Return of the Pumpkin Pie (I think this is Part III)

Sam and Max have a tradition. The "It's Almost Thanksgiving so We Must Bake A Pumpkin Pie" tradition. This year, they invited Charley to be a part of the festivities, so she watched and took notes from her bouncer. Next year, I am sure she will be bossing those boys around and showing them how it's done.


I, on the other hand, am only allowed in the kitchen to snap the annual photo. Which, in all honesty, is fine by me. 


Once again, they did it. Sam, Max, and now Charley, made a delicious pumpkin pie. Throw some Cool Whip on top and you have the most perfect autumn dessert.


Bon Appetit. 

Mixing it up.

Charley included in the photo op! 

Pouring and time to bake! 

Fall Leaves, Fall Fun

Our backyard is FILLED with trees, which means every fall we have to muster up a workday (or two!) to do some serious yard cleanup. 


Max and I decided to take a break from the back-breaking labor and enjoy the piles and piles of leaves. Sam couldn't help but join in the fun!

Max and the Motorcycle

Max can't seem to get enough of Sam's 4-wheeler. He asks constantly, "Can we can go out to Uncle Tom and Aunt Beth's farm today so I can ride my motorcycle?"

Well, daddy delivered today.

As I weeded, and worked, and labored, and tended our organic garden, the boys were living it up. Laughing, smiling, and grinning from ear to ear. They would blaze by me, then slow down to a crawl so Max could yell out, "do you see me mama, do you see me?" Sure do buddy.

So what does a piece of heaven look like to Max? Apparently, it's a hunk a metal that you can ride at high flying speeds, and includes dirt in the face, grit in the teeth, and a sweaty head of hair under that helmet. Go get em' boys!

My Lawn Guys

So lets just start out by saying that Max has been begging Sam to mow the grass together. Last year, Sam spent most of the summer mowing the grass with Max in the Kelty backpack. Sweat much?

Well this year, Sam decided to ease his summer load and hire the 12-year-old neighbor boy to cut our grass when needed. And I am pretty sure Sam has not regretted his $15-a-cut investment once. Nope, not once.

However, little Max has not forgotten about the Kelty and that feeling a man (or boy in this case) must get when behind a powerful engine, cutting the grass, hair blowing in the wind/gas fumes, sweat dripping into your eyes. You get it. He was desperate for a ride with his daddy pushing that mower.

So Sam's new summer best friend, Wesley the 12-year-old lawn boy, went on summer vacation with his family. Which means, Sam had to do the dirty, sweaty grass cutting himself.

Mission Accomplished.

Little boys summer dream fulfilled.

Check.

Let the Summer Fun Begin

Does summertime get any better than this? Welcome warm weather!

Family Photo Shoot

Thanks to Uncle Chris we ended up with a great Easter Sunday photo shoot.

I Still Do

Sam and I just got back from 5 glorious days in Riveria Maya, Mexico. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with friends/siblings Ron and Kristen.

As a surprise, Sam decided to plan a beachside wedding ceremony so we could renew our vows. It was amazing in every way. Ocean breeze, barefoot in the sand and the opportunity to say, I Still Do.

How did Sam pull of a surprise of this magnitude? With the help of his sister, Kristen. They planned, plotted and made decisions before our arrival. The ceremony took place on the first night of our vacation. Before we headed out the door for dinner, Sam mentioned he needed to check on something really quick and asked if I would please sit tight and wait for him. About ten minutes later, I received a knock on the door by a resort employee. As he handed me a beautiful bouquet of gerber daisies (my favorite), he asked me to follow him, my husband was waiting. So trusting this stranger, I followed him down to the beach, turned the corner, and lo and behold my husband was standing at the end of the beach aisle waiting for me.

My love, thank you for this amazing gift. The chance to renew our vows and reclaim our love for one another. Thank you for loving me more today than yesterday. I cherish you, our marriage and our family. I give you my promise to honor, respect and love you with all of my being for the rest of my days. With all my love, me.

