Keeping up with the Kosters

Being Spontaneous!

2011-10-07T15:45:00.007-04:00

Labor Day weekend we packed our stuff and headed out the door. We headed towards the mountains and ended up in Asheville, NC. It was so crowded and every hotel was booked, so we drove towards TN and ended up in Maggie Valley late that night and finally found a hotel room. It was really nice drive, but we were tired of being in the car and glad we had a place to stay. We then got up the next day, had breakfast and headed towards Gatlinburg. We found a nice little cabin in Gatlinburg to stay in the 2nd night. We had dinner in Pigeon Forge and we were going to play mini golf, but it started to rain, so we went to a ride/game park. They had games inside to play and once it stopped raining, the boys rode some rides. We had a great time and the views were awesome!

The boys taking in the view

Our first hotel

The Great Smoky Mountains

Down by the river

Riding the ferris wheel

Ben's 4th birthday party!

2011-10-07T15:16:00.013-04:00

Ben had such a fun birthday party this year! We usually just have family over to celebrate, but this year we had an actual party. We had it at the Alpharetta Community Center gym. It was a gymnastics party and they had a blast! Ben and Jake both took gymnastics there this summer and loved it. There were two instructors there doing different stations with the kids. We then had pizza and cake. I can't believe our little guy is 4 years old! He is such a sweet, smart little boy and makes me laugh every single day. I am so proud of you Ben! Happy Birthday!

Ben and his friends

Warming up

Lily and Ben warming up

Posing in the foam pit

Pretty Lily

She has been in Ben's preschool class last year and this year. Such a sweetie!

Presents!

Is that Ben or Sponge Bob?

Ben's friend Jackson and Jake helping blow out the candles

Enjoying his yummy cake Aunt Gina made

Opening presents

Our family on Ben's special day!

First day of Kindergarten and preschool!

2011-09-08T19:24:00.007-04:00

I can't believe I have a kindergartener. I am a little behind, but Jake started kindergarten on August 15. Ben and I started on August 8th. Jake loves school, but says it is a really long day. This makes me laugh because he goes the same amount of time he did in pre-k last year. He is also a little hard to wake up in the morning, but he adjusting well. His teachers are very nice and he attends the same school as last year, so he kind of knows the ropes.

Jake in his class

Showing off his backpack in front of the school

Ben with his Mater bag ready to head out to preschool

Jason and Megan's wedding

2011-08-15T21:34:00.013-04:00

We recently attended Lee's cousin Jason's wedding. He and Megan were married outdoors in Buffalo, NY. It was a fun trip! We were even able to take a drive up to Niagara Falls. I have never been before and it was beautiful!

Heading out to the wedding

Lee's aunt Margie and cousin Joshua

The beautiful bride

Husband and wife

Us with Jason and Michael

Lee and his cousin Michael

Ryan and Danielle's Beach wedding

2011-08-08T17:38:00.018-04:00

A few weeks ago we headed to Destin for my cousin Ryan's wedding. It was beautiful! Florida has the most beautiful beaches and water. We had a couple of days on the beach and attended Ryan and Danielle's gorgeous wedding!

The wedding party danced down the aisle

The beautiful couple

Family shot

Me and my sweet Jake

Two of my handsome cousins

Ben and his cousin Cade

Jake and Mimi dancing

Ryan and my aunt Beverly

Playing with aunts and cousins

Out to eat on the water

Riding go carts

Mimi, Papa, Jake and Ben

Hilton Head Island

2011-08-02T09:28:00.008-04:00

We went to Hilton Head in July with Nana. It was very humid, but beautiful! We went to the pool, beach and even played mini golf. It was a fun time!

Nana and the boys playing mini golf

Ben was interested for about 15 mins. or so

Playing on the beach

Ben

It was so humid that it fogged up my camera lens

Cave Springs

2011-08-02T09:08:00.011-04:00

Fourth of July weekend we went with my parents to a little town called Cave Springs. They have a Cave where the temperature inside is around 52 or so degrees. It felt great! There was also a playground, some ponds and streams. It was a cute little town and a very nice drive there.

A duck wearing a wig? I think she must have just gone to the hairdresser! :)

Ben in the cave

Daddy and Jake

Ben and Mimi

Feeding the fish

Having lunch

Playing on the playground

Wading in the stream

Catching up!

2011-07-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

I was really behind on the blogging, so I adding several posts. Please scroll down to see them all. Hopefully I can get caught up more often! Here are several for now

Jake's last day of school party

2011-07-27T10:05:00.005-04:00

Well, Jake finished pre-k and will be a kindergartener next year! Wow! I can't believe it! They had a outdoor pizza party. They played with water, hula hoops, balls, and bicycles. It was so much fun and Ben and I got to attend too!

Jake doing some bubble blowing

Playing in the water

Hula hooping!

Jake and his wonderful teacher Ms. Kassel

Cagle's Dairy Field Trip

2011-07-27T09:59:00.003-04:00

Our school went on a field trip to Cagle's Dairy Farm. They have a huge bouncy thing to jump on, farm animals, and a hayride. It was very hot, but also very fun!

Ben jumping!

Checking out the goats

Ben posing

Muffins with Mom

2011-07-27T09:57:00.001-04:00

We also had Muffins with Mom at my school. I love these little events they have at my school and so glad Ben and I get to do them together.

Me and my little muffin

Doughnuts with Dad

2011-07-27T09:53:00.002-04:00

Mine and Ben's preschool had Doughnuts with Dad. Lee was able to come and it was very nice. We had a little breakfast, including doughnuts. Ben even gave his daddy a picture magnet of himself that he decorated.

Jake's field trip to the Nature Center

2011-07-27T09:47:00.006-04:00

Jake's class went on a field trip to the Chattahooche Nature Center in May. I was so fortunate to be able to go with him even when it was cancelled twice. It was lots of fun. We walked around, had lunch there, and then were given a demonstration with some live animals.

HAving lunch

Using our senses on different objects

Jake with his class during a demonstration

Easter

2011-07-27T09:26:00.013-04:00

This Easter, my cousin Chad and his family were visiting from Thailand, so we went to my aunts house and had a birthday party/Easter egg hunt and cookout! It was Chad's son and daughter's birthday recently, so we celebrated. The kids had a great time! I remember hunting eggs with my cousins when we were little at my grandmothers and now our kids are hunting. We also spent Easter at my Granny and Papa's house eating dinner. The boys decorated eggs at our house. They loved dyeing them and putting stickers on them.

