THE BRANDT CLAN

What I assume will be my newest addiction...

2010-02-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

So, I got this itch to coupon... I've seen and have heared of many people who do this and what enormous amount of money they save each month. I'm all about the saving, so I've decided to invest the time and do it. I've been out about 3 times this week, learning the trade and failing miserably. One time I totally forgot to use my coupons until I had left the store! I couldn't believe it, but with two kids in tow, there is NO WAY I was going back in there. Another time, Safeway totally added up my receipt wrong (their products were on sale, but didn't register that way in the computer), but of course I didn't see that until I was home... All in all, I cannot do this with kids, it's just too distracting and time consuming, but I am looking forward to when I can go without them! Anyway, here's my first successful trip, in my eyes. I know you might think, who is really going to use that much Seasoned Rice Vinegar, but the answer is, me! We use it for salad dressings, marinades, etc. It's great! Anyway, I know true couponers would have walked away from the store with all of this for free, but getting $35 for of product for under $6was great for me!
Here's my loot:

Many will ask, is it even worth the effort and time? Well, I'll let you know as I go along, but my gut is, YES! I have a friend who is loyal to the art and she says she has never paid for cereal, toilet paper, deodarant or toothpaste in years. It's those little things that add up, and I'm looking forward to delving in and seeing what I can do for my family!

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

So I seriously haven't written in about 6 months! That's terrible! Life has been so hectic for me- isn't that always the excuse as a mom?- and on top of it all, our computer crashed and we lost everything- every picture of our kids, every document, everything! It was such a bummer, and I hate posting things without pictures, so in short, I didn't. Plus, I've started a business selling jewelry- super fun- and I've joined the gym... we'll see where that leads. I have high hopes, but you never know! Anyway, computer is up and running and we actually got the camera out and took photos. So here's thanksgiving pics- Our first turkey ever, our attempted family photo (not every person is EVER looking at the camera in one photo), and Mike and I together...

On another front, Mike and I are rooting for the Ducks to win the Civil War so that we can go see the Rose Bowl in January! We haven't had a vacation since our honeymoon, and it's been almost 7 years! If they win, we're planning on (depending on finances) to go to Disneyland and maybe Universal Studios... we'll see. It would be so much fun just to be together and to be kid less (if we can even find someone to watch our kids!)!

And lastly, we're getting ready for Christmas. I've begged my husband to let me get a tree this weekend, but to no avail. He is adamant it has to be next weekend. So, in the meantime, I am getting my Willow Tree Nativity set out (which I absolutely LOVE), my village and some random decorations. I've also been listening to Christmas music since September, so now people aren't looking at me as funny, which is nice :)

Hope you all had a merry and blessed Thanksgiving!

Rachel Turned Three!

2009-06-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

So it's about time I blogged again... I'm getting so bad at this with everything else going on in my life! Well, Rachel turned three last week, and we had a big hoopla to celebrate! We have so much family around, we decided just to do a family gathering, and then the following week we did a little one with some friends of hers. It was fun! The weekend of her party, we also had a huge father's day gathering (on Sat. though) with my mom's side of the family, and it was seriously like the best weekend of my life! I love my family so much, and to just get to sit around, eat good food, and play games ALL day and night, it was awesome! Here's a few pics of the birthday happennings and the rest of the events.

Matching Mommy and Me Aprons :)

Rachel asleep in my arms... she just couldn't handle it all!

And last, but not least, the new favorite toy...

The Challenges of Food...

2009-05-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

So we've been trying to get Andrew to feed himseld for quite a while now... That meaning, we give him a spoon and food and let him at it! As you can see, he's not that great at it- probably 1/4 of the food actually makes it to his mouth! Anyway, here's a picture of the average every day feeding at our house. There's also a picture of Rach- no matter what age your kids become, there will always be challenging foods for them to eat. For Rach, it's popsicles! It's not quite the mess Drew makes, but still, it's a mess! Also, this picture shows her half-colored eye pretty well, if you haven't seen it... it's her left eye- one side is brown, the other blue... kind of fun! Enjoy!

