Happy Holidays to you and yours!

'Tis the season to be jolly! Not stressed and worried that you've gotten everything that you need, cookies baked, presents wrapped and everyone's gift accounted for...and for us parents of those who still "believe" it also needs to includes presents from Santa, cookies for Santa, and most importantly a carrot for Ruldolph.

My goal for this year was to relax, to enjoy the season and to not be caught up in the commercialized ideals of what Christmas truly means. Have I accomplished this? In spirit, yes. In reality, well I will say it's an improvment from last year. Although I have to admit, last year...not my most stellar. I'll say it again as I'm sure you all have heard, adding Andrew to our family in the midst of some other life events (you know minor things like Jay's sister's wedding, showers, bachlorette party and my dearest friend from college's wedding, shower etc.) within weeks of his birth...was hard on me. And in the middle of all of that I returned to work, you know the story. Let's just say by Christmas I was a little nutty. My poor second child...when he grows up with the middle child syndrome we will all know why. Not that we are expecting, we're not :). Okay, random ADD moment, back to the topic!!

So, here we sit days away from Christmas. My gifts are wrapped, my cards are sent, my cookies were baked and now eaten...and I feel good. Relaxed even, I am looking forward to visiting with friends and family, lucky for me this will extend into January.

The other goal was to talk about the true meaning of Christmas with the kids and try to explain where Santa fits into that story. So, the other night at dinner Jackson was explaining to Drew how Santa brings us presents to celebrate Jesus's birthday and that they are always watching us together...yeah, sort of like that. How effective my message has been is up for grabs!

I hope that you are all enjoying your holiday season and have found solace in the midst of the craziness around us all. A special thank you to all of you for the blessing that you are in our lives, certainly our lives would not be nearly as rich without our wonderful friends and family.

The Actual Birthday...

Jackson's actual birthday fell on the first snow day for most school aged kids...but not for us!! I had taken the day off work to be with my birthday boy and we had a celebration at the College of Wooster Nursery School on his "real" birthday". We suited up and trudged out into the snow. Even as we are inching down the road I am wondering, will we be the only ones crazy enough to go to school on such a snowy day?

But sure enough, there were about 8 other crazy moms there to drop their kids for the 3 hour bliss that they call preschool. The day met us with a parade with instruments, Andrew included. Singing games, snack time, climbing and of course the special birthday party complete with the birthday song and lots of laughing. We all had so much fun sharing in his day and really seeing what his day at school is like. His little place in the world that he can truly call only his own. And what a fun place it is!

Happy real birthday, Jackson!

Happy 5th Birthday, Jackson!

And so it came, and it went...that monumental #5. Jackson had anticipated being 5 for so long, he just couldn't wait. He would be so big, and tall, and so much smarter, he would know "everything about this world" from the mouth of the smart one! He was sure of that...until he actually turned 5. And then the little voice from the back of the car said, "mom, I was just kidding about being 5, I really liked being 4." And so it goes, whether he is 4 or 5 he still doesn't know "everything about this world" quiet yet!

I've included a few pictures of his first "kid" party at Triway Lanes. The kids had a blast...as did the adults!!

Happy Halloween

Don't you just love little kid's in Halloween costumes? Their cute little faces masked and surrounded by soft fluff, I can't get enough. Now I'm not a huge Halloween person, I can really do without the skeleton's and gobblins, but the costumes are worth putting up with the rest of the nonesense.

This year Jackson decided on the Zebra or Gefra as he used to pronounce it :). He was proud and sweet in his puffy costume complete with a black mohawk of hair and face paint provided by daddy, the artist. When we trick-or-treated at the zoo they were trying to get him to stay and be their zebra for good, but lucky for us he wasn't willing to stay! As we were winding down from the sugar overload and excessive running, that the evening of candy always brings, he had me rolling in laughter. He was recently given a Puff the Magic Dragon book that came with the CD, and occasionally as he is settling down for the night he likes to sing along as he looks at the pictures. I was finishing up the evening pick up in his room and was listening to his rendition of the song, "Puff the magic dragon....autumn mist in the land of Halloween!" were the words that he came up with, very appropriate, right? I think the correct words are the land of Honalee (sp?)! Anyway, by the end of the CD we were both laughing together at his new version of the old classic.

Andrew's costume I have to admit was my favorite. He was a lion, and I know that I am biased, but he was a pretty darn cute one! He waddled around with his big mane of fleece and smiled at anyone willing to see. His big, round cheeks filled out his cap perfectly. He was squishy and darling, if you ask me!!

