Catching Up

It has been a while; we have been very busy!
Jason came to visit for Thanksgiving as did Aunt Julie, and Grandma and Grandpa. We had a full house for sure! It was so nice to see everyone. The girls were up at 4 am the day after Turkey and attempted to tackle the madness that is known as Black Friday. I have to say that it is def an experience that everyone must have!!! It was absolutely CRAZY but it was so much fun and I cannot beat the deals I got! I think I started and almost finished my shopping in one day. I still have a couple people to buy for but it was wonderful!
The boys have spent last weekend at Fair Hill where they watched their daddy come in second in the Fair Hill Challenge. What a mess. We got about 2 inches of snow on Friday and by race time the course was a mud hole! Mike was covered from head to foot and our poor pooches went from white to black....they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Now we are gearing up for X-mas. School is crazy this time of year, the Holidays are in the air and everyone is geared up to celebrate. We still have seven more school days before break but who is counting!
I am hoping to blog again before the holidays but if not Happy Holidays to all who may wander across this :)

MINE, MINE, MINE

As is common with most three year olds my little three year old is struggling with sharing. Who would have thunk it ? The funny thing is that he is not so bad with sharing with other people as he is with his own brother. As soon as Charlie has something of "Jack's" he wants it, he has to have it, it is the end of the world if he does not have it. We are working on this but have you ever tried to reason with a three year old? Not the easiest thing in the world to do. In the pictures you will see JAck riding around in his blue car, on the back of the car is his scooter. He was giving his scooter a ride but he did not want Charlie to get it so he drove it around the driveway. Not the best display of sharing but def cute and creative anyway!

Dear God

I would like to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping Matt and Jason safe over this last year. Thank you for guiding them through secret missions and flying bullets. Thank you for bringing them home unscathed and in one piece. Thank you for giving them the courage and determination to do what they do everyday. Thank you for helping them find the strength to separate man and soldier. Thank you for letting them be rich in love. Thank you for embracing them, for protecting them, for guiding them, for loving them and thank you for returning them to us. Thank you for continuing to do so everyday.
Thank you dear Lord, thank you.

Daddy takes 2nd!!!

YIPEEE!!!!!!!!! Way to go daddy! We are so proud of you. Mike went to Ohio this weekend for a big dry land race and he took second place! We are so proud of all his efforts and cannot wait for the Fair Hill Challenge so that we can go and cheer him on ourselves. Keep working hard and having fun! We love you!

Uncle Matt Comes to Town

Uncle Matt came to visit! Yahoo! We were so glad to see Uncle Matt. It has been a long time since we last saw him and he was def a sight for sore eyes. I think, however, that we wore Uncle Matt out. I think that we made him appreciate single life a little bit more! He was so good with both the boys. He rocked Charlie to sleep and endured cartoons with Jack on the couch. He tossed and flipped and played trucks and tractors with the boys. He wiped away tears and blew noses. He even took naps :) He also spoiled me rotten on my Birthday weekend! Thanks for everything Uncle Matt, it was so great to see you and we hope to see you again soon! Please be safe!

Hello Stranger

Can you say slacker? I cannot seem to find time in my days to sit down and post blogs. I love them when they are up there smiling back at me but I am horrible at keeping them up to date; no matter how hard I try. I feel like a slacker these days. I always feel like there is laundry to do and a house to clean, a closet to organize, papers to grade or plans to write. There is never a holy cow I have everything done, no where to be and bored moment. Remember those? Remember on snow days or summer days how we would go to mom with complete and utter boredom. There was nothing to do. Who were we kidding? Such is the life of two hard working parents of two beautiful yet energetic children. They never run out of energy and we idle on empty right around five o'clock. I hope to be better. I hope to post images and stories about my boys as they unfold but I make no promises. I can only do what I can do. I can tell you that Halloween pictures are coming......that pictures of Uncle Matt who the boys had not seen in over a year are coming....that pictures of Mike's big race in Ohio are coming......and that some random photographs I know are on my camera but I am not sure what they are right now because I can not find the adapter cord are coming. I promise.

CHARLIE-CHARLIE

Charlie had his first "surgery" today and what a little trooper he was. It was a quick and painless procedure, the most difficult part was when we met him in recovery, he was still sleeping and hooked up to ozygen. This is where I got teary eyed. No mother wants to see her little man so helpless and vulnerable. I am so thankful that everything went according to plan. Hopefully, we will all sleep a little more soundly tonight. Thank you for your prayers; we greatly appreciate them.

