarins lotion. I was bit by a mysterious bug on the way back to camp with what looked like fang marks and was sure I was going to need treatment from the local hospital. Dusty reminded me there is no crying in camping.

I needed to be told again about the no crying rule in the morning when I could barely get out of bed because my back was locked up. Ellie, unlike Chase, did not sleep like a rock all night. Apparently she is a little like me in my princess and the pea-ness.

Now that I'm home and in air conditioning (which is not overrated by the way), I can reflect on our trip. I learned that what doesn't kill us brings us closer. I learned a little about the culture that is RV camping and that some people camp in RV's for days and bring christmas lights and their dogs and their friends and their friends friends. And it might not be a good idea to stay next to said "jokers", as Chase referred to them (I wonder where he heard that).

I also learned that marshmallows are good currency. That slowing down is a necessity. And that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world than with these 3 people I call my family, even if it means camping in the pop-up. And that I actually like camping and want to go again! No Dusty, I will not be getting a "pop-up lady" tattoo though. Dream on.

Sprinklers

2007-06-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer like a run in the sprinkler. Chase loves sprinklers this year and Ellie loves watching. A few days ago we had a beautiful summer day with the sprinkler, an outdoor bubble show, and a visit from the icecream man. (Why is the icecream man so creepy?). Here are a few shots of Chase in the sprinklers this summer...

Chase waiting for the volcano sprinkler to erupt at school...

Chase in our backyard...

Chase and Ellie posing together (note the rolled eyes from Chase)...

Escape Pod 1

2007-06-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

It's back.... and in my driveway! Here it is in all it's glory. Yes, the pop-up camper circa 1984 has been in my driveway now for two weeks. Dusty has affectionately named it "Escape Pod 1". What he is escaping from is baffling me... hum let's see escaping our air conditioned house, cable television, a stocked refrigerator. Anyway, he is feverishly working on fixing up the camper with Chase to get ready for our maiden voyage to Lake Hartwell for Father's Day.

Chase is so enamored with the camper that on the weekends, when it is "popped up" he does not come in the house. He stocks the camper with hotwheels and works on it with his tools. He even requests his meals in the camper.

Please note the beautiful rust colored Indian curtains. It's decorated with a rustic touch. I suppose it is luxurious in comparison to say a tent. I am also pleased that the door locks.

Since the name contains a 1 in it, it leads one to believe there also is an Escape Pod 2, 3.. and so forth. I do hope that this naming scheme means there are more "vacation homes" in our future.

Wish us luck on our wilderness adventure. I'm looking forward to making many happy memories. Post voyage pictures will follow.

Here she comes...

2007-05-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

So life with two kids is not easy. It's a handful for sure. However, up to this point Ellie has at least stayed put. Chase's world of millions of hotwheels is kept organized in "parking lots" just out of her reach. I set them up in the living room to play. Ellie sits with her pile of "baby" toys and Chase has the rest of the room with his hotwheels out of reach of the drool machine. See example...
and the hotwheel parking lot...

However, Ellie is starting to put a kink in his type A organization of the hotwheels. Yes, she is for all intents and purposes crawling. She hasn't quite got it but she does hand, hand, hop with both knees, and then belly flops forward and reaches for whatever it is she has her sites on (which is usually a hotwheel). She then promptly puts it in her mouth and then Chase proceeds to complain about the wetness and the drool and how he needs to get a towel to dry off his prized possessions.

I suppose this is the beginning of the converations about sharing and "turns" and pulling Ellie away from Chase's "stuff". I assume this will go on for years. Right? Watch out, here she comes...

Can I order my running skirt now?

2007-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I ventured out of my comfort zone and ran longer than I ever have before. My comfort zone is a 30 to 45 minute run on one of the same two paths I always run on the weekend when Dusty watches the kids. I don't know what was different about my drive (the incredible weather, the extra syrup on my morning eggo), but I was strangely motivated to go farther. The entire first portion of the run I argued with myself if I should turn as I usually do or if I should keep running and make it to the Greenway so I could cut through the trail by the Y and circle back to Old Milton. It was quite the conversation I had with myself... you can do it, it's not that much further.. no! don't do it turn now you'll never be able to walk in heals if you run that far...do it, do it.. etc until I finally decided to keep going. I figured I could always call Dusty from the YMCA if I pooped out and he could come pick me up.

I ended up running for an hour and 20 minutes and I went 6.5 miles. I know this is chump change compared to most but for me it was a feat! I actually took a cold bath after to make sure my knees didn't get sore (oh and to pretend a little that I am a real runner). Don't let me fool you either, I didn't actually RUN the whole time, I did walk alot but I still felt like a real runner.

For those that know the area, I ran from my house... right on Kimball Bridge, left on Webb Bridge, took Webb Bridge to the Greenway Trail (right before North Point Pkwy), took the Greenway past the Y and keep on the trail until Old Milton (it comes out by 400), then down Old Milton back to Kimball, and home. The cool thing about this route is that there is a bathroom and waterfountain halfway through. Very convenient.

