Let's hear it for the boys...

We are alive!

2010-07-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

So...life has been so busy that I haven't had time to sit and really record everything! I vow to make more time!

Let's start with my munchkins..

Jordan...you are my sweet little guy. You are so responsible and always making sure everything is in order and done in the correct manner. I hear you talking to Grant in such a loving manner. A few days ago I heard the two of you in the playroom playing and your precious voice says,"Grant..you know you are my best friend. I really love you!"

You have such a love for babies and the other children that have come through our home as foster children. And anytime someone will listen out in public..you tell them proudly how you are a foster brother and take care of children while their mommy's are sick.

God has big plans for you my oldest son...big plans!!

Next there is Grant....

Oh my..you are full of energy!! Words can't even describe the joy you carry around in your little presence. You are silly and goofy and ornery and such a lover. I constantly hear you singing and giggling. But mainly I worry when I don't hear you at all...

You are full of adventure! I'm am sure you don't even know what the word fear means. In any given week, I find you deconstructing a toy, "cu-lor-ing" with permanent markers I swear you stash away somewhere, and climbing up the drawers in the kitchen with your monkey toes. But you have this side of you that has such compassion and love for others. You get sad when others cry and can't resist the temptation to kiss everyone you meet. Even the checkers at Walmart. I love hearing you call for your big brother when you wake from your nap. "Dor-dee!! Dor-dee!!"

You are amazing my sweet middle boy...and God has mighty plans for you too!

And for the smallest one in our home...

I have loved you since I didn't even know you. I think I cried while praying in the middle of every night, for the first week, as I feed you and wondered about your future. You are so fearfully and wonderfully made sweet Zeke.

You love your brothers immensely! Everytime you see one of them, you shriek with delight! I love watching you army crawl your way anywhere you want to explore. I fear you and Grant will make the perfect partners in crime. I crave your whole hearted chubby-kid giggle.

As the possibility of you being forever part of our family increases...I jump with joy! What a cute trio the three of you make!!

As for Brian and I..we are doing fabulous! We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary in June. My, how that has flown by! I love him more and more every day. I love seeing him with our boys. They delight so much in their daddy.

And onto other projects in our life....our historic house. We have loved you and we have hated you through this last year. After putting so much time and sweat into you..we have decided that during this season of life, we need to part. So on the market you go. In this past year, we have completely changed the looks of you for the better. Another family will come along and love on you as we have!!

Haley

New Pants on the Block

2010-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

My least favorite request in our house is.."Mom..will you button my pants please!!" I know it sounds so simple, but I get tired of buttoning pants all day long!! So..to prevent more button issues, I made Jordan a pair of pull on jeans. With soft material..since he is so picky about how his clothes feel. He will even only wear Gymboree unders because the other kinds are "scratchy"! I wanted them to mimic real jeans as best they could, so I stitched a lot of detail on the pockets and made a fake fly.

As you can see..I had to cuff up the bottom because they were too long. Got some more hemming to do on these!

And if you give a boy some new pants..he is going to want a new robot shirt to go with it!

I made baby Z some too, but I ran out of thread while I was hemming them...so pictures will come of those later! I did make little bit a cute romper. Well..I have made several. Once I constructed one..I couldn't stop. That meant sewing until the wee hours of the morning, praying my kids would sleep past 7am. Which they never do. sigh..

So wish I could show you his precious face..but for those who do not know..we are foster parents to this sweet little one. I sometimes forget I didn't give birth to him. I don't even like to say we are his foster parents. It is kinda a 'sting' word or stigma when I say 'foster'. God has given him to us, just like he gave us our other boys. We pray he will be in our home forever, but if not, he was born in our hearts..and will always have a part of our hearts.

With that being said...here's our middle bro wearing his obsession shoes. Bish!! Bish!! Translation: Fish!! Fish!! He never wants to take them off. He even naps in them..

Interested in a pattern for the pants Jordan was wearing? I found it here. This is a great pattern for pants. The author tells you how to make a custom pattern for your child based on their measurements. The little romper that baby Z was wearing can also be found at the same site. But, I do have to mention, the pattern pieces themselves are great, but the directions to put the romper together are not so great. The author tells you to construct it so that when it's done and you look inside the romper (the part that touches baby) is full of unfinished seams. Too home-made looking. There is a way to sew the romper together so that all the seams are inside. Which means you construct the romper completely inside out leaving a small hole to pull it right side out when finished. A much better end result, and so much more professional looking. I chose that route when sewing mine.

