mamaoftwo

Good times!

2009-06-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

The kids have been loving being outside and having Popsicles... the new ones turn your whole body blue/green/red or yellow:(

Brooke, Meghan and Jackson at Cold Stone Creamery the day of the Culture fest in Brighton

Sweet kisses from my Brookie Anna Pooh Bear!!!
(it tasted like skittles:)

It's long enough to mow!

2009-06-08T16:16:00.001-07:00

Here's proof that I mow the yard and it's actually long enough :)
Excuse the high waters (they were Aunt Dorothy's:)
Look dad...it looks as full as Toby and Tammy's:) (in some spots:)
I am so proud of myself, this is a huge project, I pray for and love on this grass a lot:)

MY GRASS...

2009-06-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken 3 weeks ago...it has grown more since then. It makes me so happy...this was a lot of work, and it is so nice to see it getting full...there is more TLC in this grass than anyone other yard on the street:)

Sunday with Family

2009-06-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday after church JK, Jaime and Jackson came over to eat lunch, take a nap/watch a movie, play in the pool and lots of other fun things... Here are some the pictures of the kids in the pool...the sun was pretty much gone and the sky was gray...but they had fun...shivering:) Obviously by the end of the day, my kiddos weren't too happy...I was...I had a wonderful day!

Princess or Prince Charming?

2009-06-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

There's my princess...I MEAN!!!!

There is my Princess...and Her Prince Charming:)
Dancing the day away...

Brooke's Florida Trip

2009-05-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

These pictures are not in order, and a couple are blurry, but here are some pictures of Brooke's trip to Florida. She and Josh went to see her Uncle Johnny graduate from Pensacola Christian College. Looks like she had fun!

Josh said two different pilots gave her wings...she came home with two pairs of wings! The lucky girl!!!

Fire Station...And other good times...

2009-05-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday (16th) the Fire Station across highway had an open house. We walked over with some friends from church. They had hot dogs and hamburgers, soda, and all the emergency vehicles to go inside. Of course, Brooke was being stubborn and didn't want to go in any, and Joel was driving me crazy... to add to it the heat and sun:) It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed the lunch a lot! THANK YOU FIRE MEN!!!!

SHE WROTE HER NAME...(but forgot the K):)
Boy was I proud...and since I couldn't keep in on paper I took a picture:) hehe!
But thankfully since then she's written it on paper for me a few times:)

Playing in the back yard

2009-05-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

The kids have been loving days outside in the back yard. When I just have my two kids I let them go all over the back yard...and get out their cars, stroller, wagon and ball (which got a hole and went flat:(
Brooke loves Popsicles...Joel just likes to hold them:)
Nana and Papa got them a swimming pool, so they have enjoyed playing in that water...I appreciate reusing the water to put on the grass:) Slowly but surely my grass is growing...I actually need to mow a few places:) hehe!

My Flowers

2009-05-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

For one of my mother's day presents...haha, my mom bought me flowers...and she helped me plant them in these pots that my adopted mom (Jen:) gave me (THANKS "AUNT" JEN)
It makes me smile to see my flowers... I have some more in the back yard too...I'll take pictures of those later!

(that is a bunch of different stuff, that we just picked out because we liked it...we'll see if it grows, how it looks and which one take over:) hehe!)

Nana and Papa - April 2009

2009-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, April 28th we all went to the Denver Zoo.

The kiddos in their Jeep

Joel in another wagon someone gave us
(THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE!)

Joel at the Denver Zoo

What a life...just relax and enjoy the ride!

Joel and Brooke

Papa and Nana

Joel, Josh and I

Joel hugs (they are great one...look at his face...
he was squeezing me to death:)

Our family at the end of a Long Zoo day

Papa, Brooke, Joel and Nana just before we left the Zoo

Joel, Being silly!

Brooke and Papa making cement for the side gate...
she was a huge helper (IN HER EASTER DRESS!:)

More tight squeezes from Joel

Look at those muscles
(actually I think he's putting "pretties" in his hair:(

Joel driving his tractor

Nana pushing the kids around in the wheelbarrow
This is what Missionary kids do without wagons:)

Spending time outside

2009-05-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

The kids and I had a picnic at McDonalds...in the grass:)
I was so excited to see such beautiful grass (ours is still...SLOWLY growing:)

There's Brooke and Joel feeding the ducks and geese at the park

Easter 2009

2009-05-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Joel and Brooke on Easter Sunday - 2009

Our Family

2009-04-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Here's our newest family picture - 4/3/2009
(Just before Josh and I went on our date)

Spring Snow Storm

2009-03-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

On March 26th we woke up to a light snow, just lightly all over the ground (we wake up at 6:45am:) and by lunch time...this is what it looked like out the back door:)

This is when it stopped snowing for a couple hours...you still couldn't see very far away

And then March 27th, the sun came out:) And we got our winter clothes out of the closet (you never pack them away in Colorado:)...

This is when we opened the door...I thought more might fall in, but it wasn't very soft...it was HEAVY! (believe me I shoveled the driveway, I know:)

Due to the shortness of my two kiddos, I had to shovel a path for them to get outside...I shoveled to the house door, moved the house to make a path down the steps and also to the kitchen...and they walked around in that path for a while...

