Life According To Me

Big Brothers are the best!!!

2011-07-20T15:39:00.000-04:00

Sebastian and Maxwell are AWESOME big brothers, they are so sweet and gentle with their baby sister...Having a little girl in the house has changed things up a little bit....I must say it is nice to see a calmer and gentler side of Max, cause that child is ALL boy....I loose track of how many times in a day I say "don't through that", "don't jump off that", "don't hit".....but when he is around his sister he completely changes and is so soft and gentle!! Over all I would say both boys are adjusting well!!

Going Home

2011-07-15T15:05:00.000-04:00

We were released from the hospital on Friday, July 15. Before being allowed to leave Sawyer had to pass a car seat test (she had dropped below 5lbs and the hospital requires the test for all babies under 5 lbs)...She passed the test with flying colors. She looks so tiny in her car seat!! We got home pretty late, around 6 o'clock....Uncle Michael and Uncle Darnell surprised us with a visit (they live in Pittsburgh) and we had a relaxing night just visiting and hanging out!!

Welcome Sawyer

2011-07-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday July 13 at 4:30 p.m. Sawyer Grace-Louise entered this world. She weighed in at a tiny 5lbs 5 oz and was 18 inches long. After some initial difficulty breathing she stabilized and was able to go to the regular nursery. I will never forget the moment they placed my baby girl on my chest, she just snuzzled right up under my chin and it was heaven!!! The boys are adjusting well, Sebastian is a great helper and loves to hold and rock his sister. Max's new favorite phrase is "baby crying again". He's always the first one there to put a binky in her mouth, were working on being soft....but two year olds just don't know their own strength!! We are so happy that Sawyer is finally here and healthy!!! We love you baby girl!!!

Sebastian's last day of kindergarten

2011-06-08T13:07:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I have a first grader (when did that happen)...Sebastian's last day of kindergarten was June 8. His grade did a carnival theme for the last day of school and I went to help his teacher out. It was fun to watch him play with his friends and observe him in his element. Congratulations on completing your first full year of school Sebastian, Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!!!

Working hard and swimming

2011-05-22T10:41:00.010-04:00

Yesterday the boys and I spent the day with my parents. I have been having issues with this pregnancy, so my parents had the boys over and entertained them while got some R&R (thanks mom and dad)! Sebastian and my dad started the afternoon off washing the cars (we forgot to get pictures of that). Later after the cars were done Sebastian and my dad moved to the garden where they dumped bags of cow poop into the garden. Sebastian loved tell us that! He did a great job emptying all of the bag after papa opened them with the shovel. I was really impressed with how hard he worked!! Max decided to join them a little later on and helped ho the garden. My mom said he would pick up the dirt with a very disgusted look on his face and then put it in his wheel barrel. Here are some pictures of the brothers and papa hard at work!

After all the work was done the boys were rewarded with this new pool. We finally had some beautiful weather so they got to break it in. They had a blast splashing each other but eventually had to get out cause the water was just to cold. My mom said poor Max was shivering and his lips were purple, but she kept asking him if wanted to get out and he would tell her through chattering teeth "No, me pool"!! Silly boy!!

We ended the day with an awesome dinner prepared by my mom and brother. They made homemade stuffed shells with garlic bread and an awesome salad. Forgot to get pictures of the awesome spread but trust me when I tell you it was amazing! Donald was even able to join us after work. Yesterday was just one of those perfect days that I want to store in my memory and never forget!!!

Come back.....or at least an attempt

2011-05-21T12:25:00.011-04:00

Here is my attempt at getting back into blogging, consider yourself caught up....

{Sebastian turns 6 and gets a big surprise from Mamaw}

{Max breaks his leg and gets his temporary cast}

{Max gets his green cast}

{Max turns 2 and we celebrate with family}

{Max's 2 year old pics}

{I don't even know why I put them in separate beds}

{Sebastian is loving every minute of Tball, especially the getting dirty part}

{Sebastian had his Kindergarten sing-along and did a great job}

As pretty much everyone already knows we are expecting our 3 child, a little girl at the end of July. We couldn't be more excited for this newest addition!!! Sebastian is just about finished with Kindergarten and is excited for summer. He has already started Tball and will be going right into soccer when it finishes up. Max is as crazy as every breaking his leg in mid March has done little to slow him down. We are working on getting him potty trained and he is doing a really good job at it.

Pictures, Pictures, and more Pictures

2010-08-03T16:24:00.000-04:00

That is all....

Sebastian's first sleepover

2010-07-26T15:18:00.000-04:00

This past Friday Sebastian had his first friend sleepover. His friends from church Aaron, Thomas and Bradley spent the night. The boys had fun playing outside, eating ice cream cones and pizza, watching power rangers and of course playing playstation!!

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Pony Rides

2010-07-15T20:44:00.000-04:00

Wed. our local library was having free pony rides, the fire department was also there and let the kids get in the trucks and take pictures...We took the little boy I babysit with us also and they all seemed to have a good time...Max got all excited when he saw the ponies from far away but once we got closer and I tried to put him on it he FREAKED out!!! Oh well maybe next year...Sebastian's horse talked to him the whole time, I thought it was going to freak him out but he just laughed..Friday the Akron zoo is bringing some animals forthe kids to see and pet, I love our library!!!!

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15 month stats

2010-07-12T17:59:00.000-04:00

Max is 15 months old, for journeling purposes here are his stats:
Weight- 22.2 lbs {22%}
Height- 31 in {50%}

He is talking up a storm saying get (dog) nigh nigh (night night) peas (please) tankdo (thank you) brabra (brother) yesh (yes) b (bink)...he also signs milk, eat, more, please, thankyou, all done, mama, dada, change and doggie...he eats anything and everything!!!! Still where's size 3 diapers and 6-9 months pants (mostly 9 months now) and is in 12-18 month shirts...he sleeps 12 hours at night and is still taking two 2-3 hour naps ( yes I know I'm spoiled)...everyday I am thankful that heavenly father sent him to our family we love him so much...

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Finger painting, or so I thought

2010-06-22T18:42:00.001-04:00

{as you can see very little made it on the paper}

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The undisputed eating champion of the world!!

2010-06-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

Max had finally gotten over all of his stomache issues and has turned into a great eater!! The best news is he is gaining weight!!! He will be 15 months on the 1st and he is weighing in at a hefty 20 lbs 13 oz!! He is into 12 months shirts...still rocken the size 3 diaper and 6 month bottoms...He eats anything and everything ( I have yet to give him something that he dosent like).. He hasn't had any vomiting issues in the last month or skin rashes {Yeah}...thanks for all the prayers on his behalf they were much appricated!!

Summer time

2010-06-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

We have been having a blast this summer, enjoying playdates with friends playing with cousins and having a house with a yard...I can't believe it is almost July!! What have you been doing this summer?!?!

{this is the kids favorite thing to do right now}

{my nephew Gavin, oh I love this boy!!}

{my neice cammie, the only girl at least until August..She's a firecracker}

{my bubba, words can not describe the love I have for him!}

{my baby, looks more and more like his dad everyday}

{Maxwell's new favorite person they are inseparable}

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Last day of school

2010-06-20T21:12:00.000-04:00

Sebastian had his last day of pre-school on May 27...I cried, like snot running down your face crying. Not because my baby is growing up but because he will be loosing his teachers Mrs Morgan and Mrs Dacola..His teachers were awesome, they challenged him and made him work hard and he loved every second of it..Max is already signed up for the class of 2013 and he got the last spot...Goes to show you how good they realy are!!! Here are some pics from his last day..

Playdates and Surgery...

2010-05-17T13:36:00.007-04:00

This past week was crazy. Max had a scope and colonoscopy done on Thursday to test him for Celiacs. We are still awaiting the results and hope to have them by the end of this week. He is still having a hard time gaining and keeping wait on. A nutritionist will be coming to our house on Wednesday of this week to evaluate Max. Friday I set a play date for the boys and they had a really good time. My friend Faye brought her 5 boys ages 10-10months and my friend Courtney brought her little boy Keaton who is 10 months. Here are the pictures from their play date.