Ben at his school with the Easter bunny

Dyeing eggs

Finished eggs

Jake and Ben's baskets

Granny and I

Ready for the egg hunt with cousins

Sarah, me, Wendy and Candice

Somchai and Amy's cutie Lex!

Cloe, Jake and Ben

Spring Break Destin

2011-07-27T09:04:00.014-04:00

I have been very behind on blogging, so I thought I would try and catch up!

In April, we took a little trip during Spring Break. We thought we would head down to the most beautiful beaches ever in Destin, FL. The sand is so white and the water so blue! IT was gorgeous, but a little chilly too! We had a great time! The boys loved playing in the waves and swimming in the indoor/outdoor pool. We also went to a little carnival, a playground called Pirate Island, and we even fed alligators!

Beautiful beaches

Fudpuckers

Feeding the alligators

Jake playing on the beach

Playing at Pirate's Island

At the Carnival

Jake's birthday!

2011-04-15T09:18:00.016-04:00

I am so behind on the blog! We celebrated JAke's 5th birthday February 16th. That following weekend we had his party at Chuckee Cheese's. He loves the games there, so that is where he wanted to have it. I can't believe he is 5. He is such a sweet, funny, smart, well behaved little guy. I could go on, but you get the message. We love him so much!

Birthday boy with Mommy and Daddy

Mimi and Papa

Nana and Daddy

Jake with his wood making projects from Mimi and Papa. He loves making things.

In the token capsule

Singing Happy Birthday

Monster truck cake

Party Time!

Jake with Chuckee

Ben riding a ride with his cousins Dylan and Cole

Jake opening gifts from Nana

Here we "snow" again?!!

2011-01-12T11:23:00.009-05:00

What a crazy week to live in Georgia! Late Sunday night, we started getting snow and it snowed all night! The next morning we had about 5 to 6 inches. I know my northern friends are laughing, but for Georgia, that is a big deal! For some reason we still don't know how do deal with the snow/ice on roads. The stores become packed and even run out of items. It was a beautiful snow, but it has been 3 days at home now. We went out the first day and tried a couple of homemade sleds, but not much luck with that. We stayed in yesterday since it was sooooo cold! I did make some snow ice cream, which was delicious. I don't think we have had this much snow and this many day out of school/work since 1993. It iced over on Monday and Tuesday. The sun has finally come out today! so maybe this stuff will melt and not freeze over again. The temps. are still very low though.

Ben in a box

Outside our front door

Ben loves picking up the snow and throwing it. He then yells "snowball"

Jake and Lee trying out the diaper box sled.

The Pink Pig!

2011-01-12T11:08:00.011-05:00

If you grew up in Atlanta, then you have heard of The Pink Pig. It has been around since my parents were kids. I rode it when I was little. It used to be downtown and the ride was much different then. Now it is at Lenox Mall every Thanksgiving/Christmas time. This year we finally made it down to ride with the boys and my parents. It was the last day it would be there. It isn't really that great of a ride, but it is a tradition I wanted to start with Jake and Ben.

Jake with his ticket to ride

Lee, Papa, Jake, and a sleeping Ben in front of the sign telling the history of the Pig

This man is sitting in the ride. The pig behind him is the original ride.

I rode it as a child.

Priscilla the Pig

Waiting in line for a 2nd time

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-12T11:01:00.004-05:00

On New Years Eve, Mimi and Papa kept the boys while Lee and I went out to dinner. Lee's mom gave us a gift certificate for La Grotta. It was soooo good! I highly recommend it. Our dinner was on the late side and since it was 4 courses, we didn't get out of there until around 11:30. Then we just came home to catch the very end of Dick Clark's special on tv.

The restaurant gave us noise makers and these hats.

I knew the boys would love them!

White Christmas

2011-01-11T10:43:00.008-05:00

It snowed on Christmas day this year! The first time in over 100 years! It was beautiful, white, powdery snow! We went out and played for a bit the next day at Mimi and Papa's.

Christmas morning and day!

2011-01-11T10:22:00.020-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas day! First we had breakfast, then opened gifts, then headed to Mimi and Papa's to eat and spend the day, which turned into night since it snowed all day. It was beautiful!

Our tree

Checking out what Santa brought

Pillow pets!

Ben and his Thomas case

Jack the Elf enjoyed some cookies while we were sleeping

Santa ate some too!

Coloring utensils for the bath

Daddy got a toy too

Getting into the stockings

Little People cars for Ben

Jake at Mimi and Papa's posing as Santa

Ben

Thomas with remote

Jake got a camera and he loves it!

Thomas and Misty Island Rescue

Mimi and the boys

Jake also got a bowling set from Mimi and Papa

Christmas Program and party

2011-01-11T10:06:00.011-05:00

Since we had some icy roads the week before Christmas and we missed a day of school, our preschool's Christmas program was postponed until Sunday. It was held before church services at the church I teach preschool. It was very cute! Then that next Wed., I went to Jake's class to help with the Christmas party there. They decorated a pinecone Christmas tree, made some foam decorations and had snack!

My little Shepherd

Ben and some of his class

Ben and his buddy Jackson

Some of my class and the 3 year olds

Jake and his pinecone tree he made

having a snack

Christmas Eve cookies!

2010-12-28T10:15:00.011-05:00

One day last week, the boys and I made a gingerbread train. THey had a great time and it looked really cute! It was hard trying to keep them from eating the candy, but since I bought it after last Christmas, it was a little old. On Christmas Eve Mimi and Papa came over and we made cookies to decorate and leave out for Santa.

Jake and Ben making the train

Putting some icing on

Making the cookies

Mimi and the boys

Ben and Jake loved rolling out the dough

A finished cookie and proud little guy

Lee's graduation, Nana's birthday, and Christmas at Granny and Pa Pa's

2010-12-26T22:10:00.018-05:00

Last week was really busy! Nana came for Lee's graduation from Georgia State. He received his MBA. We are so happy he is finally finished and does not have to attend anymore week night classes. Then we celebrated Nana's birthday with dinner and cake. We were suppose to have my preschool's Christmas program on Thursday, but with the icy conditions we got Wed. evening, school was cancelled. On Saturday, we went to Granny and Pa Pa's to celebrate Christmas. We did have the preschool program on Sunday morning before the church's service that day. It was a busy, but fun week!

