It's Official.

So I guess we've hit the point of no return. This last weekend we went to Naples with the boys and Tj's parents. We visited the area and found places for us to live. (Yes, Tj's *parents are moving to Naples "with" us.) It was a fun trip. The boys are really good travelers and of course it's always fun for them to spend so much time with Nama and Pa who spoil them rotten. : )

Here are pictures from our trip.

The trip down


Joel slept, Vance played.


Dinner at PF Changs.

The boys are big fans of Won Ton soup!


Friday Night Out

Tj's parents watched the boys and we went out with an old classmate of Tj's. It was nice night and a nice break (and of course the boys had a blast eating KFC and watching Wall-E with Nama and Pa).

At the Pier

Joel posing at the pier. The boys looking at the ocean.


Sharing ice cream with Nama.

Vance playing at the play area at the mall.

*My perfectionist husband thought that I should add the word parent to this sentence. I told him that I thought the intelligent readers of my blog would be able to assume that he would be going with us as would his parents. He insisted and so the post was edited. Just to clarify- both Tj AND his parents will be moving down to Naples with me and the boys in November.

Funnies.

So yet another reason we need to visit out West ASAP. Joel continues to crack us up with his words and sentences. This is the conversation we have on a regular basis:

As we're driving over an overpass-

Joel: Mommy, mountain!
Me: Where?
Joel: There
Me: The overpass?
Joel: Yes, mommy- mountain.

I don't even know where he got that. I really want him to see a REAL mountain- I want to see a real mountain!


The Three Pigs-

I was telling Joel the story of the three pigs before his nap. I got to the part where the wolf was at the last piggie's house.

Mommy: Little pig, little pig let me in. Joel, what do you think the piggies said?
Joel: oink oink oink.

I laughed so hard! Of course that's what they said.

Manda's Monday Musings

So I guess it's been another week. Where the time goes I have no idea. But I have decided to get better about posting and I guess weekly is good enough right?!

So I'll start with the current status of our family and then get on to the good stuff. For those of you who didn't know (because we didn't make a big deal out of it) the company that Tj was flying for filed for bankruptcy in July. This left Tj without a job and playing Mr. Mom. The boys have been loving it! However, we are happy to say that we have accepted a new job. Tj did a much better job of describing it here. So in a nutshell we are moving to the other side of FL. I have learned a very important lesson regarding prayer in all of this. You see for the last 6 years I have been praying that the way would be made for us to move West. Well apparently I wasn't specific enough because while we are moving West (approximately 280 miles West) it was not exactly what I meant. I will now be providing map coordinates in my prayers to move West. (lol kind of). But really this is a great career opportunity for Tj and we really do feel like it was an answer to many prayers. This also means that I will be retiring from Gambro where I've been employed for the last 6 years and will try my hand at being a full time SAHM.
In the meantime that means we're now looking at quite the list of "To Do's" before December 1st (Tj's official hire date). Included in that is finding a renter for our current house, finding a new place on the other coast of FL, packing and moving, and getting ready for the holidays (including hopefully at least one trip out "West" to see family and friends). It will be an exciting time for us! We're very fortunate to have Tj's parents and they will be making this adventure (and move) with us! So we will at least know two people when we move. It'll be good.

So on to the part that you've all been waiting for- Joel and Vance updates.

So you would think that in a week there wouldn't be THAT much to update but there is. These boys are so funny. I think kids in general are funny but when you're around them 24/7 and are constantly exposed to their antics you start to think that maybe just maybe your kids are the funniest kids.

Anyhow, Vance is a full fledged swimmer. I swear this kid is going to drown himself. In the bath tub he throws himself back in the water and starts kicking his feet and splashing his hands (see photos below). There is no stopping him. He has also figured out the door handles (stupid lever handles!!) although he hasn't quite figured out how to push or pull when twisting the handle (until next week). He continues to add words to his vocabulary and has added nodding his head when you ask him a question he is answering yes to. He also loves to wave bye bye. He continues to be our shoe-a-holic which normally wouldn't be a bad thing except he insists on eating shoes. It really grosses me out. For being such a picky eater he will put just about anything in his mouth. He continues to get more teeth and currently has four top front teeth, 3 1/2 bottom front teeth, and two top molars. He is such an easy teether though. He constantly makes us laugh and LOVES to be the center of attention.

Covered in bubbles! Bath time is his favorite time of day.