Andrew's Dedication

2009-04-26T12:07:00.001-07:00

Well, we finally did it! We got Andrew dedicated! Although he's over a year (our church usually only does baby dedication under one year, due to them wanting to get down and walk, and well, make a scene), Bucky Buchstaber pulled a few strings and got Andrew on the list to get dedicated. Today was the day and thankfully, everything went well! We didn't have nice clothes, per say, but other than that, all went off without a hitch. I was seriously concerned that Rach would throw a fit or run away, or that Andrew would scream hysterically, but they were great. Bucky did a great job with him, and I'm so glad it's over and I no longer have to worry! :) Here's a few photos of the dedication. Hope you all are enjoying the nicer weather today!

My Kids are Crazy!

2009-04-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

So, my kids crack me up, even when what they do makes me mad, I still laugh (inside when they are looking), but sometime have to run into a room so I can laugh out loud!

The first thing that made me laugh today was Rachel at lunch. I had tried to put her down for a nap earlier, but, like every other day, she won't go to sleep. After an hour, I get her down and make her lunch. I come in about 10 minutes later, and this is how I find her! Completely still sitting up, but out like a light... Sorry she had no clothes on... it's a new phase we're trying to work through :)

The second thing, was after the kids were up from their naps (yes, I did try and transfer Rach, but it was a complete battle- I gave up, she won)... The house all of a sudden got very quiet, while I was doing my household chores...aka, folding laundry. I went downstairs and didn't see or hear the kids anywhere! And then I saw it- the slight crack in the sliding glass door- And there's Rachel, in the swing, with Andrew pushing her! I do not know how he made it outside without falling out the door and crying, but it made me laugh... they are do adventurous and are ALWAYS trying to get outside!

The third thing that made me die inside of laughter was tonight at Red Robin. Apparently, I had left a jar of baby food (yes, he still only has one tooth, so I must feed him this so he get some nutrients!) next to Andrew, because we see it fall out of the corner of our eyes, and then it happened- it was like out of a movie- something that would NEVER really happen and that plays in extra slow motion, so you can see every thing that happens. It hit the floor and went everywhere. Now you're just thinking all over the floor or something. NO. EVERYWHERE! 15 feet (I AM NOT EXAGGERATING!) all over the floor, spread over 10 feet. All over the two tables, chairs, etc. next to us, and all over the walls- it COVERED the walls! It went 12 feet high- seriously, I am not kidding! And how was it that half the jar was left over!!! Seriously, Mike and I are still wondering how it happened. Everyone around us, and yes, a few poor innocent bi-standers did get hit, were completely in awe as well... NO ONE has ever seen baby food splatter like that! I need to start carrying around my crappy little camera so I can share these moments with you guys!!!

Hope you enjoyed my fun moments!

Andrew's First Birthday!

2009-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

So our little man, Andrew, turned ONE on Saturday, so we threw a big hoopla for him! It was SO much fun to have so much family over and everyone got to see his big milestones he's achieved (a tooth- finally!, crawling, walking, talking, etc). All in all it was an excellent day, perfect weather too- although his cake eating skills were highly disappointing. He didn't even eat any! He got a bit of the frosting, but that was as far as it went... so sad for the scrapbook! Anyway, here's some pics of the big day.

Andrew, showing off his walking skills...

The cake Mommy made...

Opening presents...

Andrew and his cousin Isaac (who will be one in a few weeks!)...

A good portion of the family that was there...

One of Andrew's favorite toys...

The Places We Go...

