Where does the time go?

Seriously can someone please tell me how we got from this....

Me the night before Jack was born...to this....my sweet boy, Jack's "birth" day, chillin' in the NICU...

to 2 years later, my sweet boy, who is no longer a baby, but a little boy...
I've always said I wish there was a way to warn parents how fast time will fly once you bring a child into your world, but you know what you still won't know until you get there. I love that my "baby" is my "spirited child" a.k.a. full of energy and love AND tests every limit possible. I love you Bubba Lou!

Last but certainly not least is my other sweet boy Rossman...I took this picture from Mark & Catherine's wedding proofs which you check out by going on her blog. This picture captures all of the sweet innocence of my boy, he is my cuddler and little lover who never fails to give you that winning smile or a quick "luv you Mommy" just when you need it...

You know the drill....

...I am conducting my monthly training session and I am tired so no post. Too tired...want sleep...tomorrow more will come, until then a couple more pics from Saturday.

Buddies...

Birthday Boy...

Stop in the name of love...

You Say It's Your Birthday....

...Happy Birthday to You...Jack! Much news on the Gadient front starting with Mr Jack's 2nd Birthday! It was a fantastic day with a lot of excitement (no, really there was quite a bit...just wait). It started out with me taking the day off to spend with the kids, which normally I am caught between being home with them because they are sick or something else that is distracting me from just being with them. BUT, not this time! Ross and I started the morning by singing Happy Birthday to Jack while eating chocolate chip "muppins" (as Jack calls them) and soon prepped for our big day of fun. I left the "Crackberry" at home and headed to the outdoor water park with the boys and had a BLAST! The weather was humid, but just right for sitting at the pool and we swam, went down the water slide and played for 3 hours, it was great! We were joined by Vanessa and her 2 munchkins Brandon and Melanie who just happen to be the same ages as Ross and Jack.



So the kids had a blast and the Mommies were able to catch up on life. I would say it was a successful trip and the pictures below are from when I pulled in the drive way...2 tired boys ready for a good nap (and so was their Mommy)...

After the fantastic time at the park, we napped and prepped for our mini birthday celebration. Jack loved every minute of us singing Happy Birthday to him...so much that I think we sang it at least 3 times....

After all of the excitement of cake...the craziest thing happened...let me set the mood. Crazy freakin' thunderstorm coming through, Stacy glued to the TV trying to channel her inner Sven Sundgaard, lightening everywhere and then it happens...our neighbors house gets hit by lightening, looks like fireworks went off and then the flames start. I think we were all in awe of what we saw and then instantly are yelling at Brian to call 911 because their roof was on fire. Nothing like calling the police while 10 people are telling you what to say. You're welcome honey for our help. Needless to say from all appearances out our kitchen window the rain smothered the flames and the fire department was there in no time. No injuries, but the roof has a big ol' tarp on it where it was hit. Crazy I tell you crazy!

Well that is it for tonight, I have much more to report on but I am tired and the post will definitely need a part 2.....

Can Someone Throw Me a Freakin' Bone????

...or a ruler and camera? Freaking Parking Nazi Police Officers in Minneapolis gave me a ticket yesterday for "parking more than 12 inches from the curb". What the hell???!!!! I was trying to parallel park a mini van what do they expect. Argh! I was so not more than 12 inches, but whatever. All the tax payers of Hennepin County can rest assured I just lessened their tax burden by $24.

Hello, Ross...This is Al Gore....

...yes, it is true I have a strange feeling that Ross may be having daily chats with Al Gore. Somehow my child has become uber aware of living "green" and hence our conversation begins....

Backdrop, my bathroom, washing face with washcloth, water running...Ross observing this..

Ross: Mom, you shouldn't waste water, don't waste water in any of the bathroom. Not the shower or the sink. There is a lot of water in the sink, it comes from the ocean in a tube and don't waste it.

Me: (Looking up)...Ok, I won't...Where did you learn this?

Ross: Don't waste water Mom. There is lots of water in the ocean.

Me: (Thinking, well why do I care then)...Ok Ross, Mommy won't. But where did you learn this?

Ross: I spanked your butt (running away laughing).

The end.

So there you are another random conversation between a 4 1/2 year old and his Mom....something tells me this may become a weekly blog item.....

Sunshine on My Shoulders...

...makes me happy.

Ick...I can't believe I just quoted John Denver. Anyways, back from the long weekend and feel refreshed...well that might be going too far but I do feel good. We had a long weekend of fun & sun, good food, good friends & family, AND of course some good vino. It truly is amazing that we had an entire weekend of fantastic weather...for those not from the MN, it is quite the feat especially in the summer.

Ross and Jack thoroughly enjoyed being at "Grandma's Lake", they can't get enough of being outside and of course spoiled by their Great Grandma. It is such a great feeling to know my kiddos get to experience all the joy and memories that I experienced growing up and spending time at my Grandparent's....although it was always "Grandpa's Lake" when I was younger...I guess I'll let Grandma rule the roost now. We spent most of the weekend on the boat and at the beach. All the kids did great, even the tiniest bambinos, Alison and Matthew.

Also noteworthy of the weekend is that we had Shanna cut an inch off Jack's hair (not his first haircut) and the kid still has a ton, at least now he doesn't look like a frat boy who just finished his freshman year without a single haircut. He looks so much older with his shorter hair...makes it seem even more real that my baby is going to be 2 this Friday (sniff, sniff)...more to come tomorrow, but now my head is being called by my pillow.

Ready to hit the lake...

The princess and the stud...

Miss Beach Beauty....

Sleepy baby...just how I like them

Mom, I said no more pictures...

New haircut (smiling 'cause Mom said I could have a cookie)...

Malaysia You Say...

...let me explain. I took the boys to "The Target" to pick up more random (and probably unnecessary) items. Of course I tell them no toys...but they can't resist taking a stroll down the toy aisle and I am in no mood to argue so what the hell lets check it out (I know, I am weak, but today...too tired). I know Ross is going to want a Hot Wheels car, he always does, thank god they are cheap. So he picks a "Mystery" Hot Wheels Brand car...basically you have no idea what you are going to get (hence mystery), the car is hidden behind black plastic and after opening his prize our conversation begins...

Ross: Mom, what is the name of my car?

Me: Ross it doesn't have a name, it's a mystery car.

Ross: No Mom, look on the back of the package, what is the name?

Me: Ross there is no name on the back, it's a mystery, you can call it whatever you want.

Ross: Hmm, must be made in Malaysia.

What the? Where does a 4 1/2 year old learn such things? I have no idea. Also noteworthy tonight, I was told again to give back my crown for "Mom of the Year" for not feeding my kids dinner until 9PM tonight (is anyone keeping track of how many times I have had to renounce my title), but I think it was justified...just having too much fun playing outside.....ahh Summer.

Mr Jack...

Ross acting like his Bampa...

Trekking to the neighbors yard to find ball that has found its way over...

Boys of Summer...