Happy 1st Birthday Ethan!

We got ethan balloons for his birthday, they were quite a hit

Its my birthday!

I'm how old?

Syracuse won!! What a nice birthday present

I'm loving this cake stuff

I think audrey might love it more though, she's licking the plate clean

Ride 'em cowboy!

hi :)

Jumphouse

Today we took Audrey to her friend Jeremy's third birthday party at a bounce house type place that does birthday parties. I'm guessing you can just go and play at times too. Audrey wasn't acting normal all day- she hardly ate or drank anything and was just generally out of sorts. the party was at 1 - her "normal" nap time. But i really want to go to see what this place was and to see how birthday parties go. Well Audrey fell asleep on our way there (and we were 35 minutes late to begin with) so we had to wake her up when we got there and she was just a bear. She finally warmed up when I went into a bounce house with her. but she only ate 2 bites of pizza and didn't want cake! so with that I knew something is wrong. hopefully tomorrow she is feeling better. We went to bed extra early tonight. I have no idea what could be wrong. she is warm but no fever. I may call the doctor tomorrow to see. Here are some pictures, she did have a few fun moments on the birthday chair and lots of friends from daycare were there.

Ryan trying to talk audrey in going down the big blow up slide, he failed

The big Batman jump house

Audrey and Mommy in a bounce house

Audrey having fun finally

Ethan would have had a blast if we had let him in...but he was too little

Ryan enjoying the blackberry party

Pizza Time

Sitting on the birthday throne with a friend from school

Audrey Sleep habits

3 weeks ago bedtime routine:

We say its bed time, audrey grabs her milk and marches upstairs. We take a bath, get dressed, drink milk, read 3-4 books, always ending with a biscuit book, brush teeth and hair, hugs, tell her to go get bunny foo-foo (her lovey) and cover her up turn off the lights and leave. done.


The last few days (and the WHOLE vacation):

We say its bed time - there are tears and jumping up and down NO!. we finally get upstairs after some coaxing. we take a bath, get dressed, every few minutes "where are we going to go to sleep?" drink milk, read a story, brush teeth and hair, once we start the walk back to the bedroom the tears and screams start. I don't want to sleep in there! Sleep on the floor daddy! I don't want to go to bed! leave the light on! leave the door open!

we tried to let her just cry it out and put the safety thing on the door handle so she couldnt open her bedroom door. we left and went downstairs to watch on the video and she was screaming at the top of her lungs and crying. she left the view of the camera and we hear "i dont want my pajamas!!" then after a minute or two we hear her crying in the hallway. ryan went up and she was down to her diaper and had busted the safety device and got out of the room. ryan thinks she would have chewed her way out if she had to. I don't understand what happened. but i hope we get back to the normal routine REAL quick.

Christmas Whirlwind

well we made it through our trip!

1. Drove 1500 miles
2. Stayed at 4 different houses (kids atleast)
3. Had 4 christmases
4. Drank lots of beer and wine
5. Attempted to ski/snowboard...semi successfully
6. Had 2 birthday parties
7. Took 700 pictures
8. Had one allergic reaction
9. Had one fever
10. Had to sleep on the floor next to audreys pack-n-play 10 nights (and counting)

But it was fun! We had so much fun seeing everyone and people FINALLY got to meet ethan. But I am glad we don't have to do that again anytime soon.

Survivor #8 - FINAL

WOW. i did not want Fabio to win...did he not annoy you? Congrats though Faye!

Becky: Alina & Tyrone (paid)
Carrie: Chase & Jimmy T
Cath: Purple Kelly & Dan (paid)
Dave: Kelly B & Wendy (paid)
Emily: Shannon & Jimmy J (paid)
Faye: Fabio & Jane (paid)
Junior: Sash & Holly (paid)
Mike: NaOnka & Marty (paid)
Ryan: Brenda & Yve (paid)
Sarah: Benry & Jill (paid)

Holiday Open House

The Nester is having her Holiday Tour of Homes this week.. I thought it would be fun to join in this year.

Here are my christmas decorations:

My cute little helper

My wine and nativity scene

My mohawk bread pan and a santa candle

elf on the shelf - Frodo

I have a Santa Theme

The tree and mantle

This is how audrey decorates the tree, all on one limb

My other cute helper

Cookies

We made a BUNCH of cookies today...its not as fun when you have to make all of them yourself...cookie parties are much more fun. BUT we got them all done and bagged to give as gifts. Enjoy some pictures!

my little helper

all of our supplies

Some of the finished product

Some more finished product

Sharing with Daddy

loving the batter

Day 26 - Picture of your family

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

Day 25 - Put your ipod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

sorry i am - Ani Difranco
Ten Little Teddy Bear Boys - Mother Goose
Way Back Home - The Wreckers
Who put the stump? - Bob Rivers
Distance - Karsh Kale
She'll Be Comin Round the Mountain - Baby Genius
Smile - Lily Allen
32 flavors - Ani Difranco
Enter Sandman - Metallica
Leave It - Seven Nations

Day 24-Something you've learned

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

I've learned...oh  I would like to believe that I have learned many many things...i guess most of all I have learned to enjoy every day of your life.

