What a Hassel

Iron Man 2

2011-12-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

We are having our normal Friday night movie night and the boys decided Iron Man 2 was an appropriate choice. One of the opening scenes involves Iron Man revealing himself surrounded by about 20 girls in little red Iron Man-like bikinis. Michael said, "Look! All those girls are Iron Mans too." I said, "They aren't Iron Man, they just have Iron Man bikinis on with lights on them." A few minutes passed and he said, "Mommy, would you ever think about wearing an Iron Man Bikini?" I said, "NO WAY!!!" Hahahaha He said, "But why not?" HAHAHAHA I didn't want to tell him that his mama has no business wearing a bikini so I just said that I don't want to.

I don't know where he comes up with this stuff. :)

Carter Bolcano

2011-12-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

Mama, I'm hot lava. If I blow, there will be hot lava everywhere!!!

You're hot lava?

Yeah! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!(This is the sound of carter exhaling slowly and loudly.) Mama, see? There's hot lava everywhere! There's hot lava on your fan!

Michael! See My bolcano?

I love watching them play. The imagination in this room is AWESOME!

Mustache Michael-Man

2011-11-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

Apparently, having a mustache makes you serious. Serious as Chief Swan. Both boys put these sticky little misters on their faces and solemn expressions took them both over. Hee hee hee.

Realization

2011-11-04T22:57:00.000-04:00

Today Michael came across a couple realizations. While I was making lunch he said, "All moms are shorter than dads." I said, "Well, that's not really true." He immediately questioned me. "What do you mean? Who's mom isn't shorter than their dad." I said, "My mom is taller than my dad." He proceeded to eat his lunch.
After he was finished, he said, "Well, I know what the rule is." I had NO idea where he was going with this. So I asked him about this unforeseen rule..."When a mom is taller than a dad, then the mom is a preacher and when the DAD is taller than the mom then the dad is the preacher." Hee hee hee. I naturally called my mom to tell her about this rule. Brian was at a meeting for camp so...he'll find out soon enough. :º)

I Love These Boys...

2011-10-20T01:16:00.000-04:00

...that's all.

A Book I Might Just Need

2011-10-13T22:49:00.001-04:00

In my studies for Photo History, I was given an assignment of researching Robert Polidori. This man went to the city of Chernobyl years after a nuclear explosion. I have absolutely no recollection of this disaster but after seeing some of his images, I may need to read this book. After I figured out what exactly happened, I felt the need to dive in deeper. The magnitude of these images has intrigued me.

Surprised by the Smartness

2011-10-12T00:16:00.000-04:00

Michael and Carter were flipping through a library book that had few words. There are a lot of tails drawn in the book and it leads to a lot of guessing to what the next page may bring. Carter spotted a fox tail and asked why he was leaving. Michael said, "Because that's the way the illustrator wanted to draw it." I almost fell off my chair. I was stunned because it was such a grown up answer. That boy really is listening. He also retains EVERYTHING! It's a Morgan curse. And a blessing. :º)

Carter's Dreams Are Coming True

2011-09-29T22:15:00.000-04:00

Carter's school is approximately 30 minutes from our house. Four days a week, every week since he started school driving two hours a day sure adds up. Yesterday, Carter was injured by another child in his class. The teacher and assistant said they would not have known anything happened to Carter if the child who injured him hadn't been throwing a royal fit. Because of the injury, Brian had to see the woman in charge of the county pre-school program. While she was apologizing up one side and down the other for the injury, she asked Brian if we would be interested in changing Carter's class. This had nothing to do with the incident with the other student. Our elementary school pre-K has an opening!!! We jumped all over that opportunity! Starting Tuesday, Carter will be able to ride the bus with his brother!!! He has been asking to ride said bus since Michael's first day of school last year. My life just got a LOT easier! Maybe I can actually get my homework done during the day? ;º)

Michael's Second First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-30T14:12:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Michael's second first day of Kindergarten.

Michael's first day was a hit! He is a seasoned kindergartener and is helping his teacher get the new kids acquainted to the class room setting. He has made leaps and bounds from where he was last year but is not quite ready for the first grade. He tested very well this year and is sitting toward the top of the class rather than toward the bottom.

He is excited to hop on that bus again. Carter still itches to get on; He'll get his chance.

Here's Michael loaded up with school supplies and the first snack of the year. If anyone has ideas for cute or easy snacks, they will be welcomed. We will be sending 3 snacks a month between the two boys.

Here comes the bus!!! It's new! Adam pulled up JUST in time to catch the bus today. It's about 20 minutes earlier this year.

It was a fun filled day and Ms. Mary was happy to pose with Michael. She is such a great woman!!!!

Here's Michael ready to eat some lunch and get on with his day. Kindergarten RULES!!!

My Baby Started Preschool today

2011-08-25T22:05:00.000-04:00

It is hard for me to believe that this sweet little baby started preschool today.

He opened his little eyes this morning and took a little bit to realize why I was waking him so early. Once he was on board, we were golden. Here's the front door shot that I hope to use at the graduation parties of my boys. Living a preacher's life, our front door is subject to change frequently but we will always have one.

This poor dude could barely stand with all the school supplies in his backpack.

It was so bright by the time we got to school, that Carter couldn't even look at the camera. :º)

I love this little door and so do my boys. They both hit the handicap button to open my door then go through their door. Michael went to the same preschool and did the same thing.

Carter talked all night about playing in the kitchen. We went yesterday for a meet and greet with the teachers and he jumped right in today.

Miss Amy was the aid for Michael's class two years ago and called Carter Michael at least 3 times today. Lucky for Carter, he didn't even notice.

When I asked him how his day was, he said, "Good!" Really? Is that all I get? I pried a little more when we got home and when asked what he did he said, "Fight." We had a discussion about how that is inappropriate and by dinner time he told Brian that he played and played and played and wrote and played outside. He also made a lot of new friends. My social butterfly is on the loose. Carter Baby, have fun.

Pure Faith

2011-08-09T14:20:00.000-04:00

As a mother of two young and energetic boys, I tend to spend much of my day picking up. Just before nap time, I picked up a couple pairs of shoes that were on the staircase, as that's where I leave things that need to go up. Carter and Michael frequently race up the stairs to see who can get to bed first. (It's a little trick I have found that gets them to the places they may not necessarily want to go) Today, Carter won...by a long shot. He was sitting at the top of the stairs to be sure Michael saw that he was indeed the first to the top. Michael tends to hang his head when he is not the clear winner. Michael slunk passed Carter and I walked up the steps. Out of nowhere, Carter stands up, and LEAPS into my arms! I have no idea how this unsuspecting Mama managed to catch him but I did and he just squeezed my neck and said,"I love you Mama! You are the very best Mama in the whole world!" I know this, there is a reason we are supposed to have faith like a child. Carter reminded me today that we need to jump, open armed.

Photo Proof

2011-08-03T23:24:00.000-04:00

The only patches they had at the store were stick-on and this pirate-like adult size. He loves it. Carter loves taking it. He put it on last night and held his hook finger up and just said "AAAAARRRRRRRR!" I sure love these boys!

Michael Man And His Pirate-ness

2011-08-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

We went to the eye doctor yesterday to get Michael's annual eye appointment. While he was wearing his glasses the doctor had him cover his left eye and read the chart. He breezed right through it. When he had to cover his right eye, he couldn't see much of anything. He could read the top two lines which made for 3 whole letters and when the doctor asked him to read the next line down, he just said,"They're a little too small. I like the bigger ones." it turns out that his left eye is pretty bad. He has homework. He has to wear an eyepatch for 4-5 hours a day for 3 months to see if the workout will strengthen his sight. Poor little fella. Anyway, does anyone know where we can get a cute patch that's manly? We found a few online but most of them were, let's just say...not for big boys. :o) I haven't quite figured out how to post a picture from my new phone, so that'll come in the next post.

The Breeze

2011-07-05T23:47:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to announce the addition of a new blog. We are going to have a blog from camp this year so we can share the goings on of camp for the family and friends at home. Lakeside Institute's blog is http://instituter.blogspot.com. This is so cool. What an amazing opportunity for parents to keep in touch with the activities and fun that their youth are taking part in. The name came from a paper that used to be offered during camp. Please help me welcome The Breeze and don't be afraid to post it! :º)

My Words Coming Back To Bite Me...

2011-05-24T18:34:00.000-04:00

I'm in the office working on homework when I hear Carter say to the dog, "Chia! DO YOU HEAR THE WORDS COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH? DON'T EAT MY CHICKEN!" Hahahahahha. Yes, I say that when they aren't listening. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Naming

2011-05-20T00:50:00.000-04:00

Michael, Carter and I had a very late nap today. We woke up around the time we are usually getting dinner on the table. Brian had to leave at 5:30 for basketball, so we weren't eating together by this point. I took the boys to Mt. Vernon for some Wendy's. About half way through our meal, Michael reached over and snatched one of my french fries. I asked why he wasn't eating his own and he thought he didn't get any. I told him to check in his bag. He took his fries (by the way Wendy's new fries are worlds better than their old.) out of the bag and discovered two in his bag that fell out of the carton. He said, "A couple fries sneaked out. It's Margo and Edith! I named them!" Hee hee hee.
I. Love. Him.
He also really loves my craft stuff and was using a couple punches last night (boys' night in, Mama's night out). He punched circles all around a brown piece of card stock and told Brian it was the two of them dancing and playing all around our yard. I literally almost cried when Brian told me. It's so sweet to me the way he words things and the amazing things he thinks up.

