Best Present Ever

It's not sold in stores, it's on every one's wish list.. Yep, it's my son Mikey! He's too cute. He wanted to get wrapped up today and be a present for someone.. Who's the lucky recipient you ask...  Mom of course!

Mikey begged me to open up "JUST ONE MOM" presents. Since we were going to let him open his Monkey Pj's and Slippers early anyways, What's 2 days early?? I just couldn't say no anyways. So here he is in his Pj's.

Alivia's First Pictures

So going through my pictures. I ALMOST forgot to post pictures of my Ultra Sound. Silly me. Luckily Alivia was great for pictures and we have quite a few good ones. Here are my favorite 3.

I love that her feet are together for the pic.

Her profile

Gettting ready to suck her thumb. Too cute!

Testing out the snow

Mikey playing in the snow. Yes, no shoes on! He was only out for a few seconds when he realized that the "snow" is COOOOOLD! I love watching my little guy be adventurous. Can't wait to go build a snowman,take him sledding and do all the fun "snow" activities.

Happy Happy Birthday Mikey

Mikey turns the BIG 3 today!! So many emotions are running through me right now, like I cant believe the time has flown by and I already have a 3 year old. He is soon going to be a big brother to Alivia. Im excited to see his interaction with our new addition. He will soon have a play buddy-- well soon enough. I have always been so blessed with Mikey. I know that every mother gloats about how smart their kids are and how they are advancing quicker than expected, but Mikey AMAZES me!! He is so eager to learn, his vocabulary is incredible and so advance for even some 5-6 year olds. He loves to count to 20 and loves counting the sides of shapes. I love that he doesn't just want to play with toys- he actually would rather read books, play educational games on his electronics (of course). Ever since he was little he was always on the go. Its always hard for me to get him to sit still without wanting to explore something when we are out and about. I love that about him. I am getting ready to enroll him in preschool in January and I know he can't wait. He has been wanting to go to school for some time now. He wakes up- says hes ready for school and wants to go get on the bus. It will be great for him to get out and meet some friends and spend time with kids his age for a few hours a day. Ill miss him like crazy, but I soon will have a great distraction!!! 

We had an awesome birthday party for him on Sunday. SO many friends and family came!! Thanks to all who came and supported Mikey. I know sometimes its hard to comprehend on why its a big deal to have a birthday party for a 3 year old. But he knows, he fully understands what his birthday means and it would crush his heart if he didnt get to have a day to himself and celebrate. So I really thank all of you who came and all the gifts. He gets so much and has so much who love him. Its a great thing to see your kid so happy and talk about it for days and days after. He got a bike this birthday and even though is winter and harder to ride- that hasnt stopped him from riding it ALL over the house. He loves his new bike and cant wait until he can take it outside and ride all over and of course at the ballpark!!

On another note, I really wish there was a Santa!! I am in need of a new camera so dang bad. I really get so frustrated with mine and the sad thing is its not even a year old and fairly nice. It just doesnt work like I want it too and my pictures come out horribly. So for that reason, I only have a few pictures that actually made the cut from Mikeys birthday party. Hopefully others were able to get better shots and can send some my way.. hint-hint!! :)

Well now that his birthday is almost over, its on to Christmas time. 16 more days!! Eek and I have alot of stuff to do still and alot of Christmas Parties coming up. Its going to be busy busy for us. But I love this time of year!!

This is what happens.....

When you leave your camera at the cabin.. Nice shots!

It was a good laugh when I was uploading my pictures.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings

Its only fitting to list all of the things I am thankful for. 

First and foremoremost is Life & Health.  I have been so blessed to have good health, to be able to do all of the things I want to do. I am thankful for a sharp memory, I hardly forget a thing- even while prego.

I am so thankful for my wonderful Husband! He has shown me so much love, laughter, support & understanding. He has given me the best gift- 2 children. I cant imagine where I would be today if it wasnt for my son Mikey. I am blessed!! He has been the best gift I have ever received and the love I have for him is unmeasurable. I am so thankful for his health and his smart mind. He learns things so quickly and amazes me daily with his knowledge. I am also thankful for our 2nd child on its way. For someone who never thought they could or would have kids, its an incredible feeling to know that it does happen and all I had to do was find the right person and have patience. I am thankful for easy pregnancies. Luckily I have only been sick a handful of time with both kids- I truly dont know what pregnancy pain is. 

I am thankful for my mother. I cant express enough how much she has been there for me and how much she sacrificed for me and my brothers growing up. She has always shown unconditional love and amazes me daily with her generosity and giving heart. For most of my preteen-teen it was just me and her and I got to really have a good relationship and friendship with her. I was so proud to have her as a mother and so many of my friends agreed. I am thankful that she has found someone that makes her happy and completes her. She deserves nothing but the best. She has struggled to be a single mother for so long and works so hard to provide, that its her turn to be taken care of. She has been married for almost 15 years and still acts like a newlywed, more so than most of her children- some who just got married. I love to see the Love Chris has for her. It makes me happy that she will never have to worry about the way he feels. My mom really goes above and beyond and tries to bring the family together, she is so concerned with every family member and wants us to be united. I truly admire the giving spirit my mother has. She got it from her parents!!!