There is Joel...he LOVES being outside, and looking at the snow...as long as it doesn't touch him:)

There's Brooke...before she went boondoo bashing:)

There she is again...Boondoo Bashing:)

And still boondoo bashing, to that one part on the side where the snow had blow away from

And finally...there she is...with her ever famous "not real" puppy...who happened to be inside the play house during the whole storm...and no one even knew he was missing:)

And this is the little monster who got excited he could get down off the deck, only to find out this white stuff everywhere was very cold and his hands didn't feel too comfortable anymore...

This is Joel saying "I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE ANYMORE!!!"

Oh, but how to get back up without touching this white stuff:)

And as the children disappeared...so did the snow...slowly...the deck started drying out

There's our house...after I shoveled the driveway...this picture is about 1pm...and the driveway was already dry...I'd just shoveled it an hour before!

The end
(of this snow storm...more to come!!!)

It works!!!

2009-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

My camera is not dead...it is just not digital anymore:) but it still works...so maybe I'll post more pictures soon...here is the most recent!!! YIPPIE!!!!

My camera broke:(

2009-03-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday before church we were taking pictures of the three of us, and I was holding my camera above the counter and it slipped out of my hands...just the 12 inches it dropped...it broke:( I am SOOO sad...my Mamma gave it to me before I knew I was pregnant with Brooke...it has captured So many memories... Oh goodness, it makes me want to cry:( Oh well...life will go on...so, I will try to keep updating how the kids are doing, and one day I'll post pictures again:)

I'm back...

2009-02-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a bunch of new pictures! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. And keep in touch!!! Jesus Loves You!!!

I love you Month

2009-02-26T20:58:00.001-08:00

There have been some BEAUTIFUL days in February. The kids have been playing outside on the deck...and in the dirt:( They love it. I hope our grass grows this summer:)
Here are some pictures of the people I love:)

Look at that dirt...I better get used to it!

Joel's first car wash...he's asleep here, but at one point he woke up really scared and then went right back to sleep;)

Josh and I at Beau Jo's on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Cookies for Daddy

Loofah Baby!

So cute!!

Brooke loves ice-cream

Joel's on his toes to see out the window

Watching the Trash Truck

Our Trip to Springfield, Missouri

2009-02-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

In January I took the kids to Springfield to see my sisters and parents.
These pictures are not in order, but the most important thing was the Andy's Frozen Custard:)

This is what happens with the baby has croup and mama hasn't slept in 2 weeks...nana gets the baby and eventually they sleep, however they land:)

It's Tough Being a Woman in Another Woman's Shadow!

I love this picture:)

One getting over croup and the other one getting it...so sad!

Joel, Papa and Brooke on the drive home from KC Airport

Poor Papa, the kids were taking all the room...and look at Brookie, she coughed so much;(

Bye Nana and Papa

2009-02-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

There's Brooke sitting in the airport before Nana and Papa left.

There Joel is showing off his new skills (walking)

When Nana and Papa were ready to leave Brooke was bring stubborn and didn't want hugs, and we knew it would only be 2 weeks until we were going to Springfield to see them, so we didn't make it a big deal. But just as they started walking away Brooke started crying so much, she kept saying "I want to hug Nana and Papa" I kept telling her she should have when they were here, but that she would see them in 2 weeks. Oh my goodness, the girl was so sad...she cried all the way home and on and off throughout the day, and even that night she said she was so sad:( It made me want to cry...actually....I think I did eventually cry.

I'm around!!!

2009-02-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

With all these pictures, I just wanted to let you know that I am around... I'm usually spending time with one of these two kiddos...or on the computer doing everything else...:)

Joel and Mama after his bath

Brooke and I having a chocolate shake at Red Robin
(THANKS PAPA)

Where I spend hours a day working on lots of things, and updating my blog spot occasionally:) THANKS MAMA FOR THE COMPUTER!!!

Brooke first hair cut

2009-02-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

I gave Brooke her first hair cut in January. I was so nervous, but so anxious to get rid of the knot of curls at the bottom. I miss her ringlets, but I love how thick and healthy her hair looks now!

Combing it out...ready or not here we go...

First cut...it's too late now

In the process...

Wow, it looks pretty good

In the meantime...Brooke made lots of funny faces at herself:)

All done!

Here she is after we fixed it up:)

No more ringlets;(

Joel while Nana and Papa were here

2009-02-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Here's my boy...

Brooke while Nana and Papa were visiting

2009-02-26T19:52:00.000-08:00

He's walking...

2009-02-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

This is kinda late... he started walking on January 7th. I was hoping so much that he would start while my parents were here...it was perfect timing...right in the middle of their visit...and right in front of them... boy were we all so proud:)

Here are some funny pictures of Joel standing on his own...

Together with Nana and Papa

2009-02-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

Finally I am posting pictures of my parents visit in December/January. Here are a bunch of the kids with Nana and Papa:)

Before they came they made an agreement that Brooke would be Nana's and Joel would be Papa's... I'm pretty sure the whole thing was because Papa didn't want to play Princess:)

Nana and Papa...

2009-02-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

WE LOVE YOU THHIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSS Much:)

Family Day Out

2009-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon we went on a Family Day Out to the 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver. It was a little windy and cool, but WONDERFUL! We walked around, went into stores, rode the bus, and went to the park.