My Sweet Carter Baby

2011-03-21T22:46:00.000-04:00

This sweet boy was two yesterday. This sweet boy made us a family of 4. This sweet boy has changed my life. This sweet boy is MY Carter baby! This sweet boy makes me laugh all day long. This sweet boy loves wholly. This sweet boy loves to give kisses and hugs. This sweet boy says "I love you" ALL THE TIME! This sweet boy kisses people goodbye on the phone. This sweet boy is so full of love and laughter. This sweet boy is very mechanical. This sweet boy loves to help his Daddy. This sweet boy can't wait to make pancakes with his Mama. This sweet boy loves his brother better than anyone. This sweet boy squeezes his dog to show her how much he loves her. This sweet boy can not WAIT to go to school on the bus with his brother. This sweet boy is completely potty trained. This sweet boy still sleeps with his blanky. This sweet boy can make me cry just by looking at him. This sweet boy gives the best hugs. This sweet boy is a Mama's boy. This sweet boy can also hold his own. This sweet boy needs his alone time while his brother is at school. This sweet boy is a FANTASTIC napper. This sweet boy loves to go to church. This sweet boy notices everything. This sweet boy eats the toppings off his pizza. This sweet boy has the BEST LAUGH EVER! This sweet boy asks a LOT of questions. This sweet boy is rather fond of Woody and Buzz. This sweet boy is very loved. This sweet boy is my best sleeper. This sweet boy holds on so tight that you can let him go and he will be the most beautiful, unusual necklace you've ever seen. This sweet boy didn't want anything for his birthday but cake and candles. This sweet boy has stolen my heart.

This sweet boy turned 3 today.

I love you my sweet, amazing, hilarious Carter Baby!

A Wake Up Call.

2011-03-14T17:36:00.001-04:00

Carter came into our room this morning at just about 5:00. Still mostly asleep, I picked him up and put him in my bed between Brian and me. He started talking...
"Mom. Mommy. Mom. Mommy. Mom. Mommy."
"What Carter?"
"I want milk."
"Not right now Buddy."
"Why?"
"Because it's all the way down stairs."
He gave up. Well, I thought he gave up till Brian jolted awake with an "OUCH!"
I sat up. "What is it?"
Carter had gone downstairs, opened the fridge, gotten his Silk out, opened the dish washer, taken a cup, the matching lid and the rubber sucker thing that goes in the lid out and brought them to his Daddy. Brian was dumbfounded. He sat up and was SO confused. (He doesn't wake up very easily) He said, "This lid doesn't even go with this cup." On top of being mostly asleep, he's blind, so he handed me the lid and the cup and asked if they were a pair. Then Carter handed me the rubber sucker thing and I put the cup together. He said,"I want Daddy to pour my milk!" Milk was in hand and Carter was in bed. Brian took the remaining Silk to the fridge and we all slept till 9:00.
This boy is too smart for his own good.

Dear Snow Removal Team,

2011-01-12T18:50:00.000-05:00

As I appreciate your efforts to remove the county's snow from the road, I am a little concerned about the snow you removed from my mailbox. I am absolutely positive that the How to Plow Your Road journal does not require you to do so. I am also pretty certain it is not to be done as you have practiced this morning. Upon glancing out the front window this morning, this is what we saw:

I walked down to assess the damage. Step 2 has the top of the box held on with 4 plastic nails that affix to the box like a wall anchor. I couldn't get them out. Anyone have any on hand? Brian called the local hardware store without any luck. Please come fix what you have broken. I understand that our mailbox is tricky and probably jumped out in front of your plow as it has a death wish but you did not need to oblige.

Thank you,

Mrs. H

P.S. Here is the close up.

How Michael Hears It.

2011-01-02T16:34:00.001-05:00

We are driving through the Tennessee mountains and Michael said, "Hey, My voice just got quietter!" I told him his ears just popped. He said, "That's why I don't yawn to make my voice louder." Hee hee hee. They popped back just now and he said, "Okaaaay, Noooooow my voice is back."

WOW!

2010-12-21T01:18:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry. I must apologize. The course I just finished ate me alive. My whole self was stuck in that class. I promise to catch up with my blog. I appreciate your vigilance. I'm on it! Please have a safe and happy Christmas!!!

He's Tricky

2010-12-06T22:56:00.000-05:00

We sat down to eat dinner this evening, Carter took just a few bites and got down. Naturally, I asked him where he was going. He started rubbing his eyes and said, "I'm Tire." (It's true, he leaves the d out.) I said, "You're tired?" Carter-Yes Sir, Me-Maybe you should go to bed then. Carter- I'm gonna lay on the couch and watch TV.

All he cared about was getting down so he could watch some Phineas and Ferb. Hee hee hee. Needless to say, it didn't work out in his favor. He joined us once more for dinner and tried the ordeal once more. He's so tricky. :º) I love that he thinks if he's tired he doesn't have to do what ever it is he's supposed to be doing. He frequently pulls the eye-rubbing tire act when I ask him to pick up after himself.

10 Things My Kids Have Done Lately

2010-11-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

1. Michael- Mommy, all I want for Christmas is Mighty Beanz and Pixos. That's all Santa has to bring me. I won't be mad if he brings Carter Baby more stuff than that.
2. Carter- You so trouble Mommy. Go to the corner. Me- Why? Carter- BU Cause. Me- what did I do that I'm in trouble? Carter- You scratched this thing. (A body washing blobby thing made from tule)
3. Carter- I wanna go in the Beej. I wanna go in the Jeep. Are we goin' shoppin'?
4. Michael- This is what people do on dates. They put two straws in one drink!
5. Carter lays down with a purpose and says "I'm relaxing"
6. Michael has an old happy meal toy that fits on his wrist and flips out slowly. It used to have a red LED light on it. It was intended as some kind of spy device. Now...It's anything you want it to be. He "shot water" out of it today and I told him we would have to mop it up so we didn't fall and magically a mop shot out the end of it and he started mopping the floor with his invisible mop. Then he measured me with it. Then vacuumed with it. Then he built me an E-dult gym with basketball hoops and basketballs in it. He made me shoot a basket and then showed me where the score was showing. The fun goes on for hours.
7. Carter- There's a monster. Brian- Where? Carter- in my bedroom. B- Let's go get them out of there so you can go to sleep. Monsters...get out of here. C- No, you have to yell at them like you yell at me. B- Monsters..GET OUT RIGHT NOW!!!
8. Brian went to McDonald's with the boys while I was out of town. There is a huge play place so naturally they are playing in it. A group of 6 or 7 young teens come in and throw their boots in the middle of the floor. Michael tripped on them and a girl gave him attitude about watching where he's walking. Michael turned right around and said "You should've put them away in the right place." Carter chased all of the teen girls out of the play place by going up to them one by one and growling in their faces till they were uncomfortable enough to leave.
9. Carter was playing a driving game with Brian and he would NOT sit on the seat. He knew he had to push the petals to make it go. We are in SO much trouble. I mean...We are SO trouble.
10. Both boys have Buckeye Fever right now. If you tell one of them to say "Go Buckeyes" they will keep at it for at LEAST 20 minutes. They know Jeff Weese hates the Buckeyes so they rub it in when ever he's around. YEAH BUCKEYES!!! :º)

Dear Politicians,

2010-10-28T01:47:00.001-04:00

  As an American, I feel it is a gift to vote. I also feel you should tell us WHY to vote for you, not why NOT to vote for your opponent. In student council, a candidate tells us what he or she will do for the student body. He or she may share opinions about current events or student rights. I am pretty sure this is how it started with the politics we know today. What on earth made you decide it would be better to slam your opponent? I PROMISE to make my decision based on who goes about the process in a positive manner. I refuse to vote for the politician that spends other Americas' hard earned money to spit on another's face. It is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourself.

  While watching television with my husband yesterday, we sat through a commercial break that was completely made up of political slander ads. Eew! Why am I receiving 6-12 paper slander ads a day in the mail? Why would I vote for someone who throws trees into my mailbox? I have placed them all in my recycle bin, but I am positive, most people are just tossing them in the trash. I don't even read them if they look negative. I believe this is a trashy way to do business. PLEASE knock it off. We tell our children not to speak ill of others. What do you think they are learning from our nation's leaders? You are undoing everything parents try so hard to instill in their children. Talk bad about each other and waste as much as possible. What garbage!!! Thank you to the occasional pump ad. It is shameful that they are so rarely seen. Please refrain from teaching us to hate. Isn't there enough hate in this world? Do you REALLY need us to HATE your opponent? God tells us to love one another as he loved us. This is hardly what you are practicing. Please re-evaluate your practices before our next election. I really can't take all of this negativity in my mostly positive home.

   ~Helen Hassel

I Just Love This Hat!

