A Look Into Our Life

New opportunity?

2010-09-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

Get taught everything by an ostensible

Update!

2009-06-12T08:04:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a long time. So I'm gonna give everyone a run down on what we've been up too! After our vacation we've moved out to Union Grove (a small town outside of Racine, which I'm absolutely in love with), I quit my part time job (just last night actually) because Josh got a promotion at work where his hours will be changing and we only have one car, he will be doing some traveling with his new sales position starting next week. We went to visit Megan & Jake in Kimberly and had a campfire with lots of smores! Kyle, Alice & Hunter came to visit and we had tons of fun going to Chuck E. Cheese, the park and the zoo. We're still very busy wedding planning! Payton is getting too old. He's potty training and doing great, and he amazes us with new word phrases everyday (where he learns some of them we don't know), he enjoys playing at the little park near our apartment and riding his big boy bike! We're also working on counting and ABC's. We have lots of fun things planned for the summertime and are praying that the weather gets nice real soon! I think I've pretty much summed up the last month or so!

Payton & Hunter riding with Papa on the lawnmower!

Payton & Hunter after a day of fun at the zoo!

Family picture at the zoo!

Payton & Mama before the wedding reception in Antigo!

Payton ready to go swimming at the Antigo hotel! Roasting marshmellows with Daddy at Auntie Megan & Uncle Jakes! Mother's Day Brunch!

Jamaica/Payton's Adventures!

2009-05-05T07:28:00.011-05:00

Josh and I went to Jamaica for 5 nights for a wedding. Josh's old roomate from college got married on the beach there! Josh was a groomsmen! We had a great time although it rained a lot more than you'd hope for on vacation. I've posted some of our pictures below! While we were gone, my parents came to stay with Payton. They did so many things! They went to the zoo, the children's museum, the Milwaukee public museum and had so much fun! We were so thankful that they were able to come take care of our baby while we were away! Check out all the fun they had!

The beach! All dressed up for dinner!

The sunset!

Out to dinner at the resort!

Sunset!

At the wedding!

The bride & groom!

Josh lookng handsome!

The view from our first room!

Sunset at our first resort!

We just arrived at the Jamaica airport!

Payton & Gramma at the zoo!

Eating french fries!

Looking at giraffes!

Watching!

Lion watching!

Payton & Gramma!

Payton & Papa on the train!

Payton & Gramma on the train!

Big boy!

Eating ice cream!

Tired boy!

Butterflies!

More butterflies!

Cheese!

Planting a tree!

Smokey The Bear & Payton!

Payton in front of the green screen!

Payton on TV!!!!

Playing in the sand!

Payton in the "cocoa" house!

Payton & Gramma!

He found a fire pole!

Playing with Emma & Papa!

Waiting for Mommy & Daddy to get off the airplane!!! Welcome Home!!

We had so much fun on vacation, but this was definitely the best part of my trip, coming home to my baby boy!

Lots going on!

2009-04-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

Well, I ended up with influenza! After a week of feeling like hell I feel better, finally! Paytons ear infection cleared up and he is back to his cheery self! On top of all of that I got another part time job. I am working the drop-in childcare at the Y 15-20 hours a week. It's ok. I miss being home in the evenings, but we need the money. My literacy job ends on May 18 for the summer, so I had to pick up something. I wish I could find something to do from home, but doesn't every stay-at-home mom?! We are also looking for a place to rent outside of Racine. The "city life" is getting to me. We are about to go on vacation for 5 days to Jamaica. Josh is in a wedding there. My parents are coming to stay with Payton while we're gone! I'm excited to go, but hate leaving my baby. All in all, it's kinda been a stressful week! We had a wonderful long Easter weekend in Stevens Point and I have awesome pictures to share! I'll post those later! I just wanted to give a quick update! I'm leaving you with a little inspiration from the one and only Miley Cyrus! ENJOY!

THE CLIMB

I can almost see it That dream I'm dreaming but There's a voice inside my head sayin, You'll never reach it, Every step I'm taking, Every move I make feels Lost with no direction My faith is shaking but I Got to keep trying Got to keep my head held high There's always going to be another mountain I'm always going to want to make it move Always going to be an uphill battle, Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose, Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb The struggles I'm facing, The chances I'm taking Sometimes might knock me down but No I'm not breakingI may not know it But these are the moments that I'm going to remember most yeah Just got to keep going And I, I got to be strong Just keep pushing on!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2009-04-07T12:14:00.002-05:00

I love this picture. It just says so much to me.

We're here!

2009-04-04T21:28:00.003-05:00

We have been sick! Payton has an ear infection and I am sick with a sinus infection! Tuesday, Josh stayed home from work because I couldn't even get out of bed. Monday was my birthday and I started feeling sick then. After work I came home and went straight to sleep. Josh slept with Payton on the couch, who was also not feeling good. Tuesday Josh stayed home and took care of everything! He took Payton to the doctor, made sure the house was picked up, laundry was done, lunch was made, everything! I finally caved and went to urgent care on Wednesday evening, I couldn't stand it anymore. I have not been that sick since way before I was pregnant with Payton. Now we are feeling better. Still not 100% but lots of improvement with antibiotics in our systems! Yesterday Payton and I made our wonderful dad/fiance some homemade blueberry muffins for being so awesome this week (he is every week, but especially this one!) I love you hunnie! You're the best! XOXO I have so many pictures to post on here, I'm so behind. I got this awesome photo album/scrapbook thingy for my birthday that I can't wait to start and right now I'm printing wedding invitations! We've been super busy! Enjoy the pics!

Payton stirring the muffins! Adding some fresh blueberries! Yum!

About to go in the oven!

All done!

Boots with the fur?!

Payton's pine cone bird feeder that we made!

St. Patricks Day!

2009-03-17T12:25:00.004-05:00

Happy St. Patricks Day! Here is how we celebrated, we had green milk, made a St. Patricks day shamrock crown and took a trip to the park! Oh yeah, and don't forget the Irish shirt on the red haired fair skinned boy! How much more festive can you get! Hehe! Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Spring has sprung!

2009-03-16T13:22:00.003-05:00

Happy Spring! I hope that spring will stay! We're out enjoying the weather today...are you?

"WHO" Kick

2009-03-14T18:46:00.003-05:00

At our house we've, or I should say Payton has, been on a Horton Hears a Who kick. He loves it! He watched the movie at Papa and Grammas when we were there last weekend. Actually, he watched it every night while going to bed. We borrowed it from them and have watched it numerous times a day. For his first birthday Nonny and PopArt got him a Horton stuffed animal (whom he calls "WHO") and Horton Hatches An Egg book. He never really showed interest in it before, until now. So that's what we've been doing. Reading the book over and over, playing with his Horton stuffed animal and watching the movie. He's obsessed! But who doesn't love Dr. Seuss and a kid who loves books and to be read to, so we're not complaining! Stay as long as you want "Who"....

Dinner

2009-03-12T21:29:00.002-05:00

So I think this is one of the most wonderful recipes ever created. It came from a Kraft Family Food magazine that I get in the mail every once in awhile. It's mini meatloaf made in muffin tins! We've had it twice now. You take ground beef, a package of stuffing mix, 1 cup of water and 1 tsp. of garlic powder and mix it together. Spray your muffin tins with cooking spray and fill each hole with the meat mixture. Take a spoon and make an indent in each meat mixture. Put a little BBQ sauce in each hole. (I make half with BBQ sauce and half with ketchup cuz I like ketchup and the boys like BBQ sauce.) Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with cheddar cheese and bake for 5 minutes and that's it!! It's delicious, really try it! And it warms up great!

This is not my picture, but it does look like this! It's so yummy!

Potty Training

2009-03-01T09:33:00.003-06:00

So far, so good! To be continued....

We're still here!

2009-02-24T16:20:00.002-06:00

You know when you get into a routine and then for some reason that routine gets messed up? Well, that appears to be happening to my blogging. It's been awhile since I've blogged, Vday I think, and every time I try to sit down at the computer to blog, my mind goes blank. It's kind of like when you have a good exercise routine going and then you get lazy and you just can't get back into the swing of things? That's whats happening. So this post will be me, trying to get back into my "blogging routine." I hope you don't mind. Some people blog everyday....some even blog more than one time a day. I would like to be one of those people who blog everyday, documenting even the littlest of things that go on in our life. I know that it won't be long before those things are forgotten as time moves way to fast. This is our scrapbook. Someday I would like to print this out, and put it in a book for Payton to look at when he gets older. I plan to get an album with blank pages that I can paste pictures, write and put other important things in for him as well. I didn't do so well with the cutting pretty paper and sticking stickers on thing, so I thought I would try something different. I've been doing this with his baby book but there's just not enough room. So maybe for my birthday or Mother's Day I will get one of those albums! My parents came to visit last weekend and we had a great time, minus the truck troubles. It's always something, isn't it. It's so nice to spend quality time with the people that you love. Payton was starting to get sick, again, but today he woke up and it seems to be kicking itself to the curb with a little help from Vicks, the vaporizer and some cold medicine. I am about to finish the second book of the Twilight series. No, I will finish the second book of the Twilight series tonight after PJ goes to sleep! It's an awesome series. I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out in March, although books are always better. Josh is headed off to basketball tonight. He's wishing he could go back 5 years and be as fast as he was then, now. Haha! I wish I had some fun pictures to post, but I don't. Man I've been slacking. I'm making a promise to be a better blogger!

Valentines Day!!

2009-02-14T16:22:00.005-06:00

L...O...V...E! This past week I have been doing Valentines stuff with the boys! We've done lots of crafts and baking! They made their own Valentines boxes and I filled them with treats! For Valentines Day we got Payton the SpaceBuddies dvd and some candy! I got Josh some sweatpants and some basketball shorts(it's what he wanted:) He got me the second Twilight book, New Moon, a fancy bookmark and a tanning gift certificate!!! I was really excited! My friend Katie borrowed me Twilight and I thought I would read it to see what all of this hype is about. Well, it's well deserved, that's what it is! It's so good. I was really skeptical because I'm not into vampires and sci-fi stuff but this isn't really that, I mean it is, but it isn't! So I can't wait to finish the first book and start my new one! If you're looking for a good read, thats it! Today we've been lounging, we went to look for swimsuits for our Jamaica trip and we went to lunch. I've been trying to clean little things that I've been meaning to clean....like closets....fun huh?! Next weekend my parents are coming to visit and we're excited for that. Not much else is new. Payton got really awesome fire gear from his Uncle Tom for his birthday. I have pictures, but haven't put them up yet but I will soon! Other than that we've just been working, playing and trying to save money! Haha! Well, hopefully everyone has a Happy Valentines Day!

