SHOEMAKER FAMILY

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-26T21:41:00.001-05:00

Pizza Making Fun!

2009-12-23T18:50:00.005-05:00

Having a few difficult evenings with NOT liking what Mama cooked, I decided to let them cook their OWN pizzas the other night. We had a good time!

First, lining up the ingredients.Letting the dough rise...
All laid out and ready to be topped off!

The boys are lined up and so stinkin excited!

Tucker working on his...

Toby too, he may have needed a little more help!

A few pepperoni...

Fingers work REALLY good too!

I'm done!

These are so yummy to eat when Mom isn't looking!The boys pizzas and our calzones in the oven...Pizzas, finished product!Calzones finished product, successful night!

Christmas Parade Under Lights

2009-12-13T15:21:00.005-05:00

Coleman has a great Christmas Parade every year that is all it up...It's a FUN time! Here's Bri with Jayna & Tucker waiting...The kids lined up with Bri for a picture! Toby, Autumn, Tucker, Jayna, Brianna.Jen & the cutie pie, Asher David! The boys LOVE their boy cousin! This might be his debut on our blog since being born in June. Aaron & Sep talked gadgets to pass the time...We didn't plan to watch with Carla, Aunt Vicki, Madison & Ava, but it was a welcomed surprise. Here's Madison waiting patiently!

Come on...is it time yet?!?!?!

(Brianna, Jayna, Carla, Toby, Eryka, Tucker, Autumn, Ava, Madison)

Oh...here come the police cars!!!

One of the tractors all lit up, of course the picture does NOT do justice! And, I didn't get a picture of Nathan, Christina & Adam Clarke...their mega tractor had 12,000 lights we heard. It was so cool!!!

Another lit up truck...

Jerome Township Fire came over to the parade to drive their trucks. It's such a fun community time!

Here is J Ranck throwing some candy and had a great float for Peace on Earth...

The 'after' picture...Tucker's hands were so so cold...he cried and cried when we got in the truck. It was so sad! But here we are at home having a sandwich so we can have some of our candy!!!

Disappointment...

2009-12-11T15:19:00.002-05:00

It happens...snowmen fall...but if you know Tucker & Toby's mama you'll know that her back problems left her walking like this for about 6 mos!!!! I'm so thankful for those steroid injections!! Thank you Dr. Bergeron! And Tucky....they'll be many more snowmen!And poor Tucker also found out today that not all snow makes snowballs...what a day of disappointment for this young boy! And the bitter cold wasn't much better...
He was thrilled to come back inside and cozy up with a warm blanket from Aunt Chelsea...I do'nt know if it was the blanket or that it was from Aunt Chelsea, he's got a crush on her...aw, sweet.

Winter Storm Fun!

2009-12-09T19:10:00.005-05:00

Tonight after I got home from work the boys really wanted to go and play in the snow, I have to admit I was reluctant. Toby was NOT into falling in the snow in the morning when we went out and Tucker was all over it...but I joined.

Toby did a lot of this. Just gaining his balance on this stuff that he said "it keeps movin' under my feet!"Tucker did a lot of this, face first dives, rolling around and just getting as wet as possible! ugh!We made a snowman together, had a fabulous time...Toby did NOT want his picture by the snowman, he was a bit intimidated by it. He thought it was cute and it made him giggle, but he just didn't need to stand too close.They had a GREAT time together, Tucker even slowed down for a few minutes to pose with his brother. Cute, fun, precious times....Then Daddy threw the first snowball at the dear sweet Toby Tob...

And then he clobbered Tucker (and they both giggled until they could giggle no more...) And honestly, Daddy needed a break from his studying for finals!

And then it happened...Tucker got hit in the face...oh, the woes...He bounced back and at the end of our 'escapade' he cleaned the snowballs off of the sidewalk that Daddy had cleaned up so nicely earlier today. Sep said, 'take a picture - someday I want to remind them that they liked shoveling the sidewalk...'Then, another first...hot cocoa...yum yum...Enjoyed by all, marshmellows and NOT small! :) I found one smushed inside my napkin at dinner...you turkeys!

Here comes the snow...

2009-12-08T20:35:00.003-05:00

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST WEDNESDAY.

SNOWFALL WILL SPREAD INTO CENTRAL MICHIGAN LATE THIS EVENING AND BECOME HEAVY OVERNIGHT. THE SNOWFALL WILL CONTINUE INTO EARLY WEDNESDAY... BRIEFLY MIXING WITH SNOW BEFORE ENDING BY MID MORNING. STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. IN ADDITION... WINDS WILL GUST UP TO 30 MPH CREATING SOME BLOWING OF THE SNOW AND REDUCING VISIBILITY.

Then...on Wednesday 1-3 inches during the day, and 3-5 Wednesday night!!! Can you say, 'Work from Home'???? I'm so glad that I work for a company that believes in that! Woot Woot

Some of our Thanksgiving Fun...

2009-12-06T15:33:00.003-05:00

As most families do, we take turns at our extended families for Thanksgiving. This year we were down in Indiana and Ohio with Sep's family for Thanksgiving. Sep did something he's been wanting to do for a few years now...he got to duck hunt while we were there. He hunted with his brother, Johnnie as well as his Uncle Dale. They had a ball! Enjoy...

They took Dad's boat out to taxi them to and fro...

Their kill from the first morning...Uncle Dale sporting the black beanie and Johnnie, yes he's texting, with the racoon furred cap!Sep got a HUGE mallard their last day out.After dinner at Mause's on Thursday we went to Sep's Dad's house. For those of you who do NOT know, Papaw Red Truck was in a bad accident the first of November. His left leg went through the floor of the dumptruck he was driving. Broken femur, knee, tibia, fibia and shattered ankle and many breaks in his foot. And a laceration on his head. We were VERY thankful that as awful as his injuries are, they are completely recoverable. They immediately worked on his ankle and then this past Wed prior to Thanksgiving they reconstructed his knee. Here Papaw is showing Tucker his 'new' pins since we last saw him...Tucker's paying pretty close attention, maybe we have a future Dr on our hands, eh?While Daddy was in the back with some of the guys Toby was LOVING this wig...we took it off before Daddy came back in. But we had a good laugh out of it!After eating we enjoyed a movie together, 'Wild America' with Jonathan Taylor Thomas. The boys have seen it already, usually while in the truck, but with Papaw's big screen and surround sound it gave Tucker a bit more excitiment! Here's Toby having a turn on Papaw's chair WITH WHEELS!!!And, Tucker's turn...and one of his many animated faces when the bears were jumping around and growling....it was so hilarious! He LOVED the thrill of the movie! Tucker snuck in some cuddle time with Ms Gail.Then, the boys serenaded us on the piano...

And, at the end of the night, a picture with Papaw Red Truck and Ms Gail.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-05T17:30:00.004-05:00

Did you know we were still around!!?!?!? Maybe we'll catch you up for the last 6 months someday, but not today! Today, we had a great day of rest - much needed for us. Tucker had a yucky belly yesterday and that kept us home alone today instead of hosting Mom's Birthday breakfast with Aaron & Jen. But...we did get our Christmas Tree up! Enjoy!

Tucker & Daddy got the tree out of the barn...

I'm loving this picture of Toby supervising...hands in pockets and all!

Thought you may need a close up sock of Sep's pajama pants tucked in his socks so they didn't get snow covered...if this picture disappears you know he read the blog. LOL

Up goes the tree...little by little...Oh, what a wonderful sight!It's still growing...And, now the top! Star on top!

Partially decorated...

All done!

And, all lit up!

But, our favorite part of decorating...the boys' manger scene that is child-friendly! They were so into the story of Jesus' birth this year. A fun time, for sure...it stays on the coffee table in the Living Room for them to interact with all season.

Cool Dude Tucker (scab gone) sportin' his sunglasses! Those Christmas lights must be too bright!

Toby enjoying the 'hands-on' story of Jesus, our Savior!

Softball Game!

2009-07-30T09:49:00.001-05:00

Last Softball Game Tonight!!! See you there!!!

It's loads of fun to watch our UNDEFEATED team!

Woo Hoo!

Loons Day 2009

2009-07-28T17:01:00.004-05:00

Dow Chemical has a great employee appreciation day for employees and families every summer at the Dow Stadium. Employees play ball all day on the field and lots of games and fun for the kids.

First Camping Experience

2009-07-18T18:11:00.003-05:00

Toby serenades us while we were setting up camp....enjoy the adlib when he sees the camera!

First Camping Experience

2009-07-16T13:23:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we took the boys up to Mesick on their first camping trip and we had a ball!!! Here's a fun teaser picture. I'm going to upload the rest of the pics to Facebook and Blogger this weekend.

Alive...

2009-06-30T06:55:00.002-05:00

Hi Jami! Hi Mary! Hi Keetha!

We're still here...just wanted to say HI to some of you I KNOW are still out there! :)

I hope to update during our Garage Sale this upcoming weekend!

'Shrooms...

2009-05-12T20:11:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year...what a great way to top off our dinner tonight. Sep found them while trimming in the yard this afternoon.Rolling them in the flour...
In the frypan...

Ready to pop into your mouth! It's springtime in Michigan!

Tucker's First Preschool Program

2009-05-08T20:58:00.004-05:00

Tucker's getting all ready for his FIRST Preschool Program. He was very excited (with his scraped AGAIN nose!)
Toby finishing up some dinner prior to the program...is that your FOOT on the table, Toby David??? ah-hem!Cuties!!! :) Toby is getting TALL!!!

The set is ready for the 'stars'!

Tucker got to sit by his bestest friend, Morgee (Morgan)

Cute singing kids!

Clap, Clap, Clap...actually I think it's smashing up the baby bumble bee!

Putting my sunglasses on while driving the car...

Putting my scarf on...I'm a movie star!

Smiles!

What does your say, Morgee???? (The center of the flower was their picture for Mommy!)

GEtting ready to find their Mommies!!!

Toby gives him a hug and says, 'Good job, Tucker' when it was all over!