2009-03-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Apparantly I go shopping with Rachel a lot, because as we drive by certain stores, she knows them by name and what we get there. For example, if she see's Costco in the distance, she will shout, "Costco... the Smoothie store!", because if they are good, I splurge and spend a whole $1.45 and buy them a smoothie and have the nice food court people split it into two cups for me, thus making my life so much nicer and the kids super happy! Other stores she does this at are Winco, for groceries, she knows, Panda Express, for chicken and noodles, Starbucks, for Hot Chocolate, Dutch Brothers for Smoothies and Not So Hot's, Target for toys, Toys R Us for toys, Disney Store, for princess stuff, Gas Station, for gas, etc... It just cracks me up hearing her shout locations and names out for some reason. Makes me realize she is growing up so fast and actually comprehends so much more than I give her credit for most times. It's so crazy how time had flown by. And Andrew is turning one in 5 DAYS!!! I cannot believe that. This year has truly

My So Called Vacation...

2009-03-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

So, feeling like I needed to get away, I called my friend and we made plans to head to Newport for a week, with our four kids, in an attempt for some fun, lots of craft time and visiting our old stomping grounds. Well, let's just say the trip did not go as planned. I must say it was definitely fun visiting with my friend, and it was fun seeing a few others that traveled down for a day or two (especially you Jen!)... We also got a few crafty things done (but not a lot, like I was planning) and it was nice having other women around to help cook, clean, do laundry, etc... that was seriously nice. However, my whole family was sick the entire time and we were all miserable! I had gotten a bad bug (the coughing, hacking, can't sleep kind) the previous Thursday and was still fighting it (still am) the entire trip. Needless to say, half way through I gave in, went to the store and invested in Mucinex and Tylenol PM! Definitely saved my life, I think! I hardly woke up at all in the night, except when my kids did! Also, the previous Thursday, Rachel was diagnosed with a double ear infection... so, we had her on antibiotics, but she was still complaining of pain. A few days into our trip she started vomiting... the first time it just happenned to be in the middle of the Marine Hatfield Science Center... At least she got to see the new baby octopus :) I felt so bad for her. From then on, it was miserable. She continued to vomit every day and had severe diarrhea. Sorry if that's an overshare, just trying to stress the point of how bad it was for us all! Andrew had it too (hence why I have a picture of him in the sink- it got a little messy!)... poor kids. I feel like they are always sick and continually on the mend! When does it stop??? Anyway, we finally got home yesterday, an entire week later, and I can't tell you how happy I was. I just wanted Mike back, his help with the kids, and our beds, kitchen, everything! You don't realize how much you love your home, until you've been away for a while. It's nice to get back to the daily flow of things. Although, today I'm feeling a bit queasy, so hopefully I don't get what Rach had! All in all, I'm very grateful for my time away, but wish it wouldn't have been so stressful! Next time, definitely taking my precious husband with me :)

We couldn't find Andrew at one point, and finally we looked upstairs- there he was at the balcony- he had climbed two flights of stairs to get there!

Right before Rachel had her first episode... poor girl- she really was a tropper!

Andrew's highlight of the trip- he loved that ride on fire truck... he seriously couldn't get enough!

The Learning Stages...

2009-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

So, Rachel, as of late, loves to be naked! I try and discourage this by at least making her wear underwear, or a diaper, or something. Anyway, she stripped down the other day and as always I told her to go bring me some underwear. It was taking her a while, so I asked her what she was doing. She said she already had it done and was coming. She just showed me the front, so I thought everything was in good shape- I was actually proud of her for doing it herself. Then, I'm talking to my mom, and Rach goes to play with the blinds, and I see the back- I had to snap a picture and share... so funny! It totally made me laugh!

