The Trendy Family

Valentines Day 2012

2012-02-15T02:07:00.002-11:00

My little loves!
They were so cute yesterday... we started our day with heart shaped pb and jelly sandwiches...We headed to playgroup at the church and then back home to our sitter/friend Rachel in order for me to head back into work. For dinner we had heart shaped pancakes, turkey bacon, and pink eggs which I missed getting a picture of!
After the little loves went to bed, Hub and I had a little chocolate fondue with a great conversation. It was lovely! We exchanged gifts and had a lovely time.

Wokring on the Part-Time basis

2012-02-11T09:05:00.003-11:00

I am linking in up with Kelly's Korner today... Yes, I know I should have done it yesterday. This week I have been working a ton! I work part-time as the director of Kids Ministry at our church. I took this job after we decided it was better for me to work part-time than work as a family relief houseparenting at a local residential school that my hub is the music teacher at. My days and weeks are packed now that my hours are spread out over the week and not all full-filled in a weekend. I am enjoying my work and the kids I get to spend time with each week. It has been a shift with my kids and time I get to spend with them.

Some ideas I do to keep me on track during the week:
- Plan my meals out on Sun.
- Pack kids up the night before
- Do all of my laundry and cleaning one day a week
- Coupon one night a week for my shopping trips

Hope you enjoyed some of my little ideas on working part-time!

A Really Hard Day...

2012-02-08T09:10:00.003-11:00

This sweet little boy is a joy parent! He is smart, funny, kind, and loves a good party like his momma! But we are slowly starting to figure him out....This week brought a whole new set of challenges and really hard stuff.

A couple of months ago Hub and I decided that E needed some more therapy then he was already receiving. So we checked out a great facility that would be a lot closer to where we were moving. We finally had the appointment on Monday. It was hard and cried my eyes out! The evaluator threw out there CP again and MRI again... Remember is he is bright... so where is this all coming from. During his time being evaluated he climbed right up to a walker and walked pretty far. I have to keep reminding myself that he does not have a terminal illness or will not die from this, but it is so hard to hear that your child might never walk or be like normal kids. He might never be able to get away from a walker or have full independence.

This hit me like a ton of bricks...It reminded me that God is faithful and he is always walking along side of us. Elijah is a constant reminder that I need to trust God's plan and not worry about my own plans.

Our trip to NYC

2012-02-08T09:03:00.003-11:00

I am currently, hating blogger, but this will have to due for now I guess! Hub and I got a random email letting us know were selected to go and see the Martha Stewart Show. I am super excited. The first shot is from us waiting in line. We were number 18 and 19 that day. The second pic is from after the show and Martha answering questions. We had a blast at the show and came home with some sweet loot! Their studio is sweet and decorated with such pretty things.

After the show Hub and I were wanting to try this meatball place that I had seen on the Martha show a couple of months ago. It was AMAZING!!! I highly recommend it. It is just called the Meatball Shop. They have a couple of different ways to get your balls... We had simply divine caramel ice cream after our sandwiches. I am still enjoying my bagels... I cannot say this about the cupcakes we brought back!

My Loves

2012-01-30T03:14:00.003-11:00

I have not done an update just on the lovely men in my life lately and what they are up to!

Kent aka Daddy Kent as Elijah says now...
- He is working at Milton Hershey School and enjoying it.
- Playing and Singing with Worship Ministry at church
- Giving a bunch of private lessons
- Hanging out with the boys as much as possible!
- Working out Daily and looking to run a 10k

Elijah aka lijah
- Starting to walk and pull up tons
- Speaking in complete sentences
- Loves his brother and playing with him
- Is ready to move into a toddler bed!
- Will be starting Potty Training soon..
- He is still super into tractors, farm stuff, and cars

Hudson aka Huddy
- He is walking with assistance
- Starting to love to read
- Loves playing with Daddy and Elijah
- Talking up a storm... I just wish he would talk in words!
- Still taking two naps a day!
- Is becoming his own little person!

Sorry for the boring post, but I want to remember these days and savor them. They will not be around forever!

Brotherly Love

2012-01-18T00:40:00.003-11:00

The boys trying to break free upstairs... we LOVE these gates. They have worked wonders!
We finally set up the boys train table on Saturday. Elijah LOVES it! He asks to play with it all the time. Hudson currently, loves to chew on the pieces. I am trying to get him to stop chewing on it!
This is true brotherly love! They are starting to play all the time together and give each other kisses. Just one time when they are giving each other a kiss! So sweet. These boys are the best of friends and starting to play together all the time. I love watching them play together!

Our life lately...

2012-01-16T09:58:00.006-11:00

Things have been a little less than stellar around this house lately... just a lot of stuff that is running through my head. Not things that need to be put on the wide world of the internet, but things that are stirring in my heart and head. How does God put these things in our hearts and our heads at the same time! Wow its a lot to process through!

But these two little cuties have kept me busy this week. Our weekend was pretty much a couple of meltdowns and a lot of relaxing. They are both looking so big in this pic!! Well since blogger is being a pain.. there are no more pics of the boys for this post!

Farm Show...

2012-01-11T09:02:00.002-11:00

My little future farmer.... Isn't he soo cute!!

My other little future farmer... Isn't he just the cutest!
We headed to the Pa Farm show on Mon. night with the in-laws. Had a great time and ate WAY too much! The boys loved it and all Elijah keeps saying "Farm Show... Tractors..." My cuties are growing up way too fast. Last year during the farm show we left Hudson with a friend because he was 2 weeks old! This year he climbing on tractors...

2012

2012-01-08T15:10:00.004-11:00

With the move this year has started off and run away with out me. I finally had time to process things a little bit tomorrow. I am not a super huge writer, but I strive to document our lives here in this little piece of the internet.

This past year has flown by. I am now the mom of two toddlers. No babes right now! I am really enjoying where we are at right now. Some days feel like they have gone on forever since our now 2 year old has taken the tantrum stage to a whole new level. I am enjoying being a mom, but I would really like to grow in this area in 2012.

I feel like some days I lack mental depth. So for my goal this year is to be more present and read more. I know a couple of years ago I tried to read a New York Times bestseller, but that was a little overwhelming so I am just going to strive to read more. That is all... just read more.

Just a few things I am going to strive to do on 2012!

Lack of Posting....

2012-01-07T15:20:00.002-11:00

My Lovable little man turned 1 on December 25th, but we celebrated his "happy day" on December 30th. This is one of your favorite looks and you LOVE to be on the go! Hudson Levi we love you and you are such a sweet, quirky, spunky little boy.
During our family Christmas on Dec. 26th Jenna made Hudson this super cute H cake. Love Huddy's face on this one...
Love this pic of Elizabeth and Elijah. So cute and love E's little face...He is either eating something or ready to say something. We moved into our new house and things have been crazy ever since. I am finally starting to feel like things are getting back to normal!!

Christmas 2011...

2011-12-27T15:32:00.004-11:00

Christmas Morning my boys in their jams... Elijah kept saying " Cited..Cited..Santa Presents!"

Aunt Jenna took Elijah to great tot lot after our Christmas Dinner. Elijah had a blast!

Aunt Marfa as Elijah says it. Playing with his "Drive Drive" This was the present we got him. He loves it.

The babies with Aunt Martha. The kids love her!

Lizzie and Ev... so cute... Elijah loves that both...
That pretty much wraps up Christmas 2011... Family, Giving, and Food!

A little trip to Christmas Candylane...

2011-12-27T15:27:00.002-11:00

A couple of weeks ago we hit up Christmas Candylane... Elijah was super excited to get on the Merry Go Round!
A little pic of my man with the boys on the merry go round. It was a pretty chilly day, but the boys had fun!

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-15T09:07:00.003-11:00

Merry Christmas from the Pierce's
Kent, Lauren, Elijah and Hudson

Ps: I am not sending out cards this year due to EVERYTHING ELSE GOING ON :)

A Visit with Santa

2011-12-15T09:02:00.004-11:00

As you can see we had a little visit from the guy in the red suit! We always go to MHS elementary Christmas party and see a non-germy, unfriendly, mall Santa. It just makes it so much better... This year was like non other... Kent's choir got up and sang and then it was onto Santa. Elijah LOVES Santa and always has.... he sat on his lap at 3 weeks old. As you can see as you look down the page someone else in this house does not overly love him!
I love this second picture and how it describes both of our children. Elijah patiently listening and Hudson screaming for freedom. He started out okay, but then it just went downhill. I am interested to see how it goes next year!