I am currently making a list of all the summer clothes the boys will need. Several shorts, long khaki pants for church, some shirts and dress shirts. Polo's are on the list, but those will be store bought. Next post, I will give a short tutorial on drafting your own pants pattern, and how to adjust it to your child's correct size.

Toodle-loo

Haley

A great giveaway...

2010-02-05T07:39:00.001-08:00

Got to share something wonderful for all you crafty gals out there! The DIY Dish web show is giving away two awesome Janome machines! One sewing and the other embroidery. So..head over and check it out!!! You just might win!!

They also have an awesome show..check it out!!

First Projects...

2010-02-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy bee sewing this week! Still have so many things on my list I want to try out...just need an extra few hours in the day! Or night..since I've been staying up late humming away at my sewing machine.

I am always combing through blogs about sewing and crafting. It's one of my favorite relaxing hobbies. Well, I came across THIS one and thought she had some fun ideas! She not only had a pattern for a toddler sized backpack...but it was free! That's right ladies...FREE!! And, it was so easy to assemble with her great tutorial. I found this groovy fabric at Hobby Lobby. It is the new line of fun canvas prints now being carried at HL. The only thing I added from her pattern, is a piece of velcro to keep the opening shut while stuffed full of little boy treasures. And I also double stitched all the seams, because we all know how 'gentle' little boys can be!!

And then I whipped up one of these:

and the cutie pie wearing it....(not the easiest one to photograph!)

He wore it around most of the day..putting in and taking out little treasure all by himself.

More boy projects are in the making...here's a sneak peak of some for little bit and big brother:

My number one rule of sewing...always stop to kiss the head of the sweet little one strapped to me. I think the hum of the sewing machine puts him to sleep!

Happy Sewing!

Haley

And it just keeps getting exciting...

2010-02-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

I couldn't be more excited for this!!! I didn't even know February was going to be boy month....and it IS!! Whoot! Whoot! Sorry Brian, you may be sleeping in the bed by yourself this month...I've got a lot of sewing to do!!

I'm Turning A New Leaf..

2010-01-31T21:50:00.000-08:00

I've decided to completely overhaul this boring blog. I am a chronic girl clothes drooler. I love the little frills and ruffle bums, mary jane shoes and big hair bows. I'm not giving up hope for those wonderful things one day...but its time to move past it, and fall in love with the cargo pants, dinosaur appliques, and fisherman sandals. I'm going to attempt to blog my creations for the little men in my life. So many ideas in my head..so little time to sew!!

STAY TUNED!!!!

Haley

2009-08-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Yes...we have been busy busy busy with our new/old house. Best thing right now....is big trash day this week! Going out Tuesday evening to find free!!! treasures people are throwing away. Could there be anything more fun???!!!

Haley

2009-07-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

There are multi uses for the shopping cart Grant got for his birthday. My niece and Jordan thought Grant would fit great in the front like a real baby! So funny!!

We went to one of the parks in our town. This one is near one of the lakes. Jordan found a fishing weight. He was pumped:

This is what Grant did during our lake visit: (by the way..that's a reverse applique on his shirt. They are sooo fun to do!!)

Me and Jordie:

Brian and Jordan talking about how to throw a rock in the water.

Always fun to have an easy going Sunday afternoon!!

Haley

This is what Grant thinks about asparagus...

2009-06-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Little Stinker!!

2009-06-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks we have been attempting to buy a historic home in our town! We've been waiting patiently for one to come up for sale that we love. And we found one!! We had been told it was on the historic trolley tour..so we had to check it out for ourselves. It was on the tour!! The story goes that it is the original home of Dr.Charles Smith and his wife built in 1901. His wife had ordered a jar of olives from the local grocer which was considered a delicacy. She saved them for a while for just the right party. When she finally did serve them, they were rotten! So she was known as the lady who served rotten olives. What a great story to learn more about the history of this home. We now have a contract on the house and are now just waiting for inspection and getting a renter for our current house. Here's some pics from the trolley ride and snow cones afterward:

Jordan and I made brownie's last night. I think his favorite part was licking the bowl afterward:

Then the boys and I went outside to play, or eat dirt as Grant did:

I showed Jordan how to play hop-scotch..he loved it! We played it for a long time!

