The Tousa Family

Bed time

2010-12-17T18:22:00.000-08:00

Bed time is quite the chore at our house. No one ever seems to want to go to bed, and if they do it's because you are laying next to them or you have left them screaming and they have fallen asleep from exhaustion. Tonight was no exception.
This is how it went.

Cade is whining for both Scott and I to stay and lay with him. Colt is too. Finally Scott and I get out without anyone on our leg.

I go into my bedroom and get ready for bed myself- long day. I come back out and stand in the room next to theirs (Scott's office) to hear this conversation:

Colt: screaming, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!
Cade: "She's not going to come in, Colton, just go to bed!"
Colt: "But I want Mama! Mama! Mama! Mama!"
Cade: "Please just go to bed, Colton. Anyway, Mommy is always with you. She is
always in your heart."
Colt: "What?"
Cade: "She's in your heart.
Colt: "No she's not.
Cade: "Yes she is."
Colt: "No, she's not."
Cade: getting upset- "Yes she is!"
Colt: "She's where? She's not in my tummy!" laughing now
Cade: "Uhhhhh! Yes she is. She is always with you in your heart. Just go to bed!"

a few minutes later...
Colt is banging something on the wall-
Cade: "Colton, stop banging on the wall! We don't own this house!
Colt: still banging- "What?"
Cade: "We don't own this house! You are going to wreck the walls, and we don't own this house!"
Me listening and in my head thinking- someone gets it!
Colt: "Who owns it then?"
Cade: "Some other people!"

another minute later...

Colt: screaming- "Daddy! Daddy! Where's daddy?!"
Cade: "He's doin' his work."
Colt: "What?"
Cade: "He's doin' his work. He's working!"
Colt: "Oh, ok. Well, then where's Mommy?!"
Cade: "Just go to bed!"

Daddy... work much....nah....

10 minutes later they are both asleep.

Tonight the torture was worth it.

Fall Pics

2010-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

My kids were obsessed with Halloween this year! Not to mention we love the fall with all the fun things to do!

Our Toy Story 3 Family- Can you guess who Scott and I are? (Atleast doing our best impersonations...I was not about to get into a one piece teal leotard)
My computer wasn't letting me move these pics down with the other Halloween pics for some reason so scroll down to see more!

Apple picking! Colt's in a tree!

Nana and Laynie at Cade's fun run for school

Cade's a runnin'!

Cade played flag football again this fall and loved it! He improved every game and his team made it to the championship and lost in OT! Cade is very proud of the fact that he pulled 3 flags that day including one in OT!

Laynie- below- at the country fair- Wiard's orchard looking at the animals- only included this pic cause I think she's so dang cute... sorry...

Colt played soccer this fall and became quite the lil player. He looked forward to it every Saturday and even scored his first goal!

Field trip to the cider mill and farm for Colt's preschool class

To the pumpkin patch we go!

Carving the pumpkins!

They do own other shirts, but wanted to wear these almost everyday! We got our wear out of 'em that's for sure!

Colt at his preschool party

Laynie being silly and dressing up

Cade in his school's parade

Halloween morning

The crew Halloween night set to go trick or treating!

Lovin' all the candy!

Happy 3rd Birthday Colt!

2010-09-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

Colt turned 3 today!

Yesterday we had a little birthday party for him with family and friends!

This is Colt with his new bike from Nana and Papa!

Everything was "Toy Story" for this birthday!

He is obsessed with Buzz!

Hitting his Buzz pinata!

Going after the candy! (oops finger got in the way!)Colt was all smiles having the attention on him!
He picked out this monstrous cookie cake!Waking him up this morning with birthday cake!
Every one in our family loves birthdays because they know they'll get to have cake for breakfast no matter if it's their birthday or not!

Loving opening his presents!

Colt:

- Loves being able to be a big boy now and go to preschool!

- Is a great big brother that goes out of his way to be sweet to his little sis!

-Some fave phrases right now: "Mommy/Daddy I have someting important to tell you/Someting that will make you happy- I love you" ahhhh- melt your heart.

-Is growing like a weed- feel like he might surpass Cade- he's just a solid kid!