Just Married...again!

Welcome Quinton James!

It is my joy to announce the birth of our newest nephew, Quinton James.

Making the day even more special, Quinton shares a birthday, and middle name, with his Uncle Sam.

Both born on July 7th.

So welcome to the world little Quinton and happy 30th birthday to my love, Sam!

Why Is It So?

Today, Max and I had the pleasure of hanging out with two of my nieces, Abigail and Lauren, and my nephew, Gabriel. I won't bore you with all the details of my SIL's dislocated shoulder [yep, that's right. Kristen fell, dislocated her shoulder, and is now doing all functions with only her left arm]. I thought it would be a nice and welcomed relief to have some of her kiddos hang with us today.

Since I strive to win the "Aunt of the Year" award, I pulled out all the stops. Art projects. Board Games [you play a mean Hullabaloo, Gabe!]. Baking. Snacks. Treats. Cartoons. A delicious pot roast dinner.I think you get my point. One would think I would have this award in the bag.

One. Would. Think.

That is, until, Uncle Sam walked in the door. How easily the children forgot the Rolos I offered them spontaneously. You know, a "just because" treat. Or, the two cartoons I let them watch back-to-back. Or, allowing them to take every single stuffed animal out of hibernation and tuck them in Max's crib. Every. Single. Last. One. And, oh by the way, I found all three children in the crib [at the same time] with these said animals.

Again, one would think I have this award in the bag.

So, why is it so that children just love their daddies and uncles?

I give you

Exhibit A: The Ball Pit War

and

Exhibit B: Ride the Bull

You will know exactly why Uncle Sam won the coveted award today.

Sam,

you are one incredible husband, amazing father and fun-loving uncle.

You deserve the title.

Congrats.

Let It Snow

I feel that I am being reminded, more than ever, of how fast our little boy is growing up. Last year, around the holidays, he was just learning to crawl and was quite content to lay or sit in one spot. He barely noticed the big green tree in our family room. And he certainly didn't touch any of our Christmas decorations. This year, well lets just say, he is fully aware of all the holiday cheer sprinkled throughout our house!

We had our first snow day this weekend. I couldn't resist showing you then and now pictures. What a vast difference a year can make.

THEN:

NOW:

Enjoy the holiday week ahead! May it be Merry and Bright as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Paradise

Sam and I just returned from paradise in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We spent 6 glorious days and 5 glorious nights pretending like we were on our honeymoon again. It was pure bliss.

We celebrated my 30th birthday in style. Our lazy days were spent by the beach and our evenings at romantic dinners. What a way to celebrate a birthday!

While we were away, Mister Max was well taken care of by his Grandma and Papa. We emailed daily with the little guy and he seemed to get along just fine without us. Here are a few excerpts. I am sure they will bring a smile to your face as they did ours every time we read one!

11/12: Day 1 of Trip

Hi mommy and daddy,

I hope you had a fun afternoon at the pool/beach. I was soooo good all day. I got
to play with Eli all morning and Maddie watched us and took us outside in the back. It
was great fun. We then had a delicious lunch (I'm wearing a bib for grandma) of grilled
cheese, tomato soup, etc.

I didn't nap very long, maybe one hr. and then talked and coughed a little for another
hr. Grandma got me up and I was very good and happy. We left for home at 4.
Papa played with me lots while grandma finished dinner and cleaned up. I ate
all my spaghetti, some peas, yo-gurt, raspberries, pretzels. I did good, huh? and milk.
Well it is after 7 so I know they will say it's bedtime soon so I guess I better go and
play with them a little more so they won't be sad. Maybe read them a book.

All is well and I am happy. Have fun and don't be sad at all.
I love you, Max

11/15: Day 4 of Trip

Okay I'm telling on Grandma. She slept til 7:30 this morning. Papa got up and moved the monitor and
shut the door so she could sleep. Papa and I had a great early morning time together.
We looked at books and he gave me some dry cheerios and a drink to hold me til breakfast.
He loves to hold me when I wake. Me and my baa baa.