Cupcakes and Valentines boxes! Mmmmm cupcake!

Heart man Payton made!

Valentines crafts!

More crafts....Valentines tree saying things Payton loves, I asked the boys what they love and they told me...and a heart stamp painting!

My favorite! The boys painted on paper, we rolled the paintings up and glued them around the picture creating a frame! This will be hanging up for a very long time!

A Little Wednesday Randomness

2009-02-04T20:29:00.002-06:00

I am not a random person. I like structure, to-do lists and preparation. I think I am pretty predictable. Would you agree? Anyways....I feel like posting random thoughts, so here I go. -I can't believe tomorrow is Thursday. This week has gone by fast. -Tomorrow is my second Thursday with the new little girl I babysit. Jada, who is 1 month older than Payton, and now I know why they say girls and boys are really different! -Payton has been such a good boy...ever since we got back from Christmas break at my parents he's been a complete angel. I think he's had 1 timeout since then, honestly. -Speaking of good he did excellent at the grocery store tonight and sat in the cart the ENTIRE time. -I can't wait to see my girl friends this weekend but I hate leaving my boys and will miss them for the night that I'm away. -I'm hoping my parents come visit us in 2 weeks. -We're still trying to decide what to do about our Stevens Point wedding reception. -We are going to Jamaica in less than 80 days. -I'm going to miss my baby but will really enjoy the alone time with Josh. (and I know Payton will be taken really good care of.) -I feel like everyone we know is getting a dog....WE ARE NOT...I'll say it again. -I'm tired, but I hate going to bed because I have a really hard time falling asleep...and never know why?! It's like I have Sunday night insomnia every night. -I love the Super Bowl because it's the last day of football for awhile which means we can leave the house on Sundays again...seriously. -Lately I have been playing a lot of hockey in the kitchen with Payton and really enjoy it. It reminds me of my childhood and my brothers, who I miss. -I am getting so impatient waiting for spring/summer. -I am excited to go to the eye doctor on Friday. -I have a really cute art project to do with Payton and Eric on Friday and I'm excited about it! ..OK, you've probably had enough. Sometimes it's fun to be random. SOMETIMES:)

Hockey

2009-02-03T12:21:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures of Payton playing hockey in our kitchen! It's one of his favorite things to do lately! For Christmas, my Auntie bought Payton a hockey stick, net and ball set!! He absolutely loves it. He's pretty good at it too! We haven't been crafting much lately but we have been cooking. We've made banana bread, soup, cake and cookies of course! Payton loves to help mix and pour! We're ready for winter to be over and for all of the snow to melt. We are itching to get outside and play in the grass under the warm sun. That's all for now! Have a good week!

First of all...

2009-01-21T20:12:00.004-06:00

I am thanking God that my cousin Curtis is okay. I'm not going to go into details, but I am very thankful! I just wanted to throw up a quick blog before I head to bed....yes it's 8:00pm but Payton is sleeping and I haven't been sleeping well, so I'm tired!! Payton hasn't been taking a nap during the day, which seems to be working for him. He falls asleep about 7:30 now and wakes up about 7:30am. So if it's working for him, then it's working for me. He hasn't been crabby at all, he's been super good since we got back from Christmas break and there hasn't been a struggle at bedtime since he started refusing his nap. So I am not complaining! I've been working on his baby book a lot. I love it. I'm hoping he will feel the same when he's older and can understand what it is. I haven't had to babysit all week. It has been so nice!! Just being home with Payton all day long. I like babysitting Eric, Payton has fun playing with him and the extra money is nice, but it's so nice to just spend time with my baby! Payton actually asked for Eric today, which is a good thing. No worries, he'll be back next week! My post wouldn't be complete without some pictures....and of course fireman pictures, so take a look! Oh no, a kitchen fire:) Fireman Payton

Inauguration Day! We spent the morning watching our new President talk about CHANGE! GO BARACK!

Payton's favorite part was Aretha Franklin singing! (see her in the background on the TV)

We're ready for CHANGE in the world! How bout you?!

Payton's favorite book. He got 2 for Christmas and I thought about giving one away, but I'm not going too. Josh already has it memorized!

Homemade ice cream sandwiches! Yum!

Mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate chip cookies!

Our little chef!

Missing Emma

2009-01-14T13:14:00.004-06:00

This is what Payton does when he is missing Emma (my parents dog). He says, "I see Emma?" And he goes to the computer chair and wants to see a picture of Emma! Then he touches the screen petting Emma saying "niesh niesh" (meaning nice, nice!)

Birthday Weekend Review

2009-01-13T08:45:00.006-06:00

Well, all of my winter excitement is over. Now I'm just patiently waiting for spring. Spring? Are you out there? No. That's what I thought. I've never liked winter. The cold and snow is just not for me, never was. I do love Christmas and I especially have always loved the time from Halloween until Thanksgiving, Christmas and finally New Years. When Payton was born in the winter his birthday was one more thing to look forward to during the cold winter months. We celebrated his birthday this past weekend. We had plans on Friday night to run all of our birthday party errands then to come home make chicken broccoli Alfredo pizza and have brownies with mint chocolate chip ice cream and sing happy birthday. Things didn't go quite as planned. Our vans blower motor broke, we have bad luck with cars on Payton's birthday. (Last year our Saturn got totaled by a drunk driver) So, we went to the post office so I could get my passport, and then went to see if we could get the van fixed. No one could do it because it was 5:00 on Friday night. So after calling around for awhile we decided to go to Applebee's to eat with Josh's parents! Applebee's is always good, so that wasn't really a disappointment! The staff sang happy birthday to Payton and he got an ice cream sundae, so he was happy! Then we ran our birthday errands and got home pretty late. Our guests arrived the next day for the party and we had a blast! After the fireman party we went back to my parents hotel to swim and have pizza. We had so much fun! Megi and Jake stayed at our house and we need to do that more often! We're hoping to visit them in February! On Sunday we went to the Harley-Davidson Museum with my family. It was awesome. We ate lunch at the restaurant there. Payton was such a good boy! I was so proud of him. We came back to our house and my parents picked up Emma and left for home. I always get super sad after they leave. Yes, I'm almost 25 years old and I'll still admit that I miss my mom, every single day. Oh, van update.....we couldn't find a blower motor anywhere, seriously. 2 of my brothers work for the NAPA company and even they couldn't find one. Seriously. We called the Kia dealer for the part number and, get this, they can't give out part numbers because they're afraid that people at the Chrysler dealer in Chicago will steal their parts. Honestly that's what he said, and Josh asked if he was kidding and the guy said "no." Ridiculous. Anyways......it's 2009 and the Internet has everything, so in I typed "blower motor for a KIA sedona 2002." The part number popped right up. Sorry KIA dealers, you better guard your parts cuz your secrets out! So we found a blower motor on eBay, yes eBay, hopefully it's the right one, and hopefully it gets here and works. For now, that's as far as we've got. Here are some pictures from the birthday party and the Harley Museum! Enjoy!

The birthday boy eatng breakfast!

Cake!

Party favors! Happy birthday to you! Yay! Blowing out the candles! Swimming with Grampa!

Payton and his new tool belt!

Josh & Randy at the Harley Museum!

Casey, Autumn and Payton listening to the motors!

Looking at the first motorcycles and listening to the commentary!

My favorite bike, the V-Rod Payton riding! Casey & Autumn..hehe!

Family motorcyle ride!

Uncle Tom helping Payton ride the Buell!

Payton by the police motorcycle! Payton and Grampa!Payton and Gramma!

Happy 2nd Birthday Payton Joshua!!!!

2009-01-08T08:00:00.013-06:00

Happy Birthday Payton! Daddy & I love you so much! Every year on my childrens birthdays I plan to write them a letter. I did it last year for Payton and I'm going to post this years letter on here since this is our scrapbook. I also have a printed copy in his baby book, but just in case something happens to it, here it will be in cyberspace. 1/9/2009 To Our Little Love, Happy 2nd birthday! You have grown so much this year and you're so ready to turn 2! A lot has happened this year. We got a new van, moved out of Nonny & PopArts house, went to a couple weddings, took swimming lessons, made new friends, visited the zoo, Mommy & Daddy got engaged and we took a train trip to Chicago! You still have the most beautiful blue eyes and a laugh that is contagious! You hate getting your hair cut and going to bed but you are completely in love with all things firefighter. You love ice cream but you're also really good at eating vegetables. You know what you want and are talking so well. You enjoy playing with little Eric, a 4 year old boy who Mommy babysits, and you enjoy time with daddy when mommy is at work on Monday and Thursday nights. We enjoy our trips to Stevens Point and you especially love to see your Grampa and play with the dogs! We don't go far without your "beebee and kiki" (blankey & nukey). You also went to your first Brewer game with Grandpa and Grandma Koback and Mom and Dad. You were really good and you loved watching Bernie Brewer slide down his slide. Grampa & Gramma have visited us a couple times and we really enjoy spending time with them! It's also nice to live close to Nonny & PopArt and all of your cousins on daddys side! You enjoy singing songs, especially "Old McDonald" and "Jingle Bells." You like Elmo and Cars and you're really good at puzzles. You can also count to 3 and you can almost sing your ABC's! You like to paint and you've made some really great art projects. You love to play outside no matter what the weather is! We try to visit the library once a week and you like to check out fire movies and books. Sometimes you spill things on purpose but you don't mind picking up your mess. You're a good helper and mommy appreciates that. They were right when they say that there's no love like a parents love for their child. We've had a very fortunate year. You're healthy and happy, we have a nice home and daddy has a good job. Mommy loves to spend her days with you. You are so special. You just started saying "love you," which melts our hearts. I still rock you to sleep and know that soon you won't want me too. I'll be glad that I snuggled you extra long because these years go by way too fast and you'll have plenty of years to fall asleep on your own. We love you so much. There's so many people that love you. We want you to know that we will always be here for you. We want you to live a happy life. May all of your dreams come true. Happy Birthday big boy. We love you! Love, Mommy & Daddy

Just some pictures from the past 2 years!