Good-bye #6

2010-05-10T14:50:00.011-04:00

At the begining of this month we said goodbye to Apt #6 and moved into our first house!!! Although we are just renting we are so excited to be living in a home of our own...Our landlord is awesome {she was a member of our ward and took a job opportunity in an other state} we have been able to paint and make it our own! I'm slowly getting unpacked and decorating a room at a time...So pictures of the inside coming soon!!! I was surprised at how emotional I got leaving our apartment, it was our home for 5 years...so many memories were made there!! The boys are still adjusting but are loving having a yard and being outside 24/7....Here are some pictures of our back yard fun the past 2 weeks

{Sebastian loves the trampoline!!}

{silly faces}

{Max LOVES the swing and going down the slide!!}

{Sebastian always wants his picture taken with max}

{Max trying out the four wheeler}

{playing together, their best friends}

{exploring}

Max's first Birthday party!!!

2010-05-10T14:38:00.000-04:00

We had Max's 1st Birthday Party this past Saturday and it was so much fun...We decided to wait and celebrate it a month late since we would be moved into our new house and have more room...It actually worked out perfectly because our good friends Gene and Kira ended up coming down from Columbus this weekend for mothers day so they were able to come to the party!!! Sebastian was so excited to see Caleb and Emilee...We had a lot of friends and family over and even though the weather was crappy we had a great time...Max loved all the attention and playing/mauling his buddy Jack-Jack...I didn't get many pictures because I was busy running around but here is what I got.
{Max ready to get this party started}

{such a good boy}

{I loved his cake, Walmart rocks!}

{I little confused}

{Oh yeah, he dug right in}

{the aftermath}

UGH!

2010-05-04T11:49:00.003-04:00

{we've been dealing with all kinds of nastyness these last two weeks...Hopefully answers to all his health issues are coming soon!}

P.S. We moved, pictures to come soon.

What we've been up to...

2010-04-16T11:14:00.004-04:00

Cleaning, painting, packing and running back and forth from place to place....

.....It's exhausting, just ask Max!!!

About time

2010-04-08T12:22:00.005-04:00

{This is a picture of Sebastian and Max both at a year old. It's a horrible pic of Sebastian he was sick but all my old pics are on our old hard drive. With that being said, what do you think? Do they look alike?} In two weeks we are finally saying goodbye to apartment living and moving into a house!! We are so excited for this next step in our lives. There is so much to get done {ie: cleaning. painting, packing and finally moving}....Thankfully my AWESOME dad has saved the day and is painting the whole house for us!!!! We are so grateful for this, with Donald's work schedule the only day we have to get stuff done is Tuesdays so to say we were feeling stressed was an understatement! My mom came over a couple of weeks ago and we totally gutted the apartment of any un-needed junk. I've already started to pack up toys and later today I'm going to move to clothes...Max has his one year appointment on Tuesday and for journaling purposes I wanted to post his stats: he was 30in long {50%} and weighed 20 lbs 4 oz {12%} the doctor was pleased that he had gained back a few ounces from his previous stomach issues. He wants to keep Max on formula for another 3 months and avoid all things dairy....we will then try to slowly introduce milk again...He is hopeful that he will grow out of the allergy...We tried soy milk but his little body just has such a hard time digesting it...I am just happy he is feeling better, we haven't had a vomiting or diarrhea episode in a week...We were at the house yesterday painting and Sebastian was helping my dad prime one of the room. He was so cute telling me he was making a master piece, I wish I would has had my camera with me....We have been there every night this week and the boys love running around in the fenced in back yard, and I love sitting on the swing and watching them!! I will post about Easter once we are all settled in. We had a small celebration for Max on his actual birthday with my mom and dad but his party is going to be on May 8.

Holy Crap, my baby is ONE

2010-04-01T08:47:00.004-04:00

Dear Max,

Where has the time gone? How is possible that you are a year already? You have brought so much joy and happiness into this family. We waited 3 1/2 years for you and you were worth every second of that wait!! Here is your birth story. On Tuesday, March 31 2009 Sebastian, your daddy and me went to my doctors appointment. I was feeling pretty good for being almost 37 weeks along but was getting anxious to meet you. I remember we brought a grocery list with us as we were going to go to Wal-Mart after my appointment so I could begin cooking and freezing meals in anticipation of your arrival. Brother was getting kinda of cranky as it was 12:00 and he had yet to eat lunch. They called my name and the nurse took me into the room and got my blood pressure. It was 157/90...YIKES that was high!! Mommy usually was at about 90/60 so they were a little concerned. They then got my weight and I had lost another five pounds. Dr Eucker came in and said I had to go straight to labor and delivery to have my blood pressure monitored. Sebastian and Daddy dropped me off and left to get lunch. They got me into my room and took my BP again and it was normal. Dr. Shipman then came in and said although my bp was normal I had a lot of swelling and with the continual weight loss they thought it would be safer for you to be delivered that day. I was in shock but SO EXCITED. I called daddy and brother and told them you were on your way! I could not wait to meet you. I soon realized that you would be born on April fools day. We realized this when we started calling everyone to tell them you were coming and there response was haha April Fools. In fact most people didn't believe us until we sent them pictures lol. They came in a gave me my epidural at 7:30 am even though I was only 1cm Daddy went to pick up Sebastain because we new I would go quickly once getting my epidural. And boy did you come quick! Daddy almost missed it, in fact he walked in just as you were being born. At 8:47 am they placed your perfect teeny tiny body on my chest. So many emotions rushed through me JOY, RELIEF, FEAR. We were so happy you were here, doctors told us your were not possible. They said we could not have another child naturally {boy did you prove them wrong}. In fact you were actually conceived on break from using the fertility drug clomid! I was so relieved you were here and healthy, mommy just couldn't shake this feeling that you needed to be born early. Later after Dr Shipman was done with all the baby stuff she came up to me and said it was a good thing we got you out when we did. Your cord was wrapped around your neck three times. And it appeared as if you had stopped growing. We were truly blessed. Every day since then has been an adventure with you. You are tiny in stature but have a HUGE personality. You are probably the most active child I have ever met! And STUBBORN, boy oh boy nobody better ever tell you, that you can't do something. Your are the happiest baby and everywhere we go people comment on your smile. You are a great sleeper. You sleep through the night and take 2, 2 hour naps a day {mommy loves this about you}. Your older brother Sebastian loves you so much and is very protective of you. He doesn't like when you cry or get hurt. You are a total daddy's boy and I'm okay with that. When daddy gets home no one else exists and you are completely content to just sit on his lap. You are a monkey and climb EVERYTHING. At the ripe old age of 8 1/2 months your received your first stitches {daddy and I joked that this will be the first of many}!! Max, you have been a SURPRISE since the day your we found out we were pregnant with you. Happy first birthday monkey boy, mommy loves ya to the moon and stars!!!

There Gr-r-reat!!!

2010-03-26T15:14:00.005-04:00

This morning during breakfast Sebastian and I had a little conversation that went something like this Me: "Sebastian how are your frosted flakes?" Sebastian: "Goood, I LOVE frosted flakes soooo much!!! {pause} Don't worry mommy I LOVE you as much as I LOVE frosted flakes and that's a whole lot!!"

GO AWAY

2010-03-24T16:52:00.004-04:00

AND STAY AWAY!!! Little dude just can't seem to shake this virus..It all started 2 weeks ago. He wasn't able to keep anything down, which ended up getting him admitted into Children's Hospital for i.v. re hydration. This caused him to loose 2 pounds which is a lot of weight for a little guy. It took him a while to get his energy back and start eating again but slowly over the course of last week he was back to his old self again...Then yesterday he wakes up from his nap with a fever of 101.8 it has stayed the high for the past 24 hours never I do is bringing it down...As of this morning the only thing he is keeping down in popsicles and a little jello here and there. I'm praying we don't end up back in the ER.

