Carter Walking 2

If the youtube link below isn't working for you, please double click the blue square below and watch the slide show.

carter walking

Carter Walking

Life at the Turks

I am back to running again and I feel GREAT!! I have been going to a local park and running on the bike trail every morning with my friend Becky. It is about a 2 hour outing in the morning, but the kids love the fresh air and I love my new shape!! Next, week I plan to start a little strength training.

On Wednesday this week the watercolor of I Love You that my Mom painted came in and it looks great!! As you can see.

The sign also looks perfect in the nursery!!








We have been loving the spring weather. As you can see we moved the kids table out on the deck and they love eating outside. Actually, Carter likes eating outside until a fly lands on him and he screams his head off until you take him in.

We love our MESSY man!!

Peek-A-Boo

"Come on Carter, Momma will never find us in here!" Hannah said "oh, I think she found us we better give ourselves up."

We had a wonderful day. We went to a new church not even 5 minutes from our house and we really liked it!! The people were wonderful and the service was great. It is a smaller church than the one we have been attending. We will have to go back a second time to hear the Senior Pastor. This week the Youth Pastor was preaching and we enjoyed him, but we would like to hear the Sr. Pastor before we commit.

We came home and Brian cooked a very yummy lunch. The rest of the day we caught up on work and relaxed.

Congratulations to the Toy family on their new baby GIRL! Lydia Clarie, 8pounds 1 ounce.

Our friend Buddy

We had a GREAT day!! Our day started a little rough because Momma was up with Carter 3 times last night and Hannah woke up early. Although we had a wonderful morning. We got ready and ate breakfast. Then, we headed out to the Post Office. I found out that everyone goes to the Post Office in the morning. We waited in line for about 20-30 minutes. I did meet a really nice old farmer, Roy, who lives in the area. He loved talking to the kids. He has a great grand daughter the same age as Carter. The kids were fabulous and each got a postal sticker from the man behind the counter.

Since we were already out I decided to go and explore our local library. It has a spectacular children's library. They have an entire floor just for the kids. We hung out in the toddler area where they have puzzles and games for the younger children. We really had a nice time until Carter figured out how to escape the toddler area. That was our signal to start heading home.

Brian came home at lunch time to work from home so I could go get my nails done. Thanks Honey!! It was so wonderful to have some adult time not to mention my nails look great. I decided to go with a color called Romeo and Juliet because it made me think of Brian. I am sure you are all thinking something mushy about now, but the truth is that one of the cigars he enjoys smoking is called a Romeo and Juliet. Moreover, I got home while the kids were still sleeping so I read a little out of my latest book "Potty Training for Dummies" I really like the humor in the book. I have 3 other potty training books that are useful, but I don't enjoy reading them.

When the kids got up from naps Becky and I walked them over to the local park and had a ball playing!! We started back when it suddenly looked like rain.

We had a nice dinner of leftovers. Then, Hannah and I went over to the Coleman's house to visit with Becca and Anna. Anna was a great hostess. As soon as we arrived she was there showing us everything she could find including the baby powder and diaper rash onintments. It was so cute!! Hannah and Anna did a great job playing with eachother. It was funny because occationally one would look out of the corner of their eye and grab at what the other one was holding. Although for the most part they did really well playing together. At one point they climbed up on a chair and were looking out the window together. They look like such buddies.

Photos from the park are below. Please click and enjoy!

Day at the park

Dadda, we love you

Our day started out on the rough side!! I was on the phone with the bank and went in the other room to write down the information. As I am getting off the phone I walk back into our family room to find Hannah and Carter spinning around with a bag of shredded cheese. Needless to say we spent a good part of the morning cleaning up our mess. I'm not sure that Hannah was too upset because she had a lot of fun cleaning with Momma's vacuum.

After lunch and naps we went out to pick up my dress for David and Autumn's wedding. On our way home we decided to meet Brian for dinner at Olive Garden. Knock on Wood. The kids were GREAT!! They were so quiet Brian had a hard time finding our table.

We had a FUN family night and the kids LOVED hearing Dadda read them a bedtime story. They are reading The Little Red Hen, which is one of my favorites.

Blast with Grammy

We've been so busy having fun with Grammy we didn't even have time to blog the past few days!!