2010-10-27T08:05:00.001-04:00

The Funny Things My Kids Did Today

2010-10-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

1. I was helping Michael get ready for school this morning. His zipper was down so I asked him to zip it. He said, "Daddy calls this my barn doors." (Brian has been telling him his barn doors are open) I said,"I understand that, could you put it up?" Michael continued, "But I like to let the cows out!"
When he's 13 this is going to be SO FUNNY!
2. Michael has recently taken my razor scooter out of retirement. He's getting really good at it and decided to attempt a trick. He was riding down the sidewalk from the front door, crossing the driveway and into the grass, where he would fall knee first into the small hillside. I asked him to stop and he naturally asked why. I said something to the tune of "Because you are ruining your jeans and I'm going to have to find a way to get those grass stains off of your knees." He said,"You just have to rub that stuff on them and they will come right out!" me - WHAT? Michael- It's called Oxyclean.
3. Brian and I were sitting on the sofa sharing some popcorn and watching "Top Gear" when I smelled baby powder. I asked Brian what smelled like baby powder and he said he was wondering the same thing. He walked up stairs to the origin of the smell. This is the farthest point of the upstairs to where we were sitting. There was a small mound of powder in Carter's room. This mound was closely followed by little white footprints leading to the closet. In the closet, there were 2 pairs of shoes, two board books and a baby powder bottle completely covered. Along with a two year old more pale than he has ever been before.

I have had many many laughs today. Thank you Boys!!!

Can You Even Believe This???

2010-10-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe how stinkin' cute this boy is. I am so proud of him for taking such an amazing picture. I admit, I would have liked for the photographer to have him wipe his chin but this smile is priceless. Way to go Pal!!!!

My Aspiring Dentist

2010-10-20T09:45:00.001-04:00

Carter set up one of the bar stools near the very bright sliding door. He said, "Mommy! Check this out! Come sit down so I can check your teeth!!" The amazing part is that he moved his little fingers around my mouth like the dentist moves his tools. He was totaly looking IN my mouth, like from 2 inches away. After he was done checking mine, he had me check his. I love this alone time with him. His imagination astounds me.

I'm Not Crying...

2010-10-19T11:52:00.001-04:00

Michael has apparently inheritted my crying eyes when it's cool and windy. He came up to me and I asked if he was crying. He said,"I'm not crying! That's just eyeball juice."

Michael's Editing

2010-10-06T20:27:00.000-04:00

Michael has been working on a LOT of nursery rhymes at school. The first week he came home singing "Hickory Dickory Dock"
Today...He had a revision.
"Hickory Dickory Dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck two,
Then the mouse stayed up there and got the cheese."
I said, "That's not how it goes."
He said, "That's how I say it."
HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Ten on Today

2010-10-02T12:14:00.000-04:00

1. I got to sleep in today.
2. When I woke up, Carter asked me for milk. I told him to get it and I would fill it for him. He said "My milk's all gone." I told him it wasn't and that we had more in the garage fridge. He promptly brought back a half gallon of Lactaid. Brian said, "Where did he find that?" I told him it was in the garage. He followed that with, "Well, I think we just found our self-sufficiant child."
3. I LOVE October.
4. I can't wait to decorate this monstrosity for Halloween.
5. Buckeyes are on!!!
6. Michael knows that Buckeye day comes just before church day. Hee hee hee
7. Mom brought over her Cricut a couple weeks ago and NOW realizes how much she actually uses it. I'll get it back to you soon Mama!
8. Carter and Brian are giving the yard a once over. It's pretty pitiful. Most of the grass is brown from the lack of rain. If you run your foot over it, it just comes out.
9. Charge conference is done and out of our heads for the year. :ºD
10. We got our "Save the date" for Maureen and JD's wedding. I CAN NOT WAIT!!! I am so excited for ~~her~~ them. She deserves a love like JD gives her. WHAT A BLESSING!!!! Love you Mo!!!!

Noises in the Night

2010-09-15T22:15:00.000-04:00

Michael came down stairs from bed this evening. He looked like he was on the brink of tears. He said to Brian, "There's something making noise under my bed." Brian asked him if he wanted the Monster Slayer to take action and he just shook his head. He then asked Michael if he just wanted him to look under the bed to see what was making all that noise. Michael said yes. Brian brought Michael back upstairs and reluctantly looked under the bed. I heard from upstairs, "OH! THAT'S what's under your bed!" It was Carter. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA! That Carter Baby is so funny. He has been sneaking out of his room a lot since the Lannings moved in. Now that they have gone, he is still leaving his bed a ton. This was a first. :º)

A Month In Review

2010-09-13T01:39:00.000-04:00

So sorry about my "missing in action"-ness. It has been so busy around here. Let's start with Michael's glasses. He got them a month ago. I can't believe I haven't shown you yet.

This face was made for glasses. I can't believe how old he looks. I could just eat him up!

The day after he got his glasses, Missy and Aubrey came to town. Shawn was playing in Indianapolis and I was going to take the boys to watch him when things changed. Missy and Aubrey happily changed their plans and came to see us instead. It was so great to see Carter interact with his aunt and cousin. They just met for the first time a few short weeks ago.

I know it looks like Missy doesn't have legs but this was the cutest one! It was a fast love for the three of them. Aubrey was, of course, in love at first sight. Missy has been waiting for this moment for two and a half years. I'm so glad she finally had it! The cousins, Pammie and Cheyenne were all excited to give us a photo opportunity.

Pammie, Aubrey and Michael jumped with all their might while Carter and Cheyenne just looked at them as though they had lost their minds. This is my favorite shot though. I have it on my desktop. :º)

A couple days after Missy and Aubrey were here we went to Youngstown to visit Brian's family. Pat and Todd came in for a visit and we squeezed a little play time in there too.

Grandma Pat was helping Carter on the teeter totter. All three of my boys loved this one. Brian may have helped out too. ;º) Michael was not so cooperative when it came to picture time with him.

I had to sneak this one while they were trying to figure out which house had the barking dog. He was avoiding a picture with Grandma Pat like it was his job. Isn't it cute how they matched that day?

Lastly, Pammie's first day of school. (Michael's will come soon. I promise!) The Kindergarten started three days after the rest of the elementary school. On Pammie's first day we got the whole clan out to see her off.

This look is VERY typical of Cheyenne. I don't know why she thinks that's what we want when we tell her to say cheese but that's what we get. Almost always. Recently, like 3 days ago, I realized that if I show her my smile with open eyes that she smiles great! These five have been together for a month. The Lannings got their own place last Thursday and life has been SO quiet since then. We still see them when Pammie gets off the bus though. :º)

A Pouring of Blessings

2010-08-10T09:53:00.000-04:00

  Last Thursday, around bed time, I got a call from my friend Beth. She asked me if I was busy and I said "I am about to put the boys to bed. Why? What's up?" She said, "Tim just called, my house is on fire and I'm in Mt. Vernon." So we packed the kids in the car and boogied over to their house.
  When we got there, Pammy, 7, was holding Wyatt, 1, in the yard and Tim was running in and out of the house getting anything he could think of that may be important. I took Pammy and Wyatt to the car and they played inside with my dudes while the fire department showed up. Beth came first, Cheyenne, 2, was in the back sleeping. She slept through the entire ordeal. We got the dogs into her car and they stayed there. Tim and Brian were rushing in and out when the firemen started showing. The first one asked Tim where the fire was and Tim told him it was right above his head so the fireman proceeded to make a 5 foot hole in the living room ceiling. Then they went upstairs and did the same thing to the roof of the girls' bedroom.
  The firemen were there for a very long time. The fire was out before 9:00 but they didn't leave till about 1:00 in the morning. I took the kids back to our house and put them all to bed. Tim works third shift so he went to work around 11:00 so Brian, Beth and her sister, Brittany were getting anything they could save until 3:00ish. They came back here, reeking of smoke, showered and went to bed.
  When they left the upstairs was pretty much lost but Tim and Beth's bedroom was wet but untouched by fire damage. The morning came much too early and a gentleman from the church stopped by and told us that the house caught fire again around 5:00. Beth had only the clothes on her back. Tim had some jeans that were salvageable. Luckily, she had a load of kids' clothes in the drier that were a little smokey but unharmed. Over the next couple of days, they returned to salvage anything they could. The owner of the house is planning to burn the rest of the house down after they get whatever they can use out.
The master bedroom

What's left of the toddler bed. Somehow, it ended up outside.

The staircase.

This is where the blessings start. First, we had dinner delivered Friday evening. We also had some breakfast items dropped of the night of the fire. Brian and I have been down a vehicle for a few months and when I brought my boys to M & D's Friday night, they let me take their extra vehicle. They also offered Beth and Tim the queen bed they just replaced and a dresser.
  The transmission in the Explorer (our only vehicle) has been troublesome lately and we really don't have $3,000 to replace it. On Saturday morning, a man from the church had his step dad look at it and he said he thinks it's a filter inside the transmission not the transmission itself so it's looking like it will cost around $100 instead of $3,000. WHAT A BLESSING!!!
  Brian and I had a very busy weekend. I was on a youth retreat and Brian was preforming a wedding of a dear friend. When Sunday evening came, so did dinner. Delivered in abundance. The deliverer also brought many, many pantry stuffers. She and the deliverer of our first meal took what ever smokey laundry they could grab and started washing. Three washers and driers have been super busy trying to get smoke out of clothes. WHAT A BLESSING!!!
  On Saturday, when Lou was looking at the transmission he took the Explorer for a ride. Before leaving the driveway, he backed it into Beth's car. He felt AWFUL! His stepson immediately gave us his van to use. Brian tried refusing and he wouldn't hear it. So we now have 2 completely functioning vehicles. WHAT A BLESSING!
  Three weeks ago, I made plans with a family to bring their son to band this week so he has been staying here also. You would think that 10 people living in one house would be hard...it's been incredible. I admit, it's been loud but the blessings keep pouring in.
  Last night we had another dinner delivered. We had two extra mouths and it was no big deal. This church has completely stepped up.
  I want to thank every single person who has stepped up and taken time to help us in this time of need. The kids have all received clothes and a couple toys. The food has been amazing. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
Pammy

Cheyenne

Wyatt

Thank you again for all the help and blessings. I have never felt so blessed in all my life.

