My New Running Partner

So my dreams as a mom and runner have finally come true. Chase got a bike for Christmas and he is pretty fast. The other day I was getting ready to go for a run and Hank mentioned that I should take Chase. I didn't really want to. Hank decided to mention it to Chase and there was no way I would say no at that point. We both got bundled up (it was 45 degrees outside) and we were off. Hank (& Nolan) drove the car next to us just in case Chase got tired. He made it 2.5 miles before he said he was ready for a break and hopped in the car. I was so excited I would no longer have to push him in the jogger (it lightened my load by 40 pounds)!

A Magical Christmas!

For Christmas this year my parents took us and my sisters' family to DisneyWorld. It was an amazing trip. I felt like I was young again while experiencing the magic that happens when you walk through the gates to the Magic Kingdom.

There were two highlights on the Disney trip...the first, the one-on-one meeting with Mickey Mouse. My boys were in awe, it was great. They did not stop hugging Mickey. The second, Chase's ride on Splash Mountain. We were all shocked that he loved it so much. For those of you who know Chase, I know you are surprised that he did not cry!

Thanks Mom and Dad for your generosity and for the most magical Christmas gift yet!

Happy Birthday Nolan!

I cannot believe that my baby is 2! There have been moments during the past two years of his life that were not quite so happy...but today was a special day. I stayed up until 2am with my mother-in-law to complete this famous Elmo cake that I have made for two too many birthdays. Each time I go back and forth saying I am going to make it and then I am not going to make it. And each time at about 10pm I decide that I am going to make it. At 2am I told Hank that I am never going to make it again.

When Nolan woke up this morning and saw his "Em-o" cake he was so happy. He told everyone all day about it and Chase kept telling me that I had done a "beautiful job" on the cake. I guess that is what a birthday is all about...making someone feel loved and special if only for just a day. We love you Nolan!

"Santa is Coming!!!"

I'm sure there has never been two more excited boys to have Christmas come than Chase and Nolan. The night the Christmas tree was decorated, Chase turned to Jess and said, "O.K mommy, tomorrow Santa Claus comes." Unfortunately the tree was put up on November 30th.

The greatest thing about being a parent is seeing the excitement of a small child and the wonder of Christmas as you share stories, read books, and watch Christmas movies. However, maybe even better than that is a tactic I like to call "Don't make me call Santa!"

Whenever Chase or Nolan gets out of hand, we threaten to get on the phone and call Santa. The other night Chase refused to eat his dinner. After a quick call to Santa, (aka Hank Sr.-whose cleverly disguised voice was as funny as it was convincing ) made Chase sit straight up in his chair and completely finish his dinner after Santa threatened to take away all his presents.

So to all those parents out there consider this as our Christmas gift to you...Use the Santa Tactic whenever needed.

PS-You'll need to find your own Santa...Shortly after posting this, Hank Sr. was flooded with over 30 calls an hour wanting the voice of Santa to repremand their children.

Turkey Song Debut

For those who missed the much talked about and highly anticipated "Turkey Song", here is your chance to see for yourself what you may have missed this Thanksgiving. Thank you Aunt Amy for insisting we add the video to our Blog!

Hungry For Snacks

Shortly before dinner, and resembling a scene from Cliffhanger, Chase was spotted trying to locate "Snacks" in the pantry. Thankfully all the snacks are in the lower drawers of the pantry where the kids can easily access them. However, Chase thought that maybe his parents might be hiding the mother load of snacks on the top shelf.

To his dismay the only things on the top shelf were cups, juice, gatorade and paper towels. Thankfully Jess needed some paper towels so Chase was able to help her out with that task.

Apparently as boys get older, their desire to explore and to take risks outweigh their comprehension of what the consequences may be. Prior to Chase's "Summit for Snacks," he and Nolan were jumping off the bed and trying to land in the back of the dump truck. It was a unanimous decision not to show the picture of Nolan's elbow after the incident.

Coffee Table-1 Nolan-0

The old song "No more monkeys jumping on the bed" should also include the couch. Nolan decided Sunday night that even though he hasn't reached the age of 2 yet that he might possibly be able to fly.

Chase, Trent and Nolan started off playing a game of hide-n-seek and the game quickly turned into a game of jumping on the couch.

The large thud coming from the other room and Trent saying "I didn't do anything!" tipped us off that something was wrong.

Nolan cried for about 30 seconds and then realized the ice was way more interesting than goose egg on his head.