My Creative Side

2009-02-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

So, I've been wanting some art in our master bedroom for about 5 years! Yes, we've never had any! I looked long and hard at all the craft stores, Big Lots, Costco, Target, etc, but nothing was within what I was willing to pay for art. Anyway, my friend Brit (super crafty and always inspiring) did some fabric art recently for her sons' room and I figured I would do the same. Between her ideas and some websites, I came up with these. The pictures might not look good, but I love it! It actually work really well. All I have to do now is find a duvet cover that semi matches, and that task is proving to be a lot harder than I thought. I also got ambitious and made some for Rachel's room too. It was super easy and super cheap! Totally worth it if you are looking to decorate any part of your home! And the final thing I did today was hang my pictures on my staircase! It really took me so long, trying to get them just right with the stairs, and then Mike comes home and says they look a little low... way to put a damper on my two hour project! Anyway, they are staying that way! They are perfect height for me or someone a bit taller. I wouldn't want them any higher because then I couldn't even see the pictures! It's not art Mike, they are pictures!!! Alright, done ranting. Hope all is well with you all!

And He's Off... Finally!!!

2009-01-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true, Andrew has finally learned to crawl the "right way!" It has only taken him 10 months! And although he has mastered this tiumphant feat, he still loves to crawl "army style" when things are too far away or he's frustrated... we're learning though and I figure within a week or so, he'll be so amazed at his new talent that he won't ever stop! We really never thought he'd crawl, so we're so proud of him! Now we have to go purchase baby gates so that he doesn't climb up, or fall down the stairs! Anyway, here's a few photos of him crawling... and yes, I do know he looks like he's from the 80's! His hair just keeps growing, and I keep cutting! Seriously, he's had 4 hair cuts! I'm debating using Mike's shears and just shaving it real short... We'll see. That'll be a post for another time!

He's finally reached his prize- the balloon! That and food are his main motivations for crawling...

The BIG Movies...

2009-01-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

So we were able to travel down to Eugene this weekend and see some friends off that were moving and visit our old pastor and his family for a while. It was so much fun. One of the most fun things we got to do was yesterday afternoon after church. In Eugene they have a $1.50 theater... yes, you heard me right, and it's nice too! It's super cheap and totally worth every penny. Anyway, Madagascar 2 was playing and so we took our kids and some of our friends took theirs too. Rachel has never been to a theater before, and she was totally enthralled by the massive screen before her. She got popcorn, candy and gum, and thought that this was by far the coolest thing she had ever done! Andrew luckily fell asleep 15 minutes into the movie, so we got to watch Rachel enjoy her BIG movie! Her facial expressions, and her laughing at all the funny parts were priceless... I wish I could take her to the movies more often- I don't think I've ever seen her so well behaved for two hours at a time! It was awesome and seriously fun for us to do as a family!

My Kids... So Precious and Funny!

2009-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

The things Rachel says... They seriously just take me by surprise and make me realize just how fast she is growing up.... A year ago, she couldn't even talk, and now, she tells me stories, jokes, and sings me songs, any chance she gets! Here are just a few quotes of hers from the last couple of days-

"Wow, Mom! Look! It's a VERY bright star. We better make a wish."
In my mind, I am wondering where she got that from, and that the emphasis on "very" was so cute... I'm thinking Einsteins or Dora... Then I ask her what she wished for. Her response, "More Christmas presents!"

So we're about to leave for the store and I have to use the restroom real fast. I run and pee and am leaving the bathroom door when Rachel says, "Mom, you are SUCH a BIG GIRL (with an emphasis on those words, just like I say them to her!)! I am SO proud of you Mommy!" She tells me this so often... She's always proud of me. It makes me laugh!

I'm sitting on the couch looking at Rachel and she just looked so beautiful to me. I tell her, "Rach, you are so beautiful." She responds to me, "No mom, you are so beautiful!" I love those moments... too precious for words!

We're at Toys R Us and I am attempting to let Rachel pick out some more big girl panties for basically potty training herself and for not having any mistakes... She always just wants to go to the shoe aisle though... Anyway, she runs over there, finds a Dora pair of shoes(no, I will not ever let her buy them- I'm not a fun mom in that way!) holds them up for me to inspect and says, "Mom, we should get these. These are just SUPER!" I have never heard her say that word, super, but when she did, for some reason it just made me so proud of her ever growing knowledge of words and I had to smile and laugh!