Fun trip to the science museum in OKC:

"I will be your pilot for the day!"
As soon as we get the house stuff all settled, I'll post pics of it!!

Haley

I am a boy mom!!

2009-05-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

We love to play in the mud around here. Yes...I've officially turned into a boy mom. I use to be a "Don't get dirty! Eww..don't touch that!"mom, but now I've realized to let the boys be free!!!

Grant loves dirt....Jordan ...not so much!

This mud pit is the garden now. We began to get it ready this day..but ended up playing in it instead!

the worm bucket...we caught around 15 worms!!

mm..I love to eat dirt..

I just love this picture..

And some of my newest sewing creations...these were so fun to do!!!

aren't they precious!?!!!

and how many can you relate to this? I can't keep up with my laundry! It overtakes me! Here are the Swiss Alps of laundry at our house...

Oh..can I ever get a hold of dirty clothes?!! Maybe we should think about being part of a nudest colony..hmm..it's a thought!

Haley

kids...

2009-05-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

It seems we cant' get well around here! I thought this week was the first week of making our way to being healthy...but M has an ear infection. She said it felt like her "heart was beating in my ear". AND strep for the third time this year!! Seriously, we can't get rid of strep this year. We've all had it at least once. blah..

Some of these pics are really out of order...just be happy they are posted! :)

We had a great Easter. Grant especially since he managed to get in the peeps and eat some when no one was watching!

and of course we dyed eggs...

oh those sweet fat cheeks!!!
We tried to get an Easter picture...

some of the boys...

and one with the cousins on Brian's side...

we took a fun trip to the science museum with my gal Mariah and her son Brady..

and we always like to cook naked around here...

And lastly, this makes my heart smile....Jordan wants to be just like his daddy....

Haley

Sewing and sewing!

2009-04-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

More creative things coming from my brain rapidly!!!

I reguarly stop what I am doing to go sketch out an idea I have. I've gone nuts thinking of new ideas of crafty things to create!!

Here's some of the latest:

Car Keeper

and it rolls up to take along..

It's been a hit! Jordan and Brian..yes Brian..have been playing with it for about 30 minutes now.

Then, this next one is called a Notes Nook:

I made four of them for each of my bible study teachers. They loved them!

The Notes Nook hold notecards, a pen, and a small legal pad..as well as a small pocket in front for stamps maybe??!! These will be in my store soon. Once Easter is over..I've been creating things for my kids Easter baskets!

And for my last creation:

Oh how he loves to take a bath! And my fav:
Grant likes to put stuff in his mouth to carry around. Much easier to crawl when you hold things in your mouth!!

He just got his 8th tooth yesterday!! Mouth full of teeth for a 10 month old!!

Haley

One of those days...

2009-03-31T11:06:00.001-07:00

I am having one of those cranky days! I am so tired of cleaning up after EVERYONE!! Seriously..if you are old enough to take a toy off a shelf..I think you are capable of putting it back on the shelf. Jordan took everything off his shelves today and when it was time to clean up and eat lunch...he screamed, cried, and whined that he was too little to put it away. Pa-lease! I guess it didn't help that I had to go get M from school because she said she didn't feel good..only for her to be running around, giggling and playing just fine. I think she gets a thrill of leaving school early. Then once I got home, I had to walk through our mudroom..which is a mess! It makes me cranky just coming home! Got to get a hold of that clutter!!

ON another note...my wonderful bible study at church is coming to an end. It is Called as a Keeper...previously known as Keepers of the Home. It is such a wonderful study...and I will be sad when it's over. If you ever get a chance to take this..you should!!

So now that I've blown my Weight Watchers by stress eating a handful of peanut butter m&m's for lunch...here's some pics:

My niece Brightyn with Grant

Jordan doing some playing..

Sweet Grantie and his fat cheeks! He has 7 teeth now!! Wow! (9-months old)
And last but not least..my boys...love them all!!

Haley

My kiddos!

2009-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

We did something really fun during spring break! I had the kids draw a creature on a piece of paper. Then we cut it out. The first was Jordan's...then M's.

After cutting it..we traced it on fabric and I sewed it together. Then each kiddo stuffed it with cotton.

Then I stitched it closed..and voila..a real life creature created by each of my kids!

M turned 6 on March1st! Wow..she was only four when she came to live with us!! In about 9 weeks she will be returning home to her mom. We will miss her terribly!! But we can't wait to see who else God puts in our lives to help. Probably we will wait for another placement until December or so. Really want Grant to be closer to 18months old.