Seriously

2010-03-18T22:26:00.003-04:00

This little dude will be ONE in 14 days!!! AHHH where has the time gone?!?!?

Finally.....

2010-03-11T17:02:00.016-05:00

....Some warm weather!!! This week we have finally had some nice weather so we took full advantage!!!!

{we started off the week on Tuesday with a visit to the duck pond}

{Sebastian loved to chase the ducks and watch them fly}

{feeding the ducks...it was a little weird because the pond was still frozen only the outside lip was thawed and here we are walking around with just hoodies on}

{Max was busting a gut at Donald who was spitting sunflower seeds}

{Later in the week we went to my parents house to play. Here's Maxwell trying to keep up with his older brother}

{Sebastian and his friend Ian playing tag}

{what a cheeser}

{Max was puking this morning and I just thought this was a cute picture of him}

WHaCky WEdnEsdAy

2010-03-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

Today at Sebastian's preschool the celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday by having a Whacky Wednesday party....Sebastian really got into it and picked out the whole outfit himself!! I love his preschool, his teachers are GREAT and he is learning and having so much fun!!

Max's first 11 months

2010-02-28T23:01:00.004-05:00

Stats:

19lbs 6 oz {25%}

29 in {95%}

Size 3 pampers

6-9 months clothing

Accomplishments over the past 11 months

rolled over belly to back June 12 {2 1/2 mths}

rolled over back to belly July 31 {4 mths}

crawled august 20 { 4 1/2 mths}

got his first tooth October 17 { 6 mths}

started cruising October 21 {6 1/2 mths}

signed milk for the first time November {7 mths}

signed more, said dadda and could feed himself finger food november { 7 mths}

Took his first steps December 16 {8 1/2 mths}

Got his first set of stitches December 17 {8 1/2 mths}

Started walking exclusively December 30 {8 1/2 mths}

said mama January 28 {9 1/2 mths}

Started climbing the couch the baby gate you name he climbs it February {10 mths}

wore his first faux hawk February 28 { 1 day before he turns 11 mths}

Max now has a total of 6 teeth 4 on top 2 on bottom

- I can't believe my baby will be a year in 31 days it has gone way to fast!!!

Is he really five?!?!?!

2010-02-28T22:44:00.002-05:00

This post is a little late seeing how Sebastian turned 5 on December 16...But better late than never right?!?! Can he really be 5....I can't have a 5 year old, that's just crazy talk!! He's growing up and I must admit I do like this stage. He's starting to become independent but still needs me. This boy has a major obsession with transformers and dinosaurs...He is doing great in preschool! He has mastered writing his name really well and has started to read. An other one of his obsession is playing playstation, he loves his playstation...He gets a half hour of free play a day and can earn an extra half hour by doing 5 work book pages...He is also learning his Articles Of Faith and as of today has the first 3 memorized, his primary teachers were very impressed and announced it during sharing time that he had memorized them, he came home so proud of himself...For every 2 articles that he memorises he earns a playstation game. To get this game he has to recite them to a member of the primary presidency and the Bishop...So were killing two birds with one stone he's learning his Articles Of Faith and he's working on his shyness!! Sebastian, you are turning into a wonderful young man...As you continue to grow daddy and I hope you will continue to make the right choices. We are so blessed to have you in our family!! Not a day goes by that I don't thank Heavenly Father for sending you to us! I love you to the moon and stars bubba!!! Happy Birthday!!

-Mommy

A photo shoot with my boys

2010-02-28T22:15:00.001-05:00

No explanation needed

Is there a resemblance....

2010-02-23T22:12:00.003-05:00

....You be the judge

Love Him

2010-02-23T00:46:00.001-05:00

10 minutes after putting him to bed tonight Sebastian emerges and says "I've given up on trying to sleep". God I love him!

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I looked out my window and what did i see........

2010-02-08T21:22:00.003-05:00

{outside my brothers apt sunday feb 7, the day after "Snowmagedon"}

.....alot of flippen snow, 23 inches worth of this nasty white stuff. The boys and I happend to be visiting my brother in Pittsburgh when "the disaster" {which is what people in Pitt are calling it} stuck. Another storm is supposed to roll in sometime tomorrow dumpin 8-10 more inches. So were are hunkering down and riding this thing out. I miss Donald something fierce and hope to get home by Friday{Are six wedding anniversary is Sun, and were supposed to go out Sat to celebrate}. Its pretty crazy here the snow plows are getting stuck and as of a couple of hours ago the National Gaurd had arrived to start helping EMS get to people in need. Luckly we haven't lost power like alot of other people have so were grateful for that! I wish I would have brought the boys snow stuff so they could go out and play in it.

Cookies

2009-10-30T22:58:00.003-04:00

Were still buzzing from all the sugar!!

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-30T22:54:00.004-04:00

Trunk or Treat at our church...My dad came with us which made Sebastians night, Donald had to work but met us there afterwards, it was a fun night!

Halloween At School

2009-10-30T22:52:00.004-04:00

Sebastian had is school Halloween party on Thursday...It was lots of fun!!

I Remember...

2009-10-30T22:50:00.004-04:00

...doing this when I was a little girl!!!

Still playing catch up ( Sebastians first day of school)

2009-10-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

Sebastian started pre-school the second week in September and he loves it. We are really excited about this preschool because he is actually learning something every day! His teachers are awesome and are doing a great job of challenging him. He has made lots of new friends. He's even had his first field trip already! Here are a few pictures of his big day!

Max is six months!!!

2009-10-06T07:31:00.001-04:00

Wow, time is just flying by with this little man! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. He was actually 6 months on Thursday of last week but had his doctors appointment yesterday. He weighed in at 17 lbs 6 oz which is the 50 % and was 28 1/2 in long which is 95%. The doctor said his tongue tie has stretched out nicely and since he is able to stick his tongue out he won't be needing surgery Yay! Max is a crawling mad man and has been for over a month now. Some of his newest tricks are going from crawling to sitting all by himself, pulling up on things, putting everything and anything into his mouth! He loves sticking out his tongue, I often find him crawling around with his tongue out which is so cute. He loves his big brother and is always laughing at him. When I tell him its time to go get brother from school he gets so excited! We love Max so much and are so happy he is part of our family!

Just because their so cute!

2009-09-22T10:07:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures of the boys. Sebastian is getting harder and harder to photograph, when he sees me grab the camera he runs (little stinker)! I'm going to have to come up with more craftier ways to take his picture. He is only a willing participant when he take them with Max.

Air Show

2009-09-22T09:48:00.009-04:00

This is a little last, but better late than never. On August 8 we had the oppertunity to attend a local air show. We had a great time even though it rained all day! Sebastian still talks about it!

FOUR MONTHS!!!

2009-08-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

Max had his 4 month appointment today and here are his stats:
Weight: 14 lbs 9 oz (50 percentile)
Height: 26 1/2 in (95 percentile)
Here is what he has been up to in the past 2 months
-Rolls over from both belly to back and back to belly
-Is sleeping through the night
-Has found his feet and constantly has them in his mouth
-Is eating cereal and stage one foods
-Giggles uncontrollably at his big brother
-Grabs the spoon out of your hand and trys to feed himself
(here are a few pics of him at the doctors today)

Girls Camp

2009-08-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

Once again this year I was able to attend girls camp and as always it was an awesome experience. I had the opportunity to take my cousin along with me this year who is not a member and is going through some things in her life right now. I think it was a positive experience for her and I know she had a good time. Donald, Sebastian, and Max came up on Thursday and lets just say Sebastian was in his glory, young women everywhere and they were all fussing over. I looked over at one point and saw him on the bench with two girls inviting them to his birthday party! This kid cracks me up, he is sooooo much fun to have in our family! Here are pictures from the week.

It starts like this...

2009-07-25T23:19:00.001-04:00

...And ends like this, if he smiled any bigger he'd tip over!!!

