Our Tree, 2007

Our tree arrived home safe and sound! I must say a Christmas Tree purchase experience in Florida was extremely different than a Christmas Tree purchase in Wisconsin. First off, trees are expensive in the south. We purchased a Frasier Fur for $25 last year, and a Frasier Fur for $95 (sticker price) this year. Don't you worry, I used my friendly negotiating skills down 60%, there was just no way I could spend that on something I threw away. Second, there was no snow to contend with while making the decision. The sun was beating down on us and the boys only had a sweatshirt on. The boys really enjoyed the experience. Sam was definitely excited to strap the tree on top of the van and ride home to put the lights on! Now, we wait...patiently for Santa who will be here as soon as his Mimi and Papa arrive!

Finally, the tree is lit! A little crooked, but lit.

Again, I must say, I LOVE PUBLIX!

Again, another post about how much I love Publix. Let me start out by saying, "I STILL love Publix!" This event, hosted by Publix, was to bring in the holidays..What am I going to do if we ever move to a state where I am without a Publix? It was that time of year, again, where Publix did it best to spoil us rotten. The store managers (about 15 of them) supplied a great huge warm welcome to us as we walk through the door. Not only was I three steps into the store before I was offered some Champagne and my children were offered a balloon, next to the 5 piece string cortet, chilling behind the ice sculpture. Of course I indulged in the Bubbly and I figured I could stay there for a few more hours since we walked there :). Next we came across a table. A table that was FULL of the favorites. The melting moments, the strawberry drizzled with brown and white chocolate and the favorite brownie surprise. The baker gave one plate to me, one to Matthew and the other to Sam. We piled up those desserts high and mighty. The baker just adores Matthew and she always gives him Hi-5's! Not to mention that Matthew adores her because she not only supplies his paws with 1 sprinkled cookie, but he gets 2 cookies! And yes, they do know my children by their first name. So we stood there and stuffed our faces with the decants first. Now, onto the produce spread....This is the favorite event of our excursion. Why you ask? Because they have a scale and everything we buy we have to weigh....according to Mr. Sam Man. And tonight, we weighed the fork that we used to eat all the palatable bakery items.
We were done, Matthew was a mess, imagine that, and Sam was just too worried that his fingers were dirty. We continue. Next it was the seafood table. Gorgeous seafood laid out with of course, the mini cocktail wieners! Matthew stood by the butcher until he noticed him and also filled up a plate for us! He said, "Wieners for the children! Does the mother want some?" I passed on that question.....Matthew found himself a comfy seat on the tile floor next to the raw spare ribs that were next to the lamb shank.

After eating our way through the store we noticed that it was getting very very dark out and we still had about a 20 minute walk home. We were having so much fun talking, eating and drinking we lost track of time. Now somehow I was going to have to break the news to my little ones that it was time to go.....let me say it wasn't easy, until we started walking towards the front of the store. There was SANTA! The big ole' man himself was sitting high and mighty on 1,000 cases of coke! Oh man. The tears from the poor little sad children froze and the faces turned into smiles. "Ho Ho Ho Ho" came out of Matthew's mouth. "Can I tell him to bring me a firetruck" came out of my darling 3 year old's mouth. Matthew followed Sam...all the way to the lap, then turned around and got shy. However, check out the smile on Sam's face...He was in heaven!!!! And this Santa was free of charge! Well, he should be seeing how much of my $$ Publix has....

It was time to head back home to wait for daddy! Our bellies were fed and the boys were ready to roll. Sam ate like a champ and Matthew, well he always has an appetite. As we were rolling out of the parking lot, Sam looked at me and said, "Mommy, I think you better walk fast, I have to poop." So we ran home dodging the sprinklers that were spraying in our path :).....I will never leave my house without my camera again!!!! And yes, I did look like a fool taking pictures in a food store, but the funny part was...I wasn't the only one!

The Festival of Lights

So much funakkah on Hanukkah!

The menorah just swallowed our children down to the core. They were in aah as the candles were lit and daddy recited the Hanukkah blessings at our lighting ceremony. Matthew continuously tried to blow out the candles, Sam was just candle struck and hardly blinked. They were so funny as they sat their little tushies on the table as we talked about Hanukkah and the story behind it. (Thank Goodness I got a little clued in from the Blues Clues Hanukkah book we read that morning!)

