We built a bear for Matthew...

Which Matthew was scared to death of....so Sam stepped in and helped!

We went to the pool....

Finally...

Matthew decided Mimi was good for him and warmed up to her! We miss you Mimi :( Thank you for coming and hanging out with us. You spoiled us rotten and we are so lucky! See you in a month.

Dear LandLord:

We really appreciate your efforts in helping us out this morning. After 2 hours of hard work, feeding the children, bathing the children, vacuuming the floors, doing 3 loads of laundry and washing the floors, we should have called you sooner. The temperature in the house was slowly rising as the sweat starting dripping out our pores. I thought it was because I was running around the house, not only doing what I mentioned above, but also jumping over the toys that my children laid out in front of my path. I think I tripped over that darn Diego car ""Come on! ­Al Rescate, Amigos!" about 50 times. One time I attempted to hide it and Matthew had a fit. However, it wasn't until 10:30 a.m. that I started to cry.

Now, let me set the stage. My mom was flying in from Milwaukee as was due to be in Jacksonville at 11:11 a.m. Thankfully she experienced a delay and didn't arrive until 12:15. Anyways, I am sweating, there is nothing coming out of the air vents, however, the hum of the air conditioner is buzzing in the yard. I am on the phone with the maintenance man and he is telling me to pour bleach & Draino down a T-Pipe next to the S connector, located above the hot wire that is located out in the garage. Then I need to take a Wet/Dry Vac and suck out all the pollen from our A/C Unit in the back of the house. WHAT??? I see pipes, I see wires, but heck if I'm going to just guess what he's talking about, and like HECK if I'm going to drag a wet/dry vac all the way to the back of the house....

So, I start to cry. I now have 40 minutes to get to the airport, which is 45 minutes away, and a hot house. So, as I am crying on the phone to this jerk of a maintenance man, the boys are just TICKED off at me, pounding on the garage door, screaming etc. So, smart me, open the door and they literally fell out of the house. Matthew falls out, with one shoe on, one shoe off. Sam falls out next, plows over Matthew with both shoes on, holding a broom as he is dancing singing a song. And me, sitting dripping with sweat, talking a conversation about S & T pipes and my gallon of bleach, as my kids wander around the garage aimlessly, Matthew heading for the road with his sand bucket. OH MY OH MY OH MY.

So, after I collected myself I calmly asked the jerk on the phone if he could "help" me (he lives 2 subdvisions over) as I have no idea what he is talking about, my landlord lives in South Beach (10 hours away) and I have to get to the airport with my 2 children who hate me and a husband at work who is helpless.....sitting in his air conditioning, not dripping with sweat or dealing with the jerk on the phone.

The jerk on the phone finally caves in and calls in a work order. I finally get to the airport, with 2 minutes to spare, due to her delay, and we meet my mom. So excited to see her, but yet so worried what I am going to be bringing her home to. We turn down our street, and I see TWO HUGE trucks parked outside my house. I walk up the driveway to assess the situation. Marc, the jerk on the phone, who indeed was mighty good lookin', told me it wasn't good. Basically here was the problem:

That husband....the one who was sitting at his desk in his air conditioned office...well him. The one who FORGOT to pay the water bill and we were w/o water...do you remember him...well my dearest love purchased the incorrect filter (after 2 trips to Depot), inserted it backwards causing the furnace to freeze which resulted in major damage to the vent system DID THIS TO US!!!!**(see below for Brad's side) The Air man was here for 2.5 hours trying to "thaw out" the system and he said he never saw anything like this before. It was a HUGE ice cube. Not only was our air not being filtered, it was leaving black dust clouds all over our ceilings and air vents. GROSS!

I thought about packing a bag and leaving it on the patio, but I didn't want to give my mom the wrong impression. I thought about driving out to his office and deflating all the air out of his tires, but then I'd have to pick him up. I thought about putting him on the next plane to Canada, but then I remembered I didn't have that sort of cash. Instead, tonight, I'll make him sleep in his car, with the window open.

So dearest Landlord, when you receive the bill for my day in the mail, please understand I tried my best.

Sincerely,
Your Tentant on Acorn Chase Drive

Brad's side: I replaced the filter since the one being used was very old and very dirty. I was able to get the size to replace it. I simply got the same one used and placed it in the same way. I had never thought anything was wrong until I got the call saying the A/C was not working.

