Who could ask for more??

Ever have those weeks where you find out bad news and you're so down, then you find out the best news and your up higher than you were before the bad news? Even though I can't fix what a family member is going through and we all live too far away to help her through this, she still needs to know that she's a fantastic woman and she has so much support here. It breaks my heart that she's too far away for us to go visit her for the evening and lift her spirits up. I know I have 2 little boys that are very good therapy! On a good note, some very good people who have went through a great deal of heartache have just announced that they are expecting another baby. I am SO happy for them. I've talked about them before in my blogs, and like I've said, I don't know him but I know her and they deserve this so much. When she posted her blog with the announcement, I read it and as I did I had chills from head to toe. Tears rolled down my face. God has a plan and he wasn't going to just leave them with heartache forever. This baby will have so much love and will bring them happiness like they've never known. This baby will also always have a big sister as his/her guardian angel for the rest of his/her life. 

Well onto our family. Last week, on the same day, Grahm started crawling and started chanting "dadadadada." Not only have I lost out on the looks of both of my kids, but also their first words. Gage said dadadadada all of the time. I still think it's cute to listen to him crawl around saying dada. He had his 9 month check up (how is this possible??) 2 weeks ago and was 19 lbs 4 oz and 28 inches long. 25th percentile for weight and 50th for height. He's still my little peanut (at least compared to his big brother). He's just now getting into 9 month clothes, but can still wear some 6 months. Now that he's mobile I find myself on my feet much more, even more than when Gage started crawling. Grahm puts EVERYTHING in his mouth, Gage never did that. That is one thing he gets from me though because I always put everything in my mouth, I now have a new respect for my mom on that because it makes life much more difficult! He still doesn't have any teeth, but I'm ok with that, it doesn't hurt when he chews on my fingers! FINALLY he's sleeping much better. He still gets up once in the night but I can hand him a bottle and he will go back to sleep. He will sleep until 8-8:30 some mornings which is really nice, I just wish he'd do it on the weekends and not just during the week! 

Gage has really expanded his vocabulary recently. He's quite mouthy sometimes, but other times he's so sweet. He has more of a social life than we do. He's constantly going from one Grandma's house to another. He loves to be on the go and they all love to have him (and I'll admit, I like my quiet time when he's at their houses). I love that he can finally tell me what he wants/needs. He loves apple juice, fruit snacks, blueberry muffin top cereal and hot dogs. I think he's starting to drop his afternoon nap. Oh the sound of that hurts my heart. That's my time that I get to sit and watch Dr. Phil (yes I'm addicted lol). He will still lay down but it gets later and later almost everyday. He likes to stay up late and sleep late. Mommy likes to go to bed early and sleep late. We don't exactly have the same routine, but we are working on it. He loves to brush his teeth, wash his hands and they both love baths. I don't think I'll be saying that in about 10 years, but a mom can dream, right? At least once everyday he has to all daddy. He usually does it on his own with my phone. They will talk for a couple of minutes then go on with their day. Today he asked me where daddy was, so I said at work. He looked at me real serious and goes "No, Daddy is hunting." So, when he called daddy, Eric must have asked him if he was doing something because he closed his eyes and got serious and goes, "No, I'm hunting." He cracks me up. He will be telling a story (just blabbing) then all of a sudden he'll close his eyes and turn his head away and go noooo, as if he's saying "no, that's not how it went." He loves to listen and sing to Red Solo Cup (drives me crazy!), Tonight, Tonight and The Lazy Song. We always are watching Toy Story (1, 2, or 3), Monsters, Inc., Shrek, Nemo, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Cars, Mickey Mouse, Little Einsteins, Curious George, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Chuggington, Dino Dan, Aladdin, I could go on and on. He's like me though, he wants something turned on then he'll go run and play and just wants it as the back ground noise. I don't go run and play, but I usually turn something on then go clean or pick up or cook just to have the back ground noise. He's not a kid to just sit in front of the TV all day which I love. The kids like me to take all of the pillows and cushions off of the couch and lay them on the floor. All day long they will run and jump and play on them. 

I can't believe I'm starting to think about the boys' birthday party. How can it be that I will have a 1 year old and a 3 year old in just 2 1/2 short months? They truly are the light of our lives. We are so blessed and I realize this every day. When I hear stories it terrifies me that something will happen. At any moment, one little thing can change the rest of our lives and there's nothing that scares me more. But, I can't live like that. I live everyday thinking if this were our last day together, I want them to remember it as a good one. No, we don't have good days everyday, but I try my hardest to make sure they are happy, clean and fed. They are the most important things to us, and I can't and don't want to imagine life without them. They are amazing little guys. Everyday they change a little bit more, and everyday I wish I could capture these moments and make them last forever. I think about this everyday: They will never be as little as they are today. When I think of people like Casey Anthony or Josh Powell, I see nothing but evil. How could someone ever do things like that to their children? I know Casey Anthony was found not guilty, but there's more to the story than what anyone will ever know. Deep down in my heart I truly believe that. I know one thing, if my children were missing, I wouldn't be out partying. That says something right there.