I hope you all enjoyed the spooky evening!

Boo! at the Zoo

Here are some pictures of our trick-or treating adventure at the Akron Zoo! It was a great evening and we made it through before the rain hit. More to come on the picture front, but here are a few...

Pumpkin Time!

This is truly one of our family's favorite times of the year. Although this fall's weather has been a bit different than normal, the activities are what make it so much fun. The leaf blowing and stomping, the bonfire's and the pumpkin patch.

Every year in mid October we take the boy's to Gale Farm for an evening of pumpkin patch heaven. They ride the train, go on a hayride and choose their favorite pumpkin. My favorite is the crisp fall pictures, which this year was a bit more of a challenge! The big boys are a little wilder, they'd much rather romp and run, as they should. And the little boys, they are wiggly and like to taste anything, especially pumpkin stems, pretty colored leaves and hay! In the end it's not the photo's that matter, it's the idea that we added another year of tradition to the family book of memories. We can think about the wild night and smile, there is nothing like boys gone wild!

Attic Time, A New Cousin and the "Even Bigger" Zoo

Wasn't Labor Day weekend glorious!? The weather was perfect and the sky couldn't have been bluer, and with that in the forecast and the sickness coming to a halt we knew we would be busy! We spent a nice Saturday outside playing and inside organizing our attic toys and reminiscing as we sorted through Jackson's old clothes with the hope that Drew will get some use out of them this fall and winter. Although he looks big, he is still not quite to the size of Jack's winter collection. But it sure is nice to have them, just in case they fit! Jack thought it was great to have a playmate in his toy room for the morning and Drew was intent on playing with every possible toy he could drag out of a drawer and put into something else! He loves to carry a bag, a box or a backpack and load it up with as many toys as his little legs can carry. It is so fun to watch him tottle, usually favoring the heavy container side as he smiles and laughs at himself. And also a little entertaining to see the boys duke it out over a favorite something that they both need to play with at the exact same moment. I know it isn't really funny, but I keep thinking that these are just a glimpse of what is to come... Sunday brought on a road trip to visit with Jay's family for a nice BBQ and picnic. We spent the rather hot afternoon catching up and celebrating some great events. This weekend marked Jay's sister and brother-in-law's first wedding anniversary and also the picture's of the first ultrasound for their first little one. We were so excited to see the little black and white pictures and to see that little head and body, legs and arms. They couldn't be more excited and we spent the day talking and laughing at all sorts of baby things. Jackson and Andrew kept us entertained, especially when Jack came down the stairs with the thigh master on his head announcing that he had found antler's!! It was a great day full of fun! We had promised Jackson and Andrew a trip to the Cleveland Zoo sometime this summer and somehow it was coming to an end faster then we had expected. Monday came and we packed our lunch, slathered on sunscreen and headed off to visit those zebras!! Jackson has been on the lookout for giraffe's and zebra's since May, as well as the Dinosaurs exhibit that has been advertised. After the one hundredth, "are we almost there yet?" and "uh-oh" from the backseat we finally arrived. We spent the day walking from animal to animal (with a malfunctioning camera, of course :O) ) and laughing at the amazement of the boys. Their reactions were priceless. Drew's favorite were the sea lions, and he truly sounded like one as we walked away, he thought they were great!! We watched the elephant's eat hay and swat the flies with their ears, the zebra's eat grass and the family of giraffe's lounge around gracefully. We even attempted to touch sting ray's as they swam around a shallow pool cluttered with 100 other hands plunged deep into the water. The highlight of the day for Jackson was the dinosaurs, although he still can't understand why God didn't make them at the same time as humans, he completely enjoyed the man made moving, growling creatures. If you ask him his favorite he can't quite decide, but the funniest of the day was the one that spit water at whoever walked by! The rain forest was great and Drew was able to walk around and look into the aquarium's, which was an adventure and a break for him! I'm happy to say that we left still smiling, but a little wore out. Nonetheless, it was a nice end to summer and treat to hear Jack talk about the "even bigger" zoo.

Back to School

September 4th

I had intended to write this post tomorrow, after the 1st day of school. After I see the excitment on his face when he sees his friends and greets Pokey (the turtle) again. After I walk away and the world doesn't crumble and come to an instataneous end, after I smile to myself and think of all the stories that will greet me at the end of the day. I look forward to hearing his take on the day and how Delaney's summer was and what story they read, and so forth. And then I can put my sappy, sentimental, only one more year till Kindergarten mind to rest. I can stop thinking about my own feelings and focus on his very important 4 yr. old interpretation of life. And that makes me smile. I'll admit that I still have a vision of chasing down the school bus driver next fall and demanding that he return my baby, but I have a year to work on that. Hopefully, by this time next year my counselor has worked on my seperation anxiety issues.