Joel riding in the stroller

Bear, Brooke and Joel - Outside the chocolate shop:)

Joel practicing his balance and walking...by the end he landed on his nose!

Still going...

Daddy tickling Brookie (she's trying to escape:)

Snow Girl and Boy

2009-02-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Brooke and Joel

There's Brookie playing in the snow! She and I had a great time outside in the warmer weather with no wind and two sleeping babies in the house:) Sorry but I got tired and couldn't make these little kids life size:)

Little Baker

2009-02-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

For Daddy's Birthday we made him Football Sugar Cookies (his favorite). Here's Brooke taking care of the rest of the dough while I was cooking the cookies that survived:)

Croup

2009-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is my tired little man...he got Croup. It was the longest two weeks of my life...when Joel got it and we spent a night in the ER, and then just as he was starting to get better, Brooke got it and we were all up for two weeks... Thankfully now we're all better, and Joel doesn't fall asleep in the middle of the room anymore:) Thanks to everyone who was praying while they were sick...it was really hard on me to be up with them every night and then watch my day care baby and them during the day... eventually it caught up with me and I got a cold/cough. We're all better with just the occasional cough and runny nose. Back to normal play and major disinfecting!

Pictures with Nana and Papa

2009-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

I'm working on posting pictures from when my parents came in Dec/Jan. But I'm waiting to get them from my mom and then post a bunch of them at the same time...so that'll come...but here's some more recent ones from the month of January!

Reaching new heights...

2009-01-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

I knew the day would come when I would have a climber... Well, it's here...here's my little man...climbing the stairs! Thankfully now we know how to go down too...but it still gives mama a tummy ache to watch or think about:)

Yippie for me!

Don't tell mama...she'll come get me!

Come on guys...we're almost there...

Only 4 more to go...you're not giving up yet are you?

Christmas Day

2009-01-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!
We were so blessed this Christmas. Never did I imagine our kids would get so many great gifts...thank you to everyone who gave them something...big or small, they love it!

Our Christmas Tree after Santa came:)

Josh and the kids opening their first presents.

Joel didn't care about opening presents, he just wanted a car in his hand, so daddy helping him with all of his

Brooke loved opening presents, and offered to help Joel many times:)

Aww, snuggling his new bear!!!
(THANK YOU CHRISTMAS ON THE PORCH!)

The kids made hand print binders to put their art work in
(this one is from Joel)

Me and my little man

Brookie opening her (car seat)

Joel sitting on his car seat:)

We strapped them in and said goodbye:) jk

Our Family on Christmas Day
(minus half a face...Brookie Anna Pooh Bear)

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, we had dinner at Josh's parents house and then went to church for a Christmas Eve Service. It was beautiful, and Brooke was able to go on stage with the other kids and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and hear the story of Jesus' birth. After church we came home and opened presents with Josh's parents and brothers. The kids got lots of fun toys and Joel enjoyed the cookies:)

Christmas on the Porch!!!

2008-12-26T20:16:00.001-08:00

On Saturday night when we got home I got Joel ready for bed and then Josh and I ate our dinner while Brooke was playing. Brooke came running in to tell us someone knocked on the door... and this is what we found... all these presents were sitting on our porch, with a card with a $100 gift card to Wal-mart and a $100 gift card to King Soopers. I was shocked, and overwhelmed...There is not a number for all the blessings God has given us!

Of course, I don't know who gave all this to us.

Whoever you are...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You made Christmas so wonderful for my kids...they LOVE the presents, and the gift cards could not have come at a more perfect time!!!

God is so good to us, he has blessed our family so much!!!

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Playing Dress up

2008-12-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

We decided to have a dress rehersal...haha, boy was that interesting. Brooke was all over the place once she had her dress on...and all Joel wanted to do was eat...what's new! It was fun, and they both looked so cute!:) Thank you Amanda for the tights and shoes for Brooke and the socks and shoes for Joel...and Patsy and Kim for the outfits!!!!! We are SO blessed!!!!

Spinning...

This is how she wanted her picture taken :)

Showing me how big her dress is...

Eating:)

Eating some more:)

Trying to take a picture!!!

2008-12-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

Oh the many times we "TRY" to get a good picture:) It's frustraiting, but so much fun too! Joel is so busy, and Brooke is so stubborn!:)

Thanks Diane and James for taking so many pictures, to get these great ones:)

I'm a "Grandma"

2008-12-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to make the big announcement that I'm a new grandma!!!

I'm so proud of my daughter and grandbaby:)

Just before delivery photo shoot:

and this way...
And from the side

OOPS...she got too involved in her movie and the baby fell out...

(wish it was that easy all the time:)

Proud Mama!!!

Mama and Potatoe Baby Jesus

(She made this in at church yesterday (12/14) and it's not left her side:)

I'm just going to guess that she has some memory of me taking pregnancy pictures...she kept asking me to take another one and did all these poses:) FUN FUN!!!! I love having a little girl!

Christmas in Colorado

2008-12-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

First Christmas present this year!!!

Thanks Mike, Amanda, Drew and Meghan for getting all the extras for the kids Christmas outfits! You're awesome!!! (obviously Joel doesn't know what's going on:)

After Brooke opened her Christmas present, she wanted to go play outside...it was 18 degrees!!!!