Sebastian loves being a big brother!

2009-07-24T01:10:00.000-04:00

Something to think about!

2009-07-18T10:33:00.002-04:00

True Story.....

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:

Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.

The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m. , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of theUnited States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning airshow? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

Playing Catch Up

2009-07-07T18:42:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since our last post as things got pretty crazy here for a bout a month or so. Max was having a hard time and just crying all the time. However I think we have gotten things figured out. The doctor finally has his dose right for the acid reflux and as of last Saturday he his sleeping through the night. He usually goes down around 7:30 and sleeps until 6:30. He has started to develop his own little personality, he is very strong willed and independent. He likes to act like his is bigger then he really is and always has to no what is going on. When big brother is in the room no one else exists. His smile takes over his whole face I just love it. We are getting ready to put the boys together in the same room as long as Max keeps up the good sleeping. Sebastian has been keeping busy playing with his cousins, camping, fishing and having sleep overs! Max turned 2 months on June 1 and here are his stats: Length 23 in 50% thats up from 18 in at his 2 week app. Weight 10lbs 1 oz 50% thats up from 5 lbs 13 oz at his 2 week. Donald is in the home stretch of school, he starts his final semester on Monday. We are so excited for him to finish up and start a new adventure.

Best Buds

2009-07-07T18:32:00.005-04:00

This past week Sebastian's best friend Caleb came down from Columbus to stay with his grandma. The boys got to play together Thur-Sun. The highlight was Friday when we all went to the Trumbull county fair. These little boys were fearless going on every ride that they could including some adult rides. They had so much fun and never got in a fight or argument once, they just play so well together! Sebastian keeps asking me when do I get to see Caleb again. Hopefully soon! (Some of these pics are from Kira's blog)

Max turns two months!

2009-07-07T18:16:00.007-04:00

On June first Max turned two months. His stats were as follows
Weight: 10lbs 1oz (50%) up from 5lb 13 oz at 2 weeks
Length: 23 in (50%) up from 18 in at 2 weeks

To say he's growing like a weed is a complete understatement!

Memorial Day

2009-07-07T18:02:00.008-04:00

For Memorial Day this year we started out as we always do with a pancake breakfast and flag raising at our church. Afterwards we headed to the cemetery to take flowers and let off balloons at my cousins grave. He was killed while serving our country in Iraq in 2004. Later that day we went to my parents house for a BBQ. Sebastian had tons of fun playing with his uncles and cousins as you can tell in the pictures the slip n slide was a big hit! Uncle Michael and Uncle Darnel decided to through on their suits and show the kids how its really done!

PBS Book Fair

2009-05-18T17:21:00.003-04:00

A few days after Max was born PBS had a book fair at Fellows Riverside Garden. We had promised Sebastian he could go so after the Saturday morning session of General Conference Donald and him went and checked it out. He had a lot of fun but was afraid of the costumes. He has grown up so much in this last month and half! He is such a special little boy and we love having in our family!

Random

2009-05-18T17:01:00.007-04:00

Here are the pics of Max in his blessing outfit and a few other pics of him.

Planting Flowers

2009-05-14T17:43:00.006-04:00

Today we went over to my parents house so Sebastian and my mom could plant the flowers he got her for Mothers Day. Max has been sleeping the whole time, he's been a crank the last couple of days, but I think he's coming out of it he's been really happy today. I went t get him out of his crib this afternoon and he had rolled from his belly to his back. (yes I no I'm supposed to put him to sleep on his back but he refuses to sleep that way). Sebastian rolled over at six weeks to. Can you believe he is six weeks all ready? I weighed him yesterday and he was 11 lbs 4 oz, he's turning into a little chunky monkey!

Max's Blessing

2009-05-14T15:53:00.003-04:00

This Sunday we blessed Max. It was a great day, not to mention Mother's Day so it made it extra special for me. Donald gave a wonderful blessing and Max looked adorable in the outfit Donald wore to be blessed in 27 years ago. Here are a few pics I'll post more later.

Three weeks

2009-04-23T11:03:00.006-04:00

I can't believe that Max is already three weeks old! He is changing so much and so fast. He has finally grown out of the sleepy stage and lets us know that he is here. It's funny the first 2 weeks Donald and I would joke and say we forget that he's here sometimes cause he's so quite, not anymore! He has a fussy period between 8 pm to 10 pm but then he usually sleeps pretty good as long as he is on my chest. I know I need to stop and have him get used to sleeping by him self but their only this little once, right? Sebastian is still loving being a big brother and always wants Max near him. He is getting really excited to start preschool in the fall. Donald will be finished with school in October and we are looking forward to that. Were not sure if we will be staying in the area do to lack of jobs. They told him Columbus and Akron is more likely were he will find work. We decided that if he gets a job in Akron he will just commute and we will stay here. If it's Columbus then obviously we will be moving. It would be nice to live by the temple and have more of an opportunity to attend. Max was awake for a while yesterday and in a good mood so I took some more pictures of him {clothes on this time, he does not like being naked}.

Max's first photo shoot {sort of}

2009-04-20T19:59:00.007-04:00

So today I attempted to take Max's pictures, however he wasn't haven it! He screamed basically the whole time. I was only able to get two good shots. Hopefully he will be more cooperative tomorrow. I really want some good pictures of him while he is little. The last two days have been pretty rough Max has been crying non stop, I'm crossing my fingers that it's not colic.

{Max wouldn't cooperate and cross his legs so I opted to blur it out because I really like the picture}

A Fun Week

2009-04-18T22:26:00.003-04:00

We are starting to get the hang of being a family of four around here so this week we decided to actually venture out of our house. We had a Easter egg hunt at our friends Jim and Leslie's {forgot my camera}, we went over to my parents house a couple of times, and the past two days the weather was really nice so we went to the park. Today we packed a picnic lunch and went to the duck pond at Mill Creek. After our picnic and a little soccer we ventured to the rose gardens. All the tulips were in full bloom along with a bunch of other flowers, it smelled so yummy.

Do they look alike?

2009-04-16T16:54:00.003-04:00

{Max at 2 weeks}

{Sebastian at 2 weeks}

Two Weeks!!

2009-04-16T16:31:00.005-04:00

Max was two weeks old yesterday. He had a Dr's appointment on Tuesday and he gained 12oz, what a chunk! He is up to 6 lbs 9 oz now. He continues to be really sleepy, however yesterday was awake for 2 hours {not in row} so he is starting to become more alert. He only wakes up once in the middle of the night to eat on his own usually somewhere between 2:45 and 4:00am depending on what time he took his night feeding. The Dr says I don't have to wake him any more to feed him since he is gaining weight. Sebastian continues to be a big help and is adjusting really well.

{ Max is about the same size as one of Sebastian's stuffed animals, Sebastian thought it was funny and wanted us to take a picture}

{We do a lot of this during the day!}

Easter!

2009-04-14T11:09:00.010-04:00

Easter started out this year on Friday night when we decorated cupcakes to leave out for the Easter Bunny {Sebastian didn't want to eggs}. Saturday while Sebastian was at the park with Donald the Easter Bunny dropped off a basket for Max and him. However Donald forgot to call me on his way home so I failed to get a picture because I was in the middle of feeding Max. Sunday we went to church as a family of four for the first time. Donald had to leave before us for bishopric meeting so I had to get us ready all by myself and we were actually early {I don't see that happening again!}. Sacrament meeting was awesome the talks that were given and the music that was shared set the spirit for the rest of the day! We left after Sacrament and went to my moms where the Easter Bunny made an other stop for Sebastian and Max. Thankfully we had the camera ready this time.

Sleepy, Sleepy Boy!!!

2009-04-13T21:36:00.003-04:00

Max continues to be a joy to have around. He is such a content baby {unless he's having his diaper changed}. He still sleeps a lot! Tomorrow we go back to the doctors to make sure he is gaining weight, so keep your fingers crossed.