R.S.D. Awareness

2010-06-27T15:15:00.000-04:00

If you have anything orange in your wardrobe, please put it on today. We are walking in Peachtree City tonight to raise awareness for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. It's a misfire of the sympathetic nerve and causes a pain like a blow torch. It's as though barbed wire were wrapped around your body. Even the brush of your clothing can cause excruciating pain.
My sister-in-law has RSD. Sometimes it's all over pain and sometimes it's reserved to her extremities. She has to wear a boot on her left leg all the time just to walk. It kills me to watch the pain in her eyes. She hides the pain so well that sometimes I forget she has any issues. She is amazing. I am so proud to walk for this disease today. Please put something orange on today!!!

I could really use your help!

2010-06-21T16:02:00.002-04:00

  My sister-in-law Lucille has lived on a pretty rough path. 14 Januaries ago, her dad had a heart attack. She and her sister left the hospital to run home and grab a quick shower. She lived in a cabin on Mount Pisgah. The steps aren't quite normal they are probably a foot or more tall and just a couple inches deep. She ran and played on these steps for her whole life but on this particular day, she ran up and dislocated her knee cap. Life was never the same.
  She spent a very long time in the hospital. She gained 90 pounds in just a couple months. She was bound to her hospital bed. She couldn't even touch her lower leg without excruciating pain. She was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). It is a problem with the sympathetic nerve that confuses touch for awful pain. She finally went home and lived in a hospital bed. She eventually got to a point where she could reasonably ride in a wheel chair. When I met her in 2004 she was using crutches. By the time she walked down the isle to marry Keith, she was free of her crutches. If ever you feel like you can't achieve something, think of Cille. She has never given up this fight.
  She deals with this burning pain every day of her life. Looking at her, I see a caring, loving, helpful, amazing woman who would do anything for ANYONE. Beneath her clothing she faces a blow torch. She is constantly in pain. She has attempted many different types of pain management. Some work better than others but nothing takes it away.
  This weekend, there is a walk for RSD awareness in New York City. Cille, Keith, Kerri, Jill and I were going to meet there and take the walk. Cille has since had many other terrible medical problems and is unable to make the trip. Keith has been working around the clock to make sure we can still walk for RSD but a little closer to home. Keith and I have not raised any money just yet because we didn't know if we would be going.
  We have a chance to make a difference for everyone facing RSD(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). Please stop by my fundraising site and support us as we walk to raise awareness for RSD. Maybe the right doctor with the right technology will hear about it and be able to make a difference. With your help we can make a difference for our Lucille!!!
  Thank you for taking your time to read about my Cheese.

Good Bye Old Friend

2010-06-07T22:47:00.001-04:00

Pablo was the greatest dog I have EVER owned. Brian gave him to me in October, 2000 for a birthday gift. I wanted a puppy and this fur ball was available and in need of a new home. The family who first owned him called him Gizmo and did not appreciate him. They had kids who poured glue and paint on him. They were going to put him down because he was so mean. I had him for six months before I ever heard him bark. Mean was the last word I would use when describing this dog. He was so cool. He never needed a leash. He has always been VERY loyal.

We had to put him down today. It was a decision that did NOT come lightly and is killing me now. I gave him one last bath this morning. He was such a good bather. Every groomer we ever took him to gloated about his fabulous behavior. When he was brushed and dry I asked Michael if he wanted to say good bye and we had a good cry together. He understands that Pablo is going to Heaven to live with Jesus. When the deed was done, we buried him in the back yard. Before we put him in the ground we wrapped him in a towel. Michael said, "Are you wrapping him up?" I said "Yes Honey." He then said the sweetest, most understanding thing I think I've ever heard from a 5 year old, "Is God going to unwrap him?" That broke my heart all over again.

Then tonight he cried a little more before falling asleep. I assured him that it is COMPLETELY okay to cry. Pablo was an amazing dog and we were blessed to find him. It doesn't matter what you go by, Fat Guy, Pabs, Pablo, Fatman, we just loved you and will never forget what a wonderful, loyal friend you have been. Thank you for falling in love with us.

I love you.

Good bye.

What a Big Dude!!!

2010-06-03T17:00:00.001-04:00

While driving to the 'bus, I looked back and saw this. Carter was "reading" aloud from this coloring book. This makes me so proud. I've never been much of a reader but we make sure to read to the boys every single night. It seems to be working. :•)

Squinty Eyes

2010-05-28T11:08:00.001-04:00

Michael pulled his eyes out like this today and said "Mommy! Look at me! Do I look blurry?" Hee hee hee He doesn't understand that the world doesn't see as he does. :•)

10 On Tuesday

2010-05-18T23:58:00.000-04:00

1. I apologize for not blogging more often.
2. We got a dog for Mother's Day.

3. Michael has been learning a ton about back yard critters at school. We had a toad in our garage one morning and he informed me that it was an amphibian. Then he yelled for me to join him. I said, "Why buddy? What's up?" He said, "There's an arachnid climbing on our house."
4. My kids are cracking me up every day.
5. We are really enjoying date night swap with the Lannings. I admit, having 5 kids every other week makes for a stressful night but we all get ours in the end.
6. I have been VERY busy with school lately. I doubled my class load this session so I don't have to find time for class during Institute.
7. I wish my blogging was the only thing lacking due to school work. I have baskets of folded and unfolded laundry clogging up my bedroom.
8. I am still VERY happy with my choice to keep all the toys in the basement. It has helped immensely with house cleaning.
9. Play-doh is awesome and haunting at the very same time.
10. Carter is a card. He is going to be the clown of the family.

This Boy

2010-05-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

This boy is amazing.

This boy makes me smile every SINGLE day.

This boy makes me cry when I see how big he is.

This boy helps his brother all day long.

This boy was a premie.

This boy is SO LOVED.

This boy is hilarious.

This boy loves roller skating as much as I do.

This boy loves everyone.

This boy is not afraid to move on.

This boy is so smart.

This boy is my biggest dude.

This boy hits his face when he's nervous.

This boy hides behind me when he's acting shy.

This boy loves to play.

This boy loves Spiderman and has never seen him in action.

This boy remembers EVERYTHING!

This boy has constant bruising on his shins from playing like boys do.

This boy doesn't always listen the greatest.

This boy means the world to me.

This boy says the funniest things.

This boy has the cutest little lisp.

This boy is not very brave when it comes to trying new things.

This boy will try most foods.

This boy is my Michael Man.

This boy loves to cuddle in the morning.

This boy still plays with my hair to soothe himself.

This boy LOVES to meet new people.

This boy is a skipper.

This boy makes fast friends.

This boy is a constant influence on his brother.

This boy cares a LOT.

This boy loves popcorn as much as his Daddy.

This boy makes up songs about anything.

This boy IS a Buckeye.

This boy loves his vegetables.

This boy is FIVE!

Last Day to be 4

2010-05-04T21:52:00.000-04:00

Michael had a fun FILLED day today to complete his fifth year of life. 5 years ago today Brian was getting ready for a canoe trip with a group of rural and inner city kids. Let's just say it's a good thing my water broke when it did or he may have missed the whole thing.

Michael skated the morning away. He had them on his hands before he got dressed. Then he wore them till it was time to leave for school. As soon as we got home he went right outside and played till dinner. After dinner he and Carter watered our garden and the beautiful plants popping up around the house. Then proceeded to play till it was pajama time! Isn't that the best part of being 4? Playing till you pass out. I love you 4 year old Michael. I can't wait to meet the 5 year old you become tomorrow! He is so excited to wake up and be 5.

Healthy Snack

2010-04-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

Today is Michael's first snack turn at his new school. We chose to share some healthy smiles.

Two slices of apples, two marshmallows, apple dip:

1 stick cream cheese

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. maple flavor

Michael had a great time putting the teeth on these little fellas. Red looks more like lips but granny smith apples just taste SO good with the dip. You can also make these with peanut butter.

A Roth Vacation

2010-04-28T13:02:00.000-04:00

Ruth came down this past weekend and I asked her to teach me to crochet. It surely is NOT perfect but it's a start. This is a clear reminder that I am not perfect and simple things take practice. You can tell that I started at the bottom. The stitches are a lot more uniform toward the top.

Thank you Ruth for this life lesson. I had so much fun with you. Thank you for coming. Thank you for loving us the way you do. Thank you for indulging in the Cheesecake Factory. I'm glad we got to experience it's wonder for the first time together. Thank you for introducing me to the Container Store. *Sigh* Thank you for the lasagna. Thank you for being so FUN!!!! I just love you!