-Has such a fun, laid back personality and can just take life as it is- think this comes from being the second born...

-Loves waffles- would eat them breakfast, lunch and dinner if you let him!

-Loves to paint- anytime he gets the chance- that's what he wants to do!

Happy Birthday, Colt- we love you!

P.S. It has been officially 3 years since this blog began! Crazy!

Lots of Catching Up! South Haven Trip with my family, Cade playing T-ball, Our crazy life...

2010-08-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Pictures tell a million words so here you go. Amazing time in South Haven at Lake Michigan with my family. The kids had a blast playing in the waves!

Nap time!

Poor Colt was so worn out he just conked out...

A little frisbee action...

Playing bean bags (corn hole) every night...

Yes, that's beautiful and sweet nana...

Laynie is obsessed with her "B" aka binkie so we all took one of her many for a photo shoot.

First documented "time out" for the Layniebug- she is a sassy one that girl...

The boys literally can't get enough of her- most times they fight over who will fetch her "B" or a diaper for her or her sippy cup or who can hold her on their lap- she is one spoiled chick...

Kids got crazy with the ice cream one night and they thought it was just hilarious...

They love it when I crank up the country music and we all start dancin' in our boots... a regular thing at our house

Cade played T-ball this year and had so much fun with Daddy as his coach.
Colt was an honorary member of the team of course- although you would have thought he was on the team with the way he ran after the ball.
All wrapped up after a day in the pool...

Brotherly love...

Our family... most days crazy, all days crazy in love with it...

Wow. I know. I'm so bad! It has been so incredibly busy around here that I'm just trying to stay afloat!

Happy 5th Birthday to Cade!

2010-07-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Of course we woke up Cade with birthday cake!We played a little fun game where Cade had to match a picture with all of his birthdays thus far- he loved it!

We got the boys both new Michigan shirts!This was his 2nd cake of the day after going to Chucky Cheese for some fun!

This was at Cade's birthday party- a Superhero party! With his friend, Sidney!

My dad and me
We had to take advantage of the photo ops! My sis, mom and me
bros

Moving the party inside since it started to rain and trying to think of something fun to do!

Cade loved all his presents!

All the cute kiddos!

What a SUPER couple!

This is a game we play- we both make this face and the first person to start laughing loses!

Cade is an absolute joy. Some things about Cade at 5:

- He is passionate about everything! That means the good, the bad and everything in between!

- He is an amazing big brother. He helps me out daily and loves to get Laynie up in the morning and get her out of her crib (really not sure how...)

- He loves to learn. He always is asking questions about anything and everything and still has a love for books, coloring, and exploring.

- He can be a bit sneaky these days. Especially with candy. Wonder where he gets that?

- He loves to go places and see things- doesn't mind road trips!

- He is getting very interested in creating and maintaining friendships. He absolutely loves having friends over!

- He still says things that will just melt your heart. Just today- "Mommy, I need to tell you something really important- I love you."

We can't believe how big our 1st baby is!

We love you, buddy!

I'm slowly catching up!

AHHHHH!

Bring on the Sunshine

2010-03-08T18:57:00.001-08:00

Even though this is what my walk came to today with the kids, it was still worth it. (That is Cade's bike and Colt's scooter on top of Laynie's car. Threw them all in there when nobody wanted to continue riding their respective bikes!) It was even more interesting crossing the road! Had Laynie and Colt in my arms and pushed this- plus Cade hanging onto my jeans!

All worth it if it will continue to be nice outside! LOVE SPRING! Bring it on!

Bye Bye Yucky Sugar Cleanse

2010-03-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

Okay so you got me. I totally didn't finish the sugar cleanse. It was so hard! But, I made it through 7 days. That was an accomplishment to me! I did learn a few things from this:
1. Restrictive diets are not for me.
2. Sugar can make a girl happy.
3. Moderation in everything is the way to go.
4. You can pretty much do anything you make up your mind to do- AND- you can pretty much talk yourself out of anything!

Our Little Laynie is 1!

2010-02-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

Our Little Laynie-Bug is 1 year old! We can hardly believe the time has flown by so fast!

