Getting ready for Christmas...

I didn't have my camera out at Thanksgiving and I am so bummed!! I usually am the best at taking pictures but since Mason has discovered how to use my camera every time I sat it down he would pick it up, and eventually there were pieces falling off!! Imagine that!! Santa, this is at the top of my Christmas wish list! I am using my 5 year old camera now!

Anyways, we had a wonderful small Thanksgiving. I missed the hustle and bustle of the big ones we spend with my moms family but this year it was too tough for us to host or make the road trip. Next year!

Today we got out all the Christmas and Marlee fell in love with some old random bead necklaces we found. From the moment I pulled them out till her bath tonight she toted them around taking them off and putting them all back on again. She'd give them out and then take them back! It was so funny to watch her. She had everyone on her neck though most of the day! Here are a few pics!

She lately has decided there is a perfect seat for her in the fridge so immediately when I open the door she runs over and takes seat!

Mason got all bundled up to help daddy with the outdoor lights!

And here is Sassy Marlee with her beads!

Happy getting ready for Christmas!

See you soon!

A spooky pumpkin patch visit and

A Happy Halloween!!

Here we are with our buddies we saw on Halloween:

Mace and Ace checking out those outfits!!

Mason, Asa, Marlee, Aiden and Arden

Norah, Ryan, Stella, Marlee and Mason (all the bugs!!)

We had a very busy week between mommy and daddy getting home from a fantastic vacation to St. Thomas and a wonderful Halloween night!

I took the kiddos to Wabash's pumpkin patch the Thursday before Halloween and we lucked into getting there with several school groups which meant everything was up and running! Mason and Marlee got to jump in the big pumpkin, we took a nice tractor ride (where we saw a spoooooooky skeleton), went through a straw maze and picked out more pumpkins!

Then that evening we went Trick or Treating to Mimi and Poppy's and Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was lots of fun and Marlee really enjoyed her first taste of chocolate! She was silly happy that night, obviously showing us one day she will be the life of the party! Mason loved his treats too, he is into the candy a little more than chocolate these days.

Saturday we went to Nona and Papaws and did a little Trick or Treating and then watched the kids come to the doors.

In case you don't get it....Mason was "Bumblebee" the transformer, and Marlee was a bumblebee!!

Mason saying "spoooooky"

Cool guy at Mimi and Poppy's

Marlee with Mimi's glasses on

Kids checking out their costumes

Watch out, he's got a blaster arm!!

Cool!

Isn't she a sweet Bumblebee!!

tu-tu cute!

At the pumpkin patch

This picture just makes me laugh!

See you soon!!

Meet Max!

As most of you know I love dogs and am the Vice President of Marion's Humane Society. With that comes unlimited access to dogs, puppies, kittens and cats! Sometime I bring home a foster (or 10!)!! A little over a week ago I brought home Max. He was a stray that had been with a family for about a month and they had tried to find him a rescue to get into. Finally the lady got in touch with me and about 2 weeks after our contact we had a spot open up in the rescue we support. Well, it turned out the weekend before Max's arrival the spot got filled by 2 other dogs and Max just had a spot in a crate on a "waiting" list. I couldn't let that happen because I knew he needed some attention now. So I brought him home.

The night before I told Mason we were bringing home a boy dog to help get well and help him find a home. I asked what we should name him and immediately he shouted, "Max!" So Max it was. After a couple attempts at finding him a home and falling in love (which I do in most cases) we decided Max is everything we want in a dog, just a year or two before we were going to discuss it! I call him "Mellow Max" and we also call him "Mighty Max." Some people may not think Max would be so perfect, as he is missing his front teeth, hair around his neck and back and a little scruffy. But we think he is PERFECT!! He is a wonderful dog and just fits right in. He is 3 or 4 years old, maybe some collie or shepherd, and weighs in a little less than 50 lbs. We got him healthy in the first week with us and only have one more minor appointment left for him, where we make him official by micro chipping! I can't wait to see how he does when he can roam the yard (training on invisible fence is Friday) and enjoy the outdoors with Ruby and Emmy too. For now he likes it inside with us and enjoys his walks with his new mommy, daddy and kids that adore him!

Welcome Max!! We love you!!!

Isn't he cute!

Hanging with Marlee and the girls.

His new dog sisters!

See you soon!

Mason is 3!!!!

Oh my, oh my, my Mason is 3!!! My baby boy is getting so big! It's at this birthday that I have realized my baby is growing up and is not a baby anymore!! I can't get over how quickly time has gone, how much he has changed in a year. He is a little person who absorbs everything so quickly and simply amazes me by the concepts he understands already. School has really brought out his independence and the "I'll do it by myself" stage. It has also brought on the constant "why?" stage which rarely is fulfilled by the first response and followed up by 20 more "whys?"!!!! I love it, but at the same time I realize my baby boy is growing up (FAST!) He wants to pour his juice, he wants to pick out his clothes, he wants to go to bed without a pull-up in just his big boy undies! He can do it too!