Last night we're having some family time on the floor (I know, weird, but we enjoy it, the kids climb all over us, it works!) when Rachel makes me lay on my back and close my eyes and go to sleep. She said the bad witch made me sleep and that the prince had to come wake me up. She made a crown for me out of toilet paper (because I'm a princess, duh!), and then told me I have to wait. I asked her if Daddy could be my prince, but she just laughed histarically and said, "daddy can't be a prince, he's just a big boy! Silly mommy!"

So I'm making lunch today and Rachel finds some Monopoly money... don't ask me where because I don't even think we own that game! Anyway, she brings it over and hands me ONE of the bills and says, "This one is for Jessica Brandt, and all of these are for Rachel brandt." It was so funny to hear her not only say my first name, but both and for her to say her whole name. She always calls herself Rachel- I don't think she ever stops talking in third person, but I don't think I've ever heard her call herself by her whole name... It was just cute!

Anyway, these are just a few of my favorite moments over the last few days... she is just so precious. I can't wait until Andrew can say more than Momma and Dadda... even those are precious from him though. You should see him lately... such a big boy! We took him to his 9 month check up and he weighed 22 lbs! Rachel only weighs 26! We couldn't believe there was only 4 pounds difference between the two of them! He's also gotten into this whole army crawl thing as of late. It is SO funny to watch! He can't real crawl, but he sure gets around everywhere- seriously hilarious! Mostly it's food that gets him going though (obviously by his size!). :) He mostly likes to stand up and attempt to pull himself up on stuff- He never gives up no matter how many times he falls- love that about him! Anyway, these were just some fun happenings. Hope all is well with you all!

Here's a few recent pics... nothing too exciting, but cute nonetheless!

Bobby and Katy's Wedding!

2009-01-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

So, at last our house isn't feeding on frenzy and we can settle in without loads of stress and anticipation among us! As you know we recently moved into our place and have had nothing but things to do, continually! Mike's brother, Bobby, though was getting married on the 3rd of January, and we were pretty much all in the wedding. Mike was Best Man, I was a bridesmaid, and Rachel was a flower girl. It was so much fun and we were so happy to be blessed enough to be in their wedding, but we are also so glad it is over! The whole time leading up to this big day I was seriously terrified that Rachel would somehow ruin their wedding... she'd throw a big fit at the altar or burn the building down, or something. Anyway, it all went well, thanks in big part to my mom- Thanks mom!- and they were married at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Lake Oswego! The wedding itself was beautiful, but the reception was absolutely stunning- SO GORGEOUS! They really know how to throw a party! Here's some pictures of the Happenings... I don't have a lot of the bride and groom, because I figure we'll order some good ones from their professional pictures, but there are a few cute one's of the kids! Enjoy!

Our attempt at a good family photo... Not half bad!

The Brandt boys right before walking down the aisle... Andrew, Mike, David, and Bobby

Rachel, so tired, before the wedding even began... It was definitely nap time!

Rachel and Mommy

The Kiddos

Christopher, the ring bearer and Rachel, the flower girl... SO CUTE!

Mommy and Andrew- What a handsome man!

The candy bar- Rachel and Chris couldn't keep their hands out of it! A bad idea for little kids!

Cousins, Andrew and Isaac playing together- SO CUTE!!!

Mike, giving his best man speech! It was really good!

The Bride and Groom (Bobby and Katy) being nice to each other with the cake!

Our Little Buddy...

Mike and I... So in love...

At the end of the party, my mom took the kids back home and stayed the night with them, while Mike and I got a hotel downtown at the new hotel, The Nines. It was so much fun. We went to a restaurant and played trivia then went back to the room and finally got a good night's sleep without having to wake up to the kiddos! It was so nice to get a break. We went to Mother Bistro and Bar downtown in the morning too, for breakfast, and it was SO good! It was good to see the kids again though when we got home... We miss them when we're away! All in all it was a fabulous weekend with so many fun festivities, but we are so glad to be starting this new year and are looking in anticipation at getting our house completely done and seeing what the Lord has in store for us! Love you all!

