More of the Same

Today is my birthday and I had an absolutely perfect day. After all, what more can a girl ask for other than a wonderful Italian dinner with my husband (without a baby in tow--thanks for babysitting Granny and Papa!) and then coming home to a warm homemade chocolate chip cookie cake (WITH nuts, of course!) and having "Happy Birthday" sung to me by my Little Man! Life just does not get much better than that! It was SO NICE to go out to dinner since Jay and I very rarely do that together...such a nice birthday treat!

This year when I blew out the candles, I wished for "more of the same." More of the same little baby chunky arms and thighs, babbling words, BIG hugs and kisses (that are often blown to me now!), and the cutest little laughter that simply makes my heart melt!!! Also, more of the same of my loving and supportive husband. It is just a wonderful feeling to know that I already have everything I need in my life. I am a lucky girl....I already know this everyday, but am especially reminded of this today as I turn yet another year older!

Here are some shots of the BEST birthday present that I have EVER received!!!

Just Another Saturday on Keeler.....

Saturday's in the spring are full of fun! After all, yard work can be fun, right? I understand that me tying to sell the concept of yard work being "fun" could be a tough sale. However, when you have a little man as cute as Jack trying to help every step of the way, it really is not that bad!

I have said on numerous occasions that Jack just adores his Daddy! He wants to be like him in every way. This afternoon the Little Man was just thrilled that he could help Daddy cut the grass! He felt so included and oh so very special. I actually think both of my boys could not be happier cutting the grass together. What a great way to spend a Saturday!!!

Your Help is Beyond Appreciated!

A few months ago, Jay and I decided to join the "TRIP" (Tuition Reduction Incentive Program) program at St. Catherine's. Basically, this is program that allows you to buy gift cards at church and a certain percentage goes into a fund that will be applied to Jack's tuition. Although Jack is not yet in school, we are able to "bank" the money until it is time for preschool. I was talking to my babysitter, Debbie and she said the program is great and advised asking family to use these gift cards too in order to really reap the benefits. She has 3 kids at St. Catherine's and has been a part of this program for years....it has really paid off for her. So, about 8 months ago, she inspired me to join. The best part about this program is that is costs you absolutely nothing....all you have to do is your everyday shopping and pay with a gift card. That's it really! I told you it was easy! Granted, you have to be a little bit more organized....but, as I say often, "the end always justifies the means!"

I just wanted to take a moment to thank our family members (you know who you are!!!) for actively participating in this important program with us....I am happy to say that is is really paying off and every little bit helps! Words cannot explain how grateful we are to you for being organized and as a result, helping to save for this Little Guy's tuition!!! We are very committed to sending him to St. Catherine's and really appreciate your help and support. I especially want to thank my parents. They have been pretty much using these gift cards exclusively and continually buy more at church every weekend. Jay and I are especially grateful to them this week because they are undergoing a major double bathroom renovation in their home and are paying for the entire remodeling project with gift cards through the TRIP program!! So in essence, yesterday when they bought all of the gift card for their project, they made a very nice deposit to Jack's education.....all while getting beautiful new bathrooms too!!!! What a nice win/win situation! Thank you SO MUCH, Granny and Papa! We SO GREATLY appreciate your continued participation and support in helping to fund your grandson's tuition. After all, pretty soon this guy will be off to preschool....time flies!

Near Death Experience

ok, before anyone gets worried after reading that posting title, let me clarify that I am speaking about Kermit our fish, NOT Jack or Jay....or any other human being for that matter:) I usually do not write that much about Kermit because frankly, he is a fish and predictably just keeps to himself. Kermit was a 1st birthday gift from Aunt Julie and Uncle Ben.....he originally came with a girlfriend, Miss Piggy, but she unfortunately passed away only days after we received her. So, Kermit has been flying solo since. Although, I was not extremely happy to receive him since I knew that I would be the one taking care of him, he has really grown on me. I actually do not mind taking care of him because 1) come on, it is pretty easy and 2) Jack really like him! He likes to watch him swim and I am just starting to teach him how to help Mommy feed him. So, as long as my little guy is happy, I am happy too!

Well, today Kermit experienced a very near death experience. Jay was on the phone and found Kermit on the floor and all dried out! He must have jumped out of his bowl!!! Jay immediately picked him up and returned him to the water. He lay motionless for about 5 minutes and I was convinced that his life was over. I do not know why, but I felt just horrible about this. After all, it was my fault because apparently, I had filled up the water too high when I cleaned his bowl the week before. Although Kermit is a fish, he is still an animal and my responsibility....so, the idea that I was ultimately responsible for his "suicide attempt" made me feel sad...and I knew Jack would be too.

Well, I am happy to say that this little story has a happy ending! Kermit began to swim again....first very slowly, but then he came around after about 45 minutes. I am thrilled to say that he has made a full recovery and is again alive and kicking.....ok, well not kicking, but alive and swimming! Jack was happy to see that Kermit pulled through....we said a quick little prayer that our "fishie" was ok....and it worked. While I realize that Kermit will not live forever, I can tell you that when his day does come, it will certainly not be because the water in his bowl was filled too high. Sometimes you learn the hard way, I guess......

Happy 19 Months to a Sweet Little Boy!

Happy 19 month Birthday to my sweet baby boy! Yet again, it has been a month to remember with this very active toddler that we have on our hands! Since the beautiful weather has finally arrived, Jack and I have been spending lots of time outdoors. He has a new obsession with balls of virtually ALL sizes which he says over and over...."ball, ball, ball." It is very cute. Within this past week alone, Jack has enjoyed playing with 3 news balls that Jay and I bought for him as well as one really "big ball" that Granny bought for him in the store after Mommy said no and the little man immediately showed his disfavor with my response. That is grandparents are for, right? To spoil their grand kids rotten and save the day and make Mommy look like the bad guy! HA!

Happy 19 month Birthday to my sweet little man! We love you to pieces!!!!

The Center of our World!

It is no surprise that our little man is clearly the center of our world! Granted that Jay and I acknowledge that we are probably a little biased (ok, a lot biased!), but we think we are the parents to the biggest sweetheart and most adorable little guy on the entire planet!!! The last almost 19 months have truly been the best in our lives. We cherish our little blessing named Jack every moment of every day! Here our some recent pics of Jack with his Mommy and Daddy! We love you little Buddy! We are excited for the summer so we can do more of the same.....

A Darling Little Place......

While we were in St. Louis this past weekend for Easter, we found the most darling little place to take some really cute pictures......Faust park! Behind the park, there were some really cute, quaint little houses that had some antique, vintage looking paraphernalia surrounding them. I typically don't like a lot of props in my pictures, but I truly loved this place because it was so unique. I anticipate some more trips back there in the future for some more adorable photo shoots! Of course, the subjects in these pictures make them so adorable too!

We also decided to have an Easter egg hunt at Faust Park after church before we headed to Aunt Brenda and Uncle George's for dinner. All of the kids had so much! I think Nance and I had just as much fun with our cameras getting some shots of them all decked out in their Easter outfits. Here are just some of my favorites from Faust Park during the Easter Egg Hunt (unedited because I have not had time to do that yet). Actually, I do not think these pictures need much editing at all....I think they are pretty darn cute straight out of the camera! Aunt Nance also took some shots of Jack and I a few days before Easter since she is in the process of building up her portfolio. I can't wait to see the finished products!

Here are just SOME of my favorite's from this darling little place.....