It's That Time of Year Again...

2009-05-06T20:01:00.002-05:00

The THIRD Annual...

Terry Hess Memorial Golf Outing... The tags are made...78 of them...fun times ahead for a great group of men & women this Saturday...

Nightime Routines and Nose Bleeds...

2009-05-04T20:31:00.006-05:00

Tucker had TWO accidents today; that resulted in TWO bloody noses...and the second fall included a scrape to his newly healed nose from Easter...what a trooper! What a boy! Here we are having fun in the tub....enjoy the pics of these sweet brothers who we're attempting to train to LOVE each other, and for Tucker to protect his little brother all of the time. They are such good buddies (most of the time...)

What is required for two boys with allergies and excema? Lots of lotions, creams, nasal sprays!

Daddy's helping Tucker tonight...he's almost done!!!Toby Tob has the appearance of total sweetness...he's not far from it; but he's not TOTAL! :)And, he wanted me to take a picture of his piggies for you too...Toby all jammied up....

Tucker just about ready for jammies...he's got 'Mater on!

Oh...warm milk....with puppy and his 'prayer bear'

Tucker cheesin while attempting to drink some milk.

Aw, brothers...

This is my nose...he wanted to tell you.

Hi Mom...

All cleaned up...and plenty red on my nose!

Watching a little Zack & Cody before bedtime...in Mommy & Daddy's bed...memories...

Dirt Day 2009

2009-04-27T21:18:00.003-05:00

What is Dirt Day 2009??? Go back to April 27, 2006 to see....(or close there after)

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

New Friends...

2009-04-10T21:06:00.003-05:00

The boys had some new friends move in tonight...Meet Drake & Beau...

Lessons Learned...

2009-04-01T10:33:00.002-05:00

Lesson #34578906:

Trucks similar to this (not actual truck used in experiment) DO NOT ride down the stairs well. Our subject, Tucker, completed the experiment last evening and it ended up that you can indeed hold on the entire way down; but it leaves a bruise or two and a rug burn on your shoulder. And, it scares the poopy out of you too...but it does give Mommy some cuddle time with her 2.5 year old which is RARE!

KIDS - DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS EXPERIMENT!!!
(WITHOUT PARENTAL SUPERVISION)

Ugh! Boys!

2 BIG Things...

2009-03-24T20:13:00.006-05:00

1....Mommy had no choice but to teach Tucker to pee outside today on the way home. NO facility in site...Yes, I will never forget this day. He thought it was SO SO cool. (No, there will be NOT be pictures.)

2...Sep is a carpenter at Design Craftsmen. He really likes the cool stuff they do....well, last night on Jon & Kate Plus Eight the museum featured has things from Design Craftsmen in it....and specifically things that Sep made! Enjoy the linked video (<2 mins)

Museum Fun

His hands were part of the crafting of the car and the tires. Here I thought the tires were real, but they are NOT! Although he did NOT do the excavator, he did play on it while in the shop still. Way to go, Lovee!

What's for Dinner??

2009-03-23T19:42:00.013-05:00

I had to work from home later this afternoon and while I was working Toby came in and told me bye bye...he was going to school....so cute.For dinner we had spaghetti and you know, we rarely have it and not because we dont' like it...we just don't have it too often. Well, I think it's the first time at least Toby (if not Tucker as well) had spaghetti and man did Toby LOVE it! There wasn't ONE noodle left on his plate! It must be my secret sauce recipe!!!I removed the shirts from both of the boys prior to spaghetti...smart thinking by the looks of things! :)

I also made another recipe from The Pioneer Woman. It was so so yummy...I only took this yucky picture with my phone to send to Sep at work...but below is a fabulous picture The Pioneer Woman took of her Olive Cheese Bread...oh, so so so yummy!!!! YUMMY!!!!

I have to say...mine did look just about identical to this...oh, it is so yummy. Mom came down for dinner after she returned from a funeral and agreed it was delicious!After Toby didn't want to put his shirt back on and decided to add this hat...he was in rare form tonight!And, played trucks with much passion!Tucker joined with this construction hat that I think looks more like a German Army helmet...and they enjoyed their trucks tonight.

They enjoyed it so much that they broke one of Mommy's pretties while playing. You know...I'm ok with things breaking, I know it will happen. But, I'm NOT OK with it when it's done while disobeying. I had asked them multiple times to please stop. That is frustrating for me as a Mom...but I love them still...oh, so much! :)

This weekend we had a fun time with Rotavirus...ugh! NOT! But on Sunday since we couldn't go to church we sat and sang some worship songs...I wish I had pulled the camera out a few minutes earlier the boys were belting it out...but here they are trying with daddy until they say Mama with the camera! But you get get a SMALL peek here!

And then of course...just being brothers....those stinkers!!!

Slow Sunday...

2009-03-23T07:07:00.006-05:00

We had ANOTHER Sunday at home yesterday. Last weekend the stomach flu, this weekend Rotavirus. But, we think the Rotavirus is gone...they boys have been good for about 36 hours now...whew! So...we took a drive yesterday morning just to get OUT of the house and ended up at Logan's for a sandwich. It was here that Tucker experienced his first peanuts and was LOVING them! The phone photo will have to do...

So, if you've never been to Logan's - you get to throw your peanut shell on the concrete (that will become important later) floor. Of course this was WAY cool...when he and I were shucking them I'd pile my shells onto the plate because I like to dump them on the floor all at once (I learned taht from Pops) So, when it was time to dump the plate I gave Tucker the honors. He grinned from ear to ear dumped the plate on the floor with glee. Oh, did I say dumped the plate, I meant dumped the plate!!! Yes, the entire plate...and yes the concrete floor came into play. ugh! That plate shattered into about 50 pieces. Um...waitress....

Tucker was looking right at Sep and I for a reaction...let's just say we HOPE it was an accident, but the sparkle in his eye may have the answer we did NOT want to hear! :)

I also made Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Thingies for a little snack after the boys went to bed. We both really liked them. I got them from The Pioneer Woman site. I also got the picture from there too. Our did end up looking just like this...and good enough that I'll probably take them to the next party that I'm asked to bring a snack!

Our Day...

2009-03-21T20:42:00.005-05:00

Sep burned the edges of the pond today with the weed burner. PERFECT day for this.

It cleaned up the winter, fall growth so well.
I think he enjoyed himself a bit too much...

Grandma smelled the smoke and came on down to see what was giong on...she hasn't seen us in a few days since we've been sickly...and only agreed to hang out OUTSIDE...even though the boys are doing much better today (it appears, we'll see what the mroning holds) :)

Granmda brought some food down for the fish. They had a ball 'feeding' the fish. She also brought down some bread that had been on the quad all winter waiting to feed the fish again....(in the sand pit)

The boys really enjoyed this...Here's the big boy throwing the feed into the pond.

Here's Toby looking at me after I just stopped him from eating the BREAD THAT HAS BEEN SITTING ALL WINTER!!! It was stale and he thought it was good. He kept eating it instead of throwing it. Because of this, we gave him NO fish feed pellets to throw in! ha ha

A ride around the pond to see all the fish. So fun...

Then Sep just HAD to use his burner to start a bonfire from some odds and ends that we had cleaned up around the yard and some sticks....I have a feeling I'm going to need to hide the weed burner....

Tucker got quite dirty right before we came in and was stripped down after we came in (with no protest for sure) Here is after dinner sitting on the couch...he brought his napkin from dinner with him and covered up with it like a blankee...it was funny..

Then he saw me take his picture and tried to pose. What ham he is!

It's Spring!!!

2009-03-20T19:19:00.003-05:00

Happy First Day of Spring! The Blue Birds told us the other day that spring was close...aren't they beautiful?

Shoemaker Life....

2009-03-19T13:59:00.006-05:00

What's this cute boy surprised about??

Surely it's nothing this sweet innocent boy did...Like CLEAN OUT THE DVD'S!!!! Toby David!!! Tucker cuddles with Daddy after naptime...prior to Toby's awaking...sweet times with our boys, these times are...
Well, we always show the deer and neat animals around...we have an oppossum too...yuck!

A couple geese a couple weeks back were unsure why they couldn't get any fish from the pond...Fabulous deer...enjoy...Obviously, they heard the boys shooting them through the window...bam! bam!

Some of our video from that morning...watch at your convenience...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What is Sep reading???Oh, sorry, for those of you 50 and over it's more like this...WHAT is Sep ready (20 feet away)...
Instructions to his (now assembled) grill....Happy 7 years, lovee!!!!It cooked well...yay!
Toby wiped out while playing run around naked after bathtime!!!!
This is day 1. They glued the cut shut to the right of his eye. (3.8.09)This is day 2.Day 2 still and Tucker thinks it's way cool....this night at bathtime Tucker asked me to wipe the marker off of Toby's eye. Apparently he had enough of it. Today (3.19.09) it's almost gone and the cut is awesome looking. Go super glue!
And...someone figuredout how to flip out of his bed...so finally the day came where he got his big boy bed. Enjoy our fun morning....

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bathtime Heroes!

2009-03-18T15:52:00.004-05:00

So...I'm way behind on my blogging. From the looks of picture folders I'm about 3 weeks behind. Here is the Sunday morning sunrise the last weekend of February off of the top deck. Just gorgeous!!!

Daddy & Toby on a Sunday afternoon relaxing before the Tucker monster woke up from his nap too...Here Toby is telling Daddy about his piggies...and who went to the market...

Then, the shyness sets in place because he knows he's caught...

But it doesn't last for long! He was just showing Daddy his tonsils with the flashlight. What a cutie boy!Tucker awakes and the Wii fun begins!Our after-bathtime heroes!!! These two are crazy wild after bathtime...this WILL come back to get me in a few posts...wait and see... And, if you're tired of the posts of the HERDS of deer around our place than you can ignore these videos...but this was so cool. There is this 'herd' of like 15-20 deer that travel together and here they are out for dinner the end of February.

Fun with Papaw Red Truck...

