Snow Day!!!

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It Snowed! It was Exciting! We spent about 20 minutes getting the kids all bundled up to go out to play. They lasted exactly 12.5 minutes. So, I feel that I need not spend a lot of time on this post. It snowed. Abby still loves the snow and I was VERY surprised when she didn't play outside in it very long. I think it might have been the company - later in the day she went over to the Morrisons' and spent a ton of time building a snowman w/Amanda and Rachel. Go figure.




Andy? Well Andy we discovered, might have the same "love" for the snow that his mom has. That is fine with me. While Abby and Trav are up at the Mountain Skiing, Andy and I can head to someplace warmer. Like the lodge - for Hot Cocoa and a Fireplace! I don't mind!




He did warm up (a little) when Daddy did his "one horse open sleigh" impression:

Andy - 19 Months Old

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Andy turned 19 Months Old February 24th. Wow, 19 Months. Seems like just yesterday I was taking him to get his 18 Month Photos. In fact, I still don't have them printed, or framed, or given away to everyone yet! But, part of that is Trevor's Fault!!!!! :)

At times like this, it is hard for me to think of what to type. What is new. What is different. There are new, silly, fun, amazing things he does everyday. But, when it comes time to put the fingers to the keyboard, I have a hard time remember what EXACTLY we do all day!

Andy is obsessed with anything that "Sissy" does, wears, plays with, loves, eats, etc. You get the point. Most recently he has decided that her bike helmet is his. We aren't sure why. We don't really get it. But, he screams to have it put on. Then, you put it on and he screams that he wants it off. Gotta love that! Not.

I captured the moment the other day. It was just an added bonus that he was using one of her old, pink, binkies as well:




Daddy's (or anybody's really) shoes are still fun. What is even more fun is when Sissy plays a game that HE invented/started. Love how he is smiling at her in this picture. He is so excited she is playing with him.




They have been playing together more and more now that 1. he has decided she is ultra cool, and 2. she can get him to follow directions/orders - for the most part. They have made a "fort" out of my hall coat closet. They have pillows and blankets and a light all set up in there. It is pretty cute.

Andy's newest funny trick/story is this... He has his "little blue potty" chair in the bathroom. Well, the last week or so he has started to tell us when he has to, or he has gone "poop, poop". Now, I'm in no way started to potty training him, but it is a great start and if he wants to sit on the potty and pretend, I'm going to let him. Especially if he is going to start saying when he needs to go or needs a new diaper. So, anyways... I got sidetracked...

His newest thing is to walk into the bathroom, shut the door, sit on his potty (fully clothed), and then we hear him yell "blah, blah, blah poop-poop". The first time he did it Trav and I just lost it because we realized what he was doing. He was mimicking Abby. That is what she does. She goes in there, does her thing and then yells for us to come and wipe. Maybe you had to be here and maybe I shouldn't talk about "poop-poop" in my blog, but it was funny and cute and funny and cute. :)

Oh, did I mention that Andy is into shoes? And, it doesn't really matter whose (is that the right who?) they are? Most recently, he has discovered some that are "just his size", and boy don't you DARE try and give him a pair that doesn't match!!! Trav tried to give him one purple and one pink the other day and you would have thought he was holding Puppy over the garbage can - major drama!




I'm sorry Andy. I know you will hate me someday. But, I had to do it. I'm sorry, but these are too funny/cute not to share! I refrained from posting on Facebook. He should be happy I gave him that much!

Here are few cute photos of Andy eating her "Bears" that Grammy got him for Valentine's. He has them in a little Ziploc bag and he takes them out of the pantry and works on them every once in while. It is cute to watch him tackle the marshmallow and to also say "Bear" as he bites their heads off.

There is just something so cute and innocent about these pictures that I love. Even if he is ripping their heads off.







Notice the bottom right photo - he is feeding some to Puppy. Remember you can always click on these photos to see them better.

So, that is Andy in a nutshell right now. He still loves music class. He can dance like nobody's business. Loves Swimming. Loves picking up Abby at PS. Is becoming such a little "pal" to both Abby and Me. Him and I get lots of bonding time while Abby is at PS and he is a errand running little trooper!