Tubes for Charlie

I know that I am being a silly mommy but I am nervous and anxious for Thursday. Charlie and I went to see the specialist today to see what we could do to maintain these endless ear infections that we cannot seem to get rid of. I hate seeing him in pain all the time and hate that he has been on every kind of antibiotic known to man and now he has to have tubes put in. I know that it is a harmless and routine surgery and it really is the only option but I am nervous none the less. He has to be put out for 10-15 min and I am not a big fan of that. Wish us luck and say a prayer that everything goes smoothly. I love you Charlie :)

Playing Together

Here we have the boys officially playing catch together! How cute. I cannot believe how fast the boys are growing up. It is so nice to see them having fun and playing together.

Sled Dog Season Kick off!

Well the sled dog season has officially begun. The boys road the scooter with daddy at Fair Hill today with all their friends. The dogs were especially excited and loved the cool weather that has finally arrived down here in Maryland. After a couple good runs everyone gathered back at the truck for a tailgate BBQ. It was def a good time and a nice way to kick things off.

Handsome Boy

Today Jack walked up to Charlie, gave him a squeezy hug and said " Charlie, you look handsome" How precious is that? What a good big brother. The boys have been playing so well together lately. Jack has been giving Charlie rides in his HotWheels and even sharing his tractors and tools with him. It is neat to see how they interact and get along. They are def their own person but it is nice to see the brotherly love and the not so brotherly love that rears when someone has to have a toy. I am glad that they are close in age. I hope that they will be friends as well as brothers and playmates. The photo is Jack and Charlie playing with Robert their "big brother" on the farm. We love you Robert!

HELLO

Hello Again,
I have failed miserably at keeping in touch with you so far this year. By year, I mean September to June, is it weird that my year is based around the school year? I have thought about adding to the blog many times and have even started a few but something more pressing has always diverted my attention away. It is Sat so I do not have to go to bed too early, though I am surprised that it is almost 10, there are still papers to grade, plans to tweak and open house to get ready for but there is always tomorrow! I am hoping now that the school year is under way and we are in our routine both at home and school that I will find some time to download the many photos on my camera and to add to my blog that is frozen in summer time.

Quick Facts:

Charlie is growing in leaps and bounds and has transformed from a baby to a little boy with a big personality. He is changing and growing everyday, it is amazing to be a part of.

Charlie is my lover. He walks right up to you and wraps both his arms around your neck and squeezes tight, he is a good hugger! He loves giving kisses too and they are drool free! Watch out ladies a heart breaker he is!

Jack is doing very well in preschool and loves it! He is excited for days before and cannot wait to go back!

Jack has already started talking about Christmas and Santa. He carries a fisher price catalog around with him and shows us the toys that he is going to ask Santa for. Only if you are a good little boy who listens and shares with his brother!

Well wish me luck. I am hoping that I will be able to add an update at least once a week from here on in. That is my goal but time will tell.

Captain Jack

First Day of Preschool :(

Here is Jack on his first day of preschool. How cute is he with the little backpack and ball cap on? Jack was so excited to go to school that he hopped right out of bed, got dressed and was ready to walk out the door. He is so excited about school and so far loves it! Keep your fingers crossed that it continues for the next 12 years or so :) Attached there is also a picture of Jack's first homework assignment. We had to decorate a paper doll to reflect him. I think we did a pretty good job myself. However I was out of paw stickers for the dogs so those will be added later :)

Flying Solo

Here is a rare picture of Charlie playing by himself. He escaped from the craziness that ensues when the two boys play together and took refuge in his room with blocks. When I sneaked around the corner he was stacking the blocks on top of each other and creating a tower. He played with his tower building it, knocking it down and rebuilding it again. It was too precious.