2009-03-16T19:16:00.003-05:00

Lots of visitors this weekend...Lots of memories. Enjoy a couple videos of SOME of the fun we had thsi weekend with family.

Bird Calls

2009-02-20T15:07:00.004-05:00

Lunchtime fun with the bird book and Daddy today....

Thank you Jesus for my boys...

An Orange Pee Party

2009-02-19T20:20:00.003-05:00

I think this picture is self explanatory...(read below if you're lost!) It really is quite an amazing sight to see and Tucker is happy to show...just ask Grandma. She mentioned it and he was on a dead sprint to the potty to share!

It's All Urine Pee Pee...

2009-02-18T18:04:00.002-05:00

10 points for naming the man who can be quoted saying the title of this post MANY times during his lifetime! :)

Well, if you've read the below post, this will make sense. If not...see below...

Tucker's urine is officially a vibrant orange and he thinks it is so so cool! ugh! I hope there aren't any potty accidents for the next 5 days....that'll leave a mark!

Tucker Update

2009-02-17T07:58:00.004-05:00

Our visit to University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital went very well yesterday. As most of you know, last Wednesday Dr. Juarbe referred us down to the Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic for Tucker's recurring MRSA...(Now, I back up for the full story...for those of you who may be unfamiliar.)

October '08 we were in Indiana to celebrate Mause's birthday (a fabulous party by the way) and when we were putting Tucker to bed one night we noticed what appeared to be a spider bite on the back of his right leg. We checked around his bed and such for the little critter and didn't see anything. The next morning while getting him dressed we noticed that the bump now had a head on it. I was concerned, but we were leaving the next morning. Sep 'popped' it later that night and it was very, very painful for Tucker and then I was VERY concerned. We left that next morning as planned and when we got home and were getting ready for bed this time I noticed it was still growing. I called our fabulous pediatrician in the morning. They wanted him to be seen that day (as did I!) :)

By this time the abscess/boil needed to be drained, Dr. Juarbe did that, and then sent it off to the lab to test, suspicious of MRSA. He gave Tucker 2 shots of meds in the office and sent us home with two more. The labs confirmed his suspicion, Tucker had a staph infection of MRSA. It cleared it up nicely after the 2 weeks on the meds...(and found out he has an intolerance to Sulfa drugs)... then about 2 weeks after he was done with his meds we noticed a bump on the back of his knee that was near some eczema. (a common place for his eczema break-outs for the Tuckerboy).

I called the Dr, got right in and it was determined that it again was MRSA. This one did NOT need to be drained we had caught it very early and it cleared up nicely after two weeks on the meds...then about 2 weeks after he was done with his meds we noticed a bump on his bottom near a very very minor diaper rash. Again, called the dr, got right in and it was determine that it was again MRSA. This one also did NOT need to be drained, we had caught it very early and it cleared up nicely. As well, Dr. Juarbe told us we HAD to potty train him NOW to help alleviate a potentially perfect environment for the bacteria to harbor. We did that...and Tucker has REALLY succeeded at potty training. Way to go, buddy!!

Now, although I say they clear up nicely I have to let you know the pain that Tucker experiences during this abscess/boils is immense, just immense pain! If any pressure is applied to the bump he jumps about 2 feet in the air. It is VERY painful for him.

So...back to the story, currently-the boil is on his bottom, and it cleared up nicely after two weeks on the meds...then about 2 weeks after he was done with his meds we noticed a bump on the small of his back near a yeast rash (what a wild place for a yeast rash) on the small of his back. I called Dr. Juarbe on Monday 2/9 right before they closed. He called in some meds said to start them tonight. He also said he wanted us to go to the Ped Infections Disease Dr in Ann Arbor and his LOVELY assistants would schedule appts when they were back in the office tomorrow morning. Well, I had to call before they could call me, because overnight ANOTHER boil/abscess had formed. (A third followed on Thursday)

We did catch them early, it was not early enough and was drained by his mama two times....remember how painful they are...NOT a good combo...I'm sure you heard the screams in Midland which is followed by a tearful, 'Thank you, mama, it feels better' about 30 mins after I've drained it.

When we saw Dr. Juarbe Wednesday morning, Dr. Juarbe saw Toby as well whose labs came back positive for RSV...Singulair and breathing treatments for him. We can do that! Tucker had blood work done and all test came back great. I actually just got a call this morning (Tuesday, 2/17) about the rest of his bloodwork, and his IgE levels should be 0-93 and they are 547 - this means he has allergies. But, that's OK - we already know that. :) We'll have a follow up with our allergist who may change his allergy meds.

Our Ann Arbor appt was set for 2/16, 830am. We arrived to the Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic shortly after they opened at 8am and we were back in our room at 8:07 - GREAT service! The Dr came in a few short minutes later and spent a good amount of time with us and gave us A LOT of information...we were HOME about 12:30pm.

One of our main concerns was the recurring MRSA Staph infection. He set our minds at ease right at the beginning telling us that they see this often. There were actually 3 other patients being seen that morning for the same thing. He says...we all carry bacteria on our skin, for most of us, our body fights them off and they never become infections. Dr. Brownlee said that we could nose swipe all of the people at UofM and find that 1/3 of them are carrying MRSA and do not know it...from that number 1/3 of those folks would actually get an infection from it. Their body would fight it off before it became a staph infection. (Very interesting to me...)

He said with Tucker's eczema that it is his entrance for the MRSA from his skin...and maybe he's harboring the bacteria in his nose (warm, moist environment) and as most folks, it is not uncommon to have a runny nose occasionally during the winter months. He is probably, as most kids, wiping his nose on his hand or such and probably then scratching his eczema. The MRSA enters his body during the scratch, scratch, scratch and instead of fighting off the MRSA bacteria, the body fails and then the staph infection sets in. (Just ONE theory of how it keeps entering his body)

The treatment: Extend current antibiotics (Cleocin) from Dr. Juarbe out 5 more days and add another antibiotic (for those 5 days) that needs to work WITH the Cleocin. This will turn his urine and tears fluorescent orange he says - wow, thanks for the heads up on that one. I surely would have freaked out over that!!! He says Tucker will think it's really cool when going potty... As well, an antibiotic ointment was given for his nose. We will do this for 7 days and then again in a month for 7 days, and then again in another month for 7 days - to ensure it does indeed kill all bacteria in his nose. And finally, he will get a splash of bleach in the tub a couple times a week for the next 2-3 months. This will kill any bacteria on his skin, and yes, scalp that may be living on his skin.

They have complete confident that this will take care of it for him - so much confidence that we do not even have a follow up appointment. We will call them if we have any further issues.

Thank you for your prayers for our appt Monday, and for those of you who have prayed during this entire situation. We're praying that this new treatment will be the beginning of the end of Tucker's MRSA Staph infections!

Thank You Mause...

2009-02-11T20:33:00.006-05:00

Here is a sick Toby...we found out today that he has RSV. He could not sleep so here's his cute little self attempting a snack in his pitifulness. He was burning up in this picture, and as most of you know he is also cutting EIGHT teeth right now...right after this picture snapped he regurgitated all of his trail mix - the pretzel hurt his toofers. He cried and cried and cuddled some more. Poor baby!!!By the time Tucker was up from nap Toby's tylenol had kicked in and they were enjoying their surprise that the UPS man brought them from Mause! An MP3 player!! Here's they're singing with 'If you're happy and you know it clap your hands..." Brothers and best buds! Ugh! I LOVE THEM!This is the best picture we could 'pose' for....Tucker, as you can see, handled the cheerio trail mix just fine!I think the MP3 player was playing the funk when Tucker had to turn his hat sideways. And, when Tucker dipped into his baggy for a treat Toby snagged up the player to hold it all himself! :)Oh...and then Tucker was done getting a bite and was NOT happy that Toby was holding it and he WAS NOT!!!! Sharing, Sharing...not an easy thing to do, especially when they're both sick. (Tucker has MRSA again...a post to come later on that)Posing nicely, but watching out of the ocrner of his eye to make sure Toby doesn't take it OFF of the table! ha haShowing Toby how to use it...Toby's belly CRACKS ME UP in this picture.Chillin and sharin now...as long as Toby keeps it playing, Tucker is OK with him holding it. Since Mama reminded him that Toby is really sick....(Tucker doesn't realize how sick he is)Fun times! Thank you Mause!!! (Toby LOVES him some music!)

The Fun Continues...

2009-02-08T21:21:00.005-05:00

Let the fun continue...of all the room we have, Toby has found joy in the small crate in the living room with a few toys.Tucker inquires about the toys Toby is sitting on and attempts to, of course, get the one exactly on the bottom!The boys got new outfits from their Great Aunt Ila & Great Uncle Bernie and they were in LOVE with the hoods. They looked so cute, and hilarious! The sunrise this morning off the top deck...off of the kitchen. It was so gorgeous!And, our 6pm dinner guests. They've been pretty regular. The next few pics are blurry since I was trying to take them through the window.

Cute stuff...As soon as I turned off the camera Tucker said, "Hi Bucks...I'm Tucker..."

Ice Potties

2009-02-03T18:19:00.006-05:00

Ice Ice Potty...too cold...too cold...Ha ha...that was messed up!

Potty training is going great. We had a week of setbacks when we moved; but Tucker is doing awesome now! And, he attempting to potty train his brother these days too. There IS a funny story in there...I'll share later. Here are the boys downstairs. When they use the downstairs potty, Toby now sits on the 'baby potty', as it is referred to, while Tucker uses the big boy potty. I believe he just saw a 'fishy'....use your imagination to see what the fishy floating in the potty really is...I think Tucker is saying, Dad why are you taking my picture in here and Toby is just saying Cheese!Sunday afternoon Sep enjoyed some time on the pond while the boys were napping. Coincidently...I couldn't not nap while the boys were napping because I needed to make sure Daddy didn't fall through! ugh! But, it was fun to watch him enjoy some augering and using James' underwater camera to see some fish.

Great View...

2009-02-01T13:07:00.005-05:00

We sure are enjoying the view from our new place...Check it out...