Here are some pictures from his birthday celebrations. We had a party with all of his little buddies at Recreation Unlimited in Noblesville and it was so much fun! The kids had a blast! Then on his actual birthday we had all his grandparents over for a pizza party and presents! He had an awesome 3 days celebrating!

Here he is at Recreation Unlimited so excited this is HIS birthday party!

Mason would wonder off at the party and I'd find him back in the party room looking at his presents in awe! He couldn't believe it was all for him! I would say 3 is the magic age of them "getting it!"

Mason sliding down one of the slides!

When we got home we unwrapped the presents! Thanks everyone! My thank-you notes are as behind as my blogging!

On his actual birthday he wanted to make lemonade and macaroni and cheese!

Later his birthday night when he unwrapped family gifts!

Scott and I gave him this cool little castle tent!

Nona gave him a tunnel (Marlee's favorite gift!!)

They were both dancing to Mimi and Poppy's card!

Him and Devastator making a wish! (thanks grandma and grandpa...this was his personal fav!)

Thanks everyone who helped make Mason and Marlee's birthdays so special! It has been a fun month of celebrating!

See you soon!

Birthday weekend!

Marlee was a little overwhelmed by all the family and friends that came to our house Saturday to show their love and give her Birthday Wishes!  She spent most of the day in my arms or her Mimi's arms.  She looked beautiful and loved all her presents but still didn't want anything to do with that cake!  Here are a few of my pictures from the day.  

Here she is in her lovely Birthday Pettiskirt!

Playing with her new jeep with Stella Shanks

Enjoying her birthday juice box!!  

After the party she put on her Purdue cheerleader outfit as daddy anticipated the big game!

And Sunday her, daddy and Bubba dressed in Colts Blue to cheer on our team!

Thanks to everyone who made the trip to Marion to be with Marlee on her first birthday!!  She loves her friends and family.

See you soon!

Happy 1st Birthday Marlee!!

Wow, I cannot believe the day is here already!  What a fast year, even faster than my first year with Mason!  Marlee is a wonderful gift we received on September 11, 2008; a date that was the only one I would have chose against in those last weeks of pregnancy.  But she was suppose to come then, on a day most of us cry and remember so many whose lives were cut too short.  Marlee is a blessing that one of those Angels coaxed along to bring a few more smiles to the day, to make us all remember life does go on.

And what a joy she has brought to our lives!  She is such a sweet baby girl, full of energy and smiles.  She makes me so happy and can always manage to make me laugh.  I just can't help but kiss her all the time!  

I just had her 1st pictures taken this past Wednesday and it was such a different experience then when I took Mason (who was not walking at a year).   She of course is running all over the studio and just thinks it's hilarious when we are running after her!  She would immediately start running or get down from the chair or stand up if we sat her down and take off!! At least she was in a good mood so I am sure Dan being the wonderful photographer he is was able to catch some cute shots!  The other thing from the day that shocked me was the fact that she would not eat her cake!! I got her a smash cake for the pictures and she wanted nothing to do with it (this from the girl that eats anything!)  I even put the cake and icing in her mouth!  All she wanted to do was rub her feet in it??!!  Whatever!! I guess we won't have the messy cake eating shots!  I wonder if she'll eat it at her party Saturday?

Other than being extra mobile Marlee has had a few more achievements this month (of course, she is a genius!)  She has added "more", "bath" and "no" in her vocab regularly and shakes her head no too! She has figured out how to climb up the stairs (and fast too) which means I must purchase a bottom of the stairs gate!  She pats her dogs and has become very interested in her books, especially those she can feel.  She loves her bath and try's to hoist herself in most nights.   She is on regular milk and off formula (HORRAY!)  and is tolerating it very well.  She has 8 teeth, 4 bottom and 4 on top.  She loves to get on Mason's trampoline and jump, she loves to get on my bed and dive in the pillows and she loves to dive into the ball pit.  I feel like these last few were much later in development with Mason but am assuming since she watches and mimics big brother the ideas were just put into her head sooner!

I'll stop rambling for now and let you check out the pictures I have of her from the past week or so and a few from right around 1 year ago!  I'll post party pics soon!  Thanks for keeping up with her and loving her!  

The last picture of her as my non-1-year old!  So sweet!

A friend of mine took this picture, so Marlee!

She has discovered the drawer where I keep all the ziplocks, foil, etc.  She pulled every single baggie out of this box... multiple times!  Who needs child locks... they hide the best toys!

Running around at the Club one evening, entertaining!

The picture I used on her birth announcement, she had just come home and was a week old!

Here is where we were just a year ago.

My water broke at 7am September 11, 2008.  I was in bed petting the dogs.  Unsure for sure, since I didn't experience it naturally with Mason, I got up and told Scott and called the doc.  About 30 minutes later as I was in the shower I was positive it was my water that broke!  Contractions didn't get bad until around 1pm and after a little epidural drama Marlee arrived at 4:12 pm.  What a wonderful day!

Time goes too fast.  I love my children more than anything and feel so lucky to be their mommy.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for my babies, but at the same time I wish I could pause time to just soak it all in!

See you soon!

First Week of School...