Fuel'in Around

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at the Queen Anne County Fair supporting Team Fuel'In Around. Robert Turner is a 21 year old Tractor driver from Cecil County. We met Robert 4 years ago when we moved to Maryland. He was in high school at the time and worked at the Uleau farm doing odd jobs and what not. As the years passed Robert became a part of the family and can often be found at the farm still doing his odd jobs or visiting with the family. Jack has taken to Robert and looks up to him as kind of an older brother. He thinks Robert is the best thing since sliced bread and has followed him around since he could walk, even before I think! Now that you have the back story; Yesterday we went to support Robert at the tractor pull. Robert did a great job coming in 4th and 2nd. Jack watched the pull in awe; glued to thier every move. After Robert's first pull we went back to his "camp". This is where you will see Jack weasled his way up onto the pulling tractor. He is accompanied by Mister Eddy (Robert's brother in-law) and Rae Lynn (niece to Robert). Jack sat up there with Mister Eddy discussing the ins and outs of tractors and hows and whys and what nots. Mister Eddy was very patient and kind with Jack and answered every one of him million questions. Thank you Mister Eddy. Jack has a new respect for you and appreciates all the attention you gave him yesterday. Few people take the time to answer his "silly" questions.....that is how he learns about the world. Anyway; to say the very least Jack and Charlie had a fabulous time. Thank you Robert for all the love and attention you have given and continue to give our little man. He looks up to you!

Charlie has started to develop the same love and appreciation for tractors and driving that his older brother has. I think that we are in trouble!!!

Where does the time go?

Today we are going to have a tour of and sign Jack up for preschool. I am so happy and excited for my little man but I cannot help the urge to cry just a little bit. It seems like just yesterday we brought our little man home from the hospital and now he is off to school. I could not be more proud of the little person that he has become. He is a very strong, confident, little person who is not scared to ask questions, loves to try new things and meet new people and easily adapts to any situation or environment. He can be stubborn as all get out but is the first one there to offer a hug or a kiss when someone is feeling down. I am sure his first year in preschool will be a very successful one! Below are some photos of our little scholar over the years!

Big Green Tractor

Here is a picture of Jack looking out from the steps of a BIG GREEN TRACTOR! We found the tractor at the local carnival that the firehouse puts on every August. There was a wonderful parade full of firetrucks and old time tractors; Jack watched in awe as they passed by blaring their sirens and flashing their lights. Charlie watched the night from Mike's back where he rode in style in his backpack. He is perfectly content to sit up there and watch the world. We hardly hear a peep from him and it is great for those sleepy moments when he just wants to close his eyes for a minute.

Summer Fun

I am sad to say that in less then a week we will be saying our goodbyes to summer and heading back to school. I am saddened by this thought. How I hate to leave my little men, they are in good hands but still, they are not my hands. Our unscheduled summer will become a very well oiled machine so that we can survive the school year. I will deeply miss the little things like putting Charlie down for his nap and having a little one on one time with Jack, I will miss all the firsts for Charlie when he broadens his vocabulary and all the games, adventures and creativity we used to fill our summer days. I will miss Jack as he protects his little brother and Charlie as he grows into a little boy. As much as a pain as Jack claims Charlie is, he is the first to his aid. Jack went for a sleepover to MEME and Grandmere's house tonight, before he left he made sure that I would take good care of his little brut-her; too cute. It is nice to see that they are already forming that bond I hope they will carry though life. Well enough crying about it; I will cherish the week I have left and be thankful that I have summers with them at all.

The photos attached are Jack's take on getting dressed.....and Charlie enjoying the summer sun!

Bye Bootsie

I am sad to announce that our new pup Bootsie (in the picture with the boys) has gone to join another racing team in the sky. Bootsie was diagnosed with a incurable rare genetic disorder that caused her to live a life of pain. She was Jack's first puppy and he loved walking her, sitting on the couch with her and just loving her. She was his little buddy, his part of the racing team that he was so proud and honored to work on with daddy. I am sure as the years come and go there will be other "favorites" on the team but I am confident that Bootsie will always hold a special place in all of our hearts.

Cookie Baking 101

Here is Jack "helping" mommy make oatmeal raisin cookies! Jack loves to help bake, his favorite part is the mixing it is amazing how much of the ingredients end up on the table top and/or the floor! It is too cute! The cookies were awesome and turned out very well.

Jack's First Sled Dog Race!

This weekend, on our camping adventure we chose this venue as it was where the Penn Sled Dog Club had their summer camp out. On Sat the boys (Mike and Jack) competed in a 100 yard dash. This was Jack's very first event in dog sledding. Mike and Jack had built a platform on the rig so that Jack could ride with daddy. The boys have been scooting around the neighborhood to get ready for the big event. Jack absolutely loved it!!! After crossing the finish line he asked Mike if he could do it again....to cute! It really was a great experience for Jack. All the campers who had come out to watch the dog sledding were pointing and snapping shots of our little man, they thought it was so amazing that he was on there and loving it. Our little Super Star!!! We are so proud of you!

