Thursday, April 29, 2010

Funtimes with Sean and Uncle Mike

Here are some pictures from Jake's weekend with Uncle Mike and his cousin Sean! He loved every minute of it.
Basketball, of course
Feeding Sean. "Do you wanna take a bite??" says Jake
(in a very high pitched voice-hoping he wasn't imitating me)
Mike trying to "fit it," at the kids table
Spelling his name... well Mike spelled it, but close!
miss those cheeks already!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Heart Stopper Numero Dos

About a year ago Jake burned his hands very badly by climbing up to stand against the oven door while I was cooking. It stopped my heart. I will never forget the ride to the ER and the awful feeling of helplessness that I felt. Yesterday, we had heart stopper number two. My nephew Sean is here for the weekend and it was my first day with two boys. The day was going very smoothly. We decided to go for an afternoon walk and ended up bumping into some neighbors. Jake and his best buddy Alex decided to play some b-ball and were chasing around after the ball. Jake began running towards the ball full speed and ended up tripping over it. He went face first, or should I say teeth first, into the pavement. When he stood up a pool of blood poured out. Again, my heart stopped. With some help, I took Jake to the pediatrician and she checked him out. I told her I probably need to be checked more than he does! She said Jake was fine, but to go to a dentist immediately. Luckily, a good friend of ours is a dentist so we went right over to his office. Mike said he was okay and that he doesn't think there is any nerve damage. We need to come back in a week for a follow up and may need to do some tooth bonding down the road for cosmetic purposes, but otherwise all is good. He ended up with two chipped teeth, some minor bruises and scratches. God is good. I guess I should prepare myself for more heart stoppers in the future... boys!Pre-accident photos of the boys having fun!post accident... Jake showing off his "bwookin" teeth. Notice the matching outfits.
Sean this morning... soo sweet

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

simple

I am always a fan of simplicity. Lately, our days have been simple and wonderful!! We have been taking long walks with friends and neighbors. Visiting the park each day, sometimes twice if it is nice! Going to the library and checking out new books and of course saying hi to our favorite fish. Spring cleaning the house and yard. Just simple. I love it. This weekend we have my nephew Sean. So, we will be getting a wee taste of two little boys!! Can't wait.
A little video of Jake in action...




Wednesday, April 14, 2010

10 Things I love...

Jill encouraged me to do this from her post!
Things I love..
1. Music
Probably the thing I love most other than the people in my life.
2. My Quiet Time
A new found love for me. I am not a sit around and be quiet person, but I love having some quiet time to read each day. It is peaceful and rejuvenating.
3. Neighbors
My neighborhood is so wonderful. Definitely an answered prayer. I love when people are outside hanging out in the street with their kids!
4. Fresh Flowers
I have made a vow to buy fresh flowers for myself each week and put them in my bedroom. They are so nice to wake up to in the morning. I am 2 weeks strong and loving it!!
5. People who talk to me when I am standing in line or sitting in a waiting room
A rare commodity here in NJ, but I love these strangers who I befriend for a quick moment. Strangers are just friends you haven't made yet.
6. Mini Chicken Tacos from Trader Joe's
Just plain yummy and they are ready in 6 mins.
7. Party Planning
Enough said
8. Random email or notes from my husband
This too is a rarity but it truly makes my day, month and year whenever he does it
9. The mail lady and trash men
Really, what a thankless job. The mail lady brings me surprises each day and Jake cannot wait to witness the trash truck each week!
10. Last but not least... my Dyson vacuum
It is a beauty. I love how it sucks up every crumb and makes my carpets look somewhat new again!!! Dyson... I will do a commercial for you ANY DAY!

The faces of Jake

Jake has so many faces and he is very expressive. You can tell just by looking at him what kind of mood he is in or what he is feeling.
Here are just a few of the many faces of Jake...Sooo excited and happy face, my favoriteI'm cute face. I know I am cute, let me have another cookie...The outside face, he gets bright red and hot when he is outside.
A wonderful little Irish gene.
Innocent face, usually means something naughty
Say Cheese face
The face we see most often, I am WAY to busy to talk faceI'm watching you face, this crack us up and he knows it
I'm watching you from the other side eyes...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A Taste of Summer

Jake and I had a fun summerish day today. We started off our day with a walk to the park. We met our cousins and friends then stayed to play and had lunch. Afterward, we went home to attempt a nap. However, Mommy was denied. So, we made the best of it and called our buddies up the street. We had a blast! Jake really loved the sprinkler! Oh how I look forward ts summer...
These boys are not shy, they went for it!
Best Buddies
You know you get along when you share a toy this well
A little bit scary, but this is a smile after tasting his first homemade popsicle



Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Easter Mania

Here are some pictures from the weekend. Holidays are so much fun with a two year old. I think Jake had five Easter egg hunts this year. Lucky Boy!
First thing Easter morning
Basket from the BunnyI thought you said I could have more crackers...
Easter Basket from Aunt Janet and Uncle RickMy handsome boys
Sharing with Casey the dog
Matching Cousins
Jake's favorite thing to do qith Uncle Rick, PinballMy cutie looking for Mommel's hidden eggs

Saturday, April 3, 2010

It was the night before easter...

Easter to me if one of the most important holidays. Of course it is fun to dress Jake in cute clothes, have egg hunts and talk about bunnies, but I know that is not what is really important. I love that Easter helps me stop and reflect on how lucky I am that Jesus died on the cross to give me redemption. I hope to teach Jake all about it when he is ready to learn and understand. We read from his bible tonight as we often do and by the end of our mini-lesson (yes, I was a teacher) he knew that Jesus died on the cross. He said,"Cross, Jesus, love" Those three words are what it is all about. Happy Easter everyone!New tradition- follow the eggs to your basket. Hoping it is a hit tomorrow morning.We laid out carrots for the bunny and well...
some of the carrots were eaten ahead of schedule...
Laying out what remained of the carrots
G-Boys Easter Display
My favorite Jake Face, so sweet and innocentMy silly boy

2nd Annual Anna Auction

The Anna Auction was yet again another huge success. We had a good turn out and everyone had fun bidding, hanging out and eating amazing food. I left last night feeling on top of this world and it has lasted throughout the day today. It is so nice to see people who are so supportive and giving. We had many volunteers to help set up and assist us throughout the event. We also had a few new people join the committee this year and take on jobs which is really great and we hope to gain even more next year. We raised a lot of money and it will be put toward wonderful programing for children with down syndrome. Thank you again to all of our volunteers, attendees, sponsors and those of you there in spirit!!! To me there is no greater feeling than doing things for others and I truly believe that it is what life is all about. So many items were donated this year. In such tough economic times,
people still showed such kindness!!Thank you Christina for decorating!!!Thank you to all of our sponsors!!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.