Jake and Ben at Lee's graduation brunch

Standing in line to receive his gift from the Business school

The graduates in his program

Lee and his mom at the brunch

Graduation at the Dome

This was the end and there were streamers coming down. Very neat!

Me and the graduate

Not a very good picture of Lee leaving the field

Daddy and Jake

Daddy, Papa and Jake at Granny's house playing with his gift

Jake shooting his disc

Granny and Jake

Granny and Ben

Jake and Ben opening Hanukkah gifts from Nana

Nana and her Birthday cake

Blowing out the candles

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast

2010-12-26T22:04:00.006-05:00

The preschool had a Thanksgiving Feast. There was great food, family, and the cutest little turkeys you have ever seen!

Me and my little turkey!

Oreo turkeys I made for my class

Ben and some of his classmates

Waiting to go in for the feast and blessing

Thanksgiving in Boston

2010-12-02T20:35:00.016-05:00

I am so behind on blogging! I started this Thanksgiving blog a while back. The site froze up, I got busy and I am now just getting back to it! We had a great Thanksgiving in Boston! It was pretty warm the first couple of days and then very cold the rest. We stayed pretty busy. The day after we arrived Nana had brunch and we got to see several relatives we haven't seen in a while. Uncle Robert and Aunt Katie, Cousin Joshua and his girlfriend Vicki, and Cousin Jason's fiance Megan all came over to visit. Another day we went to the Science Museum which was lots of fun! We also took a Duck tour, which none of us have ever done before. It was a big vehicle that drives on land and rides in the water. It was great to see some of the city I haven't seen before! We then had Thanksgiving dinner at friends of the family, The Deths. Lee also played some football with his long time friends and we all went out that night.

Jake and Nana

On the Duck Tour

A piece of the Berlin Wall in Boston we saw on the tour. Very neat!

oing into the water! Yes, our tour guide was dressed as Elvis!

Fanueil Hall

This picture cracks me up! Jake was in a bad mood and didn't want to get in the picture, but Nana got him in it anyway. Should be on that page awkward family photos

He did pose with Nana

Jake had fun with this water thing at the Children's Museum

Ben loved it too!

Jake building with the K-NEX blocks

Cousins Michael, Jason and Megan (Jason's fiance)

Jason playing with Jake and Ben

I couldn't tell who was having more fun

Trick or Treat!

2010-11-04T22:19:00.006-04:00

We had a great time trick or treating last weekend! Jake wanted to be a ghost this year and Ben was a pirate. Jake wanted to go to most of the houses, Ben was done after about 7.

The boys with Papa

Jake's Pre-K Halloween Party

2010-10-31T09:56:00.006-04:00

Jake's class had a Halloween party on Friday. I was able to go and help out! It is so nice to have Fridays off so I can do some things with Jake's school. They had different stations set up in the classroom. There was a craft station where they made a bat pumpkin. Another station where they decorated cookies, a snack station, a tattoo station, and the Mummy game station. I helped with the mummy station. It was lots of fun and the kids really enjoyed it!

Jake being wrapped up like a mummy by his friend Colin

More mummy wrapping

Jake and Jordyn getting tattoos

Getting ready to play pass the pumpkin

Preschool Trick or Treat!

2010-10-30T21:38:00.008-04:00

Last Thursday Ben and I dressed in our costumes for preschool. The kids went around trick or treating to each classroom and we each did some fun activities in our rooms. We had a great time!

The Pumpkin and the Pirate!

Me wearing my Pumpkin leaf bag!

Ben and his buddy Jackson

Ben's class

Ben's class coming into my room to trick or treat!

My class minus 1

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-28T20:00:00.004-04:00

So this year instead of going to Burt's where everyone in Georgia and beyond go, we tried a more low key place. We went to a small patcch at a church by us. There was a bouncy house and tons of pumpkins to choose from. Jake liked picking out our pumpkin and even wasn't too picky!

Jake as a scarecrow!

Jake sitting by our pumpkin

Jake, Ben and Lee

Apple Pickin Time!

2010-10-21T16:46:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday, we drove up to Blue Ridge and picked apples at Mercier Orchards. The traffic was terrible since the apple festival was going on in Ellijay, but we finally made it there and it was a beautiful drive. I don't remember ever picking apples before. It was a gorgeous day and lots of fun! Nana was here visiting too! We rode on the back of a tractor out to the orchards, picked our apples and rode back to the car. The market was extremely crowded so we didn't get to buy any apple pies, bread, or any other goodies. Nana did make an apple crumble on Sunday night and it was delicious! Jake will be taking apples to school for a while since we picked a "whole mess of apples"! :)

Waiting in line for the tractor to take us to the orchards

Nana and Jake on the tractor

Ben and I

Picking the apples

Ben and his apples

Jake carrying his bag of apples

Ben on the ride back

Liddell Family Reunion

2010-10-08T09:42:00.008-04:00

A couple of my mom's cousins organized a Liddell Family Reunion. This is my grandmother's side of the family. There were many family members I haven't seen in a while and some I haven't even met before. It was great to get together for this rather than another funeral, which unfortunately seems to be the only time we see each other lately. We had great food, fun, and even a little family history lesson from my 2nd cousin Mike Green. It was so interesting to hear the different stories about the Liddell family.

Me, my mom and dad, Jake and Ben

This is my great aunt Charlotte and uncle Bill, her son Mike,
his wife Mary and their son Evan
Charlotte is my grandmother's younger sister

My mom and my uncle Richard

Aunt Charlotte and Jake and Ben. She looks just like my grandmother.

Jake, Ben and their cousin Dylan
He and Jake are the same age

On the way home we went to the cemetery where my grandparents are buried.
Here is my mom and Ben by their site. My mom and aunt made their fall flowers. It is hard to believe they have been gone almost 2 years. We miss them so much!

