Family, Food and Fun

We had such a wonderful weekend. On Wednesday we headed down to Baltimore to spend the weekend with my family. My family is great. We all cooked Thanksgiving dinner together and spent most of our time in the kitchen. We watched movies, played games and just did nothing together. We celebrated my birthday over cupcakes and gifts (including a massage, mani, pedi as well as make up gift certificates. Do you think my family is trying to tell me something??) kidding... sooo needed! Jon and I also caught up with some friends. It was nice having our little ones together! Such a treat and I so wish I could do it more often. We ended the weekend celebrating Jack's 3rd birthday. Can't believe he is three! Yay, for Thanksgiving!! Now.... onto Christmas decorating!!My little artistSean just hanging outNikki managing both hungry boysBeing silly with daddy

Mike and I celebrating our b-daysSome of my best and their little ones

Games, Games

Sisters and baby boys!!

Obsessing over the cat, he loves her


Walking with Pop Pop and GG to see the ducksCelebrating Jack's birthday with a hug and kiss

Turkey Day is Near

I am thankful for so many things that it is hard to make a list, but I will try.
I am thankful for...
- God's Promises
- His plan for my life
- All that I have experienced, the good and the bad
- My hard working, loving husband
- His financial mindset that allows me to be home with Jake
- My sweet and challenging baby boy who is growing up before my eyes
- Kisses and hugs
- Night time routines with Jake, especially kneeling with him and praying as he says "AHmen.. dank su Jsssus"
- My family and quality time spent with them
- New friends and old
- Anna and Em who I tutor. They have become my friends and have taught me so much!
- Memories of a wonderful mother
- The holidays and all the yumminess that goes with them!!
and the list goes on!

Happy Thanksgiving! Some new pics...Lollipop adventure on the way home from the dry cleaners... Jake was not so into it!

Dancing with Daddy, he actually imitates the daddy dance perfectly.Eating Santa cookies while we were trying to take his picture for our Christmas card

Vote Today!

As many of you know, I am involved in an organization called AFFIE (Anna Foundation for Inclusive Education) Please vote today to help us raise funds for our non profit!

No, I want Appa Juss!

This Sunday, Jake and I drove over to the Schuylkill River to meet my family for their regatta. Christian and Courtney are both rowing now. We were there all day and it was beautiful. Jake loved spending time with his Pop Pop and GG. He also loved seeing the boats, dogs, cars and many people going by. It was an exciting day. I didn't get many pics because we were so busy keeping him safe near the water, but I did catch one cute one!We are now in toddler mode over at the Sharp house. Jake has discovered that he can make choices. I like that Jake is independent. He always has been. Lately, however he wants to do everything on his own. I do like to encourage him. Although, some of the choices he would like to make, he is just not ready for. Our latest examples are walking alone when mommy says this is a time we need to hold hands and sitting in the kitchen chair without a booster seat. Both of which he is not ready for. So, fun times over here! Being a mom is tough. I knew it would be. Teaching was tough in that way. Of course I would love to just give in and let him be happy. That would be much easier and we would definitely have less tears and drama. But, I know that what I am doing is right and after we have a rough moment, I feel good about teaching Jake.

Playing with Cousins

Fall Festivities

I will say it again... I love fall! There is just something about it. The past few days we have had such wonderful weather. Jake and I have been loving being outside again. Yesterday we cleaned up around the pool and Jake said," buh bye pool." Soo sad. Pool you will be missed! We also racked leaves and played in the yard. Today we went to the park with Aunt Janet, Jake's cousins and one of Jake's friends came along. It was a wonderful morning. Lately, Jake has been talking a lot more. He has always been a talker but now he is really trying to make sense of it all. I love it. He has learned the letters A, B and C as well as his colors. Who knows how long he will remember them, but it is fun! He loves to do activities with me, which I love. I am a huge nerd when it comes to school stuff and crafts. So I am enjoying that I can teach Jake a little here and there. He is also officially in his, "big boy" crib. He now knows not to come out of his room and he can only get out when he is awake. We are no longer jumping out and refusing to sleep. Thank goodness!Running around the house, one of his favorite pastimes

Giving five to buddies

Halloween Weekend

This past weekend started out with my wisdom teeth being removed. Not so fun. Jon took the day off and I was lucky to have a lot of help with Jake so it was not too bad. Saturday, we took it easy for for the most part until it was time to trick or treat. Jake loved trick or treating this year. We visited some neighbors and had some visitors too. We made it a family affair and everybody was dressed up. Jon was the man with the yellow hat, Jake was curious George and I was a banana. It covered my swollen face! We had a lot of fun and Jake was loving the freedom of being allowed to run in the street.

Jake with one of his best buddies!

Jon's best friend Gary came to visit!