Too Long...

2011-12-15T08:58:00.002-11:00

My sweet little Elijah turned 2 and we celebrated all weekend. This was the official picture from his actual "happy day" as he likes to call it. He had a freshly made cookie that day to celebrate. He also refused to look at the camera.

Elijah you are sweet, kind, funny, and super smart! Mommy and Daddy don't want you to ever forget that. You are a joy to be around and you bring joy to so many people. We know God has great things in store for you and we can't wait to see where He leads you. We Love You Elijah Anderson!

2011-11-29T14:42:00.004-11:00

So these pics are little out of order. We had a lovely farm party for Elijah's 2nd birthday. Elijah's little friend Sully riding the horse. He had a blast!
Elijah opening his presents with his pappy! Elijah's best bud!
Elijah riding the horse for his happy day!
Elijah opening his presents with Todd and Martha. He got a Eagles jersey, jeans, and a shirt with a "dump" on it. Elijah calls all construction vehicles, dumps!

11 Months

2011-11-29T14:28:00.003-11:00

My little Hudson is almost 1...This is his 11 month post...
- You are a little guy weighing at 19lbs. 1 oz and wearing size 3 diapers
- Hudson you are into EVERYTHING... this why this picture is looking not so hot! You were moving all over the place
- You still only have 6 teeth, I am hoping some will pop through soon!
- You eat everything... which we love that you enjoy most things that your brother does. It makes life a little bit more simple.
- Huddy you climb up the stairs like a crazy person! You are super fast.

Hudson we love you! I can't believe you will be 1 soon. Christmas will be here sooner rather than later and we can't wait to celebrate you!

Tractor Cake

2011-11-26T16:04:00.002-11:00

A little pic of Elijah's tractor cake

Directions: Bake 2 loaf pans. Level off the cakes and lay one whole loaf flat on the base. Cut the other loaf into 1/3 and 2/3 pieces. The 1/3 pieces goes on the top. Make sure you slice it in half and turn in on its side. You can use the 2/3 piece for the trailer on the back or just eat it... Frost and add donuts for wheels.

Thanksgiving...

2011-11-26T15:55:00.002-11:00

Our Thanksgiving starting out great! We took these two cuties out to a fun run for orphan kids in Africa who need beds. It was a great way to start out our turkey day!
We can home from the run and got settled down for naps/lunch/ ready to go out routine. When Hudson got up from his nap he vomited all over Kent! It was more a bottle throw up due to a cold, but still none the less we had to shower and change clothes. I then got Elijah up and he had a temp. so needless to say our turkey day did not turn out as planned. The pic with both boys wearing their turkey shirts is from Friday at K's parents house. We did Thanksgiving with the Pierce side then!

Our Adventuers

2011-11-16T05:31:00.004-11:00

SO this pretty much what it looks like around our house when we put the boys together!! Hudson grabbing Elijah's hands and buggin him and Elijah saying" NO HUDDY...NO HUDDY" They love each other, but they are starting to annoy each other as well!
This NEVER happens for me. The last past two Sun. at church Hudson has fallen asleep in the nursery. He is so sweet, but he is normally always on the go. He was totally out. I just want to bottle up this sweetness!
One of Elijah's bday presents was this little shopping cart. We gave it to him early because it will help with his walking. So we put Hudson in it and Elijah loves him in it. Elijah did take three steps on his own on Sat. and Mon. So we are making progress! Praise the Lord!!!

2011-11-02T07:27:00.004-11:00

This pretty much sums up our weekend!! Pj's, fun with Daddy, and chillin at home. Ebuster just happens to be screaming at this point. He is starting the 2's off right these days.. He is driving me crazy!!

My little Hudson had his 1st Halloween. He was such a trooper.. so stinkin cute. I guess this can double as his 10 month pic. A little late... He is getting so big so fast... He is a little man on the run, but is developing such a sweet spirit! Here is a little pic of the little pig and cow!! SO cute... they were all ready to go and get some candy!! Or as Elijah said all night "Treat Please"

At the end of the night they got a little bath action!! Such a cute brotherly love pic. Elijah has become super lovie to Hudson. He will put his arm around him and say "Love Huddy" So cute!

Elijah's Visit to CHOP

2011-10-29T13:36:00.002-11:00

I tried to load last week, but no such luck! So here is the scoop with Lijah's appt. We headed to CHOP downtown to see a Ped. Orthopedic Surgeon. He check Ebuster out and said that he should walk any day now!!! That brought tears to this Mama's eyes!!! I couldn't stop sobbing while we were there... So these are two quick pics of his little casts... They cast his legs in order to make his little braces... We will hopefully, pick them up this week or later next week.

Today we had some record snow fall... so we had a total pj day. I didn't take one pic, which is horrible. I need to get my act together with getting some pics of the boys every day!! I am going to check on my cheesecake that hub and I just finished!

PSU...

2011-10-21T06:31:00.005-11:00

Last weekend we headed to State College for a little PSU action. We had a great time and fantastic seats. The weather was perfect. I actually got a little burnt from sitting in the sun. Other than that it was a perfect day for football and PSU even pulled out a win!

Pumpkin Picking...

2011-10-10T03:37:00.003-11:00

SO I am trying something a little new with the layout... but I am sure if I am liking it or not... Saturday was our annual applesauce making day. But before we started slaving away in the kitchen we took the kids to pick pumpkins... My sweet little Hudson hanging out in Aunt Jenna's arms!

My other little boy loved to see the tractor. His favorite thing! I think he will end up working at a farm!!! He is such a little farm kid! He loved to pick up pumpkins, but this is about the best we go as far as pics. He wasn't too into the picture thing... We had a great time and awesome weather!

A little beach trip

2011-10-04T13:05:00.003-11:00

So I don't know why blogger isn't letting me write on top of my pics... but anyway... These two cuties came with us to the shore for my birthday. They had a blast even though they didn't take naps and were pretty cranky.
My two loves having pizza at Mac and Mancos... so super yummy!
When we got to the hotel this little guy decided to stand up!! We were sooo proud of him. He is making such strides!!!

Family Trip to the City...

2011-09-26T08:36:00.002-11:00

This past weekend we went into Philly via train. I love this pic of the little family of four.

Two Pierce men enjoying the train!

Elijah LOVED riding on the train. It was super fun day, but the train was having some work done on it so we had to take a shuttle bus. That was a total pain, but we had a fantastic time shopping in the city and walking around.

9 Months Already...

2011-09-26T08:29:00.003-11:00

I can't believe this sweet little active boy is already 9 months. It has gone so much faster the second time around! He is a little spit fire and has tons of personality. Hudson Levi you will go far in life with all of your energy and spunk!

Stats:
17 lbs. 8 oz.
28 and 3/4 inches long... you are long and skinny! You did not get this from your momma
Wearing some 6-12 month clothes and some 12-18 month
Size 3 diapers
You love all food and handfuls of them. Everything goes in your mouth by the handful!
Elijah is your best friend and you love to pull his hair
Mama and Dada are your most frequent words
Your little mouth has 5 shinny teeth and you are working on your 6th

Hudson Levi we pray that you will continue to grow and love life!

Pierce Boys...

2011-09-20T14:07:00.003-11:00

I am writing this post for friends and fam... also, to just remember where we are at in life right now... Elijah just got new shoe, which he loves! He wants to wear them all the time! Even with his jams...

Hudson has found the swing at the park... He loves it! Just wish he was looking at the camera..
Elijah always loves swing and is always loving the park...

Sweet brothers on a the couch! Elijah was really tired so he is just chillin with his normal thumb pose :) So sweet!n I just want to soak in these sweet times with my boys. As Elijah is getting so much bigger I realize how quickly these years are going. I will blink and they will be in college. So I need to soak up these times and enjoy every minute.

Weekend

2011-09-11T12:34:00.005-11:00

So apparently I only update on Sundays... The boys on Friday night. They were super cute and fun to hang out with. It was getting a little later hence Elijah's thumb in mouth...
So this kid keeps asking to get on the potty. Last week I went out and got a potty seat and thought we would give it a try. He loves to sit on it and say potty, but we haven't had any success yet.
Elijah's favorite spot to sit and read with his Daddy. He will sit and let you read five or six books in a row!

Weekend....