We were nontraditional for dinner and ate Spaghetti.... However, we could smell the Brisket simmering away and the latkes stacked up high at Gaga Judi and Papa Stan's house and we missed you all.
Check out the new puppets Aunt Lori and Uncle Marc surprised the boys with!!!! They adore them and they thank you for sending them down to Hot, Sunny, Sticky Florida. THANK YOU! Matthew is a bit intimated by his, Sam, no fear. HE LOVES THEM and makes Matthew laugh with them.
DAY TWO

Thank you Gaga and Papa Stan for the magnets and car racer set! We can't wait to show you them in a few DAYS when you visit!!!!!! The boys love receiving boxes in the mail!

I just love these pictures of the boys. Because it was just Brad and I celebrating Hanukkah together, we took charge of the celebration and I really think the boys were into it this year. Sam asked questions, Matthew just giggled. It was so fun for us to explain the Teplin Traditions with him, to the best of our knowledge, and watch the excitement brought to the table when we proclaimed "It's time to light the Menorah". We can't wait for next year!

Confused drive-thru passenger

We love you McDonald's!!! And we also love your drive through service. It suites our family's needs in those 'last minute dinner' decisions. Tonight was one of those nights, I didn't want anything to do with the kitchen!

So, in an effort to get out as a family, we decided to pack up the troops and head to our new friendly neighbor, myself (Erin) in the pilot seat.

We always talk up McDonald's as a bribe to our children. "If you're good.....we'll get you french fries." Heck if they understand what "good" is, but they do know how GOOD those greasy wet salty fries taste weaving through their little paws as the salt sprinkles their little lips. The kids decided that they were going to get Chicken, milk, fries and ketchup. Daddy decided that he was going to get Extra Value Meal #7, with his chicken grilled, and a diet soda.

Mommy was next in line to order in the ever so friendly drive-thru. While we were waiting in line, we saw the line next to us get a little out of control as the driver kept yelling out his window, "can you move your car up so I can see the order board....(no car movement)...can you MOVE YOUR CAR UP...(still no car movement)......MOVE YOUR *(^$@!# CAR NOW OR I'LL *&(*#!%@. Great for the hungry ears in the back seat to witness as mommy and daddy were rolling over with laughter.

Next it was our turn. (Now remember Daddy wanted the #7 value meal with grilled chicken). I start my order.....it went something like this....

McD's: "Welcome to McDonald's in Oakleaf, can I take your order?"
Me: "yes, I'll have a #7, chicken grilled with a diet coke"

McD'S: "Just so you know, it will be about a 6 minute wait on the grilled chicken. Would you mind waiting?"

Me: "Brad, it's going to be a wait on your grilled chicken...."
Brad: "Why?"

Me: "I don't know.....do you want to wait or want something else?"
McD's: "Would you like that #7 crispy instead?"

Brad: "Tell her I'll take a grilled chicken #5 instead"

Me: "Are you serious?"
Brad: "Well if they can't make a grilled #7, then have them make me a #5 grilled chicken sandwich"

Me: "Brad, come on...."

McD's: "Mam? Crispy or do you want to wait?"

Me: "Hold on one second.........(window is now closed)"

Me: "Brad....they don't have any grilled chicken, hence why I'm unable to order you a #5 instead of a #7....now come on here....do you get it?

We proceeded with caution as we headed towards the next window to get our food.....oh yes, my darling husband was a little slow to understand the difference between meal #5 and meal #7 and the concept that the little McD's grill team was a little slow on the line of making the grilled chicken. When I asked him if he was really serious about making me look like a fool, his exact words were:

"I thought they just couldn't make the sandwich in meal #7, like they didn't have the bread or lettuce or something......."

Love you darling!

A internet hug!

Thank you Uncle Darren and Aunt Ann for the birthday gift! Sam loves it, even though the picture presents a different story! But all in all, don't you think he looks cute? He was just upset I had the camera in my hands again! He just got done posing for the holiday card which, well, 200 pictures later, turned out fine.
We can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

Cutsie!

My little cutsie just doesn't want to wear clothes anymore. He prefers naked, we enforce a diaper. If the fail to enforce the diaper avenue, he literally makes puddles all over the house. He pushes SOOO hard he surprises himself when more and more and more comes out! Our little Matthew, so predictable!

Boring daddy bath

I politely asked Daddy Brad to bathe the children on Saturday Morning. I wanted to

have a few minutes in the kitchen alone and I wanted the little monsters to be contained as I finished my mission. What I didn't realize is how contemporary Daddy Brad's baths have became. When I whipped around the corner and saw this position, I needed to present a picture. The kids were fine, but how NOT FUN of a bath! Every morning we literally play until the bath water gets cold, hands become pruned and the boys and I have a blast! Daddy bath's are soooo 2007. When I asked him what he was doing his response was, "I'm checking the weather in WI." But oh how his children love him to death.