I showed her the icecicles on her play kitchen...she was so excited, and kept looking all over for them...eventually with frozen cheeks she gave up and came inside!

Christmas Pictures (rough draft:)

2008-12-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

Trying

To

Take

Christmas

Pictures

Forget it!!!!!!!!!

Between the Christmas decorations (candy canes) and the string on the camera, and Brooke's stuffed animal on the floor, I finally quit:) Maybe we'll try again another day!:)

Rotten little man...

2008-12-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here's my little man in the tupperware cabinet...he tried to act innocent, but between the boogery nose, and him being all the way in the cabinet...It was obvious that sister didn't so it all on her own:)

I know he's thinking "Mama, you could never be mad at me":)

And of course, I left him in the kitchen with something chocolate and found the evidence all through the kitchen, and the guilty one making his way up the stairs!!! My funny little man!!!

My Hair....

2008-12-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

This is how I started!!!

This is during the process...

After the color...

After the cut!!!

Thanks Amanda and Melissa!!!

Snow Play!!!

2008-12-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

We played in the snow the past couple weeks...Joel obviously doesn't like it, but Brooke LOVES it!

Here's Brooke "boondo-bashing"...

Pumpkin Bread Party (in the office)

2008-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

The other day I was hungry, but very tired, so I got the pan of pumpkin bread and brought it to the office with two forks, and just set it down...it was a blast...but a huge mess:) Both kids were happy and so was I...and it wasn't too bad to clean up:) Obviously the bread didn't look too good, but it was gone fast enough that we didn't care what it looked like:) FUN TIMES!!!!

Thanksgiving Day

2008-12-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving Day Josh and his dad's side of the family came over to our house. I made the Turkey, Ham, devilled eggs, and Apple cobbler. And everyone else brough the rest!

I'm still stuffed!!!

(and this is just what fit on the island...there was more all around the kitchen)

Joel's first Thanksgiving!!!

(he ate all that turkey and ham on his tray)

Brookie eating Turkey and bread!!!

The kids and I (we couldn't get one with Joel looking or without Brooke smiling like she's dying:)

After lunch a bunch of us sat around and played Scattergories for hours!

After everyone went home and the kitchen was clean, we put up the Christmas tree!

Brookie helped decorate!

Brooke's area of the tree:)

My Snow Angel!!!

2008-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

Brooke was So excited to finally play in the snow on Sunday afternoon!

Here she is, making what she calls "Snow Angels" (footprints)

Freezing!!!

Let is Snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!

2008-12-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, Let is snow, Let it snow!!!

I was so thrilled to see snow falling on Friday night...it was so beautiful when we woke up in the morning!!! I LOVE SNOW!!!!

Our front year!

Our Christmas Tree!

Bye Bye "Aunt" Jen!!!

2008-12-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Aunt Jen...we miss you!!!!

My friend moved back to Maryland last week. I miss her already! She has been like a mom to me since I moved here two years ago.

Aunt Jen, the kids and I

Family Birthday Party

2008-12-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

On the Sunday before Joel's birthday we went to Grandma and Pockey's(grandpa) house to have a little family party. He got a bunch of presents and had cupcakes too!

Sister got a present too (glow in the dark stars)

Brooke and Daddy helping open presnts

What could be in that big box from Nana and Papa?

Look Joel, it's a tractor!!!

And there are little animals with it!

Oh I just love opening presents!!!

What is this thing? They call it a "block"

Ridin' his tractor

Yeeha!!!! (I gotta figure this out before Summer because mama said I'm going to start cutting the grass as soon as it grows!)

One of the cakes I made for Joel

(Denver Broncos)

Mama and Joel (I blew it out before he could touch it!)

He grabbed the whole cupcake and ate it all!

He didn't let much go to waste!

It's a Party!!!!

2008-11-22T14:23:00.001-08:00

Today was Joel's 1st Birthday Party! It was so much fun! We had two families come celebrate our little linebackers 1st year!

I made him this Football cake. It was fun making them for him.

I love this Broncos helmet candle!

There is the football and the field:)

The Island of Food! (cakes, chips, crackers(Joel's fav.),
Little Smokies, Pigs in the Blanket, and Baked Mac N Cheese!) YUMMY!

There's the birthday boy eating lunch...he loves food!

Playing with his plate...getting full!

After lunch we got him undressed for cake and thankfully decided to stop and

do presents first... He didn't show much interest, except for this first one...

Brooke, Joel and I while we helped him open presents!

Driving the truck in the box...

Playing (with his tongue out:)

Driving away (I sure hope he doesn't drive backwards for real:)

Ouch, he touched the candle:(

Looking at this strange thing right in front of him:)

Getting into it...

Brookie watching and eating her own yummy cake and ice-cream

This is a disaster:)

OH...so sleepy!!!

Look at that mess!!!

THE MESS!!!

Mama and THE (very sleepy) MESS:)

Look at the water!!! He was so sleepy and got so much icing in his eyes:(

Joel, Mama and Brooke at the end of the Party...before Joel went to sleep!:)

Joel's growing up!!!

2008-11-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

He Peed! I put the little potty in the bathroom and decided to let Joel sit on at night or before a bath, and he actually peed! Brooke and I were so excited! (poor boy has no privacy...but does he look bothered?:)

Joel starting standing up in his bed this week!

