Fall Fun

Fall is the most beautiful time of the year in my eyes & we are fortunate enough to have fun activities to keep us busy during the season. They really have become traditions as the years sneak by and we realize how long it has truly been.

One of them is the trip to Gale Farms for the pumpkin picking, the train ride and a hayride. I can remember without getting out the picture albums of sitting Jack on a pumpkin that very first year in his blue overalls. He was 1 1/2 then... and this year as we had 4 boys running if 4 directions the youngest being 2. It was hard not to just stand back, have a moment and smile. It's official - I'm old - talking about how fast time flies!! Funny how this year it was a chore to get them all together for a picture - and even harder to picture that chubby cheeked one & a half year old that I was placing on pumpkins at one time. The big boys are now truly big - they are school kids, really not into smiling on pumpkins for goodness sake! The little boys are still able to be placed on pumpkins, it's the staying there part that is up for grabs. But what a difference a year made with them as well. This year they were running around pointing at all the bright orange pumpkins. We thought that maybe they would enjoy a train ride this year, but we soon found as the train rounded the bend that we were wrong. Both Andrew and Freddy, who were riding in the caboose, had their mouths wide and tears streaming. Apparently trains are still a bit scary for this year!

All and all it was another great year at the pumpkin patch!

Welcome Marshall Henry Hall!

On Sunday, September 21st Marshall Henry Hall made his grand appearance into the world. After giving his mom a full day of hard labor that the epidural didn't help with - he was delivered via C-section on Sunday evening. Not surprising to those that know his mother that he may be following in her stubborn footsteps! He was 8lbs. 3 1/2 oz. and 21 in. and is darling as expected.

I was lucky enough to sneak away after work on the Monday after to spend a few hours with Mandy, Dave and her family at the hospital. We all fussed and fought over who would hold him when and laughed as we did so. It was great to be there and share in such a wonderful day!

Mandy and Dave are doing well, we were able to see them just a few days short of Marshall's one month birthday this past weekend. We walked with them and other family and friends in Columbus's Light the Night. Team Hall participated in the walk to support and raise money for Leukemia & Lymphoma research. Dave & Mandy were touched with the support and we all walked with teary eyes as we remembered the unfortunate reason we were all together that evening. We continue to pray that Dave's treatment remains effective and that in April of 2009 he will be declared in remission for as long as possible.

Here are some pictures of Marshall in the hospital!

I know - never talk politics -

I try to not talk politics, but secretly I love it. I'm addicted to my free serious radio for it's endless news channels filled of nothing but people talking about the election updates and world news. I haven't always been like this, but I suppose that this new interest is part of getting older - or should I say - growing in maturity. (that sounds much better)


I won't tell you my party or my voting preference - even if I want to. Though I am finding that my interest of other's perspective and ideas about who to vote for are intriguing. In my job I talk to many people in a day and hear many views on many topics. I had a conversation yesterday that inspired me to share - and talk about this topic that is typically off limits.


It was with a conservative, who always votes republican. She was talking about - who else - Sarah Palin. You know the republican presidential candiate...oh, wait that's John McCain. Just kidding... Let me preface this by saying - I love women who have risen into the public eye that can be a voice for all of us who may not have that option. I love the mixture of women and power in a male dominated environment. I love that we, as women, are just as capable, intelligent and intriguing as any male candidate. Okay, on with the story...

She had a completely different point of view on Sarah as a mother and candidate then I had heard yet. She said - how can we live up to this new standard of supermom if this woman who is a mother of 5 with a 5 month old special needs child is elected vice-president? That spoke straight to my heart.


In this society in which we are already expected to work, clean, cook, be social, happy, raise well adjusted children, be a fantastic friend and partner, good christian, volunteer, be a good neighbor, coordinate schedules, remember every one's birthday's, exercise, have good fashion and then have a few minutes to ourselves to think about if we've even eaten today -- to name a few that apply to most women --- Are we raising the bar too high? In Sarah's case you'd have to add govern a state, hunt, be part of the PTO and now campaigning to the list.