Grandparent's Breakfast

2010-10-08T09:35:00.006-04:00

Another great thing about the school I teach in, is that they have things like a Grandparent's Day Breakfast. This was so much fun. Each class made their grandparents cards and we had a breakfast to help celebrate them! The only thing missing from the day was Ben's Nana, but he does have a card he made to give her when she comes to visit next weekend.

Ben and his Papa

Ben and Mimi looking at his card he made for her and Papa

Firetruck Visit!

2010-10-08T09:09:00.006-04:00

It has been a while since I blogged, but I guess that happens when you go back to work. The job is going great though! A few weeks ago before fall break, a firetruck came to visit our school. I never thought kids would be scared of a firetruck. After all, many kids play with toy ones and I assumed they knew that firemen help us. Boy, was I wrong! Half of Ben's 3 year old class didn't even want to come out to see it and I had a couple that were a little skeptical too. After a while, everyone was a little less nervous and scared. The firemen told the kids what they do, showed them what they wear in a fire, and they even were able to go inside the truck!

Here is Ben walking through the truck

Some of the kids putting on their firemen hats

The 3 year old classes and my class. Ben's teacher is in the pink shirt

Ben's 3rd Birthday!

2010-09-11T22:14:00.014-04:00

My sweet little Ben turned 3 on August 29th. His original birthday would be October 15, but he decided he couldn't wait, so he came weeks early. He only weighed 3 pounds 5 ounces and stayed in the NICU for 3 1/2 weeks. He was such a strong little guy and still is! He is our adventurous, strong willed, sweet little boy. We celebrated his birthday with Mimi and Papa at our house. He loves everything Jake does and has so he wanted a Thomas the Train cake like Jake had for his birthday. So, I went out on a limb and made him a cake this time around. Don't laugh! We love Ben so much and so does his big brother Jake!

Ben leaving the hospital.

Look how big the seat looks since he is so small

Ben and his first day at home wearing an outfit my Maw Maw gave him

Ben and his cake! He is getting bigger!

Me and the birthday boy

Me and Jake

Daddy and the boys

Opening presents

Opening gifts from Nana

Singing Happy Birthday!

Beach Trip 2

2010-08-30T20:38:00.026-04:00

Here are more pics from our trip to Myrtle Beach. Jake and Papa woke up around 6 a couple of days for walks on the beach and to go fishing. Jake loves to fish, but they didn't really catch anything. Another day we visited Alligator Adventures. There were many alligators and other animals and we even saw them feed the gators! One night we went to Broadway on the Beach. There was an amusement park, many shops, and restaurants.

Jake got some sun!

Ben and I on a night beach walk

Daddy and Jake

Mimi, Papa and the kids

Some beavers at Alligator Adventure

Ivan the biggest alligator. He was born in Thailand

Albino alligators

Ben got to pet a baby alligator

Jake wouldn't pet it, but had his picture made with it

More animals

Ben on the beach

Walking down the beach

Check out our tans! :)

A beautiful butterfly at Brookgreen Gardens

Petting a snake at the meet the animals show in the Gardens

Mimi, Papa, and Ben on the boat ride

Daddy and Jake

Jake and Ben riding the train ride at the amusement park

Riding the car coaster

Jake

Riding the carosel with Mimi

Trip to the beach, part 1

2010-08-30T20:13:00.015-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we went on vacation with my parents to Myrtle Beach. My parents haven't had a vacation in over 15 years, so it was nice for them to get away and fun for us too! There were so many things to do there, especially for kids. One day we went to Brookgreen Gardens and walked around and took the shuttle to the zoo. We also took a boat ride down a canal in the gardens and saw a few alligators. More pics to come!

On our way to the beach!

Mimi and Ben on the beach

Playing in the sand

Jake in the kids discovery room at the gardens

Strolling through the gardens and zoo

Jake and the alligator

Papa and Ben

A bald Eagle. It was so beautiful!

Ben loves diggers, so when we saw this one at a dock,

we had to get a picture

Ben catching a nap at the pool

Daddy and Jake swimming

Papa and Jake in the water park in the place we stayed

First day of preschool for Ben

2010-08-30T19:37:00.004-04:00

Ben started 3 year old preschool August 9th. I started a job teaching pre-K at a church. Ben is able to go there for school too! it is so nice. I work Mon-Thurs. and Ben goes to school Tues. -Thurs. He seems to love it and his teacher is really nice!

Here is Ben with his bag Aunt Gina made him when he was born.

He loves his bag because he tells me he doesn't want a backpack.

For some reason he wants to put his hand
up to wave when we tell him to say cheese

Anna's 3rd Birthday

2010-08-30T19:25:00.008-04:00

I have been way behind on the blog, but here are a few entries from the last month. A few weeks ago we went to our friend Anna's 3rd birthday party at Farmhouse in the City. THis place was so cute! They had face painting, a dress up play room, animals, and pottery painting. Thank you for having us Anna. We had a blast!

THe birthday girl Anna!

Jack and Jake playing in the dress up room

Daddy joined in on the fun!

Jack and Jake painting their fireman hat and robot

Ben painted a robot too!

Birthday cake!

All the kids!

Hilton Head Vaca!

2010-06-22T12:31:00.023-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to Hilton Head, SC with Lee's mom. We have never been there before and we loved it! i can't wait to go back. We had beautiful weather with no rain! It was really hot and humid the last couple of days, but there was a nice breeze on the beach. Jake loved the pool and the ocean waves hitting against him. Ben liked the pool, but not a big fan of the ocean. They both loved playing in the sand. Here are a few pictures below. I will post beach pictures later. I have already broken two digital cameras in the past two years, so I bought a disposable to take to the beach. I didn't want to risk getting sand in our only working camera. A big thank you to Nana for such a wonderful trip!

Jake getting into the pool at our house

Lee and Ben

Nana and Jake swimming

The view from our back door.
It was on a golf course and there was also some water out back. Gorgeous view!
The golf course was very nice, except for the older gentleman golfer that used our backyard to relieve himself one morning.

Family picture in Harbour Town

Harbour Town Lighthouse

Nana reading with the boys

Brothers!

Parrots in Sea Pines

We ate lunch here one day

We went on a Dolphin sight seeing boat ride one day

On the boat

The kids on board got a chance to drive the boat

Ben driving the boat

Jake, the official Dolphin spotter

Jake's last day of preschool!

