Life at the Millers

Thankful!

2011-12-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! We had a wonderfully busy time this last few days. I'm not complaining! I wouldn't trade any of it for anything! SO BLESSED!

My baby's first Christmas!!!!

Watch Out! Tait's new ride!

Wow, it's been too long.....

2011-12-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

My apologies for the lack of posting. With work, one in school, husband starting basketball season, managing my home, enjoying my kiddos, and all the other things mothers do.... I have not found time or energy to post much! I also struggle with this feeling that my life is just not all that interesting and when I look back at a day I think...who wants to hear about diaper changing, laundry, grocery store runs, thomas the train make believe, dinner cooking, and couching sitting as I recover from the above?

Jason:
Absolutely loves coaching, as each season approaches I am taken back to a conversation we had when we first got married. We asked each other what our dream jobs would be (in reality). Jason at the time was not working at PCS and so he said, teaching and coaching. Little did we know that a year later his dream would come true. So as I dread that the season is beginning because we miss having daddy at home each nite, I remind myself that he is doing what he loves and therefore I LOVE IT!

Me:
Am working three mornings a week at school while Tait attends Pre-K. Love my job, but it does takes it toll on our home and family at times. By friday ( a day I don't work) we are in recovery mode for the rest of the week as we watch the next week quickly approaching! I just finished reading the book Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman ( I highly recommend it for you mothers out there). It sure has put in perspective the time I invest into my children, for I do not know if it's the last day I have with them!

Tait:
Tait attend PCS for three mornings each week and LOVES IT! It has been great for him socially. I would say academically as well, but I am pretty sure he is going to be one of those kids that teaches himself most things. He asked me the other day how to spell CLOCK. As I spelled it out he wanted to write in on a whiteboard. I have definitely not taught him how to form letters (besides his name) so I was wondering how this was going to work. I started with C and wouldn't you know a C appeared on the board and so on through the rest of the word! My smart little cookie is learning things and its so fun to watch! Tait is loving Jesus more each day. Ever since he asked Christ in his heart this summer, this momma has noticed a true change in the way he cares for others and expresses it alot through words. A very kind and caring child!

Jude:
Nine months old on Thanksgiving. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! So very thankful for this bright eyed (and boy do I mean bright eyed), happy, drooly, smiley, chatty, all over the place child! He lights up my world from the moment I reach for him in his crib to the moment I lay him down that night! He is a crawling fool, pulling himself up anywhere he can and even places he can't. Got his first tooth this week! PRAISE JESUS!!! LOVES LOVES LOVES his big brother, follows him everywhere! He is a true joy. As we look back on a not so fun pregnancy and the challenges of getting and keeping pregnancies we can not thank the Lord enough for this gift! He has truly completed our little family!

OKAY, there you have it. A little update on our THE MILLZ Clan. I'd like to say I will do better at keeping the updates alive, but I would probably be lying! Until next time.......

CAN WE GO TO THE PARK??????

2011-09-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Tait loves the park.... so our nights (if we have nothing else going on) usually consist of visiting some park, some where!

Fun at the PFEST

2011-09-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

A little late..... but here are some pictures from the Pumpkin Festival. Tait HAD A BLAST! I would say the first year that he lived and breathed the Pfest like his parents do! It was so fun to watch. Not so much fun caring around a 6 month old....but he had a great first PFEST!

flying by.....

2011-08-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by. Technically we have about 13 days left of summer before Tait heads off to school! Where did it go? Two kids sure makes the days fly and you wonder what you did and when you did it! Geeeeesh! None the less, we have so enjoyed our time as a family and have loved watching Jude grow before our eyes! He is such a good sleeper and a happy boy! He loves loves loves his big brother who thankfully loves loves loves his little brother!

IN LOVE

2011-05-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these two! They are such a joy in my life (not without some iffy moments) but they really are just awesome! J and I are totally blessed beyond all we could ask for or imagine! Thank you Lord for these gifts, too marvelous for words!

spring has sprung!

2011-05-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just some pictures of the kids enjoying the beautiful days!

updates......

2011-04-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

Well here is has been another month and I haven't posted a darn thing! Ooops! Time and days are flying by now that I am back to work. Mini Squirt will be two months old tomorrow and Little Squirt is getting to the point that I can't call him little squirt anymore. So I guess we can officially make him just "Squirt".

Mini Squirt is a happy little guy, smiling, cooing and all that little ones do. We are really enjoying him, but feel like it's flying way faster than it did with Tait. We are excited for life to slow down a bit once school is out and the weather decides to get nice!

Squirt is also doing well...... He is really growing up and is SUCH A GREAT big brother. LOVES LOVES LOVES his Jude-a-bug (which is what he calls him). He is more than ready to be outside enjoy life.......We have begun talking to him about school in the fall and he is SOOOOO excited to be a big boy at school with Mom and Dad.

2011-03-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

one month old last thursday.....time is already flying!!!!

JUDE IS HERE!!!!

2011-03-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, after a rather CRAZY arrival, Jude is here.

Thursday morning (Feb. 24th) I awoke as usual to pain in my back and hips. I then moved to the couch. Only to awake an hour later (no contractions), to my water breaking (didn't know that at the time). STILL NO CONTRACTIONS.... 30 minutes later I was having contractions at 2 minutes apart. THANK THE LORD for my brother in my backyard. Sarah ran over at 3:30 a.m. until my mother in law got here (my parents were in Florida). We made it to Proctor at 4 a.m. and up into the room at 5 after. Jude arrived 23 minutes later at 4:28 a.m! The dr. barely made it! Altogether from start to finish labor and all, was only 1 hr and a half! That's the way to go. No time for drugs but it went so fast that I survived. Jude Christopher was born on his Uncle Chris' birthday (we had already picked his middle name to be Christopher)!

7 lbs 7 oz 18.5 inches long

AND SOOOOO HEALTHY!!!!

what a difference two weeks makes

2011-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it's two weeks from my last post and yesterday instead of a snow suit and boots, Tait had on a light jacket and was riding his bike. We are loving loving loving these warmer temps. Makes me anxious to have this little one and be able to get the double stroller out and walk the town! I am officially off medicine and bed rest and things are going great. Back pain and swollen feet- but that's normal! It's good to just feel normal for a change! Had an dr. appt this morning. She doesn't think it'll be long now! Tait is VERY anxious. Talks to my belly almost everyday and tell his brother to hurry up and come out! He has major plans already for this little one! Trains, trains, and more trains, maybe a little sandbox time, bike rides to the park, etc....but mainly trains! It is so very fun to see how excited he really is. It truly is a great age to introduce a new one into our home! Thanks for all your continued prayers! We feel them and are so blessed!

Hopefully the next post will have pics of a new little one with a proud big brother!

Snow much fun!

2011-02-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

After our great friends came and helped Jason clear the drive, Daddy and Tait were able to have some fun outside! The luxury of working for a school system.....SNOW DAYS!!!!!!

This was the drift between us and the neighbors. Jason and Tait dug an igloo!