Do I think that she actually does all of these things? No, I don't. I believe she has a stay at home husband and many close family members to help her as well as many amenities that the typical working woman does not. But what I would like to see - and realize now after this conversation - is the true portrayal of what a woman has to sacrifice to be in her position? I only hope that if McCain/Palin is elected that we can not only hear about what she does juggle, but about the things that she just simply can't. I know that I saw her cradle in her office in Alaska where she brought her son on day 3 of his life, that's a really big sacrafice. Honorable to those who elected her to office. But, I believe that in order for her to be a true voice to women she needs to be honest about what she has given up to do what she does everyday. I'm not so sure that the PTO mom gone VP candidate is the clearest, cleanest or most accurate portrayal of her everyday life.


Because for all of us mom's who juggle 45 million things a day - none of which involve running for office - all know that there are sacrifices, none of us can do it all.


I love a new perspective, and I thought her's was ingenious. In all of the upheaval that Palin has created I thought it was refreshing to hear something new...I hope it was a new thought to chew on for you all too!

BBB - Big Boy Bed

It was time --- or so we thought for Drew to move into his big guy bed. We'd been having some fits in the middle of night that we thought may be tamed by some enticing to be "just like your big brother", which is usually a big hit! Of course, I tend to look at Jay when we talk about creating the habit of saving him in the middle of the night when he doesn't want to stay in his room to the hiatus of the living room couch. Or "the cozy spot" as Andrew knows it as. Jay is a softy, especially for crying babies (kids) in the wee hours of the morning. If I was a Sabine boy I'd be thrilled to see my dad walk into my room in the middle of the night - it's almost a guarantee to a bit of cartoons at 2am. Although he is a softy, he's not the only one who gives into sharing a bed with a little tot. It's not uncommon for me to invite a cuddly kid into our bed when he doesn't want to go back to his. But regardless of our midnight weakness -- we were hoping for the quick fix...funny how those never work!

We played up the arrival of the bed for a few days before the delivery so everyone was buzzing about the taking down of the crib and the laying down of the mattress! (it's on the floor for now) The original plan was to bunk the boys when this time came, but it's a little premature --- and I'm not quite ready to see Drew attempting to fly like superman off the top bunk just yet. We all need a little more time for all of that funny business!

Andrew was so proud, we had even broken down and bought him Cars sheets. Hoping to entice him to sleep next to Lightning McQueen and Mator rather than mom and dad. We took pictures, we fussed...Mama even brought the special roaring dino from her house...

Did it work? Pretty well, yes. Progressively throughout the first week he made it longer and longer through the night. Although we have only had one morning awakening in the bed. We are definitely still a work in progress, but who isn't?!

Way to go Andrew - such a big boy!!

** in case you are wondering - Jackson has those glasses that make you see like a fly in this picture - apparently his brother was getting a little too much face time **

All Grown Up

Yesterday was the day, the day that Jackson joined the troops of elementary students...the days of being a preschooler are behind him - to quote him, "mom, I'm big - I'm like the smartest, biggest kid now - I'm all growed up, and I'm only 5! " It's apparent that at 5 you can still think highly of your intelect and not be deemed full of yourself...lucky for him, you know being the smartest kid and all.

In the days leading up to yesterday we played up how great school would be, which didn't require much convincing. School supplies, safety town, open house were all great fun. He was relieved to see a bag of dinosaurs hidden on the bottom shelf in his room and comforted by the small tables and fun posters. His teacher, Mr. Ickes, was approved by all and as a bonus he had 3 preschool friends in his class! Of course, like all 5 year old boys, he was most excited to hear that after the bus drops you off in the morning you get to play on the playground until the bell rings - extra recess - are you kidding me!?

So, as the last sticker went on the countdown chart that hung on the side of the refrigerator and I got the morning hug to celebrate the "FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!" I tried to push down that lump in my throat as I realized that the day was really here. No longer was it - "just wait until you have to put him on the bus for the first time" that I heard from those who had done this before me. Now the day was happening and I was okay. No, the earth did not stop spinning as I had expected, no, I didn't sob until I couldn't breath. I just tried to be in the moment with him. To share in his excitement and burn those moments into my mental photo album of memories.

We took pictures and walked to the bus stop to meet the other kids from the block and as the bus pulled up I blinked back that pesky burning sensation behind my eyelids - The tight hold that he had on my hand eased up and he looked up with a huge smile and said, "bye mom, see you after school! Love you!" And just that easy he fell into the crowd and climbed onto that big yellow safety nightmare - (sorry, not a huge fan of busses ;) ), found his assigned seat and waved to us all from the window.