2010-05-20T16:33:00.012-04:00

Last Thursday was Jake's last day of preschool. They ended the year with a class party outside. They ate lunch, dessert and played some games. Jake loved his first year of preschool and I hope he continues to love school so much!

Jake with his certificate

Jake and his class eating lunch

Ben thought it was his class too and decided to join the fun

Playing games

Eating a yummy oreo dessert

Jake's teachers speaking to the class

Jake's class

A picture collage Jake's teachers gave him

The sand bucket the teachers gave the kids.

It was filled with bubbles, a giant bubble wand,

the picture poster, and an Ironman marker.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T15:42:00.008-04:00

I love being a mommy! I am so fortunate to be able to stay home with my boys and I enjoy ever minute of it. It is a very busy and sometimes hard job, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I hope everyone enjoyed their mother's day too. Jake made me a tile at school and wouldn't let me open it until Mother's Day. Lee gave me a really comfortable pair of flip flops. We spent some of the day at my granny's house and then went to dinner with my parents.

My mother's day present from Jake

Granny with Jake and Ben

Me and my mom

Me and my grandmother

Of course I couldn't get both boys

together at the same time to get a picture

Mimi and Jake

A Day out with Thomas

2010-04-24T17:46:00.022-04:00

On Friday, we headed up to Chattanooga along with my parents to A Day Out with Thomas. It was very cute and we had a great time! There were several activities to do before or after your ride on the train. We had our picture made with Sir Topham Hat, played with train tables, jumped in a bouncy house and petted some animals in the petting zoo. There was a 25 minute train ride with Thomas on the front. We stopped in Chattanooga on the way to see Thomas. We went to the Tennesee Riverpark to have a picnic. It was a beautiful area with a river view. We even saw a mother duck and her ducklings. I am so glad we went to see this. We told the kids we were going on a trip so it would be a surprise when we got there. Jake saw the THomas sign as we were pulling into the parking lot and he said "that looks like the day out with Thomas sign". I told him that is where we are going and he was so excited! Ben however, fell asleep, but was excited when we woke him up to go inside.

Picnicing

The mother duck and ducklings

Mimi and Papa at our table

Posing with Mavis

I thought we might miss the train ride.

It was hard to drag them away from these

Jake coming down the slide

Ben and the bunnies

Us in front of Thomas

Mimi and Papa on the train ride

Our junior engineer

Sir Topham Hatt

Listening to Thomas story time

Papa and Ben

Happy Birthday Granny!

2010-04-19T14:18:00.003-04:00

April 14 was my grandmother's 83 birthday, so my dad, the boys and I went to visit her. My grandfather's birthday was the 11th, same as Lee. We spend a few hours at her house visiting and the boys playing with some of her toys. Happy Birthday Granny and Paw Paw!!

Lee's birthday and the Zoo

2010-04-19T13:51:00.015-04:00

Last weekend was Lee's 36th birthday. Nana came for a visit, so on Saturday we went to the Atlanta Zoo. It was a beautiful day out and not too hot! Ben was in a stroller the last time we went so this time he was on the go. I thought we were going to see the zoo in 20 minutes if it was up to him. Jake had fun looking at all the animals with Nana. We went into the petting zoo and rode the train, which I believe was Ben's favorite. Unfortunately, my camera died right before the train ride. On Sunday we had my parents over to celebrate Lee's birthday with a cookout and ice cream cake. It was a great weekend!

Lions laying out

My little lion cub

These turtles were having a healthy lunch

Jake and Ben

Standing in big bird's nest

The Orangutans

Ben did pet all the animals,

but by the time I snapped a picture, he was off!

Mimi and Papa gave Lee some shorts and a shirt, and some grill towels to go with his new grill

the kids and I gave him

He also got a nice new cell phone from Nana

Happy Easter 2010!

2010-04-06T09:41:00.017-04:00

This Easter my aunt Janis invited us over to her house for lunch and an egg hunt. This is my dad's sister, so others from my dad's family were there too. It was great to see my cousins that I don't get to see much since they live pretty far away. We had a great time and the kids had fun playing with their cousins.

Jake and Ben's Easter baskets

My cousin Barry, his girlfriend Densie and my mom

Ben hunting for eggs

Jake and daddy finding an egg on the back of the house

Jake and his eggs

Mimi giving Jake and Ben their Easter baskets or bags

Ben checking out his goodies

Mimi, Papa, Lee, and the kids in front

of this beautiful tree in my parent's yard

Our family

Papa and his boys

Jake and his bubbles

Dyeing our eggs!!

2010-04-06T09:31:00.006-04:00

Saturday the boys and I dyed some eggs. Ben was big enough this year to join in the fun!

Jake concentrating on his egg

Ben put some stickers on his egg

Look at mine!

They loved putting stickers on all the eggs

Preschool Easter celebration!

2010-04-06T09:13:00.010-04:00

Last Thursday, Jake's preschool had a special Easter chapel that the parents were invited to. The pastor told a bible story and the kids sang some songs. It was very nice and we were able to see what a day was like in their chapel class every Thursday. There was also an art show afterwards. They had the kids' art hanging up in another room with some refreshments.

Some of Jake's class

Here is Jake's butterfly art.

If you click on it, you can read where he said he would fly

if he was a butterfly.

Later in the day, his class had a egg hunt. I volunteered to help hide the eggs, so we stayed and watched the egg hunt. They also had a picnic outside after the hunt.

Jake with his bunny basket they made filled with eggs

Jake and some of his class

This is Jake's friend Camille. He talks about her all the time

Papa came along to help with Ben while I hid the eggs

Jake's 4 year checkup!