Oh, Ellen...

2009-01-29T20:49:00.003-05:00

This video is so stinkin' funny. I found it while 'blog surfing' tonight and it's worth your 6 minutes of time....while the entire this is quite humorous - there is a part where she says, "I love Jesus, but..." listen to her fill in the blank.

My OLDEST Brother

2009-01-25T22:06:00.002-05:00

Way to Go, Justin! My oldest brother, Justin was named Firefighter of the Year recently and they had a nice article on him today in the local paper. Check it out!

http://www.ourmidland.com/articles/2009/01/25/local_news/1362674.txt

I'm so proud of your accomplishments in the fire/rescue realm. It is a God-given gift for sure...

The Move...yes, again...

2009-01-19T08:55:00.004-05:00

We had a great opportunity arise and are excited to be moving to a home that will be a long stay, we pray. We hear the neighbors a couple doors down aren't too shabby either...(HI MOM!) And if you'd like...we would love your help to move to our new home next Saturday, January 24th. We're going to start at 9-930am at our current house on and load up the boxes into trucks/trailers. (Bring a Truck/Trailer to share if you have one!)

We'll make the 2 mile haul and unload our life into the new home.

The more the merrier...we'll have some WARM Chili ready for all your hard workers when we're done!

Pudding Pals...

2009-01-13T20:10:00.003-05:00

Tonight at dinner Toby was having a hard time eating his food before he could have his pudding.

I walked away from the table so he would succeed and not just be mad at me...well, I turned the corner of the nook to hear Tucker say - just 3 more bites Toby and you can have your pudding. And then I saw Tucker feeding Toby his Pork & Orzo. Toby was eating it from him, so so sweet. Then Tucker got Toby's cup of pudding and fed it to him. Yes, a bit messy, but oh so worth it to see Tucker help Toby succeed.

What a wonderful 'Mom' moment!

I think there's one more bite left Toby...
(Tucker sticks his tongue out when he's concentrating, just like his Mommy...ugh!)

Oh, so sweet!!

Lovey

2009-01-05T21:06:00.003-05:00

For those of you who may not know...Sep often refers to me as Love or Lovey. Well, the other night while I was on the phone Tucker was trying to get my attention. (I know you Moms can relate) But, Mommy was on the phone...well, when I didn't respond Tucker resorted to Plan B. As he taps me on the arm I hear...

Lovey, Lovey, Lovey...

You KNOW I gave in to that sweet boy and got what he wanted.

So...in the meantime here is a picture to tide you over of two of my lovey's...we're in the middle of a 'project'...more on that to come soon...

Got Snow?

2008-12-22T15:53:00.004-05:00

We came home from our long weekend of Christmases in Indiana & Ohio and were greeted with much WHITE cheer! We've already had a few good storms thsi year but we had rain a few days before we left to go down and there was NO snow when we left!

Sep shoveled enough last to get us in the house and then today he shoveled the rest out. We decided it was worth the effort to bundle up the boys real quick (for the FREEZE!!!) and snap a picture! WOWEE!

The pile of snow is NOT what he shoveled...that pile was from the sky!

Boys...

2008-12-16T20:35:00.003-05:00

The boys are playing together a TON!!! It's so fun to watch them...and hear them...play, disagree, play and play... they're great! Here they are playing trucks.

Don't let Toby's cute-looking innocence fool you...that boy has tricks up his sleeves! He can take Tucker down in the swipe of one arm...and can take a toy from Tucker (or Auti) so fast you don't even see a streak go by!In case you can't read lips, Toby is saying....I stuck...it was hilarious! :)Toby and Daddy resting on Thanksgiving afternoon. Oh, is that Toby & Daddy napping again??? ;) Well, maybe Daddy, but not Toby! It looks like he read Daddy to sleep! ha ha

Sep works so so hard for us. His shift is 530pm to 400am. It's so hard on his body...so although I like to tease him that he took a couple naps on Thanksgiving, I can't even begin to tell you how exhausted he is. He's a keeper, that's for sure!

The boys had a great day at Mom's on Thanksgiving. Justin, Brenda and girls were there as well (Aaron & Jen and girls year with Jen's family) The next morning even though we let them sleep in until they woke themselves...they just couldn't get moving. I snapped this picture when they were lying next to each other chit chatting! They're such dolls!

Our Hope is in YOU!

2008-12-12T08:19:00.002-05:00

As many of you have heard, Dow Chemical announced this week that they will globally be cutting 5,000 full time positions during 1st Qtr 2009. (as well 6,000 contractors) Many of you have asked if our family will be affected.

The answer...We don't know.

What do we know? We have HOPE in Christ. We'll trust HIM every step of this way.

Even if we personally are not affected by this step in Dow Chemical's transformational process we will know many families who will be. If God brings this situation to your mind, would you please pray (even now) for the families that will be affected.

Stay tuned...A more upbeat post coming soon!

Sep's Doe...

2008-11-28T18:23:00.003-05:00

Sep got a doe tonight at 4pm. He's pretty pumped, and so are the boys!

I snapped a picture and Toby was checking out the hunt...

So, I thought I had all three looking but it was pitch black outside and apparently Tob is looking not quite aware of his surroundings! But, you get the idea! Sep looks great.

Grammie & Papaw Visit

2008-11-16T14:30:00.003-05:00

Grammie & Papaw came up for a visit this past weekend. I didn't take too many pics, I really wish I would have taken more! Here they are with the boys on Saturday night...getting some cuddle time in before bedtime.Grammie sneaks a kiss from the Tucker boy...Sep checks email instead of watching Handy Manny....AGAIN....

Papaw looks a bit skeptical in this pic with the Tob-man...

We had a fabulous time with Sep's Mom & Step Dad. The boys love their visit just as much!! Come back soon!!!

Mud Puddle Fun

2008-11-08T14:15:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the pics from some muddle puddle fun the other day. The warm weather is behind us now...last week was GORGEOUS and already today it is chilly willy!!!

It doesn't get much more fun that this!!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Toby's 1st Haircut

2008-11-08T09:06:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we cut off Toby's curls! He looks like such a big boy now!! As with Tucker, Ms. Jen cut his hair and did a fabulous job!

Tickle Tickle on Toby's hair...he was a giggler...

So, when he got the chance he had to check and see what Jen was tickling him with!

Here's his trying to smile, but still concentrating grin... he's such a doll.

Trimming away those curls!

Happy Halloween!!

2008-11-08T08:57:00.004-05:00

A fun start to Halloween! Justin, Brenda & girls showed up early and we had to take time for a photo op!

(L to R; Carly, Tucker, Taylor, Toby, Megan) Sep's Dad and Gail came up for the weekend. So, they went Trick or Treating with us while Sep was at work. We had a great time. Here's Brian with the boys. To say they were thrilled that Brian was here is an understatement!!!
Haring's were so cool, a bowl of candy, a bowl of chips, and a bowl of drinks and the boys got to pick from each bowl.

Toby couldn't stop helping himself at Steve & Pam's...

Tucker had a very hard deciding what to have at Michelle's house!

Aunt Jen gave away big ole candy bars...with a GREAT story attached...but Jayna & Auti were out trick or treating themselves! We ran into them when we were leaving, but didn't take any pics, sorry!

Loving on Aunt Jen...these guys LOVE Aunt Jen. Tucker has her picture propped up on the dining room table so he can see her every time he eats. Too cute. She's good to them.

Wrestling on Papaw...I think he's enjoying himself, eh?

Toby just takes it all in...MUCH different than his brother. Here Brian is getting him to loosen up a bit, I think! ha ha

Great Updates

2008-11-06T07:48:00.001-05:00

I have some great updates to share...

A fun mud puddle playing day
Toby's first haircut
Halloween

And yet...I have not completed this! I intend to toinght. If you facebook, the updates are on facebook! :)

2008-11-04T14:31:00.001-05:00

Sep & Allison Did...

2008-11-04T11:15:00.003-05:00

'The Look' returns...

2008-10-19T17:56:00.010-05:00

A fun weekend all around. Here is Tucker & Daddy getting ready to go to the woods and check Daddy's traps on Saturday morning. Tucker had a ball!And...ever try to fit a Queen size box springs up a staircase??? Mom was determined it would work...we told her we had already attempted. The following pictures how how it WOULD NOT work. What a memory...
C'mon Sep...I'm pushing...
Wait...it's stuck, Sep!
C'mon Sep...just a little more. You can see Sep is resting on the steps while Mom has 'another' idea! lol
Sep looking a little less then thrilled...
Wait, Sep...I think I have another idea!! LOL...it became quite comical...
We amused her...in reality we all had a very funny funny time attempting..but Mom was hilarious!
Rachet that mattress, down....LOVE!!! Toby gives a Daddy a hug for support.
And then, tries to find his space to help push too.

Toby...Daddy needs you to go back to the Living Room right now, please...
Oh, Sep...I think it's stuck!
Connie...I think we're calling it quits!
Yeah!! Now we can have dinner, Tucker says...
Today we went driving in our trusty Tracker on the state land...We got out because we couldn't drive further on this trail and there was a cute creek.

Daddy, Tucker & Toby taking it in. Great picture. Tucker is such a little man.
Crossing the creek on a little bridge another hunter had made. It was great.
Here is Sep reminding Tucker that he HAS to hold Daddy's hand...no options!
Great creek for 4 wheeling, for sure!
They made it across!!!

It was so swampy...I think I could hear the muskrats talking... ha ha
Finding another area to explore...it was so fun!
Sep telling Tucker to hold his hand...and jump at the same time...
Uh oh!! Tucker is giggling!!!!
Mommy look....I got dirty and wet!! Of course you KNOW he was so proud!

The view as we were pulling out...
After our time in the woods we headed on for dinner...'The Look' that Tucker used to give is now given by Toby too. It's hilarious!
Is this one better, Mom??
How about this one, I threw my chin into it too...
tucker played Mommy's trumpet tonight and was actually decent. Then...he played Daddy's guitar too...cute stuff.