Camping

We just returned on Sunday from our first ever family camping adventure. We had so much fun! I had forgotten how much fun I had camping as a child. The only thing that I would change for the next outdoor adventure is the purchase of an air mattress, the ground is a little too hard for my aging body! We went to Twin Rivers Campground in Western Pa. It was a cute little camp ground nestled in the mountains, with two small creeks running through it. It was beautiful and the weather held out for the majority of the weekend. Sat night the sky opened up and we were forced to pack up our site in torrential rain but it is all part of the great outdoors right? Hopefully we will be able to go again before the summer is out!

Jack's 3rd Birthday!

Jack, turned 3 on July 16, 2009. Holy Cow! It is so hard to believe that my little baby; excuse me, my big boy is 3 now. Jack has grown so much, he is a tall skinny little man with big ideas and an even larger vocabulary. He talks so well and surprises you with the comments and questions that he can ask. Boy, can he ask questions. Jack's favorite question of all time is WHY? When you tell him why he wants to know why and so own. Jack is a very curious little man.
We celebrated his 3rd Birthday in Maine with Grandpa and Grandleen and family. We had a mini pool party and fire truck cake. Jack was determined to have a fire truck cake, he had talked about it for weeks beforehand. Nothing like a little pressure on mom to find the pan or use her creativity to make one. Well, I found the pan and it arrived hours before we left for our Maine trip. YIPEE!!! When we came back home to Maryland we had another party with grandmere and meme. We had a fabulous BarBQ and of course another fire truck cake! I think our third birthday was well represented!!!

Cecil County Fair

This week we went to the Cecil County Fair. We went with objective to cheer Aunt Mary and Olivia on who compete in the 4H aspect. Congrads on many well deserved honors! Way to Go !!!
Of course our boys also sought out the tractors! They had a great time sitting on all the old tractors the had on display and of course watching them compete! It was a fun family day and who knows maybe next year we will have a little competitor of our own!

Super Uleaus!!!!

So, I have been working all summer on removing the wall paper from our Master bathroom with the hope of having it repainted by the time that school starts. Well, best laid plans of mice and men because all this "free time" I thought I would have this summer has quickly evaporated and my bathroom is still not complete. I just recently reached the taping step of my ominous project so I thought is was safe for the boys to help, they are good workers and love to be right there whenever you tackle any project. The pictures that you see are what emerged from our taping project!
The boys had fun!

Playdough Party!!!

Jack and Charlie love to play with playdough. Jack has become much better at playing with it and not eating it! Charlie however has not mastered that part yet! The boys love to sit and create; to mix and match the colors ( I have tried to keep them separated but where is the fun in that, right?)
and to see what we can create together! Here is Jack "creating" his masterpiece and one that we completed together! We had so much fun and play this often. I recommend using a pizza pan or cookie tray because playdough is not fun to get off the table!

New Layout

You will notice that the picture of the boys has changed to the boys and Bootsie. We had this picture taken with picture people and I have to say I do love their work. We have some beautiful shots of the boys. One downfall is that you can have web access, yuck so the picture on here is a picture of a picture that I took. It is a little blurry but it gets the message of my cuties across.

So it has been a while since I have updated, like a week, see I lost the cord that connects my camera to my computer so I have a stockpile of the week events that I will update my blog with!

While Dad's Away

Mike has been away at a conference for school the boys, dogs and I have been flying solo. Today we enjoyed a quiet day at home. We did not get out of our jammies till 12, then we joined Grandmere and Olivia for lunch and ice cream. It was a wonderfully low key and chillastic day. So much fun. I think everyone needs those not much to do days, they only problem is that they are hard to come by.

Bye.....Me

Charlie has added two more words to his ever evolving vocabulary. He now walks around the house repeatedly saying or rather yelling BYE, BYE and waving his right hand. It is always his right hand and he is always looking at you when he says it. It is too cute. BYE BYE He is so proud of himself as he should be. The other new addition to his vocabulary is ME. Whenever he wants something, anything at all or wants to be included or hugged and loved he scrunches both of his hands together and continuously repeats ME, ME, ME. He is such a cutie ! He is really turning into quite the little man. I understand, that Charlie is also the spitting image of my baby brother Matthew when he was that age; I could not think of a better role model for our little men. Come home safe and sound Matt, we miss you!