Our update....

It's been a busy couple of months and we haven't felt much like celebrating. I have tried to write this post a few times and could never get it right, so here goes....Rob's sister, Kelly, passed away peacefully on 9/12/08 in her sleep with her mom and dad and partner Richelle nearby. Aunt Kel, as B&K loved to call her, will be greatly missed. She had bravely battled breast cancer for 4 years and in July decided to stop all treatments and scans so that she could enjoy her days. Our family is in pain and we all really miss her.

I called Mimi's cell phone today and Kelly had recorded her voicemail greeting about a year ago. It was the first time Rob and I had heard her voice and we both took it hard. Brady noticed our sadness and immediately went up stairs to retrieve his favorite blanket and the stuffed Tiger that she had given him. He took them to Rob and told him that they would make him feel better. They did, too.

Back in the spring, Rob and I committed to walking in the Breast Cancer 3Day walk in Tampa Bay (60 mile walk over 3 days). This walk benefits the Susan G Komen foundation. Rob has raised almost $2200 and I have raised almost $4000. We had hoped that Kelly would be there at the closing ceremonies with us. She was so excited that we were doing this walk and while we know she will be pushing us along- we know we will cross the finish line with heavy hearts. Please pray for us- that we will have the strength and endurance to make it through on 10/31-11/2.

Love- Tam

A Wednesday Funny!

ahhh, I think we are watching too much tv.

As the kids were leaving for Preschool this morning with Daddy. Katie yells "Bye Bye Mommy, I love you!"

Brady then yells "Bye Mommy, take care koala bear! giggle, giggle"

Where do they get these things? :)

First Day of Pre-K3

The monkeys are back in school as of Monday. It is so quiet in the house now and I LOVE IT! They seem to really like their new school. We are completely day-time potty trained (will work on night time soon!) so they are in the official "big kid" class!

Summertime!

Ok- so I am behind again. After our Indiana vacation, the kids went to Vacation Bible School at a small local Lutheren church- they really seemed to love it and we loved it on two fronts: 1.) It was FREE! 2.)It got the kids out of the house for 3 hours a day for 5 days and gave Daddy a bit of a break. Below is a video of K singing at the end of the week. Hear the kid yelling the words to the song? That would be my girl!

We took the kids to dinner with Mimi and Papa on a Sunday evening and didn't realize that a show was included with dinner.

We also started soccer in a program at our church. Daddy is the Assistant Coach. Here are some photos for your view pleasure.

July Vacation In Indiana

I am a little late in posting details from our vacation in Indiana.

We spent 3 days with Grandma and Grandpa in Lafayette and then 3 days with Grammy and Grampy in Williamsport.

Here are some of the photos:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbsWTRo3ZM2yz

And here are some videos: B and K adopted a stray barn cat while at Grammy's house. Since our visit Grammy and Grampy have purchased food, bowls and worm medicine for "Oscar." The goat belongs to "Uncle Dave" and the kids had a lot of fun "shooing" him away. Luckily, cousins Keegan and Guthrie were able to trap the goat in the chicken yard to keep him from eating Grammy's flowers.

Tropical Storm Fay

As we are preparing for Tropical Storm Fay, Daddy has been in the position to explain Hurricanes and Tropical Storms to B and K.

B asked Daddy if the wind will blow our house away. Daddy said no, and if the storm gets too bad, we would leave and go somewhere safe. B's reply?

"Daddy, I think we should just go to Chucky Cheese, its the safest place for us!"

The Joys of Potty Training~

Before I became a parent, I could never understand the fascination and the incredible amount of talk about poo poo and pee pee. Ahhhhh- I now do! Our approach has been "hands off" on the potty training- we havent pushed the subject- only encouraged. I do still get a bit anxious when I hear about 2 year olds being potty trained- but I am doing my best to keep that to myself.

I can't believe that I actually jump up to see who did what in the potty. "Mommy! I did poo poo! Come See!" And I run to check out the masterpiece of my very talented children!

T minus 3 weeks and Brady and Katie are off to Preschool for 3 year olds- they must be potty training to go to the older 3's class versus the baby 3's.

Brady is really trying- especially when it comes to getting gummy bears or a sucker or ice cream. He went to Vacation Bible School in big boy pants.

Katie is on her 2nd day of wearing big girl panties to Vacation Bible School. She is doing great. Yesterday, after nap, she came into my office to tell me she wanted to her panties back on. She said "I keep my panties in my purse- to keep them safe!" Safe from what, I ask!