Video of Toby giving his 'The Look'...

Thank you Jesus, once again, for the blessings of our boys...

Where did the weekend go???

2008-10-13T09:05:00.002-05:00

I took ZERO pictures this weekend. I had FABULOUS opportunities for pictures, too!

Friday night while Sep was working, the boys and I buzzed down to Justin & Brenda's and visited/played, for an hour or so until we headed home for bedtime. Saturday morning Mom, Toby & I went to the City Wide Garage Sales in Midland and didn't have HUGE success. I did get a GREAT clock though...ask Mom about it! ;) While we were hitting the garage sales, Sep & Tucker went to Jays and the Amish store for some trapping goodies...

Saturday night we had a very nice evening with our new friends, the Arrowoods. I wanted to take the camera so bad, but since it was our first time to their place Sep didn't want me to freak them out! Tina made us a fabulous meal and then we headed outside to feed the horses and the boys thoroughly enjoyed that. They have 3 kids and they enjoyed showing our boys 'the ropes'. Then, we took a nice walk through the woods and saw the Teepee that Tina made for the kids last year. Man, I wish I had my camera and then we saw the Teepee that Rob made for the kids this year. All Tina said was..."I didn't use power tools". Rob's was quite appealing to the eye probably a meer 12 ft in height....wowee...then just visiting a bit more whlie the kids played in the yard. It was a nice time. (Did I mention that??)

Sunday...Church...Pastor Shannon turned 3-0 and thought his world was over...Pddyer did a good job rubbing it in a bit, but not too much. I heard someone even played taps for him. ha ha Sunday afternoon...naps...naps...I LOVE a Sunday afternoon nap, even if I'm not tired, there's just something about it. Then we went and spent our savings on groceries and our monthly trip to Sam's Club. eek!!!

Finally, to top off our quick weekend (as it seemed) we did one of our most favorite things to do...went to Mom's for nothing. We headed to Mom's and just visited...sat on the porch...enjoyed her company...loved on her...a very easy thing to do; but oh so important to us to do. Of course, Tucker entertained riding the quad around like a race car driver and Sep entertained even more (at least Mom & I) when he let Toby ride WITH Tucker. Yes, you read it right. Once again, no pictures. But, we love to hang out at MOm's for nothing but a cold pop and a swat of a mosquito. She's such a lovable woman. And, she loves us kids so so much...does so much for us...and loves us so so so much. Thanks, Mom. (How about that tribute and it's not even Mother's day, eh?)

Oh, Sep ended his weekend after we all went to bed...he went and ran Coons with a guy from work. He'll have to share that experience sometime...

Cousin Jenny

2008-10-08T06:49:00.000-05:00

Dearest Cousin Jenny,

I love you. I'm thinking of you today and praying you through all of the emotions this day brings!

Love your cousin,
Allison

Gotta Love Little Boys...

2008-10-06T17:55:00.007-05:00

My friend Jenn sent this on and it was way too cute to not share. Sep & I both got a good laugh out of it!

--------------------------------------------

Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter.

The man at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you?'

Eight,' the boy replied.

The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?'

The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim and ride a bike. Right now, he can't do either one.'

Just Life...

2008-09-29T20:22:00.007-05:00

No big news around here...just a few fun pics of life for us...

Below, Toby is modeling the new boots from the Arrowoods...
Yes, Toby, you're cute...and so are the boots, but it's not too cute when you stand up in them! :)

We love to be outside...some pics of the other night outside...
So, this is Toby's story...he started crying and Tucker had NO IDEA what had happened...so Daddy scooped him up and asked him the story...
He started reliving the entire event...
But got so overwhelmed with the trauma of it all he had to stop and cry. It cracked us right up. He's such a doll.
Our beautiful big boy...TD
Just looking for bugs, I'm sure...
And...probably was successful...

The 'coupe' has a rest...
Mickey the kitty...we really like Mickey...
Sunday when we were leaving for church we noticed something different about Mickey...half of his tail is falling off...uh oh...Right now he and Minnie seem to have it under control, but we're keeping an eye on it...as nasty as it is. What in the world????
Toby enjoys some pumpkin cake after dinner tonight...He REALLY enjoyed it. We all (including Tucker) thought he was so silly with it!

Tucker models the 'appropriate' way to wear a napkin...and announces, 'mama, take my picture!'

Look at those fingers covered in cream cheese frosting...
Did I get any on my face, mama?
Still wearing the napkin...
Daddy...did I get cake on my face??? By the way Daddy...so so glad you're home for dinner now. We think we like this shift the best.

FUN FUN

2008-09-28T14:55:00.012-05:00

Yesterday was Auti's 2nd Birthday Party. She turns TWO this Tuesday. Praise God for the way he choose Auti's life to remind us that he is still in the miracle business.

What? You don't know what I'm talking about? See here:

Autumn Faith

So...after all the hard partiers left Aaron decided to pull out Wii Fit and you will see only a small piece of the hug amount fun that followed...we had a nice time with all of our family yesterday and it was reminder to us that we need to do it more often. We're too busy!!!

Sep joins in on the fun

So, this is just has hilarious, but make sure to watch until the end. Toby joins the fun at the end and it, to me, was BEYOND hysterical!

Birthday Getaway

2008-09-21T18:22:00.009-05:00

Last weekend I turned 31 and Sep planned a getaway night for us. Mom & Amber switched off watching the boys so they were in good hands. All Sep told me was to pack a bag with clothes to walk outside, walk inside and one dressy outfit.

He took the day off Friday (as did I) and we left when he got up from his late shift. We headed south and he he couldn't wait to share (and he shared the entire plans!!!)...he said we were headed to a Nature Center in Auburn Hills to hike, but we were bummed because it was raining....we still went and walked around a bit but it just wasn't going to work. We called our hotel, Crowne Plaza (Auburn Hills), and asked if we could check in early and they told us to come on over. It was a great place to stay. Instead of hiking we did the complete opposite at the hotel. We sat in the hot tub, jumped in the pool, sat in the hot tub some more...it was so so so relaxing. After a couple hours of relaxing we got dressed for our dinner at The Melting Pot. We hadn't been there since moving to Michigan (2002) so it was a very enjoyable dinner time. I tried to take some pics; but forgot to take a pic of dessert!!! I guess we ate it too fast! ha ha Finally, on Saturday we slept in (a HUGE deal for parents of small children) and got up and went to Great Lakes Crossings where he had planned for me to get some clothes. I don't shop for myself too much, so it was a treat. And, of course we had to get the boys some picture outfits! It was a fabulous 2-day get away...what a sweet treat. By far, the best birthday I've had in a long time...thanks, Lovee...

When we got home we took the boys to SEars for their pics (last week's post) and after they rode a couple rides at the mall... cuties!
Thanks Mom & Amber for keeping the boys in good hands, and thanks Aaron & Jen & girls for letting us borrow the GPS. It was a lifesaver. We affectionately called her 'Lola'...if you've seen the movie RV that is what Robin Williams calls their GPS...a HILARIOUS movie. Oh, speaking of hilarious movies...after we got back to the hotel from dinner we bought Baby Mama on Pay per View. Holy Cow...it was so stinkin hilarious!!! A must watch for a good, clean laugh!

1-Year, 2-Year Pictures

2008-09-13T20:44:00.002-05:00

Better a month or so late than never, right??? After we got home from my Birthday surprise getaway weekend (watch for another post to come...) we took the boys in for pics. The session was not one of their bests, but over all we got three or 4 poses we were very happy with! Cute boys!

This was like her first shot and then Tucker kept pulling Toby backwards and rolling him over and tackling him...augh!!!! Big cheese from Tucker Boy! (It's because he's devising a plan to get Toby...and Toby is just sweet as all get out...)

We really like this one. Tucker has his fake smile on, but this is really their life right now wrestling and enjoying fun together.
Tucker is Two!!! And, the meltdowns after this picture proved it! ;) What a turkey! But, the football sure helped! We liked how this one turned out as well.
Toby is such a cutie 'hangin' out on the 1!
Cheese - see I have two teeth on the bottom...and 4 that have been s...l...o...w...l...y... coming in since JULY!!!!
Toby as his big boy self...we really liked this one as well.
Tucker looks way older than 2 here to me!!!
Toby is cracking me up, ad Tucker is about to get him...see the next picture...
I will get his ear!!! Toby is on the verge of crying, screaming, laughing....after the snap of this picture Tucker pulled that ear quite hard and Toby wailed!!! But, I thought this one was CUTE!!!
Thank you God for the blessing of our two boys!!

I'm still trying to covince Sep to try for a little girl...he says we need to wait (and only still a maybe) until Tucker is out of daycare...

Founders Day

2008-09-12T08:12:00.008-05:00

Last weekend we went to Sanford where Justin is on the Fire Dept. It's a great parade they put on and then just a small festival like time as well, the Fire Dept shows you how they use the Jaws of Life and such...it's a neat day. It was a BEAUTIFUL weather day! Enjoy!!

Waiting for the parade to start....Tucker getting a BIT ansy...
Toby just chillin...what's new for Tob, eh?
Oh, it's starting!!
Tucker is getting his basket ready!
Oh, a fancy car!

The band came after the Grand Marshal's car and as you can see in the video, Tucker enjoyed the music from the High School band!

Hi band!!!
Look at all those flags! Cute little truck that apparently had a demonstration later, but we missed it.
BIG FIRE TRUCK!
Tucker was so excited when he saw Uncle Justin finally in the last fire truck that I forgot to take a picture! Here they are after the parade.

I wonder what this conversation was all about....you come round these parts often, Uncle Justin?
Taylor joins in for a photo op and Toby is thrilled to have Taylor next to him. Look at his sweet expression. Taylor and her Daddy!
Justin gettig ready for the Jaws of Life demo.

Neat little test...

2008-09-09T19:39:00.001-05:00

Ok...so I'm so sick of opening our blog and seeing the silly Presidential Candidate post. So...here's a neat little test to tide you over until I find the cord for the camera. It's in one of the boxes around here! (and there aren't many left!)

