Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Mother's Day Weekend

Last Sunday I saw Ashly's puppet show at the church. They did a song for the moms. It was cute. Ashly was the purple bird and her friend, Taylor, was the orange bird.






For Mother's Day we had a picnic at Hyland Park with Chadd's family. They have a big play area as you can see. That's Ashly climbing in the black.





We had some yummy food. Chadd grilled us some bacon cheddar burgers...yum, yum! This is a picture of Christopher chowing down a brownie and wanting another one!







Here's a group shot of all the wonderful family and friends at the picnic. Unfortunately we were there 1 1/2 hours and we were rained out.










This is Chadd's mom and her "raincoat." It was pretty cute!











Later at home it cleared up. Here Chadd is hauling a load of........sweetness!!!













Christopher was brave and when we had our backs turned, he climbed up the ladder.








Then it became a game where daddy had to catch him!
















Christopher is growing so much. He is constantly learning more words and comprehending more of what you say. He is obsessed with trucks and motorcycles. He likes to watch the cars, trucks and motorcycles go by along the highway when I pick him up from daycare. We often pause for a few minutes before we get in the car to watch them all go by. He likes to watch the garbage truck pick up all the garbage cans if we are home on garbage day! When he is riding in the car he will yell, "I see big truck!!!" or "I see motorcycle!!!"






We take many walks to the park nearby and he will ride on his tricycle now, however, we are still pushing him. But he is learning how to pedal.






His favorite TV show is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse..."where's toodles?"






He loves his sheep, froggy and easter bunny stuffed animals the best right now.






At daycare, they are converting him over to drink out of regular cup instead of sippy cups. But in the summer they get sippy cups with water outside. So we are trying to drink out of regular cups at home. I'm finding it harder than I thought it would be. I didn't realize that the sippy cup was somewhat of a comfort thing. It's hard, but we are working on it.






I finally bought a potty chair! The first night I brought it home, Christopher peed in it 4 times!!! I was so excited. He definitely understands how to do it. However, I'm not intensely potty training, but it's there and it's a start. I think he needs to show more signs before he is ready, but he usually sits on it once in the evening. He hasn't started any potty training at daycare yet.






I love watching Christopher grow and learn so many new things. This summer is going to be better than last summer. He can do so much more. He is a joy to have in our lives!



Saturday, May 7, 2011

Happy Mother's Day 2011

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE WONDERFUL MOMS OUT THERE!!!


A special "Happy Mother's Day" to my big sister, Bobbi, who will be having a baby boy on (if not before) May 23rd. And "Happy 1st Mother's Day" to little sister, Jennie, on her 1st Mother's Day, who is expecting her first child, a son, in the beginning of September. Congratulations to the new moms and I look forward to meeting my new nephews!


I have two very special moms in my life. Here's a little about each of them....






If I told you I have that feeling that I was lucky to be born into the family I was, would you know what I mean? No one can choose who their parents are, or who their family is, but I couldn't imagine having anyone else for a mother than I do because I feel like I have the most wonderful, caring, nurturing woman in the whole world as my mother. My mom, Carla, is not only a wonderful mother, but a wonderful grandmother. She was there for me all the years of raising Ashly when I needed her guidance. She was really like a second mother to Ashly and I don't take for granted how lucky I was to have her by my side. She has been so caring, excited, welcoming and truly attentive to Christopher. He is so lucky to have a Grandma that cares so passionately for him. Thanks, Mom, for all you have done for me and my family through the years. Because of my wonderful parents, my thoughts from childhood are only of being loved and being part of something wonderful. Thanks for making me feel special always, Mom. I want to make sure you feel special on Mother's Day and always! I love you!









Chadd's mom, Sharon, is amazing in so many ways. First of all, it goes without saying, that she raised a little boy to become a wonderful man that respects and honors me and that I truly love. She embraced me and Ashly as we entered the family and has done so much to make us feel welcome and loved. She has been an awesome grandmother to Christopher since the day he was born. She is always helping out with the kids and I do believe that Christopher is her little buddy! Thank you, Sharon, for all you have done for our family and for being the wonderful grandmother that our children love! Happy Mother's Day! I hope you enjoy the day with family and friends.




Nice Outside

It's been nice outside the last couple of days and we sure are enjoying it. Here Christopher is helping get the mail. He is so proud when I praise him for being such a good helper!




















Here he is riding the infamous bike that we put together the weekend I lost my camera. He loves the tricycle and it took him a couple weeks to learn how to pedal, but now he knows how! We've gone on as long as a 20 minute walk/ride on the tricycle!









Sunday, May 1, 2011

Ashly's Special Day

Here we are at the church on Sunday, May 1st for Ashly's Confirmation. Thanks to everyone who got up early and came to church with us.










































There were 13 kids getting confirmed.





Ashly read part of her "Faith Statement Paper" during the service.







The four of us.








Ashly and her grandparents.





Dad, Ashly, Mom and Me.








During the service, Ashly being blessed by the Pastor.






Jennie, Ashly and Steve. Bobbi is Ashly's godmother and we were glad to have Jennie and Steve stand in for Bobbi who is patiently awaiting the birth of her son in the next month. We missed you, Bobbi!!!





Jordyn, Ashly and Brittany.





Miranda and Ashly.








Ashly and Carissa, the youth director.




Miranda, Kayla and Ashly.









Christopher and Grandma.












It's Glen and Glen!






"Symons" Clan.












All the cousins.





I got out Ashly's Baptism pictures to look at and reminisce with. It was fun to see back 15 years ago. Ashly was baptised on March 3, 1996. She was about 3 weeks old. In the picture frame is mom's parents (Ashly's great-grandma and great-grandpa) holding Ashly.













The kids eating in the garage...it was cold outside!!!
































Time to open gifts.







Dad had a nice speech to Ashly telling her how important this day is for the rest of her life.

















Chadd's parents.






















Congratulations Ashly!!! Chadd and I are so very proud of the young lady you are becoming! We love you!!!