So, tomorrow is the day of joy for Jack and the feeling in my gut that I know I will feel as I turn and walk away. And I'm sure I'll turn and take a last peak through the glass for my own mental snapshot of his first day of school.


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September 5th

Today is the day and I was early to rise, before the kiddos opened their eyes. Truly my favorite mommy time of the day and sometimes the only...and I felt refreshed as I sipped the heavenly cup of joe. The day began clear and beautiful as a reminder to me that this needed to not be a sappy day, but a happy one.

Jack rose excitedly, chanting, "it's my first day of school, my first day of school" and again I smiled to myself. I can enjoy his excitment as I cuddle him as he is still in the early morning wake up state. I still try to hold his growing frame as I always have and he still lets me, luckily. As I talked with him about what he was most excited about I was internally being thankful that he still enjoys being wrapped in a bath towel burrito and hugged after bathtime, that he will still tells me he loves me at random times throughout the day and that I have still earned my favorite phrase, "your the best mom ever"...as if he had a choice on mothers. He's still and always will be my little boy and that's all that really matters to me. I do know that over the years we may define our closness in different ways, he won't always climb in bed with me when he hears Jay leave in the early morning...and that's okay.

The classroom greeted us cheerily as always, and I passed the camera to Jay as Jackson helped his new teacher hang the picture of himself for the year on Pokey the turtle's aquarium. I glanced at a quiet Jay as he watched Jack acclimate himself quickly to the room, as if he had never left. He visited the animals first and then sifted through the rack of puzzles looking for his favorite Pluto puzzle. As expected, he and Delaney greeted each other with excitment and were happily playing as we made our exit. It was fun to see the kid's again, how all of the boy's seemed to shoot up an inch in three short months and catch up with the parent's and the summer activities that kept us all so busy. I noticed Jay glance at me as we left to see if there were the normal tear filled eyes, but I am proud to admit that today there were none. But I did see the look in his eyes as well, our baby is growing up before our very eyes.

Jackson and his "best friend from school" Delaney

"Why can't I go too?"

A Healthy Start

Our home has been plagued with a vengeance by some sort of summer flu season, sad but true. Drew kicked it off with a lingering fever that started and ended with just that...a few days of fussiness and fever. I chalked it up to a summer cold and maybe some molars poking through. Until it moved to the next member. Jay came down with the same fever, but he was lucky enough to have a few added symptoms. After three days, endless coughing we shipped him to the doctor's office. He left with a diagnosis of bronchitis/upper respiratory infection, a prescription, and free day of uninterrupted sleep. I was the lucky one, with one evening of chills and a cough that only bothered me for about a day. And now it has found its way to Jackson, the random fever off and on for a few days and today a sore throat to match. And so, we'll take him to the pediatrician an cross our fingers that this is the end.

As I Lysol the house, again, I am hoping for a healthy start to the unhealthy season that is approaching. I will admit that I'll begin the vitamin and hand washing reminders that everyone loves to hear!

I will also admit that I am looking forward to the change in seasons, I feel myself smiling at the chill in the evening and the talk of Halloween costumes and football games. It is my favorite time of year, the beautiful colors, pumpkin patches and apple dumplings. The excitement of school talk at the dinner table and the faint sound of Jay's OSU marching band CD on Saturday mornings. (Seriously, the boys will be marching around the house singing the fight song and doing what they do best. ) I'm anxious to see Drew fall in line behind the two biggest nuts in the house, I'm sure he'll be clapping right along!

I hope this finds you all healthy and strong and enjoying the last few weeks of summer!

Home Sweet Home

The month of August seems to be the time where all of the running, playing, picnic's and fun of summer finally hits home. After a few mornings of the snooze button and eyes that feel as if the sand from the backyard box has been poured into them rather than the yellow pail, we are all forced to take a step back. I always find it's really not until I spend a few consecutive days at home that I notice that spider web in the corner and it registers that the boys have only one clean outfit that isn't in a laundry basket downstairs. Why is it that I don't notice those things before?