Thursday
We had a very fun morning playing at home. We made a veggie pizza together, which was lots of fun for Hannah!! Brian came home from work early and hung out with Carter while Missy, Nancy and Hannah went to Toys on the Square to paint pottery and shop. We spent HOURS there having a great time!! Hannah made a present for Daddy and loved putting her hands in the paint. Missy made special bowls for each of the kids. I will post the photos after I pick the pottery up. Hannah found a Madame Alexander doll that looks just like mine when I was little. I really wanted to give her my Madame Alexander doll, but I've been unable to find her. So I think Hannah will get the new Madame Alexander doll from mommy. Hannah also picked out a Thomas the Train engine for Carter and a sewing kit for herself. It was a great girls night out!!

Friday
A VERY early morning!! We had to leave the house by 8am to make it to my doctor's appointment for baby Bean. It was a very special day as we heard little Bean's heartbeat for the first time. He/she has a very strong heart!! Everything is going along great!! Next, we went into Lancaster to shop around and have lunch at Cracker Barrel . This is one of Mom's favorite places to eat, but they don't have one out by her in Oregon. As we left lunch we learned that the snow/slush storm had taken over! I slid right off the walk way. So we took our time getting home. When we arrived home Brian was there to greet us. We decided to cook a chicken Parmesan dinner, which came out great. Mom is learning a lot about cooking all sorts of things while she is here. Jon and Amanda joined us for dinner. Then the guys hung out and the girls had some fun watching tv and visiting.

Saturday
Another fun day. We started with a big brunch before going out to the framing gallery to get some of Grammy's artwork framed for the nursery. Later the whole fam went to Lancaster to go to the Amish farm to find some fun little gifts for Missy to take home. We had dinner at Fudrucker's and then came home. Missy, Nancy and Brian stayed up visiting and working on Mom's website. It was a wonderful way to spend the evening.

Today
Grammy got up with the kidos. They love playing with Grammy in the morning. It is nice for me to get a little extra rest every morning! Not to mention it was great bonding time for Grammy and the kids. After Brian and I got up we loaded the car and took Mom to the airport. We are really going to miss her. She is such a wonderful help around the house!! I can't wait for her to come back in 6 months!! I know that we will go out there twice between, but I just love having her here at our home. It is like having a double me in the house. Thanks for everything Mom you sure do help a TON!! I love you lots and can't wait to see you!!

Potty

I can't believe I forgot to post this information:

As soon as Grammy arrived on Sunday evening Hannah told Grammy she wanted to go potty. So Grammy took her and she went #2 on the potty for the first time. WAY TO GO HANNAH!! THANKS GRAMMY!!

Thomas the Train

We had another WONDERFUL day!!! The weather was amazing!! It was sunny and in the 70s. This morning we took a trip to Harrisburg and took the guided tour, which was so fun. My favorite part is the stain glass dome in the Supreme Court. We also went to see Brian's office and Mom got to meet the staff and learn a little about what the Senator did. Grammy and Hannah also went to see the National Guards. Hannah got to see a large airplane, which may have been the highlight of her morning.

As you will notice in the photos Hannah pushed her baby in the stroller around the entire Capital. So people either loved her and thought she was so cute OR they were so irritated that she was making so much noise has she pushed her baby on the tile floor.

Next, we walked out side to enjoy the day and went to a local diner for lunch. We had a very yummy lunch and lots of fun visiting. Hannah loves to talk.

After a quick stop at home for short naps we were off to Penn State to see Thomas the Train LIVE! I really wasn't sure how they were going to do it, but it was truly awesome. Hannah and Carter thought it was so cool!! They had their eyes on the stage the entire show!! At the beginning of the show Diesel, a diesel engine, came out on the stage with a big puff of smoke. Then, you heard a little boy in the crowd say "that isn't really because diesel engines don't have smoke." It was so cute!! The only bummer was we had to park miles away.

We loaded up the car and started on the way home. I had big plans for dinner, but we got really lost and it took us a long time to get home. So we settled for some pizza.

It really was a great day!!

Grammy Arrives

Grammy arrived last night. Hannah went to the airport with a sign in hand that she made and colored. She was so excited that her Grammy was coming on a real airplane!! After loading up the car with only ONE suitcase. We were off to get Shamrock shakes at McDonald's. Hannah gave Grammy the grand tour of our home and helped her unpack. The kids went to bed and I stayed up talking to Mom until the wee hours of the morning.

