We have an announcement...

We now have a new member of our family, Lucy. I again will attempt to upload lots of pics soon. Lucy is a 9 week old lemon and white beagle. (As many of you know, our dog Millie passed away this past year after being with us since she was a puppy.) Todd and I thought the time was right (although, being that we just had a huge snowfall I'm not so sure) to adopt a new puppy. She is fitting right in and doing quite well at least peeing on her training pads. The kids love her and she loves them most of the time. She is a nibbler, so we are working on that with her. So now we are working on potty training and house training at the same time. Fun!

A Twist on a Favorite

kids t.v. show that is. Grace and Todd have gotten into the habit of watching a show called "Oobi" if Grace happens to get up early or stay up late. The show is particularly dumb in my opinion (it is a pair of eyes on a ring, worn on a hand to make this puppet thing on a hand). they like it and tease each other about it all of the time. the funny thing is that Grace doesn't call it "Oobi" but instead says "Boobi" which is really interesting when she chases us yelling, "Boobi, Boobi, Boobi." We are working to solve this funny but problematic speech issue. :-)

Mother and Son Day

Today Nicolas and I went out for a special day. I was hoping to overcome the doldrums that he seems to be having - no to mention oppressive whining and disobeying. So, he and I went out while my mom kept Grace, which was a reward for Grace as well.

We began by visiting the Home Depot for our monthly meeting with Corey and Jacob for Project Build-it. Today they made football helmet bookends. We ate lunch, the boys picked Burger King. (so much for healthy) Then we proceeded to go to Nicolas's choice activity for the day - ice skating. This was his first time, and I have to admit that we were both pretty excited since i love to skate but can't ever get anyone to go with me. Well, we made it a half a lap around the wall before he panicked, began screaming and crying with fear, and refused to budge one more inch. I finally flagged down a guard after dozens of people watched our struggle and offered to help. I swear, a persistent 5 year old can just about take down two grown adults when forced to move while off balance.

When we finally got off the ice and our normal shoes back on he began crying again as we left because he "wasn't finished skating."
That's when we went painting. Much better option, although more expensive.

As far as hoping that this excursion wold help with the attitude, well I report that I failed on that front, but at least we both have a day full of memories that we can share.



(FYI - I will begin posting pics as soon as I get my new cable so I can charge my camera!)

Our New Toy

What a wonderful Christmas for our family. We spent Christmas eve with Todd's family, Christmas morning with just the four of us, and then Christmas night with my family. We all had such a great time. Nicolas was a little under the weather on Christmas eve, and didn't even stay up long enough to make Santa cookies pr reindeer food, but we covered it for him. Todd and I were challenged with on one of Grace's gifts, a trampoline with a bungee cord instead of springs, and a handle. It only two educated people 3 hours to put together! :-)

Our family gift this year was a Wii - I know, I said no video games, but Todd convinced me that this was different since we had to get active to use it. Well, we received it the day after Christmas and are now fans. I have to say it does challenge the coordination of everyone. Nicolas is learning a lot and Grace tries to mimic our actions. The only downside is that it is hard to play with a 2 year old attached to your leg. :-)

If anyone knows of any good family games, please let me know.




Also, I am searching for some advice. I am struggling with Grace's bedtime routine. She has never been a great sleeper or gone to bed easily. She still wakes up several times a night wanting more to drink (some night she can go through about 4 sippy cups). The only issue is that if we try to let her "cry it out" she cries until she pukes. Then we have to do the whole changing the sheets and bath routine. So I wind up laying there with her for at least an hour every night until she falls asleep. While I love the extra time with her, it is getting harder to stay with her that long, and Nicolas is feeling a tad bit rejected that I can't read to him at night anymore. Any suggestions to stop the puking?

Family Fun Day

Today we loaded up and went to the Indianapolis Children's Museum. I was so excited because we were able to purchase a membership (thanks Papa Rudd)! We can now go up on the weekends when Todd is working and during the week as a family in the summer. (Hey Laura, how about getting together with the kids for a play date there soon?)

All in all it was a fun trip. They have the Yule slide for winter - this consists of a huge slide that they have put over the stairs going up to the second floor. Nicolas decided that he wanted to race me down the slide. We stood in line for about 15 minutes while Todd took Grace to the Playscape for smaller children. Nicolas could hardly stand the excitement as we approached the slide. They put down a fabric piece for you to sit on and slide. Well, about 1/3 of the way down the slide I have no idea how, but I lost my fabric and ended up having to scoot the rest of the way down. Talk about embarrassing! Nicolas said it was because I must have been too fat for the slide. (I think he overheard me saying that to Todd in an attempt to get him to go instead.)

Grace loved the carousel - they went three times, and both kids loved the dino exhibit. I am thrilled that we can go more often now. We have room for 2 guests any time that anyone wants to join us!

After we left, the weather was getting crummy, so we took a few detours to avoid traffic accidents on the way home. It was so slick that Todd even took a tumble on a sidewalk and hit his head (he's okay).

We are all now home and getting ready for the Christmas events that approach.


From our family to yours - Merry Christmas!

Our Story

I may try to upload a few pictures of Todd and I from when we met and our relationship, but til then....here's the story.

Todd and I both grew up in the same town, school, everything. We even had a few elementary classes together (he will gladly tell you about how I used to cheat off of him on spelling in the 4th grade - ironically I am now the co-coach of our school's spell bowl team - still can't spell, ask Jen). Anyway, we began our relationship together in the 7th grade when Todd asked me to dance at the spring dance on April 8th, 1993. We dated all through high school and were married during my junior year of college on March 17, 2001.

Since then we have spent almost 8 years together and have 2 amazing kids - Nicolas, 5, and Grace, 2.