Wrapping It Up

Christmas has come and gone, and what a whirlwind it was!  The kids made out like bandits!  Thanks again to our family far away for all the gifts you sent for the kids... you really helped to make their Christmas bright, and therefore ours as well!

We took a trip to see Santa & spent Christmas Eve enjoying a family dinner at (where else) but CJ's!
On Christmas we spent the day in our jammies!  We genuinely loved watching the kids enjoy all their new loot and the overall laziness of the day itself was just what the doctor ordered!

As 2009 comes to a close, we sit quietly in reflection over all that it has brought our way, and in nervous if not excited anticipation for what 2010 might have in store!?

May it bring us all continued health, happiness and love!

I raise my glass (of orange juice, as we're all fighting colds)... here's to you, 2010... don't let us down!
Call me idealistic & naive... but I have high hopes for a Greener-cleaner world, recovered economy, the end to the war, troops in their own beds, true justice for all, jobs for all who wish to have them, food for all who hunger, warmth for those who are cold, love to those who are lonely, comfort to those who are sad, health to those who are sick, and peace to all who walk God's great earth!
A girl can dream....if only it were as simple as asking Santa!

Farewell 2009 ... you have given us all much to remember, much to treasure, much to learn and grow from.... Happy New Year!!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Only 10 days left until the big day~

I have to say, while I love this time of year... mostly for the reflection and traditions it inspires.... I am a bit overwhelmed with all that needs to get done!  The To-Do List is never ending this time of year!

But, we've got some wonderful memories in the making!

We've already been receiving cards and packages from our family and friends, and can't thank you all enough!  I love seeing everyone's holiday photos!  My Mom, (Grandma Cindy) nailed down THE gift of the year!!  Something I never thought existed, but AJ has been asking for since summer.... a GREEN Rocketship Toy!!!  He and Jack both love their Rockets and were so excited!!!  Thanks Mom!
Then just today we received The Night Before Christmas recordable storybook from Great Grandma Mary Jo and Papa Jim Sugden!!  What a treasure to have Papa's voice forever recorded as an heirloom for the children for years to come!  So special, thanks Papa and Grandma!

So far, we have only done our annual Christmas baking, decorating and shopping,... still need to finish cards, do some more baking, wrapping, visiting Santa, driving around to see the lights, and play in the snow!
I think this month there will need to be more than one post to cover it all... here's a preview as we rev up for the big day!!

Happy Holidays!!

Matching PJ's!!

 

They decorated their own tree with their toys, and a cowboy hat for a topper! :)

Fall Festivities

It's Fall... and although it is one of my favorite times of year for many reasons (family visits, colors of leaves, crisp cool air, harvest, festivals, halloween, candy, etc...) it is also kind of a bummer!
Like a Sunday evening before you have to return to work... you're loving that it's Sunday, but already beginning to dread (if you're like most people) the following work day.
Except in this analogy, Fall is my Sunday, and Monday would be Winter... which I am dreading.

Sure, winter has it's good times too.  I mean, who doesn't love sugar cookies, hot cocoa, snow angels and presents under a tree... but for us Mid-Westerners... winter is also very long, dark and cold.
Something this California transplant will prbably NEVER learn to love! :)
So be it... I'll quit dreading Monday now, and focus on Sunday... FALL!  :)

Every Fall we get our family photos done!  This year we had them done by my friend Amy. http://www.AmyOPhotography.com
She does really great, artistic style work!  We LOVE the way she captured our family in a very true and candid, if not artistic way!  And she was so patient and great with the kids!! Thank you, Amy!!

We visited Tom's farm, as we do every year!  Only this year, I forgot my camera!  I could have kicked myself... big bummer... so instead I will paint the picture for you!
Candy apples (which I did happen to photograph once we returned home), farm animals, corn maze, a corn-box (much like a sand box, but with corn kernels instead)  The kids loved it!  Also they had blow up Pumpkin for jumping in, pumpkin patch, Apple cider donuts and home-made fudge..... mmmmm!
We had a great time, as we always do!  Also, took the kids for their annual tick or treating to the retail shops, the Commons... just in case halloween is too cold!  AJ was Woody, and Jack was Buzz Lightyear (of course!)  He is Buzz Lightyear obsessed these days, we can not wait for Toy Story 3 to come out!!