Swimmin'


Mean momma making him sit up.


Reaching the front door handle.

Joel is our laid back child. He makes me smile every day. He likes to get into "Love you" wars where he'll tell you "Love you" and then I'll tell him "Love You!" and we go back and forth. He loves "Dino Bites" and cheese. He continues to love trains and Thomas and Friends. Luckily he also is starting to like Bob the Builder and Curious Buddies. Thank goodness for variety! He loves music and is starting to get his own taste in music. He loves playing Nama's piano and singing Primary songs. He is constantly singing and loves when I introduce a new silly song. He loves keys and loves figuring out how to lock and unlock things with keys. He also continues to be my number one helper- especially when it comes to running the electric sweeper. He loves that! He's so easy to please. One of his favorite "treats" are MM's (that is what he calls them- skips the &) and using "Mommy's blankie" (a NAP blanket from Brookstone). Potty training continues. He does really well at home and at Nama's house. Anywhere else it's hit and miss (literally). He's really starting to love trucks and Pa bought him a new remote control dump trunk last weekend. He is really enjoying playing with it! We also had a friend whose son had outgrown a Thomas the Train fold out couch so they gave it to Joel. He LOVES it. Anyhow I think this pictures explains Joel to a "T".

Joel Hanging Out.

And what about Tj and me?! I've started trying Birkham Yoga. I guess I'm going back to my AZ roots. Hanging out in a 100 degree room attempting to contort my body while finding my inner zen. Really though there was a good introductory rate and so my MIL Cindy and I are trying it together. (Although at the end of the trial month I think I'm going to retire from Yoga.) Tj is also trying out new hobbies and is blogging and becoming quite the cook. Tonight he made us White Chili. It was really good. I'm hoping that his interest in cooking dinner continues. : )

Update- with pictures.

So life is getting back to "normal" at least for the time being. The boys continue to make us laugh and keep us entertained.

Even grocery shopping is fun with the boys!

Vance is finally deciding that he will permit us to serve him "regular" food. He is so picky! Joel would eat just about anything we gave him. Vance will put just about anything we give him in his mouth. Then proceed to take it out and fling it across the dining room. Heaven help me. He is getting better though. And when he is in one of his "particular" moods we have an extra set of hands that are willing to help.

Chowing down on spaghetti.

"More!"
(Note to self, remember to put a bib on whenserving spaghetti to the boys.)

Joel feeding Vance.
This is a true win win. Joel loves feeding Vance (it was his idea.)
And Vance will eat things for Joel that he won't for us.
Pure genius!

Joel is just beginning the stages of potty training. (Much to my dismay. I wanted to wait and potty train Joel and Vance at the same time!) Anyhow, it's a work in progress. We wait for him to show interest. We did buy him new underpants. Of course with his new obsession he was thrilled with the Thomas the Train pants. What is it with kids that they just instinctively put underwear on their heads?! Literally I took them out of the package and that is the first thing he did. Crazy kid. At least they were clean, right?!

Our underpants genius.

So proud of those new underwear!

Potty training is fun!
This is not a typical PT session.

Vance is my mischievous little guy. He has no fear and is just so inquisitive. When he empties the box of wipes for the 4th time in 4 boxes of wipes I don't quite appreciate the inquisitiveness of it all. (I know I should just put the wipes away but sometimes I just forget. Pathetic excuse, I know.)

Testing mommy's sanity.

Vance vs the bubbles.
He's just so funny that you've got to love his mischievous streak.

Quick Blog Blurb

So it's been a couple of weeks without a blog post. I know this because every time I stalk, I mean visit my friends' and families' blogs I see on their tickers how long it's been since I've posted. And since I have a guilt complex anyhow well......

So in other news things here have been pretty hectic. Well not so much for me but in general. We were minimally affected by Fay. Mostly just rain and a little wind. So far Ike doesn't appear to be a problem but really I haven't been paying a lot of attention.

I am actually on my way to go pick Tj up from the airport. Long story short he is returning from flying a plane down to Africa. He left last Wednesday and yeah is now getting back. Maybe he'll do a guest post about his trip. So it's been an exciting week for us. I got to take a week off from work to hang out with the boys. Tj's parents were celebrating their 30th anniversary on a cruise, Tj was flying around the world and I got to hang out with the boys. Somehow I feel I got a little cheated on the travel portion of that deal but it was a fun week just me and my boys.