2011-09-04T14:11:00.003-11:00

Friday night we didn't really have a lot of plans, but I had to run to the mall for a quick trip to Victoria's Secret. This little guy discovered the little rides at the mall.. He LOVES them. Such a cuties

Saturday college football started up... Penn State of course came out with a W. We enjoyed the game at home with Elijah eating all of the humus and chips we had out for the game. Hudson slept through his entire first game. He was super tired and needed his rest.

We followed our game time with a little date to Rice and Noodles for some Vietnamese sandwiches that we love. It was a lovely time away and the kids had a blast with Nana and Pappy.

Sunday was the norm... church.. family picnic... relax!

Enchiladas

2011-09-03T06:03:00.006-11:00

So my latest obsessions is Pintrest. If you do not know what that is leave me a comment and I will fill you all in. I have wanted to pin something and I finally have had time to post these delicious enchiladas.... they are slightly tweaked from Pioneer Women...

Recipe:
6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
2 Cans of Rotel
3 Cans of Green Chilies
8-12 Tortillas
3 Bags of Shredded Cheddar, but you can use any cheese you would like
2 Tablespoons of butter
2-4 Tablespoons of Flour
3 Cups of Milk- any kind...I use 2%
Salt and Pepper to taste
Any type of Hot Sauce to taste
Salsa for toppings

- Place chicken and rotel in crockpot. Cook until chicken is ready to be shredded about 5 hrs.
- Shred chicken and add green chillies
- Fill tortillas with chicken mixture and some cheese, roll and place in a greased pan.
- After all the tortillas are place in melt butter in a small sauce pan and mix in flour and create a rue.. add milk and stir until thick. Add 1 and a half bags of cheese. Stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste
- Pour mixture over tortillas and place in oven at 400 degrees and bake until bubbling about 30 mins... then add remaining cheese over the top and bake for a few more min. until bubbly and brown.

Serve with cilantro, salsa, sour cream, or fresh margaritas. I have a very go with it type attitude in the kitchen so just use your instincts and go with it!

8 Months...

2011-08-29T14:16:00.003-11:00

I can't believe this little guy is already 8 months. Time is truly flying faster the second time around. This is a typical little smile from this little guy. Some stats on Huddy:
- You are wearing size 3 diapers and 6-12 month clothes
- You have four teeth and you area almost crawling around
- Elijah is your best friend and you love to play with him
- Formula and you are not friends, but you will eat anything we put in front of you
- Huddy is a mover and shaker... ALWAYS moving.. a little like your pappy!
- You love the jumper and playing with toys.

Hudson you have a funny little personality to you and you really are your own person. We love who you are becoming and we can't wait to see what you become! We love Hudson!

Summer...

2011-08-22T14:36:00.002-11:00

I have no pics because I have been a little lazy lately. But I do have tons to write about. Summer is flying by and we are in the process of wrapping up all of our end of Summer fun. We are headed to Hershey Park one more time and we need to hit up the pool sometime soon. This lovely weather is a much needed change from the rain and gloom.

I have started my new job as the Director of Kids Ministries at Manheim Brethern in Christ Church. So far it is going super smoothly! I just keep praying Lord you know what I can handle! Overall, we have been blessed with a great new church home and a very smooth transition.

The boys are hanging out! They are loving all the time my new job has provided with their Nana and Pappy. Ebuster wakes up every morning asking for Pappy. Hudson has four teeth and is almost crawling. Were does time go? I keep forgetting that Hudson just isn't a newborn anymore and he is really almost a toddler.

Kent started school and is having a great year so far. He is happy to be back to a routine and the normal sched.

Well its time for a little homemade peach pie and summer to end slowly!

Lebanon Fair...

2011-08-09T04:25:00.002-11:00

The week before we left for vacation was super busy! E had a hair cut... Love this cute little pic of him. So sweet!
We also went to the Lebanon Farm Show... it is like a fair and a farm show all rolled into one! My little farm child of course LOVED IT! He did not want to leave and would not get out of the tractors. He is in love with farming and all things farm. He is just like his Pappy and uncle Todd!

Our Travels...

2011-08-09T04:17:00.002-11:00

Last week we headed out to Maine... It was a quite the adventure, but we all had a blast. The babies had fun in the lake and touring around town! This is the first time I have taken all the pics on my phone and uploaded them and then put them on my blog... so it is not working the best. I need to totally figure it all out... But below is a pic of Elijah in a kayak. He LOVED it... he is such a water baby.
A view of the lake from the camp we were staying out. It was an amazing lake that was so clear you could see the bottom from about 4 feet deep. The weather was just perfect and so cool!

We took a little drive and walked around Ll Bean and all the stores in Freeport, Me. The boys had a great time and loved it. I already miss the cool air and the fun we had...I am ready for a return trip already!

Summer Fun

2011-07-26T12:36:00.003-11:00

Last week one night we hung out at the pool the entire night... the boys had a blast and were super tired when we left.Hudson LOVES the pool! I love this pic... sadly, this is the only good one I took the entire night!

I made some cookies this weekend and Elijah is the cookie monster. He loved this one and here is his chocolate "mustache" to prove it!

7 Months...

2011-07-26T12:29:00.002-11:00

I can't believe this little boy is already 7 months!! Were does time go... this is a pretty normal Hudson look! He is full of energy and life when he is awake.

Stats:

- You are wearing 6-12 month clothes along with some 12-18 month stuff. You are all legs!

- Hudson you hate to drink formula... it has been a struggle for a month now.

- Table food is becoming your favorite or homemade baby food

- You are sitting up pretty well and rolling everywhere!

- Elijah is your best friend with Eliana being a close second...

- Most nights you sleep through the night, but there have been a couple lately that you just need a little drink.

- Sippy cups are your best friend and you love water in them, which I found out tonight.

- You LOVE the pool! We hung out there the other night and you loved every min. of it.

- We love your go getter spirit and your belly laugh. You are sweet little boy with a bold personality.

Sweet brothers 2011

Summer is ticking away...

2011-07-19T08:01:00.003-11:00

I feel like this summer if just flying by without us making a ton of memories! So this weekend we tried to change that as much as we could. Friday night, we hung out at K's rents place with the kids and had some dinner. Saturday, followed with drives to camp, pig roasts, and shopping.

Sunday these two cuties had a blast a Hershey Park! E always loves the park and Eliana had her first visit!

A little pic with my boys on the choc. world ride. It was Hudson first time and E of course loves the heifers!

Updates...

2011-07-11T15:07:00.003-11:00

This sweet little face is having a big moment sitting up on this rider toy! He was pushing himself backwards on it. When he first got this toy he couldn't even sit up on it... we are super bless on the progress he is making.

The other night we thought it would be fun to put them both in E's bed. They had a blast and E loves his brother. It is the first thing he asks for in the am and he makes a beeline to him to play with him in the evening. Such little cuties! We are super blessed to have amazing kids. Life has been too busy lately and we have not been soaking in the opportunities with them. That is going to change next week!

Catching up!

2011-07-07T12:11:00.002-11:00

We had a lovely 4th hanging out with some friends!My little firecrackers!

Just a sweet little baby in the summer hanging out!
The little man eating his corn on the cob for the first time.

Thanks for all the comments on the diaper bag issue. Still haven't ordered anything, but I am still looking. I wish there was a plethra of places around us that I could go and try them, but sadly that is not the case. So I guess I will blindly go and pick one out!

This weekend there isn't much on the docket, but lots of fun with the boys and maybe some swimming or hanging out! I am wiped out after these weeks of work. I don't know how you working momma's do it!

Diaper Bags...

2011-07-05T12:54:00.002-11:00

I have some pics to post from our weekend and tonight, but that will have to wait until I feel like going into the basement to upload them. I am wondering for all of you Momma's of two what type of diaper bag do you use? I have been back and forth on so many over the last couple of weeks. I need help on a backpack style or messenger? I need it to be hands free due to always wrangling the tots. So please leave me your thoughts and suggestions.

i like this style just not sure of the colors

http://www.diapers.com/p/Ju-Ju-Be-Be-All-Messenger-Style-Diaper-Bag-Sienna-Swirl-22572

Little Bits of Success!

2011-07-04T07:30:00.003-11:00

As most of you know Elijah has had some delays and we are always working on him getting stronger and closer to walking! Well this week we had a huge jump!

