Thoughts on 31 (the age, not the company!)

Saturday I turned 31. It wasn't nearly as hard as turning 30! I guess once you hit that milestone every year after that is just gravy! And I am totally starting to believe that old adage "You're only as old as you feel!" Although on days that the arthritis is really bad I feel 80! But in all honesty, I was talking to a friend from high school the other day and we were commenting on how it doesn't feel like we've been out of high school for 13 years. It just doesn't! I don't feel that far removed from high school (not sure if that's a good or bad thing! ha!) but then I look around and realize I have 4 kids, I've been married for 10 years this October and I realize yup...I'm a full fledged grown up now. And I'm OK with it! 

Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day! The weather is finally shifting to spring here and I'm loving it! The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing. It was 75 degrees. I wore sandals to show off the pedicure that I treated myself to on Friday afternoon. Steven made breakfast (pancakes and bacon...yum!)

We went to lunch at my dad's new cafe and ate in the yard next door (it's a carryout only cafe but he has some seating next door and will be getting even more this spring. And there is a park across the street and a promenade too! So lots of options!) The food was so good. He follows the local food movement so everything he uses is from local companies and suppliers. And because he uses whats available his menu changes often which people really like. All the meat is grass fed, cage free, hormone and antibiotic free. He doesn't add unnecessary salt or sugar. The sodas he serves are made with 100% cane sugar and no HFCS and no artificial colors or flavors. I had the grilled cheese sandwich. It was delicious. Steven had the burger. Dad only uses Angus beef and Steven said it was awesome. Mom and the kids had the hotdogs. He only uses 100% beef hotdogs, so no pork fillers and things you'd never want to eat. The rat tail fries (named as such because they are skinny like rat tails!) are very tasty and he makes the ketchup and mustard from scratch. Try the Switch soda if you've never had it before. It's made from 100% fruit juice and carbonated water. It's incredible! And I highly recommend the Goetta Guinness Chili. Yes, as the name implies it is made with Guinness and it is genius! Especially on a hotdog!! He's going to start serving ice cream at the end of this week and it's actually going to be dairy free because he's had so many requests for it. And he says you'll never know that it's dairy free (except that I just told you!!! lol) So if you live in the NKY/ Greater Cincinnati area and want a great dining experience check out Piper's Cafe in Mainstrasse Village. It's located in Hamelin Square across from the clock tower, next to the Magic Shop and Wertheim's. OK, plug for Piper's is finished! lol. I am super proud of my dad though! He's wanted to own his own restaurant for a long time and I'm so happy that he's finally realizing his dream!

After we ate lunch we went over to the park and the kids got to play for a while. It was so fun to watch them run and slide and swing. Eli got to go to the park for the first time and swing like a big boy!

Getcha!

After the park everyone went home and laid down for a while (Micah was especially super whinny!!) Then around 6:30 we left the house to go out to Chuy's for dinner. If you have a Chuy's near you I recommend them. It was super yummy! I had chile rellanos and an enchilada. And a strawberry margarita. Oh how I love me some Mexican food :-) 

And of course I was spoiled to death by my family. Like I said I got a mani and a pedi on Friday. Steven got off work early and took the boys and I got several hours to myself. I needed a pedi so badly (especially since I was going to be wearing sandals and flip flops with the weather warming up!) I ended my afternoon alone with a double chocolate chip frappacino from Starbucks. Yum-O!! Then Friday night the kids were dying for me to open my present. So I obliged. Boy was I surprised!

I got a Kindle Fire last year so I definitely wasn't expecting a new Kindle Fire HD!! But I LOVE it!!! And the kids have inherited the old one to play games on so they'll leave this one alone! lol

I also received a new food processor and an electric wine opener from my mom. She also got me a case of chicken from Zaycon. That might sound weird to some but it is the best, freshest chicken I've ever had and will probably last us all summer (it was 40 pounds!!!) I love gifts like that!! My MIL and FIL got me a new purse and some body spray from Bath and Body Works. And my dad and Charles sent me these beauties:

And they came with a box of chocolates from the Sweet Tooth, which is a local candy store.

My brother Michael came over on Sunday and brought me some Sunflowers (my favorites!) and a cheesecake! Oh how that boy knows his sister! lol. My brother Chris (who lives in DC) got me a years subscription to Pandora 1. Totally awesome for this music lover! 