Are they here yet?

Our little Sam is soooooo excited for the upcoming weeks. We're getting in the holiday spirit these past few days and explaining what different things are and who is who! Sam is in all his glory as he prances around the house proclaiming "they are coming today". I'm always afraid to ask him "who" because I know how disappointed he will be when I tell him "not today Sam". We have a slue of visitors coming the end of the month to celebrate the end of Hanukkah and the Christmas festivities! We told Sam who is all coming and his concept of "days" is so off. He is so excited to see you all! He can't wait, and neither can we. Matthew thinks he is super excited as well because he talks about it with Sam.

This morning after bath the door bell rang. Sam dashed out of the tub, slid across the kitchen floor, tumbled over the shoes and made a safe landing at the foot of the door. He was sooo excited that "they" were here. When I asked who he said, "mommy, they are here....Gaga, Papa Tom, Papa Stan, Mimi, Ozzy and Sassy. Next Uncle Darren and Aunt Ann will come. Oh yeah, and Great Grandma Trudy too. She's coming too.". With every door bell incident and every drifted conversation his heart gets broken as he just wants you all to be here so bad! He is so excited to see you all.....you have no idea.

Our Thanksgiving meal

Our Thanksgiving, 2007. It was just the four of us this year for the big Turkey Day. We celebrated the day just being a family. Our plans for the day took a dump as we planned on heading to the beach until we woke up and found out it was a cold and rainy day. Instead of going with our fun day, we stayed home and played! Daddy was home with us on Thursday but had to return to the grind on "black Friday" and went about his business as normal. The boys and I braved the stores and made it a fun event watching all the craziness going on around us. The boys were so anxious to eat and decided I was taking too long. So instead of trying to jump in the oven, they decided it would be a great idea if they just camped out on the kitchen floor right next to the oven. Perfect spot my children picked. Not only was it in the middle of the kitchen, it was smack dab in my way!
Helping us get ready to carve!
Here is our bird! He lost his limbs while in the Publix cooler, but he tasted mighty yummy!

The treehouse

Welcome to the jungle! This tree house is great! The boys love it. It soars in the sky and they pretend they live away from mommy and daddy, in their own little fort! Matthew recently discovered he can do everything Sam can (and then some) and he can go up the steep steep ladder, all by himself mind you....

Vanilla Shakes

Our two little boys are in love with McDonald's milkshakes! Sam actually drinks it, Matthew likes to sip it and make sure to take the straw in and out of the cup to make sure he makes a super huge sticky mess everywhere! We love you Ronald, and we love you even more that your crew opened up a new McDonald's 2 minutes away!!! Thank you!

it's december 2nd...

and it's 82 stinkin' degrees? WHAT???? All the family back home are buried in a snow/ice storm, and we sit here with our shorts, sweating with the air on. Something just doesn't feel right. It's so strange for us to take walks through the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights. Normally we would bundle up, buckle everyone up in the car, crank the heat and drive around. Not this year...we walk with our flip flops on as the warm breeze sifts through our hair. Looking at lights, hearing 'HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS" belt out from those 20 feet colorful blow up snow men, just isn't cuttin' it for us. Hmmmm...this is strange. Last night our neighbors invited us over for a bon fire. Sure enough, it still didn't feel right. Bon fires are reserved for camp time...in summer.

So now, next weeks mission is getting a tree. Hmmmm....instead of worrying about a fire striking the dry tree, we have to make sure we have a large enough tree skirt underneath to catch the dripping sap as it melts off the pine needles. Will I be able to celebrate a Christmas this year?

The very very long long long list

Yesterday we visited Santa at the St. John's Town Center in Jacksonville. I wasn't sure what type of reaction they children would present. As we approached this adorable little Santa house, Sam was a little hesitant, and Matthew, well he wanted to sprint to see this gray haired man! As we were waiting in line we explained to Sam who Santa is and what this whole adventure was going to be about. Matthew was jumping between the line markers, walking all over the beautiful handmade Nutcrackers larger than Santa himself. Ah Ha! We were next! Sam still had a tiny bit of fear between his eyes, but when the lady said, "Okay, it's your turn" Sam sprinted over to the big red suited man with the long white bearded man and sat on his lap. The conversation went something like this:

Santa "Hello Sam, have you been a good boy this year?"
Sam: "Yes I have, and I go poo poo on the potty, and pee pee too!"
Santa: "Wonderful, does your brother want to come up here too?"
Sam: "No he's scared of this"
Santa: "So tell me, what is on your Christmas list this year?"
Sam: "ME? I want a firetruck with a long long ladder like the one on the truck at the park. Do you know I like firetrucks? I LUVE firetrucks. Do you know I was a firefighter for Halloween? Matthew was a fire dog with a hose? They go, vrooommm vroooom vrooooooooooooooooom, see, just like that. I want the firetruck that has lots of noise, and I also like trains."
Santa: "Do you like Thomas the train?"
Sam: "TRAINS? Did you say Thomas? I LUVE Thomas. Did you know that Thomas came to my birthday party? Did you know that Matthew, he likes trains too? I luve trains. Can you give me some? Did you know that I like trucks that crash and airplanes too?

(Matthew is now on all fours trying making a mad dash for the pine cones that are on the tree that stands on a table under the fireplace, next to the candy canes! I knew what was about to happen and heck if he was going to go close to the man with the white beard and the red suit)
Santa: "Were you a good boy this year?"
Sam: "Me, yes, I was a good boy, like Matthew"
Santa: "I will put you down on my list and I'll check it twice. Now, Sam, don't forget to put cookies out for me on Christmas Eve."
Sam: "Cookies? I LUVE Cookies, do you like doughnuts? I LUVE doughnuts and trains too.......

Mommy: "All right Sam, let's tell Santa Merry Christmas and let's be on our way!"

Honestly, if I would have let him, we would STILL be there. Our anxious little Sam is still having a hard time understanding what this whole thing was about. When Santa gave him his present, Sam opened it and was so disappointed. "I don't want this...I want my firetruck that Santa is going to bring me!" So the going home conversation was all about "wishes".

Unfortunately we were told that we were unable to take photos during this Santa visit because we were not going to purchase a 4 X 5 picture from them with snowflakes and a pretty border for $15.00. We have a visual memory of the event.

Guaranteed to make you giggle!

Guaranteed to make you giggle!
Funny Brotherly love!

Safety Saturday

We had the opportunity to meet and mingle with members of the Clay County Fire Department and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. We crawled inside a fire truck for a firefighter’s view and sat in a police cruiser to see what it’s like to be on patrol. They offered a complimentary car seat checks and K-ID fingerprinting. Sam brought his bicycle to complete a bicycle course and met the dogs who play the starring roles for the K-9 Unit. Inflatables were available for the kids and hot dogs, chips and drinks will be offered. This event was by far one of the best events we attended. The kids had a blast. Little Matthew got a taste of Cheetos and he was so preoccupied with his orange face, fingers and mouth that he forgot where he was.


For some reason, Matthew thought it was pretty funny..

Who would have thought he was scared of his car seat???

Our new love...

GeoTraxs by Fisher Price. Thank you Gaga and Papa Stan for the birthday gift. As you can see, you've captivated your grandson in many new ways! Now we understand why Sam's cousins were so dedicated.

Clearing house

We had our community garage sale last weekend! We got rid of MOST of our baby items! And wow, our closets are surely feeling the effects. We did well as we had many many many hungry shoppers. The best part about the sale was meeting some new neighbors who recently moved in or we just haven't met yet. The rain decided to move in with an hour left of the sale, so we packed up and moved in. The boys thought it was a big play date as so many friends came by to check out our stuff!

Fall is in the air!

Oh yes, the weather is perfect. Low 50's at night, upper 70's during the day. Sunny as can be and just perfect. This is why we fell in love with living in Florida in the first place. Finally those hot & humid days are of the past. All my southern friends told me that when it hit 70, we'd be freezing. They were so dead on. Look at my children. Long pants, socks, shoes and sweatshirts, and the temp was 72. It surely did feel like 50 and it was GREAT!!!! I love this fall, but we do miss the anticipation of the snow fall back home. Hopefully we'll get to visit it this winter.

Paper concentration

This is one of my favorite pictures. He requested something to read, and nothing was satisfying enough. Then a light bulb went off, "can I have the paper like daddy?" .

Ever since we pulled the "elmo potty" into the toy room, where he always poops, diaper or no diaper, he is in LOVE with going poopy on the potty. I never knew my child could poo as much as he does. Seriously, he goes at least 3 times a day. Yesterday he went 4 times. He sits there and sits there pushing so hard until something comes out. Today I figured out why. He thinks that when he toots, he needs to poop. Lovely!

"MOMMY, I did it!"

