Since we've been gone!

It's been a couple weeks but we have had such a fun filled November!!!

First off we went to Kalahari!! It was an amazing time! There are so many things to do there for the family and we as a family enjoyed every minute. The kids were able to swim, play in the arcade, the dry Tree Top playland and every day there was cookie decorating. The food we ordered to the room was so yummy and reasonably priced. Ellie and Jack both did good sleeping away from home too. Except the morning we were all up at 5:30! We went for two nights and would highly recommend it to everyone.

Thanksgiving was next on our list of our time off of work. We celebrated with the Trebisky family at Beth's house. We ate so many yummy things! Grandma Carol's sweet potatoes were FABULOUS! And everyone loved Uncle Matt's turkey! Ellie and Jack enjoyed their first pumpkin pies and both loved it! Well - Jack loves everything about food. It was so nice to spend time with family taking pictures, talking about the upcoming Holiday and just enjoying each others company. We then went to visit Grandma Mare and Pa Pa! Boy the kids love playing the piano there! Jack loves to clap when he is done "playing." Both kids are growing up so fast. Jack is now walking and trying to run everywhere! He was at the doctor's last week and is close to 26 pounds! WOW!! Close to his big sister! Ellie loves learning - especially about the holidays. We talked about Thanksgiving and she now knows about pilgrims, indians, the food....well there are two turkeys. The alive one we call a "turkey bird" and the one we serve is "the turkey we eat." Don't want to scare her!!

Our week closed out with some Mommy & Daddy time out!! We got a baby sitter and went out shopping all night for Black Friday! What a good time we had! We got tons of good deals at the stores and although we waited in line for an hour and a half at Toys R Us it will be well worth it on Christmas morning to see the kids enjoying their gifts. We also went out for Matthew's 40th birthday! I had such a good time going out with the adults that I can't wait to go out again! The Faiman and Trebisky families have such a good time together! Happy 40th Matt!!! Hope you had a good time!!!

Well it's off to finish stockings, shopping, baking and all the fun stuff that is left to do!! Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and I can't wait to update about Christmastime!!

The PARTY!!!!!

What a BLAST we had!!! Jack had his first birthday party this weekend at Brecksville Rec Center! We want to send a big THANK YOU to Uncle Andy and Aunt Linda for getting us the room! It was absolutely perfect.

Jack (and Ellie...and Mommy) all were under the weather this past week and it was a tough week to get through but the preparations and dealing with the colds was all worth it in the end.

The party started with some good eats from Stancatos and Antonios! After we ate we had the kids take turns with the pinata. Yes, we used Grandma Mare's cane to hold it up and Ellie's play golf club to whack at it. It was a success!! The kids sure LOVED the candy after Dave ripped it open. We then sang to Jack who wasn't interested in his cake - but later I found Ellie sticking her fingers in his smash cake. We bought the cake from Giant Eagle and the lady there did a fabulous job following the sports theme.

Jack received so many wonderful gifts. We are truly blessed with all the friends and family we have. We thank everyone for the love that was shared at his party ;o)

I have to get back to things now......we are at Kalahari.....which I will update on soon!!!!!!

The Big ONE!!!

Jack is finally one! I no longer have a toddler and a baby - I have two VERY active toddlers!! Jack is getting better and better walking every day. He is a very daring little guy. He loves to play and get into trouble - especially in his big sister's room. It's so fun to watch them interact. Last night in the bathtub Ellie kept pouring water over Jack's head and he laughed and would splash her back. I can't wait to see them play together at Kalahari next week!

We gave Jack a cupcake on his birthday - even though his party is still a week away we just had to practice! Dave blew out his candle and Jack cried!! I hope he doesn't react that way next week!!! It will probably be a little overwhelming for him to see all these people singing and smiling at him but I'm sure Ellie will LOVE to help him out! I took the picture below after he settled down and realized what he was missing!!!

I thank God every day for my two blessings Dave and I are very, very lucky to have two such wonderful kids!!!

Steps and Big girl bed!

Jack is unofficially walking! He has been taking steps here and there. I got him to take 4 the other day! I have no clue what we will do with 2 mobile kids! The countdown for Jack's birthday and party is on!! I can't believe my baby will be ONE next weekend! WOW! Time is flying in our happy little world but we are all enjoying every single minute.

We found Ellie a big girl bed! Well - its a twin bed in our world but its a big girl bed in hers. She will be so excited once we have it up! Found the cutest headboard and sitting bench for her room on Craig's List and saved a ton of money too! Dave and I are heading out today to find her mattresses and hopefully she can sleep in it tonight ;o) We even stopped at K-mart and I found the Dora bedding on sale too! Can't wait to post pictures soon!

As for Dave and I we are doing good too!! Dave is working, working, working but it isn't is as bad as either of us thought with him at the Clinic and Metro. We have so many people in our lives to be thankful for helping us out. In January we should start a pretty consistent schedule which may make things a bit easier to plan. We don't have a lot of time together but we know what we are doing right now will benefit us in the long run.