Motrin and Benadryl and Trimetic OH MY!

Our house smells like a GIANT Vicks Vapor Plug. Well, the little Teplin boys have a cold. That's right a cold. One would think the world was about to end and they were in a third world country where cold remedies were unavailable. However, our house is stocked to the roof with all different types of those remedies, it's just trying to convince them to TAKE the medicine and if they TAKE the medicine it may help them feel better and POSSIBLY let them get rest. OH NO, not my boys. We've purchased the chewable kinds, the 'strips' that literally dissolve in your mouth, the grape flavor, the cherry flavor and even experimented with the bubble gum flavor. Daddy tried some, mommy was next but they are still having a hard time understanding our game.

As a baby, we would literally put Sam in a straight jacket to inject the meds in his mouth. He would gag, vomit and we'd be right back where we started, with a hungry sick baby. AND, Matthew caught onto Sam's tricks and refuses to take medicine. Tonight I hid it in peanut butter and darn it, Sam KNEW it was in there and kept asking to spit it out. Sam would NEVER spit out peanut butter, for heavens sake the jar sits next to him in bed. However the little stinker caught onto my trick. Matthew refuses to work with us, and instead screams so hard his booger selection becomes more intense. Geezzzzeeee.

Now let me reflect back and re-mention they have a COLD. No fevers (not yet anyway), no coughing, no vomiting, no rash, no broken bones, no diarrhea.....plain and simple, a stuffy, runny nose with slight hints of a runny eye or two. That's it. Plain and simple.

I really don't pray, but tonight I will. My prayer will be, "please God take the colds away, and please please please don't let my husband become infected as it will just make my baby load larger".

LYSOL time for me! It's time to SANITIZE and SCRUB!!!

Pheww..

STINKY!!!! STINKY!!!!

PHEW! YUCK!!! Poor little Matthews feet are so icky stinky it's unbelievable. I'm sure the sweat that is produced doesn't help any, however, this little man produces the smelliest feet of them all. He thinks he's funny when we sing the "you've got smelly feet" song, but in all honesty, he DOES!!!

Making Tents

What else do you do when you're stuffed inside your home for 3 months? We built MANY of these tents over the course of the summer!

The store that WINS!

Sam's Club! Where even a mom with 2 little children can shop and feel secure as her children can BOTH be strapped in the cart, sitting side by side, irritating the HECK out of each other. Matthew so happy to be sitting next to Sam, Sam just very upset that Matthew's hand is on 'HIS' side of the cart! Oh what whill they think of next?

What if...

What if every time my brother made a GREAT train track I just jump on the train table throw everything off, terrorize him with my b room, smile and laugh at him like I did nothing wrong?

What if every time I tried to climb in my toy box I slipped through the side and got stuck. What if I just scream to see who will run to me faster. Sam likes the fact that I'm stuck in here, then I can't jump on his train and tear apart his hard work. You try to sit in here in this crooked angle and get out...I think you would have a hard time successively running after your brother...

What if every time mommy brings this table out, I climb on it, sit in the middle, smile, scream, dance around a little bit, look around to see who is watching then SCREAM for someone to come and help me get down because I see that Sam is making yet another great train track and I feel the need for a tornado disaster?
Better yet, what if I stand on this chair and pretend to climb the wall, and scream when I turn out all the lights and I can't see where Sam is and when that new track is about to be built? Wobble Wobble wobbbbblllleeeee.....

Sometimes, I just get my way....Now will SOMEONE help me get down...I see that Sam is playing with his trucks and I think I feel a strong wind coming my way...

And why would he think of putting the Mr. Potatoe head mouth in his mouth, where it belongs?

Forget the Bumper Bonnet

We'll just use these to protect us from the mishaps of life!

It's been a looooonnnnggg summer...

and now, we're getting CLOSER to fall! With the temperatures holding a sweltering 100 degrees for the past 2 MONTHS, with the heat index in the triple digits, it's been unbearable. We haven't had rain forever and I don't remember the last time we saw a cloud in the sky.

With the torrid noonday sun the boys are getting a tiny glimpse into what their fall is going to consist of! All our favorite activities started up this week, the 'older' kids are back in school, and all I have to say is: THANK GOD! We're back to our fun filled days with friends. Last Friday we went to a "end of summer" party. Everyone, including myself kept repeating the words, "You're kids have gotten so big...it's been a long time since we all got together". And that is a fact.