I Am SO Excited

2010-04-18T00:21:00.000-04:00

Lakeside Institute is going to be amazing this year. Charlie Yoost is our chaplain and he has some fabulous plans for us. If you are going to be a freshman in the fall or are under 21 you can come! Lakesideinstitute.org is where you start. You can sign up now and save $20. Just be sure to sign up before May 1, to get the discount. There are scholarships available if you need the help, just be sure to send in your $40 to register. This camp changed my life and has introduced me to some of my very best friends. Lakeside Institute 2010 will be "Preparing for Take Off." Let's fly together. Go there now and sign up!!!!!

Happy Birthday Daddio!!!!

2010-04-01T23:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Dad! This day is so appropriate for you for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing your wonderful sense of humor with us all. Thank you for passing on the juke box in your head. I just love having a song for ANY situation.

Thanks for being the best Dad!

Thank you for helping everyone. Thank you for being an amazing friend. Thank you for teaching me to love.

Thank you for always having a smile and giving smiles. I love you! Hippy Bathday Fajah! Happy Birthday too! MUAH!

Dramatic Black and White at I ♥ Faces

2010-03-29T17:45:00.000-04:00

This girl is a big ball of drama. The contest at I ♥ Faces this week is Dramatic B&W. This girl should have her photo next to the definition of dramatic. There was a little girl, without a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good she was very, very good and when she is bad, she was horrid.

It's a poem my sister used to mess up when we were little but is pretty suiting. I just love her. She has a spunky spirit and is NOT afraid to tell you what she is feeling. Her eyes are just so beautiful! This shot was taken on our last Sunday at the old church. We sure do miss this face!

A Couple Birthday Shout Outs...

2010-03-29T00:48:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday my sweet Julia Faith. I love you so much. I hope your 6th birthday is your best one to date. You mean the world to Uncle Brian, Michael, Carter and me. We just can't get enough of you. Happy Birthday you Big girl!!!! Love you!

Happy 30th to you Kimmy! I am so glad I have you! I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for being Aunt to my dudes. They just love you! We appreciate EVERY THING you do for us! Love you Kimmy!!!!!

What. The. Heck.

2010-03-26T00:22:00.000-04:00

So Pat and Todd came this evening to celebrate Carter's birthday. It was PORING down rain all day and most of the evening. We had an interesting situation during supper. At about 8:30 Brian says "Honey?" "Yes?" I say. "Hurry up and look outside." I'm kind of freaking because of the aforementioned incident. I slowly and cautiously approach the front door to find S-N-O-W! On the ground. Accumulating. My poor little plants aren't going to make it. I have no idea what's planted out there and now, I may not find out till next spring. Really? Two days before Carter's big party? What. The. Heck? :º)

Two

2010-03-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

It's official, this little jaundice baby just turned two. He showed up 3 weeks early and made the perfect addition to our family.

Carter Baby, you are so wonderful. You are so feeling. So caring. So empathetic to everyone. You never let anyone cry alone. When someone cries, you cry with them. If your brother hurts himself, you run to the wall, conk your head and come holding your head with your fake cry. I just love that. I look at you every day and can not believe how much you have grown. I can't believe how tall you are or how much your legs look just like your Papa's. I love how you stand when you eat too much sticking your belly out so you look like an old man. I love your crazy, straight long hair. I love how you go to bed with one hairdo and wake up with crazy bed head. I love your laugh. I love the things you find funny. I love how you count before you say "GO!" when you want to race. I love how you call me Mama and Mommy. I love how you kiss the phone when you are ready to get off. I love how you love everyone. I love how you still want me when you are sad, tired, scared or hurt. I love how ornery you are when you know someone is watching. I love watching you act just like your brother. I love how you call Michael "Buzzue" (Brother) when you see him. I love the time I get to spend with you when Michael is in school. I love watching you swing. I love how hard you laugh when Daddy and I push you in the swing. I love it when you run. I love it how we only have to mention a bath before you start taking off your clothes. I love it how you ask for a bath every time we change you. I love it how you climb on the potty and say "pee pee" at every opportunity.

I love watching you explore. I LOVE how excited you get when you see the cows next door. I love how you yell "BOO" at them till they moo back. I love how you enjoy our new home. I love watching you jump. I love that you trust us to catch you every time. I love watching you try new things. I love how you sing while we eat lunch. I love the way you use your imagination. I love the way you need all three of your blankets to sleep. I love the adventure in you. I love how you put on a bike helmet to ride a concrete donkey. I love who you are becoming. I love who you are. I love it when you take my hand and lead me to what every you can't communicate.

I love how you licked your birthday cake. I love your attitude. I love everything about you Carter Baby! I love how everyone we know calls you Carter Baby. Happy Birthday my little man. I LOVE YOU!!!! I can't wait to see what this year brings us.

These Two

2010-03-12T02:30:00.000-05:00

Make beautiful babies and are having another! This girl has been my life long friend. I don't know who I would be today without her in my life. As babies, we played in paper bags together and fell in love. We have been friends ever since. Gwenn Bresslauer is the best cousin in the entire world. I am so excited for them. I can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew! It's looking like another October birthday but we shall see. Gwenn hasn't had a baby on time thus far, why should she start with number 4? :ºD

Gwenn, I just love you! I was TOTALLY not kidding when I said I'd come take care of you. It may take me some time to get there but...if you need me, I'll be there! CONGRATULATIONS to you and yours!!!!!!!

Look Mommy!

2010-03-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

Michael and I had a day together on Saturday. We went up to Mansfield, had lunch at Taco Bell and went shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond. At Taco Bell, we got to sit at the tall table and Michael was so excited that it was only for one, two people. At B, B and B, we bought some bowls for our picnic basket that came in a mesh bag. When we got home and took the bowls out to wash them Michael put this on his head and said "Look Mommy! I'm one of those ladies that make food!!!" My son is proud to be a lunch lady.

Thank you Michael for the special afternoon!!!!

The New View

2010-03-05T00:35:00.001-05:00

This is from the front door. There are REAL kids that live across the street!!!!

And this is the view from our dining room. They have cows and Clydesdales. It's an Amish farm right next to the church. Carter LOVES them. "Boo! Boo Mommy! BOOO!" That means he saw a cow. He makes the noise a horse makes when they push air out like a raspberry when he sees the horses. And if I don't acknowledge him fast enough he grabs my hand and says "Lets go!" and pulls me to see what ever he was telling me about. We have horses and cows on either side. I'm sure the summer is going to smell AWESOME! :º) Either way the wind blows...we get it. Anyway, he loves them and booos all the day long.

For the record, Clydesdales make cows look puny. They can move too! I saw a couple working the field today and others just running. Beautiful.

Also, this house is wearing my kids faster than anywhere they've ever been. They are READY when nap time comes and if it's close to 8:00 pm they are begging to get in bed. I can't wait till they can run outside too! That slide has been taunting poor Michael since we got here. He is STOKED!

Today is the Day

2010-03-01T00:54:00.000-05:00

  Well, Time's up here in Woodsfield. Later today, a moving truck will show up in our driveway, pack up everything we own and show up in Fredericktown tomorrow.
  It was an emotional day yesterday. Brian did the first church by himself, I joined him for the second and the boys, Kimmy and Regan joined us for the third. Kimmy came to the middle service toward the end so we could all say goodbye to the folks at Moffett-Fletcher. All was well till Pappy picked up Carter to snuff the candles at the end of the service. Carter happily went with him and helped him like the big boy he is. When they turned around, John's face was so hard to look at. His chin was quivering and showed so much pain. We have been so loved here. John and Carolin have been watching the boys every Monday for over a year and have become so close to them, and in turn, to us. They have acted parents to Brian and I and have taken our children for weekends at a time and never let us pay them a single penny. Michael has been calling John Pappy for longer than he ever called him John.
  Their granddaughter, Regan, has been Michael's best friend here. We have had Reg here for the last two days and when it came time for her to leave she kept stalling. Since we were still packing, I told her she could take Michael with her and she quickly went with her Mother and Michael. As I was putting Michael to bed he was extremely whiney and when he finally let it out he started crying. I asked him why and he kept shrugging. Finally he said, "I'm just so sad cause Regan left." He broke my heart. I reassured him that it is okay to cry and that is exactly why Mommy and Daddy were crying this morning. He said "Yeah." then sobbed some more. People say that kids don't understand. People who say things like that don't have a Michael. My big boy is so amazing. I love his loving heart. I told him sometimes we have to leave people we love to start a new adventure and that Regan isn't gone forever. We will still visit with her and she and her family will visit with us.
  When Michael started whaling, Carter woke from a deep sleep to cry with his brother. He is so empathetic. Whenever Michael cries, Carter cries too. He's so feeling. I hope my boys stay so loving and feeling for their whole lives. I want them to know that it is ALWAYS okay to love like this.
  I have to thank my friends who stepped up on Saturday. Brian had a district retreat scheduled for this Friday and Saturday long before we found out we were moving. I am SO grateful for Kimmy, Christine and Molly. The 4 of us accomplished so much in the time they were here. Kimmy has been planning on coming for about 3 weeks but Molly and I decided the other day that Saturday would be a great time for D and M to come play with Michael and Carter one last time. D was the biggest kid in preschool last year and Michael was the smallest. They were instant buds. M is about 6 months older than Carter. It has worked very well for us. Kim and I were working in the kitchen when they got here so Molly jumped right in! We were working our way through the left over packing when I got a call from Regan asking if we were home. I invited them RIGHT over! Christine and Regan came straight from a funeral and also jumped right in. Regan went right to playing and Christine started cleaning my stovetop in heels. I have amazing friends here and couldn't have done all this without them. Thank you Kimmy! Thank you Molly! Thank you Christine! I love you all so much.
  Thank you Woodsfield for your hospitality and constant reminder that fast isn't always best. We have learned to slow down and enjoy life again. We needed that. We have learned that roots are so important. People here have a work ethic like none I have ever seen. They are amazing and take pride in EVERYTHING they do! Thank you Greenbrier! Thank you Moffet-Fletcher! Thank you Chapel Hill! You have been so wonderful to us and we will ALWAYS remember you. Thank you.
  Now that my cheeks are dry again, I better get back to work.