Some things about Elayna right now:

- She has the sweetest personality. You just want to eat 'er up.
- She loves to climb. On everything. The table, the dishwasher, laundry baskets, you name it, she gets on top of it.
- She is sassy. She will push Colt or Cade off my lap if she wants to sit on it. This is accompanied by lots of grunts until she gets her way.
- If you turn your back on her for a second and she isn't it sight, there's about 100% chance she is in the bathroom trying to brush her teeth.
- She can say Ma-ma and Da-da and makes you feel so special.
- She loves her sleep. She will go to bed at 6:30 and sleep 'til 7:30 the next morning. She also takes one good 2-3 hour nap a day! Beauty sleep!
- She is loving just about every food we give her. Trying not to give her a sucker when the boys have one= nearly impossible. She loves suckers.

We had such a fun day celebrating her birthday. Cade was the most excited! He wanted to do everything- shop for party decorations, wrap her presents and make her cake! While Layne and Colt were taking a nap in the afternoon I left him the wrapping paper, scissors, tape and 3 presents to wrap while I went to take a shower. I peeked out after my shower and he was just completing the first present with atleast 50 pieces of tape- but it was just so precious! He was just so focused! He would not let me finish helping him with the other ones either!

Here are some pics of Elayna and her birthday! Warning: There are a lot!

She loves to get into everything! My cupboards are always getting emptied!
Here's where we knew we'd find her! Trying to brush her teeth!

Loves her food!

This is her on her birthday. She loved all the balloons!

One of the cakes!

She actually loved opening her presents!

She got mad because we couldn't get the box with her baby doll open fast enough! She sure does have a temper already!

She immediately tried to suck the pacifier that was the baby doll's. She also refuses to put the baby in her new baby stroller but instead tries to sit in it herself!

This was one of the presents Cade wrapped!

Her fave present by far! She's waving to all the passerbys!

Cake time!

She acted like she had done this before! Just dug right in!

Lovin' it.

Did I mention she hardly ever sits down in her highchair!

Daddy cleaning her up! Fun day!

Happy Birthday Laynie-Bug!

2010-02-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Can't get my computer to upload photos right now! So bummed!

Laynie is 1 today! She is sunshine right now, absolute sunshine!
I will post pics tomorrow!

We love our Laynie-Bug!

Day 7

2010-02-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

So all I do now is think about what I'm going to eat and what I'm not going to eat. So not fun.

I am realizing more and more that restrictive diets like this don't really work. Okay, so yes, I may be losing some weight- but it's because there's not much I feel like I can eat since I'm doing the no white flour, fruit, etc. But I feel like I'm eating more cheese and nuts which are okay------- in moderation! When there's limited options I feel like I'm starving!

I WOULD RATHER RUN 10 MILES EVERY MORNING THAN NOT BE ABLE TO EAT PIZZA OR JIMMY JOHNS!

Is this any way to live?

I just wanted to see if I could be disciplined enough to stick to something like this. I've done it for a week. Will I make it the next 14 days?

DAY 5

2010-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have been so freakin' cranky.

Am I not eating enough cals? Been lovin' on the veggies. Some cheese, some nuts, some chicken, minimal whole grains, what else is there?

Today I didn't even lick the caramel off my finger after opening some caramel sauce for Cade for dipping his apples in. What's happening to me?

I think I have realized a few things already from this sugar cleanse.
1. I HATE being restricted and constrained.
2. Sugar makes me happy I think.
3. I really NEED a diet coke.
4. I can't wait for 21 days to be up!

Day 3 of sugar cleanse

2010-02-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

Wow. Not gonna lie, this has been hard. I notice myself being a lot more hungry. Trying not to eat any white flour products either- that is harder than I thought as well. I have to say though- I feel so much better!

Had sushi with the hubby last night then went to a movie.(Yes there is white rice around the sushi but they didn't have brown- was bummed) But I did forgo a diet pop and the goodies- aka popcorn at the movies!

Was definitely grouchy today. Not sure if it was the no sugar thing or lack of sleep thing.