At our baby shower about a month before Payton was born! Payton being born via c-section at 10:25am on January 9, 2007!

Payton Joshua Muszynski not even 1 day old!

Our family!

Grampa & Gramma with baby Payton!

Payton about 1 month old!

Payton 5 months old!

Payton in Racine!

Payton swimming! 6 months old!

Halloween! 9 months old!

Your 1st birthday weekend!

Buddies:) 15 months old!

Your favorite place to be! 16 months old!

Celebrating Uncle Kyle's wedding! 17 months old!

20 months old !

Aaron Rodgers generation!!!

Swimming lesson graduate!

Your Halloween costume 2008: Cookie monster!

Playing in the leaves!

Fireman outfit!

Thanksgiving 2008: 22 months old!

Payton & Hunter!

Merry Christmas 2008 big boy!

Christmas Break

2009-01-05T14:20:00.006-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas break! Our first Christmas was celebrated at Josh's parents! We had a wonderful lunch and opened gifts! We ended up leaving for Stevens Point late Monday night. We were supposed to leave Tuesday afternoon but the weather was supposed to be crappy, so we decided to leave early...darn right?!!! I was so excited! We had so much fun spending time with all of our family. We stayed for 2 weeks! It went by super fast and I'm sad that it's over! I'm having a hard time adjusting back into real life instead of vacation mode! We celebrated 4 Christmas' there! Payton got so much stuff! We have had a blast this week setting everything up and trying everything out! We had lots of late nights and slept in at my parents! That is always nice! We visited the fire department and went out to eat and just spent good quality time with everyone! Josh and I went out on New Years Eve while my Mom & Randy babysat! We had a blast! We had dinner at one of our favorite spots and celebrated the New Year at one of our favorite bars! We spent lots of time in front of the fireplace and played lots of games with my brothers, their girlfriends and my relatives! I love being "home." The saying is so true when they say "there's no place like it." It'll be awhile before we go back, but we're celebrating Payton's 2nd birthday on Saturday and everyone is coming down and spending the night, so we're pretty excited about that! Thanks again mom and Randy for letting us invade your space for 14 days. We had a blast! (Oh yeah, my camera broke on Christmas eve afternoon.....sooo I don't have any pics of Christmas eve or Christmas day, luckily with some Christmas money I was able to buy a new one a couple days later!)

Christmas #1!

Payton decorating cookies to take to Gramma and Grampas! Payton & Hunter opening presents!

Payton and Hunter with my dad and stepmom!

Waiting for breakfast at Gramma and Grampas!

Payton hugging Emma!

Payton in his new Cars outfit!

Feeding the ducks from the van!

More ducks!

Dancing babies!

Merry Christmas baby boy!

Cousins!

Daddy/Uncle Josh coloring with the boys!

Reading!

Happy New Year!

Casey & Autumn Josh & me

Tom & CJ

"I'm a fireman!"

Way up in the ladder truck with Uncle Tom!

Payton in his new robe!

Riding his big wheel!

Tool bench!

SNOW

2008-12-21T12:02:00.007-06:00

Oh, don't you love Wisconsin weather? Sense the sarcasm?! It snowed 14 inches here from Thursday (December 18) at midnight until Friday (December 19) at noon. Here are some pictures of us enjoying the snow! I've always hated snow, but having a child has made me appreciate it......a little.....! And of course these are out of order, I still don't know how to use this thing correctly...but we had to have hot cocoa after we played outside!!! YUMM!!!

I Miss You

2008-12-14T20:15:00.003-06:00

It's been a while. Sorry blog. I haven't meant to neglect you. I just haven't been interested in you. That sounds mean doesn't it? We've been busy doing all things holiday related! You know, this is my favorite time of year! It's coming so fast and I'm trying to enjoy every minute! We've made lots of crafts, decorated the tree, shopped, baked some holiday treats and of course watched lots of holiday movies! We're just so excited for Christmas, actually the entire holiday break! Next Saturday we will spend Saturday at Nonny & PopArts celebrating Christmas with a yummy brunch and gift opening! Then we will spend Monday getting ready for our mini winter vacation to Stevens Point! Oh how much stuff we'll have to pack for our 12 day stay! We'll celebrate Christmas Eve with the Kobacks and possibly the DeWitts and then Christmas Day with the Stewards. SO exciting. It's the most wonderful time of the year! I've been slacking on listening to my favorite Christmas songs though. Payton has restricted my Christmas listening to the sounds of "Jingle Bells, Rudolph, I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas and Frosty" all off of YouTube, our latest obsession! Well, I've missed you blog. I can't promise I'll be back soon as we'll be busy with family & friends over our holiday break, but I'll have lots of attention to give you when I come back to reflect on our times!

Still Sleeping

2008-12-09T09:12:00.002-06:00

It's 9:15 am and Payton is still sleeping! Great right, why am I up? Well, the daycare kids been here since 6:30 so a 5:45 wake up call was in order for me today. Sigh. Of course that would happen! Sleep away my baby boy, hopefully on Saturday you do the same thing! Hehe. Well, I'm off to start on my to do list. It's a yucky day outside. I can't even tell what it's doing. It's raining, snowing, sleeting, I don't even know but it doesn't look pretty. Oh how I can't wait until Christmas! Enjoy your winter day!

Home For The Holidays

2008-12-03T16:26:00.010-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We spent the day at our house putting up our Christmas tree, watching Elf and making cookies! We went to Josh's parents for Thanksgiving dinner, which was delicious! It's always so fun to see the kids play together. We left for Stevens Point on Friday and when we're there we always have lots to do and lots of people to see! We stopped in at my Dad and Jens for lunch and a visit which was nice! We spent the weekend at my mom and Randy's playing Wii, eating a lot and spending time with my family! There isn't anything better than spending time with family, my favorite part of the holidays. We of course took Payton to the fire department to see the firetrucks! We also got to spend time with Hunter and we ate way too much, as we usually do in Point. We had a great time and are counting down the days until we go back for Christmas! Payton and I standing by Santa at my dad and step moms house Hunter and Payton taking a bath at Gramma & Grampas

Bath take 2!

Everyone over for Thanksgiving dinner!

The babies playing!

Firemen!

It's hard to get a picture of toddlers:)

Uncle Tom adjusting Paytons new fire helmet!

My brother and Hunter!

Playing with their new flashlights!

Again!

Payton, Hunter and Tanner! (Bob and Shari's grandson)

Payton and Hunter watching the puppies!

Gramma, Grampa, Payton & Hunter take 1

Take 2

Take 3...hahaha:)

Cute blue eyed boys!

Payton, Grampa and Uncle Toms son (haha) Oliver!

Again!

Payton at Nonny & PopArts for Thanksgiving dinner!

Payton and Ryan playing trains!

Our homemade advent calendar!

Christmas tree!

FIRE!

2008-11-26T10:34:00.004-06:00

The other day Payton kept saying "ah pck" and I had no idea what he was saying. He kept handing us this green bucket and wanted it around his neck so it would hang down in the back. I didn't get it. After he kept doing this a million times, it finally dawned on me that he was saying "air pack". Duh! I should have known it had something to do with firefighting. So he wanted it to be an airpack! So we rigged up something alittle better for him! He also uses this mop that he has as a hose. He calls it a "ho!" Check him out in action!

Thanksgiving is almost here

2008-11-23T16:30:00.004-06:00

I know this is an awful picture of me, but I had to show you that we survived our Friday!! After a bumped head, a knocked over and shattered lamp and 2 cuts on Paytons fingers it ended up being a good day. My mom talked me out of my stress and we had a great weekend. Thanks to Nonny and PopArt Josh and I had a date night! I got to sleep in and my boys made me breakfast in bed on Sunday! How lucky am I!? We got lots of cleaning and laundry done and Thanksgiving is in sight:) I have so much to be thankful this year, as always. I can't wait for family and food! This is one of my most favorite holidays! Yay for a 3 day week and a 5 day weekend for us!

OH Friday

2008-11-21T06:55:00.003-06:00

Here's how I woke up today. Josh gave me a kiss and left for work as he always does. A couple minutes later I hear the keys in the door and Josh walk back in. Only to speak the words..."The tire is completely flat." Thank you Friday. The tire had been low in air earlier this week. Josh filled it with air and it seemed fine. I drove to and from work last night without any problem. I even checked to make sure it didn't look low. We just had to get a new back tire a couple weeks ago and it looks like our Christmas shopping will be put off until the next pay day and a new front tire is in store. Yippee. I've had a terrible back ache this week and I've been stressing about a lot of stuff, some necessary, some unnecessary. When I get stressed my mom always tells me to get a plan and work everything out. But, I'm having a problem getting a plan, I don't know why? Usually after I hear those words I get right to it. Maybe it's cuz she hasn't said that to me yet...Mom? Where are you? Maybe my overwhelming email of complaints wore her out?! Doubtful. Anyways...I'm thinking of taking the day off today.....(can stay at home moms can say that?) My house is a mess, I have no idea what we're going to have for dinner or lunch for that matter, there's tons of laundry and other stuff to get done. But today Little Ryan is coming over to play...and I think I'll spend my day playing with him and Payton. Maybe making some play doh, watching movies, playing trains and of course supporting our "all things firefighter" obsession! So I've decided, flat tire or not, it's going to be a good day. I hope you decide that too!

Thanksgiving Art

2008-11-19T13:19:00.002-06:00

Here are some things that we've been doing to get in the Thanksgiving mood around here! P.S. I'm dying to put up my Christmas decorations and tree, but I'll wait till Thanksgiving day....I guess! We made Native American headdresses and talked about Native Americans and Thanksgiving! I made Payton color, name and shape matching cards out of cardboard and bottle caps. He is so good at them. He did the color one perfect immediately! I got this idea off of a different blog! Love it!