It's a Long One...

2008-12-28T21:30:00.001-08:00

So this one will be long, seeing as I have almost a months worth of catching up to do!
First of all we did move in, and for the most part, have the house functioning and working, thanks HUGELY to Mike! I can't tell you what a blessing he is to me and the kiddos- always striving his hardest to provide for us and be there for us- We LOVE him! Seriously, I've never met anyone who can work so hard!
We moved in last Friday night, and got the kids' beds in at about midnight- no joke! This was not fun for mommy, but they did well their first night and thus we were happy! Once we moved all our stuff over and out of storage, Mike and I were so shocked with all the things we have! Seriously now, how much kitchen stuff does a woman need? The thing is, I went through my cupboards to see what I could garage sale, and there wasn't one thing in there I was willing to part with... I guess I could sell the Little Mermaid cake pan, but how much room is that really going to save me?
Another big triumph for us was getting a tree, let alone Christmas presents for the kids and our parents. The snow here was awful and frankly quite dangerous since we're not used to it, and there really wasn't any getting out to speak of. Mike did make it out on Tuesday though and got presents for them all- I was so bummed I missed out on this activity- that's the best part about giving the gifts! Next year I'll get to go though- I'll make sure of it! On his way home, he also picked up a tree for me- not any tree, but a nearly 10 foot, completely iced over tree! The only good news is that the place selling them was shutting down shop, and instead of charging us the $90 they were selling it for, they gave it to us for $30! We love nobels and have to have one every year- it was an excellent deal! After lots of plastic wrap and a LONG hairdrying session, we got most of the icicles off and managed to get the tree in a standing position so it could dry out overnight... let's just say it only fell over twice while putting lights on it. Needless to say, we are buying a new tree stand next year! Here's a pic of the tree...

Another thing I was able to get done was finish my Christmas stockings- I was so proud to have them done before Christmas! Here's a picture of the final product!

So, as far as pictures of the house go, I'll have to wait until we get Christmas stuff, and more boxes cleared out. We made it through Christmas, then brought all the boxes in the garage inside... now we are just trying to find places for it all. Once it's cleaned, I'll take more pictures!
So, the day before Christmas I was making Sugar cookies for the families and festivities, and Rachel decided she wanted to help. I left for a second to grab something, and apparantly this is her idea of helping- completely dousing her brother in flour. He didn't seem to mind though... such a good attitude that one has!

And here are some more randome pics of Christmas... I didn't have a camera the whole time, so my in-laws are sending me some more, but this is what I got! Enjoy!
The kids in their Christmas PJ's after opening stockings...

Rachel showing Andrew how to use his new toys- she was quite good at this, and I see her walk by his toys all the time and contemplate whether she is too old for them or not... I really think she almost likes his better!

Rachel pretending she's a present...

My Father-in-law, Brother-in-law and Rachel...

My mom and Andrew

My dad with Andrew

My sister-in-law trying to figure out how to set up a princess tent! This was clearly a highlight for rachel- it took up half our living room though, so we took it down for now!

Andrew after a long day of opening presents and eating food- just relaxing with some toys...

And Daddy taking a nap... so jealous...

And the last pictures are of Rachel playing Guitar Hero World Tour... It was my gift to Mike- So here she is playing the drums and singing...

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well! Looking forward to visiting more of you in 2009!

A Shoe Fettish...

2008-12-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about girls and their shoes, but since Rachel has been able to crawl, she's had a fettish. She doesn't stop trying shoes on- EVER! Seriously, we'll go into the store and all of a sudden I hear a clunk, clunk... I look in the cart, and she has thrown her shoes in the cart, and taken off toward the shoe aisle in whatever store we may be in! This only takes place at stores that actually have carts... The other day at DSW (a huge shoe store, for those who don't know), she put her shoes in another box! I couldn't find them for like 30 min! I was so mad! Anyway, here's a few pics, but seriously, the store moments are the best. I wish I had a small camera to carry around with me... You'll just have to enjoy the ones from home for now (keep in mind, this is only from the past few days!)!