The boys are just getting hysterical. I have a feeling we're going to be investing in bandaides and wrestling mats. Joel's favorite thing right now (in addition to Thomas & friends trains and trains in general) is to race. We had a playdate last week and had about 5 little boys racing down a pretty narrow hall. Of course there were tears involved but it was fun while it lasted. He also likes to climb onto things (chairs, toys, couches, beds) and jump off of them. I see skydiving and cliff jumping in his future. Heaven help me. Vance's favorite thing right now is whatever he should not be getting into. Wipes, toilet paper, anything on top of the dresser, toilet, garbage, sinks, dishwasher- well really the list is endless. He is just so mischievous! The other night I was cooking dinner and Vance had locked himself in his room (via the babygate). After I put dinner in the oven I went to check on him. I found him on Joel's bed and attempting to climb onto the dresser. He is just so adventurous. Joel and Vance are like ying and yang. I have a feeling the next 18 years are going to be quite the ride.

PS. You will notice that there are no pictures with this post. That is because as a spectator I am able to take pictures. As the referee not so much. Hopefully new pictures will come soon.

Some photos of the boys.

What's this, another post by Manda?! I know it's hard to believe.

The boys are staying active. They are getting to spend a lot of time with Tj lately and we are all enjoying it. We all went to the Sugar Mill Garden and had a good day. It would have been better had we had bug spray. There was a cat there and Joel was very interested in it.

Joel and Vance are still the best of friends. Joel constantly makes me laugh. He is very good about sharing and making sure that Vance gets a turn with whatever he's doing. They love to play together and wrestle around. In all honestly it makes me a little nervous but Tj makes sure to referee.

Joel is our little songbird. He LOVES to sing! He loves to sing "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam", "The ABC Song", "I am a Child of God", "Once there was a Snowman" (Yeah talk about ironic. The boy has never seen snow but loves to sing about snowmen.), the "Monkey" songs (monkeys jumping on beds and teasing the alligator), and all the other songs that are played on his and Vance's toys. His vocabulary continues to increase. Our favorite words lately are "Thank You" and "You're Welcome". He thanks us probably 75 times a day. For everything from getting him food to sending him to timeout. He's so funny! Hopefully he'll always be so polite.

Vance is our entertainer. He is always doing things to make us laugh. His latest thing is that he loves to stick out his tongue. He loves to empty my cupboards and "help" me empty the dishwasher. He is still my little mommas boy. Sometimes it's fun but other times it's frustrating. Vance also LOVES to dance. His little boogying cracks me up. But I love that he loves to move and groove. Vance is also trying very dilligently to keep up with Joel's vocabulary. He's always trying to mimic our words including: down, done, up, dada, and ah. He will also sign "More".

Other than that we're just continuing on with life. We're a little sick of all the rain we're getting courtesy of Fay. Although, we do need the rain and we have been blessed with safety. We have also been enjoying the Olympics. Our favorites (swimming and gymnastics) are now over but we're still enjoying watching the volleyball and track events. So that's what's going on here.

Happy Birthday Vance!

So Saturday was Vance's first birthday. What an incredible year this has been. We had a little party for him. He's our little monkey so that was the theme for his party. We had little monkey cupcakes and my friend Lindsey made a banana cake for Vance. We had a little barbecue and the boys played at the playground. Vance got lots of presents from family and friends. And of course he loved being able to dig into his cake. Surprising enough he hated getting cleaned up. It was a fun afternoon. We love our little Vance!

A Family Reunion of Sorts

So my cool cousin Xela (shay-lah) stopped by to see me today. Now that may not mean a lot to most people but she is a world traveler currently residing in AZ. She was out here visiting some friends and stopped by. It was so great to see her! She is such an amazing person. She has lived in SO many places and had so many experiences that I cannot even fathom. Her most recent job was helping at-risk youth in an outward bound type program. She is now getting ready to start her masters program in social work. Her goal- start a home in Guatemala for at risk youth there. (I may not be completely accurate on all that but it's the general gist.) Truly she is an amazing woman!
I have to say that I love my cousin Xela. I'm not sure she could be very much different from me than she already is. She is so tough, adventurous and intelligent. But she also has such a kind heart and such strength. I have so many memories of growing up and spending time with her that I won't even attempt to start sharing stories. She definitely has an adventurous streak to her. My life was more well-rounded for the time I spent with her- and maybe I'm a little tougher for it too. : )
So Xela thanks for stopping by!