Tait- venturing into the unknown!

Daddy and Tait enjoying the snow of a lifetime! Mommy took this from a chair in the living room, since I am not allowed to move!

The drift between our house and the neighbors became a great sledding hill!

May look like they are on ground level, but look at the bottom left and you will see the plant like material....yep that's the top of our bushes in front of our window- a good 2 1/2 feet tall themselves!

a bit of craziness going on

2011-01-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well everything was fine and dandy (or so I thought) when I went in for my regular appointment two weeks ago. Two days shy of 33 weeks and I was contracting and didn't know it. I was immediately sent to the hospital and hooked up to lots of meds to try and stop everything. It took all day but they finally slowed down. A week later I was released on medicine and ordered to lay/sit on the couch and do nothing. WOW, has this been hard! All is going well now. Still on an oral medicine to relax everything, which I take every 6 hours. Things are well enough that it is getting harder and harder to just sit here. As I write this, my boys are at church. I miss the fellowship and friends and the teaching. My God has a plan and plan I have had to surrender to on a daily basis! Each day I wake up to my devotional that seems to have been written for just me and the things my heart is struggling over.

Here is just one example of the things being taught to me....

From "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a false hope! As I told my disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link you hope not to the problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.

It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances. In fact, My light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit. When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.

So 9 more days of sitting! Then off my meds and off this couch! COME BABY, COME!!!!!!

Snow crazy

2011-01-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

The saddest day this winter was the day the snow melted. Not for me...not a huge fan, but for Tait. He is in love with the snow. Sledding, snowmen, snow angels...eating it...Whatever you can do in the snow he wants to do it. Since the melting each night before bed the only prayer request he has has been for more snow. In fact it has been shortened to a four word prayer each night... "Dear Jesus, MORE SNOW!"

With the anticipation of the snow we just received over night, I said something to Tait yesterday about how sometimes God chooses to make us wait when we ask him for something. It teaches us patience. This morning when he woke up, He said "HE ANSWERED MOMMY!"

Off for more snow adventures!

Learning to play the Wii

2010-12-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

Jason has been such a good Daddy! He is teaching Tait how to play the Wii..... of course just the easy games for now, like bowling, sword fight, ping pong and such. But he is actually teaching him which buttons to push so that he really knows how to do it. In this video... Tait actually beat Jason on the sword fighting! What I love it that Jason won one round and Tait is such a cheerleader, always cheering for the person who won, even if it's not him! He is a great encourager! GO TAIT!

2010-11-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Another check-up and another reason to thank God for his blessings! Baby Squirt is doing just great and so am I!

Found a plaque the other day that is now sitting in baby's room.... It says

Faith in God includes faith in His timing.

According to my timing I would have a 6 month old baby right now... But through it all we had to trust in God and in His perfect timing...and man it is so worth it!!!!!!

Meet Squirt Miller!!!!

2010-11-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here is our little squirt! These pictures make it so much harder to wait! But as you can see- Our God is doing an awesome job of forming him! So until He is done making him into who He wants him to be- we will wait! Thank you for your ongoing prayers. We are seeing the Dr. every two weeks to monitor signs of premature labor. So far all is good- no changes!

Jason says this profile looks like Tait- especially his nose! Guess we'll have to wait and see!

Fall Fun

2010-11-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

We have been having lots of fun this Fall. Tait is very intrigued by the changing colors and leaves falling from the trees.... Just wanted to post some pics since I have done so in awhile.

Verses....and more!

2010-10-14T06:11:00.001-07:00

It's time..... This is what I thought the other day while on the couch with Tait. IT'S TIME TO LEARN SOME VERSES!!!! Since day one he has done well with verbal communications, language arts, etc. (like his mother....not so great in the math department- but heck I say if you can read- that'll get you anywhere!) Anyways, I chose 5 verses (very carefully) to begin with. This week's verse is Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining." See what I mean when I say that I chose them very carefully. I made sure they were relevant to his life and ones that may be helpful in certain situations. As my dear mother-in-law reminded me, we really do have a very obedient child (and we do) but there is always room to grow (even in my own life- and trust me this verse is just as much for me as it is for him!). We have two more days and we are one to the next verse.... hmmmm what shall it be this time????

The rest of life.....

Things are moving along nicely with the new little one- this stomach is moving along much faster! YIKES! I am huge! But I feel fine other than the occasional days of stretching and growth! Two Dr. appts. next week so we'll see how things are going.

We are entering the calm before the storm... 1 month away from basketball season... 1 month away from no more night time hubby/daddy....no more quiet dinners as a family together.... (can you tell I'm dreading this?) I love that my husband gets to do what he loves but it really does completely change our household around! Begin praying NOW- for a right heart, for a supportive spirit and a flexibility that I am not always the greatest at!

Here we go again!!!!

2010-09-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well it's official- we are having another boy! So very excited! Tait is so ready to be a big brother and show his brother the ropes when it comes to trains and all the stuff! We are also excited that the purchasing for this little bundle will be much more minimal than if I was going to have to bring a little pink into this home! I am feeling great and am thanking the Lord for each day this baby continues to grow! Appointments have been uneventful which is more than a blessing after dealing with the first few that were not that way.... Things have been so great that my specialist (who I had to see the entire pregnancy with Tait) said he only wants to see me one more time! Praise the LORD!!!! I will update with sonos and such soon! When they are this bitty- there is not much to see! Thank you all for your prayers!

Birthday Fun!

2010-09-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful long weekend celebrating Tait's 3rd birthday! His actual day was yesterday but we celebrated with Tanners, and two parties! He had so much fun. Mommy is still trying to deal with the fact that her baby is 3! AHHHHH! Here are some pictures from our fun events!

Happy Birthday to my favorite little man! You are an angel and I adore you! You make me smile all the time and never cease to amaze me with what you learn and say! I can't wait to watch you grow some more and watch God use you in mighty ways! We pray for your heart each and every day!

2010-08-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

This picture is from our vacation 3 weeks ago. Yes I haven't gotten around to posting any pictures from our trip- sorry! It has been a pure whirlwind since we have gotten back. Reclaiming our "normal" schedule, baby news, feeling not so up to par, school starting back up, etc. Tait has been a trooper through it all. I have noticed a bit more defiance creeping in. Probably his age, and lack of good nights of sleep. We have been pushing the bedtime limit a little too often! Tait LOVES LOVES LOVES anything his daddy does.... I think at least 5 or 6 times yesterday he asked me when Daddy was going to be home. Okay... I can take a hint- I am just not as fun... especially when I'm the one who makes him takes naps, pick up his toys and worst of all run errands!!!!! HEHEHE. I love this picture so much... Tait saw his reflection in Jason's glasses and started making faces at himself.... I think this speaks more than just the obvious but that as a Daddy, Jason has such an important role of being a imitator of Christ so that what Tait sees is a reflection of our Savior and wants to be just like DAD!!!!!!

They Grew.....