The intention, of course, is to stay at home and catch up. To indulge in the afternoon nap or Food Network (for me), do the down and dirty mom cleaning, put every one's freshly washed clothes away and cook a well balance meal that takes longer than 30 minutes. Somehow, that just never works out as planned. Saturday were the much planned and anticipated "one year" pictures for Drew. Which turned out great (can I say that as the mom?), I hope to have them scanned to show soon! And then Sunday we went to a realty sponsored day at the ballpark in Akron, then swimming and dinner...by 9:00 pm Jay was sleeping on the sofa and I was wondering why the cleaning fairy hadn't gotten that spider web down yet?!

And so, summer continues. The boys grow, Drew is almost running and he and Jackson spend many evening chasing each other and giggling in glee. Jack is counting the days until preschool begins again, and Jay and I really are just along for the ride! Or at least some days it feels like that!

Today begins another week...and tonight I'll get that spider web!!

Some days are just like that!

Aren't they though? Some days are just better than others, and yesterday was one of those days. Whiny, whiny, whiny. And I am embarrassed to say that it wasn't my kids alone, it was all of us. We were tired, we were a little under the weather, just overall grumpy.

I found myself sitting on the kitchen floor playing trucks and magnets with the boys wishing that it was time for bath...yeah, it was 6:00. Jack had finally joined us after the saga of how many bites he had to finish before he could be excused and how revising the dinner prayer does have boundaries. God is great and God is bad isn't exactly what we had in mind...especially when he is bad because poor Jackson can't have everything in the world that he wants. He had changed his tune and was sitting in front of me hugging my neck and telling me how much he loves me...even though I was the "worst mom ever" only minutes earlier. Nonetheless, I had a moment. A moment where I was kicking myself on the inside for having such a sour outlook. I took a good look at what I do have and said a quick "thank you" before we went back to the rolling the truck 500 times and laughing game.

Perfect we are not, normal is up for debate, I like to think that we are real. A family that loves each other and has those days that are not so stellar. But it works and we are blessed, and today should be another good day rather than the Mr. Grumpy that is sprinkled in every now and then.

Happy Birthday Andrew!!

I've actually been putting off this posting, as if not writing it will reverse a few months and I can pretend that my baby isn't really one already. I keep hearing myself saying, "the second time is so different" and I feel so internally different. The one year mark certainly came faster this time vs. last, for a variety of reasons. With Jack there was no one sitting beside me talking and showing me books to read as I fed him, there was no background noise of dinosaurs and zoo animals roaring. No play dates, soccer games, trips to the zoo. Because of course, it was just him. So although Jack got the one on one doting time, he also had to endure my neurosis of being a first time parent, and still feels my caution as he explores new things. He got to be rocked for hours and cuddled in silence. He holds a place for me that cannot be taken, he made me a mother.

On the flip side, Drew can relish in my patience with screaming fits and my joy in watching him fall while he is tottling (without inspecting his body to be sure he is not injured ). I know now that if I let him cry for a few minutes he will go to sleep, that teething does end and that it actually helps him to stay with other people rather than only me 24/7. He can giggle as he watches his brother make funny faces in the car as we drive and actually gets to listen to kid tunes instead of NPR. He has me in a different way, more assured, content although busier. He is a part of a bigger, more improved family that he made for all of us. He holds yet another place for me, he made me a better mother.

Of course, I'm sure I'm not the only mother that wants to sit and look through pictures of the last year and reminisce about the day he was born. How exciting it was and how it never really happens as you plan it to. I know that many of you knew that Jay and I struggled finding a name for Andrew. It was months of tossing around names from Will to Evan, Zack to Alex with no luck. Nothing was right. Zack rhymed with Jack, Will was too prince like, Evan and Alex only one of us liked (guess who?). Oh, and don't forget Cooper and Josh...no way. I mean this is their name forever...it's big, right?! So, I remember still having the baby book out the night before he was born. Grandma Karen and Aunt Lindsay were staying with us and they I'm sure were exasperated with me being so indecisive. How about Sam, I love Sam? Jay likes Sam for a girl, and we already have a Sam in the family. Okay, then it is Max. My favorite...no Max is a dog name, and once again, it kid of rhymes with Jackson. I was still holding out, though. Maxwell Adam Sabine had been my choice from week 8...and I tend to be a tad stubborn. But Jay wasn't entirely on board. Andrew? It's okay, it is only one letter different then my real name and we certainly couldn't have an Andy and an Annie in the family. But Drew I like and I do like Andrew...Andy I can't do. So, we went to bed. Still no name.