He is sitting in the big highchair!!!! This highchair was mine when I was a tot and my dad's when he was a tot. So as soon as I found out I was prego with Ebuster I couldn't wait to put our kids in it! He has sat in every day since we have put him in on Monday. I know I am a little behind in my postings! But we are super excited that he is finally able to hold himself up and can feed himself in it!!! This is a huge accomplishment!! We were so proud of him. I love his sweet little face in this pic and it totally shows off his personality and sweetness.

This little hambone has started to refusing drinking a bottle. All he wants is food. He knows what is good for him!!! So I guess it is time to start steak and potatoes!!!

If you are jumping over here from Jenna's Journey... enjoy! I mostly talk about my kids and what is going on here in Hershey, Pa and other random musings... so enjoy!

Our Days...

2011-06-30T15:40:00.002-11:00

Lately, life has gone from just clicking along to speeding pass me. These weeks of working almost full-time has taken my breath away. I feel like I am on a treadmill that just wont stop. I miss my boys every day and I miss my time at making my home a place of refugee from the days trials. Every night I sit here around the 10:30ish hr and say "where did this day go?" For all of you working Mom's out there I do not know how you do it. This morning Elijah just cried and cried as I walked out the door. I can't blame him! I wanted to sit down and just cry with him. These days will go quickly and it will pass soon, but for now I am grateful to be helping our family moving onward financially.

6 Months to Christmas.... Oh and Hudson birthday!

2011-06-27T14:28:00.002-11:00

This big man is 6th months!!!

Were does the time go...

This is the best pic I was going to get... He had been in the car all day and was pretty wiped out!

What are you doing Hudson:

- Rolling and almost crawling

- Talking tons

- Grabbing everything in site

- Playing and inter acting with your bro all the time and loving it!

- I don't know how big you are or how long you because your appt. is on Wed.

- You have a HUGE belly laugh that we all love

- You eat almost anything

- Sleep time is getting better and better every day... 10-12 hrs. at night and 2 2hr. naps a day

- Finally, you love the wagon as much as your brother loves it

- Hudson you are a busy little boy that I am excited to see what you are going to do some day! We love you

June...

2011-06-27T14:16:00.003-11:00

So the month of June has officially spun out of control at this house! It has been a total and complete whirlwind!Last Saturday night we attended a lovely soiree for our dear friend Courtney and Ray Malengo. Cort is pictured above... Our friendship began way back at Eastern and we have remained friends ever since! We don't get to hang out with them often, but it is a great time when we do!

Kent enjoying candy from their lovely candy bar!

Sunday, we were up bright and early for Hudson dedication! This pic is a little dark, but you can see all of us up on stage. The children did fine and it was a great event.

Afterwards, we headed to lunch at Ciro. The food was fabulous and it was great to hang out family and celebrate Hudson's life. This is at the end and Ebuster is pretty spent at this point :(

This weekend was just as crazy! The Aunties came to town and we hit up Hershey Park... E buster has his first ride on the lady bugs and Hudson had his first ride on the train. We had dinner and hung out after the park. Sunday, we drove up to State College to drop some MHS students off at football camp and got to walk on the field at Beaver Stadium. E was amazed at all of it! Some day we might be dropping him off for football camp... tear... tear... I am not ready for that yet!!!

This week we are back to work... and having a much slower week. So look for some new postings!

Life ... Crazy... Life

2011-06-21T14:50:00.003-11:00

I am too tired to go downstairs to upload my pics... so you are just going to have to deal with a no pic update even though I have some great pics to share!

I think this will even be done in bullet points!

- K turned 32!!! We had a lovely overnight date to the Hotel Hershey... super fun!
- Ate dinner at 8pm! AHHHH!
- Our 6th year anniversary... had a lovely dinner date that night...
- My niece turned 1 on our anniversary... she is such a cutie!
- K finished school!!!
- I accepted a job at Manheim BIC as the director of Children's Min... should be a blast!
- Started YRE aka Summer Camp program at the Milt...

That is our life over the last couple of weeks... super crazy, but we are loving every min. of our babies :)

Mix and Match...

2011-06-12T08:46:00.003-11:00

I found my camera after a little abscence....

Cousins in the pool together... They have been having a blast playing together this spring/summer... there will be plenty of good times to come!

I love watching Daddy play and read with his boys...

A little pic from our "date/time away"... we had a lovely time away at the Hotel Hershey and enjoyed our spa treatment!

Hudson...

2011-06-04T07:13:00.002-11:00

Just had to put this cute little face up for some time on the blog... I feel like I put tons of stuff up about Elijah, but Huddy gets left in the dirt!

I snapped this a couple of days ago at my in-laws. He loves the jumper and is such a happy baby! He even did great when we went to get family pics done on Wed. night.

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-05-31T02:43:00.003-11:00

I can't find my camera and all of my pics are on my phone so this will be a no picture post. Friday night started off with a fun evening of family and pizza. The cousins love to be together and they even played in our little pool because it is so stink hot here.

Saturday, was a super busy day! We were out of the house by 8:45 am to go plant some tomatoes and cucumbers at K's grandparents. Then off to the grocery store, baths, and naps for the children. We finished up with Stevie's 1st birthday day soiree! Elijah had a fabulous time and we loved chatting with some new and old friends.

Sunday, we started bright and early again... off to church and then we all crashed!!

Monday, off to the Hershey Memorial Day parade. Elijah loved the fire trucks and the tractors. Hudson was super chill through the entire thing and might even been in the newspapers!
We feel like it was a great weekend and had a lot of great family time!

Pathetic...

2011-05-26T13:52:00.004-11:00

I know there is no excuse for not updating sooner... all i have to say is pathetic...we have become a super busy family of four! I will update in some pics and strive to put more regular posts up!

Hudson loves sitting the bumbo... this is a pretty classic Huddy face!

Love this face on Huddy... And I am having typing issues in between pics... so the one before is from Elijah enjoying a banana... We spent Mother's Day with these lovely ladies!! Had a blast and E loves his aunties!

5 Months...

2011-05-26T13:47:00.002-11:00

Our little man is growing up so quickly!!! It has been 5 months since Christmas Day... I can't believe how fast this is going. I felt like with Elijah the months did not fly as fast as they are going with Hudson. This pic is a pretty typical face! He is happy, but very expressive!

Stats:
- No idea how much he weighs... we don't go to the drs. this month
- He is wearing a size 1-2 diaper and sometimes a 2
- Hudson you are rolling all over and almost crawling.
- He is generally a super happy baby
- We started food... he loves sweet potatoes and peas are okay
- Finally, you are sleeping through the night!!!! It just took you a little longer than others!
- Overall, Hudson you are super sweet little boy and we are excited to see what God has in store for you!

4 months already!

2011-04-30T04:15:00.002-11:00

I can't believe how fast time has gone! This sweet little gumy smile is a joy and strong willed like his momma!
What are you up to these days Hudson Levi:
- You are wearing size 1-2 diapers
- Kicking and Rolling are some of your favorite activities
- This week you found your thumb, which we are hoping you will start to love!
- You are busting out of 3-6 month pants and 6-9 month shorts
- You have been to the beach and you love it!
- We go to the drs. on month to find out how much you weigh and how long you are, but we are sure you are still in the 75% for height!
- You are eating cereal and you are not super fond of it!

Our little Christmas baby, you were quite the surprise in many different ways, but we love you so much and we are so glad God blessed us with you!

The Beach and Easter

2011-04-27T02:34:00.002-11:00

Last week we traveled down to Topsail Is. N.C.... we had lovely weather and really great time!Here is E and Daddy having a little lunch on the beach! E loves the beach and eating sand.

Our other little beach baby. He loved sleeping on the beach and enjoying the cool breezes!
We let E just roll around in the sand and I wanted to get a pic of him in the sand just hanging out!
We got back late Friday night and just hung out Sat. Sunday, was Easter and he is a pic of the cousins... this is the best one we got...it is hard with all under 2!

Our family Easter 2011

Life Lately...

2011-04-14T10:12:00.004-11:00

Elijah and Hudson have been super the last couple of days, which have made my days at home amazing!!

Elijah is loving green beans!!! I sprinkle a little bit of garlic powder on them and he goes to town.

Hudson is starting to enjoy the bumbo...he is not a lover of, but he will stay in there for a few quick moments...

Today, is such a beautiful day that we busted out the wagon. The boys LOVE it and Elijah loves being this close to his brother!

Update...