THIS IS HUGE!!!! Poppy in the Potty!!!! YEAH!
I think I'm comfortable to say potty training is going well in this house. Each day we get closer to comfort with the potty. I don't leave home without my little portable potty. Even our little friends have used the potty and think it's way cool!

Today, after some major discussions and a major breakdown, we took the little potty seat and put it in the toy room next to his train table (where he always poops) and he did it! He was so impressed with himself and was rewarded with a trip to Publix for a donought with daddy!

Let's hope it continues!

Fear update

GOOD NEWS!!!! We had a fearful fight and throw down, but it was better this morning. Still a little hesitation, but better. PHEW...I'm seeing the light at the end of the road, literally. I think we fought this fear! Oh how we love our over dramatic little boy :) My only prayer tonight is, "Please don't let Matthew catch wind of his brother's behavior".

I think I can say, without hesitation, it's behind us!

The fear of restraint

We've had a week from hell and to say the least, it's only Wednesday. Our darling little 3 year old found a fear. The fear of being in restraint. It all started on Saturday night, while we were in St. Augustine, about an hour from home. Sam has always been our over excitable, enthusiastic, full of energy type of child. For that, we love him dearly. However, the problem with the above traits is the ability to change. He likes what he likes, and that is it. He's gone to bed hungry numerous nights because he's not satisfied with the meal presented to him. He will kick and scream and throw up to get reaction from us and then he knows we'll feel bad for him. Ever since he was a baby he's been full of nervous energy. From taking medicine to being dropped off at daycare. There were so many challenges he presented to us....oh Sam....we love you so...

Well, he presented us with yet another parenting challenge. The fear of his car seat. In his little head, he is convinced that being in his car seat is pure torture. He's been fighting with this for days now. I do believe him, I do believe that he is afraid of restraint. The look of fear and anxiety in his eyes broke my heart. He would proclaim that he didn't want to go see his friends (he normally BEGS to see them). He would proclaim that he didn't want to go play soccer, (NEVER happens) etc. Heck, he didn't even want to go to Target....I knew something was wrong.

It's been a long hard week with him. Monday we sat outside in the car ALL day, besides lunch and naps, and we talked. Sam and I talked over and over and over about being scared and what it was that makes him scared. We talked over and over about how much I love him and how I want him to be strong and it's okay to be scared etc. He was a mess, and my heart was broken, and I was tired of cleaning up vomit.

Wednesday I decided I was done. After a heartfelt conversation with two pediatricians, I had to end this mess. I decided it was time to set my emotions aside and conquer this toddler disaster, which meant I was going to be in charge. I wasn't going to let his vomiting and violent acts of disaster control my life and he was going to have to get over it. After a Mommy throw down, strap down and buckle up war, I managed to get him in. I knew he was going to vomit, so I brought towels. I knew he was going to enter into a anxious state, so I brought his pacifier and blanket. I knew this was going to be the hardest thing I was going to have to see him through, but I just kept talking out loud about how much I loved him and I would never hurt him. Poor little Matthew just sat there and looked at me with worry. He had no idea why his older brother was so scared.

I got to the Target boutique kids in tow. He did it, with a fight of course, but he did it. He screamed all the way there and did what he did best, but regardless we were there. We meandered around the store talking to the baker, the pharmacist, the shelf stockers, the Pepsi rep, the little boys in the cart next to us, the baggier, the cashier, the cart collector, as I demanded Sam repeated, "I did it, I got in my car seat, I'm not scared anymore". Most of the people we spoke to totally understood what I was doing and played along so very well....until we got to the cart collector. He had no clue, but it was okay, because that was on our way out.

I could tell Sam was a little apprehensive about leaving the boutique and getting back in the car, but this time, he was a little bit calmer. He was very anxious to get home, but he did it. After naps, we got in the car again, a little bit better again.

WOW! I just learned a ton about parenting and the power of communication, the power of patience and the power of love. It's amazing what I've learned about my little 3 year old son, who now by the way has a raspy groggy voice. Pray for us and our ventures for tomorrow....it's been a looooonnnnngggggg week already.

Sonic Boom

The house shook and the space shuttle just landed. I was walking out of the kids room and literally I thought a bomb just landed on our roof, or someone broke through the window and wanted to capture my new HDMI Flat Screen! After a few moments of talk with a friend, we came to the conclusion that it wasn't just my house, it was also her house down the road and the space shuttle just landed at Kennedy Space Center. What an amazing sound. WOW, I wish we could have been outside to witness it soaring through the skies. It is definitely a crystal clear day today!

Maybe if I would watch the news I could be better prepared for these milestone moments!