The next morning was early and surreal. When you have a c-section there is no timing contractions or leaving the house in any pain. It is just like an appointment, except you leave with a baby, and some recovery time. And your entire life changing in an instant, okay back to the name thing. We didn't even talk names, I think we were preoccupied. It was hard for me to say good-bye to Jackson b/c I knew that his life would be the most effected. I knew that it wouldn't be just the two of us in the car anymore, or reading books at night. And I was scared of that, I liked things cozy and close and with just him. And I was crying about that, about the end of life as I knew it. And Jay was comforting me...again.

We were actually in the pre-op room when I surrendered control. I was huge, I was tired, I was done being pregnant. So, I said to Jay, "Just name the boy, I don't care what it is, just look at him and name him. You'll know." I leave the room and enter the operating room...he enters a few minutes later, sits on the stool and says his name is Max. I smiled and hoped no one would bark at him after they heard his name! And so, Andrew entered the world. With the calmest, sweetest, almost quiet cry. We held him, we cried and we couldn't believe he was here. The nurse takes him from me and carries him to his isolet and promptly asks what his name is. I closed my eyes and was listening to the world around me. And then I hear it, I thought at first I had dreamt what was said. Jay says, "his name is Andrew. Andrew Adam" What?!*& I thought he was Max? I heard myself saying " What did he say? Did he say Andrew? " And just that quickly they left for the nursery. I laid there in my drugged state trying to wrap my mind around the name and my son who I had internally named Max all those months ago.

And then I saw him again, and I saw Jay's pride. He loved the name Andrew and always had and I realized that I did too. I loved the name and I loved that he had given it to him and what that represented for them and the brother that we both adore. And then Max seemed all wrong, which I realize is exactly as it should be. Because he is our little baby Drew.

Next time you ask? Will son #3 be Max? No, I think Max ended that day for me. But Sam on the other hand, not even close!!

Enough about me. Here's wishing you a wonderful first birthday Drew! We wish you globs of great cake for your face, tons of toys you don't need, and as many pictures as we can take! We love you dearly no matter how different it is the second time around :)

**I am happy to report that the little tyke started walking officially on July 5th, and he hasn't stopped since. He is a man on a mission to keep up with his brother, so look out world here he comes!!**

Yes, we're still alive!!

Yes, here we still are, although abandoning our blog we are busy with life! So many fun adventures that I could talk about in the last two months. Jackson finished his first year of preschool with only a few tears on the last day, and Andrew just celebrated his first birthday last Friday. How fast they grow!!


We have been enjoying the warm weather that summer brings and of course all of the activity. It seems a week doesn't go by without something fun to do. Jackson had his first official t-ball and soccer camp for 4-6 year olds in May. He is a trooper, although I think he has inherited Jay's attention to detail and my athletic interest. The verdict is still out on whether this is a good combo of traits, only time will tell. I was in Texas during his first t-ball practice, and Jay's only response was to throw his hands up and say, "It's Jackson!" I was at his second practice where I could tell that they had given a lot of instruction on where your feet should be and how your hands should be gripping the bat, Jackson looked like a statue while he was trying to swing. He wouldn't let those feet move the right position to save his life! Let's just say that week was full of first times, wet pants, lots of laughs and a few " I can't do it right's". But overall he was proud of his efforts and hopefully will want to give it another shot next year! Andrew, on the other hand, loved throwing the ball, drinking water from Jackson's cooler and clapping for his brother.


We've also been doing some tours of local zoo's for our aspiring zookeeper. We've been lucky to spend some time in Akron and Columbus and have seen lots of cool animals. We'll be off to Cleveland to see the much anticipated dinosaur exhibit and we're all excited to do a safari type adventure at The Wilds later in the summer.


Jackson is also enjoying his first year of Bible School this year. His interest and questions about God continue to amaze me. For as often (shame on us) as he makes it to church, he is mesmerized by anything church related. He is our prayer monitor at dinner time and has mastered God as Great with a few modifications and an occasional "TV" at the end instead of "amen". Thank you Jay... :) We can often times hear him singing "God has a plan for my life" in his best church voice as he plays. My favorite though was the other night on our way to visit my grandparents, he asked me "Mom, why did God make dinosaurs before people?" Of course, I had a hard time answering this. " That crazy God, didn't he know that people would want to see them?" Someone has certainly been praying for us, the signs couldn't be any clearer!!