2010-07-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Our carrots grew! Tait had so much fun picking some of his carrots the other nite. We will pick the rest by the end of the week! Now they are sitting in the fridge, ready to eat!!! YUMMY!

LAZZZZZY!!!!

2010-07-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Did nothing today.... that's what I could begin and end with today. we have had such a busy week and will have a busy week next week with church vbs that we decided to do nothing today. Stayed in our jammies, watched some tv, okay we did go to the park for a half hour but then came home and did some more nothing! though I feel more tired than when the day began, it was all in all, a great day! Sure- I could of used this day to do a million things, so what, it all awaits me tomorrow!

Tait update- Doing great. Think he has grown a few inches the past few weeks. His jeans dont fit anymore! What happened to my baby! Really struggling with obedience and sharing right now...what oh that's right he's 2! But still it has really pressed on our buttons and there are times when I would love to just let him go because I get so tired of the spankings and chats, but I know in the end it will be good and this training early will hopefully lead to an easy life down the road!

well- off to do more.... nothing!!!!!!

Workin at the Car Wash!

2010-07-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

anyone need a new paint job! He's really great!!!!

my precious boy!

2010-06-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

There are definitely days that I am down.... and wanting to desperately to have a little munchkin in my arms- but God is good and gave me this precious boy to keep me content!

Coulda hosed us down......

2010-06-25T13:03:00.001-07:00

We went to the Morton Library's Brown Bag It event today..... it was seeing a fire truck and eating lunch. We went along with Amanda and Sy, and Sarah and Cooper. We had fun- the boys were in awe- but it was warm!!!! Here are some pics from the day....

How to Beat the Heat 101

2010-06-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

JUST PLAIN FUN! ENOUGH SAID.......

2010-06-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from what is starting to be a really fun summer. Each summer that passes with Tait gets to be more and more fun. He is just so entertaining. This particular night we went to Alexandar's to celebrate Grandma's birthday. We got there early so of course went to look at all the boats and run up and down the ramp! HAPPY SUMMER TO YOU ALL!

Garage Sale Overload!!!

2010-05-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Been busy pricing and sorting and organizing. Having a Garage Sale is hard work! But so long over do! Stop by next Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning....selling lots of stuff!

A funny!!!!!!

2010-05-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

My dad sent me this- I thought it would make you laugh!

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10..'

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'

Around the House

2010-05-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Not that I am any expert at all on housecleaning. I do like a clean house so here are a few tips I am beginning to use that are supposed to save $. Thought you might find them interesting....

1. Shiny Shower Door- Keep shower doors shiny and clear by using a soft cloth moistened with baby oil . The baby oil prevents buildup from dirt and soap, and keeps hard water spots from forming for several months!

2. Sticky Situations- Remove sticky price tags and stickers from glass by spraying the surface with WD-40 that you likely have in the garage. The residue rubs right off!

3. Make Furniture New Again- If your wood furniture has a water stain, simply rub mayonnaise on the stain and let it sit overnight. Wipe off the mayo in the morning and the finish will be restored!

4. Clean Blinds Easily- (if you are like me- you hate cleaning blinds!!!!) To clean blinds, use a clean paintbrush. Its a lot cheaper than buying expensive blind-cleaning tools and works just as well!

HOPE THESE ARE HELPFUL!!!!!

Alive and Kicking.....

2010-05-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yes- we are all still alive- just busy as all get out! School is wrapping up, which means sports are as well! PTL! Jason is enjoying the sports but ready to be home to play in the back yard with Little Man- if it would ever quit raining!

Tait is GREAT! A joy and a blessing to be around every moment of every day. Funny things are pouring out of his mouth. I can't help but laugh each and every day! He is such a blessing in our life. One quick funny: We pray each nite with Tait and ask him if he would like to talk to Jesus about anything. Usually its about the most memorable thing from the day. The other night, Jason was gone and so Mommy and Tait watched a little Dancing with the Stars to settle down before we read our Bible and such.... When it came time to pray, I asked him what he would like to talk to Jesus about. He said, "Uhhh- the dancing people!" So somehow I had to pray for dancing celebrities! HEHEHE!

A quick prayer request/update on our baby life.... we see two Drs. in about a month. to talk about what might be happening.... please keep us in you prayers. That the Lord would continually remind us that everything is IN HIS TIME!!!!!

More later... I promise!

Look It's a Steam Engine

2010-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last night Tait and I were hanging out trying to spot Daddy at the Rays vs. White Sox game. Tait decided to play with his Legos. With no diagram, no picture to go off of, he pops up and says, "Look Momma, it's a steam engine!" I was quite impressed that he could come up with that and build it with no help! My little engineer!

just like George....

2010-04-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is the statement I have heard for the last two weeks... Ever since we bought our carrot seeds to plant in Uncle and Aunt Sarah's garden. We watched a Curious George show the other day, where George planted carrots.... Where we ever excited when Aunt Sarah called us up to come and plant! Now- hopefully they won't be duds- my little man will be so upset!

2010-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

A few moments from our Easter fun! We praise the Lord for overcoming the grave and allowing us the free gift of salvation!

So proud of Tait and his debut on stage! Check it out below!

Tait's World

2010-03-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Tait has really discovered the art of solitary play! He spends hours ( and I really mean hours) playing on his own. I can go in his room to put clothes away and he can walk right by me as if I don't exist...well because in his train world I don't. That is of course, unless his train track breaks. This morning it did and this is what he said to me... "Hey Sweetie- the track is broken. Could you fix it? Thanks Honey!" Here is a small glimpse into the world of Tait.....

Children's Museum

2010-03-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun the other day going to the Children's Museum in Normal last week. Tait had so much fun exploring with his friend Jorja. And of course it was fun to have some mommy time with my friend Jaime! There was so much to do and we surely will be going back soon. Here are some of the highlights (and Tait's favorites!)....

Of course we couldn't go anywhere without trains....

a very neat pond...

Tait going shopping for the essentials....carrots, apples and donuts

Climbing the giant web!!!

discovering wind.....

Mommy's favorite a giant paint station!

Chess anyone????

A definite recommended trip for all with kids!!!!!

2010-03-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

LORD- THANK YOU FOR THIS WEATHER TODAY!!!!!

I NEEDED IT, TAIT NEEDED IT....WELL, I THINK WE ALL NEEDED IT! SO THANKS!

getting hard

2010-03-05T11:44:00.001-08:00

As time draws closer to Spring, it is also growing closer to the time when we would have been having our baby #2. Though are spirits have been high...there are days (more now than even a few months ago) where it is just really hard. There are a few moms at church and in other groups of friends that are having babies about the time that I would have been due as well. It has been so bittersweet watching them get bigger and bigger...And now more and more mommies are announcing that they are pregnant... also a bittersweet moment! SO happy for all the moms to be but so wishing I was in that category. We still hold tight to a few truths...God is in control...God is faithful....and we have a precious little man at home that the Lord has so richly blessed us with.