I also received several cards in the mail from grandparents (all of whom live out of town, with the exception of Steven's grandma.) that were lovely! I love getting a card in the mail don't you? It just makes you feel so special and loved!

Oh and I forgot to mention that Eli decided to end my birthday weekend by crawling! Yup, that's right! Nothing is safe anymore!!

Let me know if the video doesn't work. I'm trying to upload it with a link from FB but I'm not sure if you guys will be able to see it or not!!

So yes, it was a wonderful birthday! I felt super spoiled by the end, but that's what birthdays are for right??! Now to start planning the next celebrations around here: a baby shower for Steven's cousin Kristi the first weekend in May, Brianna's 1st Communion the next weekend and then Steven's sister's graduation party June 15th. Luckily, a week and a half after that we leave for vacation. I'm gonna need it after all this partying!!

What a Difference 6 Months Makes

This little guy turned 6 months yesterday!

It is amazing the difference that 6 months can make! The little thing above that surprised us a month early, gave me the scare of his life by deciding he wasn't going to breathe after birth, who didn't like eating, spent time in the NICU, who made me wonder if we were going to have to worry about brain damage or developmental delays has turned into this:

And over the past 6 weeks he started doing this:

Rolling over!

He grabs anything that gets in his reach!

Forget it mom! You're camera strap is not safe!

And over the past week or so he has decided that he likes doing this:

Look at me!

I know I'm starting to tip sideways mom, but no worries! Everyting is gonna be alright! (My FAVORITE Super Bowl commercial!!! lol)

 Eli has brought so much to our family and our home. I literally cannot imagine our lives without him in it! I was snuggling him the other night and I looked at Steven and said "I love this baby so much! Thank you for not letting me give up before we tried again. I can't imagine my world without him!" Steven just smiled and nodded like "I know right?!!?" He really is just what our family needed! (But babe, don't get the wrong idea or anything! We really are done now!!! :-)  )

He really is a super baby! And we are looking forward to seeing what the next 6 months will bring!

Elijah's Favorites at 6 months:

- His swing

- His play gym that he got for Christmas

- All of his owl toys

- Sleeping...he is a very good sleeper!

- His brothers and sister. He will smile and laugh whenever they come near.

- His daddy. He will turn from whatever he is doing when he hears Steven enter the room. 

-Grabbing onto anything and everything that gets into his path.

- Snuggling. Especially if you have boobs! ;-)

What is he eating:

- Still mostly breast milk. 

- He's tried rice cereal (not impressed) and bananas (thought they were OK, but he was also coming down with RSV when we tried them so eating wasn't much fun at that time.) 

- His fingers, your fingers, everyone's fingers!!

Things that make me mad:

- When he cries and you don't get to him right away!!

- Being on his belly too long during tummy time. He can only roll back to front right now, still working on the other way. So he just gets good and ticked when he's been on his belly for too long and doesn't want to be there anymore!

- Being hot! He hates to be hot!!

Who do I look like?

- Right now he's looking just like Brianna when she was this age. It's almost scary at times! I hope he keeps his dark hair though! I have two blondes, I'd love to have two brunettes!

Happy 6 month birthday sweet baby boy! We love you so much and are loving watching you grow!!

Our Vacation-Day 2

Saturday, July 3rd was our second day in Washington, DC and also my mom's 50th birthday. So because it was her day she got to choose what we did that day. She chose to go to the National Zoo. This zoo is incredible! And huge! And was crowded of course, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be! And it was free...like all the other Smithsonian's (you just end up paying $20 to park by the time that you are done there!!!) 

We got to see Andean (speckled) bear cubs, (the first that had been born in the zoo in 20 years!) the Giant Pandas (which were really giant!!!), some gorgeous tigers and lions, and other really fun things. The kids loved the zoo and we spent a fun morning there. 

Brianna and Jonah in the petting zoo.

Micah loved the fish in the aquariums!

Brianna and Jonah with the Andean bear cubs (which you can't really see but that's what is in that cage!!!)

She's on a frog, in case you can't see what that is!

For lunch we picked up picnic stuff and drove out to Great Falls National Park. I had no idea that this place existed in DC until I started doing research and planning for our trip. It is an incredible park built around the falls that occur along the Potomic river at that point in Maryland and Virginia. We were on the Maryland side along the C & O canal. We hiked out and found a spot for lunch and then surprised mom with a cake. (Who knew cakes from Whole Foods were so incredibly delicious?!?!?!) After lunch and cake we walked out to the falls, which were beautiful and felt like such a well kept secret.