2011-04-05T08:47:00.003-11:00

So I have been a super huge slacker on the picture taking front, bloggin front, and all around documenting my children's lives front! Here is a quick update!Hudson turned 3 months on March 25th, but I thought my camera had died so I took a pic with the in-laws camera of a sweet sleeping Huddy. Here are some stats: - I don't know what you weigh or how long you because we do not go to the drs. until next month. - You are wearing mostly 3-6 month clothes some 6-12 - Sleeping... well lets just say your brother slept through the night before you did! - All in all you are extremely adorable and super smiley. We love you Hudson Levi and are super glad God blessed us with you! A little update on this ham! He is getting into everything, which is really good for his delays. He is now crawling and trying to figure everything out. We are in the process of trying to figure out his delays and what we can do to best help him. He is the sweetest little boy who loves life and wants everyone around him to feel his presents by saying "Hi" Recently, he has also started to ask "What's that?" to EVERYTHING!! Some days it drives me nuts, but others I find it extremely adorable.

This little cutie... is growing like a weed! He is super smiley and happy these days. This is a horrible pic, but sadly it is one of the only ones I have as of recently. I need to take a ton of pics tonight!

Sorry for such a long post, but there are been tons more going on with us... all good... just too much to write about! Life with two is busy and I have finally got them on the same nap schedules so here's to having a little more freetime!

Homemade Fruit Leather...

2011-03-20T03:00:00.002-11:00

Elijah LOVES fruit leather! If you don't know what it is, then let me introduce you... it is a sweet little snack that is made from fruit and not a ton of sugar. Fruit Leather is mostly found in whole food stores or organic sections of regular markets. I have not been able to find them where we currently live, so he only gets to enjoy them when we make a trip back to the burbs... or when Aunt Jenna so graciously brings them out!

So this am I was checking out Pioneer Women and she has a recipe for them on her website. Oh and if you haven't check out PW, well you are just missing out! Here is the recipe and I can't wait to try them when strawberry season is in full force here in Pa.

2 cups Strawberries Or Other Fresh Fruit, Chopped Into Small Pieces
¼ cups Water
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
¼ cups Sugar (optional, Depending On The Sweetness Of Your Fruit)
1 Tablespoon Vegetable OilPreheat the oven to 150 -170 degrees F.
2. Place the fruit in a medium saucepan with the water and lemon juice. Simmer on medium heat, mostly covered, until they are very soft and mushy. Stewing the fruit helps it retain its color.

3.Transfer the fruit pulp mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. If it is a fruit with seeds, a food mill will remove the seeds more easily than a food processor and strainer. Taste the fruit at this point, and add the sugar if it is not sweet enough. Keep in mind that as the fruit leather dries, it will concentrate the natural sugars in the fruit and become sweeter on its own. Add a small amount of water to the mixture if necessary so that it has a pourable consistency.

4. Cover a baking sheet with plastic or a silicon baking pad. The temperature of the oven is low enough not to affect the plastic.

5. Spray or brush your baking sheet with the vegetable oil, then spread the fruit puree onto the sheet tray with an offset spatula or knife to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness. Place it in the oven for 6-8 hours. Make sure there is air circulating to prevent scorching. Alternatively place it in the sun for 6-8 hours.

6. Invert the fruit leather onto another baking sheet that has been covered in plastic or silicon baking pad and oiled, and remove the first lining. Place in the oven or sun for another 6-8 hours. If it becomes too brittle at any point, simply brush on water with a pastry brush to rehydrate it.

7. Cool the sheet tray and cut the fruit leather into desired sizes. Dust with corn starch to prevent sticking, cover in plastic and store in a cool place in a sealed container.

Enjoy!

My "Extreme" Couponing...

2011-03-19T06:11:00.002-11:00

So I would say that I am novice couponer in the world of "Extreme Couponing", but this am was like no other! I got everything pictured above for $17.00! That's right you are reading this correctly. It was all bought at CVS and I had a $5.00 off coupon from CVS that helped out. I also used my $10.00 in extra care bucks from the first purchase of the diapers, children's Advil, and baby powder to finance the rest of the order for free! I was pretty excited to say the least.

The Treadmill Feeling...

2011-03-10T15:12:00.002-11:00

Do you ever feel like you are running on a treadmill? I get that feeling when I have planned too much in a week. I know I am always saying "I need out of my house", but in all reality I need to just stay put a little more.

When I had Ebuster I tried to keep up with all of my "pre-kid" moments. Finally, I started to slow down once I figured that out it was better for all of us. Now being a mom of two, I have felt this pressure of keeping up with all that is going on.

Slowly, I am coming to a decision that I need to slow down even more. I need to get out of this treadmill feeling and just chillax. Its all about the balance! I just need to figure that out what that balance is.

So my goal this week is to figure out how to combat that treadmill feeling!

Crazy kind of day...

2011-03-08T09:46:00.002-11:00

Aunt Lizzie came into town last Thurs. and here a few shots of visit... it was MUCH too short and Elijah misses her terribly, but we know she will back again soon for a visit!Cuddling on the couch!

Elijah's new thing is to point at everything and babble about it...

One of the first pics I have taken with the boys... I need to do more of that!

So today has been one of thos dreaded "mom days"... I was up at 5:30 am with Elijah who has a cold and hasn't had one since October... A cute little baby who didn't wan to nap... oh and thats right it is 3:52 and I don't know what we are having for dinner. So I took this cute shot of Hudson and thought they don't stay this little forever...

2 Months Already!

2011-03-03T04:57:00.002-11:00

So this blog is a journal of our lives and I love that I spend time doing, but some days I hate our computer. Some how I cannot get the pics off of our lovely camera again and thus cannot retrieve Hudson's 2month pics. So this is as close as I am going to get. This was taken a few says before his actual 2 month mark!So Hudson... what are you up to:

- Weight: 11lbs 5 oz.. 43 %

- Length: 23 1/2 inches.. 73%

- You were 3-6 month clothes in one piece items, but you will still fit into your 0-3 pants

- You were size 1-2 diapers, but you still poop out of them a ton!

- Rolling... Oh my are you are a mover! Even the dr. said at your 2 month appt. that you are a mover!

- Sleep...oh the joys of having you sleep... You love your belly and like your crib sometimes... Sometimes you will only sleep on people!

- You are becoming a super smiley baby and we love how happy you have become!

- Hudson you were an unexpected surprise that God decided to bless us with and we love so much!Can't forget about this chunker! He is being his normal happy self... He is now into peanut butter on anything and barbecue sauce on everything also! E is starting to move a ton more and Praise God for that!!

Sweet little pic of the boys the other night just hanging out with their Daddy!

This is Hudson determined face... he is normally looking this! He loves to get anywhere he can!

Life...

2011-02-22T06:58:00.003-11:00

Last Wednesday night, we took a trip to visit K's grandma Pierce. She is a plain lady with a lot of spunk! We love this pic and will treasure it for years to come. I never got to meet any of my great-grandparents, but Elijah loves all of his. Both boys did great and had a lovely time.This weekend was lovely because K had off from work... from Thursday until Monday and even a two hr. delay today! So I headed to the spa on Friday and we did church on Saturday night.

Sunday, we headed out for our Valentines dinner. We went to PF Chang's and it was sooo good! K loved his first visit and a HUGE thanks to Nana and Pappy for watching our lovely herd...
One sweet picture from last night...E was loving Sesame Street and Hudson was just hanging out!

Valentines Day

2011-02-16T10:33:00.002-11:00

So this is as far as our Valentines are going to make it this year.... I had everything ready to go, but just ran out of time! We went back to work this weekend and lets just say it was busy!This is the best pic we got of our little guys... I am sure our days of having lovely pics are over!

We thought it would be fun to take the tots out for a simple dinner on Valentines... E did great and Huddy just slept through it all!
We then went home to open gift and E was starting to fall apart! So we opened quickly, but I did get a little beauty called a fondue pot!!! I am super excited to use that bad boy this upcoming week!

The Latest and Greatest

2011-02-09T07:57:00.003-11:00

Life here is busy and full of life every day! I do enjoy most days and looking at this sweet face below makes it all worth it. Our days are super busy and extremely scheduled, but we are making it work. God is blessing us with amazing times with our kids and trials that we are learning a lot through. So here are a few sweet pics of the kid...All ready for the snow... his first time actually playing it in!

Hudson 6 weeks old... how time flies...

