Andrew has become quite the little helper in the kitchen. He can crack the eggs by himself. We just got done licking the brownie bowl clean together in this pic! Emma and daddy last May at bush park!

I was laying down with Andrew tucking him into bed last week when he popped his head up and asked me a question that gave me goose bumps... "mommy, will I always live here with you?" Our conversation went on about him living here for many many more years until he goes off to college. Next question.. "Will I be gone at college for a long time?" I continued telling him that if he was at a school close he may be home on the weekends or maybe just during holidays and summertime. He frowned his little eye brows and said, "i want live here with you forever mom."

Its times like these that make all the work so worth it.

Emma loves saying everyone in our families name. She says "mommy daddy bwother EMMA." Yes, she exclaims her own name. Daddy is pretty much her favorite thing right now. (i guess second to her binki, blanket and hanta veedee) that means santa dvd (: He gets home from work or a meeting and she jumps up and down enthusiastically shouting "Daddy home Daddy home!" Very sweet. They play this farm animal game that is so adorable to watch. She just giggles and stares at him with such admiration and love. God is so good.

Halloween night.... lil' mj. Kristen or Jen....not sure how to rotate this? Help!!

MJ would be so proud if he could have heard Andrew sing, "YOU KNOCK ME OFF OF MY FEET NOW BABY, OOOOHHHHH" at each house he went to! Andrew, you truly made so many peoples night - Most neighbors went to grab their cameras and/or camcorders when they saw you. We laughed all evening and we were so happy Nana was here to see it all.

Our little pirate princess for year number 2! (whose counting) She pranced around the neighborhood tonight holding tightly to all of her candy until she realized she could still carry it if she would just put it in the pumpkin. Emma had some sort of candy in her mouth the entire time trick or treating so she never really said "trick or treat" but she was so sweet b/c she said "sank you" to everyone who gave her candy. This was such a fun night! Andrew and Emma, we are so proud of you two and just thank God everyday you are ours.

Downtown Salem watching a bunch of Zombies do the Thriller dance last weekend. Having fun with the family! Andrew turned all the heads since he had his MJ costume on (:

~FALL FUN~

We had an absolute blast at the Pumpkin Patch with Andrews preschool class! Emma loved all the animals (off the record..this is NOT me standing behind her) (: She had NO fear of the goats or any other animals - I, on the other hand, was sweatin just imagining the goat salivating at Emmas little cute chubby hand. I had to post these pics of Emma b/c I actually got her binki out of her mouth!





Sorry about the crotch shot Emma but Andrews smile is too cute not to post. Bauman farms showed the kids how apple cider was made and served it up with warm donuts! Yum!

Emma needs rain boots! My biceps got a workout hauling her around. I am usually in between Andrew and Emma. Andrew runs way ahead singing Thriller or Beat It and Emma stops (or falls) to pick things up.

Life is good! This picture is missing daddy ): We certainly miss him on days like this. We are so thankful for how hard he is working and can't wait for him to be FREE! The best hours of everyday should be spent with the people you love the most. Thank you for Phil. I love my life.

Happy Birthday to you Emma on Sept 18th! We can't believe she is 2 years old! Andrew loved "helping" her open ALL her gifts as well as blowing out her candles on the cake. Emma, you are one incredible little girl. She is repeating everything she hears. Andrew says, "Emma- say baby, say mommy, say banana, say poop, say diarrhea, say toot".....yes, it always goes south. (: Life is good.

Andrew asks daily, "mommy, whats my name?" I know the answer but I usually guess a few different names before he firmly tells me... "MY NAME IS MICHAEL JACKSON!" He begs to watch his music videos all the time and I can't run any errands without both kids wanting to listen to Beat It. Even Emma has the moves down. Everyone tells me this is a phase but when he wakes us up at 3am to tell Phil he is MJ, it makes me wonder?!

I am trying to find some updated pics but here are a couple from the summer. After getting kids bathed (did i spell that right?), teeth brushed and pjs on I feel like I can do anything. I almost have a swagger as I head downstairs to fold laundry and clean for the next hour or so. They love doing the "naked races" after bath time which inevitably ends with Emma crying. Its starts very sweet with Andrew chasing Emma around upstairs from room to room. Chasing turns to pushing and oh boy, when Emma gets mad at Andrew she lets everyone know! Phil and I stay up too late because by the time we finally get them to bed its after 9. I don't understand parents who are in bed by 930 or 10. Maybe someday.

What else can I write other than.... SO CUTE! Andrew woke daddy up (thank you A) every morning at Eagle Crest by 730am wanting to go in the hot tub. I snuck up on them one morning and got some cute pics.

Andrew had quite a day at a Seattle Mariners game with daddy last week. They were 5 rows behind home plate! Andrew enthusiastically listed all the food he ate over the phone on their way home....cotton candy, dr petter, gum, hot nuts, popcorn and chicken wings. WOW! Thank you Phil.

Peter Cetera is in town tonight and I must have asked 13 people to come with me and the most common response was...Peter who? Hello...the lead singer from Chicago! Who didn't have "your the inspiration" as one of their songs with their boyfriend? I sure did.

Where is my dear friend, Kristen B when I need her?? Thanks to her and Jen T, I am entering the blogging world. These two gals inspired me with how beautifully they capture everyday moments. I must remember though... I was a middle school Phys Ed teacher so I need to be kind to myself with all the grammatical errors. (: The only reason I can even type these few words is becuase both my kiddos are napping! Of course I had to bribe Andrew with ice cream from the ice cream lady for him to stay in bed. By the way... that's GOT to be a lucrative business- I spend 2+ bucks for an ice cream bar?!
Phil should be arriving home any time now from a super weekend in Chi town. We missed him so much!
Alrighty...lets see what happens when I click "publish."
Jen and Kristen- be ready for some calls with questions.