I finally got him to drink some milk (extremely watered down Vitamin D milk)

He loves hot dogs!!!

And his figured out how to break into sisters play house:)

I cannot believe he is almost 1 year old. This past week he has changed so much! He has starting moving so much and eating new things...so many discoveries this week!!! And the wonderful learning how to climb the stairs...I'll get a picture one day, but for now I just freak out and run to get him:)

Getting ready to PARTY!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

I love this picture!!!

1st Birthday Party Invitation!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

On Friday we had a sudden change of plans to I took the kids over to the pumpkin patch. It was perfect weather, and the sun was setting, it was beautiful! Brooke has a blast! Joel wasn't so sure:)

A bunch of pumpkins:)

Brooke sitting on a pumpkin

Joel sitting on a pumpkin (watching the cars driving on the road close by)

Brooke laying in the corn box

Joel sitting in the corn box...not wanting to put his legs down

Thinking of a way to escape

Brooke playing on the slide

Brooke and Joel on a hay bail (Joel watching the cars again:)

Brooke and Joel with their pumpkin sitting on the hay (which Joel did NOT like at all)

Brooke with her pumpkin later that night.

He's Crawling!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Finally, 3 days before he turned 11 months old, he crawled!!! I am not sure if I'm excited or sad:) haha! He's all over the house now!

He's such a happy and good baby!!!

Hi!

On a mission...

To get that ball!

My two mobile children!

24 years old...

2008-10-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Haha, 24 sounds so young. I'm so blessed to have a beautiful daughter and handsome son, and to have an Amazing God who loves us and takes such great care of us! God is so awesome, and has become so real in my life over the past couple months. I smile because I have a reason to smile...GOD!

My baby isn't such a baby anymore:(

2008-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

He fell asleep on the way home from church...(2 minute drive).

(wearing his winter jacket - size 18mons. and his new shoes!).

Rolling over...finally, at 10 1/2 months old!

Look how big he is...it makes me sad how fast he's growing!

He did so well drinking from the sippy cup for the first time,

and he has shoes!!!

I went upstairs for 30 minutes and when I came down, Joel had fallen asleep on the floor, and sister had covered him up.

He's so precious...he melts my heart!!!

Joel at 10 1/2 months old... finally rolling, trying to crawl, using a sippy cup, new shoes, and wearing 18 months clothes:) I love him to death!!!!

Hooded Towels!

2008-10-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

When Brooke was a baby we received this towel from a lady at Josh's parents church. It has been such a blessing, Brooke loves it! Then the other day we received the one for Joel...another blessing! Brooke was so excited that they both had one!!! There they are, my two little kiddos, freezing for a picture;) hehe!!!

Blessed Brookie!

2008-10-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Brooke riding the horse at the grocery store!!!

Brooke and her friends eating lunch at our house on one of our mom/daughters (and Joel) days!

These girls are such a blessing to me. I am so glad that Brooke has someone her age to play with, and help me teach her about sharing, kindness, and loving her neighbor.

My big boy!!!

2008-10-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

Today while I was lowering Joel's crib, he was helping. He was trying to pull up...he finally got stuck. I stood him up and he just held on and kept talking to me while I was working. He makes me smile!!!!

We're finally getting grass:)

2008-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

The grass is taking time, but yet, it's growing pretty fast. I got a newsletter in the mail from our water company the other day, and they talked about how, Fall is the best time to grow grass, because it'll grow deep roots, in preperation for winter. Oh I sure how they are deep roots, because this process is taking what seems like, forever:) Some places aren't growing as fast as others, and some are so beautiful and full...so soon. We put seed down the last couple days of August...pretty good for about 5 weeks!!! YIPPIE!!!! It makes me so happy to see Green (on my side of the fence:)

Fall in the Rocky Mountains

2008-10-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

The last weekend of Sept. we went up to the mountains and stayed in a condo...it was so beautiful!!! The leaves are changing colors, and the weather was wonderful. We went swimming in a heated pool one day, and watched a movie by the beautiful fireplace. We had a lot of fun! It was so nice to be gone for a couple days. We had a picnic by the lake, it was so beautiful all around us!

Standing up!!!

2008-10-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Joel can finally hold on to something and stand up...It was so fun to watch him this day...he got weaker and weaker, and finally I tugged on his diaper and he plopped right down:) We had so much fun taking these pictures and talk to him!!! Sister and I were so proud!!!

My baby boy is finally moving...last week he rolled over, got on his hands and knees and pushed himself to a sitting position...I was so proud!!! But now I'm scared...he's moving so much already!

Open Water Bottle...

2008-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

The other day when we were in the car, Joel reached over and grabbed Brooke's "OPEN" water bottle, from the cup holder, and shook it all over! He loved it!!!

Look at his forehead...water got up there...

And eventually, he let go and it went all over the floor of the car...ahh!

It wasn't full thank goodness:)

Green Shirt Day!!!

2008-10-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

We all had our Green shirts on!
Mama Kisses!!!!
Me and My boy!!!
Me and Joel!!!

One day I decided we all should wear our green shirts.

We had fun taking a photo shoot.:)

Me and My son...

2008-09-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is Me:

And this is Joel:

Our Pumpkin

2008-09-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today Brooke saw a pumpkin at walmart...and it made it's way out the door with us... (after we paid for it!:)

After both kids took a good nap, and we had a snack I carved the pumpkin... They loved watching me and taking pictures on the porch after we were done.