2010-03-03T15:15:00.003-05:00

Jake had his 4 year checkup this afternoon. She said he looked great and that he is such a sweet boy. He is so laid back and sweet that he just sat there quietly while the doctor looked him over, gave him two shots, and pricked his finger to check his blood for anemia. We are so blessed to have such a well mannered little boy. Jake loves to play with his easel. He loves to paint, draw, and play with play doh! He loves playing outdoors and loves his school! He has always been such a great sleeper and eater. He will always try something new to eat! He is a little shy, but nce he warms up to you, he will talk your ear off! I have so enjoyed staying home with both my boys and it is great to be able to attend activities at Jake's preschool. I can't believe in a couple of years, I will have a kindergartener. Hopefully people won't think I am his grandmother by then. :)

4 year stats:

weight: 39 pounds (74th percentile)

height: 41.25 inches (70th percentile)

Jake's 4th Birthday Party

2010-02-23T14:58:00.027-05:00

On Saturday, we had Jake's birthday party. A while back Jake told me he wanted a Thomas the Train birthday party, so that is what we had. It was a very busy day. First that morning we went to another little boy's party. Jake's friend Owen from school had a party that morning and his birthday is the same day as Jake's. We had snacks, cake, colored some Thomas coloring pages and played pin the whistle on Thomas. THe kids seem to have fun and it was great to see all of Jake's good friends, even some from his class.

Thomas with his whistle after the game

Presents and cake

Thomas without his whistle

Jake and his friend Ian

Owen pinning the whistle on Thomas

Cole is one of his friends from school

Ian

Jake playing

Anna and Joshua playing and eating

Blowing out the candles

Having some snacks

Ben enjoying some cake

Jake and his cousin Cole

Jake and his cousin Dylan

Opening some gifts

Jake and Emma

Nana reading Jake's card to him

Jake and Jack checking out the neat train book he got from Owen

Ben checking out Jake's trains

Jake and Thomas

Jake with Mimi and Papa.

I completely forgot to get JAke's picture with Mommy and Daddy and any other posed pics.

I guess that is hard to do with 4 year olds.

Happy 4th Birthday to Jake!

2010-02-23T14:42:00.003-05:00

Jake turned 4 years old on February 16th. He came into our life 4 years ago at 3:50 pm weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long. He is such a sweet boy and we love him so much. He is a shy boy that loves to play with cars, trains, and loves throwing the ball. I enjoy staying home with him so much and I am so lucky to be able to attend things at his preschool and I even made cupcakes for him to take to school last week.

This is was on Jake's actual birthday. I made a small cookie cake for him.

THese are the cupcakes I made for his class

Snow Jam 2010

2010-02-16T10:03:00.012-05:00

Last Friday, it snowed in Georgia and we actually got ,about 4 inches, which is a lot for us! It was so beautiful! I took the kids out while Lee was at work to play in the snow and we made a little snowman. Jake wanted to have a snowball fight and I told him he could do that with Daddy. Well, Lee had to work until 6 and it was dark when he got home, so we went out the next day and played some more. It was great snow! It wasn't icy, but very soft fluffy snow and it melted away the next day. Jake loved playing in it and Ben could care less. He just walked around in it for a bit and then said he wanted to go inside.

Here is our snowman or snowkid the next day

I got this free snowman kit from the children's place.

It came with everything from the corn cob pipe to the cute red scarf.

Although his mouth is bigger than his head, it was cute!

This is the backyard on Friday while the snow was coming down

Jake and the snowman

Ben was in the middle of eating a sucker when

we went out and would not let go of it!

Me and the kids the next day. THe snow was already starting to melt

THis is between our house and the neighbors

THe lake out back

Ben going inside!

Valentines Party!

2010-02-16T09:48:00.008-05:00

Jake's preschool had their Valentines party last Thursday. They passed out their valentines to each other that morning and then we partied that afternoon. They ate hot dogs, chips, and applesauce, played a game, read a story, and made a craft! I am so blessed that I stay home with my boys and that I can attend these functions at Jake's school. He loves going to school!

THe tables were all decorated!

Here they are getting ready to say the blessing and wash their hands

Here is Jake's heart filled with his valentines

The other side of his Valentine heart

Cousin Dylan's Birthday!

2010-01-26T21:55:00.006-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we went over to my cousin Candice's for her son Dylan's birthday. We had food, cake, and fun! After my grandparents both passed away last year, it is rare that I get to see my cousins. It always meant a lot to me to see my extended family, especially since I am the only child. It is important to me for Jake and Ben to know their cousins. Candice called and asked us to join them to celebrate Dylan's 4th birthday. He is the same age as Jake, so I really want them to know each other even though we live a little far. Dylan loves Transformers, so he had a Transformer cake and even received several for presents. Jake had a great time playing with all of Dylan and Cole's toys. He always enjoys seeing them! Happy Birthday Dylan and thank you for having us over to help you celebrate!

Dylan and his cake

Jake checking out the snacks

Opening presents

My little Picasso!

2010-01-07T22:14:00.006-05:00

I have been telling Jake we would paint on the easel Nana gave him one day while Ben was napping. Those of you that know Ben, know why this is. While Ben was taking a nap today and it was snowing outside, Jake did some painting. His preschool teacher told us he loves to paint! He had quite a few creative stories to go along with his paintings.

Working on the first masterpiece

He is pointing out that in this picture there is Mommy (the green),

Mommy's friend Gina (in the red), and Daddy is the blue.

Here is more of the same picture.

He also told me that I am a little girl in this picture

playing with little girl toys.

A snowy day in Georgia!

2010-01-07T21:58:00.009-05:00

We don't see too much snow here in Georgia, but when we do, it is a big deal and we love it! Today we started seeing some snowflakes fall around 2 or so. Jake and Ben went out on the back deck to see it. Later around 5 before it got dark, we bundled up and headed out to play in the snow. I told Jake last night it was going to snow today. I picked him up from school today and he looked out the window and said "Mommy, there isn't any snow". He loves it! Ben didn't get to see it last year, so he enjoyed it today too!

This is the lake behind our house

Jake kept sticking his tongue out to catch some flakes

Jake and Ben heading out
Blue Bear joined us too

Ben

Me and the boys

Daddy didn't get to play since he was at work

and doesn't get home until dark

Christmas Morning!

2010-01-03T19:13:00.012-05:00

Well Christmas went as fast as it came! I never knew how much fun Christmas with kids would be. I think I was more excited than them. Ben doesn't usually do too well opening gifts, but he is definitely getting the hang of it. We woke up that morning, ate breakfast, then opened our presents. I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays this year and that you have Happy New Year!

Our tree with all the presents

Santa ate his cookies!

Ben opening his Tag junior

Jake showing me his Handy Mandy car that he gets to put together.

Jake really wanted Candy Land

even after he found out it does not come with candy

The boys' Cars Geotrax

This could have been their only present and they would have been happy!

