FOOTBALL

Well, Tanner's football season has come to an end. Here is one of him at the last game and also one of him and Gannon with thier medals...

Fall day fun

Tanner playing in the leaves on Sunday....




Evan just chilling.... next fall for him I suppose...

A message from the other side...

Okay you will all read this and think that I have officially flipped my lid but I swear I recieved the most beautiful message from the other side today.

It all started at Subway... I had chosen this Subway because I thought it had a drive thru..when I tried to drive thru I saw a woman parking in the drive thru so I went around and parked. When I got inside the line was long and my time left on my lunch break was short so I almost left but decided to stay. The lady who had bee parking in the drive thru came out of the restroom and up to me to apologize for blocking my way. I told her I thought that had a drive thru and that was my error. Anyway we got to talking... she told me about her recent open heart surgery and I think I knew on some level she really reminded me of my mother. Then she asked me " Are you gonna try the meatball sandwich today, it is the special? " I said no...noone could make meatballs like my mother so I wouldn't even try them here. She smiled and asked if she made them alot. I told her that my mother had passed away but she surely could make a mean meatball. She said "Wow she must have been so young, gosh I still have my mother and she is 95 and healthier then me! " I told her that my mother was young, only 62 but she was 48 when she had me. She said that is how old she is now... and that she too had a similar experience with her own children. She told me she had some children and was young and so overwhelmed raising them and balancing everything and then 10 years later she had another child and that was a such a blessing to her. She told me that she knew that my birth must have been such a blessing to my mother because she knew how she felt and that I am a very special person. I could barely hold my tears back and I ran to the car to let it all out. I swear it felt like a message. I truly believe in my heart that the Lord uses people to interact in other peoples lives...even strangers like me and the "Subway lady". She really touched a cord with me and it really is an amazing experience. It makes me realize how we all play a part in one anothers lives...even when we don't know it.

TWO THUMBS WAY UP!

I saw the best movie on Saturday. Billie and I went to see In her shoes and it was awesome! We laughed we cried and of course enjoyed the familiar landscape of Philadelphia PA. I cannot say enough about Jennifer Weiner and her books..they are all so great! I just finished her fourth book and I highly reccommend them all. When I get one of her books Tim knows he won't be able to talk to me for a few days. Then some time a few days later a big "sigh" as I realize the book is over and I have to wait anxiously for her next book to be written. Okay, well back to the movie I thought for sure I would hate it because I read the book...isn't that how it always is? NOT this time! I loved the book and I loved the movie they did a fantastic job with the adaptation. If you go, and I hope that you will, bring tissues... it is not heartbreak sad...it is just touching. Okay...so everyone go see the movie now! And while you are at it get her books #1 Good in Bed #2 In her shoes #3 Little Earthquakes #4 Goodnight Nobody.

Sunday was a pretty typical fall day...Tim and Tanner played in the leaves ( and still managed to clean them up too) and I made a big pot of chili in the crockpot and watched football. GO EAGLES!! It wasn't pretty but it is a W in the column and I will take that. Poor Broncos what happened there...we pretty much thought they had it and it got ugly! Well next week is head to head for us. I hope they mention the last time these 2 teams have met each other because Tim and I can remember in the 5 years we have been together.

Today was a HUGE breakthrough in the war of potty training. All of a sudden out of nowhere as Tanner was getting himself dressed he said.." I better go poop first" and he did just like that! I am sooooo excited! And then he called his dad ( on alert) to make sure he knew that he would take a prize now. Never underestimate the power of bribery.. :) :) Lets just see if this trend continues... this was a HUGE step for him though! I think I could actually see the lightbulb go on over his head so I am keeping my fingers crossed. With everything else I had guidelines in my head on when he should be doing things and he always met or exceeded them... boy has this potty training thing threw a wrench in the plans... maybe it is something to do with Evan....or maybe, more likely, there is some truth to the when they are ready they will do it theory!

Well I know that last paragraph has you all hanging on the edge of your seats! I never said I had anything interesting to say....just that I would be saying it.


:)

SAD NEWS

We recieved sad new today. Tim's grandmother passed away last night. It was unexpected. She will truly be missed.

Tim is on his way to the field. I think that we will hear when we will travel to the memorial soon.

I will post about the weekend maybe tonight.

TGIF!!!!

This is such a BIG TGIF!! It has been such a week.... Tim has been in Minot all week and I feel like I have not had a moment to breathe!! I have had lots of quality time with the boys though so that is good stuff.