The Notebook

2010-02-22T01:45:00.000-05:00

Last night, Missy J. and I watched "The Notebook." I, at 31, have never seen this movie. Missy jumped off the sofa and put in the movie as soon as she heard that I had not seen it. She watched it every week with her friends at OSU. They could quote the entire film and imitate the characters. I can totally relate. (We, the girls in our youth group, made our youth group watch "Grease" every time we were in front of a television. I don't know HOW the boys ever put up with us. Somehow, someone ALWAYS had a copy available.) "The Notebook" was fantastic. It was an incredible reality for what my grandpa and great grandma went through with dementia. It was beautifully written. The costumes were fabulous and the acting was really something. It was so sweet and very romantic. I totally cried. It was a magical movie and I suggest it to you all! PLUS, Rachel McAdams totally reminds me of Jamie Montgomery.

This Boy

2010-02-16T17:01:00.001-05:00

Michael was in his bed because he knocked over Carter Baby. When I called him out he came skipping in to the livingroom and said, "Yes my Lady?" BWAHAHAHAHA! What can a Mama do? Naturally, I laughed and continued asking him why he was in his room. Too much for me.

A New Found Pole

2010-02-16T10:39:00.001-05:00

Spinning, spinning, spinning, spinning, spinning, spinning all day long.

Sour Crap

2010-02-10T12:47:00.001-05:00

Brian sent this to my phone just after I posted.

Oh Man!

2010-02-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

Michael just asked Brian what he was eating for lunch and he told him he was eating sour kraut. Michael promptly came to me and said, "Mommy! Daddy's not eating noodles like me, he's eating sour crap." Hee hee hee.

Making Wind

2010-02-08T15:49:00.000-05:00

Michael was running and could feel wind on his face and said "Mommy! Can you feel my wind?!? I'm making wind!!!" I couldn't since he was running and I was sitting on the sofa. So I took some pictures of him "Making wind" so I could share it with the blogging world and he made me show him every one of them. Then he made me take a ton of them.

Woooooooooosh!

Post Number 200

2010-02-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

First of all, I can not believe I have blogged 200 times. I feel pretty accomplished. I also feel that this has got to be a pretty significant post so....here goes.

WE'RE MOVING!!! We have been holding on to this for 2 and a half weeks. In the United Methodist Church, there is a plan. We, as a clergy couple, have to abide by the plan. A church needs a pastor. The cabinet decides who to place at the church. The DS(District Superintendent) from our district calls us. The DS from the new district calls us and asks us to meet with him. Brian meets with Jim(the new DS). Brian prays a ton and accepts. We meet with the new PPR(Pastor Parish Relations) to decide if they like us. They accept. We have to wait till Sunday to tell the churches we currently serve. We can tell the world. For the record, I don't really care for this method but have married a United Methodist pastor so I abide. I am not a good liar so I don't do it. It has been really hard to speak with church members throughout the last two and a half weeks and not tell them what's coming.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. The church we are going to has a family life center with a full size gymnasium. Brian has a bachelor's degree in physical education and that played a big part in this decision for the cabinet. It is between two seminaries so Brian can attend which ever one he chooses to finish his M. Div. This appointment has potential to keep us busy for 10 or more years. That is really exciting for us especially because Michael starts kindergarten next year.

The Church

The House

The Kitchen and Dining area

The living room

The Foyer

One HALF of the basement. Brian paced it out and it's approximately 12'x36'.

The in-home office. This is one of 3 he has to choose from.

The boys at the top of the stairs. They were completely elated playing in their new(empty) house.

The Sanctuary

The Workout Center

The Gymnasium. They have a stage with lighting and volleyball poles that sink into the floor.

The Church Kitchen

Okay, I think that's enough for now. If you would like to see more we are completely open to visitors!!!! We are moving March 1st. We can't wait to see you all!!!

A Mama and her Dude

2010-02-02T18:29:00.002-05:00

For the record.....I love this boy! And this quilt! I laid down on the bed and he cuddled right up to me and laid just like me. He is so thoughtful! So sweet. And so darn cute!

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

There is Something Missing

2010-01-31T00:37:00.001-05:00

Does anyone notice something missing in this picture? Brian told me I was mean for posting this but I think it's priceless.

I had to take this picture. We were getting ready to go up to Stow so we were sneaking in during nap time. My dude apparently decided to depants himself and air out his back side. Brian didn't even notice till I pointed this naked little tushy out. I love him! My sweet, naked bottomed boy.

Amish Country

2010-01-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

We went to Amish country last Friday and had a splendid, no kid time. We didn't actually see too much Amish things. We went to Sol's but I was afraid to take pictures.

We then stopped at the creepy, witchy, fairyland store and found some REALLY weird stuff. Like this Santa, for example. CREEPY!

There were really cool fairy things there. They had the most beautiful costumes but nothing really appropriate for children(or anyone for that matter).

Ruth is going to make this amazing costume for the fairy Tuckers for Halloween this year. I wonder what poor Riley will be. :º)

Ruth tried on the see-through fairy adult costume. Lets just say we laughed a lot in this refrigerator store.

Okay, he's not a wood gnome but he sure fit the joke. And he certainly doesn't have algae. HA HA!

Next, we went to the Antique mall and shared many more laughs. Who salts their veggies with monks?!?

"But I did not shoot the Deputy" I couldn't believe that it said "Trooper" on the side of the gun.

It was Becky's turn to try on a thing or two. Hee hee hee.

Okay, first, who bought this thing? Second, WHO WOULD WEAR SUCH A THING?!? Ha ha ha!

I must say, I am really stunned at some of the things people hold on to. Can you believe you used to play with toys that people are selling at an antique mall? I couldn't believe how many things I saw that I once owned or my parents had owned. Thank you Ruth and Becky for a day full of belly laughs and antique humor.

The cameras were so fantastic! I have a box of them from Grandma Morgan's house that I will treasure. I was honored when my aunts felt I deserved them. Thank you for that Ladies!!

Quote of the Day

2010-01-17T08:33:00.001-05:00

"I have a lot of marbles in my purse to sell" -Michael Hassel
He kinda sung it too. This kid is really creative!

Big Boy Fun

2010-01-14T12:10:00.001-05:00

This is what I found when I heard some talking coming from my guestroom. I love how he plays by himself. So big of him.

So.....

2010-01-08T01:01:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the kids of the Switzerland of Ohio school district needed an additional week of break. They have cancelled school every day this week before morning. Happy sleeping Miss Tiffany and Miss Amy! I'm sure you are enjoying this break. I suppose the stay at home mothers just need a little more time with their babies. :º) I'll take it! I mean...it sure worked out with the in-laws in. Michael didn't have to miss a minute!

A Photo A Day for 2010

2010-01-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I am attempting a photo a day for this year. I have opened a new blog to showcase said pictures "Through My Viewfinder." I am really excited to learn a little more about my camera and grow as a photographer. I haven't posted anything yet but I have taken many pictures every day this year.

The Thermanator

2010-01-02T00:51:00.001-05:00

Brian and Keith got this mega burger at the Therman Cafe. Brian actually ate this monster. Keith couldn't quite compete. The Thermanator has two 12 ounce beef patties, an inch of sliced ham, tomato, lettuce, pickle, banana peppers, mayo, bacon, cheese, carmalized onions, mushrooms and a huge bun. Plus a plate full of fries and a pickle spear. They had skewers holding it all together. The videos were repulsive. They said in order to eat it, you had to eat the top and get your chin in your burger and then the bottom and get your nose in it. I can't say I wish I was there. I was enjoying the Buckeye game from the Shimming house with FABULOUS company!

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Merry Christmas!!!!!

2009-12-30T00:47:00.000-05:00

Carter was so excited that he jumped on the gifts.

Michael was helping his Daddy. I mean, Brian can NOT be strong enough to rip wrapping paper. Whew! That's hard work. You can see it on their faces. :º)

Of all the gifts that Santa brought they love the shave kits from Daddy and Mama the most. They were so cute! They stood in the bathroom just like Daddy. SO CUTE!!!