BLUE

You give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

Presidential Candidate...

2008-09-01T08:31:00.004-05:00

Check out the news story on this candidate for President in '08...

Candidate for '08

A New Post...

2008-08-31T20:31:00.011-05:00

Yes, it's true...a new post. Special Thanks to my oldest brother, Justin who took proactive to my post of cries for help (as many of you also commented) and asked his IT guy to fix our computer. He sure did! Thanks, Justin! Thanks Pete! Now we're back in action!

Ok...so remember a long time ago when we were hatching the egg...it was a duck!
Here are two cute naked boys enjoying Tucker's birthday couch. They're really starting to play a lot together and actually really enjoy each other.PEARLS (our women's group at church) had PEARLS by the Pool....at Bolenbaugh's. We had a small group come, but such a nice time. Although the water was quite chilly to say the least...(this was in July) I have a video of the night too and with Candy's permission I'll add it. (Don't hold your breath...) :) I'm so thankful that Rachel started PEARLS. We now have a daytime one and then PEARLS after hours which is what this group is for folks who cannot make a daytime women's group.
Cork, Penny and other ladies enjoying the company...
Rachel listening in...
We had a baptism service recently as well. This time it was held at the Roman's house and it was a very nice night. They have such a beautiful area for their pond/retreat.
A few of the observers (the AMEN group) :)
Tucker thoroughly enjoying the sand...
Pastor Dave (pddyer) gives a short devotional before the dunking began!

Mandy Geer was blessed to have her Grandpa baptize her along with pddyer. Mandy is a great girl. Since this picture she's gotten her hair all chopped off and it is so stinkin cute!
Ms. Spencer had her Daddy help her along with pddyer. I think I remember my Dad helping me a little older than Ms. Spencer...way to go, Doug & Karen.
Pastor Shannon, PS, (left) and pddyer. PS is asking his 'guys' to come forward...
These guys are some of the guys from youth that were being baptized the same night and in honor of their taking the step to say their lives are changed and to show their support for each other; they all entered the water together...
And, exiting! Way to go, guys! We expect big thigs from you all.
After it was all over, Grandma took Tucker to get his piggies wet. He waited so patiently!
Aw, they're cute.
Snack time (old house)...just looking awfully cute. Toby is not walking yet. Still a 4-5 step gant here and there....but he's catchig up to Tucker in height, that's for sure!

These boys love their cars!!!! (old house)

Mom had a day a few weeks back where she invited all of her siblings (and spouses) over for dinner. Not all were able to make it, maybe another year...but the ones who did make it had a nice time.

L to R; (Mom, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Harley, Aunt Linda, Uncle Jim, Aunt Ila, Uncle Bernie, Uncle Dick, Aunt Julaine) Missing are: Uncle Dutch & Aunt Alma, Aunt Wanda (Uncle Jim's other half), Aunt Linda's other half, Uncle Robert, Aunt Rosemary & Uncle Marshall. And...of course Dad. Mom is the baby (by far, a surprise she was!) and she is the only widow.

Toby giving Mommy...'the look'... Tucker playig around. Jen & I served Mom's siblings for the day and later on when they were having desserts in the garage Sep came over with the boys before he headed off to work. The boys were cute, as always...
Toby having fun with Uncle Bernie.
We went to the Midland County Fair this year (the boys & I) and the boys lvoed the animals! I enjoyed visiting with some childhood friends...there are no friends like the ones who have known you your entire life! Here Toby is about leapig out of the stroller as he sees the steers!

'Sit down, Toby David!'
Tucker really enjoyed the goats!
Here Katie is showing Tucker the turkeys...Tucker does a GREAT turkey gobble...I need to get it on tape.
Here Angie is showing Tucker the ducks...they put on a pretty good show for him!
And...we hatched another egg since we've been gone from blogger land...here is a lizard that hatched. This one was even more fun than the last!

Tucker trying to get the best angle of the lizard and cheese at the same time!
Oh...we're to the new house! Here is Tucker in his big boy bed! He was so excited....until bedtime!
Toby noticing his crib is the same, just lower, and in the same room with Tucker! This house actually has 5 bedrooms. The boys share, ours, a toy room, a guest room, and a storage room. We're very blessed with space.
Tucker still enjoying his bed...two days later Daddy 'fixed' his bed because he WAS NOT doing well with it and sleeping awful. No big deal. He's only 2 - we'll try it later. It just wasn't worth the hassle right now of so many changes in his life. The day Daddy fixed it he took a nap later in the day and slept for 4.5 hours!!!! I had to wake him up!!! But...he was so whooped!
Toby demonstrating very well how pooped we've all been with this transition time...

Last week we got TWO KITTIES!!! The black one is named MACK, like the Mack Truck on Cars...and the Tiger one is named Mickey for Mickey Mouse...the boys favorite show of all time! ;) They're adorable!
Toby has mastered to climb on top of their picnic table in record time...yes, he was removed as soon as I snapped the picture!
A close up of Mickey...or Mickey Mouse as Tucker calls him.
Toby David - get down!!! And, Tucker moving the kitties in the background.
'This is Mack, Mommy'...the boys are very good with them...and the reason we got these from this litter is they have been handled by kids since day 1!!

Toby tried to pick them up by their ears at first. He stuck his finger right down in there like a bowling ball. Poor kitty!
The boy can't walk, but he can squat and drink on the step!!! My oh My!!!
Kitties eating away!
Two big boys wound up about their new kitties!

Ahhh.....

2008-08-25T20:39:00.002-05:00

We made it....we had fabulous help. I can't wait to tell you about it. We're all unpacked...oops - that was a typo...we're NOT all unpacked...life is still good. We're very happy about our new home.

More to come soon. The computer is back up and working great...we lost our DSL when we moved; but we picked up Laptop Connect through AT&T. It's...good...very good...much better than dial up...but just not the same as our dear DSL...we'll adjust. We can do that!

Hope to be back tomorrow. I'm ready to be a good, regular, blogger again! With boys as cute as ours how can we not share?!?!?

The Return....

2008-08-17T20:20:00.004-05:00

Well, we're supposed to get our computer back tomorrow...I'll share the details later; but I think it's going to work out just great. Thank you for your words of wisdom (Joe Kirklin...and more).

And, it was nice to know too that some of you cared that we were AWOL for a little bit.

I hope to post this week if we get the computer back tomorrow (I'm posting via my work laptop right now) but if not it will be a little later...because...

IT'S MOVING TIME!!! Yes, we're moving this weekend...if you have a muscle to spare, we'll take it!!! 8:00am, Saturday morning, August 23!!!

If God brings us to mind this week and you have a prayer to spare, please pray that we're getting done all that needs to be...

See SOME of you (bless you!!!) Saturday morning!!! See the rest of you later, eh? ;)

UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

2008-08-11T19:15:00.002-05:00

This is the error I came home to on our home laptop Friday night after the boys and I spent the evening at Mom's. I called Dell and our warranty has expired.

Are there any computer geniuses out there that can help me?

When I talked with DELL today they said our hard drive probably needs replaced. Anyone, anyone, anyone know how to get our computer off of this blue screen that says UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME...we want out laptop back...and all of our pics from this year...oh, boo hoo hoo.....

HELP!!???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

sorry...no pictures...

2008-08-06T19:11:00.004-05:00

We're a little busy right now...

I will get back to blogging regularly...

I have no pictures to share...well, I do, I just haven't uploaded them...

We're moving to our new house (new to us) in two weeks...oh, wait is it three...the 23rd...

It's only 2 miles away...We'll have fabulous neighbors (not that we don't now!!) :) HI KENDRA!

Let the packing continue!!! The boys love the "new house"...lots of room for them to run around...eek! (I see stiches at the ER in our future...)

Hess Family Reunion

2008-07-28T10:38:00.001-05:00

We had a wonderful day splashing in the water, rolling in the sand, eating yummy foods....and Mommy forgot the camera.

And, there are so many gorgeous kids in this family...

I'm sorry! I know most of you do not care; but I am really bummed I forgot the camera!

Prayer

2008-07-25T10:13:00.004-05:00

Hi friends,

Travis, Cynthia & 4yr old Markayzie, friends of Aaron & Jen's (and former neighbors), who have become dear friends of our entire family, are hurting today. Could you pray for them if God brings them to mind?

Cynthia gave birth Wednesday to a little girl, Jersey Katherine at 12:23pm. And, at 1:30pm she entered heaven. Although they knew she wasn't well I'm sure it doesn't make their hurt any easier.

Some of you have been through this exact kind of hurt and know how to pray for them. Please do. For those of us who do not know this exact hurt, we can still pray and ask the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf.

Toby Turns One!

2008-07-20T20:25:00.015-05:00

We started the fun the night before where we put this egg in the water. Toby watched and cheered along as Tucker & I dunked the egg. Waht will it be??? A dino, alligator, horse, cow, duck, chicken?? 24-48 hours will tell! Cheese!
Wait...what are you guys doing again?
Here is the egg...
Egg in the water...
Gram comes in for the night! Sep's Mom & Brother came up for Toby's party and stayed the night with us. Gram camped out in his room. And somehow ended up in bed with her...you'll have to ask her the story...
After the chillins were asleepin I decorated the cakes. Here is Toby's cake...And the bigger cakes for the guests that will come to celebrate our Toby who brings us oh so much joy! Can you tell what it is???
PaPaw picked up this dump truck that apparently was used as a push toy of the birthday boy! I missed the real event; but I'm glad that someone picked up my camera and snapped a photo! These guys really love playing together!
Sep & Brian enjoy visiting...
Carly taking it all in
I bought some of those punch balloons that were shaped like animals. Justin had a VERY hard time blowing one up! It was hilarious!
Jayna Jo plays with one of the balloons...
And, Taylor Tot does too, unfortunately she didn't get to play too long...this is the one her Daddy blew up and I think it deflated after ONE punch. lol
Taylor tries to blow it up after it deflated...I had to grab the camera. You'll see how it inflates and deflates as she attemps to blow it up. It was cute!