So, for my running friends, does this make me official yet? Can I order my skirt? What gadget do I need to keep me motivated? Because shopping must be involved I'm sure.

Jam session

2007-04-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

So Chase got a guitar from Uncle Chris and Aunt Liz for his birthday. It's a little red guitar and he didn't give it too much attention the day of present opening. He was excited but then his mind was quickly reminded of the pile he still had to open and potential for more plastic and hotwheels. As soon as all the presents were open and he remembered it, he wanted to practice his guitar.

He is quite a song writer. Sample lyrics .... "My cat ran away, The dog barked all day, then the cat came home to our house, da na na na na". There is also "Mommy and Ellie dance", "Hot wheels rock n roll", and "Old cat". His lyrics are genius.

Ellie apparently is also musically talented and joined in the musical collaboration with Chase's old Elmo guitar which thankfully has been without batteries for two years.

Pictures of the jam session...

The Big Boy Jump Party!

2007-04-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the promised pictures of Chase's birthday party at Jumping Jacks. From the looks of his jumping you would have thought this was the day we would have ended up in the ER, but thankfully he made it though the party intact. We had a great turnout with 23 friends all jumping together. It was chaotic to say the least. I even joined in the jumping with my black socks. After about three runs I was exhausted and feeling much older than 4. The festivities included 2 hours of jumping mixed in with some face painting and topped off with a bubble show.
Just as the kids were starting to wear thin, we headed into the party room for cake. Hotwheel cake of course.

This year I was really relaxed about the party. Dusty might disagree but usually I am more frantic. It helped that a) the party wasn't at our house and b) although it was chilly the weather report for the weekend did not include tornadoes.

As Chase would say the party was "rocking awes" (that's short for rocking awesome in case you are not 4). :)

Our trip to the ER

2007-04-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, one week into turning 4 and already we're visiting the ER. Today was a scary day. I was 30 minutes into running errands after dropping off Chase at school and I got a phone call from his teacher. Chase fell on the playground and cut his lip. I headed back to school thinking he would probably be fine by the time I got there but that was not the case. His lip didn't look that well and I called Dusty to come meet us.

We headed to the Children's Hospital and thankfully we went to the right place. Chase had cut his lip through to part of the muscle and needed a double layer of stitches. They nurses gave him a topical numbing medication and then an oral pain reliver. After being in our room for 3 hours the ER doctor told us they were calling in a plastic surgeon.

Chase received a sedative to keep him calm and still and the surgeon arrived. She was wonderful and gave him 9 stitches total (2 inside and 7 outside). He was such a brave big boy and stayed still while she stitched him up. He was incredibly good!

On the way home his medication was clearly talking when he asked me why I had 4 eyes and kept trying to touch my face.

He's home and he's doing wonderfully now! He's already eaten yogurt, ravioli, and icecream. He also set up his new hotwheel display case that holds 120 cars before bed. Clearly, he is not that affected by his injury.

I think I was more scared than Chase of the stitches as I've never had them. Dusty though is an old pro and told me this was probably our first of many trips to the ER. I really hope not!

My Baby is 4!!!

2007-04-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby turned 4 on Tuesday! Where did the time go? For some reason 4 seems more monumental than the earlier birthdays. Maybe it's because my baby is becoming more of a "kid" and less of the baby. Maybe having a new baby, Ellie, really shows you how much Chase is not a baby anymore. He's our little man who since he arrived has been an incredible light in our lives. Happy birthday sweet baby!

This is Chase one day old.

First birthday...

Two years...

Three years...

Tuesday, April 10th! Chase helped make his cake this year. It's a figure 8 race track we found in a magazine. His big party at Jumping Jacks is on Sunday and he won't admit he's really 4 until then. I think for fear that he won't be able to have another party! Happy birthday big boy!

Spring Break

2007-04-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

So our first long car ride with both kids went much better than expected. Dusty was the one with the tummy ache on the way down and I was the whiney one on the way home. The kids were surprisingly well behaved and sleepy! It's so much fun to be at the ocean with kids. Seeing the wonder of the beach all over through your children's eyes. Other than playing on the beach, the main purpose of our trip was to visit our grandparents, Chase and Ellie's great grandmothers and great grandfather... "Nana at the beach, and Nana and Papa". It's so amazing that they get to know their great grandparents. I can't imagine meeting Chase and Ellie's kids, let alone their kid's kids. So incredible. Here are a few pics from our trip...

Piano Competition

2007-04-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

The other night Ellie was pounding away on her toy piano, wait a minute, let me correct myself "Chase's toy piano that he lets Ewwie borrow". As Chase was the first child, first grandchild on both sides, and first niece/ nephew, he has alot of "stuff", hence no need to buy Ellie too much unless it's pink and girly of course!

Anyway, Chase couldn't take Ellie's solo piano playing and soon joined the fun. He wasn't too pleased with her pounding, which apparently hurt his ears. He quickly took over and showed her how it was done. True big brother style. A hint of things to come?