Shape matching!

My favorite Thanksgiving project...the poem is adorable!

Here is Paytons winter tree with the snow made out of sugar!

Champaign

2008-11-19T12:57:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we went with some friends (Rachel & JJ) to visit some other friends (Ian & Mel) in Champaign, IL! We had a great time. Ian and Melanie just bought and fixed up a house and they also just got a golden retriever puppy, Josie, who is aboslutely adorable. They also have a cat named Nuggle, who Payton called "meow" the entire weekend! It was funny! He would say "here meow" "where meow?!" haha, just like when they're playing that 'who can say meow most game' on Super Troopers! We got there on Saturday, had lunch at a little cafe, went to a winery and for dinner went to a place called Jupiters 2 which had awesome pizza and tons of stuff for little man to do! We had a blast! I had never been to a winery before but Ian insisted that it was ok for us to bring Payton. (It was absolutely fine) I expected a big building filled with alcohol samples(obviously not a place for kids), not what it was at all. It was a pretty log cabinish looking home. They had art and jewelry inside and things for sale. It was decorated really pretty. You could try 4 or 5 kinds of wine and of course you could buy some too. The pizza place was great. Payton had a blast! They had a mini bowling alley. It had little balls and the lanes were shorter! This was Paytons favorite thing to do. They also had other games like you'd see at Chuck E. Cheese. Sunday we of course watched the Packer game and then headed home. Check out the pictures below! Daddy and Payton bowling! Bowling!

Strike!?

Eating pizza with Daddy and Ian!

Playing cars with Josie!

Payton also trick or treated at Ian and Mels:)

Fireman

2008-11-13T22:47:00.004-06:00

Love the new picture? I do! We just got our engagement pictures back! They are awesome! We were so satisfied! And I've been getting lots of comments on them, especially people telling us how nicely Payton did posing for them! The photographers daughter, who was about 6 maybe, was standing by her and Janelle (the photographer) kept telling her to do funny things, so she was acting all cute and had Paytons attention! So thank you Jennifer...I think that was her daughters name! But now we have a super nice picture for our Christmas card and some really nice ones of Josh and me! I can't wait to take them to Walmart and blow them up and get them in frames! We took Payton back to the doctor on Monday. He ended up having a sinus infection and is now on antibiotics! Thank God. The poor child was miserable. Last week was really rough for the 3 of us. Especially Payton. He also has to continue with his nebulizer treatments. He thinks the nebulizer mask is a firefighters mask. He likes to wear it even when he's not getting a treatment. Below is a picture of him riding his 4wheeler with his fire hat on and his mask on! He also uses our old hose from the nebulizer as a fire hose! It's such a riot! He's so into the fire thing! He knows everything about it. The sound of the sirens to the damn smoke detectors in our house! This years birthday theme is going to be all things FIREFIGHTER! Bubba has already reserved the UG Fire Department again for his birthday party! (I know it's not until January but I'm a planner!) ONLY 41 SHOPPING DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! Can you believe it?! I can't, but the entire holiday season, from about now until after Paytons birthday is my absolute favorite time of year!!! Well, except for the snow, I could do without that! Anyways, have a great weekend! We're going to Illinois to visit some of our friends! They just got a new golden retriever puppy so Payton is sure to have a blast!Our fireman!

Here is the rice tray we made. We colored the rice and Payton can pour and scoop and play. It's fun! He really concentrates on it!

Leaves

2008-11-05T19:08:00.007-06:00

Fire hat in the bathtub!!!! (he was not thrilled about getting his picture taken though)

Payton and Eric's feet and hand print turkeys! (aren't they so cute? we traced both of their feet and then they colored them in brown, then I cut them out. We traced hands on colored paper and I cut those out. The boys assembled them and added a face! We attached a toilet paper tube to the back so they stand up!) Paytons is our centerpiece along with our fall fake leaves and a fall smelling candle!

It was 73 degrees here the other day! So we played in the leaves all evening!

Payton and I walking in the leaves! Laying in the leaves saying CHEESE! Playing with daddy in the leaves! Raking

Running

We took Payton into the doctor today because he's had a cold for a couple days. I wasn't too concerned about that, however he started wheezing today. So in we went. He's back on his nebulizer albuterol treatments every 4-6 hours until it stops. They're pretty sure that he has or is going to have asthma. It may only flare up when he is sick, which is what is happening now. The doctor didn't hear anything else like pneumonia or bronchitis so that was good. We have to call again on Friday to make sure everything is going in the right direction. Poor baby. He gets really naughty when he's sick. Obviously you're much more irritable and crabby than when you are healthy, that goes for everyone. So these past couple days haven't been so fun! Well, hopefully we're going to get some sleep tonight! *I apologize for the spelling errors!

VOTE

2008-11-04T09:53:00.002-06:00

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

Blurry

2008-11-02T14:22:00.007-06:00

Most of our Halloween trick-or-treat pictures are blurry:( I don't know why either. I had to post them anyways! Candy! Cookie Monster!

Payton and his cousin Ryan trick-or-treating!

Trick-or-treat!

Payton and Eric pre trick-or-treating pictures. Eric had a scary mask to go with his ripped up costume, but Payton was scared of it, so he took it off!

I couldn't get him to look at the camera and smile!

Paytons finished cupcakes!

Decorating!

Sprinkle face!!

Frosting!

More frosting!

mmm cupcakes!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T12:24:00.007-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone!! It is so beautiful outside here today! It's seriously like 63 degrees and sunny! My favorite kind of fall weather! I am so excited to go trick or treating tonight! On Tuesday night we carved pumpkins and watched The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown...it's a tradition! It was so much fun! We only had one knife accident....Josh cut his finger! We also cooked the pumpkin seeds, yummy, and made ghost cookies! Payton is going to be Cookie Monster this year! We've done some fun stuff today, Eric is here with Payton and me, so we've done lots of projects and played outside!!! Our little Cookie Monster!!! Mommy & Paytons pumpkin!!

Daddy & Paytons Brewer pumpkin!

Don't worry, it's only a butter knife! (I'm sure Uncle Casey and Uncle Tom will love this picture....he looks like he's about to stab someone!)

Carving pumpkins!

Mommy and Payton cleaning out our pumpkin!!!

Daddy and Payton cleaning out their pumpkin!

More cleaning!

Payton watching his "Fire Movie" with his fire hat from Grampa on!

Watching his fire movie....do not try to turn hit fire hat around...this is how he wears it!!! He is a fireman you know!

Eric and Payton watching the roofers roof our house this week! Thank goodness they're done!

Painting with a bath puff! This turns out awesome!

Pumpkin prints with apples!

More apple stamping! We added a face onto the orange apple stamp and a brown stem!

Stampin!

Pumpkin painting!

More pumpkin painting!

This is what the boys had for breakfast today! Ghost chocolate chip pancakes!!

Payton

2008-10-27T13:53:00.004-05:00

Watchin some tv with his blankey and pillow in the laundry basket! Last week Payton graduated from swimming lessons! Proud baby!

First things first

2008-10-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

I would like to make a spelling/word pronunciation correction on my last post. Thanks to my wonderful fiance, almost an English major, and my all knowing (seriously) step-father I was confronted on what I've thought all my life to be "wheel barrel". Only to find out by two of my favorite men is really "wheelbarrow". So thanks for that guys. Anyways.....we had a wonderful visit with my family in Stevens Point. The weekend was too short as usual and I failed to take any pictures, which is really sad. I planned to charge my camera right when I got there but as we're always on the go, I failed:( Really there's no excuse. We had a great great time. Friday we took Payton and Hunter to get some pictures taken, had lunch at my favorite Chinese restaurant for Kyle's birthday and then Josh had a nice evening out with his friends and I got to spend some time with my girl cousins like when we were little! Lauren and I obsessed over wedding cake books! On Saturday most of the women on my moms side of the family came wedding dress shopping with me. It was so fun! It was my first time wedding dress shopping, and although I didn't find "the" dress I found lots of beautiful ones and got an idea of what I'm looking for. It was just nice to spend some time with my mom, cousins and aunts! Payton got to spend the entire day with his Grampa and daddy. Saturday night we had a family dinner at Sky Club which was nice. Sunday we got engagement pictures taken, went to lunch with my dad and Jen, visited my grandparents (which was really nice) lounged around, had a great homemade dinner and watched the Packer game. It reminded me of Sundays when we used to live there. We would go to my parents house for dinner and to watch the Packer game! Our weekend was great. Counting down until Thanksgiving when we get to go back! Today I am doing stuff around the house and later we're going to get Payton a Halloween costume which he doesn't want but needs to have!!! Don't forget to enjoy your families!

Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-13T08:11:00.009-05:00

This weekend we took a trip to the pumpkin farm! This is our second year going to the same farm! They have a bunch of animals to pet, with each paid admission you get to pick a pumpkin out of the pumpkin patch and take it home, the kids get a pony ride and you get a hayride! It was fun! This year Payton was a little more adamant about petting the animals. Last year he would go up to them right away and touch them. His favorite things about the pumpkin farm were the tractors that they have all over the farm for the kids to sit on, picking out a pumpkin and riding in the wheel barrel! Did I mention that it's really hard to get a picture of a 2 year old smiling?! By the time the camera actually takes the picture his "Cheese" is already over! Oh well, action shots are the best anyway..right?! The pumpkin patch Payton found his pumpkin! Ryan and Payton riding in the wheel barrel with the pumpkins! Running! The hayride...notice the New Holland tractor:) Close up of daddy and Payton! Waiting for the hayride to begin! Petting the calf. She was born October 1! Petting the baby bunny! (My favorite) Watching the baby pigs play in the mud! Petting the mule

Petting the horse with Uncle Bubba Baby pigs eating from their mom! Petting a pony!

Chloe the cow! Auntie Dawn holding a chicken! A tractor!

Petting goats!