Sorry this pic is a little upside down...but here is a pic of Elijah's new boots... I find them to be quite funny since I got them at Walmart... they are little rustic, but they do the job fantasticly..

My little boys... this shirt already doesn't fit Hudson! So much for the matching outfits!
I do have to say I love snow, but I am ready for spring and all that comes with it!

14th months

2011-01-28T06:29:00.004-11:00

How can this cute little face be 14 months already! I feel like he has been apart of our family forever!! Here are couple of stats on the little bugger:
- Wears size 4 diapers and 18-24 month clothes
- LOVES farms, cars, trucks, and tractors... he is ALL boy!
- Talks a ton... says mama, dada, nana, ppp (for pappy), hi, buba, and sometime yumm
- He is moving okay.. he gets around and is starting to take some steps
- We continue to see our PT on Mondays and it does seem to be helping
- Overall, he is a lovely child who enjoys everything life has to offer!

This was a quick shot I took of him watching me shovel our walk the other day... He also loves to be outside and watching all that is going on around him.

Elijah Anderson we love you very much and can't wait to see what amazing man God is going to shape you into!

Chocolate World and Aunt Jen Jen's visit

2011-01-27T13:36:00.002-11:00

This week we were blessed with a great visit from my sis! Here is a cute little snap shot of her holding her cute little nephew Huddy!

We decieded to get out of the house for a little and took Elijah to Chocolate World at Hershey Park. He LOVED it! He hasn't been there for a while and this was the first time he really noticed all of it, which was fun for all of us! We then went to the outlets and shopped for a while and the boys did great.

Hudson's 1 Month!

2011-01-25T10:27:00.004-11:00

I can't believe how fast this last month has gone! Hudson is a very good baby and he has some of the same features of his brother!

Here are his stats...
- Weights 9lbs 10.5 oz
- 23 1.2 inches long
- Sleeps about 5 hrs. at night and takes a couple of good naps through out the day
- Elijah LOVES him and wants to touch him all the time
- Is pretty chill and loves to be played with...

We are enjoying every minute with the boys. Our days are very scheduled at this point, but I know with time there will be more freedom. Time goes quickly when they are young and we want to enjoy every min.!

Transition

2011-01-21T01:08:00.002-11:00

Since we have had Hudson we have been in a constant state of transition. Transition in how K and I relate to each other, how we relate to E, and how our little family exists every day! I haven't really had time to think about how that has effected me. I have been pretty numb to what has all happened. As a friend put it to me the other day I am surviving and as humans, we are made to survive. I think it is time I start to process what has happened in our lives in the last month.

As I sit at the computer this morning, everyone is asleep including Hudson at my feet and it is time for me to slow down and just enjoy my new babe. We have been so busy getting everyone on a schedule and keeping schedules that we have not taken time to just enjoy. I am constantly reminding myself how thankful I am that God blessed us with two children after so many years of want. Yes, it is kind of embarrassing to say how close together my kids, but I then need to gently remind myself of how much God has blessed us.

This time of transition is a time of reinventing myself. I am now a mom of two... WOW... this is crazy. I had always pictured myself in this fashion, but it is crazy when it actually happens...

Transition teach us a lot. I am learning how to lean on Christ in a new way and how to love in a new way.

Simply put we are all changing and I am enjoying this change for once!

Farm Show

2011-01-16T03:52:00.002-11:00

Last Wednesday night we took Elijah to the farm show along with Nana and Pappy. Right now Elijah is super into tractors or as he calls them "broom brooms" So naturally, he LOVED the farm show.

Pappy and Elijah with the big chicken....E loved it and was talking to it!!

Daddy with E infront of the cow from Turkey Hill Dairies...

This morning K took E to church for the first time since Hudson was born... I just got a text saying E was screaming as he got dropped off at his class. So who knows what report I will get when he gets home!

A Little of This and a Little of That

2011-01-11T03:30:00.002-11:00

This week has started off being pretty normal! Not much is going on except maybe a small snow storm tomorrow, which would be awesome if we could have Daddy home for one day!

E playing with all of his "broom broom" aka tractors... He is going to LOVE the farm show on Wednesday night!

Hudson sleeping through it all! Last night he slept from 11:15 pm until 4:50am... it was a super treat!

We were trying to get a cute pic of the boys and this is how it started on Sunday. So we got a good one of Elijah!This morning I was sitting at the computer checking some stuff out and I put Elijah on the floor to play, but this is what I turned around to! He was trying to grab Hudson's head! I know this is only a sign of things to come!

Adjusting...

2011-01-06T03:50:00.003-11:00

Life with 2 has been a pretty smooth transition... i have figured out it just a matter of timing! I need to time all little boys naps and eating times at exactly the right time.

These two little loves are delightful most days except when Hudson is screaming at 5 am!

We have had lots of help from this lovely lady! I heat this pic and will be cherished for years to come!

This little beast chowed down last night on dinner... we just had to get a pic of this little face all messy. Messy little boys are the best!

A day of 1st..

2011-01-02T07:23:00.002-11:00

Yesterday, we had a lot of firsts at our house! It was our first New Year's as a family of four!Hudson had his first bath and of course screamed through most of it!

We brushed Elijah's teeth for the first time... you know you need to do this when your kid is waking up with morning breath!

Today, we took our first family walk! E was happy to get out of the house and Hudson just slept through it all! Love my double stroller... I am sure this going to get a ton of use in the months to come!

The Chaotic Christmas with a special blessing....

2010-12-29T03:08:00.004-11:00

So our Christmas did not go as planned! We always knew in the back of our minds that our little Hudson could arrive, but didn't think much of it. So Christmas Eve, we moved into my in-laws place due to a boil water advisory here in our town. Needless to say being 9 months prego and having a 1 year old that was not fun. So we thought to make it easier we would just go over there are hang out until Christmas Day when the advisory should be over! We hung out all day and E had a great time with his grandparents. We headed out to church after a scream fit by Ebuster and had a lovely time at church with my in-laws. I will post more pics from that later because they are on my mil's camera. After church, K was feeling horrible so bad that I had to drive super fast home from church in order for him to puke when we got home! Oh that was lovely... so I got Elijah ready for bed and put him down for the night. Around 11:30ish I started to feel crappy too... thinking I was also receiving the lovely Christmas Flu, I put my pj's on and got into bed. A few mins. later I puked and thought here we go.... Then, all of sudden I felt this little trickle down my leg. I thought I can't be peeing myself this must be my water breaking. I said to a very sick hub I think my water just broke. He was like what the heck I am sick and I feel like death! So he called the midwife and hopped into the shower to feel a little better. I of course the germ aphobia that I am got into the shower also... you know I like to be clean when I go into the hospital. At this point I was having no contractions and then all of sudden they started to come on. We left around 12ish and drove 45 mins to the hospital. By the time we had arrived at the hospital, I was ready for an epidural and some relief. I was 6-7 cm. by that point and I thought it was going to take forever. I then went into triage and they hooked me all up to iv's and monitors. Next step was the delievery room and by that point or should I say in a matter of 15 mins. I was at 9 cm. I just wanted to get this little person out at this point. So I started pushing and he was born at 2:04 am. Why do my kids like holidays and why do they like the middle of the night!!! K and I keep wondering this .

A quick shot right after delivery. K is wearing his gown and mask due to stomach flu and I had a mouth full of pretzels, due puking on the way down!!!
Everyone keeps calling this our Llbean pic... actually K's sweater is from there and is a Christmas present that he got early. The brothers at first glance. Elijah loves Hudson and Hudson is becoming fond of him... i guess that is the best way to explain it!

This is from Sunday and I am feeling much better! Christmas Day was a little rough, but thankful Hudson is such a good baby!

Thank you for all of the congratulations, texts, and calls. We are all doing great even though Hudson is starting his little life off with a little cold...

Life Lately....

2010-12-16T04:02:00.004-11:00

So I am little behind on what is going on in our world... Partly, because I thought I would have had a baby by now... So we have been taking things day by day...

Two weekends ago, I baked 5 different kinds of Christmas Cookies with my Sil's and Mil... We had a blast and the kids had fun joining us this year. The Men were all super busy at our homes while we were gone.

One more shot from the day ... I am looking pretty prego in this pic. E had a blast with all of the family!

Last night we had our first little hair cut. He did great... his hair looks okay... i learned a lot from this event. We now know what to do for next time!