PS for all my other relatives: If you come out and visit us you'll get a blog post with nice things about you too. (lol) : )

Busy Summer

So this summer has been a pretty busy one for us. It started with not one but two trips out to Arizona (at least for me- one with the boys one without), trips to the zoo, trips to the library, swimming with friends, a trip to Miami, watching fireworks, and a trip to the train show. That not even mentioning work, keeping up with the house, Scout camps for Tj, and trying to keep up with two very active boys. I know it's so obvious but Joel and Vance are so distinctively different people. I love my boys. They both have their strong points and challenges. But they constantly keep me busy and often times entertained (if not a little crazy).

I love how they constantly surprise me. Lately everything has become a cape for Joel. I love that he is getting into the whole pretend stage. The other day he was running around holding a dish towel around his neck. Of course Vance wanted to play to. So a couple of hair clips and another dish towel later and they were super heroes.

Joel's latest obsession has been with trains. He LOVES trains. He has a couple of trains at our house and Nama's house. He loves watching the Thomas & Friend's series and reading the books. He has bathtub toy trains and if all else fails just about any toy can substitute as a train. We saw an add on the TV the other day for a train expo in Orlando. We knew we had to take Joel. He had a blast- even if he was feeling a little under the weather.

Vance is just trying to keep up with Joel. He's so determined. In some ways that is great. He refuses to crawl and LOVES to walk and run around with Joel. He also wants to eat whatever is on Joel's tray and play with whatever Joel is playing with. It becomes quite the challenge keeping him occupied with more age appropriate food, toys, etc.

I am so fortunate that they are such good boys. Joel is so good at sharing- including with Vance and me. Vance just loves Joel and wants to be with him. They play together so well. I love watching them and playing with them. I know I was a little hesitant when I first found out we were expecting Vance. But I am so grateful that he's part of our family. Even on the days where I feel like I may just go crazy and I want to lock myself in my shower (the only place the boys haven't figured out how to get into) I feel so blessed to be a mom and wife. No matter where our family ends up or what the circumstances are once we're there we're a family and we'll be together. That is such a happy thought.

Arizona Trip

So I haven't gotten to post about our trip back in May. It was such a fun time. The kids all had a great time either playing together or driving each other crazy.

We traveled most of the day on Tuesday with the help of some very kind Samaritans who helped get us through the airports. We got in very late and spent the night at Brody and Sandy's house.

Wednesday we hung out with Sandy and Emma. We went to a play date at the park. The kids all had a pretty good time. Later we picked up Matthew from school and met Brody for dinner. Once the kids were put down to bed Sandy and I stayed up way to late chatting.

Thursday was quite the adventure. We picked up Aunty Ra Ra (RiKenna) from the airport and met Grandma Mony. Then we all headed down to Safford. After quickly catching up with Aunty Jay Jay (Jaron). We ate dinner and then headed to Jay Jay's graduation. Considering the late night the boys did fairly well at the graduation but were ready to go to bed as soon as it was over. So unfortunately I had to race home and put them to bed.

Friday was another traveling day. We headed back to Phoenix. We went straight to the Mesa Temple to go through with Brody and Sandy for the first time. Ra Ra and Jay Jay took care of the kids for us. It was great to be there with Brody and Sandy- not to mention all of my cousins and Aunts and Uncles. Then it was off to a buffet for dinner with lots of our family. It was such a good time. Joel LOVED it! He got to eat macaroni and cheese, ice cream and more ice cream. Then we went to the hotel and swam.

Saturday we got up and headed back to the Mesa temple for Brody and Sandy's sealing. Again we got to see lots of cousins and Aunts and Uncles. Angela was there and I got to spend some time with her. We had some good times. Again more ice cream for Joel. He loves spending time with family that is very liberal with the ice cream. lol Then we said good-bye to Grandma Mony, Pa Pa, Jay Jay and Ra Ra and went home with Brody and Sandy.

Sunday we went to church with Brody and Sandy. Then we headed over to my cousin Kim's house for dinner. It was great fun. My Aunt Sheri and Uncle Brent were there and all their children except my cousin Matthew. Even my cousin Jason was there with his daughter. We ate biscuits with chocolate gravy (sounds strange but is actually quite tasty) as well as sausage gravy (but NOT together). The kids played and we all caught up. It was a fun night.