Wedding Weekend

2008-10-09T07:23:00.005-05:00

This last weekend we were invited to 2 of our friends wedding in Sun Prairie! We had a blast. We met my parents there and they babysat Payton while we were at the wedding! It was nice to see them, for the short time that we did, and we know Payton had fun with them as usual. The wedding was great. Jeanelle (the bride) looked beautiful! I love their story because they went to the same high school but never hung out. They met again when they were in the Army in Kuwait and fell in love! What a story! I met Nate and Nell when I was in college. Jeanelle and Katie are really good friends and Nell, Katie and one of my Meghan friends all lived together. We were backyard neighbors when I lived with Hannah and a different one of my Megan friends on 4th avenue! So we've all had some great times together. It was so nice to see those girls again and have fun like we did in our college days...that have passed us by! These girls are some of my best friends and we always say that the best thing about the YMCA is that it brought us together...(Megan Nugent and I have been friends since 7th grade, but Katie, Meghan, Megan and I all worked at the Y together and that's how we all met!) Anyways..that's our touching story of how we got to be best friends...hehe! But I've gone through some of my best and worst times with these girls! The wedding also got me excited for our wedding! It also reminded me how much I have to do. Right now we're working on getting addresses! It's going quite well. Payton was sick last week. He was running a fever and feeling like crap. We took him in and they couldn't find anything so used their "it's viral" diagnosis. (I hate that) But I think he's finally feeling better, as of yesterday he seems completely back to normal! This weekend we're taking our 2nd annual trip to the pumpkin farm! And next week Thursday we're leaving for a 4 day trip to Stevens Point, I'm so excited! Lots of family and fun! Meghan, Katie, Nuge and I at the wedding! (Katie was a bridesmaid) Josh and I:) We're next! The beautiful bride and groom having their first dance!

The Aaron Rodgers Generation

2008-09-25T10:46:00.003-05:00

Here is just that!

This is what we did on Monday! We made ladybugs because Payton and Eric were outside watching a ladybug for like a half an hour!!! We made peanut butter cookies, and the boys did everything but put them in the oven and take them out! I didn't realize they were so easy! We added chocolate chips to ours! We also made fall trees! Aren't they beautiful!

Swimming Lesson Videos

2008-09-25T10:27:00.003-05:00

Here are 2 videos of Paytons swimming lessons! Turn up your volume!

Chicago Adventure

2008-09-20T20:10:00.014-05:00

Today we took the train to Chicago for the day! We had so much fun! It was the first time any of us rode a train! How exciting! We went to Italian Style 2008, the Childrens Museum and went to Navy Pier. It was a perfect day. The weather was beautiful! We ate at Bubba Gumps for lunch..YUM! Had dip n' dots for a snack and had so much fun at the Childrens Museum. The Italian expo wasn't that great. They had a really nice CASE/New Holland exhibit though! They even had tractors for the kids to ride! Some of them were power wheels and some were peddal, they were adorable! Payton needs one! :) Take a look at the tons of pictures I took! (I was proud of myself) They are out of order, imagine that...Payton loved the museum. He had this determined serious look on his face! He was checking everything out and trying everything! It was so neat to watch his brain working! The Navy Pier is beautiful! I had never been there before. All the boats, the lake, the skyline, it looks amazing! So much to do, see and eat! Well, enjoy the pictures! We're all tired from our exciting weekend!

Payton waiting for the train!

Riding the train!

Payton and mommy enjoy some lunch outside at Bubba Gumps! Family picture (thanks to our waitress) All tired out from a fun day! (this was at the end of our trip)

Thinking about what he's going to accomplish next! The way cool water exhibit! They had little raincoats for the kids to wear and it was like a gigantic water sensory table that you were in! Playing with boats! Building tubes to let water through! Another mommy Payton lunch pictures..damn outa order crap!

Building with pipes! The view from insdie the childrens museum! Cookin in the kitchen! Cute picture! Checkin things out!

Grocery shopping! Mopping! Mommys little helper! (one of his very favorite things at the museum, seriously!) Payton the builder! Silly daddy!

Digging for dinosaur bones with his glove and brush! They had a huge area with the floor covered in that rubber stuff they put on playgrounds now, and it had dinosaur bones under it, so the kids had to be archeologists and find them! So awesome! Again! We found some magnetic letters! Driving the bus! Making a maze for the ball to go down!

Pulling the heavy brick that was on wheels! Bowling! Driving the moving truck! Payton and mommy by the flowers that were bells to ring!

Firefighter coat! A real firefighter! Gonna drive the ambulance! WOW! A firefighter! Cool light table!

Watching a fire safety movie...little do they know we watch these all the time. Payton always wants to rent them from the library, they're the videos that kids hate watching in school! He loves them! Ambulance driving! Fire hydrant. Yes, if you ask him where the fire hydrant is in a book, he'll show you!

Just his size! Daddy showing him where the peddal is! Big tractor! Picture of the ferris wheel at the Pier The lake and skyline view from the Pier A picture with some pirates!

Special Day

2008-09-19T21:12:00.006-05:00

Today, September 19, 2008, ended up being a very special day. Josh asked me to marry him! It was a normal day in our household. Josh went to work, I did the stay at home mom thing and babysat Eric for a couple hours. The boys were kind of giving me a hard time today, just being boys and being rowdy. Not really a big deal but by the end of the day I was ready for the weekend and ready to spend some time with Josh and Payton. Josh decided that it would be a good idea for the 3 of us to get outa the house for awhile. I agreed. It was a beautiful day and we haven't been to the lake to play in awhile. We ended up going to this great park that we thought was just for the Yacht Club members but was for everyone. Then we decided to walk on the beach. Payton was chasing the seagulls and picking up rocks as we were walking along. All of the sudden Josh got down on one knee, opened up a ring box and said "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" Of couse I said YES! I was overwhelmed with excitement and a bit of relief. I feel bad saying relief, but thats what I felt, I can't explain it. It just felt so good! I was soooo happy. I've always known that I was gonna marry Josh but this was it, this was for real. So we had a "family hug" as Josh calls it and had some tears and lots of smiles and laughter. And Payton just wanted the ring box! And that's how it happened! I am so excited to marry the love of my life, the father of my child, my best friend. I didn't have the camera, of course, and when I try to take a picture of my beautiful ring you can't see it cuz of the lighting or something. So here it is off the website! We're thinking a destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico spring of 2010! Here's to wedding planning!

Fall Fun

2008-09-19T20:59:00.007-05:00

Check these out! Payton rockin out! Making caramel apples! We dipped the apples in caramel and then rolled them in sprinkles and cut up chocolate chips! The boys were a mess but it was fun! Payton reading his absolute favorite book with daddy! Firefighter ABC's! Payton standing by the refrigerator magnets that he made out of closepins! He painted and glued shapes onto them! Cool dude!

Good Food, Good Friends

2008-09-14T18:42:00.003-05:00

This weekend we didn't do much because Payton and I have colds:( Our best friends this weekend have been our humidifier, Vicks vapo-rub, kleenex, juice and warm cozy pajamas! On Saturday evening friends of ours, Adam and Amy came over to hang out! They are two of the most genuinely nice people I know! Josh and Adam grew up together and went to UWSP together! We talked about life, played with Payton and ate Lee's Deli! YUM! They also brought their dog, so Payton was thrilled! Adam let Payton sit on Barley and Payton fed her a hotdog! I tried to get some pictures, but neither Payton nor Barley was cooperating! Payton was also having fun with Adam because he played in his ballpit with him! Adam and Amy only live about 20 minutes away but we haven't seen them all summer because of our busy conflicting schedules so it was a nice visit! Today we've been watching football and we went to Josh's parents to celebrate PopArts birthday with snacks, cake and the Wii:) Now we're resting for the evening, hoping to feel better tomorrow! Josh only has a half day of work because he was chosen to go to a special communication training on Tuesday that lasts all day! Ooo, tomorrow at work we're having a fiesta because it's Mexican Independence Day! I'll have to blog about that tomorrow! Hope you've enjoyed your weekend, even with our colds we have! Life is good.

Swimming Lessons

2008-09-09T20:27:00.003-05:00

Today Payton is exactly 1 year and 8 months old! I can't believe it! My once tiny baby boy who looked like this...... now looks like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And today he had his first swimming lesson! We had fun! It seemed as if some of the babies in his class had never been in a pool or water besides the bathtub before but they were all had fun, no one cried! Payton has been swimming since a very young age! He got a little bored and wanted to swim off on his own, which he really can't yet, but thinks he can. But our goal for the lessons is going to be listening to the teacher and trying to be patient while waiting to enter the pool! He exited very well though. I thought we might have a fit since it was only a half hour but he didn't! He knows how to kick in the water, he loves to put his face in, he can blow bubbles and spit the water out. Today was pretty much just getting the kids used of the water and class! So we'll see what next week brings! I mainly like the idea that it's a learning environment with other kids and a teacher/adult to interact with! Josh brought the camera and took some pictures, I know they're dark, but oh well! Another dad was taking pictures, and while the teacher was talking Payton was saying "CHEESE" to the other dad. He thought he was taking his picture! haha too funny!

Brewer Game Fun

2008-09-08T09:44:00.005-05:00

Every summer a group of our friends meet up and go to a Brewer game together. This summer we've gone to 2! We stayed overnight in Milwaukee and went out to an Irish Pub after the game. The Brewers beat the Padres 1-0. Our seats are behind the visitors bullpen! We had a really good time. At the bar we saw Ben Sheets (the Brewers pitcher) and a couple of the Padres players. The guys were star struck! It was cool to see "famous people"! Josh went over to Ben Sheets, shook his hand and told him nice game! And conversed with one of the Padres pitchers who used to be a Brewer in 2003!

Josh, Kurt, Tessa & I (Josh works with Kurt) Kurt and Tessa at their first Wisconsin tailgating experience! Rachel and I with a jello-shot:) Tailgating! Kurt and TessaJosh and I Rachel, Mel and I Tessa with her Brewers jersey coozie! Our friend Andy works for a bank in LaCrosse and he brought us a bunch of Brewers give aways! Coozies, tattoos, bracelets, bandanas!

Fall Project

2008-09-08T09:37:00.003-05:00

Here are some of the fall projects that we've been working on!

Painting fun!More fun! This paint washes off soo easy, thankfully:) Hand/arm/fingerprint fall trees! (mine was the demonstration)

Fall trees with leaf print picture!