The pumpkin had two bottom teeth, like Joel:) (he has a top one too, but that one wouldn't fit on our tiny pumpkin).

I love my kids!!! And I love Fall!!!!

Big Sister...Big Helper

2008-09-15T19:12:00.001-07:00

I went upstairs the other day while the kids watched tv and played...and not too long later I came down because I didn't hear any laughter, crying, talking, or much of anything...and this is what I found... my 3 year old daughter, giving her 9 month old brother a poopy diaper change:) I'm shocked that she did so well...she got her stool (on the left) and reached the wipes on the entertainment center, but wasn't tall enough to reach the diaper, (thankfully Joel didn't pee and so there was nothing I needed to clean up)...

I simply asked Brooke to put the diaper in the trash can, the wipes where they belong, and stool back in the bathroom, and then we all went upstrairs for their scheduled bath:)

(Poor Joel, all he wants is some privacy:)

A Day at the Park

2008-09-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

Meghan and Brooke
Joel and Brooke
Joel - having the time of his life...
I think he was getting butterflies in his tummy:)
Joel and I:)

On Saturday my friend Amanda, and her daughter Meghan came over to play.
We decided to take a walk to the park...it was the most beautiful day (snow tipped mountains and endless blue sky)...
Joel had his first experience on the swing...which he obviously loved, and Brooke and Meghan took turns too:)

Getting Stronger...

2008-09-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

I set Joel by the sofa and got up and left...and he stayed there!!!
And stayed there a little longer...
And even posed for a picture...
and then...this is how he ended up:) hehe!

He didn't mind...he just stayed there and looked around:)

He's getting so much stronger, and scooting around and stretching farther, I am excited to see him learning new things, and so afraid of the thought of him crawling:) hehe!

A trip to the Grocery Store!

2008-08-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Joel looking at the fish in the tanks...
Joel telling me in his language that he wants to get them out and squeeze the fishies...
Brooke by the fishies!
Brooke and Joel looking at the ads!!!

First Visit to the Library!

2008-08-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Before we went to the Library, Brooke was preparing Joel, by reading to him. I would tell you verses she is reading him from her little pink Bible, except, I don't think "Five Little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed..." Is in the Bible. :) He though it was "the Word of God"!
Brooke and Joel at the Library for the first time... Joel...dude, are the books that distracting!
Brooke with the first books she borrowed!
Joel on the way home...
Brookie, worn out from all the reading!

Next to the Library is a fire station, they just loved watching the big trucks pull out. Thankfully none of them had their sirens on, but just seeing the big red trucks made them both happy. And of course, the books we got were about fire trucks and the library.

The Mama of Two!!!

2008-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today Brooke told me "You have two kids, one boy and one girl". I was so excited that she said that all on her own...I walked so proud after that. I am such a blessed Mama of two! Here I am...always tired, never sleeping enough, and always busy, but so happy to have my two blessings!

Thank you Aunt "DayChul" (Rachel)

2008-08-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Brooke's big box from Rachel...
52 Sunday's papers in the box...
Play Doh Duffle Bag...
Little People Air Plane...
Already playing with her new little people air plane...and the play doh was out shortly after! It was so fun for her to receive this! Thanks Rachel!

The Attack!

2008-08-27T15:49:00.001-07:00

You think this looks innocent...hahaha!
shove it in!!!
AHHHH!!!!
AHHH, a Man's work is done!!!!

After Brooke's party I decided to let Joel try his first cupcake...haha...yeah, we just ended up throwing him into the tub after this! He loved it. One time I thought he was done so I started taking the tray off, and boy did I hear from this little man...he still had to eat some more crumbs:) He loved it!

Brooke's 3rd Birthday (aug. 19th)

2008-08-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

On Brooke's Birthday we went to Toys R Us, they gave her a crown and balloon, and she's received at $3 gift card from the Birthday Club... so we went to spend it and have fun! We sure had fun, but she kept telling me she didn't want anything with her card, I think she was just overwhelmed with all her new things at home. I'm glad she was that way, and not thinking she needed more. I think Joel had more fun than she did! He loved the crown and loved riding in this car...oh and look at Brooke's car choice...so maybe all the toys were too "cheap" for her taste...so Papa...this is the car Brooke wants in 13 years:)

Then after an exciting day out and about we came home for her favorite lunch (hot dogs, apple sauce and prunes and apple juice) on her new princess dishes:)

The Princess Turns 3!!!

2008-08-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is 3 now...I always think about the year she was born, how her being in the NICU for 7 days and being so tiny (7lbs) and how excited I was to have her, but scared to see her in the NICU (she had pneumonia, possibly from my 32 hr labor and from not having amniotic fluid for 28 of the hrs). But now I have my beautiful little girl, and I love watching her grow.

I love my kids!!!

2008-08-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Joel love each other so much, I wonder how long it'll last...I'm sure as soon as Joel moves and starts to get into Brooke's stuff, she won't feel the same way :) He adores her and loves to see and be close to her. When we were at the store he held onto her the whole time...okay, so either it's because he loves her, or because I'm a bad driver:)

A New Hair Style

2008-08-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of August my neighbor wanted to experiment with my hair:) This is how it turned out! It was fun, but I was nervous! I knew it would look good, but wondered when I saw my head covered in foil:) I had a great time and felt so beautiful!!!