So, hold on tight - here we go - ready or not Jackson's school days are here!

**This is Jackson beside the Dino Bones hidden behind the rock wall on the playground a few days before school began**

The Big K

The countdown is on - 19 days until the most exciting thing on the planet -KINDERGARTEN!! Jackson is begging me to make a chart so that he can start checking the days off until he can finally stop being bored and go to school. And finally today I can say, "let's do it!"

We found out this morning that Wooster Township Elementary is not taking open enrollment students this school year - which has it's good and bad for us - but at least our school bound student has a home! Jackson will be going to Kean Elementary School in the morning, which we are all very excited about! His teacher, Mr. Ickes, is a young teacher who took over the Kindergarten class at Kean for the first time last year. I hear that he is great, and I'm excited for Jackson to have a male teacher with so much enthusiasm! All the final sign-ups and formalities will happen next week and then we'll have a chance to meet Mr. Ickes and see the classroom with Jack before the 25th.

This week he is going through Safety Town - sponsored by the Wooster Kiwanis Club. So far he has learned about crossing safety, street rules, how to react to dog's you don't know, he was thrilled to sit in a "real police car and see a real police man - but she was a girl - and I'm not even kidding, mom!" I'm still wondering if he wasn't kidding about sitting in the car or about the policeman being a woman ;). I just smiled and hoped that would be the last time he'd be sitting in the back of that car - and excited about it!! Today he gets to meet the school crossing guards and learn bus rules as well as go on his first school bus ride. Thursday he'll be walking to the firehouse and the week will close with his graduation from Safety Town - too funny. He is so proud of what he is learning and enjoying seeing some of his preschool friends and meeting some new friends from Kean.

So, as we begin the journey that takes our first born to his first day of school I am, of course, sappy with sentiment. But just one conversation about what he might learn or meet or do is enough to set any sap on her butt and catch the bug of excitement that is shining in our son's eyes.

A Prayer Request

I haven't written about this yet, but I think that a lot of you know that my friend Mandy's husband was recently diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, stage 4. They are beginning treatment today and would welcome your prayers. Dave is participating in a clinical trial at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus. Their hope is that this trial will put Dave into remission for a period of time and they can decide between treatment options for him from there. His type of cancer is not curable, but is treatable.

They are both phenomenal people with a very positive attitude, but they are human. We would be crazy to think that this isn't the most devastating news to hear. Dave is 36 and has an extensive family history with this specific type of Lymphoma.

Dave and Mandy are also expecting their first son, Marshall in September. Sometimes life just doesn't seem fair.

They have a blog that we have linked to ours - Our Year of Miracles - they update it frequently, so if you'd like to take a look it's always there.

Thanks for your prayers!

Surprise!!

This July, Jay turned the big 3-0 and boy did we surprise him!! I was sceptical when we began the planning and decided to do the party in Zanesville with his family and some close friends from high school that we don't often get to see. I wasn't sure how I was going to pull that off so far from home and have him not suspect what was happening. But with some "creative" story telling on my part and some help supporting the story from his family we got him good! I love a good surprise, but Jay...not so much. Even better!! Happy Birthday, Jay!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Andrew!

Happy Birthday Andrew! Yes, on Sunday the 22nd we celebrated number 2 with our big boy! Party complete with Buzz and Woody and the Toy Story gang, his favorite right along with the Sesame Street monsters. He carries Woody around like he's his best friend, it really is pretty cute...kinda like Andy in Toy Story. Although, don't get any ideas. I can't have and Annie and an Andy :) .

He was really oblivious to the fact that Sunday was any different then any other day. He really did have a great day and made it until almost 3 before the nap got the best of him!

The day couldn't have ended without some stormy weather, very fitting for how he joined the world. For those of you who don't remember, Andrew was born on "storm day" of '06. You know the tornado day that left us all without electricity for days! So, appropriately while he sawed logs, oblivious to the weather, we watched from the windows as it hailed. Jackson had a blast standing on the porch with his grandparents and collecting hail in a baggie for the freezer so that he could show Drew when he woke up. What a thrill!!