"Our God is in Control" by Stephen Curtis Chapman, is a song I have been listening to almost daily..... It has helped me through so many days- days that I didn't believe what was being said, and days where I hung on to the words as if they were the only thing I had.... God is good and each day we trust more and more that his timing is PERFECT!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoAYb8YmCwQ&feature=related

Please if you have time...check out this song and then pray...pray for our hearts! Thanks!

FORTS

2010-02-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

It's the little things that make a winter day fun..... This is our fort- yep it's a good as it gets when mommy is making things. Daddy came home and of course made it better (it's a guy thing). I think we played in this the entire morning!

Swimmin Fun!

2010-02-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago we got to go to Grand Bear Lodge in Utica (by Starved Rock) for a long weekend with my parents and brothers. We had so much fun. There is an indoor water park as well as a little indoor carnival with rides! The boys got a kick out of swimming in the winter! Definitely a recommended getaway, even for the day. Only an hour (ish) away from the central Illinois area!

Daddy, Golf and Snow

2010-02-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

Tait loves his Daddy, loves to play in the snow and loves to play golf... what could be better than all three at once?

Just a little cold

2010-02-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's converstation as we were walking into the grocery store...

Tait (as I was getting him out of his carseat): Ewww- it's coooollllllddddd outside.

Me: It's not that bad- just a little cold.

Tait: Yep momma, it's just a little cold- not BIG cold!

Hasn't quite grasped that there is more than one way to use the word "little"!

My Favorite Thing About Nap Time

2010-01-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

My favorite thing about afternoon nap is what Tait looks like when he wakes up! LOVE THE BED HEAD!!!!! Today's was a good one!

Potty Talk

2010-01-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

Conversation in the church bathroom on Sunday:

Me- "Okay Tait it's time to try and go potty."

Tait- "Yep"

Me- "Good job Tait, you are going like a big boy"

Tait- (looking down and the parts God gave him) "Momma, I handsome"

Me- "Oh really, who told you that"

Tait- "Grandma"

make it go away....

2010-01-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Today seems to be one of those winter days... you know....when you just want it to go away. You want it to be spring, you want to go run around outside, throw on a sweatshirt and go for a long walk, or just not have to worry about falling on your tail every time you step outside. Tait was feeling the very same was as I was this morning. A mother/son bonding moment.... As we were driving to my moms (just two blocks away) so that I could go to work. He said, "Hey Momma- make the snow go away." (all in the sweetest most dear tone of voice). I told him I appreciated that he thought that I could do anything (boosted my ego a bit) but that God is in charge of when the snow goes away! As soon as we walked in the door to my moms he yelled, "Nanny- make the snow go away!" Okay so he either didn't listen to a word I said or he apparently thinks Nanny is God! HUMMMMM! Either way- I told him that we all would love the snow to go away and then asked what would he do if the snow went away... HIS ANSWER---- PLAY GOLF!!!!

Can I Carry You?

2010-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Can I Carry You ?

I guess that I can hold you
one more time before you grow.
And tell you that I love you
so that you will always know.
Please let me tie your shoe again.
One day you'll tie your own.
And when you think back to this time
I hope it's love I've shown.
Can I help you put your coat on?
Can I please cut up your meat?
Can I pull you in the wagon?
Can I pick you out a treat?
One day you might just care for me,
so let me care for you.
I want to be a part
of every little thing you do.
Tonight could I please wash your hair?
Can I put toys in the bath?
Can I help you count your small ten toes
before I teach you math?
Before you join a baseball team
can I pitch you one more ball?
And one more time can I stand near
to make sure you don't fall?
Let's take another space-ship ride
Up to the Planet Zoor.
Before our Cardboard Rocket
doesn't fit us anymore.
Please let me help you up the hill.
while you're still too small to climb.
And let me read you stories
while you're young and have the time.
I know the day will come
when you will do these things alone.
Will you recall the shoulder rides
and all the balls we've thrown?
I want you to grow stronger
than your Dad could ever be.
And when you find success
there will be no soul more proud than me.
So will you let me carry you?
One day you'll walk alone.
I cannot bear to miss one day
from now until you've grown.

???????'s

2010-01-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

I think we have entered the Stage O' Questions. Tait woke up the other day with this new phrase.... "Mom, can I ask you a question?". He asks, "whose that", "what letter is that", "what shape is that", and many many more. Love love love the questions but just had to laugh when he started out asking if he could ask me a question. I know he is always listening, but not sure where he picked that one up.

Not YEAH, YES.... We are also working on saying YES instead of YEAH. I know its not that big of a deal, but it just sounds more respectful when he says YES. So instead of just saying YES... he now says, "Not yeah, Yes"!

WHAT A GOOF!!!!

A fun winter day

2010-01-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Another ear infections... I believe it is our 7th in two years. Doesn't seem like a lot but when you think of the time it takes to get rid of it all and then get one again, it feels like all we do is go to CVS and get medication. I asked the Dr. again about how many a child needs to get tubes... He said I am way under that number. I can't imagine and also feel so bad for the little who have such problems and for their mommas who go crazy like I do! Well despite the "ouchy in our ear" (Tait's version of his illness), we had a fun day inside. We watched his favorite show before going to the dr. CURIOUS GEORGE seems to cure all sickness! We love you George!
Next we had so painting/coloring time.... Here are a few pics from that- Take notice of the hand... This is what happens when you have a child who has just discovered how to trace his own hand and of course we were coloring with markers!Here are Tait's Favorite Letters- These are the ones he always points out when we are out and about!

After we cleaned up the water that Tait decided needed to be dumped over all his pages we had to get supper going. I always ask if he wants to help me and usually the trains or basketball make his decision very quickly for him, but tonight he said "Oh, yes".

CHOO CHOO, watch out, here he comes!

2009-12-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

Tait had a very Thomas Christmas.... Thomas Thomas Everywhere!!!! He loves loves loves Thomas the train and all his Christmas present reflected that. He absolutely loved Christmas... He got a train table from Mom and Dad Miller...
He also got a Thomas lego set and books from us!...
and at Mom and Dad Zobrist's he got a entire Thomas Carrying Case filled with trains (no pictures just video....) Instead of waking up and wanting to watch George Cartoons he now gets out of bed and starts playing with his train table which we put in his room. Not sure if that was a good decision or not.

Of course you all know we got some great snow on Christmas and the day after so we bundled up and Papa and Uncle Nick took us sledding...

(this was a very fake smile... I hate being cold and since Jason was putting new toilets in our house, I was the lucky one to take Tait out in the snow...)

Let it snow!!!!

2009-12-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

we have found Tait's new love.... THE SNOW!!! He wakes everyday to see whether or not it has snowed. He was so excited the other day (with the 1/4 of an inch), that he begged us to put his snow suit on and head outside. So we let him!!!! HE HAD A BALL!!!!!!! I have a feeling there will be many more of these days to come!

songs from the heart

2009-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

we are ready!

2009-12-09T11:55:00.001-08:00

The Stockings are hung!!!!!