Construction Continues...

2008-12-03T17:35:00.001-08:00

So Mike has been working extraordinarily hard on our new home, and here are some more updates on what he's been doing. Mike's dad came over last weekend for a bit and helped us put that huge (6'x6') window in upstairs- that was a huge blessing. We also got all the millwork off and staples up out of the ground (yes, I got that tedious job)! Mike also finished the sheetrock and has been texturing the walls and replacing the millwork now. Poor guy never stops working. The good news is, though, that we get our carpet installed on the 16th and we can start moving a few things in! Yay for us! That means we, and we means mostly Mike, has a lot of work to do in a short period of time! Oh yeah, and we get our siding put on probably Tuesday! We are so thrilled- I will definitely take pictures once that's done. Pray for us!!! Enjoy the pictures!

My pantry's coming along!

One of Mike's sheetrock jobs, primed and textured!

Millwork around the old windows... those are getting replaced next summer!

Our big window (from the inside)

Our new baseboards!

Our Thanksgiving!

2008-12-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving was hectic, but fun, as usual in our household. If we didn't have 4 places to go to, I almost begin to wonder if we would get bored! Having four families is hard on us, driving from place to place (I so want to see Four Christmases!), but we have fun, and this year, the kids made it through all the car rides! Thank God for mini DVD players! Seriously, the thing is a life-saver! Well, here's a few pics of the happenings, before my camera died!

Uncle Tony and Lana playing Mario Kart

The boys... Andrew and Isaac...

Dancing with Grandpa!

Isaac and Hayley playing together...

Our attempt at a good family photo...

Daddy and Rachel Dancing

Rachel, Andrew and their baby cousin Isaac (2 weeks younger than Andrew)!

Grandpa David and Andrew

And So It Goes...

2008-11-25T08:05:00.001-08:00

Mike and I had a very long weekend of working together on our new place- so much fun! We haven't hung out together in so long without our kids, and it was nice to do something other than eat or watch tv! Anyway, here's some pics- check out those new windows we put it!

It's Comin' Along...

2008-11-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

So, as most of you know, Mike has been working on our home, without ceasing! Whenever he's not at work, he's there, diligently slaving away, so that we can move in before Christmas. Anyway, today I had the wonderful pleasure of accompanying my husband for about 4 hours... Grandma Ann was watching Rachel (overnight- woohoo!) and Grandma Dee was watching Andrew for a bit. I went and got Andrew and tried to bring him back to work with us, but he wasn't having it! I packed him up and left Mike alone to work, once again! Here's a few pics of our progress, but really, Mike's done so much more!

A wall that was completely rotted with mold- He's completely redone it and should be putting on the sheetrock tonight!

Mike's building me a pantry- love it!!!

It Made Me Laugh...

2008-11-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

It's mostly the things the kids do, or say that make me smile the most throughout the day- This is just a few of todays happenings, and every day is different and new... Despite all the challenges these ages bring, they come with fun moments like these!

It's 5:30 am and Rachel is up and ready to go for the day- it's like she doesn't need any down time to wake up or anything- hyper-mode instantly! Anyway, she says she is hungry and wants breakfast. I give her options, the usuals... cereal, toast, oatmeal, etc. She says, "ummmmm, no, how about (drawn out and exaggerated, like she's thinking hard about a good option) cookies." I say no, and she says, "Okay, well, how about just crackers then." She seriously talks like this- everything now is "no, how about this, or that..." ornery, but funny- it made me laugh...