Presidents' Day Weekend

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Presidents' Day Weekend. Really, I probably should have come up with a better, more fun title for this post. I mean, really... we don't celebrate Presidents' Day like it is this big exciting holiday. We just look forward to the long weekend! So, a fun three day weekend title was in order, but I was at a lack of creativity! In fact, I have been skipping this post, and working on others, because I couldn't come up with a snappy title. But, since I'm very "A Type" and like to keep my posts in date order. I had to get to it - eventually - because it was creating a log jam. Okay, so now that you all think I'm crazier than you used to. Let's get on with it.



Presidents Day Weekend was a three day weekend for Travis - woot! Gotta love that. It was also a busy day followed by two lazy days to recover. Plus, Plus.



On Saturday we had swim class, the Intel Winter Celebration, and The Globetrotters! We decided that it was just too crazy busy of a day, so we let Grammy and Papa have some 2 on 1 time with Andy and we just took Abby. It was nice to spend that time with her. I can't believe how much she is growing up. What a "kid" she is becoming! Times like this, when I can just focus on her, are so great - because it is happening so fast. Sometimes it is nice to stop and just enjoy the moment - and not carry a diaper bag!!! :)



Intel rented out the Memorial Coliseum for this event. They had Ice Skating (line was CRAZY long, so we didn't get to try), Various Bounce Houses and Games, Face Painting, Radio Disney was there, etc.



Our first stop was the Radio Disney area. They were doing some games and dances, etc. They asked for kids to come up and join them dancing a line dance type thing. Abby was the ONLY kid that would do it. And, even after she saw she was the only one, she stayed up there and still did it. I was SO proud of her. And, she was so cute. I wish I had had my video camera there. These pictures don't do it justice. But, I took them anyways...







Next we went downstairs and did the games, bounce houses, and face painting. And, yes... I did get braces - again. Only for 6 months. It is fine. I'm okay with it and so far no one has laughed at me - too loud!

After the Winter Event we went to Burgerville for an ice cream treat and then walked over to the Rose Garden for the Globe Trotters - fun. Abby seemed to like it and think it was pretty funny. I didn't really take any pictures there either - but we were there!



Sunday we just hung out and recovered from the long day before. Retrieved Andy from the 'rents and just "vegged". It was nice. Especially since we had another ENTIRE day the next day.



On Monday Abby and Daddy made "Princess Cupcakes". Aunt Megan and family had come down the weekend before and brought Abby this Princess Cupcake making kit. So, she was DYING to use it. I went to have a Girls Lunch out w/Cousin Sarah and Trav got to stay home and make Princess Cupcakes... hee, hee... :)




Thanks Auntie Megan. We would send you one, but they are all gone! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Valentine's Day was fun this year. Abby was WAY into it! At school, they had a "Valentine Making Station" set up the weeks prior to Valentine's. Everyday she would make Valentines for her friends and other cards, from her friends, would come home in her backpack. It was really cute how much they all wanted to "share the love" with each other. So simple. So cute. So kid.

Our day started off with all four of us attending Abby's Valentine's Day Party at school. Andy is SO ready to spend his days at PS. Next year, it is going to be a rude awakening when he still isn't old enough to go himself! :) Abby always enjoys having ALL of us there. It was a fun day filled w/Crafts, Treats, and LOVE....



Later that evening, after we ate leftovers - yes, I was serious. We stayed in and ate left overs! We did exchange some gifts though. Now, between Travis and Abby, the "gift giving" around here has gotten out of control on Valentine's Day! My goodness...

I got this little Elmo Book and a Pink Puppy for Andy. Trav got Abby a "Littlest Pet Shop" set. We gave them that at Breakfast. I thought "there, that is good. I will get something from Travis this evening and everyone is happy". Oh no... Trav and Abby are 1. shop-a-holics, and 2. take this gift giving stuff VERY seriously.

I got Flowers AND a nice scrapbooking gift from Trav. Andy got me a nice scrapbooking gift as well. Abby got me jewelry. Andy got me flowers. Travis got Abby flowers. I was like "is this ever going to end!?!?!?" But, I have to say... it was very sweet how much thought and detail Abby put into everybody's gifts. She knew EXACTLY what she wanted to get me and Trav tells the story great of standing in the jewelry store FOREVER while Abby found IT (and also making sure IT was w/in the budget - apparently her first pick was $800.00!)