Does anyone know if you can have fruit while doing a sugar cleanse? Have only had a banana in a protein shake I made after I ran yesterday morning. Did I mention I'm training for a half marathon too? I need goals people or I just slack off!

Thanks for all of your support! I need it!

Bye Bye yummy candy hearts

2010-02-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

Do any of you watch Ellen? Love her. She makes me laugh so hard! I DVR her everyday and then watch it at night when I get a chance. It's so nice at the end of a long day to get a good laugh isn't it? Anyway, she's doing this sugar cleanse thing and is encouraging everyone to give it a try. Well, yes, I'm giving it a try. I think most of you know I LOVE my candy. If I don't have candy in my purse or tons of candy in my car then I'm having a bad day. Thus, I need this. I always tell my kids that they shouldn't eat so much sugar because it's not good for them. Time to start practicing what I preach. This blog is going to keep me accountable. It's for 21 days. I know- long time. I have to prove to myself that I can be disciplined though! What happens after the 21 days you ask? Well, I hope to learn that I don't need so much sugar. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it in check and just have it in moderation. This has been my downfall thus far.

Oh- forgot to add- this includes no substitute sugar either- aka- DIET POP. I love me some Diet Coke with a bit of Cherry Coke or Dr. Pepper. This is killer for me.

Did I mention I'd like to be in a cute swimsuit for an unplanned trip I'd like to plan? Yes, alterior motives too.

Day 1
This is absolutely horrible. I crave sugar more than I even realized. I am constantly grabbing for a cookie, a conversation heart or some other junk! I have eaten so healthy all day. So many times I thought, "I'll just start it tomorrow" but I know myself. Just another excuse. It has opened my eyes though to how much I depend on sugar to get me through the day! Miss my diet pop like crazy! I am surprisingly not that hungry though. Going to have some herbal tea before bed and hope I'll be good to go!

My Maize and Blue Boy

2010-02-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

It all started when the boys were getting their jammies on tonight. Well, let's not fib, it probably started way before that. Maybe when we dressed our lil newborn Cade in Michigan apparel every football Saturday and took him to his first tailgate at 10 weeks. Then preceded to take him to the Big House at 2 years old for his first game. Maybe it continued when I subconciously didn't buy red clothes because of my issue with the color red. Maybe it continued when we were screaming at the TV "GO BLUE" every fall Saturday. Perhaps there was some slight brainwashing, okay a little more than slight, but anyone that went to U of M knows where I'm coming from here. It's like a disease. You bleed maize and blue. Atleast we do in our family.

So then earlier today, Cade was supposed to wear red to preschool. He has said for a long time that his favorite colors were red and blue. I never opposed to it. I held back my hate for the color red until Cade asked me if I liked it. I told him that for some reason I don't wear much of it because it reminds me of the Buckeyes. You should have seen his face. As soon as I mentioned that word he about lost it. He immediately retracted his statement about liking red as his fave color, and I then had to let him know that it was okay to like red and still root against the Buckeyes. What a deep conversation this led to. Wow. He wasn't buying any of it. Am I an unfit mother?

So on to tonight. Mind you, it was past his bedtime so he was really tired and really whiny as it was. But, I had laid out his jams for him to get on after he got out of the bath. He saw that they were his Christmas jammies and that they were RED (I admit- they are cute- snowmen all over them) BUT that Colt's were some other blue ones with snowmen skiers all over them. He started to cry and throw a fit because he wanted BLUE ones. I wasn't havin' it. He kept crying and finally said- "But I don't want to wear Buckeye colors! I don't like the Buckeyes! And Colton gets Michigan colors! I don't like the Buckeyes mommy!" Yes- I was secretly gleaming inside, but it was a long day and I just wanted him to put on the jams and get to bed! Long story long- sorry- he finally put the RED jams on with a huge fuss and much coaxing from me.

Then right before I tucked him in he said, "It's okay, mommy, my jammies have some blue in them so they have a little bit of Michigan colors in them so I'm okay now. And Colton has some red in his! So there- he has some Buckeye colors on too! So, it's no big deal!"

I kid you not, folks.

I love this kid.