First week at home

2009-04-08T12:27:00.013-04:00

Max is a week old today and so far has been a dream baby. He is so content and sleeps most of the time. We have a hard time waking him for feedings and keeping him awake through out. Sebastian is such a big helper and loves his little brother so much! Max had is first doctors appointment yesterday and other than loosing a little weight (he weighed 6.4 at birth and was 5.13 yesterday) he is completely healthy! It has taken a little while to get used to how small he is at first I was afraid I would hurt him but everything is coming more naturally now. Here are so pics from our first week home.

{Max two hours old}

{Donald and Max on the first night}

{Max usually gets to tired before he is done nursing so we have to finish is feeds in a bottle}

{Max on his first night at home}

{Sebastian and Max in their matching pj's}

{Looking cute before his Dr's appointment}

{Sebastian giving baby brother some love}

{Look at that face}

HE'S HERE!!

2009-04-06T11:35:00.002-04:00

Maxwell Nathaniel Erickson Was born April 1, 2009 at 8:47 am he weighed 6 lbs 4oz and was 18 in long. More pictures soon I promise!

Easter Egg Hunt and Baby Update

2009-03-28T22:53:00.002-04:00

Today was a busy day it started at 10:00 am with an Easter Egg hunt at our church. Sebastian had a fun time and got plenty of candy!! There was a baptism afterwards so we didn't end up getting home until almost 3:00. Followed by grocery shopping where Sebastian decided to have a major melt down in the frozen foods isle. First time he's ever done that, I was totally mortified but then realized that we hadn't been home since 9:30 and he was way past his breaking point! As for baby news Maxwell Nathaniel Erickson will be here on April 8 unless he decides to come early. I am so excited that there is an end in sight and that were almost to single digits. Sleep is a thing of the past and I'm really starting to miss it. I can't wait to have my body back and not be so squished.

Sebastian's 4 yr pictures

2009-03-14T19:12:00.004-04:00

It took me long enough (his birthday was in December) but I finally got his pictures taken! In fact I've gotten more accomplished this week then I have the past 8 months. I'm pretty sure nesting has kicked in hard core. Everything on my list is completed that I wanted get to get done before Max joins us. Now were just in wait mode which in my opinion sucks. Oh well he'll come when he's ready, right?! Here are a few of Sebastian's pictures from today.

Were Still Alive!!

2009-03-04T17:33:00.005-05:00

Were still alive here things have just been crazy and we haven't had the Internet for a while. Everything is going good only 38 days until baby number 2 is due to make his arrival. Sebastian gets more and more excited every day. Last Friday Donald and my dad took Sebastian and my nephew to go see monster trucks so here's a few pics of that. Also my parents got him a dog which stays at there house and here is a pic of her. She's a Rottweiler and shes nine weeks old. Her name is Sadie. Hopefully I'll update again soon.

INTRODUCING......

2008-11-07T12:06:00.003-05:00

.....Baby boy Erickson. Or who will now be known as Jonah Maxwell Erickson ( but you can call him Max) Due to make his appearance on April 12, 2009. He is healthy and growing well. Sebastian is super happy that he is going to have a baby brother and makes a point to tell us every day I told you it was a boy.

I have a confession

2008-10-14T12:50:00.004-04:00

I love this show!

At first I was skeptical because it was on MTV and I have that channel blocked on our T.V. but while I was at my parents house one day it was on and I was surprised. No swearing, no sex, no drugs just a hilarious family that loves each other. Donald and I watch this show and I swear at the end were crying cause were laughing so hard. Glenn Beck had Rev Run and Justine on his show last Friday to promote there new book Taking Back Your Family. They talked about why they chose to put there show on MTV rather than ABC Family they said it was because the people who watch MTV need there show more that those who watch ABC which makes sense. While i haven't unblocked MTV i do check my program listings for this show. If your in the mood for a good laugh and a wholesome family show check it out you won't be disappointed!

We're still here

2008-10-07T18:28:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately but when I do have a good day I try to spend all my time with Sebastian to make up for the bad ones. I was really counting on this pregnancy being different than my one with Sebastian but sadly its the same. I have hyperemersis again which is when you through up all day long sometimes as much as 20 times a day. This far along in my pregnancy with Sebastian I had already lost 40 pounds with this one I've only lost 25 which is good. The baby is doing fine which is all I really care about. Today was a good day, so Sebastian Donald and I went to the park. We had a good time and I got some cute pics of Sebastian, I haven't taken a picture of him since August so I've been seriously slacking. Hopefully more good days are coming, and I will be back to blogging like normal, if not you no why. Sebastian is so excited about being a big brother, some days its all he talks about. He has also informed us that it is a boy and I am not aloud to have a girl. He has his heart set on sharing his room with his baby brother. We've decided, or I should say I have decided that were not going to find out the sex. Donald wants to know but I'm the one doing all the work so its up to me. I think it's a boy, just a feeling.

Two Days and Counting!!

2008-09-19T10:43:00.003-04:00

I haven't puked in two days my ribs were getting soar I deserve a break. So today I'm going to take my son to the park and enjoy this beautiful weather! And say a prayer that Wednesday was a fluke and that I won't have Hyperemesis with this one!

My Hero....

2008-09-04T08:13:00.003-04:00

Can I just take a moment to brag about my wonderful husband....He has been taking such good care of me and trust me that's not easy. I'm not as sick with this one as I was with Sebastian {very happy about that} but I'm just constantly nauseous so when ever I think I might want some thing to eat Donald hurries to make it or go get it for me. Which makes me feel really bad when I take one bite and decide it's not what I wanted. Also with this pregnancy I get sick at night so Donald has been coming home from work and letting me go to bed and take care of Sebastian the rest of the night. I just want to let him know how GRATEFUL I am for him and how much I LOVE him. I am so glad that it is you that I get to spend eternity with!!! Your a wonderful husband and father and our lives would be incomplete with out you!!!

Class Act!!!

2008-08-29T10:48:00.003-04:00

I'm little late with this post but Sebastian and I have been recovering from the flu so this is the first chance I've had to get on the blog..Last Saturday I got a call from Coach Ali of the Penn-Ohio Tigers, he had read my blog post and felt bad that Sebastian never got to see the team play. So the team and the coaches wanted to do something special for him. He asked us to bring him down to the football field were the team was leaving to participate in a play off game. There they presented Sebastian with an autographed football and he got to meet the team and get his picture taken with them. He was a little shy with the guys, but this week all he talks about is his football and how the football players are his friends its so cute. Anyone who comes to the house he shows his football to. Thank you so much Coach Ali and The Penn-Ohio Tigers you have a special place in our hearts and especially Sebastian's. And to anyone who loves football lets get out there and support our community and this team next year!!!! They play there home games at Canfield Stadium for more info on the team click this link here.

It's Been A while....

2008-08-24T22:38:00.002-04:00

....I know but we have a good excuse I promise, we're Pregnant!!!!!!!!We just found out a few ours ago and couldn't be more excited. By are calculations the due date is March 22 which puts me at almost through my first trimester...We're feeling good no puking yet so keep your fingers crossed!!!!

What did he say?

2008-08-11T14:14:00.007-04:00

Friday Sebastian called my mom and asked her to come over and go to the park with him. To give you a little history on my mom she an awesome grandma but she doesn't really like crowds or being around people that she doesn't know. With that being said were walking to the playground and there was a bunch of people there. Sebastian turns to my mom and says come on mamaw hurry up. My mom tells him I don't know about this Sebastian mamaw doesn't like people. Sebastian turns to her with out skipping a beat and says yeah huh mamaw you took your medicine. Have no clue where he got that from, but I was crying I was laughing so hard! Here are some pictures for our little adventure. The thing I love the most about my mom is that she plays with her grandkids!

I wanna see the Ohio Tigers!!!