Steven and I with the kids in front of the waterfall. You can't see them very well in the background, but they actually are really big! 

My mom with her kids: my brother Michael, me and my brother Chris. 

"My Buddy...my buddy! My buddy and me!"

Mommy and her baby!

 One of my favorite pictures from the trip!

Nina with her crazy grandkiddos!

After our afternoon in the park we decided to take Steven and the kids back to the hotel to swim and we went out to Capitol Hill to watch the dress rehearsal for the Capitol 4th concert. The temp for the 4th of July was 103 degrees and we knew we'd never be able to sit out in that heat all day just to see the concert that night. So we caught the dress rehearsal instead. We got there just as the sun was setting behind the Washington Monument. 

We missed Darius Rucker, but got there right in time to see this guy:

If you can't tell, that's David Archuletta! We LOVED him on Idol! He was awesome! We also got to see Reba McIntire, who have loved for years! She was amazing, and did one of my favorite songs of hers, "Fancy", which made me really happy! We had a great time sitting on the Capitol Lawn and listening to the great music. And of course, since the Capitol building is one of my favorites I had to get some pictures at night.

This is one of my favorites!

Of course I had to get some group shots too of us with the Capitol in the background all lit up (it's soo pretty!!!)

Mom with her boys!

Mom and her girl. 

It was a great day in our Nation's Capitol. Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity! Happy 50th Birthday mom! I hope it was great and all you were hoping it would be! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Brianna!

Yesterday our Brianna Banana turned 5! I can't believe that my baby girl is 5! It seems like only yesterday that she joined our family and now...she's 5! I don't feel old enough to be the mother of a 5 year old! (can you tell I'm having trouble with her being 5?!?!)

We had a great time! We invited over my brother Michael, my dad and Charles, Kim and Ed and Shelly and Samantha (Sam had to work though!), Grandma and Grandpa Ruschell and Grandma Joyce. We also invited our friends Nelissa and Orlie and their boys but they've got the chicken pox (which Micah is too young to be vaccinated against) so they stayed away.

On their birthday the kids get to choose what they want for dinner. Bri wanted Chick-fil-a (she's a girl after your heart, Megan!) so I ordered a party tray of chicken nuggets. Mom made baked beans, mac and cheese and carrot raisin salad (oh yum!!!), and I made the birthday cake. She wanted to do Hannah Montana. The cake was strawberry flavored, and it was a challenge (probably the hardest one I've done yet!) but I was very pleased with how it turned out, and she loved it so that's all that mattered! (I hate the way blogger can discolor your photos! The colors looked a lot better in person!!!)

She was spoiled with lots of great gifts and of course she loved having all the focus on herself! She was going to have a friends party tomorrow, but she has had an absolutely horrible attitude lately and because of that she lost her party! She wasn't happy with me but little girls who treat their mommy and daddy the way she has started to don't get birthday parties with their friends. I've told her if she can shape up she might be able to have a slumber party with a couple of girls in January. We'll see what happens.

So here are a few pictures of the festivities. It was great to celebrate the day that this wonderful blessing came into our lives. I will never be the same and I'm thankful everyday that she is mine! I love you very much baby girl! You will always be my rock star Princess!

Her number 5 figurine for her Precious Moments "Growing in Grace" collection.

Four generations- Grandma Nancy, Daddy, GaGa Kim and Brianna the Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday to Jonah..Happy Graduation to Me!

This past week has been very busy for our family. On Friday the 19th Jonah turned 2! I can't believe that my baby boy is two years old! I feel like I blinked and missed it all! He is such a happy, easy going little fellow (although the 2 year old tantrums are starting to take shape in the form of hitting, screaming and big crocodile tears!) He is finally starting to talk a lot, just a few months ago he said a few words but mainly just babbled. Now most of what he says is comprehensible so that's making mommy feel much better! He always has a smile on his face, and very quickly puts a smile on the face of others. I am so greatful that Heavenly Father sent me such a precious angel to help balance out the crazy dynamics in this family! Here are some pictures of my buddy!