We will not go into his issues with the color green at this time. My fault too, whadaya know.

Yes, we all dress like this for EVERY football Saturday.

Laynie's walking!

2010-01-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

I have been such a slacker! Layne has been walking for a solid 3 weeks now! Here is a short video of it!

Tousa Family 2009

2010-01-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! Merry Christmas too! We hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and New Year!

This past year has been a whirlwind for us with having a new baby, moving, and making new friends. There's no other way to say it, we are extremely blessed to be happy, healthy, and alive!

Some moments that I can actually remember from 2009 that stick out in my mind:

New Year's Day 2009: Watching football all day then shopping with my fellow shop-a-holic BFF, RicAnn- we both found some amazing good deals on adorable clothes for our upcoming arrivals!

Feb. 2nd: Falling on the ice holding Colt (less than 2 weeks til due date with Laynie) and falling on top of Cade's head- taking him to see if he had a skull fracture which he did not and after being hooked up to a monitor for 8 hours straight with no food to see if my placenta had ruptured- it didn't so I was able to leave!

(pic was taken on my phone to send Scott right after it happened- imagine golf ball sticking out of head)

Feb. 18th: Elayna Kaylynn graced us with her presence. She is a true angel in our lives.

March 1st- April 3: Living with my parents! They were so gracious to let us stay there- 3 crazy kids and all!

April- June: Just trying to survive. Getting the kids fed and dressed was an accomplishment! Going to the park was the ultimate goal most days. Loved summer walks with the kids and summer night walks with new friends.

The rest of the year just flew by with lots of pleasant moments in the middle. Birthdays, anniversaries, new preschool, finally feeling comfortable in our new hometown.

We are looking forward to an amazing new year- minus the falls on the ice! We hope you are too!

Happy New Year!

Looking Good for 30!!!

2009-12-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

That's right. As most of you know, Mandy turned 30 on Dec. 3rd. I had this post ready to go on the actual night of her birthday, but had technical difficulties which postponed it until tonight. Sorry Sweetie! Computers have always gotten the best of me. It's nice to finally have someone to share my 30's with.

This is the birthday girl striking a pose in our first official snow for the year in Kalamazoo. She said she always wished for snow on her birthday when she was growing up. Another thing she has also mentioned always wanting to do which she mentioned again this weekend was being a dancer in an MTV video! If anyone has any connections out there, let us know. I can vouch for her dancing skills. I've seen her break dance on multiple occasions-- one of which won us a dance contest!

One thing you will never see me win is a cake decorating contest. Sad but true, this is the cake I baked for the big 3-0. Of course, Mandy tried to tell me that it looked good. Our family tradition is to eat birthday cake first thing in the morning so we all woke up to chocolate cake with caramel icing and Milk Duds and Kit Kats sprinkled on top. Makes for a tough day! Tasted pretty good but I learned that frosting doesn't spread real well on a hot cake.

This is our crew at Nana & Papa's for a birthday dinner and because we started off the day with cake, we only thought it would be fitting to end the day with cake. Not sure how long my body will be able to put up with these traditions! Colton, on the other hand, officially ate zero dinner for the night (not a single bite), but somehow mustered up the strengh to eat a whole piece of cake and two scoops of ice cream! Talk about inner strength.

Mandy has been wanting to go to Chicago so the day after her birthday we all loaded up for a weekend in the city. We got their Friday night and went to a Winter Wonderland where the kids had a blast with all sorts of indoor rides and slides. We checked into our hotel after that which was a great location right downtown but the room was only slightly larger than a walk-in closet. That's where the fun began! Cade woke up a few times that night complaining that his tummy hurt. Around 1:30 am we all discovered why it was hurting as he threw up all over the bed that he was sharing with Mandy, Colton, and me. This prompted us having to get a new room in the middle of the night and Cade, Colton, and I having to take a 2 am shower. Mandy had gone downstairs to get a luggage cart for us to move rooms. We got settled into our new (handicapped) room, which was actually more spacious. I took the luggage cart back downstairs and the lady working at the front desk was very friendly and knew exactly who I was. The first words out of her mouth were "You've got a beautiful wife!" The crazy night continued in the new room, but I will spare you the details.