35 Weeks and 6 days...

2010-12-10T14:05:00.003-11:00

So this is the longest I have ever been prego! I have to say I have been enjoying the last couple of days that Hudson stays inside. It does take us one day closer to Christmas, but it is one more days to enjoy our little family of three.

I have really mixed emotions about each day that passes. I enjoy being pregnant and I enjoy the little moments of feeling him move, but I am ready to meet little Huddy as we call him right now. I am also excited about having a few more days with just me and Ebuster. We have such a great routine every day and I love that little monster even though there are those days!

So with all that said I think I am ready for the Christmas season to be in full force and to enjoy it. Lately, I have been way too focused on Hudson's arrival and not enough on our Savior's birth. That is truly the reason for the season.

Sorry for all the deep thoughts on a Friday night, but this is one of the first times I have sat down all day and have even got to process through all of my emotions and thought!!!!

Elijah's Actual Birthday and Visit with Santa

2010-12-01T15:30:00.003-11:00

Here are few pics about our recent events in our house!

Elijah on the morning of his 1st birthday! He was so happy to open presents with Daddy!

Blowing out his candle on his cake with his momma...

Opening more presents with Nana and Pappy...

Tonight, we got to visit with Santa! Elijah loved him and could have sat there all night!

Amazing Christmas Card deal from Shutterfly!

2010-11-30T12:51:00.006-11:00

Christmas Cards are so different for us this year! I guess my biggest dilemma is do I put a picture of our whole family or just of Elijah. Last year we went with the entire family and E had only been home from the hospital for 12 hrs. at that point.Picture #1- Cute fall pic and shows him accurately! Love the scenery and love how he looks at the camera.

Picture #2- We took this before his dedication and it pretty good. I am not in love, but it would work. We all look good and I am not looking too prego at this point.

With this all said I am loving Shutterfly's opt. for this season! You can check out all of their holiday cards here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

Or these lovely beauties that don't involve a pic... so I guess I could technically go with one of these to change it up!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

Such choices... what is a girl to do? I would enjoy feedback on what to do! I am more of a Traditional card picker and would like one with more red and green on it! I know this is such a HUGE challenge due to the prego brain on overload this year!!

I wish I wasn't going to have a newborn at this point in time or I would host a fancy soiree for New Years... check out their cards for that here:http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/new-years-cards

My final note ... if you are interested in this deal of getting 50 free cards for posting on your blog check out the link below!

http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Turkey Day!

2010-11-26T06:55:00.003-11:00

Yesterday, marked a milestone in our lives... Elijah's last 1st holiday! He will be official 1 this weekend!!!

He LOVED all thanksgiving foods!! He was such a trooper yesterday after dinner we went shopping until 11pm and hung out great the entire time!

Here is the only pic I took of him with other family, which is awful that I wasn't more on taking pictures!! We did get AMAZING deals shopping yesterday and I am glad we went!

Elijah's 1st Birthday/Dedication

2010-11-23T15:41:00.002-11:00

I know it has been forever!!! I could blame it on being prego or being busy, but none of those seem like good options. So here are few of the highlights from E's birthday party/dedication day. Smash cake time... He was so tired that he wasn't as into it as we thought he would be!
Love this pic and love how he is looking at me for some support or something!

This was post cake clean up. I love his little face in this...
Trying to give Aunt Liz some kisses... He does love to give kisses to everyone around him now. I can't believe a year has gone by. It feels like he has just been around forever. His actual bday is this weekend and we will celebrate this weekend with K's parents and siblings.

Trick or Treat

2010-11-02T07:24:00.002-11:00

This weekend we had a lot of trick or treating time! Friday night we went out with Jill, Jon, and Eliana...

Here is a quick pic of the duck and the lion! So precious... I am sure this will be many more of these pics!

On Sunday, we trekked down to Jenna's for a little Media trick or treating... much better than Central Pa. Here are my boys all dressed up!

A little family of three pic... not for much longer!

My big boy's 11 month pic. I didn't do a whole post on 11 months, but he is still super happy, loving, content, and fun! He loves people, talking, and watching what is going on around him. He is super laid back like his papa and loves his mama! We love Elijah Anderson and we are so thankful God placed you in our family!

Weekend

2010-10-25T07:12:00.002-11:00

This weekend we had to work, but we thought it would be fun to take a few pics of E in the leaves....

He is sitting up all on his own and loved the leaves!

This is one of my favs... he is happy and loves hanging outside!

This Weekend

2010-10-20T08:14:00.003-11:00

This past weekend Kent and I got the privilage of being apart of Nate and Marci Hellers wedding! It was a blast and we had a great time.A quick shot of the happy couple cutting their cake!

The three amigos minus the groom! These guys have been friends since their Messiah days and they had a great time catching up all weekend!
A lovely shot of us! We didn't get a whole lot of great pics of us just because we were really busy that day... but here is one good one!

Update on Elijah

2010-10-20T08:09:00.002-11:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything... these weeks just seem like they keep flying by! It was really cold last week so I put E in his winter coat. It is really big for right now, but I am sure by the end of winter it will just fit!

He is now in a Toddler car seat! He is getting so big. I know when Hudson gets here he will seem like a peanut compared to this big guy!
Elijah loves all types of foods! I made him eat some strawberries the other day and he kind of spit them out... I guess its because they weren't from Nana and Pappy's garden!

Diaper and Toy Deals...

2010-10-09T13:04:00.002-11:00

I know I should have pics and that I said I would post this by Friday, but Friday came and went! So here is the shake down on the fantastic deals I got at Rite Aid and Kohls....

I got three packages the small ones of Pure and Natural Huggies for $9.97! Yes, that is right folks I got 3 for the price of one! I use a couple of coupons and one video value coupon to complete the deal.

I hit up Kohls before hand and got a $35.00 toy for just $10.50! It is a Playskool Ball popper thing... of course I forget the proper name for it. I used a coupon I got in the mail and one off the internet. All of their toys were 25% off to begin with.

So on Thursday, I spent $20.00 and got three packages of diapers and one toy! That was quite fun folks!

Crazy Week!

2010-10-07T13:44:00.003-11:00

This week has been jammed packed!

Mon: It rained all day here! We went for an ultrasound on Hudson and everything looked great! He is measuring a little big so hopefully, he slows down a little!Tues: We headed to MOPS bright and early... this is a little snap shot of the Eli before we left! He had a blast there and slept in the nursery, which is unheard of for this little tot! Then we headed off to my friend Megan who watched the little man while i did my glucose test. Hopefully, I passed, but won't know until Monday most likely.

Cont. Tuesday... We met up with Auntie Liz aka the Baby Whisper for a little dinner since she is in town from Houston and is playing in Lanc. Of course, Elijah loved all of her sweetness and attention.
Wed: Y, nap, lunch with a friend, and the melting pot with these lovely ladies! I had a blast... thanks so much Kel!!They brought me this lovely plate for my birthday as a little celebration. The choc. course we picked was AWESOME!!! K and I might have to plan a date for a little choc. fondue before this special one goes away.

Today, was crazy.. no pic sorry... but I got a ton of things off the To Do List, which is always lovely. I will share about my crazy diaper deals tomorrow!

30th Birthday Weekend

2010-10-04T04:22:00.003-11:00

This weekend marked the milestone of my 30th bday! It was a fun and super busy weekend. Friday, the day of my actual birthday we ventured down to Exton for some shopping and some dinner. I wanted to go to Bonefish, but the wait was insane so we went to Frenska. So super good. This was my first time, but I am sure we will be back! This is the only good pic we got with E because he was being a nightmare!

This lovely pic is from my party! Hub through a great 30th party at The Inn at Leola. We had great food, lovely conversation, and wonderful drinks...

Me and my sis at my party. I didn't take very many pics of course because I was too busy chatting.

10 Months Already!

2010-09-28T13:09:00.002-11:00

I had this huge realization the other day that my little baby is almost 1! I can't believe it and this year has gone pretty quickly, but not flown as most people would say. I have enjoyed every min.

A few quick facts:

- He weights around 20 llbs.

- Elijah is about 29 inches

- Most days he loves being outside, in his jumper, or hanging out with any people!

- He can say Mama, Dada, Baba (bottle), the TH sound, the F sound, and many more

- He LOVES all food except cousous and hard boiled eggs...

- Elijah is still a great sleeper... am nap, pm nap, and 11 hrs. at night!

I know he is going to be a great big brother to Hudson!

One of my two cuties after we took his 10 month pic.. which was hard because he wanted to trash the paper the min. he saw it!!

