Throwback Thursday

Well since we had the flu most of Thanksgiving weekend, I don't have any new pics to post so thought I would copy off my friend Emily and do a "Throwback Thursday." Now I know it is still November, but if you haven't gotten into the Christmas spirit yet...why not?? I am trying to get some new pics of the kids for the Christmas card this year and am not having much luck, so I was going through some old pics this morning and thought it might be fun to look at how much things can change in three years!

Christmas 2006. Last year I feel like I had two babies and this year I feel like I have two toddlers who are into everything.
Christmas 2005, one kid...things were a little easier back then.

Christmas 2004...Little did we know we would have Lucas less than two weeks from this moment (he was 3-1/2 weeks early). We were oblivious to the impact that children would have on our lives. It has been an amazing journey so far, can't wait to see where life takes us next.

(Hopefully not back to these fat people in the picture).

Many reasons to be Thankful...

First of all I am thankful for my family and friends. God has surrounded us with such a loving and caring group of people that it astounds me. I am so lucky to have so many people that love me. My parents are wonderful and my mom helps me out at least once a week watching the kids while I go to meetings. And while she is here she is always folding laundry or emptying the dishwasher...thanks for the extras mom! I also have amazing in-laws that love and support us (and from the stories I have heard, I guess that is hard to find). Our brothers and sisters are incredible- we can always be real and have a good time. I wish we got to see them more often!! And the group of friends that God has placed in our lives truly amazes me. Thanks for always listening and caring about me so much, I hope I do the same!

Of course I am most thankful for my husband and two kids. My favorite times are spent with them just hanging out doing fun, simple things. These pics are from last weekend while we raked leaves in our backyard.I am thankful for Lucas and his playful nature. He is a handful at times, but his energy can be contagious and his hugs melt my heart! I am thankful that Tim is such an incredible dad and husband. I am truly blessed to have such a great man in my life, sometimes I can take that for granted.

I am thankful for Lilly and her beautiful smile. Her giggles will make anyone laugh and her snuggles are the best!

God has really blessed us with amazing kids. Thanks to everyone who is a part of our lives, whether we see you often or not, you have all touched our heart and we love sharing our blog with you! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!! Don't forget to give thanks to the ONE who has given you all that you have.

Two more new babies...

Two of my girlfriends had their babies this past week and we now have a handsome little boy and beautiful baby girl to add to the kid collection.

This is Braden Patrick Maple who was born on

Nov. 10th at 7lbs. 4-1/2oz. and 19-1/2"long.

Congrats to Mommy Meghan, Daddy Matt, and big sister Aly!!This is Mary Evelyn Hitch who was born on

November 15th at 6lbs 2oz and 20"long.

Congrats to Mommy Christi and Daddy Mitch!!

We are so thankful that everyone is healthy and happy. Just got to meet Mr Braden on Saturday and hopefully get to meet Miss Mary Evelyn next week! Too bad they don't get to eat turkey yet!!

The Daily Challenge:

Feed Lilly three meals and still keep her clean.

This is Lilly eating her favorite food...spaghetti! She loves to eat but always seems to make such a mess of the kitchen and herself!
She also loves to share...that can be interesting.

This is after she took her Maccaroni and cheese plate and rubbed it on her head!

So, if it isn't bath night she will get a pretty good wash down in the sink. Luckily for us she likes baths as much as she likes food...if not more. Silly Lilly.

Such a Ham

Who is that kid behind the big nose? Sometimes Lucas is such a Ham. Today I am thankful for my amazing children and the times they make me laugh and make eachother laugh. What are you thankful for?

Lilly's Turns ONE!

Wanted to get some pics up for those of you who couldn't be here. Lilly had a great 1st Birthday! She was all dolled up for the event as you can see below! Ladybugs were the theme mostly b/c we call her Lillybug. She looked absolutely adorable!

What?? I get to eat cake?!?! Hmmm...this ladybug is kinda sticky...

...and VERY yummy!!

I'm the luckiest girl in the world!! I get to have my cake and eat it too!

This picture pretty much sums up her day! We are thankful for such a beautiful and healthy 1 year old baby girl. Her laughter is contagious and her energy is exhausting. It is going to be so much fun watching her grow up and chasing after her brother.

More cute pics

Here are my two adorable Super Men!

And here is the 75lb lap dog getting some much needed attention from Michael! Poor dog gets no love at home with two kids...unless you call Lucas chasing him love.

Ahhh...Noah and Lilly fighting over the original Hess boy toys. This is a good reminder to keep certain toys for later in life when you have grandkids...they still love them and it brings back memories for everyone!
Three sleepy baby heads sitting on a couch,
Lucas is thinking...should I push them off??

A California Wisconsin Thanksgiving

This past weekend we headed North for an early Thanksgiving with our cousins from California and Wisconsin. It was so great to see everyone! We are very thankful for such a wonderful extended family! Here is the whole gang out for Breakfast.
Here is the "cousin end" of the thanksgiving table! And don't forget Santa on the end! (Grandpa is growing a beard and looks like old St Nick).

Here is the San Diego couple Tricia and Michael. They survived the fires last week and got to meet Silly Lilly for the first time.

This is the Wisconsin cuz with his girlfriend. (She's a keeper Rich!)

And the other San Diego girl Kristin getting her baby squeezes in.

Can't wait to go out to California next summer and see everyone again! Hopefully there will be two new little cousins from Russia that we get to meet too! Look for more pics later this week from our family filled weekend.

LUKE...I am your father

The greasers turned into Jedi's for Halloween night (costumes were a bit warmer). Lucas actually loves to watch Star Wars with daddy. He really only watches the first one when Anakin is small, the pod race is his favorite part if you are familiar with the story.

No, Tim didn't have his own candy bucket...just Lucas. But it only took me abouy 1/2 hour to make these costumes...no sewing involved!
We were trying to bribe Lucas to put his costume on...but as soon as he saw the glowstick he thought that was cool and was calling that his sword (b/c of course Jedi's light sabers glow!)

And here is a pic of our pumpkins too!