They Love Each Other!!!

2008-08-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

They absolutely love each other!They are almost the same size!!!
Joel - 8 1/2 mons. / Brooke 2 1/2 yrs

He's Got Two Teeth!!!

2008-08-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Finally at 8 months old, Joel got two bottom teeth... I was so excited:) So was Brooke, she wanted to touch them all the time...he doesn't seem to mind having other peoples fingers in his mouth...chew toy:) You can barely see them, but look...they are there!

August is almost over!!!

2008-08-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

I just realized I've never posted any blogs or pictures in August... Where has the month gone! I'm back...and I have a lot of pictures to post.

Fit for a Princess!

2008-07-29T22:10:00.001-07:00

From the doorway
Princess Bed (with a Princess in it:)
I finally got all her letters up and where she can't reach them and pull them down (they above her bed...that didn't work for 5 hrs:) She can't get them now:)
I got these curtains at a garage sale, and bought the clip on flowers about 2 years ago, finally I've made the room I've dreamed about for 2 years... purple with gerbera daisies!!!

Today I finally finished Brooke's room...I would still love to me a bed skirt, but that'll have to wait. She loves her room. It's such a girly room! I am so happy that I finally was able to get it all done!!!
It's my favorite room in the house (the only decorated one)!

Over 100 degrees

2008-07-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

That's what you call "Hott Stuff":)
Having fun with her new pool dolphin!
Grandma and Pockey (that would be Brooke's name she gave to Josh's dad), bought this pool and it came with all these toys... They love it!!!
Is this chillin' in the pool or what... not a care in the world:)
Joel holding the new pool turtle...he loved being in the pool!

It was over 100 degrees on Sunday...and of course when we got home around 1pm it was really hot in the house...yep...the AC was gone... I guess a fuse blew or whatever, anyways, thankfully the man that installed the AC just months ago came out and fixed it...

thankgoodness... I was so grouchy!

So after that got fixed off we went to my in-laws house to play in the pool... I was surprised that we didn't get very hot... we were blessed that the sun was covered by the clouds, so it was really nice...still hot, but nice!

More pictures...

2008-07-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

She's a great mommy. Obviously she watches how real strollers work, because she puts her baby carseat on her stroller... it works:) And sometimes she'll cover it all up and say "Shuuush! the baby is sleeping" I love watching her play...though she sure does know how to make a mess(I just cleaned it all up...again) (Nana, I only got this picture because I said it was for you)
Obviously someone was extremely worn out... he was hanging out with daddy,

and before long he was out.

Pictures of the house!

2008-07-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is the house we live in. I love it! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a Living/dining room, kitchen/family room, full basement (unfinished), 2 car garage, and no grass (hehe). It was in great shape when we got it(it was foreclosed), the only big thing was it had no appliances, and air conditioning. But that was taken care of right away, and now it's great. We haven't done much decorating or gardening... but we do some here and there. I am working right now on tearing up the old sod and about to spread grass seed. It has been a long process, but every chance I get, I try to work on it. I need to take a new picture...the trees are big and green now:)Josh's dad works at a deck store, so we got a great deal on all the material. His dad has been building it for us, it's taking a long time, but it's free labor (well besides the occasional pancakes, ice-cream or a meal:) This is the most recent picture! (notice the lack of grass, it all died since it was foreclosed during the summer, so we have to start over.)
I said that Josh's dad was building the deck...I actually meant, I'm doing it all myself:) haha!
This was in April, I love the mountains!!!

Just being kids...

2008-07-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with these two little kiddos! They sure test my patience, but they give me so much love that it's worth it! Brooke absolutely loves Joel (Joel Wayne), and he loves her too, he sure gets irritated at her though when she hugs him and he gets a face full of hair:) hehe!

Brooke finally figured out how to ride her bike. She loves it, and has been going round and round the kitchen every day, as often as she can...I'm surprised I've not fallen over her bike yet!

The other day I asked her if she wants to buy some ice-cream at McDonalds with her money...oh was she excited. This cone is 1/2 the size it was... for 54c she got this MASSIVE amount...daddy helped! (she's so proud that she didn't spill any at all... I'm proud too:)

Joel's newest love is crackers...he could eat those things all day long... here is he gumming a cracker, he'll keep going until every bit is gone:)

Once again, my little man is helping me with the laundry... he's such a helper!!!

4th of July

2008-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!! It was fun taking these pictures. First we had the camera on the entertainment center...ahhh, there were so many of "half" of us... but we finally got this family one...pretty good I must say! And then, Brooke wanted to take pictures of Joel and Mama. Pretty good photographer...hey, we're in the pictures:) Look how huge Joel is next to me...goodness, what will I do if he doesn't learn to walk before winter...I need to get him moving! He needs to walking WELL, so I don't have to hold him in the ice/snow:)

Oh Brookie Anna Pooh Bear!!!