2008-08-08T09:04:00.007-04:00

This past Saturday was the last home game of the Penn-Ohio Tigers {a minor league football team}. Sebastian has been obsessed with going to see them play! Our good friends Jim and Leslie gave us season tickets but we have just been so busy we didn't get a chance to go to any of the games. So we decided we would take him to the last game on Saturday. Well 3 hours before it starts I get a call from Leslie telling me the game had been canceled, but that they would be having a meet the team night. Not wanting to disappoint Sebastian we took him down there. He was so cute he took his little poster around the field and asked the players to sign it. The high light of his night was being able to run on the fake grass.

Girls Camp!!!!

2008-08-06T10:41:00.006-04:00

I know a lot of you have been waiting for this post, however I have had an extremely hard time figuring out how to put into words the experiences of that week. Never have I worked so hard in my life! Every night I went to bed exhausted and was probably asleep before my head hit the pillow. It was awesome to watch these young women grow and come out of their shells. Thursday Donald and Sebastian came up for my birthday. I took the afternoon off and we had a picnic up in the hay fields and then toured the John Johnson Farm. The spirit felt on that tour was....It can't be put into words, and to be able to have felt that with my husband and son is something I will always remember! I didn't get a chance to take to many pictures because I decided not to bring my camera{if it broke there goes my business} and I forgot to charge the batteries on my point and shoot. Donald saved the day however and brought it the last day so I manged to get a few pics. Donald did an awesome job taking care of Sebastian, and it was a great learning experience for me to realize someone else can take care of Sebastian besides me! Not to mention the change in his and Sebastian's relationship, they seam so much closer. I'll stop talking now and leave you with the few pictures I did get.

Girls Camp and Random Acts of Kindness

2008-07-28T07:25:00.005-04:00

I'm leaving in about an hour to attend girls camp for the next week. Donald has taken the week off and will be spending it with Sebastian. I'm a little nervous to leave my boys for a week. It's not that I don't trust Donald, he is more than able to take care of our son for a week. It's just I have never been away from Sebastian for longer than a night! So this is going to be very hard, yet extremely fun and rewarding. I am however, looking forward to not having my phone ring for a week! On an other note Donald, Sebastian and I returned home last night after having dinner with my parents only to find a plate of chocolate chip cookies on our door step. My first thought was since there wasn't a note was to through them away since we didn't know who they were from{how sad and paranoid is that}. But after Donald ate one and didn't die, I let Sebastian have some. They are really good, thanks to whoever sent them to us! And since I don't like to post with out a picture here are some favorites of mine.

When it rains it pours!

2008-07-25T20:03:00.004-04:00

Warning long post:

Let me just tell you how happy I am that this week is over! It all started on Wednesday, Sebastian was complaining of a stomach ache, I thought to myself you haven't gone number 2 since Saturday. So I put him on the potty but he couldn't go. No big deal I'll just give him a suppository when I get home from my girls camp meeting. So I get to Leslie's house because that's where the meeting is and Sebastian wants me to hold him which surprised me because before we left all he could talk about was playing with Sammy. Ten minutes later he pukes all over me and Leslie's carpet. I feel horrible, I really thought he was just constipated! So after he sleeps there for a hour and Leslie washes our clothes {thanks Leslie} he wakes up feeling just real crappy so I asked Jim to give him a blessing and we head home. After a couple of hours he's completely fine {which leads me to believe he is just extremely backed up} so I give him a suppository and wait to see if he goes on Thursday. Thursday comes and he's fine. Still hasn't gone to the bathroom but is acting fine. So we head off to the lake with some friends. Before we leave for the lake I check my email and have something from Leslie telling me that chicken pox is going around our ward. No big deal, he was acting fine so I didn't think anything of it. We get to the lake and he is fine for a little bit and then all of the sudden he gets real whining and wants to be held. He says his stomach hurts, I'm thinking well yeah you haven't pooped in 5 days of course your stomach hurts. He does this the whole time we are at the lake, one minute he is fine the next he is in my lap in pain. One of the times he was in my lap I notice theses red bumps on his shoulders. Think about email and start flippen thinking he has chicken pox. We go home stomach pain gets worse as does the rash. Give him another suppository and call his Doctor. While waiting for doctor to call back Sebastian starts making these funny noises with his throat. I ask him if it hurts he says no, but I look inside just to be sure. OK there's sores all inside his mouth, now I'm convinced that he has chicken pox{but how he got the vaccination} call the doctor back explain new symptom and they want to see him right away. At this point I start to freak, Sebastian is not acting like himself and I just want to know whats wrong. Get to the doctors find out that its not chicken pox its hand foot and mouth disease{don't even know what that is}. not to worried about that because the not pooping is the real problem. Doctor sticks his finger up there to loosen things around and tells me to give him another suppository along with Mira lax and to call tomorrow if he still hasn't gone. Well tomorrow has come and he still hadn't went so I call the doctor, at this point Sebastian in doubled over in pain and can hardly walk, but it comes in spurts one second he is fine the next he is on the ground screaming. So the doctor has us take him to the emergency for an x-ray to make sure he is not blocked. Films come back fine, they give him an enema and five minutes later he poops and all is well. He is now fast asleep in his room. I can't say enough about the hospital that we took him to. They were great with him! If you ever have to take your child to the hospital and you live around here I highly recommend St. Elizabeth's. Sebastian is doing great other than the fact that he is still contagious from the hand foot and mouth thingy and will be for about a week. I'm so grateful that this week is over and also grateful that my little man is OK!

Our weekend

2008-07-21T20:25:00.000-04:00

Friday:

This weekend Sebastian, myself and Brenda drove down to Columbus to spend the weekend with her son and daughter in law. Gene and Kira are good friends of the family and they have a little boy who is Sebastian's age and a little girl who is about 20 months. We thought it would be nice for Caleb to have a friend come to his house and visit him. We got to Columbus around 4:30 Friday afternoon. The kids were really excited to play together. We had a cookout that night and Brenda took the kids over to the park right by Gene and Kira's house. At 9:00 we brought them in, gave them a bath and tried to put the kids to bed. However they were so excited about having a sleepover that they didn't fall asleep until 11:30.

Saturday

2008-07-21T19:41:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a busy day! The boys woke up early after a late night and decided it would be fun to play out side while Kira fixed us an awesome breakfast! Notice the lack of clothing on the boys, apparently its fun to run around in your under guchies. Later that afternoon we took the boys and Emilee to the pool. Emilee's allergies were really bothering her so she went home and took a nap before I could get a picture of her. The boys had a blast jumping in the pool and swimming! After swimming we headed home and the boys rested for a while, then after dinner we took the kids to the mall to run off some energy, hoping it would help them fall asleep quicker. And it worked, everyone was asleep by 9:30. Kira was shocked that I had never seen the Count of Monte Cristo, so we watched that. It was a really good movie and I plan on watching it with Donald this weekend.

Sunday

2008-07-21T19:40:00.008-04:00

Sunday was a chill day. We started off by going to church. The boys looked so handsome in there shirts and ties and Emilee looked adorable in her little dress! Of course a forgot to get a picture of them all dressed up. After church we came home and just relaxed. The boys played in the basement most of the day. They came up with there little construction hats on and informed us they were building a temple and it was hard work and it was going to take a long time. So stinken cute! They were down there for a while before they finally came up and got us. It was so cute when they showed us, they were so proud of themselves. After temple building and dinner they went for a walk with Brenda. When they got back Brenda told us how Caleb and Sebastian were pretending a tree was a drum. They used sticks and were singing I am a child of God. So sweet, it was a great Sabbath day. After there walk we chilled out and watched Monsters Inc. and then it was off to bed. We left this morning at 11:30 and got home just before three. Thanks Gene and Kira for a great weekend Sebastian misses you guys already!

I'm really starting to like this

2008-07-18T12:07:00.003-04:00

I'm liking this much better than actual scapbooking, it's less messy!

What do you think?

2008-07-17T17:46:00.006-04:00

I'm thinking about offering pages like this with photo sessions {haven't decided on prices yet} the size would be an 8x10. My question to you is, would you purchase something like this. They are costume so you would be able to choose colors, themes, quotes and ect...What do you think?