Mark and Tricia (Jeff's Godfather/Uncle and Aunt) come out on Halloween every year too!  They just went home the day before yesterday, and boy do we miss them!  I've re-named Tricia the "Baby Whisperer!"  I don't know how she did it, but she got Maddie to sleep in her crib for hours!!  I have only gotten 15 minutes of putting her down period, per day... and she's not nearly as happy with me as she was with her Aunty Tricia!!  I will have to get her to teach me her secrets!
One might think I'd feel slighted by my daughter's direct preference to another... nope, not really!   You see, I got to go shopping, for hours, by myself... ALL by myself!!  That is a rare and welcome treat, let me tell you!  And I am proud to announce that the kids Christmas gifts are bought, and they didn't see any of them! Woo hoo!  Mark and Tricia also took the boys swimming at their hotel, which they loved... and out to eat, several times... which you know they loved because anything involving food is A-OK by them!  They are my children, after all!
Thank you SO much, to Mark and Tricia for coming all that way to see us, for all of your help with the kiddos, and for spoiling us rotten (as usual!)  We love and miss you both so much, already!!
Please enjoy these snippets of our Fall, and hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey Jeff... It's Your Birthday!! :)

Today, the father of my children, the love of my life, my very best friend... my OLD Man turns 35!!
Hard to believe he was only 27 when I met him, and I was only 22... now here we are, 8 years later... 30 and 35! My how the time does fly!
I can honestly say, he's getting better with age... every day, like a fine wine! I imagine, I can't drink wine... it gives me migraines... but that's besides the point!

Jeff, I love you honey!! I would marry you all over again!! Thank you for making every single one of my dreams come true! For working so hard, day in and day out to provide for your family! You are a wonderful father, friend and husband! I respect you, admire you, and love you more and more with each passing day!

So today, I raise my glass to you... my Guy! I love you honey, HaPpY BiRtHdAy!! :) XOXO
P.S. Look'n GOOD Baby, you still got it!!!

Welcome to the World Madison Marie

Here she is!
Our 8 pound, 4 ounce, 21 & 1/2 inches of pure heaven in a blanket!
Madison Marie Sugden made her debut on September 11th, 2009 at 9:53pm (CST).

She is so sweet, rarely cries! Sleeps great, nurses great... I really have no complaints!
She's just an angel! Cutest little dimples... dark blue eyes... we're watching to see if they change. Her big brother's adore her, as do Jeff and I! So far, the only animosity in the house is towards me for being a baby hog! I just can't put her down! But I really must learn to share!! Hee hee....

Our family feels so complete now! We've got two great little men, and now a little lady!
Everyone is healthy and doing well... what more could we ask for!?

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we have 3 children, 4 years and under...
I know it will be crazy (understatement) and yet, somehow... I know we will make it through!

We will because that's just what you do! And when it's all said and done, I know I will remember these times as the fondest of them all, and would do anything for just one of these crazy days back!

So there will be a lot of noise, a lot of love, laughter and tears... so be it! Here we go... I'm ready for the challenge! That's what life is all about! Please remind me of this next month when I might be tempted to blog otherwise, HA ha... :)

Just want to take this opportunity to thank my sister in law Debra and my Mom... for flying out here to be with us before and after Maddie's arrival!
They kept us all sane, fed, clean and happy as we embraced the next chapter in our life,
as a family of FIVE! :)
THANK YOU!!!!!

And thank you to all of our family and friends for your thoughts and prayers!!!
That means you, Grandma... your poor rosary must be worn thin! We sure appreciate it!!

All Our Love,
Jeff, Mel, A.J., Jack & Maddie Sugden

A Boot, A Bolt, A Blanket & A Birthday!

Shortly after my last blog entry, Jeff fell and injured himself playing basketball.
He jumped up to shoot a basket only to come down on another guys foot... putting himself on the floor in extreme pain having bent his ankle about 90 degrees! The result?
Well, it's not broken... although apparently that would have been better news as it would heal faster!? The doctor thinks he will recover with out surgery, (good news) but it will be a very long road.
Maybe a couple of years!?
He is wearing a cast boot to get him through work and taking pain killers at night. He spends the majority of his days off in bed. Here's a picture of his ankle a few days after it happened, all swollen and bruised up!



My Aunt Lynda, my Dad's Sis... made Austin a beautiful quilt when he was a baby! She just finished another one for Jack... and is already working on a 3rd for our baby girl on the way!
So sweet, and she does beautiful work! Of course, AJ was extremely jealous of Jack's quilt when it arrived, so I needed to pull his out and show him his! Luckily I even had a picture of Aunt Lyn making his... since we were visiting at the time! THIS, made AJ feel like the special one, we don't have any pictures of Aunt Lyn making Jack's quilt! So... problem solved! I can't believe I'm already having to deal with the jealousy and competition!