When he finally did wake up from his slumber - you know, at the convenient hour of 5 pm...great for the bedtime routine... he enjoyed all of his new toys, books and tricycle. He was up shooting hoops with dad and making the fire engine sing pretty late, what privileges you get for being the Birthday Boy!

The Graduation

Congrats to Adam on his "official" graduation from ATI - The Ohio State University. We celebrated his walk through even though he's been graduated and working for quite some time now...and conrats to him again on landing a great new job in Cleveland. He joined the team at Pepper Pike, a private course that he is already really enjoying. Good for you Uncle Beaver!!

The little boys enjoyed the cake...more than the graduation I'm sure!!

Outer Banks, NC

Our first family vacation since we've had kids was a hit! The weather was perfect, the house was fantastic, the ocean was spectacular and I'm pretty sure the kid's would've moved there willingly. Jackson is already asking when we can go back and why we don't live by an ocean and Drew will look for his bucket and flashlight as soon as he sees the crabbing pictures.

We did all sorts of great things, the big boy's ( Grant and Jackson ) climbed a lighthouse with their daddy's, we crabbed nightly on the beach for little sand crabs that are so popular there, we swam, boogie boarded, ran into the waves with the little boy's...you know the two that don't know fear yet? (Freddy and Andrew ) All and all it was wonderful and relaxing... here are a few pic's from the trip.

Our Dairy Queen Tradition

It's not very often that I find myself without my camera but last night was one of those times. Jay and Jackson have this secret code, or so they think it is a secret, for deciding that tonight should be a Dairy Queen night. And sure enough when I walked downstairs and saw the look on Jack's face I knew what was coming. Now don't get me wrong, I love ice cream...but apparently not as much as my boys. So, we went again for the sought for summer treat. We had been trying for at least a half hour to convince Drew to come downstairs with the rest of the family. What do you think happened when Jay yelled up, "Andrew come on, do you want ice cream?". I could hear the pitter patter of feet immediately! He makes the sound for ice cream and raises his hands and claps, do you think he's excited? We couldn't get out the door fast enough.

Jay thinks this is a riot, and continues to ask him and we all laugh at his response. Here is the drill, we apparently can't just park and go in like normal people...normal being what I would do, perhaps that's not a good definition of normal. Anyway, the boys want to go through the drive thru and then park the van to eat. Weird, I think, but they think it is the biggest thrill. Between my mom and Jay, the biggest DQ fanatics I know we have spent a few evenings like this. Drew has it down to a science and doesn't spill a drop, doesn't talk, acknowledge or move during his feast. Jackson's favorite part is giving the "ice cream girl" the money and then sitting in front with mommy to eat. As I watched them all last night I realized that this is now part of The Sabine Family traditions, mmmm ice cream!

**p.s. both Jay and Jackson were submitted to my lecture on diversity and inclusion last night when Jackson saw a "little person" for the first time. I was fine until Jay added to my, "god made her different b/c she is special" speech... "or he just ran out of time". Jackson thought that made the most sense. Thank you, daddy! **

The Last Day

I found the last day to be similar to the very first. There were feelings of apprehension and excitement, joy and sorrow. For then too we were leaving a chapter behind in order to enter the next. The kids were full of excitement and I'm pretty sure even though all the adults were telling them it was the last day that they didn't really get that they wouldn't be coming back sometime. :) Jackson was proud to show us his notebook of adventures, stories, pictures and crafts that we can keep to remember his year. We said our temporary goodbye's, some of the kids we'll see in Kindergarten and some we'll just be in touch with because of the relationships our kid's have formed. Overall it was a wonderful day, one that I have stashed in the memory bank for the "sitting on the front porch in my rocking chair" days. I'm sure then it won't be quite as clear and the lump in my throat will be smaller as I swell with pride and disbelieve that my first baby just isn't a little thing anymore.

Countdown, Day 2

Wednesday

Well I'm happy to say the day started out on a much happier note all around on Wednesday. Jackson was so excited about the day's surprises that he sprung out of bed with a smile. Rare, but I was thankful. We actually had a relaxing morning since we didn't have to be anywhere until 10:30. That too is rare, and we all enjoyed the change in routine.