Busy

2008-09-05T07:58:00.004-05:00

Well, yesterday was my first day at work. There weren't any kids or parents there, just the staff. We had a meeting and got to set up our classrooms and learn procedures. My original position was going to be the school age teachers aide. When I got there, my boss asked if I would be willing to be the 5-8th grade teacher. Of course I said yes! I think I'm going to love this job! The staff was so friendly and welcoming. I was one of 3 new people. The program is designed for adults and children. The adults are learning English as their second language, Spanish being their first. Some are also preparing for the GED. The children all speak English and attend public school in Racine. They are at the program to higher their reading levels, maintain a positive attitude about going to school and learning how important education is in todays world. They are also there to get help with their homework and to have some fun at a safe and supervised after school program. We received the school attendance records and test scores for the children in our classroom. Mine seem to do really well in school, with the exception of a few, which is expected. I will have 11 kids in my room. The 3-4th grade teacher who showed me around was so helpful and I was so thankful for that, seeing as I went into this position not knowing much about the program, kids, etc. At the program they cater to the needs of all aged children aged infant-9th grade. I'll update more on my job once it starts! I have to find some middle school aged activities, which I've never done before!

Our calendar is packed full for the winter! Payton starts swimming lessons on Tuesday, I've been babysitting two or three times a week for Eric, my job Monday and Thursday and the list goes on and on. Before we know it, Christmas will be here! I did it....I got out my fall decorations yesterday and Payton and I decorated the house! I want to get a few more, I'm hoping the dollar store here has cute ones! Tomorrow Josh and I are going to the Brewer game and staying overnight in Milwaukee with our group of friends that always go to a game together once or twice a year! It should be a blast, I hope the weather cooperates for tailgating! Payton is going to stay overnight at Auntie Dawn, Uncle Bubba and Little Ryans! He'll have a blast. He adores his cousin Ryan. I hate leaving him, but I know he's in good hands, and he'll have fun. Plus, if my mom never let me stay over at my cousin Megans (who is my best friend, which all of you know already) my life would be completely different, in a bad way! She's like my sister, I couldn't live without her!!! So I know it's good for Payton! We'll be sure to take pics and post later! Enjoy your weekend!

Payton playing his new bowling game!We put water and food coloring in water bottles and made a bowling game! Lookin like a big boy in his favorite jammies with his new haircut! Payton and Eric with their "season trees" art projects! We made a tree for every season with real leaves! Cooking in the kitchen I made More cooking!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T07:28:00.007-05:00

...The pictures are not in the correct order, I should probably figure out how to do that, huh!

This weekend my family (Mom, Randy, Casey & Tommy (and CJ)) came to visit! It's so nice having family visit us here, especially when there's things going on in/around town. We went to Milwaukee and saw some of the Harley 105th festivities. We also went to the Racine Zoo and visited the animals! We went to dinner and played some games at our house and just spent some time together. I wish everyone could have stayed longer and hope that we get to Stevens Point soon to visit them, it seems that we haven't been there in forever. I miss my family and being close to them. That has definitely been the hardest thing about our move to Racine. I'm so glad that Payton has a close relationship with his Grandparents and Uncles..he just adores them! Here are some pictures of our weekend. Thanks again, Mom and Randy, for everything. We love and miss you guys so much.

Tommy, Casey, Randy, Payton and CJ looking at the lions!

Payton and Grampa petting the goats!Payton and Mom having some ice cream!Grampa and Payton!Payton and Grampa watchin a movie and having a snack!Everyone on their bikes on the way to the 105th!Payton and Gramma at the zoo!Uncle Casey, Grampa and Payton lookin at the monkeys!

New Computer=Pictures

2008-08-26T20:23:00.012-05:00

Finally! Pictures.....some old, some new! Out of order I know. I can't figure it out. Hmmmp. You'll see some from the Racine Co. Fair, some of the art projects we've been doing, some of Josh's birthday present, some playing and some with friends! I love that I can upload my own pictures now! My blogs will be more fun to read now that there will be pictures to go with my stories! I'll post more later. I better get to sleep!

Daddys finished birthday present from Payton!

Payton and Eric (the little boy I babysit) doing a caterpillar art project!

Josh hooking up our new computer YAY!!!!

Sprinkling! Payton putting on the sprinkles, leaving one sprinkleless for daddy! Our finished monkey tails! Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate with sprinkles! Eating his monkey tail!

Making monkey tails! Or eating the sprinkles!

Payton's nature jug! Rock painting! Olympic week! Medals, American Flag and Olympic torch! Making salt dough to make daddys bday gift! Stirring the clay! Payton's water/oil jar! Diaper box firetruck! Take 2! Daddy and Payton showing off his noodle necklace! Cooking! More cooking!

Playing in the pool with his cousins at Nonny and PopArts! Payton and Keenan Ryan, Keenan and Payton playing! Playing baseball!

Caly, my bunny! Just kidding, but it sure looked like her (at the fair) Tessa and Payton petting a cow! Mommy and Payton cow petting! MOOO! Daddy playing basketball

Payton and Daddy playing "Pick a Duck" Daddy and Payton in the big CASE tractor tire! CASE IH ad anyone???!!! Sitting in the big tractor! Driving! Family picture in the tractor at the fair!

25!!!

2008-08-23T08:26:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!

I Had Too!!!

2008-08-19T13:06:00.005-05:00

I had to post this...it's a forwarded email! A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.Proceeding Into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?''Yes,' was his incredulous reply.She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.' Isn't that great?! I really can't complain because Josh never never says this to me. He is so appreciative of what I do and he always tells me how nice the house looks when he gets home and what a good job at my job he thinks I do. I've got a good man. However, when some people ask what I do and I tell them that I'm a stay at home mom, they get this wierd look on their face and say "what do you do all day?" In some state of shock or something. I simply wanna reply "nothing." In an extrememly sarcastic tone. Honestly people. Another good one is "don't you get bored?" Is that possible with a 1 year old? or any child for that matter. NO I DON'T! As you can tell I feel strongly on this topic so this email was perfect, I had to post it!

Gold Silver Bronze

2008-08-15T21:57:00.005-05:00

Ok, here's a little run down of our life lately! (in no particular order)

I got a J-O-B! I am a school age teachers aide for the Racine Family Literacy Program for kids in grades K-8, 5 hours a week Monday and Thursday evenings starting September 4! I'm excited! I will be assisting a teacher and a reading specialist in a classroom/after school program like setting helping with homework, reading and keeping the kids outa trouble while their parents are in class learning English as their second language, 90% of them speak Spanish as their first! The program uses the public school districts calendar so it ends in May and is off for spring break, Christmas, etc. I'm super excited! I didn't think I interviewed well and he said there were lots of candidates, so this should be fun! Josh is excited to spend some alone time with Payton and my first day is opening day of football so he's pumped for it to be "just the boys!"
We are addicted to the Olympics in our house! However, I don't like the time difference because last night it kept me up till 12:30am! I couldn't stop watching! I've even themed some of Payton's art projects around the Olympics. We've made gold, silver and bronze medals, a torch and an American flag! Of course I have pictures.
Josh played in a basketball tournament for work tonight and they took 3rd out of 17 teams!! He is dying of soreness...it's gonna be a rough day for him tomorrow if he's already hurtin:) He will be the big 2-5 next weekend you know:)
Payton is saying so many words now! He said "purple" today and when he sees a tree when we're on a walk he says "tree." He also said "shovel" for the first time yesterday! It's great!!! He has also got what a circle is down!
As I got out Payton's jammies and lotion for after his bath he was insisting on wearing the firetruck jammies into the bathtub.....he is obsessed with firetrucks and all things that have to do with firemen etc.
We've been going to the library once a week lately. I get overwhelmed when I'm there looking for a book for me. They never have the book in that I want to read, and I don't know how to just look and find one. HELP! (maybe some reading suggestions would help!) Josh always finds a few! Payton loves books about trains, big trucks and of course fire engines. They also have a huge selection of movies that we had been renting for him! Last week when we were there it was one of the founders birthdays...of course she's dead..but they were serving cake! YUMMY!
I think we are going to join the YMCA and put PJ in swimming lessons! I'm excited! We're gonna take a tour next week and see what else they have to offer!
I've been trying to find some good snack/lunch recipes..I feel like we eat the same things all the time! Comment with suggestions please:)
Today is Josh's 1 year anniversary working for CASE!
Hopefully I get to see my family soon. I miss them! Megi & Jake came to visit last weekend! We had fun, as usual! ...I think that pretty much sums it up for now! I'm glad it's the weekend and I'm thankful that I get to spend some quality time with my boys!

L.O.V.E

2008-08-11T10:32:00.002-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & RANDY! WE LOVE YOU! XO

A Normal Thursday!

2008-08-07T14:22:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday we took Payton for his 18 month check up! Actually he'll be 19 months on Saturday! I can't believe it. I almost have a 2 year old! He weighs 26 lbs and is 33 inches tall! He's growing so fast! He's learning something new everyday and we catch more and more words (that we can understand) coming out of his little mouth! It's wonderful! He had to get 2 shots but now he doesn't have to get anymore until he goes for his kindergarten shots! Yesterday we got Payton a potty chair! How exciting. He doesn't want to have that much to do with it yet which is fine, I'm not going to push him, that won't help, so it's there when he's ready! Things around here have been really good! Just enjoying the summer as it's August and soon we'll see snow! Yep, I said it...SNOW! YUCK! I've already been thinking about Christmas and gifts and all of that! I want to get crafty this year, so I've been looking for some neat projects! Payton and I have been working on some fun stuff during the day. I've been learning how to make some neat learning games and right now we're working on colors and shapes! We've also made painted noodle necklaces, fruit loop necklaces, a nature jar and an oil/water jug! He loves to paint so I try to find other things he can paint and do with paint besides paper! Yesterday we made a nature jar and he had so much fun outside trying to find things to put in it! It looks pretty cool! We also made a small bottle with oil and green water and when you shake it the oil and water don't mix so it's way cool. We also put some things in it so they float around! It's fun to watch and he picked the color and put in the floaties! Today I cut out things that belong in the ocean and he glued them on a piece of blue construction paper. I have pictures of his creations that I will post when I can. He also does a really good job coloring with markers, we've been teaching him to put the cap back on when he's done using it and he's doing awesome remembering! I find so many neat projects from other peoples blogs! So I have to give them credit! There's also some great Montessori activities that I've been finding as well! He's really gotten good at his shape sorter! I'm so impressed! Today Josh is mourning the loss of Brett Favre! He went to the Jets..I'm sure you've all heard! The little ones up from his nap..gotta go!