Happy Birthday Beautiful!! Thanks for letting me share the last 10 years of your life! It's always interesting and usually fun! Looking forward to lots more!

A kiss and breakfast with Santa

2009-12-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Today my cup just about runneth over.

My children. Oh how they melt my heart to the core.

This morning, Colt woke up next to me (yes, we have the family bed goin' on most nights) and noticed that Cade had already gotten up with his daddy and they were downstairs. So, he said to me, "I get up now, Mommy." I said okay and he got off the bed and went towards the door- it was shut so I helped him open it then I went back to lay down. He walked out the door then turned back around and climbed up on the bed and said to me, "Wait, I not give you a kiss yet." "And hug." I was instantly mush. He then gave me a kiss and hug and then went downstairs.

Later in the day, we had breakfast with Santa. This was arranged by the library here in town. Cade was so excited and had written Santa a letter- which he wrote the entire letter but just had me tell him how to spell the words. He was so proud of it. However, at the breakfast, Santa wasn't really eating the breakfast just the parents and kids. Cade wanted to know why- he had come to have BREAKFAST with Santa. So he asked him and Santa gave him some lame reply to which Cade followed up with question after question and led to, "Where is your sleigh Santa?" Santa told Cade that his sleigh was on top of the roof, but that he could make it invisible but that when Cade left that he should call up to the reindeer and sometimes if you listened closely enough they would reply back. Well, after Cade left Santa alone and started to eat his breakfast, I noticed him start to panic. I was like, what's wrong? Cade saw Santa get up like he was leaving and he was. Cade jumped up and said, "Come on, Mommy, come on!" It finally dawned on me, Cade wanted to run outside to call up to the reindeer before Santa left. So we rushed outside, and Cade called up to the reindeer atleast 4 times, and all the while I kept saying I heard a jingle. Nevertheless he was disappointed because he could not see or hear the reindeer. All I have to say is that this kid is special. He has so much heart. And he wears it on his sleeve.

Laynie was not enjoying Santa too much to say the least.

Miss Layne at 9 months

2009-11-17T17:39:00.001-08:00

Miss Layne is 9 months old tomorrow! I cannot believe it! Time flies. She is a ray of sunshine. She is such a sweet girl. She has 7 teeth now! She wants to walk (see video)!

Halloween

2009-11-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

Did anyone else feel like they celebrated Halloween for two weeks instead of one night? I mean, we went to the Zoo Boo, church Trunk or Treat, Cade had a Halloween party at preschool, and of course Halloween night! Tons of fun though! This is at the Zoo Boo (Binder Park Zoo). The theme this year was the Wild Wild West, so the boys fit in perfectly! Here they are in the jail!
Playing a game in the Children's Zoo- had to lasso a fake bull!

I worked in the classroom at Cade's Halloween Party for preschool- the kids were adorable!

At our church Halloween Party

Family Shot- country at heart

JJ and Laynie on Halloween night- JJ was a turtle- so cute!

All the kids ready to go trick or treating already!

For Real?

2009-10-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Some things my children have been saying lately I just had to document:

1. I was trying to put Laynie down for a nap and our front door was open with just the screen/glass door closed and I heard Cade sneak out- I was furious as he knows he is not to go outside without me because we live on a busy road- I ran downstairs and he tried to sneak back in when I said rather loudly, "Cade, you are not to go outside by yourself!" Cade- "Mommy, I was not by myself (shouting back at me), Jesus was with me!" Me- "Cade, you need an adult with you outside!" Cade-"Mommy, Jesus is an adult!" I could not win that argument. Just remember to always shut both doors from now on.

2. After a 10am playdate at a friends then another one at 11am at the park followed by lunch at Q-doba, then waiting 3 HOURS in line to get the H1N1 vaccine, Cade said this eagerly and excitedly on the way out to the parking lot- "Mommy, what are we going to do next?" He was dead serious. I, on the other hand, felt like I had just completed an Ironman with no water. Apparently, he actually was exhausted as he fell asleep at 5:30 on the way home and slept until 6:45am the next day.