Last night Evan ate cereal off of the spoon ( Dr Cassell said not to give it in his bottle) . He loved it! I remember that Tanner never ate it off the spoon like that but Evan just ate it all gone in a minute flat. He is also back to sleeping all night the last two nights! Thank Goodness for that! I think he was just getting hungry; he is a growing boy these days. He seems like he is getting soooo big so fast.

Tanner had his 3 year check up on Tuesday and he is doing great! He is 3 ft 2 inches tall and 34.8 lbs...wow my big boy! He is 75% weight and 50% for height....that is where he has been since the day he was born. I asked her if we need to be concerned...she said nopers that is just the way he is built....short and stocky...hee hee :) That is A-Okay with me.


It is funny though cause I look at Evan and he looks more and more different then Tanner ever looked... not that I should be suprised by that...but I guess I am. It is so fun to watch them grow.

Well, back to work.... I get to go to lunch with the girls today so that should be a blast!

TGIF.......again!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD!!!

We are excited to welcome to the world Aiden Michael Schmidt! He was born at 4:23 am on 10/19/05! He was 8 lbs 11 oz and I can't wait to go see him. He is welcomed by his proud parents Jason and Tasha and big brother Jared and big sister Sabryn.



Congratulations to the Schmidt family!

Which team for me mom?

Tanner sporting the fire hat he made today and the bib he got in the mail from Aunt Donna (thank you Aunt Donna)


here you will see Evan was sporting his Broncos pride today. We have given them each a team....

What happens next week when the Broncos play the Eagles? This family will be 2 and 2...

:)

pumpkin and the circus

Look what we found on the way to the circus.....

Yeppers a pumpkin patch in Loveland.... what fun! We wanted to do the corn maze but time would not allow..so we will save that for another day. I hope we get another gorgeous day like we had yesterday!

Okay now for some circus pics...Tanner had an absolute blast!!

Notice the $20 "spinny thing" that he HAD to have..already broken this morning...the joys of the circus ( hee hee)

A FEW MORE....

I know people love pics so here are a few more of the kiddos...

You can see some of the indoor playground that was set up and Tanner chowing down with his buds.

:)

That's it... stay tuned for pics of the Greatest show on Earth...

:)

MORE PARTY PICTURES

The birthday boy before the party!

Brian and Evan ( he must be practicing)

Tanner with Angela and Diego and Rio...

DINOSAURS AND FRIENDS

Tanner's 3rd birthday was a hit! I think the kids had a blast! We were joined by Diego, Rio, Marcus, Trenton, Jack and of course Avery. He also was lucky enough to have Sam and Brian, Kim and Matt and Keelee come for the festivities. The kids played in the indoor playground and when it came to presents it seemed more like christmas. We can not thank everyone enough... we are all so blessed.

The pictures are with our new digital camera we just got today ( Mom's present). I think it was about time as our camera is a bit old...and about as extinct as the dinosuars! I am going to throw a few more pics on here.

Tomorrow we are off to the circus...how fun that should be!!


Tanner, Jack and Diego off to put out a fire......

Ut oh Evan is yelling for me...more in a bit.

MY MOMMA

I do not have many pics of my mom young and I love this one...just thought I would share. I have been pretty nostalgic for my momma here lately. I think something about having small children really makes you miss your mom. I miss that relationship I am sure that if she were alive today we would be so much closer now with having the boys. I just think how wonderful it would be to have that person to talk to and to ask questions of about babies and all that goes with being a mom. As far as that goes she was the best of the best a truly amazing woman and I don't think I ever give her the credit that she deserves. I hope that I can be 1/2 the mother she was to my own boys. Thinking about it all now makes me realize how much of an influence she is on them because of the influence that she was on me. I feel blessed to have had her as a mother even if it was for too short of a time.

Maybe it is something in the air, the time of year, the just had a baby horomones I am not sure what but I have been thinking very seriously about home and family. I am pretty good about this military spouse thing but lately I have been thinking that there is something to be said for being with those you love and love you back. I know how blessed I have been with my amazing husband, I could never ask for better. It sure would be nice if we had extended family around...for the boys to go fishing with thier cousins and such.... I am sure this too shall pass. I mean with Tim only having 12 years until retirement and then "getting paid to breathe" as they say ...seems kinda silly not to stick it out over this hump.

Okay better get some work done. My computer was down so I had a minute.

TGIF!!!