2010-09-27T13:43:00.002-11:00

I know I have been a little MIA lately and there is really no excuse! So here are few pics of the little man to make everyone happy!

Hanging out in his John Deer shirt courtesy of Auntie Liz...
Playin with Nana! He LOVES his Nana and Pappy!
Love this pic! He is looking so grown up in this one! I can't believe tomorrow he will be 10 months!

Weekend

2010-09-14T07:38:00.003-11:00

So I have been a total slacker on the blog patrol! I need to more regularly update and write down the journal of our lives. Kent and I were just talking the other night about how we want to print out the blog so we have a record of our lives for our kids!

Saturday, we were working, but we took the boys to an organic apple festival. Elijah went on his first apple picking! It was a little hot in the sun, but the boys had a blast. We want to make this a regular tradition with our family.

Of course Sunday, was the first official Eagles game and we were all decked out in our green and white. They lost, but it was still an interesting game to say the least. E loved his first game ... now if we could only get him to chant E-A-G-L-E-S!!!

Weekend....

2010-09-08T07:25:00.002-11:00

This weekend was my BFF's wedding! We have been friends since 4th grade and our other friend joined us in 6th grade. That is a long time folks! Ignore the no make-up look on any of us...It was a fun weekend and so busy it just flew by!

Saturday flew by with a great birthday party and dinner out! Of course, I didn't take any pics and I should have!

Sunday, was our annual Brandt family picnic. Here is Maggie holding the Eman... when I joined the family she was a little tot and now she is going to be 10 this week! Elijah just loves playing with her!
We are just hanging out on the swing at Grandma and Grandpa's place waiting for lunch. E was so good even though the entire day messed up his sched!
These two little hams are going to be great friends even though they look scared to death right now! Stevie and Megan came over for a playdate or should we say a Mom date! We needed some adult convo... They were great and each took naps so we could really talk!

It's A.....

2010-09-01T00:31:00.002-11:00

Well... Elijah is getting a brother!!! The baby looks great and measuring right on schedule maybe even a little big! We had this cake made to show K's parents what we were having... It has been a very fun and exciting time!

Busy... Busy...

2010-08-26T04:14:00.003-11:00

We have been crazy lately or so I feel like that.... maybe its just the prego state! Here are bunch of pics of what we have been up to lately. Playing at the Park, Dinner out, Dutch Wonderland, and bath time!

Super Busy Week

2010-08-21T07:13:00.003-11:00

This week has been insane! It has flown by and I have only taken a few pics. I really should have taken more. We had a playdate with Megan and Stevie, Salsa making with Nana, Sauce making with Nana, and working out at the Y. So here are few pics of the little guy. Oh and I forgot one thing... He got a tooth this week!!!

One happy little guy... who loves his daddy!

Upgrades....

2010-08-15T03:14:00.003-11:00

We have a lot of upgrades to do around our house before January hits like a huge blizzard. I need advice to ask what I should upgrade too.... so please leave me comments on what to buy....

Item number 1:
What type of double stroller do I get? Should I get a side by side or a front to back? I need something for a baby and a toddler. Do I get a city mini or something else???

Item number 2:
What type of carseat should I upgrade E to?
Do I get a Britax for both cars since they are the best? Do I stick to something that is little less expensive?? I have found with infant seats that Chicco are the best, but are the most expensive!

Of course, we have been looking at houses for days now and that will continue until something is found! That is one upgrade that I think we know what we want!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2010-08-09T14:13:00.003-11:00

This week was pretty packed! Friday night K and I went to see a movie and had a little time for just us! Then, Saturday we rushed to a wedding in Md. and bought a playset from some friends. So E is already to swing on his new swing set! It is currently, being housed at the grandparents backyard until we figure out where we are moving! Thanks so much Mom and Dad!! Sunday, we had a spa day for my friend Regan who is getting married in September!So that brought our sweet friends the Yoder's to town and these two little buddies could hang out! Ben and Elijah are only 3.5 months apart and are starting to really love to play together! So stinkin cute and I am sure they will only become better friends as time goes on...

This pictures shows friendship that has lasted for over 15 years! Regan in the middle is the bride to be and Shannon is on the end is the momma of Ben. We have been through many different events in our lives and stay friends through it all!

When we got back from the spa the boys played in the pool and had a blast! Then, they all had to leave... always a sad moment!
Today, we took the little man to Dutch Wonderland. We went with some friends from the Milt and had a blast! E was super hot, but hung out like a trooper. He went on a couple of rides and played in the waterpark. This is the only picture I took all day.. I was a bad blogger today!

Busy Week!

2010-08-07T14:33:00.003-11:00

We had a super busy week with Swim Lessons, Lunch Dates, Visits to Great Grandparents, and Date Nights this week was packed!Tuesday night we went and had dinner with K's grandma! She made us a fabulous dinner and Elijah loved playing with her!

On Wednesday, we made the trek down to visit my grandparents. E LOVED their pool!

They spoiled him rotten and of course he loved every min. of it.
He loves mommom and was playing with her all afternoon.

On another note we went to see Dinner for Smucks and it was ridiculous with crass humor and just really bad filming. I don't recommend it, but we did have a good dinner date afterwards...

Swim Lesson

2010-08-03T09:40:00.003-11:00

So we started Swim Lesson this week! Elijah is the youngest kid in, but loves it!Here he is getting ready with his daddy to get into to the pool. K and I are trading off every other day getting in the pool with him.
Here is the little man swimming around!

A quick pic before lessons just hanging out while I update my blog!

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-08-02T02:04:00.003-11:00

Friday night we had a super busy night signing some papers for a new house....well let's just say it isn't official yet because we looked at another house yesterday. So we got to pick Elijah late on Friday night from K's parents because I also had to get a new phone!!!So here is his wake-up pic!! So stinking cute!!

Saturday nigh we went to the drive-in put on by Turkey Hill. They run free outdoor movies on this huge screen. He is laying on a blanket playing with one of our friends kids!

Here is a pic of us before it starts... I wanted to try and get the screen in on the background, but that didn't happen!
Sunday was church and looking at another house! But in the evening we got a sitter and went to Sam's birthday party! It was fun and here are the guy playing the Wii

The birthday girl and the host! Such a fun night!

1st Trip To Hershey Park

2010-07-28T09:16:00.003-11:00

Since we live so close to Hershey Park and we get free tickets we decided last night was the right night to take the little man for his first trip. K grew up going to Hershey Park since he was a tot and so we thought it would be fun to take along K's parents for the evening. He LOVES Merry-Go- Rounds...he had a blast on his first ride!
Here we are at Chocolate World... it is kind of dark, but the singing cows are in the background. He loved watching all of that!
He loved riding the train sitting on his Pappy's lap! He had a blast and it was a fun night for all of us!

Zucchini Everywhere

2010-07-27T09:04:00.003-11:00

I thought since everyone's gardens are exploding! I would post a great recipe for Zucchini Pie. It sounds like a random recipe, but it is sooo good! Enjoy!

Zucchini Pie:
1 Pkg Crescent Rolls
1 lb. of ground beef (could be chicken or turkey)
1/2 C chopped onion (I sometimes put a whole cup in because I like onions)
3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 C sliced zucchini
1/4 C chopped green pepper
2 Tbl butter
1 tsp dill weed
1 C shredded cheese ( I sometimes put more in!)
5 tomato slices

Preheat oven to 350. Press Crescent rolls into a pie pan to form a crust. In skillet brown beef and onion; drain and stir in salt and pepper. Set aside. Saute' zucchini and green pepper in butter for 5 mins. and stir in dill.
Spoon meat mixture evenly over crust and sprinkle 1/2 of cheese on top. Spread zucchini mixture evenly over meat and cheese. Top with tomato slices.
Bake for 10 mins. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake for additional 10 mins. Allow to cool for 5 mins. before serving! Enjoy!!!

Pool Fun

2010-07-25T13:48:00.002-11:00

So we bought a little pool for E in our backyard and it was kind of a bust! We filled it with water early in the afternoon so it would warm up and it did, but to no avail Ebuster did not like it :(He is saying can you please take me out of here... it was super warm water at the point we put him in!

He is much happier laying on the towel chillin with us in the grass!

Lately, it has been so hot we have just been hanging out inside playing with toys! He has been wearing himself out, but this was the other morning he was just sitting with playing with his toys!