Big ol' Thank You Aunt Lynda, for the beautiful quilts!! The boys LOVE them and so do we!!
This month I allowed my neighbor to talk me into one more excursion.
To the Fairy Festival.
I went out of pure curiosity. It was weird.
People dressed like elves, and fairies, hunchbacks and renaissance... talking in accents... blowing bubbles and jousting, or reading tarot and palms.
Normally, I am a very open minded girl, and I quite like the tarot and all of that stuff... kind of a hippy girl at heart.
But for some reason, I was not feeling it! I think it lacked energy... or everyone there was on a different planet than I?! Maybe they were all high!? I have no idea!
I suppose I've lost a lot of my grass roots having lived in bigger city's for so long!?
I don't know... or, maybe I was just tired, pregnant and hormonal!? Ha ha...
But at least we got out of the house for a bit... and anytime the kids can spend together with their best friends is a good day in their book!










Here's a funny, if not interesting tid bit... completely random!
A few weeks ago, I sat to enjoy a Jello Pudding Pop while watching my show... and took a bite into a huge, 1 1/2 inch bolt!! Imagine my surprise... then disgust! Thank God I did not break a tooth! Thank God I did not give that one to either of my kids! The next day, I went to KraftFoods.com and sent an email, attaching a picture to the Board of Directors at Kraft. I thought they ought to know that one of their machines was missing a very large bolt, and I still have it... along with the box/scew number for tracking purposes. I was not so much angry as I was relieved and concerned for others at this point. They still have never gotten back to me. I find that completely unacceptable! So I sent the picture and story to all of our local news stations. Evidently, they are n0t interested either!? I haven't heard back from anyone! Now I'm wondering what to do!? I'm not the sueing type, maybe if damage were done... but I'm still very put off about how it is not being addressed! Maybe it's good for a laugh, and a warning: beware of biting into pudding pops!
Last, but certainly not least... the big event of the month! Our first born baby boy turned 4 years old on August the 10th! Thank you so much to all of you, our family and friends... for all of the cards and gifts that you sent! He really understands it all now and appreciated it so much!

His Birthday fell on a Monday, and since Jeff worked... we went to Claim Jumper to join Daddy for dinner. Then on Jeff's day off, Thursday the 13th, we celebrated with a few of his closest friends! We went to a local pizza parlor where the kids colored and decorated chef hats, dawned some aprons, and then got their hands dirty making their own pizza's! They got a tour of the kitchen and then we opened gifts while we waited for our pizza's to cook! They ate their pizzas for lunch and washed it down with some 'green rocket-ship' cake and ice cream! It was our first, official... big boy birthday party, and he had a blast!!

Austin insisted he have a "green rocket-ship" cake. Not the easiest request, but Jeff and I have been watching Cake Boss on TLC, and well... let's just say they make this cake decorating business look easy... not so much! BUT, I surprised myself and got it done! It may have taken me as many hours to make as it did to bring Austin into the world, but oh so worth it to see the excitement on his face!!! A labor of love, and I'd do it all again!




























































SO, that's about it! 28 more days (if I'm lucky) before we welcome our new baby girl to the brood! Lord help her! :) HA ha! I'm just kidding, but seriously... I think she'll be born tough the way she's had to defend herself in utero already... the boys ever-slipping elbow jabs and knees. Ouch! We can hardly wait!! Except for the fact that my house needs more deep cleaning than any one nesting mother can provide I'm afraid! Cleaning house with two small kiddos is like swimming up stream against a current! Dangerous and very unproductive! Sort of a pointless cause I think!? But I will give it my best effort regardless! At least I am no longer watching the little girl I was a nanny for for so long... one less thing on my plate! A much needed break!
Next entry will be the announcement of our new baby girl!! :)
We can hardly wait, see ya then... in the meantime... stay well, and cool as you enjoy the rest of your summers!
We love and miss you all back at home!!

Mom, Mark and Tricia.... we can not wait for your visits!!
We will see you very soon!! Thank you for being such a huge an instrumental part of our family!! We honestly could not do it with out you!!
You are Angels in my book!!
Papa and Grandma, we are already dreaming, planning and scheming up a plan for Jan/Feb./ or maybe March... when we can hopefully get your new great grand-daughter out to meet you and hopefully the rest of the family too!! Let's hope it'll be possible!!