Here a sweet picture to leave you with! When we were traveling for my grandfathers funeral..our boys slept in the same bed together. Oh how they love each other! Jordan adores Grant..and Grant adores Jordan. They really slept holding hands...makes my heart jump a bit!

Ta Ta..
Haley

2009-03-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't blogged in forever, my friend Jessica tagged me to get me going again! Thanks Jessica!!

What would you do...
Question #1
If you were in a corner and a snake was staring you down? Scream really really loud!
Question #2
If you were standing at the top of the Eiffel tower? Probably pass out!
Question #3
If you were on the moon? I'd jump really high and pounce around
Question #4
If you had x-ray vision I'd probably get embarrassed because I could see through everyone..yikes!
Question #5
If you could fly ... it would be way quicker to get places
Question #6
If you were a contestant on American Idol? I'd be super nervous
Question #7
If you had 3 legs I'd use one like a kick-stand...that would be so handy
Question #8
If you had no ears there would be nothing to balance out my big nose!
Question #9
No eyes? look very spooky
Question #10
If you had 15 brothers? i'd probably be a tom-boy
Question #11
If you woke up naked in the park? be afraid...very afraid
Question #12
If you woke up next to your best friend's sig other? what the heck?!
Question #13
If you won 100 million dollars I'd tithe off the top, then pay off my debt then adopt a baby..then save the rest for mission trips and helping others.
Question #14
If you had 500 pounds of cheese my son Jordan would be one happy fella
Question #15
If you were in the library and had gas hee hee..i've been there before! Doesn't everyone know you toot the curves of the aisles and don't toot on the straights?!
Question #16
If you were 100 miles from any city and your car ran out of gas ...I'd cry..then call for help..possibly at the same time
Question #17
If a blizzard dumped 10 feet of snow where you live? stay inside and camp out with my fam for a few days. that would be fun!

I've got tons of pics to post...so when i finally get everyone sleeping at once..I'll update!

Haley

2009-02-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

I am back! We've have been so busy around the Padgham house! Here's a peak into what we've been doing lately:

My 3 year old and 7 1/2 month old can read. I know..I'm the best homeschool mom ever ;)

Since budget cuts are into effect at our casa..we've enlisted our kids to find their own snacks in the couch. Anything leftover is free game!

SCORE!

A sweet friend from my womens bible study on Wednesdays mentioned she had some bunkbeds. We've been praying for some!! He is ecstatic!!!

Cutiest little boys ever: (want a tie for your little guy...keep watching my Etsy shop )

And for the biggest news ever: JORDAN POOPED IN THE POTTY ALL ON HIS OWN!!!!! He came in the livingroom yesterday evening and said, "I pooped in the potty." very matter-of-factly. I guess it just had to be his idea!! (be glad I edited this pic!)

Etsy news....I am beginnnig to offer Do-It-Yourself appliques. So easy and fun to do! Just iron on and go. On bags, jeans, tshirts, or anything else made of fabric. Keep checking in this week for a variety to be listed!!

http://pbandjane.etsy.com

Haley

A giveaway!

2009-02-07T16:20:00.001-08:00

Check out this giveaway from this blog...my kids would love this "on the go" item!

Andrea's giveaway

I will be back to post more later!!

Haley

Edit: It's already over...:( but keep checking her blog for more giveaways!

2009-01-18T21:40:00.001-08:00

My Etsy store is officially OPEN!! Woo Hoo!! I only have 4 things listed right now..but only because it's late..and I'm so tired today! I have one more shirt to list, and then the shirt & skirt combo. Hopefully I will get them up tomorrow...we'll see though since school is out for Martin Luther King day.

Go check out my shop! Search for sellers: PBandJane

Ta ta!
Haley

2008-12-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited..I just got done with the cutest outfit!!! I have it in a 4/5 and a 6..this is the 6...

Close up of the top....

My neice came to stay a few days. It was really fun! She and M are only 5 days apart in age.
Everyone should feed their children Starbucks late at night. What a great idea that was! (sarcasm)

But not to fear...if they stay up late one night...they are very tired the next day on the way home from church!!

Here we all are eating dinner..minus Brian since he's taking the pic...

I also made a sweet little outfit for Grant. He also has on matching green pants out of the same fabric as the alligator..

