Great Weekend!

The weekend was amazing!!! I got my butt out of the office around 1 on Friday and mom & I decided to head up to the lake a little early since dad and Nick were working on Saturday. It felt good to get up to the lake at a decent time and it was just beautiful up there. Jeff of course just wants to be outside the ENTIRE time, but it still is a good time. We had family friends coming up for the weekend, and they are a riot, seriously will make you laugh all the time. The Jankuc's arrived and the laughter began...


Saturday we woke up and it was rainy and gross. I got a run in and Chris made awesome pancakes, you should of seen the spread of food they were giving out, it was crazy, but yummy. We headed out to Shippie and went in lots of stores. Jeff rode the carousel, got some new puzzles (he likes banging the pieces in place), and we ate at JoJo's pretzel. When we got back to the cottage the sun was out and suits went on. I was so glad it was sunny out there... I was able to lay our for a couple of hours and get some sun. I loved getting some me time...it was nice to get some sun and take a little nap. Nick got to the lake and we chatted for a bit, and then we woke Jeff up and headed out in the boat...Jeff LOVED the boat, he was more excited about the other boats on the lake then the actual boat ride. Had a nice dinner with everyone and just enjoyed the rest of the evening!

Sunday we woke up to rain again! Chris and Kathy made some yummy pancakes and other goodies for breakfast. It was so good, but we really ate way to much food! They took off early and left us Freiburger's to talk about the upcoming weekend. Of course the sun came out again and Steph & I put on our suits and enjoyed some lounging time while Jeff took his nap.

It felt great to be at the lake. We hadn't been up there in 3 weeks and it's amazing how much you miss it, once you are up there. Looking forward to this weekend...

Getting Bigger - 17 Months!

Jeff is just getting so big to me lately. He's 17 months old, well almost 17 months old and it seems impossible. I wouldn't trade these moments though...him wanting to be outside ALL DAY LONG, pushing his toys around the driveway, "helping" with tasks around the house, pushing all kinds of buttons in mom's car, getting excitied when we go to get moms diet pepsi, swimming in the pool and not being afraid, getting into all of the cabinets in the house, "yelling" at us when we want to leave the park, "yelling" when we drive by the park, learning to eat with a fork, loving his baths, loving his blankie, the smile I get when I walk into his room in the morning, the screams I get when I walk out the door without him, the screams I get when I go into another room and he doesn't get to come with me, his kisses for no reason...I could go on and on... I love this little boy and those are just a few reasons why!

Jeff getting in his car like a big boy!

Jeff all excited about an airplane!

Caroline Did Great!

Shout out to Caroline Hoover who did an awesome job taking care of Jeff for me this week! It was so nice knowing that I didn't have to worry about him when I went to work in the morning, knowing he was in great hands. Thanks for helping me out this week girl, I appreciate it.

Didn't Get In

Nick received his letter from the Toledo Fire Department today and unfortunetly he didn't get into the training program. I'm so disappointed for him. I know it's what he wants to do and to not get in has to be extremely disappointing.

Of course the good thing is now we can start looking for a place to live and get out of mom & dad's. I'm sure they will be happy about that!

Pictures from the Weekend!

Jeff trying to attack Olin! The poor dogs don't stand a chance with Jeff around.

I LOVE this picture of him! Yes he has a busted lip...poor kid trips on everything.

He looks like he KNOWS what he's going after.

Go get Olin...

Happy Father's Day Nick!

I hope you enjoy Father's Day! You may say it is a just another day, but it is so much more. It is YOUR day! It is a day to celebrate how much you mean to us and how lucky Jeff is to have YOU as his dad and how lucky I am to have YOU as my husband. You are truly the rock of our family and keep us going strong. What would we do without You?

Thank you for giving our wonderful son and continuing to walk down this path of life by my side...and at times carrying me through it all when I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I love you more and more every day and thank God for you and our family.
I love you! Happy Father's Day!

Enjoying Summer

There is something about summer time that just makes me enjoy life even more. I'm not sure if it's because we are in a more relaxed frame of mind, but it's really nice and it makes time go by a little slower I think.

We are in another heat wave here in Ohio, but it's coming to an end after today or tomorrow and then we go back into the 70's...thank goodness. I still want to be able to run outside again without feeling like I'm going to die from the heat! The only thing bad about cooler weather is the fact that swimming won't be able to happen as often! I guess nothing is ever perfect!

I took Jeff over to Hoover's yesterday for some swim time. He LOVES the water. I even put him all the way under and he did just fine with it. It surprised me a little bit that he wasn't nervous, but I guess I should be happy about that. I'll have to remember to take my camera over there and get some good shots of him!

New Family Picture

We took some last night!

Jeff is getting so big. He looks like a little man to me in this picture!

Congratulations Howard & Lauren

They are expecting a little bundle of joy January 8, 2009 (or somewhere around there)!!!! Should be an exciting time for them. Wishing them a Happy & Healthy 9 months!

Also Happy 2 Year Anniversary...time sure does go by fast.