But, my favorite part of the entire Holiday was Abby's gift to Andy. She was in Freddie's w/Trav (on her jewelry hunt) when they walked past the Pillow Pets. They had a Red Puppy Valentine's one. Abby was CONVINCED that Andy needed that for Valentine's Day and there was no detering her. Now, that is Trav's version. Knowing how the TWO of them like to shop, I'm not sure I entirely buy the story. But, nonetheless, Abby got Andy ANOTHER Pillow Pet. Something we are NOT short of around here... But, like I said... It was SO thoughtful and sweet that she wanted to get him that. It was all she could talk about up until she did - in whispered chat of course. Wouldn't want Andy to hear!

Here he is opening it:

I will admit it - she was right. He did love it! Oh man, and check out those Baby Blues - heart melting!

Classic "bow on the baby" picture:

Me and two of my Valentines:

Then, we broke for Ice Cream Cake - heart shaped of course!

Happy Birthday WEEK to ME

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Okay, so maybe I cut that first post too short. Not really I'm sure. But, I did have a few more pictures, and diet cheats to share w/you! I somehow got my Birthday to last a week this year. Next year I'm shooting for it lasting a week AND having that time off as well - haha.

The day after my birthday Trevor volunteered to baby-sit so Trav and I could go out to dinner (yep, day #5). We went to another restaurant here in Hillsboro we had been meaning to try (Orenco Grill) and had a coupon for. It was good. Not that it really matters to this post! But, it was.

Anyway, here is a photo of Andy and Poppy that day. Totally unrelated - but cute photo!




The next day (the 10th) Abby and I had "Mommy and Me" cooking class. She LOVES that class by the way. She has never talked about a Parks and Rec class as much as she has talks about this one. Asks to go back, counts the days until she goes back, etc. That evening we made Mac N Cheese and Cinnamon Rolls (Day #6 of not cooking!)

That evening we rocked out a little before bedtime. I have no idea what we were singing, but I'm sure we sounded lovely! :)





Friday Night at our house is "Pizza and Movie" Night. So, another evening of not cooking under my belt! Day #7, a full week. I bet it is a record...

Then Saturday we went out to dinner (AGAIN!?!?) with my family. We went to Old Spaghetti Factory (and yes, I had a coupon for a free appetizer). It was a great day. My Brothers came up and watched the kids at swimming lessons, took Abby to the sportsman show to fish (she got skunked), and played with Andy a bit before dinner.

Abby at the Sportsman Show:





The Fam at Old Spaghetti Factory - mmmm bread...





So that was it. My Birthday lasted from Saturday to Saturday at our house (sort of). So, when Valentine's came around two days later and Trav asked if I wanted to go out for dinner I said "No, I think we will just stay home and have leftovers". And, we did!

Happy Birthday to ME!

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My 35th Birthday turned out to be worse for my diet than Christmas and New Year's put together! Seriously...

But, I (we) had a great time! On the 5th I went out with some of my Mommy Friends. The 6th was Superbowl Sunday, and then on the 7th we celebrated w/Steve, Marilyn, and Jessica.

Turns out Cousin Jess and I have the same Birthday. So, it is always fun to get together around that time and celebrate our coolness together!

Abby was SET on taking me to Red Robin for my actual birthday the next day - I mean isn't that everybody's Birthday Dream Place? Trav kept trying to steer her toward "Mommy's Choice", but she wasn't convinced... Wasn't she pleasantly surprised when Trav and Uncle Steve chose for us to meet up at RED ROBIN. She got her wish! :)

Steve and Marilyn got me this cool OSU pillow. But, even more fun than that, was the bag it came in! Heehee.

My actual Birthday was on Tuesday. As a Mommy, Tuesday is my HECTIC day. Gym Class, Scrapbooking, Andy's Art Class (only once a month), and Ballet. Somewhere in there I try to get a work out in. It is crazy. So, wasn't it just my luck that my Birthday fell on a Tuesday - that included Art Class?