Yippee it is friday! I am sooo excited for the end of today! Just glad for the week to be over! This weekend should prove to be a crazy one...as usual! Seems as though it will be a Tanner weekend. Tomorrow morning is football.... and it is picture day at football. Tomorrow night is Tanner's birthday party. On Sunday we are headed to Denver for the circus ( birthday present to Tanner from the Ludwicks) I think that we will have a blast.... I am looking forward to seeing the circus through Tanner's eyes. I know it is one of my favorite childhood memories! I always loved going early and seeing all the animals lined up outside. I can't wait to see his reaction. I haven't told him yet that we going I was going to wait until after his party. I will probably more tired when Monday comes then I am right now.

I will hopefully have some pictures to post over the weekend.


:)

busy week

Sorry I have been slacking on the posting. It has been a busy week so far. The only bad thing about long weekends...is they make short weeks and it not like there is less work to do :).

Yesterday was Sally's birthday.....Happy Belated birthday girl!! You and your mom and whole family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday!! Hang in there!!

Yesterday Tanner Lee also got a present for his birthday from Grandma and Grandpa in the mail... we are still working on operating it but I mention this because I hope to incorporate it into my blog tonight or tomorrow...stay tuned for that to make any sense at all :) :) I just like to keep you guessing and give you a reason to stop in.

When I dropped Tanner off this morning his teacher told me that he is having a hard time realizing it that now it is other kids birthdays....she said I keep trying to tell him that he had his. She also said that he keeps saying..."No I am having a dinosaur birthday!" She said I told him he already did. I had to laugh...I explained to her that while his birthday was last friday his party is not until this Saturday and I really think this week and a day had been the absolute LONGEST for him. :) It was pretty funny...but she did not realize that he had not had his party yet. I don't think I will make him wait this long again...poor kiddo. I hope the party will be worth it in the end.

Okay I know ..pretty boring and uneventful but that is all I got. I am going to try to post some pics of the Camper and some trips from the summer on here in the next few posts ( hopefully tonight) because I know friends and family at home would like to see that.

Hope all is well.....

Take care everyone and thanks for checking in on us :)

PLAY DATE!

Well, yesterday the boys and I were welcomed by the Elshires. Tanner and Evan and I went over and hung out with Stacy and Marcus and Trenton. The boys played really well together and we had pizza for lunch. Evan pretty much slept the whole time but that is okay because I welcomed the Mom to Mom conversation. We had a lot of fun. Of course I never did get that laundry done...so I guess I will be playing catch up all week. :) That is okay getting together with friends is way more important then laundry. Tim made his AWESOME homemade beef stew for dinner and boy was it welcome on a cold snowy night. We rented some movies too. We watched Robots which I actually really enjoyed and then Tim watched Sahara. I tried to stay up reading my new book but fell asleep pretty early. I bought the new Jennifer Weiner book called Goodnight Nobody and I am already LOVING it! Well, I never said that my life was very exciting! :)


Tanner and looked at some old pics on the computer of past halloweens... he is getting really excited for Halloween. We found some pics of Uncle Mark and Aunt Lori and he had to call them and check in on them. Congrats to them on thier exciting news! Seems like a lot of good things are coming thier way these days and we could not be happier for the 2 of them.

Well I better get to working now!!

SNOW!!!!

This is the view from my back door this morning! Yep winter has officially begun in Cheyenne Wyoming. Just think on Saturday I was wearing a sleeveless shirt and skirt and was quite comfortable....warm actually. Well, we are off to breakfast this morning so I had better get in the shower!

SUPRISE...HONEY I AM HOME!

Well, Tim came home 2 days early from hunting and shocked us tonight when he walked in the door a bit after 8:00 pm. Keelee was over and her and the boys and I had went to Hooters for dinner. I was shocked as I had no reason to expect him. He was pretty exhausted and already crashed for the night. I have to say that I kinda feel bad for him....everytime my hubby plans a trip...weather happens. Last September he planned a fishing trip to the Gulf coast of florida with his friends...it ended up just them running from Hurrican Ivan. I guess a lot is to be said for the memories and sometimes the trips that didn't turn out have the best of those.

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BIRDS???? I did not get to watch the game... maybe I was better off from looking at the score. But it was a bad day for my Philadelphia Eagles that is for sure...as Tanner would say " How sad somebody!"

I believe that Tim's team eaked it out at the end....I am scared about this family when the Eagles play the Broncos in a few weeks...that will be a bad day in this house... :)!!!