Birthday In Review

Well Nick's birthday was pretty good. I need to vent about things, but this is not the place to do it so I'll just keep it to myself. Nick should be happy with his gifts...he now can go get his Under Armor shoes at Dick's and I'm sure if I know him, he'll be heading there sooner rather then later! Glad for him that he can finally get them, so he stops bugging me about them! It was nice to celebrate with everyone! Thanks for taking the time to come...

The evening was filled with laughs, tornado sirens, and delicious food!

Happy 25th Nick

Happy Birthday Nick!
Yes I'm 10 days older then you, but hope you enjoy your day!!!!

Already Monday

The weekend just seemed to fly by! At least it was decent, I can't complain about that.

I skipped out of work early on Friday and headed home since Mom needed to head to a doctor's appointment. Felt good to go home and take care of Jeff instead of having someone else do it. We spent some time outside and I filled up his baby pool. He loved sitting in it playing with his buckets and shovels. Steph Hoover, the 1st, called me and asked if we wanted to come over and swim, so we took them up on that offer. I wasn't to sure what Jeff would do, but he really enjoyed it. Actually I think he enjoyed Lily & Addy more, but it was still fun. Nick invited Steph & Nick over for dinner, so we hung out and cooked up some yummy food, that was fun!

Saturday Nick went golfing with John & Nick while Jeff & I hung out. We ran to the library and to Target to get a few things, then home for lunch and a late morning nap for Jeff. Steph came over since the guys decided to golf 18 holes, and we waited for Jeff to wake up and then head to the mall! We get up there and notice electricity is not in the entire mall. Of course the store we want to go to is without power, but we manage our way to a few other ones. Nick & I headed to Tiffin Saturday evening for a graduation party and a quick visit. Jeff was less then cooperative so we were home by 730 and Jeff went pretty much right to bed.

I had a bad night with Jeff so we decided to fore go 7am mass and slept and went to 9 instead. Got home and dad was outside trimming trees. Jeff was being whiny so I put him to bed and then headed out to help dad with somethings. We were outside forever and it was hot and humid! But on the plus side, the yard looks much nicer all cleaned up! We headed to the Hoovers in the afternoon for a cookout. Spent a couple of hours swimming and doing turbo kick in the water.

Glad the weekend was good, but so ready for another!

Hot Weather Is Here!

What is up with this weather? It's going to be 90+ degrees for the next 5 days! Hello...it's only June 5 people! I'm really not ready for it to be this warm already. I could handle a couple of days, but this many. I gives me the feeling that this summer is going to be a heat fest!

We are patiently waiting for Nick to get the letter from the Toledo Fire Department so we know what are next move is going to be. I started looking for places to rent this week, I think I'm more ready to move then I'm allowing myself to be. Found a couple nice places in our price range, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I started my Turbo Kick class and it's so much fun!!!! It's great a great work out, seriously kicks you butt, but it's awesome!

I think that's it for now, but I'm sure I'll have later on...

Weekend In Review

Isn't he just a ham?? I LOVE this picture of him because it shows he true personality...eating it up for anyone who will look at him. Nick went to Columbus for the weekend to hang out with his friends and go to a comedy performace Saturday night, so Jeff & I were by ourselves. I actually drove to the lake by myself with him, first time for that, and it went pretty well. That picture was taken as we were sitting at the table eating his bedtime snack!

Saturday was a busy day...sand was delivered in the sand box, cottage was power washed, and we had a nice visit from Tim & Janet. Jeff was unsure about the whole delivering of sand, but with John's equipment it makes things so much easier! Since Jeff was so nervous about everything Grandme took and he soaked up the attention! (Notice the covered boat & quiet lake)

Jeff enjoyed playing with his new friends this weekend...Tatum & Brooke enjoyed pushing Jeff on the swing and playing in the sand together.

Unlce John helped me out and fed Jeff his breakfast Sunday morning...John's smiling here, but he wasn't to sure about Jeff flinging oatmeal around with his spoon. It's was hilarious actually!

Anyway, Sunday I spent the day baking in the sun while Jeff slept! It felt great to get some time to myself, me+sun=one happy momma! I got to lay out for about an hour and a half before Jeff woke up. But it was all good, I fed him, got him ready and then outside we went so I got even more sun...it was awesome! Jeff LOVES the sandbox! Hopefully he'll get the hang of moving around a little bit more in it, but for now it's good!

Happy 25th To Me!

I'm 25 years old...ahhh, how quickly time is getting away from me! I had just turned 22 when Nick & I got married and I was 23 when Jeff was born. Goodness gracious time just flies by when you are having fun!

All in all it was a great day. Nick and Jeff wished me a Happy Birthday when we woke up this morning...no cards from them, but oh well I guess. When we got home Mom & Steph wished me a Happy Birthday. I was able to get my work out in and relax and unwind from the trip. Mom made me a yummy dinner, Grandma Didier's rice, Uncle Tim's steak, salmon, and oven roasted veggies...it was to die for! Tasted good eating at home too instead of going out for dinner.

They spoiled me with my gifts. I got a new set of jammies, a work out outfit, and an outfit to wear to work. All cute!

For desert we had a Cold Stone ice-cream cake...Strawberry Passion, it was awesome!