The program was darling, my favorites were definitely the unrehearsed humor of live 5 year old entertainment, that is truly priceless! But they were all so proud of their accomplishments and sang with zest and vigor. The teachers wrote a song/poem about all of the kids, so four by four they would stand up with their handmade name tags and listen to the description of themselves, again they were so proud! As the class sang the nursery school favorite, "Love Grows" I looked around the room saw the twinkling glimmers in many mother's eyes, now friend's of our family. My heart strings tugged as I realized again that these kids have been together now for 2 years and really will miss each others company.

Delaney and Jackson of course sat front and center, side by side. Giggling and talking, singing and smiling. The two of them are quite a pair. Amazing the connection that they have and the friendship they have developed. Just wait until you see the pictures they posed for after the celebration!

It was a wonderful day and a great finale to a special few years and a great kickoff to the new beginning ahead.

Countdown, Day 1

Monday

And so, as it typically goes, Monday morning is the morning that I have to DRAG Jack out of bed. This one started no different. Drew was already in the car, eating more cereal and watching Toy Story, which is a whole other story...how I rely on a DVD player, shameful but true. I can only take so many minutes of him standing by the door crying to go out! So, he finally makes it downstairs with his teeth brushed and his jammies still one. Okay, deep breath. I can help him get dressed, even though he is FIVE! Dressed, shoes, hat, coat, bucket (the COW version of a backpack, each kid decorates their own bucket that carries what they need to take and brings home all of the messages and art), oranges and cereal, I think we're set. And then he remembers that today is his sharing day, his last sharing day before summer vacation. Fine that we are now 10 minutes behind schedule, really after 5 I'm a bit anxious...and today Drew is still in the car. But he is right, he should take something for sharing. Never mind that when we talked about it last night before bed he wanted to take his Dino Pets book that he can "read" aka memorized. Not anymore, so we settle for the pea plant that he had planted a few weeks back, perfect. At this very moment not one iota of my being is sentimental about the Monday morning preschool routine. By the way, Andrew is fine, actually happy in the car alone for 10 minutes! Don't worry mama, the doors were locked and I was in the Dining Room looking out the window :)

So, we drop off Andrew at Daffy's. He is happy because his girlfriend, April is still getting ready for her college finals and will be home with him this morning. AND he has a new cow blanket for nap time, to match his cow pillow. Bliss! Okay, so now I can think a little more clearly. Even though we are still late, we're getting closer. I am still fine, really fine, like wondering how nice it will be next Monday to only make one stop before going to the office. Honestly, feeling guilty thinking about how nice it will be...

But then we get there and I see all of his friends and his teachers and the classroom and I think I looked at it all differently today. Drinking it in so that I don't forget that feeling when we walk in and the routine that we have and the girls hugging my legs and the visit to Pokey the turtle. And the smell of paint and reading the sign about the day's activities. Today, Maddy gave Jackson a hot wheels watch that the poor kid has been trying to get out of cereal for 6 months. He somehow winds up with Barbie or pink flower watches every time! I think all the girls in school have watches from him :). You would have though she gave him the world! So, I took a minute to thank her and tell her how happy she had made him. Talked with an old classmate of mine who has a son that goes there as well, hugged another girl and made my way out. And then it hit me, so I called Jay before I teared up. He only replied with, " I wondered how long that would take! " And then, of course, followed it with comforting words that made me feel better.

I will miss that little school and how happy it made him and how many fun times he had there. I will especially miss seeing all of the wonderful friendships he made. What a bittersweet time. I am so excited for him to move onto Kindergarten and yet you never want to leave behind something that is so good. Even though I know that soon enough I'll be back with Drew...crazy, it is still the end of Jack's time here. Wednesday is his program and lunch with mom and dad, so we'll be able to see them all together performing in their glory. What fun!

PB&P

You read right, not PB&J. For Andrew, it is PB & P. Peanut butter and pretzels, yum. I think it is great, sometimes I even join in on the munching. Jay, yeah he thinks we are all strange. I really think anything with peanut butter is much better than without, apparently so does Andrew. For him, if you can dip it in PB or ketchup it's got to be good. I love to see that I'm passing along my food preferences to someone, Jackson never really went for the chocolate ice cream and saltine cracker fetish that I have, but Drew definitely is with me on the peanut butter front. Don't you love it?