The rest of the week ran together in a blur. There was more swimming and barbecue at Cousin Kim's house. Playing in the sprinklers at Brody and Sandy's. A trip to the Urgent Care for Joel (tonsillitis). And lots of playing with Emma and Matthew. Joel and Emma were either best friends getting into "trouble" together or arch-enemies. They did have a good time though. Emma was such a good little cousin to Vance. She was just so sweet with him. When we drove around with him next to her she would hold his little hand. It was really cute. Matthew was of course a great cousin too. One night Joel was having a hard time going to sleep. So Matthew went in and read to him. It was so nice of him. He's such a great kid and SO smart too.

We were sad to leave. We had so much fun spending time with Sandy and Brody and their family and of course were sad that we didn't get to spend nearly enough time with Grandma Mony and Papa and Jay Jay and Ra Ra and everyone else. But we did appreciate the time we did get to spend with everyone. We love our family!

Quick Update!

So I've been really bad about posting. But here's a quick update about the boys and some pictures. We've gotten to take several trips as a family. We took the boys to the local Zoo and they had a good time. Then we went down to Miami so Tee could renew his passport and we could enjoy some family time. Then we took the boys to the city firework display. It was such a good time. Vance LOVED the fireworks- light and sounds. Joel wasn't so enthusiastic- he was intrigued by the lights but DID NOT like the noise. The next day Pa took everyone to see Wall-E. Vance was a little young Joel LOVED the movie. He kept saying- "One Mo". Anyhow, I guess things are slowing down for us- well relatively speaking.

Joel: Joel is officially a two-year-old. For better or worse. He never fails to make us laugh. He loves music and singing. His newest favorite songs include: Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam (aka Beam!), The Alphabet Songs (aka ABCs), Daddy's Homecoming, oh and did I mention ABCs?! He also LOVES watching "So You Think You Can Dance", "Backyardagains" and "Thomas & Friends" and "Pinky Dinky Doo". He is always coming up with the funniest things. He is the little boss. He will watch what Vance is doing and then tell him, "No, No, Bance. No No" even if Vance is only playing with a toy Joel wants. He also is continually picking up new words and trying new words. It's late so I'm having a hard time remembering everything I wanted to write. So that's it.

Vance: Vance is growing up SO fast. Our biggest announcement with Vance is that he is walking. Yes, at 9 1/2 months he started walking and has never looked back. He also has 4 teeth and is working on a fifth. He has found his voice and loves to practice raising it. That whole cause and effect thing is hilarious to him. He loves feeding himself and is a huge fan of Puffs and Cheerios. He also loves to clap, wave and blow kisses. He is SO sweet. He is still our little cuddler and sweetie. He has no fear and loves to do whatever Joel is doing.

Joel's Second Birthday

So Joel had his 2nd Birthday on the 22nd. I can't believe how big he is getting. He is such a good kid, but we are definitely entering the "two's". We were in AZ for his birthday so before we left we had a family birthday party with Nan and Pa and daddy. Joel helped me make and decorate his birthday cake, Nan made his favorite foods for dinner (mac and cheese, chicken, fruit, bread and of course cake), we had decorations and of course presents. He got a Mr. Potato Head, some puzzles, and some craft supplies from mom and dad. Nan and Pa bought him shoes and a new bike! It was a great day and he loved it! Luckily we celebrated his birthday before we left because our trip to AZ ended up being a whirlwind especially on Joel's birthday. Anyhow, here are pictures from Joel's birthday celebration.

A Day At The Firehouse.

On May 16th one of Joel's friends had a birthday party. His mom had the coolest idea and arranged for us all to go to the firehouse. It was really fun.

Beach Bums

What's this?! Two posts in one week. What has the world come to? Actually I am very sleepy and really want to go to bed but I just had to share our fun day at the beach. Not all of these pics are from today but most of them are. I have to say that my boys are officially beach bums! (Well Vance likes it the first little bit but then is ready to head into the tent for some R&R.) They must get that from the Rosen side. But alas with the help of Nan we packed up the boys and the stuff and more stuff and went to the beach with our friends Diane and Tyler.

I have to admit that it was actually a really fun day- well couple of hours. We played in the waves, dug a hole, threw sand, played in the waves some more had some snacks and headed home. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and so I'm committing to take the boys to the beach more regularly. Especially if I have the help of Nan- and Pa when he's in town.