And last but not least...another funny spot Jordan chose to take a nap. I put him in his bed..and when I went to check on him, he was in Grant's crib with the clean folded laundry and laundry basket on top of him. What an entertaining boy he is! I could barely contain my laughter when I went in his room and found were he was sleeping!

Hopefully my Etsy store will be up and running in the next two weeks sometime. I have two other shirts made and I am going to work on some more shoes..then I will take pics and get them listed.

Haley

2008-12-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to have pictures made this week. They turned out wonderful!!! Here's a preview: (and yes..I made their outfits...the night before...until 1am!!)

I also had our little guy Grant, photographed alone since he is 6 months old now. Let's just say..I think I could just bite him he looks so yummy! Those fat cheeks and hands and feet!! It's so fun to have a child look just like me!

Here is Jordan's 3 year old pic. I killed three birds with one stone this picture day!!! Doesn't he look so old!!?! Oh how I love him!

Our sweet M. She is adorable!

I've been Miss Crafty lately. Sewing and sewing a ton! I also learned how to applique. I love doing that!! I made these shirts tonight for M's teacher's little girls. I wish I had had more time to sew on some more details..buttons..rickrack...but it's now midnight and I just got done with them. Phew!!

I gave Grant some banana's for his first food. He thought it was a good idea at first...

But quickly changed his mind!

He ended up gagging and throwing everything up he had just nursed also! Better luck next time!

Haley

2008-12-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention what happened when I was sewing! M was watching me and kept getting closer and closer, so I was scooting closer and closer to my machine. Well before I knew it..I sewed through my finger! OH MY GOODNESS! That hurt really bad! It was dripping blood and it made M cry because she thought it was her fault. I assured her that it wasn't, and it was just an accident.

I decided on a Etsy name. It is: PB and Jane. (It's actually all one word with no spaces when searching for it on Etsy) Do you like?! I love it!! Brian actually thought of it. What a great husband! I have registered on Etsy...but it will probably be a week or two before I got stuff listed. I've got to get the kids Christmas outfits made and make a bunch of stuff to list. But keep checking on it!

Haley

Merry Sewing!

2008-12-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

I've heard we all eventually turn into our parents....

I have fallen in love with sewing. It is so fun! Here is a dress I made for M. I still have to put buttons on the straps and possibly a jingle bell or star on the tree, but other than that it is finished!

I did my first applique on this dress. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but there are a few spots I messed up on. But not too bad for my first attempt. I just need to practice a little more.
Here's a close up of the top half of the dress. Now all we need is some cute tights and a solid color turtle neck or long sleeve t-shirt.

This week I am going to make the three kiddos matching Christmas outfits. They have pictures scheduled on the 12th..so I've got a lot of work to do!!

And to add to our little drawing Jordan...here's his lovely artwork on Grant's face. I promise..I really do watch my kids!!

At least it was washable and wiped right off! Phew!

Now..I am thinking about selling the baby shoes and dresses on Etsy, but I have a dilemma! I need a label name! I can't start selling until I think of a name so I can order tags for my creations. So please...suggest something!!

Haley

OH JORDAN!!!!

2008-11-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Boy does Jordan keep me on my toes! Yesterday we went to Walmart..and for those of you who know me well, know Jordan has to stay in the basket or he will run. Free-willed, arms flinging, Pheobe style running as fast as he can. Well he was contained in the basket and doing so well while I shopped that I thought I would be a super awesome mom and let him out in the toys for 5 minutes. He gets out and looks for a while on one row..we then move to the next and he decided he would rather be back on the previous row. He takes off running!! I flip my basket around with has Grant in it and all my groceries, and run like Nascar after him. I don't see him. Next row...no Jordan again. no Jordan...no Jordan...no Jordan. I begin to freak out! He is not in the toys at all anymore! A walmart lady comes around the corner as I'm yelling "JORDAN!!??" I tell her my son is gone and they call over the loud speaker..."Code Adam, Code Adam, 3 year old boy with a John Deere tractor shirt on is missing!" At this point I am about to lose my mind. All I can think is ...he's gone..he's gone..what am I going to do...I miss him terribly already. I just knew someone had kidnapped him. Once the code Adam was called, they did a lock-down of all of Walmart. Every exit was locked and every single employee came out from the back to look for him. I follow behind the manager lady and he are looking for him. I am shaking. Then she gets a radio that he has been found in the baby stuff. That little stinker! He ran completely across the store from one side to the next! Three employess begin coming toward us with him and he looks like he's about to cry. The employee that found him said he was having a great time running, but he got scared once she picked him up. I'm glad he got scared when she picked him up...but he wasn't screaming or anything!! He didn't even know her and he went with her! That freaks me out!!
So the rest of the day I was so paranoid and scared! Still am! I am so thankful today for Jordan and being able to hug him and listen to his sweet little voice.

