Four Years and Still Going Strong!

Today, Dan and I have been married 4 years! Each year on Feb. 24th, I always think back to what our special day was like. I always smile and laugh at the thought of that day. It definitely was a day to remember. I got to thinking what about the other 364 days of the year that we share together and all the memories those days have made. Everyday that we have been together, as a married couple has made some sort of an impact as to who we are as a couple. Some days might be calmer than others, but we learn and grow together each and everyday as we share our thoughts and make important decisions together, as we share in the responsibility of raising our son, Joshua and as we strive to make our home a safe and happy enviroment for him. Our ultimate goal for our family is to live everyday to it's fullest and to make every moment count! I have had friends and family tell me that they love being at our house, they feel safe and comfortable and that they feel the happiness that it within this home. WOW! What an honor for someone to say that about our family and our home. This is not to say that Dan and I do not have our disagreements and that our days are always filled with joy and laughter(that would be a perfect, fairytale and we all know that no one or family is perfect). Every marriage has it's ups and downs and trials and tribulations, but it is always better to go through it with the one that you truly, with out a doubt know, you are meant to be with. Just makes things a little easier. It is also good to have a partner that will step up when the other one is down and out. Let's take this week for instance. Joshua came down with a really bad cold and fever, which he so graciously gave to me. It was a rough 24-48hrs. Dan was there the whole time and never once griped or complained about being the sole person doing pretty much everything. He selflessly made sure that everyone was taken care of and got what they needed. He knows that I would do the same thing and that is what you call true love. Thankfully we are all on the mend and Dan miracously has not gotten whatever this virus is. It is the little things that we do for each other that mean the most. Not the date nights(although those are much needed), not the cards or gifts, just the everyday simple things and acts of kindness that we do for one another that honestly shows how much we love each other. I am truly greatful for Dan! I really do thank God everyday for allowing our paths to cross and then join in a wonderful life long journey. I love our life together and how we continue to build our home and make it our own. How together we learn from each other and grow together. Each and everyday is "our special day!" I am looking forward to many more years to come and I know each day we grow stronger and stronger in our relationship!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DAN!! I LOVE YOU!

Potty Training Makes a Fashion Statement

It is easier to not put pants on Joshua when we are potty training him. So when he goes outside in the backyard he normally goes with out pants. The hat is a bonus to the wardrobe since it was windy the day I took these pictures.

Super Josh showing off his muscles!

Potty training is going really well. He goes with out a fuss usually and now he even prefers to stand when he tee tees instead of sitting down. The other day, he came running into the house from outside side saying "gotta go! gotta go!" all the way to the bathroom.

In 3 years I have learned...

...some interesting things as a parent. Here are just a few that come to mind:

1. To a kid, flushing the toilet will always be fascinating
2. That stain remover doesn't always remove that stubborn stain
3. The messier a kid is the more fun he is having

4. Kids LOVE to be naked!
5. They master the art of ignoring at a very young age
6. The only way to let them learn, is to let them be

7. You can't always protect them from the world, but you sure try.

8. You actually can say, "do you need to teetee in the potty" a million times

9. No matter how many times you pick up your house, it will never be completely clean and that is ok.

10. Your child has more energy than you and always will

11. Kids are a big magnet for dirt(especially when you are about to head out the door)

12. Chairs are the gateway to getting anything that is out of reach

13. Bubbles are cheap entertainment

14. The saying should be called terrible 3's, not terrible 2's

15. You find yourself singing or humming songs from your kid's CD or favorite show when your kid isn't even around

16. No matter how bad of a day you have had, your child can always make you smile

17. If you can't find your kid or hear your kid, they are probably up to something

18. Opening and closing cabinet doors and drawers is a favorite past time for them

19. That I have never loved sleep and my bed soooo much!

20. Being a mom is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world and I love every minute of it!

Joshua says...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY,

EVERYBODY!!!

Five Facts for Friday

Fact #1 It is definitely going to be cold! Not as cold as last Friday when we got snow, but cold enough to make me want Spring to get here and get here NOW!

Fact #2 is that we will definitely be needing our shades, because it is supposed to be sunny all weekend. I think I hear the great outdoors calling our names!

Fact #3 We will be all smiles, because it is FRIDAY and the weekend is upon us!

Fact #4 Wherever you find Dan, you are sure to find Joshua, because Joshua wants to do anything Dan does!

Fact #5 Mimi is coming to visit for the weekend and we are sure to have a wonderful time!

And there you have it, these are the facts, the known facts! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

2 Pigs and a Dirt Pile

My Dad has a neighbor that has a grandson the same age as Joshua. Every time we are down there, we try to get them together, but it never seems to work out. So when we were at my Dad's this last time, Joshua was invited by his new little friend, Hunter to come and play in his dirt pile. Joshua and Hunter had the best time. They played in the dirt pile, made mud puddles with the dirt and the water that they were bringing over by the bucket loads from the kiddie pool that was full of rain water and they even got to see some pet pigs. My dad lives on many acres and so does everyone else in the neighborhood so you are able to have a lot of things that a normal neighborhood wouldn't be able to have in the city, this includes pigs! Hunter's grandpa got them for him so he could play with them. Some people have dogs, and then there is Hunter who has pigs as pets. Anyway, Joshua was very excited about these cute little pigs. He petted them and talked to them and asked them if they wanted to eat as he poured water onto them. The pigs really didn't seem to mind it, I guess they were hot and it felt good. So for a good part of the morning, Joshua and Hunter spent time "watering" the pigs. By the time it was all over, Joshua was covered from head to toe with water, dirt and grass. These two were the perfect picture of "boys will be boys!" At the end is a video of them pouring water onto the pigs, too cute!! Oh and when Joshua came back over to my dad's to clean up, he said this: "Gandpa, I want a pig like Hunter!" (Don't hold your breath Joshua)

Ready to do some diggin'

The boys hard at work "watering the pigs"

Snow Day Fun Day 2011

So while we were dreaming away last night, we got about a half an inch of snow! So when Joshua woke us up at around 630, I looked out the window and saw our backyard covered in white powder. Joshua was ready to start his normal morning routine, but when I opened the blinds on the back door in the kitchen, he was completely surprised by what he saw. Needless to say his morning routine was thrown off a little. He promptly wanted to go outside and play in the snow. He told me he needed his jacket! So, I threw his jacket on top of his pajamas, put socks and shoes on him and out we went. Yes, I do realize that I did not stop to put on gloves and a hat, but he had on flannel pajamas and a hood(wink). Dan didn't have to go into work and neither did I so we have been going outside to play in the snow and then coming inside to warm up and then back out again. Joshua is loving every minute of it! Too bad it will melt away by this evening! It was still a blast and we made lots of memories!

Joshua running around in the snow at 630 am

Getting cold now, but still did not want to go inside

See he eventually got gloves and a hat on!

Throwing snow at Mommy! The snow was powder you couldn't even make a snowball

The beginning of a snowball fight.

Joshua's first snow angel! He didn't think it was a such a good idea once he laid down!

The park in our neighborhood

In front of our house.