As for my poor second child, he has been drug to practices and parks, zoo's and play dates. He is always smiling and ready to go, although is developing more spunk then I anticipated! We've nicknamed him Hummer, surprisingly not for his size but for the humming noise that is our clue that "I need something...now!" He is happy to say mom or dada, but mainly it is humming! He is always up for a song, his favorites right now seem to be Itsy Bitsy Spider and If You're Happy and You Know It, complete with the hand motions and dancing. He is not completely mobile yet, but we are convinced that he could walk if he would just LET GO!! He has and will take steps, until he realizes that his isn't holding onto something. But he loves to climb and in anything and of course wrestle with the boys. We have enjoyed watching him grow and seeing his personality develop!


Our family was able to break away for a weekend at Lake Wawasee in Indiana, which was wonderful and relaxing, so I've posted a few pictures from that. We'll be celebrating with our family's over the next weekend and week, so we'll post some pictures of Drew's first birthday then.


I hope that this finds you all well and you are all enjoying your summer! Take care.

Winter...blah!

I am so done with this cold, windy, rainy yucko weather. Each morning we await, anticipating the calls of the neighborhood birds and the blue skies above...and each morning we awake bundled in our winter jammies and warm blankets. I don't know about all of you, but I'm ready to say good-bye to feet jammies and hello to short sleeves and flip flops!

It's been a few weeks since I've had a chance to sit down and write a few lines, so reflective of how our lives get sometimes. But things are going well at our place. Jackson is enjoying the last month of school, how fast this has gone! I know that he has grown up before my eyes and I'm sure all of you experienced mom's will tell me it's only going to go faster, but I like to pretend that you are all lying and that for me it will be different :)... And Drew is a maniac who is intent on finding anything breakable or belonging to Jackson and eat it, break it, or pull himself up onto it. His favorite thing to do right now is clap his hands and then raise them both in the air to show us what a "big boy" he is. And he has got the waving thing down...just not when you are actually leaving. It seems to pop up when he is done with something, hopefully he'll figure that out!!

Jay is enjoying his new job and is busy drawing all of his buildings, this is really a great thing for him. He is a creative genius when it comes to things like this, so we're so happy he can do something that he truly loves. As for me, I am now a wise age of 30, which surprisingly to me feels great! Regardless of the fact that 5 years ago I thought the world was coming to an end when I turned 25, I am now feeling good about what I have done and learned in the last 5 years. We really are like fine wine, getting better with age!

So anyway, I hope that we can all hang in there for the warm forecast coming our way this weekend...knock on wood... I can't wait to dig in the dirt, blow bubbles and enjoy the sun!

Take care!

** in the spirit of aging, how about these pictures!! Sorry, mom and dad :)...**

Bring on the gates!

It's official, Andrew is a man on a mission!! Bless his sweet, laid back heart, he just wasn't as eager to move as I had anticipated. I think he had so many other things to watch for so long that he was entertained. But those days of setting him in front of a box of toys and getting ready in the morning is over!

Last week I went along with our normal routine and had Barney in the background and toys in front of Andrew, went upstairs to finish getting ready. Jackson had come up to get dressed and we went down to do the shoe and coat routine...I walked around the corner and he was GONE!! Toys, check...Barney, check...Drew...MIA. And then I heard him drumming the wall, sure enough behind the couch standing up on the side of a chair was Andrew. Smiling as proud as can be, hitting the wall like it was the trophy he had earned! Jackson and I laughed, Andrew laughed and we told him what a "big boy" he is.

Still, crawling is not of a lot of interest to him. Unless he can see the next standing opportunity, then he'll work until he is standing. So it begins, the head bonking and learning what can hold you and what can't.

Good for you baby Drew!

Mom by Choice

I have had the unfortunate opportunity to spend quite a few late afternoon's in the waiting room of our pediatrician's office. Andrew's ears are being stubborn, poor guy. For all of you mom's out there, you'll understand what an interesting experience this can be!



You meet and learn about all types of children, and most importantly, their parents. Being a mother of son's I always wonder what my life will be in 10 years. Will my boys still smile at me the instant they see me, will Jackson still tell me his secrets and dreams at 14?



Day one of four: I see two other people sitting in the "sick kid" side of the office. One a women in her forties who is dozing in the chair, as if she hasn't slept in years. Two a boy, probably 13 across the lobby with his hat over his eyes, which are covered by his hands. Obviously, not feeling the best. These two are not speaking, and quite honestly, I didn't realize they were even together. Other mom's were coming in and out, but these two remained. They sat, they dozed, but they never once spoke...until she woke. "Do you feel better yet?" "No, my head still hurts." " You SHOULD have taken Motrin at home!", she rolls her eyes...stupid kid?!*& "Uh, huh" was his only response.