I've learned a few things while living in Florida. To name one, people don't leave their house, unless absolutely necessary in the sizzling tropics. You go from home to car to store to car to home, and you pray that your car has an adequate amount of coolant to get you home. Once home you RUN inside unpack your car and move onto the next outdoor activity, as you wipe the sweat beads that are making pools on the shoes. My poor boys have been schlepped to the mall almost twice a week, just to get out of the outdoors (daddy is overjoyed; soon I won't be spending all his money), spent countless hours at Target, made many drive thru trips to the bank so Sam could get a sucker and played referee at friends homes daily because all the children had awful cabin fever!

With all this behind us, we are overjoyed that Fall is almost here. We went to our favorite Toddler Time yesterday and I was amazed. My little Matthew who used to sit in one spot and just stare at the teacher and all the lights, was now participating in the activities. When Ms Chris said "clap", he clapped. When Ms Chris said, "now stomp your feet", he stomped his feet. It brought tears to my eyes that he is really growing up. The priceless moments were when Sam would help him do certain activities, followed by a hug and a "good job Matthew".

Well, we made it through our first Florida Summer, with the sanity of all our friends, we did it!

PS...sorry for the lack of pictures, my camera took an accidental trip and fell so hard that it is at the Sony doctor.

Tales from the Potty: Part 2

Well well well...we've regressed in the potty department. We were there...then almost got there....then fell apart (went to WI and sat in a diaper for 4 days in a car)....then we were there again....and now we're calling it....frustrating. Sam was just doing so well, and now he's onto a whole different story.

He still gets the concept of taking off your shorts/underwear to go, but it stops there. I've found puddles and puddles of pee all over my house. Instead, he just urinates IN HIS TOYS. I've found massive amounts of liquid in the back of the Tonka dump truck, the back of the garbage truck...ect. and today it was inside of the Mr. Potato Head. YUCK!

The first time this happened I kept my cool, the third time...I tried to not show my anger....today, I lost it. It is so gross. I know I'm not supposed to get mad at him for potty training mistakes, but I'm not calling this a mistake. This is a purposeful destination pee that was done intentionally. GROSS. I've made him clean out these objects of pee with me. We scrub and scrub and scrub until his poor little hand turns red. Then we put them in the dishwasher and I make him sit there and wait until it's almost done.

Today, like I said, I lost it with him. I told him yesterday if he decided to do another purposeful destination pee I would take his nene away (pacifier for bed). And today...well, after we were done scrubbing Mr. Potato head, while we were waiting for the dishwasher to be done, I snipped the top. You should of seen the look on his face. His face turned from Pink to white to green as the scissors swept across the top of the nene. He screamed from 9:45 a.m. until 12:55. It wasn't any ordinary scream like he knew he was wrong...it was a pure passionate loss of a loved one scream. His poor eyes were so pink and swollen, however, he still had the tint of green distress in his lips as he couldn't believe I actually did it.

After LONG LONG conversations all morning about his purposeful destination peeing, walking back and forth to the bathroom demonstrating good potty habits, I had to quick think....I really don't want to scare him of the potty, but I need to get through to him. I don't want him to regress and be the one who goes to school in diapers. I can't take something away so dear to him as a result of potty learning experience. BUT...I did scare the crap out of him, seeing him so devastated. He kept telling me how much his heart hurt. If you could of only seen him sitting in one spot for almost 4 hours so sad holding the nene that now had 2 parts, it was sad. And the interesting thing is he only sucks on his nene when he sleeps in his room. So he knew that this was a big deal because he normally doesn't even think about it during the day.

So...we made a deal. From now on Matthew wears diapers, because he's a baby. Sam is a big boy. Sam will wear underwear all day long, going potty only in the bathroom. He will try his best to go poop in the potty as well. If he EVER goes pee pee in his toys again, I will take out the scissors and clip another nene, and then he's done.

Tonight he started to get smart with me, I said the word, "CUT" and he switched his demeanor so fast I swore he got struck by lightning. It was amazing! I loved it. Brad was filled in on the situation soon thereafter, a little nervous what "CUT" meant!

After all, it is hard being 2. Sam and Matthew are suffering severe cabin fever amidst the scorching outdoor elements. It's also hard to watch Matthew take a big DUMP on the carpet after bath time and doesn't get in trouble. However, using some type of threat that he NOW understands may just work in my advantage! I'll keep ya'll posted.