Just an "I'm Bored Post"

2008-08-02T16:45:00.004-05:00

I'm going to start by saying that I think my friends and family who read my blog should start their own!! Wouldn't that be fun!? It would. The only hard part is finding time, right, I know. I was just telling Josh that after the baby goes to sleep and when he naps there's a million things that I want to do or should do that run through my head. I want to sleep, read, blog, search the net, have a snack, watch my DVR'd shows, exercise, scrapbook/babybook, catch up on phone calls/emails and the list goes on..not to mention all the things that need to get done around the house that are never ending! This weekend I intend to get some of those things done! Last weekend Josh and I went to dinner and a movie on Friday night! It was so nice just to spend some alone time together! On Saturday we had fun going to the Racine Co. Fair! Payton had a blast as he played pick-a-duck and won a goldfish:) We asked him what he wanted to name it and he said "CASEY!" Josh wanted his name to be Brett Favre (go figure) so that's what he calls him! We also spent a day at the beach! I have great pics but no way to post them. This weekend we are dog sitting and relaxing at home. We spent the morning on a walk and went to the park. Tonight we're gonna relax, watch some movies and read Payton some of his new books he checked out at the library! Exciting. I had a freak out moment on Thursday night. I had been trying to call my cousin (Megan) for the past couple days. We talk at least once a week, so when she hadn't returned my phone calls I started to wonder first, then worry. If I hadn't talked to her by Friday, I was calling her husband. She called Friday morning...from Florida!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her and Jake decided to book a vacation to Orlando! I couldn't believe it, she had totally forgot to tell me, life has been crazy for her this summer. Anyways..they're having a great time and I feel totally relieved! I made a matching game for Payton today. It was way to easy for him. The first time he played he matched everything! I am going to have to come up with some more difficult learning games for him! Right now we're working on colors and shapes. He knows stars and circles and can pick them out anywhere! I'm also pretty confident that he knows the color red! It's so fun watching his little mind work! I've been blog hopping and finding other stay at home moms and using their fun ideas with their kids. We've done some great art projects and used some yummy recipes! Some of the blogs that people have are amazing. I'll get there..someday:) :) Well, I'm off to cook some dinner! Enjoy the weekend!

Tomorrow Is Another Day...

2008-07-29T18:55:00.005-05:00

I am so greatful for those words today. I am greatful that every day is a new day. Yesterday we had a rough day. I've been having a hard time sleeping and the baby has been getting up early this week. Not a good combo for mom. (nor dad seeing how he gets up at 4:30 every morning, but he's one of those people that can just keep going and going and going...I'm begining to learn, so is his son!) Anyways, Payton was getting frustrated with me all day. He would want me to do something and I would think I knew what he wanted me to do only when I'd do it it obviously wasn't what he wanted! This continued all day. He's into the climbing on everything stage. So he chose the couch to climb on yesterday, fine right, well he was climbing on the very top of it, with a goal to reach Josh's bobble heads that are on our high window ledge. Not OK. I took him down and kept taking him down. I envisioned Supper Nanny repeatedly removing children from the situation or placing them in time out until they stayed there. He kept climbing. I tried everything, removing him from the situation, distracting him, everything. Then I was putting something away in the kitchen and he bit me right in the thigh. HARD! I put him in time out, he didn't care, maybe he's too little, maybe he's like Uncle Casey in that form and doesn't care about punishment and I will have to find something he utterly loves to take away. I will not spank him, I slapped his hand once and he hit me right back, can you say Casey?! So that punishment was out. We'll find something. He was angry playing outside, which almost never happens. I wasn't pouring the sand correctly from the cup to the bucket. So he was angry again. My mom used to always tell us, if something is making you frustrated take a break from it and come back to it later. So we tried that, he just got mad at the next thing! Bathtime is usually a peaceful time in our house. Not last night. Water was everywhere. I don't mind if alittle gets on the floor, but he was pouring it out on purpose. I said ok, the water needs to stay in the tub, if you throw it out 1 more time, you have to get out. He looked at me with his toy filled with water, I allready took away the cups, and poured it on the floor. His face read, then take me out lady. See if I care! So out he went. Later that night he was climbing again and fell off the couch, smacked his face on the wooden coffee table. He bit the inside of his cheek and has a scrape from his ear to the corner of his mouth and it's alittle swollen. However, he is ok. The day ended, we all went to bed after another grueling Brewers loss.. I'm sure we'll have many more days like that, and thats ok. We woke up today and it was a new day. I must say, it's going quite well! Thankfully the words "tomorrow is another day" worked out well for us:)

A Family Favorite...

2008-07-21T20:22:00.004-05:00

THE BEACH!!!!!

Last week Josh took a half day and we went to the beach! It's a really nice beach about 20 minutes away from us. The water is nice, the sand is nice and they have a little place that you can buy treats! The beach also has lifeguards, which is always good! I probably don't have to tell you that Payton loved it! He is so brave! We spent a good 4 hours there! I love summer!

Payton with mommys shades on! Payton standing in the water, don't worry, I'm near by but I cut myself outa the picture! Playing in the sand! Swimming with daddy! Swimming with mommy!

Brewer Game!

2008-07-21T19:56:00.009-05:00

On July 5-6 my dad and stepmom came down to visit! We hung out around town on Saturday and on Sunday we went to a Brewer game! This was a special game because it was Payton's first one! Josh was soooo excited to take his son to his first baseball game! We had a wonderful time! I was so nervous to take the baby because I didn't know how he'd do, plus there's over 40,000 people there! He did wonderful! He slept for the 3rd and 4th innings. He loved watching Bernie Brewer go down the slide when the Brewers hit a home run! Now when they're on tv that's what he looks for! We had lots of treats at the game and Grandpa and Grandma K bought Payton a little Bernie Brewer doll! He makes it slide at home! Enjoy the pics as this is a huge proud moment for Paytons wonderful daddy! I had a great time too! Daddy and Payton walking into Miller Park! Go Brewers! (My favorite pic!) A slide replicating Bernie's! In the kiddie area of the stadium! Family photo by the field! Photo in the big glove! Sausage race! Look close, there are mini sausages in front of the original ones!! SO cute! Payton and I by the Polish sausage. How fitting for the little Muszynski! Payton watching for Bernie! Waiting to see if we could get some autographs...no luck! Our boo boo enjoying a cold treat! He's lovin the game, just like his daddy! All of us! My boys..the loves of my life...like father like son. It was a Brewer victory!

4th of July Festivities!

2008-07-19T12:51:00.008-05:00

I'm finally posting on our 4th of July festivities. We started them on July 3rd with fireworks in a town nearby Racine. We went with Dawn, Bubba and Little Ryan. Some of Dawns family was also there! It was a great firework display and Payton had a blast playing with all the kids as usual. On Friday we started our day with the Racine parade. We went with Nonny and PopArt. Later that day we had a grill out with some people that Josh works with. Payton wasn't feeling the best, he had a virus, so we didn't do much during the day. We ended our 4th watching the fireworks on the lake!

Water Baby!

2008-07-14T16:10:00.004-05:00

We've known since Payton was a tiny baby that he loved the water! He loves to swim and he loves his baths! One hot summer day we decided to play with the hose and turn on the sprinkler! The first time I was just watering my flowers when Payton wanted me to get him wet! So I did! That's why he's drenched in his clothes! Another hot summer day we put his suit on and he played and played! I can't believe how he loves that freezing cold water! The joy on his face and his laughter was enough to make our day!!

Here's some more pictures of Payton after he was painting. He's quite the artist! I like to make cards out of his paintings, I think they're neat. So do his grandparents:)

Jelly Belly Factory!

2008-07-14T15:44:00.005-05:00

On our first Saturday with nothing planned to do we decided to take alittle trip to the Jelly Belly Factory! It's only about 15 minutes from our house! They don't charge admission and the day that we went they were having a Kid Fest with extra activities for the kids. They have a train that takes you through the factory and shows you how the jelly beans are made. At the end of the tour they give you a bag of jelly beans to take home. We also mixed up a bag of our own and we spent $13.00 on jelly beans!!! It was a super fun day! Payton meeting the big Jelly Belly! The 3 of us after the train ride with our hats on! PJ enjoying the ride! Under the big Jelly Belly outside the factory!

A close up of all of our Jelly Belly beans!

Without a computer....

2008-07-12T10:57:00.005-05:00

Last week our computer crashed:( It was a sad day! However, a guy Josh works with took our tower home this weekend and he thinks he can fix it! Lets hope he's right! We plan to get a new computer sometime before Christmas, but in todays world they're hard to live without....sad to say. I have lots to blog on and lots of pictures to put up! We've been doing some really fun things with lots of great pictures!!! Next weekend we will be going to my parents so I will blog more then! I have to say hi to my friend Rachel cuz she actually reads my blog! I just thought my mom, my cousin and my aunt read it:) So I was happy to hear that she was waiting for an entry!! Until next week....lots of love!:) XO

The Start To Our Summer!

2008-06-18T15:59:00.018-05:00

We started out our summer with a trip to the Racine Zoo! As a lot of you know, Payton has a strong love for animals! He already knows what sounds dogs, cows, ducks and lions make! We're working on the cats "meow!" We're very fortunate that in our city we have a wonderful zoo! They have a lot of animals and are adding on. They also have a great little petting zoo! They also have a small train, called the zoo-choo that drives around the zoo! It's so fun to take him to the zoo and see the excitement on his face! Payton got to pick out something from the gift shop. Of course he picked out a lion that growls! Enjoy the pics!

Payton about to pet the goat!

Payton feeding the goat!

Looking at the big rhinocerous!

Looking up at the big giraffe!

Daddy and Payton waiting for the train!