Survivor #7

What the Eff?!!  I so can not believe that both of them quit....such RA-tards

Becky: Alina & Tyrone (paid)
Carrie: Chase & Jimmy T
Cath: Purple Kelly & Dan (paid)
Dave: Kelly B & Wendy (paid)
Emily: Shannon & Jimmy J (paid)
Faye: Fabio & Jane (paid)
Junior: Sash & Holly (paid)
Mike: NaOnka & Marty (paid)
Ryan: Brenda & Yve (paid)
Sarah: Benry & Jill (paid)

Day 23 - Favorite Vacation

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

2004- St Thomas

it was our honeymoon and it was so awesome...besides the iguanas that is. we spent 7 days, 6 nights I believe and we had a condo- time share, it was 2 bedroom slept like 20 people. had a kitchen, we rented a car and could go anywhere we wanted. there was a pool and hotub right outside our room- 3 restaurants right there. it was awesome. I loved it. i dont think i would go back though, because of the iguanas :)

Day 22-Favorite City

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

I had a really hard time coming up with my favorite city...but i think i will go with Savannah, GA.

They have the BEST st patricks day party (i've been twice) and then there is tybee island where its the best island, beach, resort ever. they have great restaurants and shopping too. my parents and I went one weekend when I lived in south carolina.

Survivor - Nicaragua #6

yay Brenda is out! she annoyed me. This is going to get interesting now I think.

Becky: Alina & Tyrone (paid)
Carrie: Chase & Jimmy T
Cath: Kelly S & Dan (paid)
Dave: Kelly B & Wendy (paid)
Emily: Shannon & Jimmy J (paid)
Faye: Fabio & Jane (paid)
Junior: Sash & Holly (paid)
Mike: NaOnka & Marty (paid)
Ryan: Brenda & Yve (paid)
Sarah: Benry & Jill (paid)

Day 21 - PictuRe of yourself

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

This is me on our trip to the blue ridge mountains! Good Times

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The kids got their thanksgiving celebration 'peeps' and they loved playing with them, especially the papoose

Audrey got her cherry apron to help cook, even though she didn't help

Ethan got mad when I held him.

We successfully cooked almost everything, everything but the cranberry sauce

we attempted to get our christmas card picture taken, it will be some version of this, while we were taking the pictures the cranberries burned

we ended the night with some skyping and painting...fun times. off to bed to shop til we drop!

Day 16 - Day 20

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture


Day 16-Dream house
I don't have a picture of my dream house but I will list the necessities to a dream house
wrap porch
pool
huge kitchen
deck/patio
basement
built in shelves
hardwoods
fireplace

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
My sister coming to visit for a week, I have LOTS planned and we can go out to eat lunch everyday because we will be working near each other, fun fun


Day 18-Something you regret
 I really can't think of anything significant I am regretful of, like I said in a previous post that I believe everything happens for a reason, the good and the bad, and the person I am today is because of that- the butterfly effect essentially


Day 19-Something you miss
my skinny days..I have bags and bags of clothes I will probably never fit in


Day 20-Nicknames
Emmy when I was little
In highschool it was 'JYD' from a song...leroy brown, meaner than a junk yard dog...people thought i was mean i guess.
In college it was 'Brownie' because there were so many Emily's on my lacrosse team.
Now I guess M.

Survivor - Nicaragua #5

wow i was three episodes behind...i'm loving watching ponderosa again

Becky: Alina & Tyrone
Carrie: Chase & Jimmy T
Cath: Kelly S & Dan
Dave: Kelly B & Wendy
Emily: Shannon & Jimmy J (paid)
Faye: Fabio & Jane
Junior: Sash & Holly (paid)
Mike: NaOnka & Marty
Ryan: Brenda & Yve (paid)
Sarah: Benry & Jill (paid)

Day 13 - Goals

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

Goals
to complete this challenge
to lose a bunch of weight
to not raise serial killers or children who beat other children to death at a party
for ethan to get some tubes so he is not so sick
exercise more


Day 14 - A Picture I Love

Day 15 - Bible Verse

I'm not really into bible verses but this was one that was read at our wedding and I have it hanging in our bathroom.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;
love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly;
it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails...But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13

Day 12 - what I believe

this one kind of puzzles me... but here goes

I believe that everything happens for a reason, but unfortunately we don't know it at the time. I have many examples in my life that has proven this to me.
I believe in karma...and its a bitch
I believe that these are the cutest kids on the planet :)

Day 11 - Favorite TV shows

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Your love
Day 3-Your parents
Day 4-Your siblings
Day 5- Your Children
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

Favorite TV shows
Right now my favorite TV are:

Brothers & Sisters
Parenthood
Teen Mom
Survivor
16 & Pregnant
Friday Night Lights
Criminal Minds
Mad Men
Greys Anatomy
Real World and all the challenges
Raising Hope
Jersey Shore
Young & the Restless....

yes its official I watch too much TV :)