It was the best of times and the worst of times...

2008-07-14T09:31:00.008-04:00

This weekend left something to be desired. We got my niece and nephew Wednesday afternoon, that night I took Gavin my nephew over to my parents because he was needing some one on one attention form them. That left Donald and I with my niece for the next 4 days. Let me tell you watching Sebastian and Cammie together was like watching an old married couple. They were cracking me up, one minute there doing a puzzle together all nice and then next thing I know someones crying the other one is screaming don't look at me! Five minutes later there hugging and telling each other how much they missed the other. There only 9 months apart {Cammie being the older} and there personalities are polar opposites. Cammie is wild and crazy and like to be in charge. Sebastian is a little more laid back but extremely stubborn and likes to do things in a particular way. By Saturday night when Cammie went home there was a huge blow up because Cammie didn't want to share her crayons both kids were screaming and crying and for a split second I thought to my self....and you want another one....are you nuts!! But then after the crying subsided I realized the good far out weighed the bad!!

From the mouth of Sebastian

2008-07-13T22:36:00.003-04:00

The other day I was drying Sebastian off after he had taken a shower. I was playfully drying his hair when he looked up at me and said "mommy you a freak". I turned to him and said "Sebastian, where did you learn that word"!?!? He looked at me with out skipping a beat and said "daddy, mommy he caught a FREAKEN FISH". Apparently he picked up some new words form there little fishing adventure. I about peeded my pants I laughed so hard, and the look on Donald's face was priceless!!! This kid cracks me up!

Sebastian's First Tag

2008-07-11T21:27:00.003-04:00

Name: Sebastian Benjamin Erickson

Age: 3 1/2 years old

Birthdate: December 16, 2004

Nicknames: Bubba, bubby, patch, patchen, and bash

Favorite Activity(-ies): Playing outside, swimming and riding his bike.

Favorite Food(s): Hot dogs, shrimp, chicken nuggets, any kind of fruit and bread.

Least Favorite Food(s): Vegetables and meat.

Favorite Music: Primary songs, and anything sung by Laurie Burkner.

Favorite Toy(s): Geo trax, anything lighting mcqueen, and anything with wheels.

Favorite Book(s): Noah book, My first book of Mormon stories, and his Disney bedtime book.

Favorite item(s) of clothing: Hats, he could be be naked as a j-bird but if he has a hat on he's good to go!

What makes me happy: Playing with my mommy and daddy and my friends. Going on hikes.

What makes me sad: When my daddy goes to work and when I get put in timeout.

Sebastian Tags: Caleb, Riley, Dallon, Keira and Ben

Fun at the lake

2008-07-10T17:23:00.011-04:00

Today myself, Mel, and our friend Sheena packed up the kids and headed to the lake. We had a really good time and the kids really enjoyed them selfs. Sebastian was absolutely fearless when it came to the water! He scared me a couple of times. This was his first time in open water and he just ate it up. He is such a water boy. It was nice to visit with the girls and it was really nice having Shenna there. Her and her husband just moved out here from Idaho so that he can attend Dental school at that school that plays Michigan in November{Go Blue}! Any way she hasn't lived back hear in over 8 years. Over all we had a great time and it was a total chill day!

Park Adventures

2008-07-10T00:37:00.008-04:00

Today when Donald got home from work he reminded me that he had to go out to the church to teach the 12 year old scouts how to build a camp fire. That left me at our apartment with 3 very bored and hyper children. I decided to be brave and take them to the park across the street. The kids had a great time and ran off a lot of energy{in fact Cammie and Sebastian both asked to be put to bed}! Poor Cammie had a rough time. First she fell in the mud on our walk through the trail and got all muddy. Then once we arrived at the playground she went down a slide that had a huge puddle of water at the end of it. So now she's muddy and wet. Lastly she was off in the field minding her own business playing with her ball when Sebastian comes out of no where and tackles the poor girl! She was such a trooper and never complained once. I love watching the 3 of them play together. Sebastian is always so happy when they come over!

Yea for cousins!!!

2008-07-09T16:57:00.005-04:00

My niece and nephew {Cameron and Gavin} are staying with us until Saturday night and were so excited to have them here. Sebastian is in his glory having someone to play with all day long. Tomorrow were heading to the lake for a day of swimming and relaxation. I love that they all play so well together, and are so close.

False Hope!

2008-07-07T10:22:00.002-04:00

We have a rule in this house called the false hope rule. This rule states that if you are eating something and there is not enough left for an other person you through it away or finish it off. Also you are never to put something away that is empty. I came up with this rule after growing up with three brothers. I can't tell you the amount of times I would look forward to a bowl of cereal only to grab the box to find out that it was empty, there for creating false hope. I mean seriously why can't they just through it away. That leads me to this morning. I walk in to my kitchen for breakfast and go to make a bagel. I reach for the cream cheese container, and its empty....grrrr. Ok fine I wasn't to mad I'll just have a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats, I grab for the box...it's empty too....are you kidding me! Lets just say a phone call was made...I yelled........the rule was reviewed and promises were made.....It must be a guy thing!

Where Back

2008-07-05T20:14:00.014-04:00

Where back from our little camping adventure and as you will see in the pictures we had an absolute blast. Thank you so much Lawson's for inviting us! The weather was a little rainy but not so much so that it was miserable. Just a steady mist, but by 4 it was done. It was a little muddy but that just added to the fun. Sebastian's favorite thing to do was go for a ride in the mule. He loved to take it fast and go through the mud puddles{ unfortunately I didn't get a picture of him on it}. He also really liked going fishing. He HATED the fireworks, was absolutely terrified of them. I ended up taking him into the tent and he fell asleep with in 5 minutes and slept through the whole thing. This morning at 6:30 Donald took Sebastian down to one of the lakes and went fishing. Sebastian was so excited and just kept talking about how him and his Daddy went fishing while the sun came up. What a fun little memory they created! What a great time, where already talking about nest year!

{where we laid our heads, ours is the blue one to the left}

{Sebastian showing me his fishing pool}

{Sebastian and Anthony getting ready to go fish}

{Sebastian fishing at one of the lakes}

{A bunch of people around the fire}

{Sebastian and Kennor attempting to play baseball, they were so cute}

{Stacey with Bryana, she has the bluest eyes I've ever seen!}

{Harrison, one of the Lawson's grandsons, isn't he a cutie!?}

{Jada the Lawson's dog, Sebastian loves her!}

{Last but not least the pigs, they were sooo yummy!}

Off we go.....

2008-07-03T15:05:00.009-04:00

Into the wild blue yonder....

Do a little of this...

Cook one of these...

Watch a lot of this...

And finally sleep in one of these! {It's our first time camping as a family, and Sebastian's first time period, wish us luck! Were going to need it}

Freaking Adorable

2008-07-02T23:25:00.004-04:00

How stink'n cute are these!?!? I was at www.babygap.com
and I couldn't pass them up. Oh well I haven't bought anything for Sebastian in over 6 months so its allowed. Now I just have to convince Donald that it's ok.

Freaky people

2008-07-02T19:18:00.007-04:00

Today when Sebastian and I were on our walk we had an interesting experience. We had just come down off the trail and were getting ready to walk over the bridge when two men start to get out of there car very slowly and staring at me. Sebastian was sorta of walking behind so I don't think they saw him at first. Well I turned told Sebastian lets go walk by the creek because I was trying to get out of there as fast as I could with out looking scared which I obviously was. Well when they saw Sebastian they kinda of looked at each other and started to get back in there car and then my phone rang {thank God} it was Donald! I was never so happy to here his voice. He told me to start walking home and he would stay on the phone with me until I got there. Creepy people continued to watch us for a few minutes and then drove off. Which really made me nervous cause I didn't know where they were. But we made it home safely and Donald and I agreed that I need to get some mace or a stun gun. Any way our walk wasn't all that bad, before we ran into the freaky people I convinced Sebastian to do a little posing for me since I haven't gotten any pictures of him in like a week. And I found wild raspberries growing on our trail, soooo yummy!