Ok, enough of my rampage, I could go on for hours. I'm going to end with what I started with. Please keep my husband's (my) family in your prayers along with the couple who are expecting. There are so many things we take for granted everyday. I know I am terribly guilty of this, but lately I have made it a point to sit down everyday and think of all of the things that make me so lucky. I have a husband who I love so much, 2 healthy, happy kids, a roof over my head, heat to keep us warm, food on our table and family to surround us. Who could ask for more?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. Time is flying by. Seems to go faster and faster every day! 


Christmas is just 4 days away. This year is going to be so exciting because Gage will finally understand opening gifts. He's only tried twice to open a gift. Both times I've stopped him as he's asking me if he can open it. So he hasn't been able to peek at all and for the most part, he's left everything alone! Only 1 ornament and 1 decoration has been broke this year. I think that makes for a good year! I figured I'd lose all of the ornaments on the bottom of our tree! 


He LOVES Christmas lights. Anytime he sees them he yells "Mommy Look! It's Christmas!" For the longest time he was saying "HO HO HO Christmas lights!" And lately he's been walking around singing "Reindeer, Reindeer, Reindeer, Coming to town!" I think he's getting confused with Rudolf and Santa Claus is coming to town, but I don't care, it's so funny to hear him. I always wonder what's going through his little mind!


Grahm won't understand Christmas this year, but that's ok, I'm still excited for his first Christmas. He's growing so fast. On Christmas day he will be 8 months old. How is this possible? When your pregnant the 9 months take forever, but before we know it, they're almost 1. He and Gage are so opposite. Grahm smiles all of the time. He's so laid back and good natured. Not that Gage isn't good natured, but he's just so high strung and always has been. 


This year I am so thankful that our families have rearranged Christmas celebrations so that we are able to stay home almost all day. We will have company almost all day, but I don't care. I'm just so excited we get to stay home and the boys aren't being drug in and out of the car and from one place to another. The day is always so rushed, it'll be nice to have a change of pace. 


Today is my 4 year anniversary at work. I can't believe it's been that long already. Next Wednesday the 28th marks my last day of work here. It's bittersweet. I'm going to miss (yes I said that!) the guys and seeing my family everyday, but I'm so excited for the next chapter in our life. I'm looking forward to staying home with my boys and still having someone there for them to play with everyday. I've wanted to do a daycare for a long time, but we've just not been in a good financial position to where I can give up my full time job. We are finally there. I'm so thankful for Eric's job and that it's allowing me to stay home and watch my babies grow without having to worry about doing my work as well. Although I know a daycare won't be easy, it's still work, but I think I'm really going to enjoy it! 


Gage had his Christmas program last night for daycare. It was so cute, but he didn't sing or do anything. He stood with his back to everyone with his hands in his mouth. They were getting ready to do Little Drummer Boy when he spotted me. About half way through the song, his face got red and the tears started rolling. After that, he was done. He sat on my lap. I got it all on video, something I can laugh at for years to come. He actually stayed up there longer than I expected he would! I'm sad that his last day at daycare is Friday. He screams everyday when I drop him off, but he likes it there and always tells me he has fun playing with the kids. 


To wrap this up, I want to end with some prayers. We are so lucky to be able to provide for our kids like we do. Christmas is a time to celebrate family, it's not just about gifts. I realize everyday how blessed we are to have 2 precious baby boys to celebrate this holiday with. I send prayers to the families who have lost loved ones, those who are less fortunate, those who don't get to spend the holiday with loved ones because they are busy defending my freedom, and those who are sick or injured and don't get to enjoy Christmas. 


To all of our family and friends, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love, Eric, Jenni, Gage, Grahm and Ace :)

Being Thankful

Since it's Thanksgiving time, everyone has been posting daily on Facebook things they are thankful for. Since I know I wouldn't remember to do it everyday, I thought I'd come up with 24 things I'm thankful for.