Conersation this evening...

Setting: After dinner Sam was playing in the toy room. He demanded Daddy to come play with him. Daddy had asked Sam to wait patiently as he helped mommy clean the kitchen after dinner. Sam waited patiently...surprise surprise....and then daddy entered the room....

Sam: "Daddy, be careful, there is a bug. Don't touch it daddy"
Daddy: "Okay Sam, where is the bug? "
Sam: "If you touch it, the bug will take you away and then I won't have a daddy anymore"
Daddy: "Ohh....that is sad. Where will daddy go?"
Sam: "If the bug gets you, it will take you away, and we'll have to get a new daddy"

Daddy....shocked as he sat on the floor attempting to swallow this conversation with his 2 year old son. Soon thereafter mommy enters.

Sam: "Hi mommy, there is a bug"
Mommy: "Where is the bug?"
Sam: "If the bug gets daddy, we'll have to get a new daddy"
Mommy: "Sam, that's sad when you say that. We love daddy"
Sam: "We'll have to go get a new daddy mommy"

Daddy, sitting sadly on the sidelines....

Daddy: "Where will you go get a new daddy Sam?"
Sam: "We'll go to Target"
Daddy: "I didn't know that you can buy a new daddy at Target?"
Sam: "Yes you can, it's by the cakes, the Thomas cakes"

Sam: "come on mommy, let's go to Target and get a new daddy, come on mommy, you, me, Matthew and daddy will go and get a new daddy"

We got a new pet!

He sleeps right outside our window, snug like a bug in a rug under the pine straw. He has a hard shell and loves to hiss at night while we are asleep. He is neither a rodent nor a marsupial. His closest living relatives are sloths and anteaters. He has a hard shell, made out of true bone that covers his entire back, bony rings on his tail, short strong legs that are well suited for rapid digging...and he digs ALL NIGHT LONG, while hissing of course. And we must say we didn't invite him to be our new pet, he found us on his own. He is rather ugly...mighty mighty unattractive appearance. We haven't introduced him to our children yet, we don't want them to wake up with night sweats. We did get a picture of him, but due to extreme unattractive appearance, you may want to look with caution. Meet our newest addition, and we're not paying rent on him.....

Mr. A, which is short for Mr Armadillo. YUCK YUCK YUCK. To think that Brad and I share a bedroom wall with him makes us want to move to the guest room....YUCK! We've been hearing strange noises outside since we moved here. Brad just started hearing them, and I've been hearing them for a long time. Brad totally didn't believe me one morning when the paper was missing...I told him I found the paper a few days later in the hole outside our bedroom window. He thought it was the wind, but there really wasn't any strong winds...NOW he believes me that it was Mr. A who stole his morning paper and moved it into his little hole, outside our bedroom window. GROSS GROSS GROSS. Unfortunately I can't place yet another call into our pest service. I call them about once every other week for earwigs and worms, and I'm loosing my creditability and they'll think I'm nuts....well they already do. However, there service IS 100% Guaranteed. YUCK!
Welcome to Florida!

Forget hired help

Who needs to pay a cleaning service when I have two boys who BEG and BEG to clean. There is something about a vacuum that my kids find GREAT enthusiasm in. Matthew is determined to clean my floors everyday. Our cleaning supplies are in the garage and every time we get out of the car I deal with a screaming fit because they see the vacuum in the garage.

This morning Matthew was pounding with a forceful scream on the garage door. I had NO idea what he wanted. So, after he was determined to have me open the door, I gave in. I opened the door with him in my hands... I nearly lost him. He squirmed so fast as his arms went FLYING up in the air, legs started jumping in mid air and his head started doing the bee bopp! He was SOOOO excited to see the vacuum.

Moral of the story....if you ever call us and we're not home, try and try again....typically if I don't hear your call it's because my children are hugging my leg as we gallivant around the house with the vacuum. Strange children Brad has :)

Looking for turtles!

Last weekend we enjoyed dinner in the St. John's area. We met daddy there after work and spent time walking around in the town center before we indulged in some yummie food! Sam saw so many turtles and fish, we were afraid he was going to fall in the pond.
Again mommy, I don't want another picture...but this is SOOOO him!

I see 4!

Check out all the teeth in his mouth!!!