While I don't LOVE the beach (I'm much more a mountains girl) I will admit that we made some great memories today and really it's a great thing to share with the boys. Especially since we hope that we won't be here forever! But our beach adventures will have to be put on hold the next couple of weeks because we're heading to the desert! Arizona here we come!!!

A Bit of an Update

So I'm not doing a very good job updating this. I think my main problem is that if I can't do a full update I don't do anything. Not a good trend. So I'm going to work on getting better about that.

I wanted to do a quick update starting with one of the funniest things that happened last night.

So we had to run to Wal-Mart for a few things. On the way back we started driving on the same road that we'd go to the beach.
Joel: "Beetch" (aka Beach)
Me: "No Joel, we're not going to the beach today."
Joel: "WHHAAAT?!"
Me: (Trying not to smile) "Honey we're not going to the beach today."
Joel: "WHHAAAT?!"
Me: "Joel we're not going to the beach."
Joel: "Beetch?!"
Then we turned on our street that also goes by Tj's parents' house.
Joel: "Pa?!"
Repeat above conversation. Needless to say Tj was rolling. Oh, 2 is going to be such a fun age!

We have officially had our first visitors. Kimberlee and Little E came and stayed with us for about a week. It was so great having them visit. Anyhow, below are pictures from the visit.

More Updates: Vance

Poor Vance. With Joel I did at least a monthly update with all his new stunts. I guess it's the curse of the second born. But here's what is going on with Vance lately.

1) Vance is officially on the move. About middle of March Vance started scooting and inch worming around the house. He got really pretty good at it and moved pretty fast. He'd push himself up like he is in this picture and lunge forward. (He was so quick that he literally gave himself a blister on his big toe when I forgot to put socks on him one day). He has since discovered crawling on his hands and knees is a lot more efficient. He still goes back and forth between the two methods but loves that he can move. He's my little wiggle worm. Changing his diaper and getting him dressed are literally wrestling matches EVERY time. He just can't wait to go go go! And if that wasn't enough he is already pulling himself up and starting to cruise. Last Wednesday (4/9) Tj was unloading the dishwasher. Vance crawled into the kitchen. And when Tj turned back around Vance had pulled himself up on the dishwasher to standing. Thinking it was a fluke Tj took Vance back into the living room. Speedracer Vance headed straight back to the kitchen to the dishwasher and sure enough did it again. Since then everything has been fair game. Then Sunday Vance pulled himself up on his Bumbo but that wasn't very comfortable and so then he went from that to the toy chest. Crazy kid. Now he cruises from the toy chest to the foam tiles to his exersaucer. Or from one end of the couch to the other. So funny!

2) Vance has also started on solid foods. He's funny he always sees what we're eating and tries to make a break for it. So far though we've held off on the steak and potatoes and have given him rice cereal, peas, sweet potatoes, and green beans. He's not so fond of peas. But he'll eat them even if he sometimes gags.

3) Vance has found his voice. He has mastered the sounds "da" and "ga". He has also figured out how to squeal. Sometimes when he gets stuck from pulling up he'll just let out this squeal. It's actually kind of funny.

4) Vance loves playing with brother. So last week I put him in this laundry basket so Joel could push him around. He loved it!!! Where Joel is cautious Vance is a dare devil. When he gets stuck after pulling himself on something a lot of times when we won't come rescue him he'll just turn, tuck and bail. It is so funny to watch.

5) This picture says it all. Vance is a riot and is kind of particular. So we took him and Joel to the park the other day. The park we go to has the Astroturf grass. Vance was excited to get down and crawl around until he felt the grass. Then he wasn't so impressed. Isn't that face just classic?

6) Vance is such a good baby though. Yes sometimes he's particular but he's tough. Joel is constantly rough housing with Vance and Vance just takes it in stride. In fact it's funny because now that Vance is mobile he's turning it around on Joel. This last weekend Joel was lying on the floor and Vance crawled over to him and crawled on top of him and began "attacking" him. Mostly just trying to get Joel's hair (Vance has hair envy- lol). I think I have a long road ahead of me with these two. I foresee lots of wrestling matches, broken lamps and rough housing in my future. But they just love each other and it's all done in good fun. They just love to play together. Vance rarely cries and is just such a good natured baby. He just adds so much to our family.