Thanks for making it a great day!

Vacation Recap

Nick & I really needed this vacation. Even though we weren't by ourselves just as a family, it was nice to have the car ride to talk and catch up about things. We headed out Friday evening around 4:30. We figured we would drive as far as we could before needing to stop and spend the night somewhere. Jeff was perfect in the car. I had given him dinner before we left so he was good for awhile. He fell asleep in about Cinncy or sometime before that and slept for about an hour. Nick & I were so worried he was going to wake up, we kept turning around to check on him. I think we stopped around 8:30 and we were in Lexington. Jeff got a bath, Nick went out and got us dinner and we were all sleep around 11 or so. Jeff was not having anything to do with the hotel. Let's just say when he woke up Saturday morning, this is where he was sleeping!

He enjoyed being in bed with mom and dad for sure. We got up and were on the road by 7:30, so we were off to a great start. Luckily Jeff did really well in the car and we made it another 4 hours before we had to stop to get him out. We went to a Target so he could run the aisles a bit before we got back into the car. While we were in Target, Daye, Nick's BIL calls and asks if we want to go on the boat when we get there. Perfect, something planned! So anyway, back in the car we go. We grab some lunch and we are off. We arrived in Suwanee, GA around 1:45 I think and we were happy to be out of the car!

We did end up going out on the boat. Jeff was a little unsure at first, but came around after awhile. He did not like the water though. I was so nervous about this because he needed to like the water since we go to the lake almost every weekend during the summer! There was a beach that he liked to play on so that was good at least. We had a yummy dinner...steaks, burgers, baked beans, corn, and tomatoes...felt great to get to bed. Of course our son had other ideas of sleeping that night! I was awake from 2:30 until around 5ish. Got him back to sleep and luckily he slept until 8ish so that was nice.

Sunday morning we got moving. I went to the store to get Jeff his food for while we were down there. When I got back to the house, Lisa asked me if I wanted to go swim suit shopping, which of course I did so we took off to do that. After about an hour of being at Kohl's I had a new suit as well as Lisa and Jeff had gotten his jammies that he needed. When we got back, the guys went to Bass Pro so Daye could get a GPS for the boat and we girls just hung out. Jeff took a nice nap and then when he woke up no one could decide what we were going to do so finally we agreed that we would just head out to the pool. Jeff wasn't to sure of it at first, but I plopped him down in the water with his bucket of toys and he was good, thank goodness! We had yummy pizza for dinner. It was awesome! **Note to self, get banana peppers, green, red, yellow peppers, pepporoni, and ham on pizza***

Okay Monday...luckily everyone woke up with an agenda which made things easier. The guys were going to the Braves game and us girls along with Jeff were heading out to the zoo. Nick had a great time at the game, and zoo was pretty good as well. I thought the zoo was going to be bigger then it actually was, and I was disappointed there weren't polar bears and things there, but like Nick said, not every zoo has every single animal the Toledo Zoo does. It was neat seeing the Panada bears though. Haven't seen one of those since I was really little. Jeff was a trooper even though he was exhausted. As soon as we got in the car he was out, and if any of you know Jeff, you know how rare that is. So he quietly slept as we drove home. The guys called us as we were heading to the house to let us know they were just leaving the game. We had Moe's for dinner, which is a yummy upgrade to Chipotle. Just more choices really, but I still love Chipotle more, I think it's the rice that does it for me! Look at what Jeff learned while we were down there...he likes to give Champ his treats!

Tuesday was Lisa's birthday so we got up and took Alex & Tori out to get her flowers at the store. Figured we should do something nice since she always makes such a huge deal about her special day. Got back and we were all running around like crazy trying to get everything together so we could head out on the boat. Alex & Jeff ate breakfast (notice Jeff feeding himself...new thing learned on vacation!)

Of course there was drama when we got to the boat! Since we all road down in the Explorer things were forgotten, like the boat plug, a vital tool in being able to put the boat in the water! So Lisa & I went out in search of one and finally about 40 minutes later we were back where we needed to be, ready to put the boat in the water! Doesn't the water look nice? Jeff enjoyed playing in the sand! And Alex, Tori, & I enjoyed shade from under the canopy on the boat.

For dinner we headed to a Mexican restaurant and it was yummy! Daye had Jeff laughing so hard, it was adorable! If you look at the picture closely you can see everyone laughing at Jeff.

We spent the evening eating birthday cake and watching a movie! Aunt Lisa enjoyed Jeff's company, and I think he did too!

We hit the road Wednesday afternoon and made it 40 miles outside of Lexington, KY. It was a great drive back and Jeff was great again in the car. We got home around 1:30 Thursday afternoon, just in time to celebrate my birthday! Thanks for letting us come to your home Harter Family!

Back From Vacation!

Vacation was AWESOME!!! Jeff was a perfect angel in the car, really we couldn't of asked for a better little boy. Of course sleeping was a different story, but honestly I would have taken a great car ride over anything. It was so nice to spend some time with Nick's family, and Jeff really enjoyed the kids, no questions about that. I'm going to update the blog with pictures, but for now, figured I'd let you know we are back!