He looks like a toddler, well, I guess he really is....oh my...I've lost the baby in him.

Many faces

The I just want what Sam has face

The "I'm gonna get it no matter what I have to do" face
"Ahhh...I GOT IT!" face

The Bumper Bonnet

The Ad reads:

Learning to crawl? Starting to walk? When baby is accident prone, the Bumper Bonnet prevents bumps, bruises, and tears. The soft, thickly-padded head covering acts as a protective cushion, shielding that delicate little head. Lightweight, with an adjustable chinstrap. Machine wash. One size fits babies 6-36 months. Imported. Colors may vary.

The Ad SHOULD read:

Learning to defend yourself? Starting to look black and blue? When your 12 month old is attacked by older sibling, the Bumper Bonnet prevents scrapes, bruises, and monster tears. Wear daily to protect your babies pride. Lightweight, with a non-removable chinstrap. Your baby will learn to love this permenant bumper bonnet. Fit's mommy's and daddy's too.

We ALL laughed at this ad in the One Step Ahead catalog...however, I am seriously tempted to purchase. The amount of fighting that goes on in this house always results in blood and tears. And because Matthew is the runt, he always gets the raw end of the battle. My poor little baby is banged up from head to toe...seriously. If I took away every toy they fought over, we would have NO toy room. If I demanded time outs for every mishap, I'd become a timer speaking in dings. I can't separate the boys, because Matthew is too small....I can't demand Sam to go to his room, because Matthew pounds and screams on the door when it is shut....so instead they are learning to work it out on their own.

What I've failed to mention is Sam is not the instigator....Matthew LOVES to pick a fight with him. He will run up to his train table and grab a train and RUN with it to his room...looking back with a smirk. Matthew will purposely run into Sam and pull his hair....and then scurry away with the look of "ha ha" in his step. Sam is no angel as well, but what I struggle with...who do I get upset with? They BOTH are guilty.

Yesterday I just didn't know what to do with them....no one was listening, toys were being thrown, voices were getting loud, screams were rumbling in the air....I threw my hands up and started crying myself. Not just crying, but screaming crying. They both were quick to acknowledge me, for a minute.

...Don't worry, this picture is not of Matthew, but when I make my purchase, I'll be the proud parent to post it!

Big ideas...we're running out

In attempt to escape the sweltering elements, we're hiding indoors. We've been hiding in the indoors since the beginning of June and we're running out of ideas....Every morning when Sam wakes up and runs into our room, we have a conversation, it goes something like this:

Sam: "Good morning mommy, where is daddy? Did daddy go to work? Mommy, what are we going to do today?"
Me: "Well good morning Sam, yes, daddy is at work...what would you LIKE to do today?"
Sam: "hmmm...let's think" (with his finger to his mouth....)
Sam: "should we go to the park, no it's too hot...should we do story time? no it's over...should we go to the ball court (tennis courts)...no it's too hot...should we ride my bike?...no it's too hot...mommy, what CAN we do today?"
Me: "Well, hmmmm....we can build a fort in the living room?"
Sam: "we did that already"
Me: "we can go to the mall and ride the elevators?"
Sam: "no, it's too far"
Me: "we could draw pictures and send them to Wisconsin?"
Sam: "should we go there instead?" "come on mommy, let's pretend we're going to Wisconsin..."

Every morning, and we're not joking, we have this conversation and I'm seriously running out of ideas. We have play dates with friends, but everything is indoors. We seriously go from house to car to house to car and we literally RUN! It's sooooooo sticky hot. Today we went to Target and spent 2 hours there. Now you think...wow, they must of spent a lot of money...well no. We didn't spend money, we walked up and down the aisles looking at everything from makeup to dog food (this was in Honor of Matthew's fine love for dogs) to Thomas the Train items to shoes, that is trying shoes on for size and imagining what shoes Sam will wear when he goes to College. Oh, and I forgot, we read almost EVERY book there was on Dogs to Matthew.

2 hours later, the boys were hungry and it was lunch time and then it was nap time. All I could say to myself was, phew....we made it through another morning...without loosing it, and we made it without melting!!!! Come fall come!!!! We need you more than ever!!!

When Sam went to bed tonight, I asked him if he had a good day today. His response was, "I did mommy!" When I asked him what he was going to dream about he answered with, "a Thunderstorm to come tomorrow so we can go see the castle."