The Tree is UP!!!

Tait's favorite daily task- take a Smartie from Santa to count down the days until Jesus's birthday!

His new favorite book...."What it Christmas" by Michelle Medlock Adams

We have read it so much that he now knows a few lines on each page. So when he wants to feel like a pretty big man- he reads the book to us! His favorite page.... "No, that's not what Christmas is about (he says it loud)! All of these things are really nice, and superduper fun. But Christmas is much more than that- It's all about God's Son." He loves loves loves to say "superduper fun" and then after "God's Son" he has to ask himself (out loud) "Who is God's Son?" and then he answers himself- "Jesus the Christ!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

THANKFUL

2009-11-26T05:51:00.001-08:00

Dear snowy rain: you can go away now! Thanks.

Dear husband: you are an awesome dad! Thanks.

Dear warm house: my toes are toasty! Thanks.

Dear Tait: you make me laugh everyday! Thanks.

Dear bank account: you keep me humble! Thanks.

Dear refrigerator: you are sort of empty! Thanks. (for not letting me eat when I don't need too)

Dear Dr's: you gave me a great report yesterday! Thanks.

Dear Lord: Thank you for all of the above and so much more! You are an amazing God. I am so blessed by all that's around me!

Off To See Santa

2009-11-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

goofy and hilarious

2009-11-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

Tait is hilarious.... He out of the blue has become a little man. Actions and words! A few examples-

He woke up from his name the other day and I asked him if he wanted a snack... his response "yes. Yes I would." What two year old says that.

This morning I gave him his vitamin while he was sitting on the couch. I thought he had put it right in his mouth. A few seconds later he said, "Momma, where's my vitamin?" I told him I had just given it to him and he already ate it. His response- "ummm no, no I didn't. I did not eat it Momma."

My little munchkin is such a little man! We are having too much fun with his personality right now. Everything we do or say he has to say- "Momma- that's so funny", or "Momma- Tait's so funny".

blessings flying around

2009-11-04T05:27:00.000-08:00

As you all know when you sneeze others say, "bless you". Well Tait has decided to take it to a whole new level. As you learned in the post below.... he has a cold. He woke up around 6 this morning, coughing and every time he coughed he would say "Bless you". I wanted so desperately to go back to sleep but had to smile as he blessed himself there on the couch!

Fall Pics

2009-11-03T13:20:00.001-08:00

in the daily grind

2009-11-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

There are just times in my life that I am doing life because it's there to do. Nothing significant to look forward to or wake up for. Now don't get all huffy and say "Kate, everyday God gives you is significant and worthy waking up for." I know this, and yet as a mom and one that works, there are moments that staying in bed just sounds better. And if you all stopped for a moment I am sure you have thought of a time when you felt the same way. There is nothing wrong or bad that is happening that makes me wanna stay in bed, just life......

When these moments hit, I sit in front of this blog- reading about the interesting happenings with everyone else- and I think, "Man, I really don't have anything interesting going on". I know we have, but when we are just "doing life" it doesn't seem all that interesting...

We have had bday parties, halloween parties, work, leaf raking, quiet nites at home, church, and REPEAT....... That seems to be the name of the game. Tait has a bit of a cold- not too bad though. No fever and he is in a great mood all the time- even in the middle of the night!!! I have been suffereing from some killer headaches for the past three weeks. Started on my allergy medicine- not helping. Take sinus headache pills- not helping. So the next step is to visit my least favorite place- the eye doctor. I hate the eye doctor. Not because there is pain involved but because I always find it hard to determine which side is better (a or b) HEHEHE. I feel like if I get it wrong, I will wind up with glasses that I can't see out of! AHH! Jason start basketball on Monday. Which means I lose my husband for awhile! He is excited to find out what kind of team he will have this year. Last year was the first time in four years of coaching that he had a great team and really loved each moment. It's hard to coach kids who don't wanna work hard and then it shows on the court! But we are ready to jump in with both feet. I guess it's more like: ready of not here it comes! I am feeling a bit organized when it comes to the holidays. I have made a promise to myself to get to the point around the seasons to remember what they are truly for. I figure if I can get a handle on the baking and shopping and all that jazz then when it comes time for family gatherings and what not- I will enjoy them instead of sitting there thinking about all the stuff I gotta prepare for the next one!

Well- that was a bit of ramblings but that's what's going on in our life! I will post some pics from recent. Hope everyone is enjoying their fall! These colors are just great!

my little nephew.

2009-10-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

Our newest addition to the family of boys is Cooper Phillip Zobrist.... here he is in all his cuteness!!!

Random

2009-10-22T12:41:00.001-07:00

I realized that I hadn't put any pictures up from our Florida trip and thought I would throw some other in there while I was at it. Nothing to special!

a great loss

2009-10-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

I do apologize for the lsck of communication on our blog in the last month. We have had some trying times that did not allow much time for writing and updating. Many of you were updated about our life happenings through personal contact or by others communicating to you and if you were on that list- I thank you now from the bottom of my heart for your concerns and prayers. We have felt them all tremendously over the last week especially.

I will try my best (without giving yucky details) to update you on what happened.....

About two weeks ago as we were getting ready for our long weekend in Florida, I started having some complications. Got into the Dr. on Thursday and everything was fine the baby was doing well and they couldn't see anything wrong. I continued this for about a week with not much concern from me or my Drs. We got back from out trip and everything started in a lot worse. I was taken to the ER last Friday night and sent home because again the baby was doing fine. A strong heart beat and they could not find a reason for my problems. I was told to lay low for the weekend and come see them on Monday. That is exactly what I did. Sunday morning while watching the boys get ready for church via the couch I got up to go the bathroom. I passed something rather large. I thought this was the scariest thing I would go throw in this pregnancy but I was wrong. I called my dr. immediately and they said at this point we can do nothing but come in tomorrow. I did and again the baby was great! Heartbeat at 170 and my bloodwork came back fine. Tuesday I decided tog o to work and start back into my normal week. After a strange weekend we were all beginning to see the affects. Jason walked in the door to a horrible sight. I was rushed to the ER again and this time no good news. Sometime at the hospital on Tuesday night we lost our little one. Through lots of pain physically and emotionally we made it through that evening only with God's help. We had to stay over night to monitor my blood loss and to make sure I wasn't going to need surgery in the morning. Thankfully the Lord spared us from another horrible day and I didn't have to have surgery.

This last week was spent, yet again on the couch, with tears, very few words at times, Bible near by and family as well. We know that God's plan is perfect and we know that our little one is with him in a perfect body praising him. We are trying to get ourselves to that point as well, to where we can praise him for what he has done. Please continue to pray for our wounded hearts. There are moments that I am ready to do it all over again because we want another one so badly, but there are moments that I can not imagine going through this again!

Thanks again for all your prayers and words of encouragement! You are all so precious to us!

staying dry and saving money!