They go straight to it every morning

Checking out his stocking

I wonder what is in here!

Daddy likes Ben's fire truck puzzle

Christmas Day at Mimi and Papa's!

2010-01-03T19:01:00.008-05:00

After the kids opened their gifts from Santa and us, we headed over to my parents' house to exhange gifts, eat dinner and spend time with the family. We had a great time!

Lee catching a nap!

Jake opening one of his gifts

Ben and his Little People fire station

My mom with the ornament I made her

Papa with the boys

Christmas Eve, cookies, reindeer food and a gingerbread house?

2009-12-28T14:59:00.008-05:00

On Christmas Eve, my mom and dad came over. Jake, Ben, my mom and I made and decorated cookies. While the cookies were baking and then cooling, we attempted to decorate a gingerbread house. I asked my mom why we never did this when I was younger. Well, after attempting to do it this year, I now know why we didn't make one. All we had to do was put it together with the icing, let it sit, and then add the candy. Sounds easy, right? WRONG!! We first forgot to let it sit so the roof started to slide. We then repaired it and let it sit for a bit before we started decoarting again. One wall then broke and the whole thing went down hill from there. Next year we will try using hot glue and then decorating it! It was fun doing something together on Christmas Eve anyway! Let's just say Ben was happy it fell apart so he could eat it.

The gingerbread house that never was

Mimi and Ben with the house.
Ben was happy he ate the gingerbread Christmas tree

Jake icing the cookies

Some of the finished ones! Martha Stewart has nothing on us!

Ben and I throwing out some reindeer food Jake's teacher sent home

Jake throwing some reindeer food out

Daddy and Jake

Our tree with all the gifts!!

Jake's Christmas Program

2009-12-21T15:21:00.004-05:00

Last Tuesday, Jake's preschool had their Christmas program at the church. It was cute and the funniest thing I have every seen. I mean that in a good way. It takes a really special person to teach preschool kids and even a more special person to teach them songs to sing. Some moments there was quiet singing and other moments there was loud singing, or rather yelling. It was still cute. All the kids were so dressed up and looked so sweet. My pictures all turned out dark and blurry for some reason. The one below is about the best one. There is also a little video below for your enjoyment. I can't remember what song it is exactly, but Jake is in the middle bottom in the dark blue sweater with the green and white strips.

Nana, Hanukkah, and a trip to the Aquarium

2009-12-21T14:54:00.014-05:00

The weekend before this past, Nana came for a visit. On Friday we took a trip to the Aquarium. We had a great time, especially since the boys are a little older and enjoyed it even more than last time. Hanukkah started Friday night, so we lit the Menorah and opened a few presents. Saturday was pretty cold and rainy, so we just stayed in for the day and night. Nana gave Ben and Jake an easel. Jake loves to draw and color and has enjoyed thi gift very much! We had a great weekend with Nana!!

Nana and Jake at the Aquarium

Ben taking a rest

Fish!!

Ben loved the alligators and kept saying "Hey crocodile"

Having fun!

Ben walking past the tube. He and Jake kept walking

right past it instead of looking in it

A huge turtle

Jake playing with his easel

Ben in his smock

Ben and Nana

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-30T13:11:00.009-05:00

This year was definitely a different Thanksgiving. For as long as I can remember celebrating Thanksgiving, we always went to my Maw Maw and Paw Paw's house for dinner along with my extended family. I am the only child, so this was always a special time for me to see my 19 cousins. My cousin Candice and I would call each other to see what time we were going to Maw Maw's, so we would be sure to see each other. As we grew older, we would call each other to see what we were taking to eat. We lost my grandfather last December and then my grandmother this past June. I really miss celebrating this day at their house, but we all have grown up and now have our own little families too. My other grandmother was sick this year, so we missed seeing them. We went to my parents house to eat dinner and celebrate. I am so thankful I did have all four grandparents in my life for as long as I did and I still have two. Here are a few photos from our wonderful day! Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!

The table

Mimi and Ben
The sweater Ben is wearing was made by Nana.
It is so cute! There is an alligator on it.

Playing in Mimi and Papa's yard

My Mom and Dad

Jake and Mimi

Okay people, please tell me to put on some lipstick and maybe a little blush next time!

Ben and Jake riding in their Jeep. Ben is talking on the CB radio

Jake loves to drive!

Early visit with Santa!

2009-11-24T11:45:00.008-05:00

This weekend we went to my cousin Candice's house to visit with Santa. He comes a little early every year to check in on little boys and girls. He even brings the good ones a gift. We ate some great food and visited with some of my cousins. It was so nice to see them since it doens't seem as though we get too much since my grandparents passed last year. I am the only child and it was always so nice at the holidays to see all my extended family. Thanksgiving will definitely be different this year and a little sad without Maw Maw and Paw Paw. My friend Gina took some pictures for us this weekend for our Christmas cards this year and for some other surprises, so I am not going to post those just yet. Stay tuned! and you will see them on your card this year too! It was very hard to get a good one with every one cooperating! It was crazy!!

Jake got a Bakugan set from Santa

Ben wants to know where his gift is

Santa with my cousin Russ's boys and my aunt Beverly

All of us with Santa

Mimi and Papa with the boys

Jake giving Santa a goodbye hug

I love this sweet picture of Ben giving Santa a hug

Thanksgiving Feast and performance

2009-11-24T11:21:00.005-05:00

Last Thursday Jake's school had their Thanksgiving feast and performance. It was so cute! Lee forgot to get off for it, so Papa tagged along with Ben and I to watch the show and enjoy a feast! Jake and his class made their Indian costumes (yes, I wrote Indian) :) They sang three songs and sang one using their hands only. After the show, the kids came off the stage to meet their parents and eat with them. There was turkey, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and lots of yummy desserts. I took a couple of videoes and posted one below. Jake is on the back row to the left. He is the one whose headband in almost over his eyes. Guess you don't need to see to sing! I am so thankful that I get to be home with my kids and able to see school performances like these.

Me and my little Indian

The kids made their costumes in their class

Papa and Ben enjoying the show

Jake's class

The Chattahooche Nature Center

2009-11-19T20:23:00.015-05:00

Last weekend, it was beautiful outside. My parents called and asked if we wanted to go to the Nature Center. I have not been there in years. They have added more and it was really nice! There were several cages with different animals, nature trails, and a few exhibits inside. I took more pictures of animals, but they didn't turn out too good. Some of the boardwalk trails were closed due to all the rain and flooding we have had lately.