Castle...oh man...what does that mean???? Looks like we have a BIG day planned for tomorrow...I'll keep you posted on our accomplishments!"

S*A*M*U*E*L

I feel like it has been forever since we documented on Sam's fine motor and developmental skills! So, here we go!

Favorite Foods: PB&J, Milk, Ice COLD water, yogurt, bananas, toast sticks, Boiled eggs, PB&J, Grapes, PB&J, Chicken with ketchup, pears.

Favorite books: "I STINK" and "I'm Dirty", Thomas and the Big BIG Bridge!

Favorite movies: Thomas and Friends & Little Einsteins

Favorite past times: Playing Trains, swimming w/ friends

Favorite activity: Planning his 3rd birthday party...literally...who thought a 3 year old could have everything just about planned nailed down to the party favors????

Favorite dislike: When his brother tears apart his train table

Favorite comfort items: Yellow blanket and ne ne (limited to his bed ONLY!)

Favorite saying: "What should we do today? Should we drive to Sconsin?" then he answers his own question, "no, it's too far away, but it would be fun!".

Favorite person: Thomas the Train

What he wants to do when he grows up: (this is new) be a BUG man! (we've spotted several here over the past few days and Ralph (our bug man) has been here to save us, and Sam LOVES Ralph!)

M*A*T*T*H*E*W*

Favorite foods: Blueberries, goldfish, tomato's, frozen peas, raisins, RED grapes (don't even THINK about offering him green), pancakes, and anything he can dunk in ketchup!

Favorite Toys: Anything Sam has in his hand, and Cell phones

First Words (with meaning): "Doggie" & "Hi"

Favorite loves: His smoothie pacifier and his blue My Blankee and his orange crocks.

Favorite pastimes: Destroying the new train track that Sam just built

Favorite people: His MaMa!!!!

Favorite book: Touch and Feel Farm

Favorite dislike: Being told the word "no" (we're starting the tantrums...ALREADY)

We're thinking this child of ours may possibly be a lefty. When he eats, the fork or spoon always goes into the left hand. When he waves, typically it is with the left hand.

A visit with the doctor!

Today Matthew had his 12 month well check at the doctor. Let's just say, he wowed me. The nurse tried to get his weight, and he just resisted. He screamed soooo loud that she said, "looks like we'll be trying this again later!". So, she got his head & length measurements and we attempted to put him back on the scale. With WALED screams, we decided to have him weighed on the "big boy" scale. So, we slipped back on his diaper, threw on his orange crocks and we ALL walked to the "big boy" scale where Matthew walked himself up on the scale, turned around and LAUGHED OUT LOUD at the nurse and myself. He had that look on his face like, "ha ha, I'm not a baby anymore....got ya guys". Then, the 3 of us walked back to the exam room and waited for the doctor! As the nurse was leaving she made the comment of, "looks like you have a determined motivated little boy on your hands". Again, Matthew smirked at her and laughed out loud in her face. My answer, "no I have a determined, motivated and stubborn little boy!". Matthew gave her the big wave and she left the room.

Here were the 12 month stats from the patient nurse:
Weight: 22#'s 6 oz's
Height: 30"
Head: 48 cm
All of which kept him right below the 50% mark on the charts

As Matthew and I patiently waited for the doctor to visit us, Matthew found himself completely amused with the white exam paper that he plopped himself onto. He tore it in about 1 million pieces. I wasn't about to stop him because after all he was so totally content and I didn't have to do any entertaining. A few moments later, Dr. Chally arrived.

Matthew decided to enter his fear of strangers phase while we were home last month. As soon as we got back home to Jacksonville, the fear of strangers passed (of course). He is back to his no fear, but still loves his mommy :) . Anyways, Dr. Chally walked in and Matthew greeted her with giant smiles, a waving hand and a little, "ahh" with arms pointed upwards. He wanted her to pick him up. So she did and he thought it was pretty darn neat. Anyways, she checked him over and told us he is growing right on track and everything looks good. When she went to put him back on the exam table, on top of the millions of pieces of shredded exam table paper, he whimpered a little.

Next it was time for the shots....he got 2 shots, and 1 heal prick to test his hemoglobin levels. When the nurse did the heal prick, Matthew giggled....That's RIGHT...giggled. For some reason Matthew thought it was funny. Next it was time for the shots...he did fairly well. A few shout outs, but nothing like before. A few moments later we were headed for the door, Matthew walking proudly out of the office, waving bye bye to everyone.