I am thankful for my family- I have an incredible family!! So full of spunk. I love that I can rely on them and they will be there in a heartbeat. I love that they can accept me for who I am. Pain in the butt & all.

I am so thankful for shelter, food and comfort. I DONT live beyond my means. I live comfortably, Im thankful that Mike has employment in this rough economy and that I never have to worry how the bills are going to get paid and if we have to go without. He is such a hardworker and a great asset to the company, they'd be fools to ever lose him!!

I truly am thankful for so much, even the little things such as massages, a soak in the tub after a long day, a dishwasher- I mean really I load it at least 2 times a day. My hands would be prunes if I had to wash by hand. Music, I love it. I love listening to music,even when Mike or Mikey has the TV on, I will have Itunes on in the other room blasting away while I do work, crafts or just playing on the computer.

Hope you have a memorable Thanksgiving!!

Smiles, Lillian

Mikey is a BIG Brother to....

Alivia Adele

Now just the countdown to her arrival!

Because its never too early

Here are some cute, quick and fairly cheap christmas ideas for your neighbors, friends, family and co-workers. With being in a recession and feeling the buckle of the "financial belt". No one wants to be a scrooge and forego getting gifts, so here is a few of my favorite little gift ideas. Ok, more than a few, but I just couldnt stop finding more.

• Set of measuring spoons/cups — Wishing you joy beyond "measure" this holiday season.

• Bag of pistachios — Don't go "nuts" this Christmas! From your "nutty" neighbors.
• Christmas paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils — A bit of "disposable" Christmas cheer! What could be better? No dishes, my dear!
• Christmas ornament — Twinkle, twinkle, sparkled, shine, this ornament comes just in time

• Jolly Rancher soft chews — We "chews" to wish you a "jolly" holiday season!
• Mittens (fill with tape, scissors, tags and pen) — Let us "lend" you a "hand" this Christmas season!
• Cheese Nips — We're going to "nip" it in the bud and wish you "cheesy" holiday season!
• Animal Crackers or Teddy Grahams — This neighborhood would be a "zoo" without you!

• Big candy bar or candy cane —"Enormous" Christmas wishes to you!
• 7UP — There's "seven" reasons why you are "up" on our list of favorites! Merry Christmas (list seven reasons).
• Christmas plates — Hoping you'll "arrange" to have a wonderful Christmas this year with a "plateful" of fun!
• Snowman — There's "snow" better folks than you! Merry Christmas!
• Christmas potholders — "Hot" holiday wishes for you! Happy holidays!
• Magic Markers — Friends are the "magic" of Christmas!
• Christmas cookie cutter — "Cutting" out a perfect Christmas wish for you!
• Christmas towel — Sending "clean" and "sparkling" Christmas wishes your way!
• Snack mix — Here is a "mix" of holiday wishes for you! (or) May your holidays be "Chextra" special!
• Package of pens — Whenever you need them, they're never around, so here is a supply ... 'cuz you're Christmas bound!
• Starbursts — We are "bursting" with wishes for you to have a "starry" bright Christmas!
• Baked item — It's a Christmas miracle ... I baked! Warm Christmas wishes to you and yours!
• Pepperidge Farm cookies — Homemade cookies would be so fine, but these are so much better than mine!
• Package of Milky Way reindeer — For won-"deer"-full friends from the whole herd!
• Scented pinecones or candle — Have a "scent"-sational Christmas.
• Roll of wrapping paper — "Wrap" yourself up in a wonderful holiday season!
• Mint M&M's — These are "mint" to wish you a "magical" and "merry" Christmas.
• Ritz snowflake crackers and a can of cheese — Have a "ritzy" Christmas season and "spread" around the joy!
• Jello Mousse Mix — Merry "Chris-mousse" to you!
• Bounty paper towels — This season may the "absorbing" spirit of Christ "blot" out your problems, "soak up" your sorrows, and "wipe" away your difficulties and may the new year bring you "bounteous" blessings all the year through!
• Soup mix — We wish you a wonderful holiday "simmering" gently with love!
• Bean soup mix — You've "bean" such good neighbors!
• Christmas taffy — We're "pulling" for you to have a very merry Christmas!
• Christmas Rolos — "Rolo-long" with a holiday song, spreading good cheer at the time of year!
• Werthers Original Butter Candies — "Original" Christmas greeting for no "butter" friends around.
• Reeses Peanut Butter Cups — There are so many "Reeses" why we like you!
• Fritos Scoops and bean dip — Here is the "scoop" for "bean" so nice. "Dip" into a fun holiday!
• Flashlight — We love how you "light up" our lives. We've come to depend on your "glow." Here's a "flashlight" to store, so you'll always be sure to create "light" wherever you go!
• Batteries — "'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was worried, he had an emergnecy. Boy was he flurried! The power was off, and his flashlight was dead. He didn't buy "batteries" when Mrs. Santa said. We don't want you in a similiar plight, so we give you "batteries" to "lighten" your night! Merry Christmas to you. May you walk in the "light"!
• Townhouse crackers and cheeseball — From "our house" to "your house" with love. We hope have a "ball" this Christmas!