Jonah at a week and a half old- New Year's Eve 2006

Jonah at 1

On Friday we had dinner and then cake and ice cream. Actually, it was a cookie and ice cream, but same difference! We were at Wal-Mart and Bri found this Elmo cookie, and Jonah went crazy! He loves Elmo and I knew I wasnt't going to get out of the store without it...so he had cookie and ice cream!

Doesn't he look so big?!?!? I can't believe it!

Saturday was another big day as I graduated (FINALLY!!!) from NKU! After 8 years of working on my degree I finally got to walk across that stage and recieve my degree! I was so excited, and it felt kind of surreal the whole time! I am so glad to be finished and get to spend some time at home with the kids. I've never been able to be home with them...I've been in school the whole time they've been alive so I'm looking forward to this time! After graduation we had an open house at Chez Nora's where dad works and celebrated my graduation and Jonah's birthday. We had a great turn out and it was nice to spend some time with our friends and family. Here are some pictures from Saturday.

My friend Lisa and I

My friend Megan and I

Dad, me and Mom

Me and family- Steven, Bri (4) and Jonah (2)

So, even though it's been wild and crazy, we've tried to enjoy the ride. Now we're getting ready for Christmas and I'll be posting lots of pictures as we have a ton of get togethers we'll be going to! We wish you and yours a very Merry and safe Christmas!

Brianna turns 4!

On Wednesday, November 19th, our princess turned 4 years old! I can't believe that it's been 4 years since she came to bless our family. The time has surely flown by, and I have to force myself to enjoy every little moment to make sure the next four years don't fly by as quckly as the first four! Here is a picture of Brianna at the hospital the day after she was born.

This is Bri at 1 year.

Here she is at 3! (Don't ask me where 2 went???? I think I'm blocking it out! LOL!)

And now here's my big 4 year old! Ooooo....stop growing!

Congratulations my sweet baby on another year in this wonderful world! I love to watch the wonder in your eyes as you discover new things, and enjoy your many favorite things! You are such a great big sister to Jonah, and a big helper to me! You have such a sweet spirit and I am so greatful that God saw fit to send you to me! I love your laugh, and your smile, and your amazing hugs and kisses. I am so excited to continue to watch you grow and I can't wait to see you accomplish all the amazing things that I know you will! Happy birthday my precious girl! I love you more than I could express!

Water, Nemo and Baseball

The past two weeks have been really nice. Mom was on vacation the first week in July, Steven was on vacation this last week. Mom's birthday was the first week in July, Steven's yesterday. Because there has been someone on vacation for the past two weeks we've gotten to do fun stuff with the kids that I wouldn't have been able to do on my own.

For example, there is a really cool aquatic center in one of the towns near our home. It's open to the public and very reasonably priced. It was only $9 for each adult, Bri was $6 and Jonah was free. We spent several hours just splashing around and enjoying the gorgeous weather. They had specialty areas just for toddlers and preschoolers and also a bigger pool. Over half of the pool never got deeper than a foot and a half, and they even had a lazy river that was so relaxing. We had a great time and I'm sure we'll go back before the summers over!

Jonah and Uncle Michael

This week while Steven was off we took the kids to the Aquarium. We decided to buy an anual pass, because after two visits it would pay for itself. Plus, Jonah was free, and will continue to be until our passes expire. Bri and Jonah love animals, especially fish and our Aquarium is the best!! They had a blast running around looking at all the different fish.

Last night for Steven's birthday we went to a Florence Freedom game. They are a minor league baseball team and put on a great show. I love the minor leagues! Guys who still play ball for the love of playing ball, instead of for the million dollar contracts. The fans are loyal and the baseball is good! Jonah had been running a high fever for several days (we now know the culprit- 4 new teeth, including two molars!!!! OUCH!) so mom stayed home with him so we could still go out! (Thanks mom!!!) We took Brianna and she had a ball (no pun intended!) Well, actually she did get a ball (and a bat and a cap! Her daddy spoils her! It's his birthday and she gets all the goodies!!!!) She had a lot of fun- especially since her boyfriend was there. Collin is a little boy at church and he is sooo cute! They were attached at the hip for almost the whole game! Happy birthday Steven! Hope this year is great! And don't worry, your secret is safe with me!!! (PSSSS- he's 30!!!!!)

Daddy and his princess

Bri and her Prince Charming, Collin (Bytheway, she kissed him last night! Twice! Once on the lips! His dad about had a heart attack! And she and I had a talk about appropriate behavior with little boys!!!!!)