We went to church and I went to the nursery. Aunt Becca and Uncle Chris were in there.
I stayed in there til 11:15 and then they took me back to Gma. Becca said my nose was
running and I coughed on kids. Whatever! Don't tell I told or Gma will get in trouble.

Church was great. The Lord was moving. Worship lasted til noon again and then Pastor Jim
said to get your kids and come back up front if you want to. We left and went to Jersey
Mikes with Uncle Luke, Aunt Bethany and cousin Claire.

Home for nap. I slept not quite 2 hrs. Then books, played outside etc. My favorite -
Gma sat me in her lap and we checked out all the blogs. I loved it and didn't move for
20 min.

Lauren came at 4 and we played, outside and in. I ate the biggest dinner - spaghetti,
kiwi, and frozen yogurt and milk etc. Delicious! Lauren and I are now watching a video
before bath/bed. What a great day here at the Ritz. Uncle Tom and Beth are stopping by
at 8:30 to show us her engagement ring. I guess I'll be in bed:-(

I am wearing a bib at every meal. I even tuck it in behind the tray. Gma has these
great cotton bibs. Plastic sucks!

I love you and miss you but I am doing so great - real bonding with these old folks.
Love, Max

11/16: Day 5

Hi mommy and daddy,

I'm counting down. 24 hrs. or less. I miss you. I had a great day. Lauren played with
me this morning. Then we met Auntie Kristen and kiddos at Mc.D's for lunch and we took
Lauren to school.
I slept and slept for my nap. After 2 and half hrs. Grandma turned on the hall light,
15 more minutes and she turned on the bedroom light. I finally roused at almost 3 hrs.
Whew, I bet I grew sleeping so much.

We ran a couple errands and went outside. It is so nice here, the weather has been good.

O.K. it is 8:30 pm and I am jabbering up a storm in my bed. I stayed up til 8:15. Papa got
home from his elders meeting and I wanted to spend some time with him. I go from Grandma to Papa without hesitation. Hope I don't hurt her feelings. It's a guy thing.

See you at the airport. I'll be the little guy with beautiful blue eyes and blond curls
grinning ear to ear.

Love, Max

My Two Men

Aren't these two boys good lookin'?

Max just up from his afternoon nap.

Snack time and watching a golf tournament with daddy.

Max's new "Say Cheese" face.

"Say Cheese" one more time...

it's that cute!

Happy Anniversary!

Babe,

Happy Nine Year Anniversary! You are an amazing husband and incredible father. I am so proud to be on this journey of life with you. [You are absolutely my BFFF ;)]

Here's a trip down memory lane:

Thank you for helping me overcome my fear.

However, don't ask me to get in one of these small planes again!

What attracted me to you in the first place?

Your strapping good looks and sense of humor.

Christmastime in NYC.

Something everyone should experience!

Vacations in the Caribbean.

Memories that will last a lifetime.

And our first glimpse at Maximus.

A moment we will never, ever forget.

Cheers to nine wonderful years, babe. I love you!

Memory Lane

We purchased a new [to us...thank you Craig's List!] toy last week that I happen to be in love with, a Kelty Kids backpack. The Kelty allows Max to literally ride piggyback on our back in a comfy backpack. The little man can take in any scenery in style with this awesome invention.

Now, for that trip down memory lane. 

Have you ever gotten caught up in looking at old pictures? Well, it happened to me today. I started looking at some of Max's pictures of him in our Baby Bjorn. I wiped a quick tear from my eye as I realized how big our little guy is getting!

Max's first-ever Baby Bjorn ride

at the 2008 Memorial Golf Tournament

[only a few weeks old]

2008 Family Vacation

[almost 3 months old]

One of my favorite Bjorn moments!

Yes, that is Max's proud cousin, Maddie, 

carrying him at the apple orchard.