Smiles, Lillian

Where in the world have I been??

So here we go again- Yet another long vacation from blogging. Too bad I cant tell all of you that I was on a trip around the world and wasn't able to get a break from all the sightseeing. Yeah--I'm still wishing that was true. So here is a quick update on whats been going on in our neck of the woods the last 6 weeks.

October came and went in a blink of an eye. We had a fun trip to St. George early in October for a tourney and the last one of the year. It was great, the team took 2nd place. Thank goodness I have great friends who take pictures!!! After our trip, we got to get ready for Halloween. I honestly think I waited to long to celebrate. Mikey and I made a few treats here and there and of course watched Monster House over and over. He was Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba. That was a last minute choice. All month long he wanted to be a princess, a pink one. I just couldn't bring myself to let him dress up as that- EVEN if it was for Halloween. So Brobee was a last minute decision that he was unhappy about. Our annual Halloween party at the parents house was fun. Getting to see all of the cousins dressed up and go trick-or-treating all together is always fun.

Now that its November, I'm excited for Thanksgiving. Its one of my favorite holidays. All the good food and relaxing, not to mention Football. We have plans to meet up with both sides of the family. Due to some family coming from out of state on Mike's side. Then of course the day after Thanksgiving is the best day. Shopping for the mad sales for Christmas. I also have to get Mikey's Birthday put together and I'm excited for that too. Mikey is going to be the BIG 3!! Time sure has flown by. Hes so excited for his birthday this year. Now that he knows its HIS day and he gets to have a themed party with friends and family.

As for the baby #2. We are great!! I had a few days of being sick here and there. But they are all gone! I am thankful for an easy pregnancy. I don't know how I could manage if I was sick all the time with Mikey in tow. We were suppose to find out the sex yesterday and I was bummed when I got to the appt and he said " Oh we don't do the ultra sounds here, you have to call the outpatient center and make an appt with them" WHAT???? Why didn't I know this 4 weeks ago at my last appt. So bummed! What's even more depressing is when I called to make an appointment, they were backed up to... DECEMBER 1st!! So needless to say, I doubt I'll be waiting that long to find out. Mikey is antsy, I am now antsy and so is my family. Hopefully the cancellation list is small and I can get a spot earlier than later. Other than that, we are excited and hope the next 1/2 of the pregnancy goes by fast. Luckily for me the holidays are a great distraction from counting down the days.

Now that I have given that quick update, ha. I will make sure to keep it updated more often.

Fall is here

Another two weeks have went by and I have been so lackadaisical in updating my blog. Not that a whole lot has gone on, but I usually find some "useless" information to share with everyone. I guess I after having my blog for over 2 years, I have started to get bored with it. So the updates may be more sparse.

Mike just got back from going to Seattle, WA for Worlds. His team didn't win it, but they did do fairly well seeing that there was 110 teams and they took somewhere around 30th. They just couldn't get it started. Mike is really excited to be on this team. They are a group of great guys who play well together. We are looking forward to a few tourney in the next few months. It feels like its been forever since I have traveled for a tourney.

While Mike was gone, Mikey & I had Cabin Fever and ran to the hills to getaway. We enjoyed spending 3 days up at my parents cabin with them. Mikey just loves it up there and he doesn't settle down for a second. We love to get out the binoculars and spot deer, birds and bugs. I of course am a horrible mother and don't take my camera anymore. Blah! There were some candid moments for sure. We had a few thunderstorms and it was nice to sit out on the balcony and watch while all bundled up with our blankets. It is such a beautiful place to spend a getaway - I can see why mom goes up there literally every weekend.

As for my pregnancy, its going!! I am 13 weeks. Excited to find out if its a boy/girl. We have our names all picked out, which was a breeze this time. Seeing that we had the same girl name from before. But its always nice to agree quickly on a name, so I can talk to them.

I am so ready for Fall. I love the new smell in the air, the cool breeze that makes you run for a hoodie or jacket. I just love it. I cant wait until Halloween. I truly am a sucker for all of the fun things to do during Halloween. Mikey cant wait to carve pumpkins and do all of the fun crafts. NOT to mention Football season. There is nothing better than sitting around the tube and watching your favorite teams play ball.

Happy Fall!


Smiles, Lillian