I decided that we would go to the Thursday Gym class instead. Then Carda and I decided to take the kids bowling and to free Tuesday lunch instead of scrapbooking. So, it was a fun day. And, not TOO crazy. Just had to do the Art Class, Ballet, and the work out in the afternoon! :)

Andy did great at Art Class this time. Not that he doesn't always. But, he actually painted. What!?!?!? Yep, put paint to the paper and didn't even taste it once. I was in shock!

That evening (day #4 of eating out) we went to a Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Hillsboro I had been wanting to try. Which I'm a total dork... I told Trav I wanted to try this place called "Pickles". He was like um, a Mexican place called Pickles? Yep, Pickles. I have heard great things about it and we have a coupon in the Entertainment Book for it. So, let's try it. Okay...

Well, when I went to find the coupon. It is called "PEPPERS". Yeah, that makes MUCH more sense. Like I said. I'm a dork.

After dinner at Pickles/Peppers (which WAS good BTW), we came home, did baths and opened presents! The kids got me some awesome gifts this year. But, most importantly, they took some pictures w/me - which I never can get enough of!

Then Abby decided to take a few pictures:

This is my favorite Birthday Gift:

Earlier in the day these were delivered. Funny thing was, I was on my treadmill at the time, so Trav received them. Cracked me up... He paid $8.00 to have these delivered to himself - haha! :) Oh well...

It was shocking to me which cookie Abby picked for herself - just shocking... :)

Dress Up!

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February has been a big month for capturing funny dress-up moments. Not sure if a winter of being couped up is starting to get to them, or if their creative juices are just flowing? Either way, here are a few teasers. Trust me. There are more coming... :)

Morgan and Abby during Superbowl:



I guess when presented with an entire day dedicated to Professional Football, Girls must find something to do!!!

Here is Andy the next day. Abby left out her dress up jewelry - MUCH to Andy's delite:

February so far...

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Andy started off February w/a Double Ear Infection. Between ears, teeth, and not sleeping much (because of said issues) Andy has been a HANDFUL. He finally pushed thru his fourth molar, got some medicine for his ears, and started sleeping - a little better, but not much! He now thinks 5:30 a.m. is "Party Time" in his crib. Hopefully, we will get that curbed here shortly!


Here he is - day after we got him drugs - feeling a little better, just hanging at home w/Mommy and the animals while Daddy took Abby up Skiing.





A few days later he had his 18 Month appointment - 85% on weight, 95% on height, and 105% on his head! At least the rest of him is finally catching up to his head!


On the way home, he fell asleep and I put him down on the couch while I unloaded the car. Abby decided to make him comfortable and snuggled him all in. Pink blanket, doll, and puppy. Love it!
I thought for sure he would get up right away. Nope. Apparently the 5:30 wake up got to him and he slept for 45 mintues like this!





Lately, he has taken a real interest in the feeding of Pancho. I personally think it is because him and Pancho have a similar love of the current "snacking all the time" feeding schedule. Both demand food RIGHT when they want it, snack a little, and then move on. Five minutes later - hungry again. Like I said - they "get" each other. That, and I think Andy is just curious what he is eating that is SO good!

Plus, let's face it - they are both "Mama's Boys" - they get away with a lot!



In other news.... worried about his tummy pooch, Andy has taken up exercising regularly:

Helping Pancho w/Breakfast the next morning:

Andy got an early start to Super Bowl Sunday. Was up at 5:30 a.m., played hard, used Mommy as a recliner while watching cartoons, and then passed out until lunch time. Men.

Bowling Birthday - 35 Years Young!

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So, I turn 35 this year. I decided I needed a little party - I never do that. The summer is FULL of BBQs and Parties for the other three members of my family. But, I never get one. February is boring I guess? That and I don't have a Wife/Mommy to plan one for me I suppose...



This year I decided to get together my best Mommy-friends and have a Mommy's Night Out - on a Saturday Night - woohoo!

Started off with pedicures, then dinner at this quiet little pizza place I LOVE to go to, and then we hit the lanes! We had so much fun!!!










These ladies are truly a blessing in my life and I am thankful for them everyday. Without them I would not be the person, or Mommy, that I am. The love, support, and day-to-day chats are what keep me sane - and my children alive! ;)

Thank you gals - I love you!