My baby got me 28 filters for my new camera. He is so good to me! This one is the Star 8X. Super fun! Thank you Baby!

We drove up to M & D's house to spend the night while they were visiting Missy. Brandi is the nicest. She gets my kids gifts every year. She also got an Iphone for Christmas so we had a little fun. Thank you Brandi for ALWAYS thinking of my kids! Thank you to EVERYONE who went out of the way to give my children gifts this season.

Merry Christmas every one!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2009-12-30T00:22:00.000-05:00

And all through our home. My Monkeys were stirring. Won't leave us alone. They really enjoyed getting their Christmas jammies on and listening to Daddy read the story. Our dad always read "The Night Before Christmas" to us on Christmas eve. ALWAYS! As each of our family has their first child, Dad buys them a copy of the book and writes a little something inside for the new Dad. READY!

The good book. We love hearing this every year. I admit...it is a challenge for me when Brian reads it differently than my dad always did. *Shrug* You can't have everything. :º)

They got a little restless. So Carter did what Carter knows how to do and climbed on his Gikel (Michael). Michael was happy to play chair. Christmas magic was in the air.

Michael drew a picture for Santa on the back of wrapping paper so we hung it next to the tree for the Big guy! It took a LOT of shots to finally get one where he wasn't standing in front of it or acting the nut.

Carrots, Cookies and Milk. CHECK! Santa, these boys are READY for you!

Merry Christmas!

As The Deer

2009-12-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

Uncle Keith made Michael and Carter these reindeer last year. He and Cille have one from her Aunt Grace and it is always part of their Christmas decorations.

Carter has a strange love for these little guys. He wants to ride them. Hee hee hee.

He is so happy. The funny thing is that he doesn't put his weight on them. He just bends down.

We go through this just about every day. Thank you Unk! We love you and love these deer!

Oh No you didn't!

2009-12-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

Michael came up to me with roughly 5 DVD's in his shirt and said "Hi Mommy, I'm Boob!" I said "WHAT?!?!?" He said, "Boob Movie!"

He is too much! We laughed and I ran for my camera. Brian called Keith right away. I best be going...it's almost time for Boob Movie to take a bath. Bwahahahahahaha!

You know these two...

2009-12-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Sloopy and Stockwood. As per Michael anyway. :º) He has REALLY been enjoying the Charlie Brown specials this year. We DVR'd the "Great Pumpkin" and the Thanksgiving special. He watches them all the time. I never realized how many political and denominational references they used.

A Few Things

2009-12-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

1. Our Christmas decorations are up and Carter isn't bothering them. Michael is another story. But Carter Baby is steering clear!

2. Michael is so excited for Santa to come. He has been asking if tonight is the night every night since Sunday when we put the tree up.

3. He only wants 3 things for Christmas. So far, so good. Bendaroos, Crayola's Color Explosion, and Crayola's crayon melter/maker. 2/3 purchased. He already wrote his note to Santa and it's in the "Letters to Santa" holder on the tree.

4. I got a new camera and Carter can't stop modeling. He is more than willing. Usually a bit close but nevertheless willing. :º)

5. It's not much...But it's a start! At the very least, it's continuous. And it couldn't have come at a better time. Tonight is the Christmas parade!!!

6. Sorry I haven't been blogging much. School is taking more time than anticipated.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

2009-11-26T22:08:00.000-05:00

We had a peaceful Thanksgiving at home. We made too much food and it was wonderful. Michael told me I make the best turkey ever. He's been doing that a lot lately with what ever I make for dinner. I told him he's going to make his wife a very happy woman one day. We even cleaned it all up in about 30 minutes.

A couple days ago Brian was making eggs. When he went to grind the pepper, it opened and dumped peppercorns all over his breakfast. Today, I was thinking about that and remembered that I had my Grandma Morgan's salt shaker and pepper grinder. It's one of the few things I got from her house. So far, they have been sitting in my upper cupboard, unused. I thought I'd empty the pepper out and refill it with fresh peppercorns. When I opened it a couple of cinnamon sticks fell out. She is so cute! So clever. I never would've thought to put cinnamon sticks in a pepper grinder to get fresh cinnamon. I called my Aunt Linda immediately. I thought she would appreciate it most. I do miss that woman! Here's to you Grandma Aunt Morgan!

Sorry to our families. We wish we could've seen any of you today. Akron, Honolulu, Milford, Kissimmee, Cleveland, Newnan, Altamont, Someplace in northern California, Albuquerque...any of them would've been just fine with me. Love you all! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Ten on Tuesday

2009-11-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

1. 3 sick boys are rough on a mama.
2. We are officially staying home for Thanksgiving. We WERE going to go to Massachusetts but illness took over my home.
3. I might be a little bummed about missing that Alaburda time. ALWAYS a good time.
4. School work is coming right along. This "Strategies to Online Learning" class is really positive.
5. I've had my cousins on my mind a lot lately. All of them!
6. I'm watching "The Biggest Loser." I'm not ready for it to end. It's so inspiring to me.
7. I bought all the Thanksgiving fixin's yesterday. Kroger is AWESOME! I had a total of $80 something then swiped my Kroger card and paid $53. I stood there, with my jaw open, and said "Are you kidding me? Did I just save $30?" The woman bagging my groceries said, "I was just thinking the same thing!"
8. I had to wash BOTH of the car seats from my car last night. EEEWWW! I hate taking those darn things apart.
9. Carter is in a real predicament he wants his binky to sooth him but he can't breath through his nose so he cries making it harder to breath through his nose and makes him want his binky more. It makes me so sad. At least it's only a bedtime battle.
10. It is almost Thanksgiving. It is almost time to break out the Christmas decorations!!!!!! I LOVE this time of year! Halloween, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. Oh happy day! :º)

The Marine Ball

2009-11-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

The Marine ball was this weekend. These are some pictures I received from Aunt Maureen. Some good lookin' men.

Jamie flew all the way to Hawaii to spend this evening with Jake. She left on Wednesday. They went to the ball on Thursday and she left for Ohio on Saturday. Whew!

I'm not positive but I believe the background is the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Yeah. We like her! Thanks for taking care of our Marine Jamie!

Look What That Boy Made!

2009-11-21T17:40:00.001-05:00

I think this may be my favorite project to date!!!!! Rrrrrroooooooaaaaaaarrrrrrr!!!!!

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Card Makin' Evening

2009-11-09T23:27:00.000-05:00

I got some cards done tonight. Thought I would share incase anyone needed ideas. Enjoy!

Fog Slides

2009-11-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

After my shower, Michael likes to come in and draw pictures with his finger. He almost always tells me they are slides or water slides. They usually have some swirly loops in them. Today he drew a huge arch that fell to the bottom of the mirror (Kind of like a lower case "R"). He looked at me and pointed (exactly when he said "THAT") to the mirror while saying, "Now THAT's a slide!" I said, "And a scary one at that!" He came back with...."YEAH! It will make all the girls go AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!" In the highest little girl scream he could muster. I laughed out loud and continue to do so every time I think of it!

Two More Things

2009-11-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

I totally forgot about Melvis. You know... like Presley. Michael heard Melvis.

Today after school he was singing:
Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe.
Catch a tiger by his toe.
If he hollers DON'T CATCH HIM!

Wednesday "Whatever"

2009-11-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

Thank you Mom! For the rental of your point and shoot camera! You're awesome!

My crazy 4 year old. He has a couple of new words lately. He uses my Weight Watcher's calculator and refers to it as his "Supergavizing cuputer." He told me the other day while riding in the car that he was ornery. How true. I tried taking a picture of him this morning and this is the best one. Hee hee hee! He is too funny! He refuses to smile for a camera any more.

Michael dressed up as "Link" from "Monsters vs Aliens" for Halloween. Every time we watch ANYTHING with Link in it he repeats every action he takes and says "Look what I just did Mommy!" or he says "I just {insert action here}"

This is Carter's pouty lip. Michael was telling us how he made his pumpkin sad "Like this. :(" Carter attempted the same face and this is what we get. Of course, I think this is the cutest thing ever so, I constantly stick out my bottom lip and say "Carter! Say :(" And he sticks out his completely kissable smooshy lips like this.

He might be trying to look at them here. He's been talking a lot lately. My favorite is probably when he says "Otch!" or "Look!" He is completely different from Michael. His fine motor skills are so much more than Michael's ever were. He's a product of "Monkey see, monkey do." Everything Michael does at 4 Carter will attempt at 1 1/2. He's a climber. They both LOVE to climb on their kitchen. I'm talking EVERY DAY! They stand on the TOP and look out the window. My dudes are good buddies. I could do with a little more listening but I guess we get what we get. :º)

Hmpf!

2009-10-30T21:55:00.000-04:00

I can only give you old pictures. My H2 died in July. My point and shoot has a dead battery and we CAN NOT find the charger. So, all I can do is give you something old. Or something from my phone. I have been using my film camera to pacify my desire. I suppose I can scan them in once I get them developed. I could also pay extra to get a disc made of the pictures which would be free if I had a the camera I'm hoping for. Or a battery charger. Which ever. :º)

At the Pregame Festivities

2009-10-24T10:13:00.001-04:00

Kimmy and I came across some free Buckeye tickets!!! With a parking permit!!