Okay well I just went out and bought the new Jennifer Weiner book..."Goodnight Nobody" I just LOVE her books so I am sure that it will not disappoint.

3 day weekends

How I love 3 day weekends. It is Sunday yet I can put off the laundry and put off cleaning up because monday there is no work!! I joked that I would send the boys to thier respective daycares and go to the spa for the day... of course that is just a joke. We were going to try to go pumpkin pickin but with the weather ( expecting snow) that might be a bust as well. Well, all the more reason to enjoy my 3 day weekend cuddled up inside and doing laundry and such. Saturday Tanner had a football game the weather was awesome. Uncle Matt stood in for daddy but it seemed as though Tanner really was not interested in playing this week at all. Only 2 more games to go. I think that Tanner enjoyed his birthday on Friday after celebrating with his friends at school ( and his dinosaur cookie) we went to dinner at CB Potts. His kids meal ended with ice cream so that is always good! Tanner recieved Happy Birthday phone calls from Uncle Matt and Uncle Mark and Aunt Lori and he thought it was pretty fun to hear thier Birthday greetings on the answering machine. I think he really felt like a superstar! I am sure that next weekend at his party he will be back into that mode again. Saturday night Uncle Matt brought over his present ( a movie "All dogs got to Heaven") And they watched it with some popcorn. Well, better get motivated around the house. I will keep you all posted.

A stolen pic

I stole this from Beth's blog of me and the boys... and I don't despise it..which is rare for me of pics of myself. Just thought that I would post it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TANNER!!!

That is right he is 3 today!!! Such a BIG boy! Mom and Dad serenaded him this morning...I think he mostly thought that we were crazy!! My baby boy is getting soooo big!!

Here are a few more pics of little brother too! :)
I am a gushy proud momma today!

TGIF!!!!!

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY!

I can't even believe that my baby boy will be 3 years old tomorrow. How scary!! Where does the time go! I ordered him a dinosaur cookie for him to share with his class. I took a 1/2 day so that after they celebrate we can spend the afternoon together! I got a call this morning from my hubby that he scheduled me for a color and cut tomorrow....so that is exciting!! He is sooo thoughtful like that! :) So, after that I will pick up Tanner Lee and think of something fun to do for the rest of the afternoon. His big bash is not until next weekend at the YMCA. We are doing a dinosaur theme and they will set up the indoor playground.. I am hoping that the kids will have a blast! Well, nothing new here but that....just thought I would share.. I am in shock how quickly the time really does go!

PICTURES OF THE BOYS

Here is one of the boys dressed up for Uncle Mark and Aunt Lori's wedding ( Sept 10th). ( right) And a shot of Evan's Christening (left).

Okay better stop posting for one night..

:)

...more weekend....

So, after the big game we headed strait to Denver for a much needed day of get away and shopping. We went to FLat Irons and shopped until we dropped...they had some great sales. I even got the boys matching Christmas Pj's which I joked with Tim I would let them open as thier one gift on Christmas Eve...apparently he doesn't think they will think that is too fun. Well, I am sure pictures of that will follow at some point. Anyway after we shopping until our debit cards were red hot and our feet sore we headed over to Dave and Busters for some dinner and games. Tanner and Tim played and played and Tanner won so many coupons and prizes that we had to just save some on the card for another day...it was too funny!

( Pictured Dad and Tanner playing the helicopter game)

So, we headed home Saturday night and got up bright and early for church on Sunday. Both boys were VERY good in church and Tanner got to announce his birthday at the end of mass. Then we hopped back in the Mazda and headed to Cabela's! The big hunting trip is this coming weekend and Tim had to stock up on all kinds of green stuff and a BRIGHT ORANGE vest am I only one that thinks this is silly???????

Okay well I am going to post a few pics of the boys on here in the next post!

The weekend

WOW ! We had a non-stop go busy crazy weekend. On friday Tim bought a car from our friends the Malone's it is a 1991 Mazda 626 and we can fill it up for only $28 dollars. So, exciting since both our gas guzzelers are about $100 a tank these days. Plus it is way fun to drive cause it is a stick shift. So, we filled it up and friday night we headed to Fort Collins to dinner. Saturday morning we went to Tanner's football game. There is a pic of the little dude decked out in his flags just before game time! and another one with his head coach...AKA "Daddy". One thing we have learned is what we thought was a fairly unusual name is EXTREMELY common amoung kids his age.....there are more Tanner's at the football fields then we can count and you know the worst of it is Tanner thinks everyone on every field is just routing for him......