[6 months old]

Last month. 

Might have dusted it off from the winter months.

Let's just say it was a bit snug for Max and Sam!

[13 months old]

Graduation to the Kelty!

Ahhhh...what a relief for Max and Sam!

[a few days shy of 14 months old]

P.S. Happy 14 month birthday to you TODAY Maximus!

Pardon Me?

Just a quick and funny little story I wanted to share with all of you.

Maximus and I were riding in the car yesterday. I was feeling extra gushy towards the little man and was reveling in the fact that I am now a mom. We had just left his little gym class [one of my weekly highlights with Max] and I started gushing love all over the little guy. If you were a fly inside the car, it would have sounded something like this:

"Max, I love you. Love you, Love you, Love you. I love being your mommy. Did you know that? I. LOVE. BEING. YOUR. MOMMY. Nothing makes me happier, little buddy. I love you SO VERY much. I love you, I love you, I love you. LOVE being your mama. Love it! Love you!" [and so on and so on for a gooooood 5 minutes]

I think you get the point. GUSHING LOVE all over my little man.

As I was talking, Mister just kept giving me this blank stare. As if to say, "I hear you, but you are a bit off your rocker mommy." 

After all the gushing was coming to a close, Max gives me one more look, and then flings his head to look out the window and says one word: 

DADA.  

Pardon Me?

Was I not just gushing love all over you? And little man gives me the cold shoulder and says, "DADA."

Go figure, right?

[Footnote: I must make mention that Max is VERY good at saying "Mama" and "Mommy". In fact, he now follows me around the house all day saying my name. So he could have easily melted my heart by saying "Mama". Instead? Daddy got the love!]

Facing Your Fears

Several months ago, Max received this great gift: A Giraffe Tunnel. We were pretty stoked thinking it would provide hours of giggles. What's not to love? You can climb on it. Roll it. Play in it. And to top it off, it's in a posh giraffe print [that's the part I liked at least]. 

Well needless to say, Max has not been in love with the giraffe tunnel. He has, instead, been petrified of the thing. We get it out to play and he crawls the other direction. We put his favorite toys inside and he looks at us like, "who cares?" We play peek-a-boo thinking it will entice him in inside, no way. Not interested. And quite fearful.

So, Sam, being the brave dad that he is, decided it was high time Max overcame this giraffe tunnel fear. 

Look Max, tunnels are cool:

Yep, that is Sam inside the tunnel. 

Pretty cool inside the giraffe, huh Max?

Give it a whirl, little buddy!

You can do it!

Halfway through and no sign of turning back!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. 

Max is officially over his giraffe tunnel fear. Thanks for saving the day, Dad.

One Happy Blue Jackets Daddy

Sam was in all his glory last night. 

We took Maximus to the Blue Jackets hockey game. We let him stay up way past his bedtime so he could experience all the excitement and buzz about our hockey team [they are in the hunt for the playoffs this year - Go Jackets!]. He was a little gem! He sat on our laps the entire game! And was completely into the game, the Jumbotron, and the other fans.

Here's daddy with his future hockey player:

Pumpkin Pie

Sam is serious about his pumpkin pie. In fact, he loves pumpkin pie. In years past, I have attempted to make him one of these much-adored pies, however I just can't seem to get it right. Either the crust comes out burnt or the middle is runny. So I gave up making [and ruining] pumpkin pies.

But, this year, Sam proved he actually can navigate his way around the kitchen. This hankering for a pumpkin pie has turned into somewhat of a cooking-obsession for him. When I do a grocery run he specifically asks for crust, pumpkin and evaporated milk. All the other ingredients are household staples [he let me know], so as long as I keep our pantry stocked with these three ingredients, he can get his bake on.

And since Sam has been making at least a pie a week, Max has joined the cooking club.

And this is how you crack an egg...

And pour it ever-so-slowly...

Fresh out of the oven.

It is quite a masterpiece, isn't it? 

Enjoy Boys!

And Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!