But ...he keeps me on my toes! Here's what I found when I went to wake him up from nap a few days ago:

Some very good printing practice...with a permanent marker on his pillowcase. He said, "look mom..I did a good "A" and "L"!" He was so proud of himself. I praised him for his wonderful work..then lectured about how we respect the things we have and we only write on paper. I then removed the markers he had found in his dresser and hid them.

Fast forward to today...Brian is leaving to go back to work from his lunch break and he goes to give Jordan a kiss before he leaves. He comes back and says...."go look at Jordan" and he's laughing.

little toot! He hid one of the markers in his room!! Etch-a-sketch...this is one doodle that can't be undone! He's going to have permanent marker on him for a few days...

I'll leave you with a few other entertaining pictures...got to go get M from Kindergarten!!

"Mom...I'm a prin-thess" "You sure are!"

The kids and I at the Science Museum..
Sitting on teeth at the Science Museum. I just noticed Jordan only has one shoe on...hmm..we've already lost one shoe last week from him throwing it out the door at Hobby Lobby..but not telling me until we got home.

My sweet boys!!

And last...
Some new shoes I made for my friend Amber's little girl. I love these!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Haley

No nap day...

2008-11-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

Apparantly my boys are protesting taking a nap today! Jordan has been deconstructing his bedroom that I spent all morning cleaning.....and Grant is crying in his bed. Hmm..they didn't get the memo that today was to be a glorious napping day!

Other than that..I found something way awesome to make...shoes! Yes..I am officially a cobbler.

Since these..I have also made some camo ones and baseball shoes. I love them! So cute and so fun to make! My little guy will be the most stylish little one around!

Haley

I AM STILL ALIVE!

2008-11-06T15:52:00.002-08:00

Don't worry everyone...I am still alive!!!

Last week we worked on printing....as in making prints of different objects and shapes. We did our hands and some other objects we had.

Every few months, our church does a preschool play day. It is sooo fun! My good friend Esther met me there with our boys and we let them loose! Grant enjoyed hanging out with me on the baby area mat:

This is in the big inflatable obstacle course. Way fun!!

Jordan and Axton waiting to go through the inflatable again....so exciting!!

Ahh..brotherly love

Grant in the hood. Speaking of Grant..he has two teeth already! He was just under 4 months when he got two teeth! Crazy! He has bit me once, and the first thing I could think to do was shove him off! It scared him so bad he cried and cried. But he hasn't bit my again! "Don't bite the boob that feeds you!"

A couple of weeks ago a big group of our friends from Optometry school came for the weekend. The moms and a few daughters, went to a tea room. It was lovely! Here's Miss M eating her princess meal. Isn't she beautiful!

We broke down and bought a new Honda Odyssey a few weeks ago. Here are the kids hanging out while we were switching the stuff from our old van to the new one. By the way...I'm in love with my Honda...not in a coveting kind of way..but a "it's so functional and awesome" kind of way!

OSU had a walk around for it's homecoming put on by all the sorority's and fraternity's. We took the kids down for the night. It was really fun! And of course...my mom made the kids outfits. She's brilliant!

Brian had some continuing ed. stuff to attend, so the kids and I tagged along. We went to the Aquarium on the way home. The kids had a blast. Brian and I had fun too...but it wasn't as fun as we thought it would be. Kinda thought there would be more stuff there. Grant was not so fond of the sharks!

M and Jordan in front of the petting tank. M loved this! She is our brave child! They got to pet stingray's and small sharks. Very cool!

Brian and the kids fed some turtle's:

M excited...Jordan nervous!

We have been super busy...but I am hopeing to blog more often. Life seems to keep coming fast!

Haley

Adventures everyday!!!

2008-10-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Brian and I went on a much needed date last week. We had a small tag-along though!! Breastfeeding babies get to come along for a long time!! Grant is telling me a great story while waiting for our seat at dinner.

We're in love with each other!

This last week was Jordan's birthday. Wow..he's 3! I can't believe it! Here he is doing one of his new puzzles he got for his birthday. Thanks Mariah, Collin and Brady!!