2009-09-30T06:06:00.001-07:00

So were are sort of back at the potty training thing..... SORT OF..... I still can't really get him to tell me before he starts to go. But he is more than willing to march into the bathroom to try and go. He thinks he is pretty big stuff when he gets to put on his "cars undies" aka- pull ups! We have gone two days where I have only changed his pants in the a.m. when waking up from being wet over night! Sure is easy on the old wallet! Ohh- and now if mommy has to go potty... (which is much more often than usual with baby now)... He runs in the bathroom and cheers me on! "Good job Mommy, Good job. M&M?"

We are heading out tomorrow to go to Florida for a long weekend. Gonna hang out with Ben and Jules and Zion. Tait is ready to yell "Go Ben Zobrist". Everytime he hears the name Ben, that's what he yells! Not sure I ready to fly into 90 degrees and 70% humidity! We have been so spoiled this summer in Illinois.

Well- I am sure I will have pictures from our trip to post. Until then....

#2

2009-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are in blog world and not in Facebook world as well..... Jason, Tait and I are happy to tell you that baby #2 is on it's way! May 1st is our official due date! I feel great- about the same as I did with Tait- just a little more tired. Last time I didn't have a two year old to chase around! We are thrilled that God is giving us another little one! Please pray with us for a happy and healthy baby!!! Jason- would like you to pray more specifically for a girl but I say let's let God decide!!!!

PFEST Day 2:

2009-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Met up with high schools friends and their kids tonite. We had so much fun catching up, seeing there kids and of course eating and riding! Forgot to break out the camera much tonite, so only a few! Oops!

PFEST Day1

2009-09-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

Day 1: Wednesday night is always the night we go with Mom and Dad and Nick and Grant to the P-Fest for dinner and a few rides. No exception this year! The family is growing and with 4 boys old enough to do rides- we were everywhere! They had so much fun! Cade loved the motorcycle! Tait loved the Train and Horses (carousel) and Brody and Trae braved the rickety old roller coaster! More pics and updates from Day 2 to come!

Ride the Bike

2009-09-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is what I here most often these days. Tait received a new tricycle for his birthday last week and every moment of every day we are wanting to "Ride the Bike", which is what he says all the time! He is doing pretty well. Most of the time he can go about 6 or 7 times around but he often likes to stop and play with the tassels! HEHEHE!!!

memorial

2009-09-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Recently we had the privilege of heading out to Pine Lakes Golf Course to honor my grandma. Many of you may remember her passing in February (not before receiving the Lord as her personal Savior). My grandma was an avid golfer and loved her time with the ladies group out at the course. The ladies all donated time and money to plant a tree on the course a place an engraved rock next to it, in memory of my Grandma. It was a neat time to go out and see all the ladies that loved to be around my hilariously fun grandma- not one there failed to tell me how much fun she was! Here's to you Grandma! Miss you! But I'll see ya soon!

birthday at tanners

2009-09-08T11:56:00.001-07:00

We had a great with family at Tanners for Tait's birthday. He had so much fun picking the apples, feeding the goats and mama (the llama in Tait and Sy language). A perfect end to his birthday weekend! Thanks everyone for coming! We had so much fun!!!!

and the apologies keep coming....

2009-09-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

I titled my post this way for two reasons.....

First- because I keep having to apologize that I am slowing down on my post. Not that there is nothing to say but because I keep for getting to sit down and tell you about it.

Second- because the new stage at our home is "sorry Momma, sorry Daddy"! We usually know what the apology is for but on the rare occasion that I don't, it has been fun to figure out what our little man is apologizing for. The other day I was sitting on the chair flipping through the mail. Tait was playing with his cars and trains in the living room. All of the sudden he ran up to me and said, "sorry Momma, sorry Momma." I asked him what he was sorry for. He grabbed my hand and took me to his wood rocking horse. Pointed to the seat and showed me that there were crayon marks on the seat. I asked him what he had done and he replied with "color Momma, only on paper!" Funny thing was that we hadn't colored with crayons for about 4 or five days!

Okay- now for the family update..... Jason got back from his senior trip get-a-way. He had a blast and came back all in one piece! Tait had missed him so much. While Daddy was gone we threw away the paci! Thursday morning is our trash day and he loves loves loves watching the garbage truck come by the house. So Thursday morning we woke up- I snuck away and cut the tip off his paci. When I brought it to him, I told his it was broken and that Momma can not fix it. So we walked outside and threw it in the garbage can and watched it drive away. He did so well. Not even mentioning it the rest of the day- not even at nap time when he usually shouts "paci, blankie, paci blankie". That day he just said "blankie"! Horray for my big boy!
We are celebrating Tait's second birthday this weekend! I can't believe he will be two! We are just having so much fun with him right now! He is totally Mr. Personality!!!! I promise to post pictures after the party!

just being a boy...

2009-08-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

A friend and I were talking just today about how crazy it is that you really don't have to teach boys to like sports or trucks/cars, or jumping on things, getting dirty, and well you get the picture. The first thing Tait ever stopped to watch on tv was golf. His favorite movies and the only ones he'll even sit down to watch are Thomas the Train. Go outside and all he wants to do is play a sport, ride his bike or race his cars. A very mysterious world to a mother (being a boy) but it's a blast to watch how much a of a boy he really is! Here is a video of Tait doing one of his boy activities. And don't let me forget to tell you that he would do this for hours if I let him!

Summer's Last Ride

2009-08-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

We took Tait to my old church (where my parents and a brother still attend) for a carnival. There were blow up slides and bouncy things, horses to ride and food! We had such a great time. Tait was at an awesome age for it!

We'll try again soon!

2009-08-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well after two days of hunkering down in the living room (and bathroom) we have discovered that little man is just not quite ready for the big potty! We tried and he was such a good sport, but he just could understand it enough to tell me when he had to go. He would tell me when he would start to go- which is a little too late in little man world! And then yesterday he went back to not telling me at all and getting very upset when we would go into the bathroom! I realized then that I didn't want to make this into a tragedy and so we will try again in a few months. Thanks for all the prayers! Tait is still a big boy in our eyes and we know he will get it soon!

Our surroundings....

2009-08-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

Can you guess by the pictures what we are doing this week????

2009-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

in case some of you don't follow joy's blog.... here are a preview of taits pictures from his recent session. i know i'm his mommy and all but come on this is one cute kid!!!!

2009-07-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Is was a cloudy, cooler day yesterday so we decided to break out the paints- which we haven't used in a while because of wanting to be outside all the time. Tait had a ball trying to name the colors and asking for new ones just a soon as mommy would get one out! Yeah for paints (washable ones that it)!

2009-07-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

It is finished!!! We now have the backyard we wanted all summer long. The boys worked hard on Saturday to complete it and as you can tell by the last picture.... it is finished and it is good!!! Way to go guys! It looks awesome!

big smiles

2009-07-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Tait gets his two year pictures. Mom has been looking forward to updating her walls with recent pictures and it's always fun to see how they come out! Can't wait to direct you to the new photos! Coming soon!!!