I actually figured out how to use my sewing machine! There is one stitch on it that does not work and of course its the one I need. I have taken on my family's tradition (the Srokas - my Mom's family) of making Christmas stockings. Each and every one of my aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids have the same one! My Grandmother made them until she passed away and my Aunt Jean (who we all miss very much) took over then. Now it is my turn and as nervous as I was/am to do it I have enjoyed it so far. After the stockings are done I might try something else!

Spooky Fun!

Well a week has passed by and what a fun week we all had!!!! We had so many fun things to do! Last week we prepared for our dance class Halloween party, our playgroup Halloween party and the big day itself - Halloween!!!
Thursday night was Ellie's dance class Halloween party and although she was confused since the big kids were with them in the big dance room she warmed up at the very end when it was time for treats! It's neat seeing the girls (Olivia, Hailey and Ellie) grow up together at dance class! There is a rhyme the girls do called "Sticky, sticky, bubblegum" and it sticks in your brain! Lori told me last week she caught Ellie trying to teach it to Sophia!!! So cute!!!
Friday night we had our playgroup party at Evan's house! We had such a great time!!! All the kids dressed up, ate pizza & treats and did a pumpkin craft. April (Evan's Mommy) knows how to throw a party!! The treat bags were amazing - especially the Dora paper!
Saturday we went back to Evans to play for a bit then that evening we went with the Moats Family to the Carlisle Reservation out in Lorain County. There is a fun Halloween (family friendly) trail to walk, cars to ride on and games to play. We took a hayride with all the kids through a lighted up path. There is also a lagoon filled with carved pumpkins! It was awesome and everyone had a good time.
Sunday we had a mini get together with our best friends!!! Kim & Rob along with the Moats' came to have Halloween Tricks and Treats!!! Ellie dressed up as the gnome and Jack was Shrek and we all got to go trick or treating. It was a bit chilly but the kids were really good and got lots and lots of candy!
So today I came home from work and took down our Halloween decor and prepared for Turkey Day with decorations! Scarecrows, pumpkins and pilgrims fill our home now. We have 3 more weeks of work until our vacation! Kalahari for 2 nights!! We can't wait!!
We hope everyone had a Happy Halloween and for more pictures please check out my Facebook page!!!

Happy Birthday Sophia!!!

Happy Birthday Sophs!!! It was our Goddaughter Sophia's first birthday this weekend and we had a blast!!! Dave and I chose to dress as Salt and Pepper! Ellie was a gnome and Jack was Shrek. We had a great family weekend! Friday I took the kids Trick or Treating at Parmatown and all though it was complete chaos we enojoyed ourselves! It was the first time the kids were able to dress up! Sunday we went over to Lori and CJ's for a bit then off to get pumpkins. Who knew that most of the pumpkins would be gone??? Two different Marc's and nothing! But that's okay - we found a small garden center in Hinkley and they were very family friendly and Ellie picked out her pumpkin!!

Saturday was Soph's party and the bounce house was a terrific idea! Ellie was hesitant at first but Mommy got in and showed her how to jump! Then we couldn't get her off it!! We went back over on Sunday and Dave took Jack in and of course our little rebel was bouncing too! All of the kids had a good time together and it is always fun seeing them all grow up together and celebrate their birthdays!

This week we have tons to do!!! Thursday is Ellie's dance class Halloween party, Friday we have our playgroup Halloween party and then of course Halloween weekend!!!!

Time is flying!!

A year ago.....

It's crazy to think about where we were a year ago. I know my memory is going fast (running around after the little ones...) but I am happy I have many pictures to remind me ;o)

A year ago we were waiting on Mr. Jack David to arrive while celebrating Halloween with our great friends!!!

Ellie was an OSU Cheerleader for Halloween and went trick or treating with Addison (a cat) and Olivia (a duck)! It was a crazy weekend since Sophia Ann Moats was born the day before Halloween!

Here are a few pictures to take us back to last year.....

Ellie helped her Daddy with the lawn yesterday!!! What a blast!!

October is flying by....

What a weekend!! Like all the others it flew by!

So we tried the underwear with Ellie. I figured - why not?? Well - after about an hour and a half she freaked out and cried that she had water all over her! Poor thing got spooked. So I took them off and decided that we will try again soon. She told Daddy all about it when he came home. I know she understands but I don't want to push her too hard.

Jack is on the verge of walking and getting a couple more teeth! He already has 6 teeth and eats everything in sight. My food bill is going to skyrocket soon! This weekend he drank more from his sippy and I've decided to try to transition him now with formula in the sippy and it worked!

Dave and I got out for a bit on Saturday! We were going to go to Melt for dinner but the wait was so long we decided on BW3 and it was so nice eating warm food!! Not having to cut, pour or clean up! We then went shopping and just enjoyed time away. Sunday Dave enjoyed the Browns game....well he watched the game....and I went and spent time with Aunt Faith to work on Christmas stockings.