Happy 4th Of July Week!!

2008-07-02T14:22:00.003-04:00

I love the Fourth Of July!!! I love being an American, and all the freedoms and responsibilities that go along with it. I love that we have men and women who are willing to sacrifice their time, talents and most importantly their lives for this country. Three years ago this summer my family was celebrating the return home of my two brothers from Iraq and Afghanistan, yet mourning the loss of my cousin, who wasn't as lucky. Both my brothers and my cousin entered the Untied States Army believing they could make a difference. Because of them and all the men and women who serve, America is a safer place. My challenge to you this week is to find a soldier or veteran and tell them thank you. Go online and find out what you can do to make their lives a little easier while there over seas. I remembered how much my brothers look forward to getting their care packages! I also remember them asking us to send extras because there were soldiers that received nothing! Most importantly keep are armed forces and their families in your thoughts and prayers this week and every week for that matter.

I was bored

2008-07-01T20:17:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was like the 5th day in a row that it was hot humid and thunderstormy{is that even a word}. What do we do in the Erickson household when were bored? We experiment on the little one. What do you think? It's gotten long hasn't it? Donald doesn't like it, I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. What do you think? What do you do when your bored?

Do you want a donut?

2008-06-30T20:15:00.004-04:00

Do you want a donut?

There was a boy by the name of Steve who was attending Seminary in Utah. In this Seminary classes are held during school hours. Brother Christianson taught Seminary at this particular school. He had an open-door policy and would take in any student that had been thrown out of another class as long as they would abide by his rules. Steve had been kicked out of his sixth period and no other teacher wanted him, so he went into Brother Christianson’s Seminary class.

Steve was told that he could not be late, so he arrived just seconds before the bell rang and he would sit in the very back of the room. He would also be the first to leave after the class was over.

One day, Brother Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. After class, Bro.
Christianson pulled Steve aside and said, ‘You think you’re pretty tough, don’t you?’

Steve’s answer was, ‘Yeah, I do.’

Then Brother Christianson asked, ‘How many push-ups can you do?’

Steve said, ‘I do about 200 every night.’

’200? That’s pretty good, Steve,’ Brother Christianson said. ‘Do you think you could do 300?’

Steve replied, ‘I don’t know… I’ve never done 300 at a time.’

’Do you think you could?’ Again asked Brother Christianson.

’Well, I can try,’ said Steve.

’Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I need you to do 300 in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,’ Brother Christianson said. Steve said, ‘Well… I think I can… yeah, I can do it.’

Brother Christianson said, ‘Good! I need you to do this on Friday.’

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the ro om. When class started, Brother Christianson pulled out a big box of donuts. Now these weren’t the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited-it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend.

Bro. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, ‘Cynthia, do you want a donut?’

Cynthia said, ‘Yes.’

Bro. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, ‘Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?’

Steve said, ‘Sure,’ and jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Bro. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia’s desk.

Bro. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, ‘Joe do you want a donut?’

Joe said, ‘Yes.’ Bro. Christianson asked, ‘Steve would you do ten push- ups so Joe can have a donut?’ Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut.

And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut. And down the second aisle, till Bro. Christianson came to Scott.

Scott was captain of the football team and center of the basketball team. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. Then Bro. Christianson asked, ‘Scott do you want a donut?’

Scott’s reply was, ‘Well, can I do my own pushups?’

Bro. Christianson said, ‘No, Steve has to do them.’

Then Scott said, ‘Well, I don’t want one then.’

Bro. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, ‘Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn’t want?’

Steve started to do ten pushups. Scott said, ‘HEY! I said I didn’t want one!’
<> Bro. Christianson said, ‘Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don’t want it.’ And he put a donut on Scott’s desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Bro. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry.

Bro. Christianson asked Jenny, ‘Jenny, do you want a donut?’

Jenny said, ‘No.’

Then Bro. Christianson asked Steve, ‘Steve, would you do ten pushups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn’t want?’ Steve did ten, Jenny got a donut.

By now, the students were beginning to say ‘No’ and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve was also having to really put forth a lot of eff ort to get these pushups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Bro. Christianson asked Robert to watch Steve to make sure he did ten pushups in a set because he couldn’t bear to watch all of Steve’s work for all of those uneaten donuts. So Robert began to watch Steve closely. Bro. Christianson started down the fourth row.

During his class, however, some students had wandered in and sat along the heaters along the sides of the room. When Bro. Christianson realized this; he did a quick count and saw 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Bro. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Bro. Christianson, ‘Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?’

Bro. Christianson thought for a moment, ‘Well, they’re your pushups. You can do them any way that you want.’ And Bro. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled, ‘NO! Don’t come in! Stay out!’

Jason didn’t know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, ‘No, let him come.’

Bro. Christianson said, ‘You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him.’

Steve said, ‘Yes, let him come in.’

Bro. Christianson said, ‘Okay, I’ll let you get Jason’s out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?’

’Yes.’

’Steve, will you do ten pushups so that Jason can have a donut?’ Steve did ten pushups very slowly an d with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Bro. Christianson finished the fourth row, then started on those seated on the heaters. Steve’s arms were now shaking with each pushup in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was dropping off of his face and, by this time, there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two girls in the room were cheerleaders and very popular. Bro. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, ‘Linda, do you want a doughnut?

Linda said, very sadly, ‘No, thank you.’

Bro. Christianson asked Steve, ‘Steve, would you do ten pushups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn’t want?’

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda. Then Bro. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. ‘Susan, do you want a donut?’

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, asked , ‘Bro. Christianson , can I help him?’

Bro. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, ‘No, he has to do it alone, Steve, would you do ten pushups so Susan can have a donut?’

As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Brother Christianson turned to the room and said. ‘And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, plead to the Father, ‘Into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, he collapsed on the cross and died. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.’ .

When everyone in the classroom heard what the teacher meant by it and realized everything. Steve smiled on the ground where he laid in his own sweat and began to cry.

MY FEET HURT!!!

2008-06-29T21:11:00.003-04:00

Today after dinner a bunch of people at the Moore's decided to go on a walk. Sebastian really wanted to go and since there was more kids then adults going and they were going to be on a busy road I decided to go also. I was wearing very uncomfortable flip flops so now 2 miles later my feet are killing me! Sebastian was a champ though and walked the whole 2 miles. He has always been a good walker though so I'm not really surprised. Other than that things have been really quite around here. It's been hot humid and rainy so not to much picture taking going on. Oh well, gives Sebastian a good break, he doesn't run from me every time I pick up my camera.

Wild and Crazy....Zoo?

2008-06-25T22:01:00.010-04:00

We had a fun time at the zoo today and it was educational to boot.. It started out as just a normal day enjoying the animals and all the zoo has to offer. And then we arrived at the giraffes. Seemed innocent enough. Then the female giraffe started to pee. Ok I can handle this, Sebastian thought it was pretty funny as well. Then the male Giraffe moves a little closer to the female. My mom says oh look how cute their going to cuddle go get a picture. What my mom didn't know was that apparently the action of the female peeing apparently turns the male on. And then...oh no...there not going to......yup he starts to mount her. Sebastian "mommy look he wants a piggy back ride". Me "yeah honey lets go see the elephants" I mean come on...seriously!! Notice the giraffe pictures are censored and cut off at the waste. We had a really good time and Sebastian loved seeing all the animals. Thanks mom and dad for a fun day.

A much needed break!

2008-06-24T19:04:00.004-04:00

{Sebastian, myself and my parents are taking a much needed break and heading to the Pittsburgh Zoo tomorrow. We only wish Donald could come with us.}

One Sentence.....

2008-06-24T13:08:00.003-04:00

He put Aquaphor all through his hair!
{any ideas on how to get it out, because its been washed ten time and it still looks like he stuck his finger in a socket}