Beware to all that get irritated with my sentimental side, next week is Jackson's last week of pre-school...I'm sure I'll be blogging away about the end of the era and how the preschool years are behind us. So, that is your warning to skip next week's blog :) !!

"No, you can't watch TV while you are eating dinner!"

"But I want to sit in here!!" If I knew how to write so that you could actually hear the whining I would, although it wouldn't be any more enjoyable for you. It's amazing what fun it is to eat on the coffee table rather than talk to your family :)... Funny how we made a great attempt to power down last week and now it's like they've gone through some sort of withdrawal! I am happy to say that they really didn't miss some of the normal TV times at the house. They really were content to play and color and entertain themselves. There was definately more noise and more running circles and funny pretending, all welcome to the drowning noise of the TV. So all and all it was good, we'll see what this week brings.

We enjoyed the pretty weekend and celebrated a birthday with Jay's family and of course went to "Papa's Show" on Sunday. The Home and Garden Show to the rest of the world, but for the four boy's it's Papa's Show. With one of the highlights being a VIP gator ride around the fairgrounds, what fun! Jackson couldn't get enough of the blow up Dino Slide and Drew actually rode a pony...without hands. The non-animal lover is coming around :) . The show wasn't complete without Lerch's Donuts and lemonade, what could be better?

Jackson was busy planting, one of his favorite Springtime events. This year he planted pumpkins, watermelon, zinnia's and sunflowers. They are just started peaking their green faces above the dirt and soon we'll transplant them to our garden. It's our first year and with our limited yard space is actally facing the road, beautiful I know. Thank you Jay, Adam and Adam...they decided one evening last fall to take down two trees and kill the grass in the front at about 7:00 PM. Boys! We're excited for the fresh veggies, and the boys have had a great time digging for worms the past few weeks...

It's Earth Week!!

And so it goes, I wait and wait for the Springtime air...and then we can't get anyone back inside. Oh, the whining and screaming and negotiating that goes on, it's really something special. Jack can go on and on and Drew, yeah he just screams. I mean heaven forbid they should ever need to eat or sleep!

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I have a confession, I've gone a little granola. Sure, I admit it's definitely the trendy "Green Movement" that is sweeping our nation. But it's also a little bit of an obsession right now. I think I notice when I see how much trash is on the curbs and see how many diapers and junk we are contributing to the 'fills. I wonder about the quality of the food I'm feeding the boys and what long term effects it may have on them. Maybe I'm just getting old, no I think I'm turning green...granola, tree hugging. Hmmm. So, we started recycling this year and I am proud of that. But then mom commented on the organic milk in my fridge and I notice myself thinking and acting a little out of the norm. And then there is that shirt that Jack has that has a giant whale on the front with the "Save the Humans" logo. I really just thought it was funny because he has always called people humans, in his crazy scientific talk. Although I've gone back to Smith's milk, things are certainly changing at our place.

Jackson's class is of course talking about Earth Day on Wednesday and Toyrific's is sponsoring a Power Down challenge to kids all week. If you can commit to watching only one hour of TV or computer per day for this week you will earn points that can be redeemed at their store. So, of course, we hopped on that wagon.

So, our family made a commitment to try to change some things this week. Or should I be honest and say I decided and they are grudgingly agreeing. There are a few additions to our fridge this week. Just friendly reminders to turn off lights, limit the TV and computers, no take out, and keep recycling. I don't know how we'll do, it's day one and they were already complaining b/c they had to look out the window in the van rather than watch a DVD. Rough life!

If nothing more comes of this week I hope that we will spend more time talking to each other in the evenings rather than talking over the TV, remember to be conscious of what we consume and try to remember that less is really more in the end. We'll see what things are like on day 7...

Boys, Boys, Boys

Thank you God it is finally Spring! The kids were chomping at the bit to get outside and the snow in March was getting a little old for all of us.

So, what's new? The winter, for anyone who knows me, is my least favorite time of year. I know I live here to be close to our family and friends, and I do love that part of Ohio. I would be lost without all of you. But the winter, come on. There are more pleasant parts of the world from November through April. Anyway, I always feel my spirit renewed when the sun is shining and the daffodils are blooming.