Here's M doing another of his new puzzles. Speaking of M..she has decided she is changing her name to Sailor. Not sure where she got this idea...but we've been having to play along for over two weeks now! She is dead set on it! Sailor Tate she says to be exact. Even her teacher asked me if her name was changing. She's precious! (please Lord let us keep her!!)

Mariah and I took our boys to visit our other friend who just had a baby two weeks ago...here's the tiny boy line-up: Grant,Brady and Ian.

This has to be the best part of the day! So Mariah decided to get in the back and feed Brady while I was driving because he was crying. About 10 minutes into it..she jumped back in the front and said she was getting car sick. Then she starts to get out a diaper trash bag...uh oh! She coughed a few times ...and then blew out her lunch! Bless her heart! She was so embarrassed..but I just thought it was funny! Next time Mariah...dramamine before we drive!!!

We went to the zoo last week too! Jordan was a bit scared of the carosel....check out his face!

I'll leave my blog with this priceless picture! There is just not enough time to get your undies back on after going potty when you are playing trains. He's too funny!

toodle-loo
Haley

random pics from a few weeks......

2008-09-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is the after picture of what happens when you nurse your baby..hold them up in the air above you, and they urp everything they just ate....straight into your mouth!! I mean...a mouthful!! I spit it everywhere as soon as it hit my tongue. Although it really didn't taste bad...breastmilk taste's sweet! Want some!?!

This is what Grant thought about it....so funny!

Here is Miss M with her Kindergarten teacher. We love LOVE her teacher...she rocks!

Grant's new trick..sucking his thumb. He has managed to get it into his mouth...and suck it to get himself to sleep. Nice. Braces here we come.

We had a fish fry a couple weekends ago at my mother-in-laws house. Having fish fry's started at our rehearsal dinner when Brian and I got married. The tradition continues...

Jordan is the baby lover...here he is attacking my sisters little boy Teagan. Any baby that is around better watch their back...the never ending kiss is coming your way from Jordan.

Niece Brightyn..isn't she adorable?! Beautiful!

Bubble blowing Jordan...as much as he likes blowing bubbles...he really LOVES pouring the bubble solution out of the container. Ahh..little boys..

This is the best picture of my mom. She is that person that takes pictures of everything...but I love it! She always takes the best pictures and they are so wonderful to look through.

Got to go...ice cream in the freezer is screaming my name!!!

We are in the cloth!

2008-09-25T22:15:00.001-07:00

I am totally obsessed with the cloth diaper thing! I have spent every waking moment for the past week sewing in my little chinese sweat shop! After making about 6 diapers...I am getting frustrated because none of them fit exactly how I would like them to on Grant. He has a big belly, so the diapers sag...or the elastic on the legs doesn't cling close enough..or the rise is too long. Huff!! I still love the gdiapers..I just put cloth inserts into them so I don't have to buy the disposable ones. (They can get pricey!) I did order some all-in-ones (for those of you that aren't into diaper lingo..they are the ones with a built in outer cover that is waterproof) from www.clothdiaper.com. They should be here either Saturday or Monday. Excited for them to get here! My good friend Samantha from high school cloth diapers her kiddos with diaps she made herself..and she is sending me a sampler of some of her favs. I can't wait to get them and try them out! Maybe the magic one will be in that batch. *Hopeful*

I have some new pics..but I didn't download them on the computer. Will do soon!

It's 12:19 Thursday night/Friday morning...so I better head to bed...Brian is still up playing his new Wii game...Zelda something...what a goofball!

Haley

Cloth diapers update!!

2008-09-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

So far so good with gDiapers!

This first and second picture are also his three month growth pictures!

Yes..my three month old stands..he is talented! (a little assisted!)

From the smile on his face..I think they feel good on!

And on to my other little man...or superman that is! Did you know superman eats grilled cheese for lunch?

Even superman needs a nap!!

Grant is screaming..so I'm off!

Haley

Cloth diapers!!

2008-09-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about what the FedEx man just delivered to my house that I have to blog about it! I have always been intrigued by cloth diapering. It's cheaper...better for the environment...and better for baby's bum. I tried BumGenius diapers with Jordan..but it was a hassle to stuff the soakers into them always. So after doing a bunch of internet surfing, I found gDiapers. They rock! Well..I hope they do..haven't tried them yet..Grant was sleeping when the box came. Until I get some pics..check out their web-site and I'll keep everyone updated on how I like them.
www.gdiapers.com

chow,
Haley

Superhero Jesus!!