(Carly is not having a good moment in the background)

Toby tries the teter-totter...he's so close to walking; but not there yet!
A little Daddy, daughter time on the teter-totter. (Aaron & Jayna)
Aaron found out this week that he passed his Master test! He is officially a Master Electrician! I am so proud of him! We had a small cookie cake to celebrate that as well on Toby's Birthday! I don't think Toby minded a bit! Way to go Aaron!!! I'm so so proud of you!
Yes, homemade ice cream was on the menu...and after a minor misunderstanding that Mom fixed (and Justin & Aaron) the ice cream was done in a matter of minutes and was oh so delicious! (Oreo Cookie Ice Cream)
Toby is ready for some cake (actually I think he's ready for a nap!)

Before Mommy handed the bib out...
Checking it all out. He is such a mellow little boy. I wish you all could get some time to spend with him. He's such a sweetie. He reminds you to slow down and love...
Tucker is trying to help him eat...
I think Toby is not too sure why Tucker needs to be involved.
Tucker is processing the talk from DAddy about "It's Toby's birthday...this is HIS cake..."

Mmmm...Mmmm...Mama...
It's good, but I'll just take my time...
Precious boy!
Finger licking good (Justin took some great pics for us!)

Mommy (and her new haircut) get the bigger cake out to cut!
Toby continues on! :)
Let's open presents before Toby falls asleep! A ball!!! And, when he looked at it, it was almost as if you could hear him whisper...My own ball...don't tell Tucker...He held tight!

A new bike, rocker, pushing combo!
Auti gets in to help...she LOVES her some Toby!!
Grandma & Carly take a water break. The sun wasn't intense until later but the humidity was unbelievable!!!
Yeah for lollipops!!!!

(L to R; Autumn, Jayna, Carly, Toby, Taylor, Megan, Tucker)

Toby is now down for a nap...Justin & family have left and after much asking Jen & I finally gave in and let the kids eat their lollipops!

Tucker was SO SO HOT!!!

Jayna opening it all up!
Auti was chomping away. It was quite hilarious!
The kiddos lined up eating their hearts away in sugar...
Auts wanted to sit with me and put her yucky hands on me so I pulled her back and snapped a shot.
Toby has awakened and all guests have gone home. The boys have some leftovers for dinner and Tucker cannot stay awake to save his life. I think I need to send these into AFV. They are hilarious!

After dinner Tucker is wide awake and is showing Toby how to use his new bike!

Toby thinks there is a malfunction...
I LOVE this...If he could talk I'm sure it would be - I thought this was MY gift! Get him off!!! Come on Mom!!

This pic is from today (Sunday) Uncle Johnnie got the boys some new outfits and they looked so sharp today (more pics of them on the right)
Yeah! Toby is ONE!!!!

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-19T18:40:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday our Dear Sweet Toby!!! You have brought us so much joy in this past year!

Love- Mommy, Daddy, Tucker

You've come a long way, baby!

That's all for tonight, folks. Party pics will probably come tomorrow!

Basketball Boys

2008-07-07T21:48:00.005-05:00

Basketball fun with Daddy last week...or Basket-of-the-ball as Tucker calls it! ha ha

We're just returning home from a whirlwind visit to IN/OH for a death on Sep's side of the family. I've got a few cute pics to share. More to come tomorrow night.

Aaron & Jen's Date Night

2008-07-07T21:22:00.006-05:00

Aaron & Jen had a date night this past weekend, so we kept the girls for awhile. We had a fun time!! Yeah for the water!!!

Toby just taking it all in!

Dinner time! Smiles all around starting with Auti...
Toby David...
Jayna Jo
And, the Tucker Boy
It was such a precious look he was giving I had to share this pic. Look at those big brown eyes. What a handsome boy!
Oh, the Ramen Noodle Shelf Toby has...we had NO IDEA!!!

Auti provided the entertainment (as usual) ha ha
She's a sweetie pie...
Uncle Sep tries to hold down the fort between Tucker & Auti Faith.
Jayna had plenty of stories to share (as always) :)
Then, before bedtime popcorn was requested. Of course we gave in!! They were so cute all cuddled in their PJ's. Toby was already in bed. Look at how light it is outside!!! It isn't getting dark here round these parts (ha ha) until about 10:30ish.

Posing for a pic while we got their snack ready...
Toby loves Jayna Bug...
Tucker and Auti being goofy. They are stinkin hilarious together.
Auds being goofy again...surprise...surprise...

July 4th Fun...

2008-07-07T20:01:00.012-05:00

We really wanted to go to the BIG fireworks; but it just wasn't the year for us to go. We did have a nice time at Aaron & Jen's with a small kid-friendly (kid bedtime friendly too!!) firework display. Ironically enough, on Saturday night we watched the fireworks from a local city on TV and we both really enjoyed it! (the boys were already asleep).

Below are some pics from our 4th of July fun that Grandma came over for too. We were all so so pooped from the massive work we had put into our garage sale last weekend July 3-5. A small 4th of July was sounding better and better as the day progressed!! :)

Tucker getting settled in for the show...this boy LOVES Mickey Mouse! Who wouldn't love a friend like Mickey - Mickey taugh him his shapes! The other day I heard him walking around pointing out squares, triangles and circles. Aw, my little genius...I digress...

Our beautiful Tob taking it all in...(that is the campfire in the background)He's so excited!!
Such a sweet smile...but don't let that fool ya! ;) As you can see she got her new cast!!! She was going pink all the way until the last minute Jen says she decided orange was the way to go! Silly girl!Oh!! A wipe out for the Tucker Boy when running FROM the swingset!
Tucker asking for more (signing) fireworks...he really enjoyed them.
Toby enjoyed them too as you can see. He was so sleepy. He would lay his head down on the blanket between fireworks but he just didn't want to go to sleep!
Hands in the air! This was so cute...you'll have to watch the video below for the full effect. He kept throwing his hands in the air during the booms!
Look at those big brown eyes.
What's this picture you say? Oh, it's Sep's shoe. He stood around a little too long after lighting a fireword and when he ran to get out of there he left his shoe behind.
And, now he returned after the display was complete to get his shoe! ha ha It was hilarious! Waiting for Sparklers...Jayna waits so patiently...Tucker crawls over the table numerous times to pass the time...
Grandma and her sparkler...
Aaron & Jayna running with sparklers like torches...
Here is one of the shots of Toby arising to see some fireworks after just taking a 10 second snooze with head in blankee, bottom in the air... ;)
This was one wound up little boy!
Uncle Sep put a sparkler in the top of her cast. It was all fun until the sparkler ran out and she couldn't pull it out!!!
Tucker with jammies on now...and Jayna & Daddy talked me into letting him do some sparklers. It went smoothly until he started to not be so nervous with them and wanted to jump up and down...then I think Sep's heart skipped a few beats. It was hilarious!

Toby stopping for a drink break...oh wait!! Is that Auti's milk?? I had NO idea until I just posted the pictures. I wonder how much of her milk he drank that night!!! uh oh!!! (She has lots of her meds in her milk!) Auti, Toby & Sep at the beginning of the night enjoying the campfire.
Waiting for it to get a little darker.
Aaron decides to shart the show...
Auti snuggles in for the show. She kept signing and saying, "All done...All done" when the fireworks were going off. We thought maybe all of the noises reminded her of the NICU or something...it was cute.
OOOOOOOOO.....AAAAHHHHHH ........OOOHHHH

Hodge Podge...

2008-07-07T16:22:00.007-05:00

Here's a little bit of this and that...it makes me smile...hope it does you too!!

The other night the boys &I were over at Mom's and Tucker found the dress up shoes the girls play with and was "attempting" to walk around in them...it was hilarious. And, of course, when he realized he was being funny it was 10 times more funny! A different day at Grandma's...Sep posing with the girls on the quad. He was dropping one off and picking up the other and they stopped for the photo op!Preparations for the 2nd Annual Terry Hess Memorial Golf Outing...LOTS of attendees this year. Here we are putting together the bag tags...
I forgot to make the tags for the bags until the night before so we all gathered and pitched in to make them. After I printed them off we had an assembly line for cutting, laminating and hooking...good teamwork! The kids playing while we worked away!!! They have much fun together. What a cute picture!The three Musketeers (all born 3 mos apart) Carly, Autumn & Tucker. They look like they're devising a plan up for something!And, they're off!One of the boys favorite things to do at Grandma's while we're inside is play in this little wagon.

Fun, Fun, Fun

2008-07-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

We have LOTS of fun pics to post from a great extended weekend. I've been working on getting a post together all weeked and hope to get it up tonight! Stay tuned!

Silly Boys...

2008-07-02T18:52:00.009-05:00

These were some silly boys tonight. First, Tucker & his basketball...man, oh, man!!! He is even sleeping with is basketball these days! He dropped it over the edge of the love seat and had quite a feat trying to get it off of the floor! It was hilarious to watch him try to get it since he COULD NOT just get off of the love seat and pick it up!!!!
So close, but just can't get a hand on it. Toby loves to see his brother struggle apparently. He enjoyed the show thoroughly.Look at Toby now...he's WATCHING Tucker struggle. This boy has a good sense of humor, eh?
Now, Toby is giggling at Tucker and Tucker boy is getting awfully close to falling off as you can see...

Toby is losing interest since Tucker is having NO LUCK, but Tucker refuses to get down and has this stubborn streak to do it his way. I think he gets that from his Dad.
Tucker has got some tongue action going on trying to hold himself on the couch.
Taking a breather.
Trying with all he's got!Oh no...he's really getting close to falling now!!! What dedication! He get's the ball...actually, I didn't get the full action picture. Toby, amidst his giggling, grabbed the ball and Tucker could NOT have that so he got OFF the Love Seat and took the ball from Toby. And, then hit him on the head for taking his ball!!! AUGH!!!