Two things

2009-10-23T14:04:00.000-04:00

First- Yesterday, we had to upgrade Carter Baby to a bed. He climbed out of his crib early in the week and didn't make a sound. Just kind of showed up. Yesterday, I put him down for his nap and there it was. THUD! WWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! I got the allen wrench out and took that bad boy down. Yes. It was a little depressing. Neither of my babies lasted till two. We got the car bed out. He loves it. Nap time was a little sketchy. Bed time was like a dream. We read to him. We prayed with him. We said good night. Brian had to tell him ONE time to get back to bed. ONE TIME!!! Then he said, "What is our struggle going to be?" I told him to shut his mouth. :º)

Second- I WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE ART INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. I am really looking forward to making more of my photography. :ºD I'm smiling!!!

Sorry!!!

2009-10-15T22:35:00.001-04:00

I am so sorry! I realized I haven't blogged in WAY too long! We've been on a busy streak. Honestly, we still have things in our garage from the yard sale.

We had loads of company down last weekend for the Black Walnut Festival. Thank you to Dan, Kim, Jenna and Amy for all your help. Thank you also to Brian. They threw together a small party for me while Michael and I were at his friend's birthday party. D and I have the same birthday. :º) So cute! Michael was the smallest one in his class last year and D was the biggest. They were instant besties. D has gone on to Kindergarten and their friendship remains.

Brian and I have been reorganizing. What a task. Hassel Graphics just needs to make better use of work space. Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to wrap that up. If you need any vinyl give me a ring or email us at HasselGraphics@yahoo.com.

We're really getting excited for Halloween. Do you have any ideas for making a "Doctor Cockroach" costume for an 18 month old? PLEASE let me know. Just leave it in the comments. They only sell a complete costume for bigger kids. AND the B.O.B. costumes look NOTHING like the character.

I am really enjoying the "Project 365" from Marie and Missy . I can't help myself. I just love photography. I'm thinking of going back to school in the spring.

Oh and here's a picture for you! Taken from the car. Michael may have taken it. It was definitely on the way home from the Pumpkin Festival in Barnesville. I was in the back seat with the boys and we were taking pictures. I'm so glad my dude loves cameras as much as his Mama!

Girls' Night Out

2009-09-30T22:24:00.001-04:00

I'm having a girls' night out with Missy J. tonight! We already hit the Ruby Tuesday's, the hot tub and the pool! Next up...cheese cake. Then pedicures! Sometimes, boy mamas need a night to hang with eachother. :) Thanks Missy! Love you!

I ♥ Faces "Blue"

2009-09-28T09:53:00.001-04:00

I ♥ Faces is having a "Blue" photo challenge this week. I couldn't think of a better picture than this Marine in his dress blues. This picture was taken shortly after his first tour in Iraq. Thanks again Cpl. We are so proud of you and can hardly grasp the man you have become.

Go check out some other "Blue" entries at I ♥ Faces !

I ♥ Faces “Completely Candid”

2009-09-22T14:49:00.001-04:00

I'm joining in the fun and entering this picture of Regan in the "Completely Candid" photo contest at I ♥ Faces . I just love how she looks so excited and scared and is completely paying attention to the ride operator!

10 on Tuesday

2009-09-22T12:36:00.000-04:00

1. We're getting ready for a yard sale this weekend.
2. I had no idea we owned so much junk!

3. I finally caught up on loading my pictures. *sigh*

4. Meet Boodgie and Goodgie. They're Michael's fair fish. He named them himself. :º)

5. Michael finally figured out peddling. It's been about a month. I am really behind on my pictures.

6. This BIG boy rode all the big rides at the fair. ALL of the big rides. He and Regan were PUT OUT when the upside down ride's height requirement suggested they not ride.

7. My poor Carter Baby is cutting teeth numbers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 AND 14!!! He's been over-all pleasant but when he throws a fit it's a BIG one!

8. A photo from inside a corn field. I'm surrounded.

9. Becky Highman made this bracelet for me. It's an original. She said it's one of her favorites. We were across from each other at the fair and she kept calling me over to show off my arm. She is so stinking cute! And REALLY talented! I just love it!

10. Did I mention we're getting ready for a yard sale?

Murderous

2009-09-12T00:38:00.000-04:00

I was washing out a couple of towels in the bathroom sink. They had some soaking time so I was wringing them out. When I went to hang them on the towel rack I saw something in the toilet. My first thought was "EEEWWW! Who didn't flush the toilet!?!?" Then I looked in. It was a mouse. Swimming in my toilet!!!! The love of living things in me peaked out and I actually thought of saving it. Then the mouse dropping cleaner in me thought of what Brian would say to me if I took it out of the toilet. So...I flushed it. I felt AWFUL!!!!! I still feel awful! It was awful!

The irony of the whole thing is that Michael got "Flushed Away" on DVD earlier that day. The next morning he wanted to watch it upon waking. He has no idea what took place over night. I have a new appreciation for looking in the toilet before sitting. I laugh out loud every time Roddie takes that plunge. As much as I appreciate living in the country I do hope our next home isn't surrounded by fields. :º)

What a sight!

2009-09-06T15:22:00.001-04:00

We had quite a view last night. I have so many pictures, from Lakeside, of the sun and it's reflection on Lake Erie. It was so amazing to see the moon in the same spot with the same reflection. So here's an opposite shot for you. It's from my phone so the quality is kinda shotty. I'll get another one up when I'm home.

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2009-08-30T16:19:00.001-04:00

Testing. This is a blog from my BB. Complete with a picture from the fair! This is our stand. We did well. We may just need a sitter for the black walnut festival.

Oh man!

2009-08-26T09:13:00.002-04:00

Michael is SUCH a boy! He just walked up to me with a bubble blowing apparatus, which he was recently blowing in, and said, "Look at the totally awesome spit in there!!!!"

McDonald's

2009-08-15T22:22:00.002-04:00

So we went to McDonald's the other morning on our way to East Palestine. I asked Michael if he wanted some pancakes with syrup in them (or McGriddle cakes). He said, "You mean the ones with my name on them?" I realized at that point that he was referring to the "M" on the cake. "Yes Michael. The one with the "M" for Michael." He agrees and he has them for breakfast.

Later that day we went to the Hobby Lobby in Boardman and this boy came running up to us talking to Carter. Then he went on and on and on and on about the race cars that were coming to McDonald's the next day. Michael asked if we could bring him to McWalnuts for some race cars. I said "McWalnut's?" He said "YEAH! I want to get cars from McWalnuts!" Too cute!

Today he was telling me about Grandma Nan's church and how he got to light the candles. I asked him if he blew them out. He said "NO! I didn't blow them out with my wind. I used the, um, thing on the stick!"

I Apologize

2009-08-09T23:51:00.004-04:00

My apologies. My computer was so full of pictures that I couldn't fit one more on it. I have recently deleted over 2,000 pictures off of my laptop. They are safe on an external hard drive. Anyway. Here are some pictures from our summer!

A flavorless snow-cones. YUMMY!

Summerfest bounce house.

McDonald's picnic in the front yard. This was an in prompt to while we were getting camp stuff done.

He loves this thing. He climbs on how ever he can.

Missy and Kevin got this for Carter's birthday. We finally took it out. Michael definitely got more out of it than Carter. Great day!

Aaaaaaahhhhhhh. Lakeside! We had a pirate dance and Brian dressed as seaweed! I thought he looked more like Lady Liberty! :º) Stephanie, Annie and Mallory were the start of the party! They got EVERYONE dancing!!! We had a Luau and sing-a-long. Meet the Hukilau sisters. Yes, that is Jeff dressed as the Big Kahuna Sister! AWESOME!

My girls at communion. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did working out with these girls.

I promise I will try to be more diligent with my blog!

Funny Kid

2009-07-28T10:07:00.002-04:00

So last night my boys were talking into the fan. Michael accidentally put his finger in and the blades scared him all the way to the couch. I asked him if he was okay and if I could see it. He looked at it and as he turned his hand for me to see it he said, "No blood, no foul!" I laughed so hard. We went outside to find Daddy to tell him. Brian was so proud that he called Dan immediately!

Lakeside Institute

2009-07-26T22:28:00.002-04:00

We just got back from Institute! What an amazing week! It's incredible to me how much things change and how much they stay the same. We still sing the same songs and have the same schedule as we did my first year. There was even a Molly Moth sighting! The staff has had changes but there are still staff from 1994! The youth this year were simply amazing!!! Some of the girls from Hilliard made up a song a couple of years ago and, since this was their first year, they decided to share it. It goes a little something like this..."Donkeys are in love with carrots. Carrots aren't in love at all. Whee snaw, whee snaw. Listen to that loving call!" They have a dance and everything. Oh, and MANY, MANY verses! It was really hard to leave my boys but it was incredible to be so involved in Institute again!

AAAAAWWWWW!

2009-07-16T23:01:00.002-04:00

Awwwww. Look at my Carter~Baby. WAIT JUST A MINUTE!!! That's not Carter!!! That is, none other than, Jacob Robert Alaburda!!!!! I just found these in a photo album. HOLY FREAKING CRAP! I can not believe how much my Carter~Baby looks like my cousin!!!! Carter, I want you to know, I will be one proud Mama if you turn out looking like adult Jacob! Love you Jake!