1. My husband
2. My kids
3. Our families
4. Our home
5. Our health
6. Our friends
7. Food
8. Nutella (how did I not know how good this was the past 23 years?! YUM!)
9. Clean drinking water
10. Clothes
11. Electricity
12. Having a job
13. My husband having a job
14. Our ability to provide for our kids as best as we can
15. Veterans
16. Living in America
17. Our vehicles
18. Computers
19. Frozen Strawberry Margaritas
20. St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series
21. The warmth of our home
22. Air conditioning 
23. Toothbrushes 
24. Last but not least, our Freedom 


I am not only thankful for these 24 things, but so many more things, I could sit here and list things for hours. I am so thankful God has given us the life we have. We are so fortunate and blessed for Eric to have a good job and to have 2 healthy boys. Seriously, who could ask for more?


On another note, life has been insane busy. Gage is going through a horrible stage right now. He doesn't listen, he laughs at me when I scold him. "Terrible 2's" is more like "Terrible 2-3's." I have learned the step from 1 child to 2 children is a big one. One that I thought I was ready to tackle. Gage was really actually easy, or much easier I should say, before Grahm was born. I don't believe it has anything to do with Grahm I really think it's his age, and the fact he acts a little like his daddy! :) Grahm is with me all day at work and Gage is with me most of the day. Between trying to keep them satisfied, trying to get my work done, coming home cleaning, cooking, bath time, and trying to get everyone to bed, by the end of the day, I am exhausted. But, no matter how long or bad of a day it is, when they smile at me, it seriously melts my heart. They fix everything, no matter how bad I feel at that moment in time. It always seems like they know exactly when I need them to pick me up with a smile. I could go on and on, but I'll move onto happier things. I just have to remember to be thankful for everything I have and that life goes on. We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow, so I have to live for today and be there for my kids and my husband.


Grahm is finally starting to sit on his own. He's still a bit wobbly, but he loves sitting by himself! For a little guy, he sure knows how to eat! I'm making all of his baby food with my Baby Bullet. I love it. I know exactly what is going into his food and what he's getting. He eats different kinds of squash, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, bananas, and peaches. I usually make enough food to last about 2 weeks. I should have made some today, but didn't have time as we are trying to get the garage back together before winter hits. When we were tearing out the front porch, deck and everything else around the house and in the basement last Spring, things were thrown into the garage. We have piles of lumber, trim, tile for the downstairs bathroom, Eric's hunting things and so much more out there that just needs organized. SO I decided to get brave and jump in with both feet this afternoon. I actually got a lot done and felt very accomplished. 


Eric shot a buck Thursday morning when he went hunting. Gage keeps telling us the deer has an ouchie. Today we went to cut the deer up and Gage didn't handle it well. Eric gutted him and did the dirty work when Gage wasn't around, but even just seeing us cutting up the meat to package he wasn't having it. Finally tonight he came back from Great-Grandma's and was telling me about the deer having an ouchie and that he's cut up now. Some will probably think even seeing us cut it up was too much for a 2 1/2 year old, but trust me, what he witnessed was not bad at all. He seems more accepting of the idea tonight. 


I am very excited (and a little nervous!) to go shopping next weekend in St. Louis with a couple friends. This will be my first trip away with no husband and no kids. It's only for a day so I think I'll be able to handle it! I am very excited to get some Christmas shopping done so Thanksgiving weekend we can put up our tree and maybe I'll have a couple gifts wrapped to put under there. Christmas is seriously my favorite time of year. I absolutely cannot wait. 


I feel like I've written a novel, just had a lot to get off my mind tonight and a lot to update on. Hope everyone has a great week and think about the things you are thankful for! 

Updates & Prayers!

It's been a crazy last couple of weeks since I last posted. 


Eric's new job is going great. He went to Des Moines last week for 3 days. We missed him but mommy survived 3 days with 2 little ones and no daddy. It went better than I expected.


On Monday, the day Eric left for Des Moines, Grahm had his 6 month check up. He weighed in at 15 lbs 14 oz, and 25 inches long. His doctor said he didn't think the length was accurate and that he's longer than that. He was in the 25th percentile for height, weight and head, again. Little peanut! Gage was always in the 90-95th percentile for everything! Both Gage and Grahm have been fighting colds for a couple weeks. At his appointment though, Grahm did have his first ear infection. :( So he was put on amoxicillin. We are finally finishing that tomorrow!


Grahm started finally sleeping through the night right before he came down with his cold and ear infection. At about the same time I decided to take the bumper pad off of his crib. Since then he hasn't slept well, I had been chalking it up to his cold but it's almost getting worse. I honestly think it's since I took the bumper pad off. He loves to be snuggled in blankets and almost always has to have a blanket on his face in order to fall asleep, so I always have to go in and take away his blanket once he is asleep. But now, I think it's the lack of security with not having the bumper pad that is causing him to be awake and crying all night. But I'm scared if I put it back on, I'll regret it later. I can handle sleepless nights over losing him because he suffocated in the bumper pad. I just hope I can figure something else out to help him sleep, it's rough on mommy! Any suggestions are welcome :)


Our Cardinals won the World Series! I'm sure everyone knows that by now, but man are we happy! They weren't even expected to make it into the play-offs! 