Later that morning we are roaming the aisles of Fred Meyer (yes, this is what I do when I am bored), and we ended up where framed art is. Rachel points to a photo and says, "Look mom, there's the Eiffel Tower. The Bad Knight lives there in France." She apparantly watches a lot of Little Einsteins. It made me so proud to know how smart she was though, and it was so random it made me laugh...

It's nap time and I am trying desperately to find Andrew's pacifier. Not that he really uses one anyway, but if he wakes up early or something from his nap, I like to know where it is so it can soothe him back to sleep. I give up and ask Rachel. She says it's right by the big couch. I say where by the big couch. She gets this exasperated look on her face and sighs loud (obviously expressing that she has better things to do with her time) and goes to the couch, lifts up the coushion and hands me the pacifier... It was just so funny- her acting so teenagerish, it made me laugh...

I've warned Rachel a million times not to stick things in the outlets, but being two, she doesn't ever listen... This afternoon I heard a loud scream of complete terror and came around the corner to find Rachel holding her hand, and my keys dangling out of the oulet. I attempted to pull them out and they were stuck bad! She put them in there deep- And obviously there were consequences for that. She kept telling me for some time afterward, "I did no-no's and it hurt me." I'm glad she didn't get hurt too bad, but also glad she did feel some sort of pain, so she knows not to do it again... Although it was bad, it made me laugh...

So this evening, we're on our way home from visiting Mike at the new house and Rachel says, "Mom, I feel like having some coffee right now." It was just so random and like she drinks coffee anyway, that I had to smile and laugh...

Last but not least... So, most of you know that Rachel has always had trouble pooping- something's not right inside her and it causes her pain. Anyway, I always encourage her when I see her going to push hard and that she can do it. So tonight, I'm putting the kids to bed, but I stop and tell them I have to go the bathroom real fast- I just couldn't hold it any longer. As I am running down the hall, I hear Rachel say, "Don't forget to push really hard momma." She makes me laugh...

The joys of motherhood!

New House and Roof!

2008-11-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

So the roof is done as of this afternoon! We are so excited to move on now with the closing process- we should own the house by Monday or Tuesday of next week. Below are some pics of the new roof, but keep in mind that the shingles aren't all flat until the heat hits them... so it may look a little funny! Also, here are some pics of the inside- everything needs a little work, but we're going to fix it all up! These are definitely titled our Before Pics! Enjoy!

Still Not Done...

2008-11-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

So, it was yesterday afternoon and I was just waiting for the kids to get done taking their nap, and then I was going to drive over to the new place to check out our new roof. I get a call from Mike at 4 (yes, the kids were still sleeping!), and he said he drove by and it wasn't anywhere close to being done! Argh! It is just one thing after another with this house... all these promises from companies that they can get things done, or the house will close at this time, etc., but alas, once again we are let down. So frustrating! So, if you read this, pray for us, that it will get done today and that we can close by the weekend (which at this rate will be a miracle!).

Twas the Morning Before Work, and All Through the House...

2008-11-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Twas the morning before work, and all through the house, not a child was stirring, just me and my spouse. Mikes lunch was all made and packed away with care, now all he needed was his boots to wear. We searched high and low, not a pair in sight. It's clear to us now that Rachel moved them last night. When what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a bright shiny fork and eight crayons that lay near. We looked at each other and began to smile, who could possibly have thunk it, but our little child!

Demo Day

2008-11-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

So, for those of you who don't know, we are on our way to finalizing the purchase of our home in Tigard, Oregon. Before the bank would lend us money though to buy the home, we were required to put a new roof on. So, Mike and some guys from work, started this morning at 6:30 and are still out there in the rain, tearing off the old, dilapidated roof. It's going well though and they should be done by today. By Tuesday, we should have a brand new, 30-year comp roof on there, and THEN we can close on our house and start on the rest of the remodeling!

Getting With it...

2008-11-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

So I've finally decided to start a blog (and be like everyone else I know). What else am I going to do with all my free time! However, until I figure out how to do all of this, this is all you're getting for now!