2008-09-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Jordan and bobble-head Jesus. Our little guy has a fascination with Jesus. And as you've guessed..we are thrilled about that!

Here is Jesus hanging in the kitchen courtesy of his pal Jordan.

I asked Jordan "What else can Jesus do?" and he said "He can fly!" Much like a superhero!!

Sweet M with Jordan...they are buds! Except today Jordan informed me that Grant was his best friend. Yippie! I hope he still thinks that in about 6 months when Grant is crawling everywhere in Jordan's room!!

Seeing how money is tight with a bunch of kids...I enlisted Jordan to do a family portrait. Pretty good I must say! Daddy is on the top left..me on the top right. In front of daddy is M..notice the curly hair..then Jordan is below me. And the little circle up to the right beside me is Grant. He drew this all on his own...no prompting from me! He's a genius! Yes..I will be taking calls from museums... ;)

Speaking of Grant. Here's a smiley guy!!

"Mom..no more pictures!"

Ok..maybe one more chubby grin!

For school today we talked about our sense of smell. So we smelled vanilla, pickle juice, vinegar and fabric softner. He licked the vanilla thinking it would taste as good as it smelled..whoops..it doesn't!

Same goes for fabric softner..doesn't taste so well!!

So fun!!

Hopefully I can get some posts on here more often...lots of diapers to change..dishes to do..and little boys to teach!!

Don't forget to thank God for the blessings in your life today!

Haley

OH...little boys!

2008-09-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today started out great. I had to get everyone up early because my husband was meeting for bible and prayer time with a friend, so it was up to me to get our sweet little foster daughter to kindergarten this morning. I managed to get us all dressed and ready to go by 7:55am. I even had time to nurse Grant before heading out. Once we got back we began our preschool by putting clothespins around the rim of a shoebox from left to right. Jordan got halfway down the first side and was done with it. But I was so proud of him for following the correct "Montessori" procedure. Then we moved on to catching a ball in an empty milk jug with the bottom cut out. That was fun! We played catch for about 45 minutes.

Then Grant woke up and I had to feed him. So Jordan decided it would be an excellent idea to edit his bible. I found him tearing out the pages of his bible and crumpling them into a ball. Hmm..I think the bible said to not add or take away from it! Little stinker! But he by far made up for it this afternoon. While driving to pick up M from kindergarten, he said, "Mom, God is in my heart. Right here in my heart!" Ahh..a little boy who loves God. Precious!

Then the ornery streak was back....after tinkling on the bathroom floor tonight, he proceeded to put his dirty underwear on his brothers head. Poor little brother! I'm sure Grant will get him back one of these days!!

After underwear hats and bare bottom toots in my face...Jordan settled down to his sweet little self!

Don't mind the spit-up on my shirt. It's my new accessory!

Haley

2008-09-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling...my obsession! We've been doing preschool for a few weeks now, but lately I am really REALLY into Montessori preschool stuff. I have been reading and researching it all a lot recently. So today I started some Montessori stuff with Jordan. We started out with a shape puzzle and he loved that. Then we moved on to scooping rice and putting it into a ice cube tray. It all started out good...

And then the rice eating and throwing started! I wonder if rice blows up in little boys tummies like it does in birds. Hmmm.... So time-out prevailed. We will try this activity again at a different point.

Then we moved onto sorting the silverware while I was emptying the dishwasher.

It went much better than the rice scooping!

Jordan cracks me up. He always wants to play "Jesus and God". He will tell me that I am baby Jesus and he is God. I have to act like a baby and he rocks me and puts a blanket over me. How sweet! I guess he gets the concept that God is the Father and Jesus is His Son.

Here's what little Grant does during preschool time:

I can't believe how fast time if flying. Grant will be three months old on the 17th. It feels as though I just found out we were pregnant with him. Slow down!!

Speaking of Grant...he is getting so BIG! He had his 2 month check up a week and a half ago, and he was in the 95th percentile in his weight. Chunky Monkey!

Ta Ta,
Haley

Hmmm....

2008-09-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

To blog or not to blog! I've been batting that question around for the last week. Picking the name of my blog was my biggest hang up! Then my dear friend Mariah came up with an awesome title. Thanks my dear! I'll start it off with my sweet guys......how I love them all!