We officially have a pre-schooler!!  Mason started this Monday at the Children's House Montessori Academy!  He went Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (which will be his normal schedule) from 8:30-11:30.  He loved it!! No tears were shed by Mason or mommy that first day.  He has two friends he talks about already, Stella and Matthew.  He says he likes it and the teacher said he is adjusting fine!  There was no stress getting him there and actually when I picked him up he said, "I don't want to go home, I want to stay here."  So, I think he will be just fine!  Here are a few pictures from our week.

Daddy and Mason leaving on day #1!

A picture the windy afternoon after that first day!

Ms. Laura suggests special treats the first week after school.  Day #1 we went to Taco Bell (his choice!), Day #2 I had a pizza party and make your own ice cream sundae (picture) which was a hit, and Day #3 we went to Walmart for a new transformer and a lunch with just mommy and daddy at Applebee's.  Then today we took a special trip today to Indy and hung out with some of Mason's friends at Monkey Joe's (mainly to see if that's where we want his 3rd b-day party) and we had a great time!

While me and Marlee had some just us time we went out to the garden to water and she found a green tomato that had fallen down and decided she would eat it anyways!  She loved it!  She ate another full Roma tonight, but this time I gave her a ripe red one!

I just loved this picture, she looks so grown up holding her tomato!

And we played with our friends Ryan, Stella and Norah this weekend; I had to take a pic of everyone playing in the hearth room!

Norah (far left), Marlee, Ryan, Mason and Stella (far right)!!!

See you soon!

Happy 11 month Marlee and much more.....

It's been such a busy, busy month for us!  I kept saying that things would slow down in July but boy was I wrong!  The kids are busy, the weekends are crazy and the Humane Society is taking up every last minute I have left!  Marlee's 11th month just flew right by.  I can't believe I am planning her first birthday party already!  She is too much fun these days... always wants to be the center of attention, flirting with boys, trying any food you hand her, walking all over, getting into baby dolls, jibber jabbering and laughing all the time!  I mean it... this stage is so awesome!! Her and Mason usually get along although he does tend to get a little too rough when they are really playing.  I often find him in time out on his own enforcement when she starts to cry!  He is always concerned with her well being and gives her good night kisses which they both love!  She says more words but only  uses a few regularly.  She loves to grab my phone and "talk" and is finally enjoying the car with her seat turned forward facing!  They both love to go and do new things.  Marlee loves to be outside, she often is at the door waiting on someone to take her out!  She also loves her dogs.  She walks up to Emmy and gets right in her face because she knows she'll get a big kiss!  Goofy girl!  

Mason is starting Pre-School tomorrow!!!!!!!!  Holy Moly!!! I took him last week for a "practice" class where I was able to stay with him and he met a few other new kids and his teachers.  He is going to a Montessori School here in Marion which I am so excited about.  I have always wanted him in one since I learned the principles a few years back.  I think he is going to do great!  He goes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for 3 hours in the morning.  I am so excited for him socially and for the added stimulation.  I'll keep you posted on his progress!  

It's been so long since I posted I have a lot of pictures so I'll just update as you look through them!  Sorry about my bad blogging!  Hope everyones having a great summer!

We needed a trip to Indy when we realized Scott needs his own car seat now for Mason since he is dropping off and I am picking up from school.  After our shopping we took the kids to the splash park in Carmel for an energy release!  Tim and Krista met us then we went for some Ice cream.  It was a fun afternoon and the kids did great without their afternoon nap!  Marlee loved the sprinklers!  She was cracking us up just walking right through the cold water laughing.  Of course Mason had a great time too!

One of the big kids......

So much fun!!

Miss Marlee early in the morning cruising on her ride, backwards!

Mason on his unofficial first day...

Masons newest obsession (a stem off the robot obsession) is Transformers!  Here they are in "vehicle form"

And "transformed" into bot form!

Playing outside....  We had been in the pool and he found a tree to play in while mommy was trying to get him in for nap... always something!

We had a fun playdate with my friends from PU, Amanda, Katie and Aimie and Nat too.  We have been talking about getting together for about 9 months now... better start planning the next one soon guys!  I didn't do good with pictures but here is one of Wyatt feeding Marlee (I think in 25 years it may be wedding cake!!)

BIG Congrats are in order for my Bro-in-law and soon to be Sis-in-law Timmy and Krista!!  Not only on their engagement (May 22 is the big day) but also on their first baby LEXI!!!  We love her to pieces!  What a cute family!

And we had a wonderful party the first weekend in August where lots of my family from my moms side gathered to celebrate my Grandpa B's 80th!  It was such a fun day!  So glad everyone could join us and the weather cooperated!  Happy Birthday Grandpa B!

Just playing again....

Hanging out at Stella, Norah and Ryans.  Stella was showing Mar Mar how to splash!

We love it so much when our cousins Avery, Jackson and Anna come to play!  They stayed with Mimi and Poppy a few weeks ago and came to swim and play.  The only thing Mason says when they leave is, "when are my cousins coming back to play?"

Avery LOVES the Cooler Scooter!!  She gives rides all day!

Sorry I kept you so long.  We've been so busy around here it's hard to keep up with the blog.  

See you soon!