Jake before we headed out on the trail

Lee and Jake crossing the bridge

Mimi and Jake

This beaver was huge!

Papa, Ben, Jake and Lee

Papa and Ben having a rest

The Chattahooche River. It was really high!

Ben loved this fish exhibit.

You could push these buttons to make it light up.

We couldn't get him to leave it.

Ben looking at the possum

A turtle on a log

Papa showing Ben the snake

Making Spiders and trick or treating!

2009-11-01T07:27:00.020-05:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday ever! It was a yucky, rainy day this year, so first off Jake and I made oreo spiders. I then also made Mummy hot dogs. They were so cute and delicious! Later in the day, we got dressed in our costumes and headed out in the drizzle to trick or treat. Jake loved getting candy this year and Ben understood it a little more this time around. I couldn't believe Ben kept his costume and hat on for as long as he did. He almost didn't want to take it off. My parents came over so we could go around with the boys trick or treating while they waited at our house for kids. My dad also carried Ben around to some houses. It got pretty cold, so we came back a little earlier, but they got tons of candy! No chocolate covered prunes this year!

Jake making his spiders

Jake with one of his spiders

spiders and mummy dogs

Ben eating his spider

Ben as a racecar driver. This was Jake's

Octomom

Buzz and Racecar Driver

Ben kissing one of Octomom's babies

Our front door

To get candy and beyond!

The whole family

Jake's loot

Ben's loot

Pumpkinhead Man made an appearance again this year

Pumpkin Carving!

2009-10-31T10:05:00.010-04:00

This past week we carved our pumpkin with the boys. They really seemed to enjoy playing with the goo inside and Ben almost ate a pumpkin seed. Pumpkin carving was always something I did with my family growing up and now I can enjoy it with my own family.

The face

Jake holding some pumpkin goo

Ben saying cheese

Me getting some of the goo out!

The finished pumpkin

Here are more decorations

I added with my mom a few days ago

Happy Halloween!

A Moonshine Festival and Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-26T15:44:00.016-04:00

Yesterday we headed out with my parents to the Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville. I have never been, but I love festivals! They had craft booths, lots of food, entertainment, and things for the kids to do. There was also an old car show by the Dawsonville Race Hall of Fame Museum. We visited the Museum on the way out of town and stopped by the pumpkin patch for a little bit. I thought it was going to be a little cooler out, but it ended up being fairly warm. Lee, Jake and I even got a little sunburned. I know, I know, it doesn't take much sun for that!

Posing for a picture

Jake playing in the bouncy house

Ben didn't seem to know what to do in there

Jake on the giant slide

Head first!

A turkey in the petting zoo

I think Ben said Hi Bunny about 100 times!

This was in the Racing Museum theater

Ben was too busy running around

Ben with a racing trophy

Ben kept wanting to ride in the cars

Jake at the pumpkin patch

It was so difficult to get a good picture of the boys

with the pumpkins

Mimi and Papa with the boys

Nana and Aunt Sarah's visit

2009-10-26T15:35:00.006-04:00

Sarah and Jake

Lee and his mom

Nana and Ben

Last weekend Nana and Aunt Sarah came to visit. Sarah has been living in Palau for the last year and came home for a visit before returning for another year. It was great to see her since it has been a while and Nana came along too. It was very cold on Saturday, but we ventured out to the Taste of Roswell to sample some food. It was cold, but we had a good time! Jake loved playing with Aunt Sarah in his room while she was here.

My Favorite Time of Year!

2009-10-07T13:40:00.008-04:00

I love this time of year! Fall is my favorite season and Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love decorating for it and would love to have a party one year, but it hasn't worked out yet. It was so nasty out this morning with the rain and fog, but turned out to be a beautiful day later. I took the boys out for a ride in their wagon and then we stayed out for a while. We played with sidewalk chalk in the driveway. We had a good time and the weather was great!

Ben running up the driveway

Jake and the pumpkin I drew for him

Some of my fall decorations, but I'm not finished yet

Happy 2nd Birthday Ben!

2009-09-21T14:38:00.018-04:00

Ben turned two years old on August 29th. We celebrated it Labor Day weekend with Nana, Mimi and Papa, the Duerres. The day Ben came into our lives was like a whirlwind. He was 8 weeks early and really just wanted to come out, I guess. He is growing, but still seems so young and tiny to me. He is getting pretty tall and is in the 59th percentile for height, but only the 4th for weight. He loves playing with cars and wrestling with Jake. We celebrated his birthday with a cookout, cake made by Aunt Gina and some ice cream. He wasn't too interested in actually opening the presents, but more interested in seeing what was inside. He loves Buzz Lightyear, so aunt Gina made him a Buzz and Woody cake. It was sooooooooo yummy!

Ben's Buzz cake

Best friends Jake and Emma

Baby Joshua

Me and my best friend Gina

Getting a little taste

Nana looking on as we get ready to blow out the candles

Ben, Jack, and Jake

Ben playing with some of his toys.

Daddy putting together Ben's toy garage from Nana

The Duerres

Jake really wants to play with some of Ben's new toys

Ben loves playing with cars

Ben with Mimi

Me and my little boy

Papa and Ben

Nana and Jake playing with his invisible note pad she gave him

1st day Preschool!!

2009-08-31T14:33:00.004-04:00

Jake started the 3 year old preschool last Tuesday. He did great when I dropped him off and he likes it a lot! He told me "It was fun, but not too much fun". Here he is with his bag Aunt Gina made him. She made him a small one, but when we went to open house, the bags they had were huge, so we thought they may need bigger ones. He has taken the small one too and it was fine. Ben tries to run into the room every time I drop off or pick up Jake. It may be a little young for him to start going to school, but I think it will be a good environment for him. I need to get a picture of his teachers soon to post. Their names are Mrs. Tara and Mrs. Teri. Sounds easy, but Jake still can't remember their names to tell me. I think I asked Jake 50 questions the first day to see what they did, who he met and so on. He told me a little, but said he didn't know any of his classmates names. I asked him why and he said they didn't tell him.