Halloween was fun. Gage dressed up as a Shark and Grahm was a Monkey. They looked pretty cute if you ask me! We went to Warsaw to the park for the costume contest then stopped at 2 houses and that's as crazy as we got. Gage still doesn't really understand, and Grahm slept the whole time. Next year will be much more fun! 


Please keep my family in your prayers this week as my mom, Grandma and Grandpa headed back up to Mayos for my Grandpa's 6 month check up. 1 year ago we found out he has Stage 4 Leukemia. That was a tough blow to our family. I've struggled emotionally with it, especially when I see him with my boys. The ONLY thing I wish for is that both my boys remember him. Gage and Grandpa are best friends and Grahm already turns his attention to Grandpa when he hears him come in the door. He's strong though and is otherwise healthy which is a huge plus! Pray that we get good news today and tomorrow at his appointments and that they have a safe trip back home! 


To close, I would like you to please also pray for this family: http://thedinkelfamily.blogspot.com/2011/10/trying-to-be-patient.html
I can't imagine the pain and heart ache they are going through. Reading her blogs make me realize how lucky and blessed we are to be where we are at in our life. Even on the days life seems really bad and I'm ready to give up, I think about her and her husband and I know that it could always be worse. I don't know her husband, but I know Tristen and she's such a fantastic person. To keep her faith in God like she has, she's much stronger than I could ever be. 

A New Chapter

Since today starts a new chapter in our lives, I found it fitting to be the day to start a blog. I've wanted to do it for a long time, but never taken the time. 


For starters: for those who don't know, and for those who do but are wondering, Eric has taken a new job with Fort Madison Bank & Trust. Today is his first day. We are excited because this is going to be a really great thing for our family. We have developed some great friendships with the employees from Lee County Bank, which we hope to hold on to. Some people don't understand why he made the move, but it was strictly a personal decision. We have nothing against Lee County Bank or it's employees. This was something we believe will help better our family. No matter where you go in life, you are going to have those few people who put you down or try to rain on your parade, but we hope those people will respect this decision because it has been very difficult to make. 


Onto happier things. Gage is 2 1/2 and is a ball of fire. He goes non-stop and at night he just crashes. He's starting to speak more in sentences (short ones, of course), but it's so fun to hear the things he has to say. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (walks around the house singing to it!), Toy Story (all 3), Finding Nemo, Dino Dan, Chuggington, and Cars. He has been going to daycare 4 days a week for 3 hours a day. This has really helped him with his speech development and playing with others (although this is something we are still working on, sharing is not in his vocabulary!). He is about halfway potty trained. He was doing really well for a while, but we've been so busy we haven't had the time to keep it up as well as we were. But, we are still working on it! 


He loves Grahm to pieces! He laughs at him and talks to him, sometimes even sings Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to him. We bought him a "big boy bed" about a month ago and he's doing so well sleeping in it! Since he was born he's slept in bed with us (a habit I do not suggest starting to any new parents!), so I thought this would be really difficult. It hasn't been though. At night he knows when it's bed time and always tells me he's sleepy so we go lay down. We have to stay with him until he goes to sleep, but then he sleeps until about 6-6:30 in there then on weekends about that time he climbs in bed with us. I can take that, it's so much better than him laying horizontal in between us! Thank goodness for a King Bed!


Grahm will be 6 months on the 25th. Doesn't seem possible. He's changed so much recently. Last Friday he rolled over for the first time! Both onto tummy and onto back! Of course, I didn't see either move, but that's ok, at least he did it! He's so much smaller than Gage was at this age, so all of my clothes are off season! We've had to buy a bunch of clothes for him because he's in 3-6 months and Gage was in 3-6 months at 3 months, but that's ok, he's our little peanut. He loves him jumperoo and playing with his toys. 


Last Wednesday Eric and I along with another couple went to the NLCS Game 3 Cardinals vs Brewers game in St. Louis. Cardinals won, of course! We had so much fun, it was just what we needed after a stressful beginning of the week! 


Saturday the 8th we took the boys to Roger's Pumpkin Farm in Lomax. Gage had a lot of fun running around looking at the pumpkins, he and daddy went through the corn maze then we picked out all of our pumpkins and headed home! We always have a great time there. We even took a few pictures while we were there, it's so beautiful!


We are so excited that the Cardinals are headed to the World Series! They were ahead last night 11 to 6 when we finally called it a night and went to bed. I'm ashamed to admit that we didn't watch the whole game, but we were so tired and they