Oh, yeah. I forgot to add that Vance has another first this last week. He got his first tooth. Well he's been working on it for the last month but it finally popped through. It's his bottom right front tooth. And just like his brother he's teething at least two at a time. So his bottom left one is right about ready to pop through too. Yay!

More Updates: Joel

So I have been so bad about keeping up this blog. I'm going to try and do a quick update. I know it won't be a complete update but I'll do what I can remember. (lol)

1) Joel is such an easy going kid. Nan (Tj's mom) and I took both boys with us when we went Easter dress shopping at the outlet mall about an hour away from here. Of course Vance slept most of the time but Joel hung out in the stroller the whole time with only minor complaints. Bless his heart. So as a treat he got to ride with Garfield. He wasn't so sure at first but after about the 2nd or 3rd time he was having a ball.

2) Joel always is doing stuff to crack me up. This is his peanut butter face. I started making him a sandwich but ended up getting distracted. Next thing I know he had gone into the kitchen and gotten what I had started and ate it. He couldn't wait any longer!

3) Joel has figured out the fine art of funny faces. He seriously makes me laugh so hard. His little personality is a riot. Of course he is entering his second year and the fits and tantrums aren't quite so funny. But he's always doing something that makes us realize how quick he's growing up- usually it involves imitating us. For instance we always dilute his juice with water from the fridge. So he got a toy kitchen from Nan and Pa for a housewarming gift. So the other day he was playing with Tj at the kitchen and put the cup in the water dispenser on his fridge and gave it to Tj and said "Juice".

4) Joel is our little helper. He thinks he is so strong. He likes to show how strong he is by making his muscles. Now Tj's taught him to make his muscles and then he'll kiss his arm. I'll have to try and get video of it. It's hilarious. Joel's favorite thing to help with is the garage door. He loves to push the button and say "Up" or "Down" depending on which way it goes. I swear he'd do it all day if I'd let him.

5) I don't know why I worried about Joel being a chub when he was a baby. That kid has SO much energy. Sometimes I'd like to concoct a way to siphon that energy while he sleeps and sell it on the black market. He loves going to the park and runs and runs and runs. He loves going for walks and again runs, runs, runs. Even in the house he goes non-stop. He's figured out how to jump too. It's so funny to watch. I took him to a play gym yesterday that was all those blow up jumping castles. It took him about an hour and a half before he was comfortable in them. He's my cautious little adventurer. He likes to check things all the way before he goes full force. Hopefully next time he'll remember he likes to jump!

6) Joel's newest word is "Cheese". He loves it! He's finally able to digest milk products without having an upset tummy and has discovered the wonderful world of cheese, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and did I mention cheese?! He loves it- string, cubed, sliced. Additionally someone (maybe Pa?) taught him to say "Cheese" for pictures. So we've now entered the crazy faced cheesy pics stage.

Speaking of words our mute has officially found his voice. Joel comes up with so many words all the time these days. We of course have: Dad, Momma, Dence (Vance), Nan, Pa, Tya (his friend Tyler), up, down, out, on, off, this, done. Then we've been practicing: Papa (my dad), Mo Mo (my mom who's Monie to the grandkids), Jay Jay, Ra Ra, Mema (cousin Emma). His favorite words also include: Mo! (more), basth (bath), No way, stopit (stop it), its on, num num num (which is said either when he's pretending to eat his play food at his kitchen or he's eating something he really likes), waer (water), juissssss (juice), cookie, oosp (oops), darink (drink) and bye-bye. He just cracks me up- usually. Sometimes he's too smart for his own good and will give me an answer that doesn't exactly help his cause. It's just funny to finally hear him verbalize what's going on in that head of his.

Home Sweet Home

So as many of you know Tj and I bought a house. I never thought we'd own a home in FL but I guess life is crazy like that. So because curious minds want to know here are some pics of our house.

So besides moving and keeping up with the boys life is going to be extremely busy but fun the next month. This week we have Tj's Aunt Jenni visiting. She's actually staying with Nan and Pa but that's another nice thing about our new home. Nan and Pa are just up the road (a little over a mile but it's a straight shot!). Then after Aunt Jenni leaves we're having OUR first house guests. Auntie Kimberlee and Little E are going to visit for a week. We're very excited. Then before too long we'll (Joel, Vance and me) are going to be headed out to AZ for Aunt Jay Jay's graduation. So it's going to be a busy but exciting time around here.