Day four of four: A mother and son, who I learned was 10, sit down next to me in the "sick kid" lobby. By now, I am thinking, please don't cough, breathe or speak to me...I have had enough of this routine and place! I was grumbily. He, once again, was obviously sick and lethargic. But this time his mom was engaged, talking about how nice the St. Patty's day four leaf clovers were hanging from the ceiling. Wondering how his day was, how he was feeling, what he would like to do when he got home. Did he need help catching up with his homework? Did he want to stop at the store to pick up something that sounded good to eat tonight? And I turned to see what his response was, he was smiling through his discomfort...and answering her questions. You could instantly tell that she gave no other option. She encouraged him through his sometimes negative answers, lifting him up to the point of smiles. She was a mother of sons. They began to interact with Andrew, who was drawn to this pleasant boy. And we began to talk, she shared that she had two sons, another that was 12. How much she enjoyed them and how close they were now. I learned that she had always worked, and always strives to maintain an open relationship with the boys, even when it was hard. I learned so much from this stranger in the 15 minutes we spent talking, she was put there for me on that grumbily day.



I choose to be that type of mom, that no matter what type of day, no matter the hours in my day that we share...to take the time to really "see" who they are and what they are about. And instead of trying to mold them in to something that I want them to be I will accept and embrace who they truly are. I can only hope that someday years from now, my boys will look at me and smile and say, " I may need some help with my English tonight, mom."

Happy 100th Birthday, Great-Great Grandma!

Monday, March 12th marked the 100th year for my great-grandmother Anna. It is almost mind boggling to think of the past 100 years in history and to think that she has witnessed all of the great strides we have taken. And she is still going strong, we all gathered at her church on Sunday and listened to her speak in front of the congregation. I was again amazed when she began the speech by quoting what her mother Fannie had talked about in the same church on her 100th birthday. She looked beautiful with her shimmering white hair and deep purple suit. I found myself drinking her in throughout the day, remembering her over the years of my life and wondering if in 70 years I too could stand in front of my "enormous" family and quote her on this day. As family and friends shared their memories of her, my favorite was her brother's story. He said someone had called looking for her and she wasn't answering her phone. When they called back later she said, " I'm not sure where I was, probably outside spading the garden!" So, hat's off to you grandma and the legacy you have created. We wish you the most wonderful day and look forward to celebrating 101.

"He's a GREAT Barber, Mom!"

I'm sure many of you have heard the tale I am about to tell, but as I go through my days I find myself giggling to myself still...so I must share!


Friday marked Jackson's very first sleepover. He counted down the days with anxious anticipation and FINALLY it was Friday. He somehow made it through his day and was proudly waiting by the door, suitcase in hand when Allison and Grant arrived. Anyone who knows Jackson knows that he adores his "cousint" Grant, if he could be Grant's clone it would be his life's wish :) .


Jay, Andrew and I weren't quite sure what to do with ourselves without Jackson there to offer ideas, talk and all the other entertaining things we find ourselves occupied with. It was so quiet it was almost eerie. So, we packed up to get dinner somewhere louder. Poor little Andrew was so lonely in the backseat he did nothing but cry the entire time we were in the car...little brother syndrome, I think. Jay and I are starting to enjoy catching up with each other over dinner and Andrew is charming the table next to him with the "I'll throw this on the floor and smile at you and then you pick it up for me" game. That 's when we got the calls. First, Allison calls and talks to Jay (by the way on the weekend if you need us, call Jay...I never answer mine!), she wants to know our email address and won't say anything but "check your mail"! Next, mom calls hysterically laughing and once again...no one will tell. So, after I drug my remaining two boys to Pier One to browse...we headed home.


Here are the pictures we found: This would be the wall going down to the basement at the Webster's house.

Through laughing tears I hear Allison tell the tale of the boys going down to the toy room to play while she set the table for dinner. Jackson comes upstairs...after the fact...and says,"Allison, I need to tell you something, but I'm a little shy." REALLY, SHY?!*& Anyway, she follows him to the steps and they proceed to tell her that "they are just being helpful". We apparently need to define that word a little to the two of them!

Okay, fast forward to after dinner. The boys are upstairs playing, quietly. WARNING, WARNING...the boys are quiet...Allison heads upstairs to do the "walk by". She finds Jackson and Grant standing in front of Freddy's full length mirror. Grant with scissors in hand saying, "it's right there, doesn't it look good!" while Jackson is admiring his work. The only thing I remember Allison saying during this portion of the conversation is that Jackson was yelling after her on her way down the stairs to "Give Grant his scissors back!"