This morning we started the day at 8am with breakfast and some playing. Next, we left to go to Chocolate World. We had a wonderful time!! We went on the the tour of the factory, hung out in the gift shop, got a cookie, Hannah became a factory worker, and we went on the Trolley Works Tour of Hershey. Hannah and Carter did a great job!! Hannah was so excited to show Grammy everything in Chocolate World.

As soon as we got to the car the kidos were sleeping so we decided to take a drive around town. We went to see all the major landmarks in town, stopped at a coffee/art shop, and enjoyed looking at all the homes.

Before heading home we went to the VERY FUN park across the street from our house. They have a train that goes around the entire area during the summer months. Hannah and Carter played on the swings, went down the slide, meet Buddy the miniature horse, and saw many other fun animals.

When we arrived home Hannah and Grammy played outside for a while, we took naps and then had a delicious dinner!! The kids just went to bed and I think we are going to watch a movie.

MP 123 Player

After going to the gym the other day we stopped at KMart to get some new markers for Hannah. On our way out they had MP 123 Players on clearance for $2. So I decided to pick

one for Carter.

Of course we have to open all the toys before leaving the KMart parking lot. The entire drive home the MP 123 Player went back and forth between Hannah and Carter. They LOVE this new toy. It has 6 different songs and plays 3 different types of music. Hannah really enjoys rocking out with Cookie Monster and Carter LOVES rap with Elmo. Recently, they started to sleep with this toy. It is so cute when they wake up in the morning you can hear them dancing and singing with the music.

Watch Out World

"Hey Aaralyn are you ready to go shopping? I think my Grandma can drive us." Hannah says

Aaralyn replies, "Sounds great! I bet your Grandma will buy us anything we want too?!"

Hannah says, "I will pick you up around noon. What are you going to wear?"

Another Snowy Day

We woke up this morning to lots of fresh snow. We were all happy to be able to enjoy the snow without all the ice that has come with it the past couple of times.

I got a really nice surprise from Brian this morning!! He decided to take my car in this morning to get the oil changed. I made the appointment for 8am. At the time it was a great idea, but the more I think about it I'm not sure how it would of worked getting the kids dressed, fed and suited for the weather. I am not sure it would have been possible without Brian?! Thank you Honey!!

While we waited for Brian to return with the car so we could go to the gym... the BAD news flashed on the screen!! Our school district was closed. I am sure you are asking yourself why would we care.. our kids don't go to school, but the truth is that my gym does NOT provide child care when school is delayed or closed!! BUMMER!! I went yesterday and did 3 miles and felt AWESOME!! Not to mention I got on the scale and I've lost 7 pounds.

So after breakfast, playing, lunch, it is now nap time!! So I better go get some things accomplished! I CANNOT wait for my mom to get here!! I miss her so very much and I wish she lived just a little closer!! Now that we are having another baby at the end of the year she has no choice but to come here at least twice this year?!

Anyway kids are doing great. Carter has survived the flower eating and is climbing the stairs when ever he finds the gate open. Believe me he really checks!! He will shake that gate until he loses interest.

Hannah is still the boss in the family. She is one little girl that knows what she want, when she wants it and how she is going to get it. Although she is very respectful and very loving!! This morning she read book after book to Carter and Mommy. Every time Carter tried to grab the page Hannah would say, "no no touch Carter. I read book. You have turn next."

Needless to say in the end the sure love each other a TON!!

Dinner for TWO

Part I: Dining Room

A couple of months ago I decided to convert our dining room into a play area for the kids. First, I felt like it was too COLD in the playroom downstairs!! Second, I thought it would be great to have the kids playing where I did my daily chores. Recently, Brian started to drop hints about when this temporary playroom was going to change back to our dining room. The truth is that I rather enjoying having a play room upstairs.

Today, I decided it was time to convert our dining room back and I am happy to say that I love having a dining room table again. However, I did make some changes to the area so that the kids can still play upstairs. I made a reading area with the kids over sized chairs and a basket of books, I have a puzzle area tucked away that is easy for the kids to access, and I brought the Little Tikes table upstairs so the kids can color, eat, and read. They LOVE it!!