Fun Pre-Weekend Trip

So the boys and I just got back from a fun pre-weekend trip. We went down to go see some friends of ours. We met Davina and her husband Aaron at church when they were going to school here. Fast forward about 5 years and they now have three kids and we obviously have the two boys. Anyhow, Aaron works away from home during the week and Tj had an overnight so we (Davina and I) decided to that I would go visit them and have a slumber party. Five kids against two moms- it could have been a disaster. But it went really well. The three older kids played pretty well together- although Alyssa the oldest was quite upset that Joel was not 5 like her.

So we got there about lunch time on Thursday. Joel of coursed crashed in the car on the trip down there. So he napped while the rest of us had lunch. Then Davina took Alyssa to a doctor's appointment while the rest of the kids napped. After nap time we all went to the park. It was a little chilly with the breeze but the kids had a ball. But with two babies out in the wind we decided it would be better to head home where the babies could be inside while the kids ran around outside. So home we went. We put the babies down for naps and the big kids played outside with some of the neighbors while the moms all chatted. It was really fun. Joel rode around on a power wheels jeep for a long time. Practicing for when Grampa Clause buys him one of his own- lol. Then it was dinner time and bath time. Davina has these really cute towels and after all the kids were out of the bath I got this picture of them.

Duck, Elephant and Rabbit
aka
Alyssa, Joel and Rebecca

Then on Friday we all got up and headed over to the zoo. It was really pretty fun. Towards the end the kids had had it. And of course Joel didn't even make it back to the house before he crashed. But it was a fun time.

"Explorer Joel" and the snake.

Joel feeding the giraffe crackers.

Mommy and Joel with the giraffes.

Vance hanging out in the stroller. He didn't really
"get" the whole zoo thing but he loved being outside!

The kids: Joel, Alyssa and Rebecca.


Overall it was a really fun trip. And now it's on to the normal 'weekend' activities.

February Update

So there's been a lot going on here. At the beginning of the month Joel, Vance and I were all sick. It was not such a fun time around our house. But once we all finished our rounds of antibiotics life was good again. So here's the latest with each of the boys.

Joel continues to be our constant entertainment. He LOVES music and has discovered the joys of Disney movies. Joel's favorite songs are "Popcorn Popping" and "5 Little Monkeys Swinging From a Tree". He's mastered the art of twirling around in circles to music. He's so funny. He gets dizzy and stumbles around but thinks it's so amusing! He's also become enchanted with Disney movies. It's been a real struggle to limit his time watching TV because he always wants to watch movies. He'll find one and bring it to me and say, "This?" and then point to the TV. His favorites are "Finding Nemo" and "The Jungle Book".
He's funny though. He loves building things. He's got the large lego type blocks and he's also got the big bead type blocks that snap together. He loves putting them together and then breaking them all apart. He's all boy! It's funny because Vance LOVES to watch Joel play and Joel just seems so anxious to play with Vance. It's great to watch. Joel is such a good big brother and usually shares REALLY well. Of course he has his moments but overall is really patient and loving with Vance.
Oh, so we've also entered into the fabulous world of "No!" Joel now will turn and put his arm out and shake his finger and say: "Na, Na, Na". It's funny but at the same time it's challenging. His vocabulary continues to expand. He's also starting to imitate what we say. He's still his own little man though. He'll try to repeat when HE feels like it but only on his time table. So funny!

He's still our little helper though. Speaking of.... here's a video of him helping Nan make rolls for Sunday dinner a couple weeks ago.

Vance is our little cutie! He's funny. He's beginning to get more and more mobile every day. He pushes up on his hands doing little push-ups. He also is managing to Army crawl it, plus he still spins himself around. He's also mastering the fine art of grasping at his toys and even manages to put his pacifier in and out of his mouth. He is just so funny. He reminds me of the little ditty: there was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good she was very very good and when she was mad, she was horrid. When Vance is happy he is very happy and a true charmer. But when he's upset, whao!!! Look out 'cause he gets TICKED! He keeps me on my toes but when he starts giggling it's SO funny! He's getting big though. When I took him into the doctor he was already 17 pounds. I get quite the work out hauling him in his carrier. Maybe he'll start walking soon. lol It's pretty crazy to realize he's already 6 months!

Anyhow. All in all we're doing well.