Olivia's Favorite Chore

Olivia LOVES to help when I empty or fill the dishwasher.  We took these photos tonight to capture what can be the cutest and most frustrating event when she is around.  If she hears me open it she runs from wherever she is and whatever she is doing to "help."  She crawls on the top and takes out whatever she can - especially appealing when the item still has food on it!  Hopefully she'll continue and when she's old enough we'll make it her first chore!!

Happy Birthday Love!

Happy 34th Birthday Sweetie!  It's crazy to think that we've celebrated 10 years of birthdays together.  I chose some pictures from the last few years to look back at and think about all the wonderful blessings we have in our life.  I love you with all of my heart - I love the kind of father you are to Braden and Olivia.  I love the son and brother you are to your family but most of all I love the husband you are.  You challenge me in ways I need to be challenged and comfort me in ways I need to be comforted.  I thank you for all that you are and all that you do.  Happy Birthday Love - Here's to MANY, MANY MORE! Love, Me

Thankful

I am thankful for my time at home today. I tend to take it for granted over the summer months since I am home every day and today, after having worked almost full time over the past 2 weeks, and then a busy day yesterday - I am thankful to have the whole day with Braden and Olivia. The only thing on my agenda today is them - making them happy, playing with them and of course my favorite - snuggling!

This morning we went for a hike at Hawthorne Glen. Braden LOVES hiking and so I pledged to myself that on the one day that I am home with just them (Tues or Thurs depending on the quarter) I am going to do something outside. It is so good for all of us to head out for fresh air for the sake of enjoying nature - not on our way to and from the car and Target! Ha! That means I'll have to invest in some warm winter clothes and we may want to rejoin the Schlitz Audobon Society for great trail hiking, but it'll all be worth it. I want them to grow up experiencing the curisoity that nature invokes. To listen for new sounds, see things from new perspectives and smell all of the wonderful smells each season. You can all keep me grounded to this goal as I think it's a good one.

Olivia is napping and Braden and I are going to go read some books so enjoy the fall weather everyone!

First day of Preschool!

Wow - I can't believe that we dropped our little guy off at preschool this morning. It seems like yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital - where does the time go? He couldn't have been more excited. Braden walked right in, handed his teachers some flowers and was ready to play. There was no separation anxiety or sadness - just pure excitement for what was to come. I have no doubt that he is fully ready and will enjoy school ... what to do with myself now. Home seems quieter this morning but Olivia has had fun monopolizing the sun porch toys! This time will be nice to have with her as well. I will pick up Braden and Evan in about an hour to come home for lunch, playtime and then naps. What a special day.

Fabulously Fun Weekend

We had such a wonderful weekend - I don't want it to be over!

Judy came down on Saturday morning and we played around the house until the kids took their naps. Then Judy and I went to the grocery store (we always have fun shopping and running errands together!). When we got back, we played for a while and then Steve and I got ready for Greg's (Steve's boss) 40th birthday party. It was aboard a big boat that left from Riptide, a restaurant downtown. We had a blast listening to great music, watching an amusing video of Greg growing up, talking, eating, drinking and laughing. Matt, Kelli, Ryan, and Brian always ensure a great time!

This morning we woke up, went to church and then walked to Alterra for brunch. The rest of the day was spent relaxing, making my co-op meals, napping, and watching football. Steve is very excited that it's fall and football is back on! Tomorrow is a big day for Braden - first day of preschool. I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

We survived week #1!

Well - We all survived week number one! Steve survived having to get the kids ready each morning and off to Heathers, the kids survived without me (which makes me happy but of course there is a little part of me that wants to think they need me and can't live without me), and I survived my first week back at school. All in all everything went great.

Steve, bless his heart, finishes getting the kids ready which includes getting dressed, fed, sometimes bathed, and then in the car and over to Heathers. He drops off which is hard because Olivia is at the age where she cries and holds on tight when he tries to leave. Thankfully that's not my job or I don't think I'd ever get to school. :)

Braden and Olivia had a great week. They are really enjoying spending the days with Heather, her 3 year old daughter Hannah, and another little boy, Jacob, who is Olivia's age. I often find them playing outside and I have a hard time convincing Braden that it's time to head home.

School this week was wonderful. Kristin and I had a blast teaching together and are really excited about our class this year. It'll be challenging as usual but it's a group of really neat, kind students. I realized how lucky I am to be able to be home part-time. I felt so disconnected from them this week and can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning and snuggle as a family in bed with nowhere to go and rush off to.

Life is good - change is always hard - but we are in a good place and things will settle into routine soon!

Labor Day Weekend Part 2

We had another exciting day today. We drove up to Oshkosh and rode on Uncle Marc's boat. Unfortunately my camera seems to have something wrong with it and we only got half of the pictures that we took. It was a beautiful day on the lake and both kids loved to go "really fast." After, we drove up to Appleton for lunch and some time with my parents. It was a great weekend and as usual - went way too fast!