Helping Daddy!

2009-07-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

The patio is complete and now we are moving on to project #2 for the summer. We had a little enclosed porch off the back of the house. All aluminum and not so pleasing to the eye. The worst problem was that it didn't have great ventilation so is would get super hot and stay that way... Jason insisted on taking out the lovely aluminum door and windows and leave the overhang as a covered porch! So here we go. Grant came over to brace the roof so J could tear down the walls. The walls are out and the next work day is tomorrow. Hopefully we will get the posts up and the new outdoor carpet in..... His deadline is Tait's birthday and the Pumpkin Festival. Both of which are fast approaching!!!

This is what happens when daddy is left to watch Tait while mommy runs inside!
Oh well- he's a boy!

That's Nuts....

2009-07-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Okay- In general we have been just peachy! Busy enjoying this cooler weather that July is bringing us! Totally not complaining. I said to Jason last night that it's crazy to think it is the end of July and we have turned our air on for a total of one week! That's nuts!

Tait decided a fever would be nice to throw into our summer of fun.... I thought for a few days it was teeth, but then one day the clingy Tait turned into the crying Tait..... I took him in and sure enough another ear infection. He has had his share of these and we are becoming pro and finding the signals that he is getting another one. The doctor said we caught it at the perfect time.... but he has been allergic to a few of the antibiotics he has had in the past. The one he is not allergic to, doesn't really always kill the infection soooo we are on a brand new one and so far so good. That's nuts!

Although I felt like a terrible mother leaving me sick little baby with his grandmother, Jason and I went up to Chicago last night to watch Ben Zobrist (Jason's best friend and my family) play the White Sox.... We had a great time, although I realized at 6:30 this morning that I can't go to bed at 2 a.m. anymore and wake up feeling like it was all no big deal. I ran through the McDonald's drive through for an iced coffee and the lady seemed like she was screaming over the intercom. And as I sit here and type this my mind just can't keep up with my hands. Yep I said that right... It is usually the exact opposite but I just can't seem to get my body to wake up! Now I am begin to think that's nuts, that I decide I could do what I did!

My parents are celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary today... Wow, that's nuts! I think of how many marriages are failing after a few years. They choose to just give in and give up! I am so thankful for their example and the love they have shown each other and their family! We love you mom and dad!

I am thankful for all these life experiences (nuts or not)! I am more thankful that I have a God who is so faithful through all of these times (sickness, joys, and all the in betweens)!!!!!!

we're back....

2009-07-02T19:42:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun relaxing and enjoying the lake on vacation! Tait loved the boat and tubing! We got some rays and some nice down time before returning to life in the fast lane! Here are a few pictures. I will try to do a video soon! Happy 4th to everyone!!!

Haven't posted much...

2009-06-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

I think this should be the new title of our blog. Life just get's in the way of sitting here to write bout our life.... That's a little wierd!!! We have been very good, just busy enjoying summer...

Tait is talking a toooooon. Repeating everything, putting two word phrases together... Yesterday in the car he said... uhhhh, nola bar (granola bar), all gone! It was too cute! Potty training begins shortly. we our going on a little vacation and then when we get back we are going to start.... He woke up this morning from 10 hours of sleep, completely dry... I think we are ready!!!

J is doing well. Father's day was nice a relaxing... I think! J had a bradley basketball camp to coach and so he was gone all weekend. we met up at his parents for lunch and then ran by my dad's to see him. We spent the afternoon soaking in the pool and hangin out as a family!!! Tait and I are so in love with J and are thankful that he is such a great daddy! Tait gets sooo super excited to see him or hear him on the phone! It's a joy to watch the two of them together!

I am good. Working two mornings a week and enjoying time with my bubba. We have finished the patio planting and the new bed on the other side of the backyard! I love being outside so it's fun to do those little projects. Amanda, Sy and soon Brad are here for good, so Tait and I have are best friends back. Tait will say all the time... Siah, pool! which means he wants to go swimming with Josiah!

well that's it for now. Pictures after vacation!

The Boys: Together Again!

2009-06-14T06:47:00.001-07:00

OUR NEW PATIO!!!!

2009-06-14T06:43:00.001-07:00

2009-06-07T06:26:00.001-07:00

ABC's

2009-05-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

This is the second time we taped this so he is moving everywhere because he wants to watch himself. He actually did better the first time I taped but silly momma, accidentally deleted the video! Oops! Now Presenting....

BIG BOY BED UPDATE

2009-05-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is your official BBB update (Big Boy Bed):

Tait has been sleeping in his bed for a week now. Last Friday night I decided it was time. He was loving the bed and I thought we better do it while he still loves it. We of course played it up big time. Tait's personality is perfect right now for transitions. I knew he would not try to get out (because that's just him). I started a few nights by holding him til he fell asleep and then putting him to bed and the moved to just laying him down! He is doing great! In fact he used to move EVERYWHERE in his crib (which made me worry that he wouldn't do well in his bed) but he hardly moves at all. When he wakes up in the morning there is only one dent in the pillow!!!!! YEAH FOR TAIT THE BIG BOY!

mud and keys

2009-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

So last night was J's last jv baseball game. It was breezy and not so great of a night weather wise, but Tait and I decided to go support Daddy one last time. We swung, cheered and ran around. The end of the game was drawing near so Tait and I decided to help daddy clean up all the baseballs. I had forgotten that there was a massive puddle in front of the bench that we had been trying to avoid the whole game. And of course wouldn't you know that Tait fell right in it. Everything was soaked.... he was a little distraught but we got his clothes off and wrapped him in a blanket. I had so much stuff in my hands on the way back to the car.... when I put Tait in his seat and laid up bunch of stuff on his lap (hat, keys, sunglasses, etc.). I threw everything else in the back of the car and shut the hatch. Went around to the door and..... ohhhhh my goodnesss...... it was locked. I looked in the back and saw Tait with the keys pressing the lock button! I stayed calm, ran to J to tell him. One of the boys on the team has a dad who is a cop and he just happened to still be there. As I sat coaxing tait to press the other button the cop called in a guy on duty to come help. Fortunately after Tait laughing and thinking this was soooo fun, he pressed the button and all was okay! WOW what an eventful end to the season!

Mother's Day!

2009-05-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

I'm a Big Kid Now!

