Cooking with Noah

I'm always in the kitchen. You know me, cooking for my husband and kids night and day, preparing healthy meals and then cleaning non-stop. Ya, right! I'm in there grazing for something to sneak, praying I have something eatable for the fam! Anyway, Noah has really started to dig hanging out in the kitchen. Why wouldn't he? His mom loves to leave the fridge open and waste electric and there's always some dog or cat food to shove in his mouth. No worries, he washes his hands in the dog's water bowl once he's done sneaking their food.

Monga usually breaks down and organizes my Tupperware drawer every month or so. While she cleans it you can hear some choice "4 letter words" coming out of her mouth...most always directed at me;) This video is proof that I am not the only one to blame for the state of the tupperware drawer.

School's Back In!

Most parents can't wait for school to start. I on the other hand, am quite sad.

When school ended last year I was dreading the summer. How was I going to entertain 2 kids all day, every day? I ended up LOVING every minute of Kay being home. She and I bonded in ways we really needed and she was SUCH a big helper. Kayleah is honestly a wonderful, loving big sister. She helps out so much and is always there to lend a hand when I really need it. She has a way with Noah like no other. He lights up when she walks in the room and really enjoys playing with his big sister.
I think Noah and I both miss Kay during the day now that school is in.

Kayleah is now a big 4th grader. She's having a little trouble adjusting. So far she loves her classmates, new clothes and can't wait to join art club and chorus, (something that only 4th & 5th graders get to do). Her teacher is nice, but a little on the stict side. It also makes it a little difficult that last year Kay had the best teacher she'll most likely have her whole life. Kay misses Mrs. Shaffer terribly. I think Kay will get into the swing of things soon. Hopefully she has a fun year.

Here is a picture of Bug on her first day back to school. This is the first year that she picked out a back pack that doesn't have a cartoon or disney character on it. That was a little hard for me. She is getting older, but she's also getting more beautiful.

Noah's Birthday Party

What a beautiful day for a party!

The sun was shining and the day was warm. Most of our friends and family came out to celebrate Noah's birthday with us. We really missed everyone that couldn't make it, but we did get some great pictures and a video for all to see. Check out these photos from the party!

Noah was very excited to have so many people to play with at once. He LOVED all his toys and enjoyed having Sissy and all the kids help him play. Tanner & Kate made sure to help open every card and gift so that Noah could see everything!

Noah loved being sung "Happy Birthday" to and he really dug his cake! I think all the kids had fun playing in the playhouse and jumping on the trampoline; hopefully everyone sleeps for moms and dads tonight!

Here's the video of Noah and his cake...hope you enjoy!!

First Birthday, first surgery!

Noah is officially 1 year old! ...

BUT, as most of you know, he didn't have the most desirable birthday. Noah had an incarcerated hernia that needed to be surgically fixed.....the day of his 1st birthday! The surgery went very well and the little man is recovering like a champ. Once again, we're proven to have THE best family in the world. When you hear "It takes a village", it's no joke. Monga & PapPap were ready and willing to take Kayleah in the middle of the night while we took Noah to the hospital. The next day Grandma Sherry & Monga brought Kay to us so she could stay with my parents that night. Everyone came to visit Noah, those who couldn't took care of the animals and house at home. Monga made a wonderful dinner and special cupcakes for the birthday boy when we came home. The care Noah received at Ruby Memorial was top notch. He was far beyond well taken care of, and even got a big balloon and a wonderful birthday gift from the nurses!
We're all glad to be home and back in the swing of things. We can't wait to have Noah's birthday party this Saturday!

Noah Is Walking!!!!

And so it begins....
Noah King is officially walking!!!!
A few steps were taken on Jessica's birthday, but the official business began a couple days ago. Now all we need are some teeth!!!!! Maybe we'll get a few before he turns 1 next week!!!

Vacation, summer 2008

This summer's vacation was FABULOUS! We spent a week in Kill Devil Hills with Jay's family. Jay rented everyone a beautiful semi-oceanfront beach house with room for everyone. Who is everyone?....

Well, there was me, Jay and the rugrats. Jay's very overworked mom Sherry, her boyfriend Karl and my newly 18 year old bro in law came along. The Patriarchs of the family (Monga and PapPap) honored us with their company. And last but by no means least, Jay's Uncle John, Aunt Carrie and cousin Dylan drove all the way from Florida to spend the first half of the vacation with us. My best friend Jessica, her husband Eric and her two oldest kids even came down for a night! So many great people under one roof!

The kids had a blast! Kay boogie boarded and caught crabs in the sand. Noah loved the waves and splashing his sister in the pool.

The boys had a load of fun! Jay made rum punch right away and kept plenty of it on hand. Jesse wore shorts...and that's rare! Karl and Jesse did a good bit of fishing off the peirs while Jay and PapPap rode in a small plane touring the ship wrecks. Uncle John made steak (that I actually ate) and crawled around on the floor with Noah (when he wasn't beating on Dylan and cracking me up). Dylan went along with everyone and everything, letting Kayleah annoy and follow him everywhere.

Sherry was on the beach early mornings by herself (something she rarely is) walking and finding shells, Monga relaxed and laid out while Aunt Carrie ran miles each morning and played with Kayleah (scoring big points in Kay's book).

And then there was me. I ate, then ate some more, played with the kids, laid out and relaxed as much as I could.

This vacation was such a big deal to us, we were so blessed to have had a beautiful week of weather, good spirits from everyone and have the ability to all be together for such a fun week! We can't wait to all get together again!

Click here to see the pictures!!!

Latest pictures by Crabtreephoto.com

Jim Crabtree has taken Kayleah's pictures going on four years. We're happy that Noah has taken to Jimmy just like his big sister. Jimmy is a WONDERFUL photographer (and a pretty great neighbor, too). I recommend him to anyone who wants quality pictures taken. Want to see more of his work? Click here!!!