Good job Matthew! You did great today. I still can't believe you are 1. You continue to amaze us.

Oh oh oh....ANOTHER birthday in the house!

Me and the little ones!

Well, today is Sunday, July 15th and I am 30. Feels no different than yesterday. Feels no different than an last week. I'm pretty darn sure I feel complete. 5 years ago I tied the knot, 2.5 years ago Sam entered my life. 1 year ago I brought home child #2 from the hospital and I drive a minivan! What more could I ask for. My life has been blessed with wonderful friends and wonderful family all around. I am confident that turning 30 is a gift. I've gotten this far, it can't get much better than this!

I have to say, I am so sick of eating birthday cake....It's been NON-STOP around here and the kids think it has become a tradition to sing Happy birthday every night! I actually think our precious Sam may also be sick of cake. He normally requests cake every day and ever since we got home, he hasn't asked for it once!

My birthday day was perfect. The boys took me out for brunch downtown (my FAVORITE meal of the day) and after brunch we walked around the downtown until we were drowning in our sweat. Packed up the car and headed home for naps and then it started to storm! The storm continued all night and it was great. I LOVE thunderstorms!! I think Brad ordered it for me for my birthday because he is sick and tired of hearing me complain about the lack of storms we've had so far.


So tomorrow I can wake up and say I can't wait for 40!


Our walk around the St. John's River. Look at my boys!

They make my heart melt.

Mommy's little hams!
Oh oh oh, I think I'm in heaven!

Look how far we've come!

Turning 29....one year ago...

Today....Turning 30!

Matthew's REAL birthday day!

The birthday boy himself!

Singing Happy Birthday with friends, after eating his favorite, Pizza and grapes.

Matthew enjoying all the attention of his big day!

98 degrees/ 99% humidity

what more could we ask for in the dead of summer. It's so stinkin' hot, I swear the boys and I are going to melt when we go outside! We enjoyed time at friends house when we got back. It was so nice to be welcomed with hugs and kisses and 'we missed you' smiles. Sam spend this morning with all his buddies at Cody's house! Little Matthew met a new little friend today, Clare. She was born right when we left. She sure is beautiful!

We made it home....

The black little 4 wheeled mini van made it back to Jacksonville in one piece on Friday afternoon. The ride home was a bit more stressful as the boys found it very very difficult to cooperate. We left Milwaukee at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, July 5th and arrived to our door at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 6th. Not to bad seeing as though we decided to stop and rest in GA a little after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday night. The traffic got unbearable and we were not about to brave Atlanta at the busiest time of the day. The boys were elated to be home, stretch and play with all the toys they sort of forgot about. Their toy madness let Brad and I unload the 4 wheeled mini and even prepare dinner! The boys went from toy to toy, touching and feeling it. Matthew decided it would be fun to make sure he licked every toy as well. We had a fantastic trip back home visiting with everyone. Thank you to all of you who came out of your way to spend some time with us, invited us for GREAT dinners and GREAT company. It was so nice to see you all. Honestly, 4 weeks flew by as the days were packed with fun!

So, when are you all coming to FL to visit us??

Happy 1st Birthday Matthew!

While home, we threw Matthew a first birthday party with all our friends and family. It was a great day for a party. We couldn't of asked for a better way to celebrate his first year of life and our being home to see everyone. It was a great party and a HUGE THANK you to all who traveled many miles to share this special day with us. The kids ran themselves wild at the park and the adults caught up on old times. Enjoy the video of the day and again, thank you for making his and our day special!

Fireworks

We waiting and waited and waited for the fireworks to happen.....and they never went off. HOWEVER, we enjoyed ourselves on the deck at Uncle David and Aunt Heathers house making smores.

Happy 4th of July

We celebrated the holiday with the Mequon-Thiensville Parade. This year, Josh and Zach were IN the parade and it was so fun to see them! Matthew and Sam enjoyed the parade. Didn't even flinch wSam was overjoyed when he saw the trains and fire trucks coming. It was a perfect summer WI day and we had a great time. Then the loud loud sirens of the fire trucks passed by. Matthew actually thought it was neat! Thank you Robin and Paul for the new sun visors! What a hit they were in the car on the way home :)

Zach was so kind to Sam in showing Sam all his exciting (Big boy) toys!