We somehow always find plenty to do, regardless of the weather outside. Jackson has been busy at pre-school learning away. He loves school and recently informed us that this is where he is happiest. Not that I'm not happy that he loves school, but happiest? My feelings were hurt for a few minutes, I must admit. He has been taking swimming lessons all winter to get over his timidness in the water. He is doing great and loving the water now. Last week he was jumping off the diving board without help with only one floating device. Yes, we had a long way to go, but I am so proud of the progress he has made! He continues with his love of animals, dinosaurs and or anything creepy and crawly. Our little scientist/vet/zookeeper is still going strong. Never would I have guessed Jay and I would create such a child. Nonetheless, we are surprised by how much he knows and retains about what he is truly interested in. He also continues to be a Boston Red Sox's fan, like I said before, we wonder where he came from! This week's bet includes Daddy doing the table setting and dishes all week if the Sox continue to win and Bubba (Jay's dad) calling himself "big Poppy" on the air during the morning show. He thinks it is funny and proudly sports his Boston hat...although there is an occasional "people make fun of my hat" moment. When that happens I chime in to Jay's "well, you should wear your Indian's hat then" with "you can like whoever you want, there is nothing wrong with being different". That comment always brings a sideways glance from my "Indian Loving" family.

Drew is trucking along as well. He LOVES to be outside, it is really a daily game of trying to figure out how to get him in for dinner or bedtime without charming the neighbors with his screams! He will now only willing to wear a pair of red knock off crocks, and will get them first thing in the morning and stand crying by the door. And he is an early riser, we're not talking about a time when the sun is even rising...poor thing! We recently learned that he is scarred for life from our frequent photo sessions. If the kid sees a camera he is crinkling up his face and saying "cheese". You'll see a photo below, you really can't even see his face when he does it. I think we're destined to see that face for a while now, he knows it makes us laugh and he loves to ham it up.

Funny how I haven't blogged in months and now look, I guess this means I'm back!

Little Miss Tessa Jane

And so, just like that, I am now an aunt of a niece. When we learned that Jason and Lindsay were having a girl we were thrilled, finally a girl to add to the mix of many boys in our lives! On March 27th we received the call that she was on her way and we enjoyed a day of waiting and worrying and thrilling excitement as we met her for the first time. Her mother, was a trooper and graciously shared her day with a room full of family anxious to see Tessa and of course, hold her for the first time.

Jackson is loving her arrival, trying to decide what to teach her first. Will she want to know about the world, about "humans" (as he calls people), about animals or dinosaurs? We'll see what he comes up with. Drew really just likes to climb on the lap of whomever is holding her and gently touch her hands, her hair and smile for the camera. It's funny how big my "baby" looks now. I now can look at him and see the toddler that he truly is...

Jay is smitten, he has the softest heart for little girls. He was notorious in his family for scooping up baby Emma (the official "first" girl of the great-grandchildren) and not sharing her at all. I'm sure Tessa will be no different. She is a little angel, we are enjoying seeing her change already.

Welcome to the family Tessa Jane!

A New Year

Funny how fast the years go now, when I want to savor every second, compared to the days when a year seemed to last forever. I think today of what will be happening next year at this time, when my oldest will be 6 and my youngest will be 2...amazing. Will we be planning for or expecting boy #3? Will the world have fallen apart as soon as Jack entered the school bus for the first time, like I expect it to? Will I wish I hadn't spent so much time worrying about Drew finally talking? Will I really feel another year older, or will I feel as if the years fly by, but I somehow get stuck at about age 23???

As I look forward and look back I realize that I need to be thankful for the everyday things like that amazing ant crawling across the porch, even if it takes an extra 10 minutes to watch the complete trip from one side to another...the evening chasing of the brothers, even if some bonks on the head happen...the 400 times of getting up to "tell us someping" from Jack...or as we call him, "the non-sleeper"...for aren't those really the things that make your life? Those huge, life events shape us and challenge our spirits, but the everyday ups and downs are truly how our life is defined. So, as I add to the list of "to do's" for 2008 the most important one I see so far is to stop and enjoy the endless rounds of itsy-bitsy spider and to dance to the ABC's every chance I get!