Cousin-ly love

Sometimes we realize how important and incredible extended family is...today was a simple reminder for me. My cousin is visiting from Utah and came to see us for the evening. I frantically tried to tidy up the house while the boys bounced around pre-nap. I scrubbed the floors quickly while they napped and cleaned all the windows, I dusted and swept, again. I worried that my house was too messy and I looked too haggard...but you know what I don't think she cared a bit. She came right in and we talked like we have since we were children. I miss her. I didn't realize how much until tonight. I love that Ethan enjoyed playing with her oldest daughter, too. I know they're thinking about returning to the NW and I am now hoping it happens sooner than later.

So, thanks Kaneen ladies and beautiful little baby Ty for coming to visit us this chilly rainy evening. It was a treat for me for sure.

Happy 4th Big E!

It seems from the beginning you were sent here to teach us. We've learned plenty about love, patience, kindness and joy just from the four years you've been in our lives. We've experienced great amounts of wonder and amazement looking at things through your childlike fascination. Together it has been a wild ride that I'd wait a million years to be a part of again and again. Happy Birthday Big E, may all your wishes come true!

Party Time!

After our CRAZY week Ethan's Birthday party on Saturday was a much needed celebration! He isn't quite four, yet but we got our dancing socks on and jumped ourselves silly at Pump it Up with friends and family in celebration of yet another year with this wonderful boy. I've just put a few pics...I may add more later :)

And not to go unnoticed, but it was TJ's Birthday on Saturday. I am so thankful for him and not just every year together, but every moment. I am seriously excited to see him the moment he gets home. I celebrate with the kids on "Daddy-no-work-days". I am beyond blessed by having him as a husband, friend and father of my children.

Here's hoping 31 is an awesome year for you TJ XOXO

How...

Right now I'm wondering how to respond. Many of you know that we've had a recent huge change in our family. I am feeling every emotion to the extreme lately, but at the heart of it is that it's going to be okay. Some where, some day it's all just going to flow.

I believe this.

But right now I'm wondering how...
How can my baby have this disease?

How can this be okay?

How can other people tell me this isn't a big deal?

How can I trust others to make sure he's safe?

How can somebody say...well at least it's not_____?

How can others assume we're prepared for this?

How...

ahhhh

just breath.

And to tide you over here are a few pictures of our beautiful guys. One is of our new pre-dinner routine. Family glucose monitoring at it's finest.

The other is TJ and the boys with their new Fighting Irish sweatshirts from TJ's recent trip to see Notre Dame play.
Enjoy.

Nakey Cleaners

TJ left Friday morning for the weekend, on Thursday evening he asked what he could do to help make the weekend go a little smoother and I asked said, "clean floors would be nice." So, of course, the boys wanted to help Daddy. They were definitely squeezing out every moment with him. Right after bath they helped finish up the clean floor task. I thought it hilarious to see their little naked booties bent over scrubbing away at our floor. So, without further ado here's the Nakey Cleaning crew...

Halloween Hotties

For our two cuties the highlight of Proctor Treats was going to the Firehouse. It was awesome that they had their shiny red engine out for them to climb on and the firemen were so thrilled to have another Chief join them for the night. We could've quit after visiting them and the night would have been a success.

Then sleepy little Isaac realized that it was candy they were throwing into his bag. Our kids hardly ever get candy, let along a bagfull. So, he picked a sucker and didn't say a peep for the rest of the time.

However, the sticky sucker left quite the impression on him!

Then home again, home again, jiggity jig. We had a delicious dinner and the boys trick or treated in the neighborhood. I'd have to say it's such a fun night to go around talking to your neighbors and having your children just light up at saying "trick or treat" to people we mostly see driving to/from work. The highlight of the night for me was when we ran out of candy Ethan decided to give out his candy to trick or treaters, how generous is that?! Gotta love when they decide to do such kind things all on their own. Happy Halloween, a bit late...

Oh, and this month is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. Check out www.pancan.org for more info

I Funny

Isaac is totally becoming his own fierce little dude! He now says, "I funny." Then does something incredibly messy, loud or downright silly. The worst of it occurs at the dinner table...food is often part of his show. The most fun occurs outdoors with leaves, sticks, balls...wherever there is open space to roll around and giggle. Truly a kick in the pants.

And Ethan, well we no longer have 'just' Ethan...

it's Fire Chief Ethan, thank you very much. Or...referee Ethan, policeman Ethan, tugboat Ethan...oh the list goes on. E's definitely into the dressing up and pretend play right now.

So, if you're ever bored come on over to our house of fun with Mr. Funny and the Fire Chief. Laughter always overflows!