2008-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, what can I say about this little girl. She's a mess! She loves her new activity...play doh. She's been making all kinds of cute things (Brooke and Joel, Angels, Chairs, Potties...) And always wants to take a picture when she makes something new:) She's really growing up. She says so many good, full sentences, and asks lots of questions...thankfully not "why" or anything too annoying. She'll be 3 in August, I'm sad how fast time is going, but I'm so excited to watch her grow. She's been talking about who she wants to come to her birthday, and how she remembers her "Happy 2". She has recently learnt how to hold her fingers up to show 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5... she's so proud of herself :) And we're proud of her!

Baby in Blue!

2008-07-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my baby boy is growing up so fast, it makes me sad, and happy. I love all his new sounds, and faces and things he can do (no, he's still not rolling, or crawling). He stands up well if you put him up against something (for a second), but he won't pull himself up. We just got out some of Brooke's toys that encourage pulling up...I'm hoping he'll try. I love these Pajama's. They are size 24 months...ahhh!!! They look comfy :) He is just such a bundle of joy!!!

Doing the Laundry!

2008-07-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

The only way I can get anything done is to carry Joel everywhere with me...he cries when I walk out of the room, well even if I just walk a little too far. AHHH, it gets frustraiting...so I bring him along wherever I go... even doing the laundry. And of course, if Joel gets to ride, Brooke wants to also (they are sitting their stinky booties on my clean clothes...AHH!):) But they are happy!
My weight lifting is carrying that laundry basket up the stairs with JOEL in the basket too...ahh, that's 22lbs of pure JOEL, and don't forget the basket weight, and the clothes:) haha!

Green Beans!

2008-07-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

HAHA, look at those faces!!! Joel started eating Green Beans at 7 months old. He wasn't sure this first day, but by the end of the first week, he liked them a lot. We're seeing some of these faces again with Sweet Potatoes, but as of the past 3 days, he just refuses to eat them:) haha! He is my little Gerber Baby!:)

Bestest picture ever!!!

2008-07-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hey, I took this picture recently, and I just love it! They were so happy!!! I love them to pieces! My CD drive still isn't working, but I had this picture on my camera.

I'll do my best to get some pictures on here soon... sorry, things have just been really crazy around here!

No pictures this time

2008-06-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

My CD drive isn't working, so I can't download pictures right now:( I'm sad! I just wanted to write a post to let you know! I will keep updating when I can, and I'll post pictures when I can!

Pancakes

2008-06-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

Today at breakfast I gave Joel a few bites of pancakes. He did well with the few bites he took...but sometimes his face looked funny...I'm sure he was wondering what kind of strange things I was putting into his mouth...I'm not for sure, but I think he got one bite into his mouth on his own... yummy!!! Here we go with the food thing... I'm excited for him, but can only remember how Brooke and her high chair looked after she started eating... ahh:) Good times:)

Goin' Swimming on a hot summer day...

2008-06-10T14:53:00.001-07:00

Today we went swimming with Kristin and the girls at our community pool. It was perfect today, it was warm, but with a breeze, so we kept from getting too hot... I'll have Kristin take a picture of me now though...I'm so sunburnt:( Oh well... we had fun while we were out there...and the kids don't look sunburnt...so far. This was Joel's first time to go swimming, and wear his new swim trunks:) Brooke loved the water...it took her a little while to get moving, but by the end she was a little fish, in a fish :) She liked the little pool, the other one confused her that she couldn't stand up by herself. Right before we left Joel finally gave in :)

Downtown Denver

2008-06-10T14:42:00.001-07:00

On Monday we went to 16th Street Mall (downtown Denver) with Kristin and the girls. We had a great time walking around, and then playing in the water.

Joel's Dedication

2008-06-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 8, 2008 Joel was dedicated to the Lord. I'm sad because it was last minute that we knew we were going to be there and I didn't have a new outfit for Joel and Josh had to leave for work, so he wasn't able to be up front with me. Joel was happy, and Brooke came to stand with me. It was nice the my bestest friend, Kristin Boyle, was visiting me, so she was there to share the day. Here are some pictures...

BABY FOOD!

2008-06-01T22:04:00.001-07:00

I fed Joel rice cereal for the first time on Friday night. He loved it! He did so well! He's done better the past two nights, but I was shocked how well he did the first time. He loved it, and was very patient to let sister help (or help feed the bib!:) We all enjoyed it so much. Josh videoed and Brooke and I fed him. I also made him some baby food (sweet potatoes and carrots) we'll do those next. I can't wait for him to have food he can grab...oh just more laundry and cleaning the floor and high chair...here were go again with baby number two:)

Brookie Anna

2008-06-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Oh Brooke...what can I say except..." oh goodness ". She's got her great times, and her horrible ones! She's such a great big sister, but sure doesn't like to be told no. She's really enjoying that Joel sits in the middle of the car and she can help give him toys and his passy. I think he likes it too because he talks to her a lot. She loves that! She talks like such a big girl, she immitates me all the time!:) The other day she went to her friend, Carter's house to go swimming...she was so excited. While I was getting Joel ready to go she helped herself into the fridge and got a whole apple out...um, no she didn't finish it...she only took a few bites and then was done... oh goodness!

I love her to death! She makes me smile, and she gives the BEST hugs and kisses EVER! She always has! She's definately my girl...I need to spend more time with her!

Oh, and no...it wasn't cold, she just loves he sweater...so she wanted to wear it...but as soon as she opened the door to go to the car she said "it's hot, I don't need my sweater!"...haha...mama knows best huh!!!