The only PROBLEM that we encountered was the flowers. Hannah really wanted to have flowers on her table just like Mommy. So I made a small arrangement for the table. Hannah was so proud!! Carter really liked it too. He liked it so much that he ate the flower. He got it off the table and in his mouth before I could grab it. When I went to retrieve it all the pedals were GONE!! I must say that Carter spent a good 5 minutes just spitting out the pedals. Needless to say he hasn't bothered the flowers since.

Part II: We MISS you Poppo

Hannah really had a GREAT time with her Poppo. She took him all over her home town!! Hannah wishes that he could have stayed a little longer! Carter had a good time too, but wasn't as vocal about it.


Part III: Shopping

Above Hannah tells Carter, " I got Dada's wallet and it has credit cards inside. Want to go shopping Carter?" In the second photo Carter replies, " Lets go sissy, I was checking out that baby Jeep at Toys R Us and Mama said 'NO'!"
Moral of this story is keep all cash and credit cards out of reach and climbing area of children.

Way To Go Little Bro!!

Just wanted to give a shout out to my little brother, Tom, for his first article while on staff at the CS Monitor. Click the link to read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0305/p13s01-wmgn.html

We love you!!

Picture People

I love the color of this photo!!

This morning Daddy took Hannah on a date to do our taxes. She had so much fun with her Daddy. She brought home a beautiful picture she made at the accountants office.

We had a crazy day at home. I wasn't feeling very well at all today!! At 3pm we left to get an oil change in my car and then go to the Mall to have Carter's One Year picture. I think they came out great!!

When we got home Poppo was here and ready to play with the kidos. Hannah was so happy to see Poppo!! She ran in the house yelling, " Hi Poppo I love you!" We got take out for dinner and just relaxed, played with the kids and watched the Pens game. I think I see an early bedtime in my VERY near future.

Carter and Hannah play with a ball

Hannah smelling the flower

Carter riding the Radio Flyer rocket

Carter is just too cute sometimes!!

Our Little Bean

We went to the doctor this morning for blood work and an ultra sound. Everything went GREAT! Baby Turk did a great job!! Baby Turk has adopted the nickname Bean due to the appearance in his/her first photo. I know that it doesn't look like much, but I tried to label it so you could use your imagination. During the ultra sound you could see the little heart beating away. VERY COOL!

After going to the doctor, Brian, Hannah, Carter and I went out to lunch and walked around the Hershey Outlets. Hannah is such a big girl with her very own stroller that she pushes every where.

While walking around the outlets, Brian found some great stuff for work. Hannah got a new pair of Nikes. She now wears a size 7. WOW!

Then, Master Carter got his first pair of real walking shoes!! We are hoping that they will encourage him to walk a little more!!

Chef Turk

Hannah loves to cook!! We really need to buy her a children's kitchen so I don't have to worry the entire time she is cooking!!

Fun with the Turks

Sorry I haven't written in a few days. We had a very LONG weekend!! Brian was out of town Saturday and on his trip home he made a wrong turn and found himself driving around Maryland?! Needless to say it was a late night. Sunday, we had a snow/ice storm and just tried to get ready for the week ahead. This morning Brian left for work at 6:30am. YIKES!!!
I had a tough day at home when my wonderful kidos woke up at 6:45am! Then, my darling son climbed into the toy basket and I realized life is good!! OH! We also caught a horse today, a miniature horse, Hannah and I found a horse running around our yard. So we caught him, called the police and gave the pony an apple. We found out that he lives across the street. When the weather gets better we will have to go visit him again.

The Cat and the Hat

Happy 50th Birthday to the Cat and the Hat!

This morning we went to our local library to celebrate the Cat and the Hat's birthday with about 75 other kids. First, we made name tags and then sat on the carpet squares to learn more about Dr. Seuss. We learned lots of fun facts!!

Did you know that The Cat in the Hat only uses 50 words??

Next, the Cat and the Hat himself came out to read us, Oh! The Places You Will Go. The kids did a great job listening and Hannah was a really good big sister. Carter got a little scared when the Cat used a funny voice, but Hannah was able to comfort him. Carter was a really good listener/watcher. He sat on the carpet square the entire time and really watched and listened to everything that was going on. I thought that he would be crawling all over the place, but he did great. I think maybe it was because Hannah sets such a great example.

When the story was over there were dozens of learning/craft centers. Hannah made a hat and a magic wand. She DID NOT want to get her face painted!! We enjoyed birthday cake and then went home for the day.