2009-05-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

So we finally set up Tait's new "big boy bed" and he is in love with it. When he walks/runs past his room he has to stop and take a look at the bed, or even just go climb up on it for a second or two. This was the scene the other night after his bath.... he climbed up there in the nude (which I hope is not a sign of how he is going to want to sleep in his big boy bed!!!YIKES) and laid his head on the pillow and said nigh night! Jason was crying he was laughing so hard. These are the times I am so thankful we have a camera to capture what not many people would believe our sweet little Tait would do!!!!

birthday queen

2009-05-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

I titled this appropriately "queen" because I felt like just that on my birthday which was last Friday. I was already good and prepared to spend the day like any other day that greets me! The older you get the more you face the cold hard fact that birthdays just aren't as fun as they were when you were 6. The night before my mom called me and said--- you are mine tomorrow morning---- so sure enough morning came, my mom picked tait and I up and we headed to Peoria. We had a great morning of, what else, shopping and then met my dad for lunch. I got a second present when J called that afternoon and said that his baseball game had been cancelled! Yehaw! So what I thought was going to be an evening spent at the ballpark turned into a nice relaxing evening with my husband. My mom and dad offered to watch tait for a few hours so Jason took me to Aggatucci's for pizza and ran by Starbucks for dessert! We had not eaten out in awhile and especially not without Tait. It was wonderful! All in all a great day where I felt very special and very loved. Ohh I forgot to mention that I woke up and walked out in the hall to find Tait by my door holding out a little gift bag! Too cute- he bought me a cd. And his daddy made me a computer that hangs under my kitchen cabinet to house recipes, watch tv cooking shows and much more! It is awesome! Thanks to all you for your birthday well wishes! It was a great day!

the list....

2009-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat in your chair after a long day, made out a list in your head of all the things you have done for others that day..... and then tried to compare to what you had done for yourself. If you haven't (I'm impressed). I do it on a very regular basis.

others-

got Tait up and dressed
changed his diaper
got his cereal/milk
packed his bag for Nanny's
picked up the towels and dirty clothes
made the bed
did the dishes
started a load of laundry
made toast for the hubby
(this is before work mind you- that's what I'd be saying in my mind!)

me-

went on a walk @ 5:30 a.m. (way too early to be up but the only time I can get it in)
took a shower
did my hair (no time for makeup)
made some coffee (no time for breakfast) I know not good!

An obvious imbalance of activities... as I sit there in frustration and the anger begins to build I am trying to keep calm.... The Lord is trying to stir in my heart. He is trying to tell me that these are the everyday joys of motherhood. He is trying to remind me that I chose this life and that I love- no adore- my husband and son. As my husband comes and sits beside me to love on me. As he carries our Bible over to begin our nightly reading- I start to break down. Let the venting begin..... "You know", I begin, "all day long I do things for you, my entire life is rescheduled around you. You have something at night and I have to rearrange my life to accommodate the change in your day. blah blah blah blah blah...." I know if his heart had eyes they would have been rolling at that moment. This is not the first time he has heard this sad sad song and I am sure it won't be the last. I was still laying into him when I stopped...... I just stopped. The Lord finally yelled loud enough for me to hear and gave me this.... WHERE IS MY LIST? YOU ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING ALL THESE THINGS FOR YOUR HUSBAND AND SON BUT WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME?. SHOULDN'T MY LIST BE LONGER THAN BOTH OF THESE COMBINED? I UNDERSTAND THAT AS A HUMAN BEING YOU ARE SELFISH AND WANT YOUR TIME BUT WHAT ABOUT ME? DIDN'T MY SON SACRIFICE HIS LIFE FOR YOURS? Ouch! My loving husband asked me why I stopped (very reluctantly, hoping I wasn't going to start back up again). I proceeded to tell him what I had just heard and of course had to apologize. We began to read and things got back to normal. Then this morning I read this..... 1 Samuel 2:29 "...Why do you honor your sons more than Me." Wow- just a little bit harder please.... This always happens. Never a subtle lesson. I get the smack, kick, and punch in the face (J would tell you it's because a this little thing called stubbornness I have running through me- okay more than a little)!

All this to say- I feel your pain. I know what you are thinking and feeling. I have and am there and I am praying for all of you out there who often feel empty and worn! May God give you joy today, may he fill you in a way you have never felt before. May you find happiness in giving to Him and to others! May you forget yourself for just this once!

Enjoying spring

2009-04-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the amazing temps.... which is why I haven't posted in awhile. Tait is busy busy busy. Lovin' everything outside- dirt, rocks, balls, mowers, birds, trucks, games, etc.... you name it he loves it (if it involves being outside)!

Here are some pics from out recent days outside!

Helped me mow the other day....took an awesome nap that day!

Tait is so proud of Daddy!

Found Daddy's hat in the garage!

Shoulda Been A Cowboy!

Sneaky boy.... stole mommy's chair @ the baseball game!

Tait's newest word.... CHEEEEEEESE!!!

Love is in the air! Tait smooched his friend Gracie after sharing some goldfish crackers!

YUMMY!

2009-04-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have done my best to shelter Tait from the world of sugar. Though I knew there would come a time when Grandpa or Grandpa or someone of that nature would allow him to indulge. He did discover the Robin Eggs (which are my absolute favorite Easter candy). He also loves suckers as you can see in the video above. Hopefully the obsession will dwindle and he will go back to adoring an apple or some cereal! For now "eggs" (which is all candy to him) it will be!

crazy but slow

2009-04-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

I was sitting here thinking... "I have haven't posted in awhile, man it's because I have been so busy." SO then I started thinking of the things I have been busy with- and couldn't really come up with anything.... So I really have been busy.. days filled with things here and there. Errands, projects, a child, a husband, sports to attend, dinner to cook, a house to clean. All important things, but all very boring in that you all do them too.

I will report that we have hit the repeating stage. I have added a new word to Tait's list pretty much each day since we have been back from vacation. One of the newest (and my favorite) BIBLE! I bought a children's Bible for us to read with Tait before bed each night. I told him the first night that we were going to start reading his Bible. He looked up at me and just said it... plain as day! And he now gets super excited to read his Bible. Jason's favorite word Tait says is EGG. I bought some robin eggs the other day at the store - my favorite Easter candy! I told Tait he could try an egg after supper if he ate well. He then went around the house saying egg, egg. You gotta head how he says it... It's the best. We love his little voice and it's so fun to hear what he says. But has also been a check for Jason and I to make sure we are saying things pleasing to the Lord and worthy of Tait repeating. WOW- a big task!

Hope all is well at your home front! We are well- just waiting for it to be consistently Spring! :)

BACK FROM THE WARMTH

2009-03-31T12:01:00.002-07:00

We are back and had a blast on our trip to visit Brad and Amanda. Nice weather and very relaxing. Did some fun things. Out to eat, world wildlife zoo, and more! Thanks so much again, Brad and Amanda (and Sy)! We had so much fun.... Check out the photo slideshow below and the video....

az vacation

2009-03-31T12:01:00.001-07:00

wild animals....

2009-03-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Tait and I love to sit on the couch and make animal sounds. All he does is the dog, turkey, and lion.... I have to do the rest. But daddy does the elephant the best. The other night, there was a wild animal stampede at our house! Here's a glimpse of that!

Told you there were WILD Animals in my house! YIKES! (They did this for so long that J was out of breath after it was all over!)

our 1st sidewalk chalk experience!

2009-03-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Tait was too young last year for sidewalk chalk. SO I broke it out for the first time yesterday while playing outside. He first put it in his mouth and second, went over to the grass and started drawing. A little rough start but then got the hang of it after I showed him what to do!