When he hit Toby on the head, Toby must have thought it was worth it because he just giggled and crawled away, he let go of the ball to hit Toby so he had to chase it down...
Toby is a cute little boy with his wave. It cracks all three of us up. As you can hear Tucker giggling about it in the background...

Tucker is so silly!!! How fun life is with three sweet boys in my life!

Nightime tonight...man, they were wound up!! I'm not sure why; but it was hilarious! I ran for the camera to try to catch some of their giggling on camera. (It starts out dark; but I turned the light on after a few seconds...)

Thank you Jesus for my boys...

Visiting...

2008-06-30T20:18:00.006-05:00

A few of us went up to visit Aunt Ila & Uncle Bernie this past Sunday and it was such a beautiful night. They have a nice house on the lake and to our surprise...Daddy Swan greeted us! When the kids went running towards the water, Daddy swan came flying straight over to us. It didn't take us long to figure out that he was making sure we knew this was HIS area...and he was protecting Mama Swan and babies!!!!
Here they come...He's still on the guard... Grandma tells the kids about Papa Swan...
Tucker is in AWE!

Jayna points out where the babies are coming with their Mama!
Oh, they're coming in to the lady next door...she was feeding them.

Here she is sharing a loaf...Aunt Ila wasn't sure that the bread was good for the swans and babies. Jayna told the kids to throw grass in the lake and maybe the babies would come our way.

Pick that grass...
Auti Aut
Tob Man checking it out with help from GrandmaA friendly muskrat swims by...
More grass picking...

Aw, these guys are buds....Auti & Tucker
There is a big ole bullfrog in here! Can you see him?

I can't either, but I could when I took the picture! Toby REALLY wants to walk...

Sep & Uncle Bernie visiting a little. Uncle Bernie had some neat childhood stories to share. Have you seen the movie Secondhand Lions? Sep said he felt like he was living that movie while talking to Uncle Bernie. I thought that was hilarious! Hanging out on the porch with Grandma.

(Aunt Ila (Mom's sister) was around the whole time too; I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of her!)

Aw, the cute Tob-man. Oh, the wild children.Toby attempting that walking thing AGAIN!Tucker was HOT, can you tell by his face?!?! He had his drink gone in .2 seconds!

Baby Birdie

2008-06-26T14:41:00.006-05:00

Daddy & the boys found a baby Robin greeting them when they got home today...

And, in old but new news, the tadpoles are looking a bit different these days. A lot of them didn't make it all of the way through their days of morphing into froggies; but a good amount did.

The big tadpole we caught awhile back was indeed a bullfrog. The sad part is that we didn't recognize he was a big ole frog until he had passed away and the tadpoles were, uh, getting some nutrition...eek!

But...the tadpoles are growing legs. (the ones I believe to be the wood frogs) As soon as we see one finish changing into a frog we'll take them all back to their original home and set the rest of them free. It's been fun to watch them. We've all enjoyed it here!

Here are a few current pics of the tadpoles in their habitat. See if you can see the legs on the tadpoles, especially this one directly below.

Tucker is 2!!!

2008-06-24T19:20:00.013-05:00

We had the family over for a party on Saturday to celebrate the Big Boy! Tucker turned 2 on Sunday!!! What a blessing to our lives this crazy boy is! Enjoy the pics!

Surprise Surprise for all of us! Aunt Jessie and Baby Kyndall came for the party! Tucker was so excited to see both of them when he woke up on Saturday. Here is our newest cousin Baby K - she was born in Feb and is such a doll baby!

He wanted his picture taken with her...

And, then he watned his picture taken with him touching her. It was so cute!Papaw and Grammie Lindley were there too when the boys woke up . How fun! Grammie is reading Toby a Good Morning story. Grammie, Papaw, Aunt Jessie & Kyndall wanted to give their gifts before the party.I think Grammie is excited!!Aunt Jessie & K got him a basketball and trucks! He's LOVING Basketballs these days!And, this boy ALWAYS has time for another truck!Grammie & Papaw got him a Baseball thingy that he's been eyeing in the Fisher Price Catalog.The guests have started arriving and Carly is ready to check out the water!Swingy Swingy time...for Carly & Autumn, Aunt Jen & Grandma HessPapaw Shoemaker came too from Ohio (and Great Memaw Shoemaker). Here Papaw has some sweet time with the Tob-Man.Justin & Megan cuddling. (Grandma Hess & Great Memaw Shoemaker in the background)Some serious dinner discussion between Jayna & Tucker...they're good buds!Getting some food...Let the water fun begin! These kids were fun! Check out Justin's blog for some fun pics of the day too.Jayna's sporting the Target bag over her cast.Megan was SO loving this little pool! It was hilarious!The three that were all born three months apart. (L to R) Carly, Tucker, AutumnEating some cake after playing in the water...A little black frosting on the mouth is good for Thank you Kisses and Hugs... :)Fishy!!! Toby has gotten many a hit in the head from this pole since Saturday.BIG Truck!!! (and quite noisy too!)Choo Choo too!!BIG Truck from Papaw Shoemaker....(and three more!) They're really cool and really noisy!And, a couch from Grandma Hess...here's Jayna & Tucker trying it out.Auti likes it too...Carly's ready for a nap...Uncle Aaron & Tucker attempt to put together the Choo Choo...I think Tucker has something to say about it.Auti is in on the fun now..."I think you need the fishing pole for this step, Daddy..."I'm not sure what's happening here; but Tucker & Auti are a bit concerned...Aunt Jen attempts to console...key word here is attempts... :)Tucker looking around at the remains of the party...winding down quick...It's done! And, so much fun!Tob-Man enjoying Papaw Shoemaker's firework show at the end of the day!

Whew! See you in a month for Toby's birthday! wowee!!!

The Cake...

2008-06-24T19:04:00.003-05:00

I had been planning to make Tucker a Mickey Mouse Cake since he just LOVES Micko (as he calls him) but Thursday night when we were getting ready for bed I asked him what kind of cake HE wanted for his birthday (DUH!) and he said, Truck! I tried to talk him out of it because Mickey was so cool, but he'd hear none of it! So, here's the dump truck cake. I think it turned out pretty decent considering... I took this shot not looking and I think it's hilarious how you can see he's sucked in all the air possible to blow out those two candles. What a cutie!

The Next Day...

2008-06-23T19:45:00.006-05:00

Late late Saturday night Toby woke up very fussy which is very uncommon for the little big boy...He was up almost the entire night moaning and had temp of 103-104 all night... When Tucker got up Sunday mid morning he was feeling yucky as well with a temp of about 103. What was it you ask?? Hand, Foot & Mouth. Apparently they were exposed to it at daycare. Oh well, it happens. Tucker seems to have fought it off better than Toby; but they're both doing much much better now.

So, what did we do the day after the party? RELAXED!!! With the boys not feeling too well at all, Tucker spent his actual birthday lounging. He thoroughly enjoyed the couch from Grandma and even invited Toby to lounge with him. Aren't they so cute? This is Tucker saying, "Hi Mom"... If you've heard him talk you can just hear him saying it!
Sick boys need suckers, right??? Messy messy suckers!!!
We're not up to anything, really Mom...really...
We put Mickey on TV (they LOVE Mickey) and we caught them holding hands while watching. How precious!
And then a hug...Tucker LOVES to hug the Tob-man...who doesn't???
Reading about the birds...again!
This pic just cracks me up! Toby is teaching Tucker about the migration process.
Here is what you do when you feel yucky on your birthday. Mommy & Daddy are very tired of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!!
Toby woke up from a morning nap not happy at all and Tucker was trying to console him. He reached up an put his arm around him after Daddy sat Toby down beside him and Toby STILL wasn't happy. Poor Tob...

But, Cheerios make us happy!!!! Especially Strawberry Yogurt Cheerios!!
Aw, I LOVE LOVE this picture of my boys!
Thank you Grandma Hess for my birthday couch! I love to share it with my Toby brother.

Cool Dude & Cottage Cheese

2008-06-18T17:00:00.005-05:00

Who is this cool dude riding through my kitchen??What? Are you looking at me, Mama??

(Notice he's acquired his drill in the bed of his truck since the last picture...in case the truck breaks down, I suppose!)
Oh wait - I need to stop and pick up my sippee cup to put in the bed of my truck...

CHEESE!!!
Ever wonder what Cottage Cheese rubbed into your hair does for it? Toby is modeling it for you in the pictures to follow...

Even the COOL DUDE though Toby looked hilarious!

Oh, life must have been so so boring before these boys came along!!!

Good Morning to me...

2008-06-17T05:29:00.002-05:00

I went to get some jeans out of the dryer this morning and look who was peeking at me through the back window...

I thought it was a Mama and a baby; but it was a Mama and TWO babies!!! It's not a clear picture - it was all the way at the back of the yard and I was sticking the camera out the door to attempt to get a clear shot; but you get the just of it! What a beautiful site this morning!

Zoomed in a bit; but blurrier too!

Just life...

2008-06-16T16:37:00.004-05:00

Just life has been happening here at the Shoemaker house. I LOVE going to Garage Sales and finding a good deal. Last week I bought two horsies (on broomsticks) and two cowboy hats, red & black. The boys loved them...Toby isn't as smooth with getting his hat on and off as Tucker is. He is such a doll baby...
What's up partner??You want kisses??? I like to give kisses... That's all the show for tonight, folks...
This boy is hilarious about shoes and hats...his "style" or lack there of continues to crack us up! These Old Navy Dinosaur slippers were a garage sale find too. Apparently they make watching Veggie Tales much more enjoyable!

Brothers...

2008-06-12T19:51:00.003-05:00

At one poing tonight's conversation at Mom's dinner table went like this:

Aaron: Sis, you still bloggin'
Me: Yeah, you?
Aaron: No, Jen does.
Me: I'm adjusting to our new schedule of life (yet again)
Aaron: People are going to start removing you from their lists...
Me: I know...
Justin: I'm going to move you to the Leavitt's side of the blog-list.

Brothers...aren't they grand?

I've got so much to share - hopefully this weekend I can give a mass update.

Don't give up hope on me!