My funny story from the weekend: I baked chocolate chip cookies yesterday (not from scratch...are you kidding - it was break and bake!). I figured Ellie would love them! Nice and warm right out of the oven ;o) I gave her one and she liked it! But then I got out grapes to put some in a baggie and she threw the cookie down and ate 15 grapes (we counted them out loud). Dave and I would like a DNA test since our child would never put down a fresh baked cookie!! In all honesty my fruit lover makes me a very happy parent! Now Jack was different....he was covered in melted chocolate...his cookie didn't have a chance.

Happy Monday! Hope everyone that is following has a great week! Get the word out to follow and leave feedback - I have 3 followers right now and 2 of the 3 are me and Dave!!!!

Happy Sweetest Day to all our Blog followers! Mommy and Daddy are going to Melt today to relax for dinner! Hope everyone enjoys their day with their sweeties!

Tuesday Fun Day!

Tuesday is play group! We had taken a toddler class last year with kids Ellie's age and as time went on the kids were less interested in going. So over the summer we formed our own play group! We try to meet on Tuesdays to let the kids play and burn energy! We play with Evan, Blaine, Tommy, Hailey and Hailey's brother Colin! Jack usually tags along too ;o) Tonight we went on the swings up at State Road park! I am hoping to post a picture from my cel phone but I am taking baby steps with this technology stuff!!

We also think its time to potty train! Today (fun day with Daddy) Ellie came out of her room naked holding her poopy diaper!!! She gave it to Dave and said "Here Daddy, I pooped!" I think this weekend we're going to try out the Dora undies Mommy found!!! This will be an adventure!
Speaking of Saturday....it's Sweetest Day!

Tomorrow Auntie Beth and cousin Max are coming over to play and watch Ellie and Jack!!! Ellie had colored Halloween cards for them tonight (sorry to spoil the surprise Beth!!) and she can't wait to wake up and see them! Ellie and Jack LOVE their Auntie Beth and cousin Max!!! It will be so fun next year when Jack and Max are running around after Ellie! LOL!!!!!

This is a test to see if I can blog from my BlackBerry :)

Something new...

Today Dave started his job at Metro!!! As he hung up the phone with me I wished him luck and love ;o) He has worked so hard to get to this point and I know deep down even though its more hours at work and away from us - he is truly happy!!
As for me and the kiddos I am trying to plan different fun things to keep us busy (and Mommy sane!). Tonight we made Jello-jigglers! For anyone who doesn't know what they are - it is when you make Jello and instead of a bowl you pour and set into a 13 x 9 pan. Then you use cookie cutters to cut out shapes! So this morning I made Jello for Ellie, Jack and I! Ellie and I had a BLAST cutting out different animals after dinner (Daddy bought us a set of 50 animal shape cookie cutters last week!). I can not explain the joy Ellie had and I have to say it was one of those things that make you act like a kid again. It was something new and fun!! OH - and Jack enjoyed his first taste of Jello too!! Tomorrow we have play group with our 2 year old buddies and Thursday is dance class!
Ellie is going to have completed her first month of dance. Even though she still has to keep Mommy in sight, she has come a long way trying this new adventure! The class is 2 and 3 year olds in leotards, tights and ballet slippers learning the basics of having a teacher and following instruction to music! I am hoping Santa will surprise her at Christmas with a tu-tu!
Today we also booked a suite at Kalahari for 2 nights in November!! I know how excited I am for the kids to do something new! It will be a great week for Dave and I to have off, take a break, give Thanks and of course celebrate Black Friday!!!!!
There is so many new things to talk about and explore with my little ones! I hope everyone enjoys the blog and please feel free to forward - I only have 10 spots to send it out! I would let people know to just check back of follow on blogger.com.

Let's try this AGAIN!!!

It has been way too long since we've "blogged" but as we know time flies when you have 2 little ones!! I can't believe its been 2 years since blogging and how things have changed!!!

Just a quick update - you all know we had Jack in Nov. of 2009! Already his first birthday is approaching! It's been a hectic and crazy year but we're going to start again ;o)

It's October! We have so much going on! Fall Foliage Tour, Sophia's birthday, Costume party with our playgroup, Halloween and Dave starting his PRN job as a Nurse at Metro's ER (he is still at the clinic full time). Hopefully I will find time to keep everyone updated here!

Ellie is becoming a fun 2-year old. I have no clue what they mean by "terrible twos" - LOL!!! She knows her ABC's, numbers (in English and Spanish - thanks Dora), shapes and colors! I would say over qualified for kindergarten! She can even spell "ELLIE" - and Mommy and Daddy LOVE every minute!!!!

Jack is closing in on 1 year and is very different than his passive sister! He is up and ready to walk. He likes to sing along with us and tries to talk over myself and Ellie. Our house is one crazy place to be - just ask all our fantastic family, friends and sitters who come over!

It might be a little nuts but our house is filled with tons of LOVE ;o)