So, Grant has found his profession. He apparently had a few days before come into Freddy's room while Allison was rocking him and said, "How do I look?" "Fine, why?" "I was cutting my hair in my room, see?! But don't worry, I wore my goggles so the hair didn't get in my eyes!"

And Jackson is at home telling Jay, Adam and I what a "Great barber Grant is...see!" Priceless...the laughs from these boys!

Allison and I have concluded that this sleepover, that by the way, Jackson came back home @ 11:30 slept until 8:00 and went back over for breakfast, is only the beginning of the "Boy things" that we will experience together. Just wait until they can talk the little guys into doing all of the ornery schemes that they imagine.

"Happiness in the World"

"Jackson and Delaney"

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend with friends and family this past week. What fun to be able to sit with old friends and family and see your children interact. It is a blessing that I never tire of and don't believe I ever will. It is the unexpected joys that you enjoy the most. I never thought about how rewarding that could be in my life, until I experienced it for the first time...life is good!

Above you'll see a picture of Jackson and his "best friend from school". They enjoy every day at school holding hands and playing side by side. How innocent and naive they are at this age, we should all learn to remove the barriers like they can. I know that Jack hasn't the slightest idea that we all think of Delaney as a girl, to him she is a friend. He was so proud yesterday because he painted a picture of her at school...must be love!

You should all know that Jackson has declared himself "in charge of all things happy in this whole world". He is now in charge of making us all happy. Little does he know that he has for many years now.

Andrew is busy watching and learning from his big brother and fighting the battle of his first teeth. Judging from the nightime screaming, the teeth are ahead right now! He is almost caught on to crawling and is ready as ever to get moving with the big boys. Watch out world!! And to all the grandma's out there, it's official, he can say, "ma ma"!! So we can add that to the list of "da da, & ba ba" :)

I hope you are all enjoying your week! Take care.

Snow Days and Mr. Marley Dog

We recently added a new four legged addition to our family. After much contemplation and a little guidance from Jackson, we started looking in the rescue areas of our town for a tail wagging friend. I think the straw that broke the camel's back for me was on a normal Saturday on our way to Buehler's (grocery store) out of nowhere Jackson said, "Hey mom, see all those houses over there?" as he pointed to a neighborhood near our house. "Yes, do you see one that looks like your house?" The typical part of the conversation usually is around other white houses close to ours. This time the answer was, "They all have dogs..." Okay, I am supposed to do what with that exactly? "I'm sure not all of them have dogs pumpkin, not everyone has more than one pet. And we have Charlie cat, remember?" Yeah, he didn't buy it. He proceeded to have the "sad" Jackson face on while my heart was sinking. Plays me like a fiddle. Needless to say, about 2 months later we adopted Marley from the Humane Society in Wooster. He is a beagle/basett mix and is sweet and puppy-like and perfect for my little animal lover. They have already spent hours running and jumping and kissing...all the things boys and dogs do.

You'll see a picture of Marley enjoying the snow and Jackson crawling through the piles of snow we were "so lucky" to get!! And a new picture of Andrew itching to get moving. He continues to work at the crawling thing, although hasn't learned how to move forward yet. He is a funny guy, who loves to giggle and smiles at everything that he sees.

Enjoy!

Hey everyone! So, this is really my first time. Yes, I am a virgin blogger...I know I am certainly the most "tech" savvy person you know, so I'm sure this comes as a surprise to each of you.

But here is what I am. A multitasking, kind of busy, slightly neurotic but very proud mom. I love being a parent, it is truly a humbling experience. I find myself sitting down at the end of the day praying that number 1 - I taught the boys something that they can use at least once in their lifetime (even if it is how to walk and talk simultaneously :) ) and number 2 - that I didn't ruin them for the longterm. I really don't strive to be the main character in the autobiography entitled, "Where my life went wrong, and similar tragedies of childhood". And for all of you who know my saucy and sassy four year old, this could be a posibility. He is too creative for his own good, and believe me when I say "creative" I am being generous.

I wanted a forum that I could use to let each of you know what we are up to and see updated pictures of the boys that you could access at your leisure. I enjoy taking pictures, but realize that sifting through my photo albums probably isn't everyone's favorite leisure activity. So, I hope this helps all of you who we don't see everyday enjoy the laughter and joy that we experience on a daily basis in our life.

Feel free to post anytime, we'd love to hear from you!

Take care,

Jay, Annie, Jackson and Andrew