Going for a ride on the zoo-choo!

The zoo-choo! The next exciting thing on our summer to do list was my Uncle Rick and Kristin's wedding in Kalamazoo, MI. This took place the first weekend of June. It was a beautiful wedding and we had lots of fun spending time with family! Payton also used waterwings for the first time and did great!!!

Kyle and Alice got married on June 14. The weather was absolutely beautiful the entire weekend! The rehersal dinner was at my mom and Randy's house. The yard looked wonderful and of course the food tasted good! The ceremony was nice and the reception was filled with good food, good drinks, dancing and fun!!! Everyone had a blast! Everyone looked amazing too! It turned out so great after all of the planning and preparation. Sunday they had gift opening at their house! I took lots of pics. So I've posted some below! Enjoy them! Lauren with Kyle, Alice and the duck hunting cake she made for them..that was the theme at the rehersal! My dad with Payton and Hunter! Believe it or not, Hunter did not fall off the firetruck!

The bride and groom!

Uncle Dave grillin out!

Our cars all decorated! Good job guys!!

Alice getting sewn into her dress...with fishing line...no joke!!!! Auntie Brenda saves the day!

Payton playing Rock Band with his daddy and uncles! After the rehersal dinner!

The duck cake!

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Lee Koback

Curty giving his best man speech! It was sooooo good!!!

Tracy giving her Maid of Honor speech!!

The Newlyweds!!!

The bride and grooms ride!!!

Payton and Hunter!

My brothers and I!!!

My baby brother..the groom!!!

The love of my life and I:) Soon to be newlyweds?....some day!!!

The head table!

Casey's one of many rum and cokes! He had a blast! As did the rest of us!

Family picture! All dressed up!

Payton and Hunter lookin all handsome!

EJ(Alices brother) and I at the Grand March!

Megi and I!!!

First dance as husband and wife!

Payton dancing!!!!

Grand March!

Kyle and Alice all decked out in camo for their Grand March entrance!

Casey and Alisha!

We have a summer full of fun things planned. I promise to post offen and with pictures!!!

Pictures! Finally!

2008-05-24T17:36:00.013-05:00

Payton eating popcorn and watching a movie! Walking on the beach in Racine when Grampa and Gramma visited! Grampa and Gramma and Payton! Gramma and Payton! Hanging out with Daddy!

Drinking the milk from Daddys cereal! Making chocolate covered strawberries with Mom! Playing at the park! On the swings!

The view inside our house:) Dining room and living room! Mr. Paytons room! Paytons room! Paytons room again! The living room..again:)

Washing dishes! Play-doh! The kitchen and bathroom Our kitchen and pantry

Taking a break for a drink with Daddy! Having fun painting! "CHEESE!"

Flowers sprouting! Paytons new turtle sandbox! Our backyard fence! Flowerpots and birdfeeder! Payton riding his bike!

Homecoming!

2008-05-19T21:10:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday Payton and I are riding back to Stevens Point with Randy and Tommy! Randy is picking Tom up from the Milwaukee airport cuz he was in Hawaii! Then he's going to come and get us and we're going to spend until Sunday morning there! I'm so excited! Josh will come on Saturday morning and then we'll come back to Racine on Sunday in time for Bubba's graduation party! My cousin is going to be in Stevens Point too, so that'll be nice because I haven't seen her in awhile! We used to spend every single day with each other for like 19 years, so it's hard to be away from her! I'm excited to spend time with my parents and the rest of my family! The weather is supposed to be nice too! On Friday night my mom and I are going to a little bachelorette party thing for Alice. It's at a spa and then dinner. I'm excited to go, it'll be nice to spend time with just my mom and I don't get out much so I will enjoy alittle adult/alone time! And Payton will be with his Grampa so I won't be worrying about him the whole time! I'm a serious worrier when it comes to my baby, it gives me serious anxioty. There's very few people that I trust him with!! Of course I'll miss Josh for those couple days though! He's finishing up his second shift work! Only 4 more days of that for him! We're all excited! This weekend was nice and mellow. As I blogged before, the weather was great on Saturday. I made a huge dinner of bbq chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans and apple pie!! We went for a really long walk and then we watched prom. I know..wierd right?! We watched it on tv! It's a huge deal here! Each of the schools have their own prom and then they all meet for one big prom down by the lake! They get dropped off in fancy cars, buses, cool trucks, there were even some semi and 2 firetrucks that dropped kids off! I was jealous that we didn't have that in Point! Sunday we went to get some wedding gifts and just lounged! Only a couple more days until I get pictures up!

So Excited!

2008-05-17T12:52:00.001-05:00

Today is such a beautiful day outside! I am so excited because I got a new bird feeder this morning! We also got Payton a sandbox! He loves it! He's resting now and once he wakes up we're gonna go back outside to enjoy the day! Our fence looks so pretty now! I have my 2 hanging flower baskets and my pretty bird feeder on it! And some of the flower seeds that I planted are sprouting! How exciting! I love summertime! However, I don't think the grass we planted is growing..hopefully it will though. I'm gonna take some pictures and this week Payton and I are going to my parents and Josh is going to meet us there on Saturday, so I will finally be able to post some pictures on here!!!! Ok, I'm off to do alittle clean up before my little angel wakes up:)

Mothers Day and alittle extra!

2008-05-12T22:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Mothers Day! We had a great day. I spent a great day with my boys. I got to sleep in and when I woke up Josh and Payton had a chai tea latte for me! They got me 2 really wonderful cards, an inspirational book called Dear Mom and a picture frame that goes with the rest of ours that says Home Sweet Home!! Josh cooked french toast for breakfast! Yum! We spent the day lounging around since the weather wasn't to great. Then later in the day we went bumming around and had dinner and ice cream! We got Payton some Play-doh and Josh wanted to buy Monopoly to play. After Payton went to sleep we stayed up and played until midnight! On Saturday we celebrated Mothers Day with Josh's family with lunch at Applebees. His parents got me a really nice card and a Lia Sophia gift certificate! We celebrated Mothers Day with my parents when they were visiting last weekend. They brought me a beautiful hanging basket of purple flowers, a Laguna Beach t-shirt and a candle holder that has tlights that smell amazing and a sweet card! I love being a mom! It sure helps to have such a loving family and a wonderful son and boyfriend! The weather is supposed to be nice this week so we will be outside as much as we can! Hopefully we will go to the park and take some walks! When Josh received his stimulus payment they said that he hadn't claimed any dependents on his taxes, well he has a child obviously, so something was entered wrong! So his mom fixed it and he's actually entitled to more refund money than he originally got back. Isn't that good news! So now, we're probably gonna get a computer, it will be awhile I'm sure before all is processed but I'm so excited. I'll be able to get pictures on here!!! I've been taking a lot more lately! Payton is so full of new things and curiosity that I want to capture as much as I can. We have a busy month of June but we're excited for the events that we will be attending! Until next time....xo

Beautiful Day!

2008-05-06T21:20:00.004-05:00

It was a beautiful day today! This morning we went to the park. It's a really nice park that isn't too far from our house! Then we came back, ate lunch, Josh left for work, Payton and I took a nap and went back outside to play! The rest of the week isn't supposed to be that nice. It's supposed to be filled with rain and lower temperatures, so we had to use the day! We had tons of fun with my parents when they were here. We got to show them more of Racine and even took a walk on the lake! I have lots of good pictures and hope to post them soon! I also have great pictures from our park adventure! Josh's sister is expecting a baby any day now! That's exciting! She'll be the first girl cousin! There's allready 4 boys! As you can expect, she'll be a little princess! Her name is going to be Mirari and she'll be called Mia! How cute is that?!! Payton is fast asleep and Josh is working for alittle bit longer, so I'm about to go enjoy some quiet "me" time! He might be back working regular hours next week, we'll see. It doesn't matter to me either way though! Well, I'm out for the night. Please keep my Auntie Jayne in your thoughts and prayers! Check back for pictures real soon! If any of you can get picture mail on your cell phones, you should send me your cell number and let me know (if i don't allready) cuz we've been sending pictures that way since we can't any other way! xo g'nite!

New blogger!

2008-05-01T22:26:00.002-05:00

Hi! I'm a person who has always written in a journal and when I had our baby I blogged on a website called Babycrowd. I loved both of them. Being a busy mom, I don't have much time to write in my journal and when my baby turned 1 I vowed to end my Babycrowd days. With all this fancy technology I thought about blogging at a different site online. A place where our friends and family could keep in touch with us. Something that wouldn't take up inbox space. A place to post pictures and thoughts. A nice keepsake, unless something should happen to the world of cyberspace. So here I am. Entering my first blog! I feel excited. Like I just got something new! Here I go! Onto the good stuff. It's getting late. Josh just got home from work and is now propped in front of the tv playing baseball on his playstation. It's baseball season. He has the itch. The itch to watch, go to and play the game. He's a die hard baseball, football and basketball fan. He knows everything about all of them. Well ok, not as much as Grandpa Bill, but a lot. Payton has been fast asleep since about 8:00pm. He's such a good boy. He's had a fun, long day, playing so nicely with his cousin, Ryan. After a good dinner of a peanut butter sandwich, applesauce, animal crackers and juice, he hopped into the bath and didn't wanna get out. "The water's getting cold, Boo Boo, " I say. He gets out without a fuss. I'm lucky. It's rare if he gives us a hard time. He's a funny boy. As I'm getting his jammies on I ask him a series of questions, "did you have fun in the bathtub?" He shakes his head no. "Did you have fun playing outside with Ryan?" Another no headshake. "Do you want to read a story?" Again, he shakes his head no. I take it this is his new thing. I know the answer to all of those are yeses! As for my night. I got alittle emotional watching Grey's Anatomy as usual and then wound up here, in front of the computer. On that subject, we're talking about getting a new one with the extra tax money. Ours was given to us by my mom and Randy and it's kinda old. It works fine, and we are very thankful for it, but I really wanna get one where I can put my camera memory card in it and do more with pictures. So we'll see! My mom, Randy & Emma are going to come visit this weekend. We are very excited. We don't have anything planned. But it should be a nice visit. Well, until next time....which won't be far away. Goodnight.