It's Your Birthday!

My big boy officially has turned 4 years old.  Seems like yesterday Anthony was born and I was cuddling him in my arms.  He's my little miracle man and is such a blessing, even when he's not behaving. ;)  I'm thankful to be entrusted with such a wonderful gift from God. 

Saying the blessing before they ate cupcakes @ Anthony's preschool.

Lighting his candle

Goofy smile while we all sang Happy Birthday to him.

Birthday cupcake at home on his actual birthday, Dec. 5th.

Blowing out the candle.

My Little Artist

So.... a few weeks ago I woke up to get ready for my morning jog when I ran across something rather interesting.  Apparently, my almost 4-year old (at the time) decided to brand my kitchen cabinet with his artwork and writing (in BLUE SHARPIE, mind you!)  Jeremy and I can't figure out when he did this because we swore it wasn't there when we went to bed.  Anthony said he did it before he went to sleep, so we are still baffled.  Anyway, here's his special work of art.  Luckily, most of it came off with a little Softscrub with bleach.  What's left of it will have to be painted over.  Oh, and the sharpies are now on the tallest shelf in the upper cabinets.  I even have to get a chair to reach them!

Random Thoughts

Here are a few snapshots of the kids, either just hanging around the house or going to church. 

 My sweetheart in pigtails.  Too precious!

 The kiddos playing Ants in the Pants and cheesing for the camera.

 Trying to get a picture before church because they looked so cute!

My cuties!

 Meredith made her own drum set.

 Can't get this one to turn sideways, but it's Anthony and his homemade drum set.  He's going to town on it.

 My little football sweetie!

 Another Sunday morning picture.  I love Anthony in his blazer!

Last post of the night...

I think I've got a record.... four posts in one night!  Guess that means I need to update the blog a little more often rather than saving it all for one night.  Anyway, these pictures were just too cute not to put up for everyone to see.  Enjoy!

Sweet moments...

Posing... I try to take a picture most Sunday's because Jeremy doesn't always get to see them "dolled up."

This was taken two weeks ago before church.  Meredith had been digging though her diaper bag and found Ritz crackers.

Halloween 2010

Trick-or Treat!!!!  If you came to our home, you just might be surprised to find Iron Man playing with a princess fairy.  Here's a peek!

Daddy and the kiddos... Iron Man and our Princess Fairy

My sweetheart ready for candy!

Trick-or-Treating from house to house was much easier in the wagon!

Iron Man showing his muscles!  He refused to wear the mask.

Pastel Pumpkin

Another fun family activity this past Saturday was creating our very own Jack-O-Lantern.  Since Anthony picked out such a prize pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, we decided to give it a go.  Turned out pretty good! 

 Taking out all of the seeds and guts (as Anthony liked to call it).  This was as close as Meredith got.  She had absolutely no interest at all in helping out.

Daddy making all of the cuts.  Anthony wanted to help so badly!

Meredith and me... right after she busted her lip on the concrete patio. :(

Painting the pumpkin so carefully.  Every square inch had to be covered in paint.

Mid-progress....

\

The final result... our pastel pumpkin. He was so proud!

Pumpkin Patch and Party

A visit to the pumpkin patch and Anthony's preschool Halloween party topped our fun things done last week. 

 Parachute games at the pumpkin patch

 My sweet Meredith checking out the pumpkins

 Class picture.  Impossible to get all smiling faces... and all looking at the camera.

 My pumpkin (Anthony) and my pun'kin tootie (Meredith).

Party Time!!!!  Meredith didn't worry with gettng a plate... she just grabbed her brother's food!



New Decor

As many of you know already, we had our living/dining/entry spruced up by a decorator.  She managed to make our home look inviting and warm. I've already asked Jeremy to have her decorate the rest of the house, but I think it may have to wait until next year.  One room at a time now.  :) Here's a peek at what has been done thus far!

In dining room on the buffet

On top of china cabinet



Entry table.... still need to tie up cord on lamp.  Also, the large gold piece in the middle is on loan from the decorator until she can find us a mirror that we love.  Another pic to come once that happens!



On top of armoire in living room





Rearranged living room..



Display for family picture.... she left room for me to get a larger frame for our new family pictures we will be taking next month.

New couch pillows... I LOVE THEM!

Rearranged living room.  I love the new layout!

Where a Kid can be a Kid

Can you guess from the title where we went this past weekend?  

 Looking for something fun to do, we decided to make a visit to a place my children have never entered or even heard about....  Chuck E. Cheese.  Anthony was actually a little apprehensive when walking up to the building and kept telling us that he did not want to go in.  After a little coaxing and encouragement from his Uncle Ryan, Jeremy and myself, he walked in and was amazed!  Games everywhere!  Not only did he have a blast playing all of the games, but Jeremy and his brother had a few friendly competitions playing skee ball and basketball.  The winner shall remain nameless, of course ;)  After two hours of fun, Anthony left with a bracelet for his sister, two rub-on tattoos, a bookmark, and an Airhead candy.  All in all, it was a complete success!

Anthony was too short to pedal, so Uncle Ryan pitched in!

Once again, another competition, but this was between Anthony and Uncle Ryan.  If I remember correctly, Anthony ended up in 4th place and Ryan was in 6th.  Hmmmm.... maybe a rematch next time he's in town?

LIttle Drummer Boy

Anthony has gotten tired of waiting for Jeremy and I to buy him a drum set, so he makes his own now.  Every box, container, bucket, or trash can becomes a drum at the drop of a hat.  Drumsticks can be fashioned out of hairbrushes, utensils, toy tools, or crayons.  (Just look at the bottom of my kitchen trash can... it's covered in crayon from him beating them on it!)  Here's his drum set he recently put together.  I think he loves the different sound each container makes.  Santa had better be listening and taking notes!

Quiet reading time....

After taking Anthony to school the other day, Meredith was playing quietly in her room while I was cleaning.  She got a little too quiet so I peeked in her room to check on her.  This is what I found!  She had made the perfect relaxing place to read!  Makes me smile everytime I look at this picture!  You almost can't see her for the mess she made in her room!

Gone Wild Safari

Anthony's first official field trip was just this last week to visit the Gone Wild Safari.  He was not only excited about seeing all of the different animals, but also about riding a school bus! 

I have to include this "Anthonyism" with this picture below.  Anthony saw the camel coming from across the way and hollered "Come here big boy!!!"  Then when the camel came right up to him, he backed up and was a little nervous.  I guess it wore off because Anthony fed him!  He had us all cracking up!