3. The same day as we were getting buckled in the car leaving the health department, Cade said, "Mommy, we had such a good day, I didn't throw any tantrums!" To which I replied, "I know Cade, you guys were awesome today, thank you!" This is the kicker- then Cade replied, "But mommy, the day isn't over yet!" "Wow" was all I could think.

4. Colt on the way home the same day, "I run ewands, mommy! No go home!" about 5 times. Translation- I run errands, mommy! Seriously? That did make me crack a smile though.

5. Cade at Target when I was selectively listening as I was trying to hurry through with all three kids- "Mommy, how many times do I have to tell you- I have to go to the bathroom!"

6. Colt when he woke up from his nap the other day, "Mommy, where Punkin bwead?" (pumpkin bread is what Scott calls Laynie)

7. Cade in the car totally out of the blue- just looking out the window, "Daddy, what happens at the end of all the days?" Scott- "We all go to heaven." Cade- "When was the very first day, daddy?" Scott- "A long, long time ago, Cade."

8. At Cade's trike-a-thon for preschool- they asked what he wanted on his face for the face painting- "A michigan M!" he said. I swear I didn't tell him to say that. Although I will not deny that he is brainwashed already. He calls his green pants, his Michigan State pants, and always asks if he's allowed to wear those. Green- fine. Red- well, we don't own any. Coincidence- I'll let you decide.

9. Colt today when he woke up from his nap and I was not there- Scott was working from home- Colt was crying for me, went back to his room, then finally came down ten minutes later to which he told Scott, "My mommy be home soon, daddy."

10. Cade tonight while swimming at my sister's athletic club asked her, "Aunt Jamie, do you go to church?" Aunt Jamie said, "No Cade, not right now." Cade-"Why not?" Aunt Jamie- "You got me, Cade." I asked Cade what made him think of asking that and he just said, "I thought everyone went to church, mommy." Missionary in training?

Cade at his trike-a-thon for preschool- he was on a mission!

A Sunday afternoon at the park! We love fall!

An attempt at feeding the ducks. It was too cold though.
Layne was sleeping most of the time, so here's just a random pic- I love those two lil teeth though!
Making some Halloween cutout brownies!

Love those cheeks

2009-10-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Colton!

2009-09-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today Colton turned 2! I can hardly believe it. He is the biggest sweetheart. Some things about Colt right now:
-Is talking up a storm- fave things to say: "where cade?", "me too", "okay, mom/dad"
-Loves to do anything his big brother does- and HAS to do it or throws an absolute fit!
-Is non-stop, always have to be watching him or your house could burn down or a trip to the ER awaits- very curious and daring!
-Still has a high-pitched screech that'll pierce your ears- his nickname is Taradactyl (sp?)
-Has an interesting appetite- doesn't like pizza, spaghetti, bread, mac n cheese, but loves eating breakfast for all three meals
-Will melt your heart in a second with his sweet sweet smile and his spirit for life!

WE love you, Colton!

Waking him up with cake, he loved it!

Two little hams

Opening his presents

Uncovering the train table...

He was pretty excited!

Later in the day sitting on his man-chair at Nana and Papa's house

More cake!

I'm going to turn into a PUMPKIN if I'm not careful!

2009-09-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

When the leaves start to change color...

When college football season starts...

When the air becomes crisp...

When the daylight gets shorter...

When I start to wear sweaters...

I slowly but surely become totally OBSESSED with anything and everything

PUMPKIN

I really can't help it.

Candy corn pumpkins

Pumpkin flavoring for my pero

Pumpkin donuts

There are even pumpkin hershey kisses! So deliche!

Pumpkin bread

Pumpkin rolls

Pumpkin cookies

And alas- my new fave- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting (thanks for the recipe, Whitney!- check out here if you want it)

I just made them tonight! Scrumptious!

Intro to fall

2009-09-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year! We took our first trip to the apple orchard the other day with a group from church. I love the smell of leaves, apples, pumpkins, cider, freshly cooked donuts- you name it- if it's got something to do with fall, I love it!

My beautiful mom accompanied us- she is always doing fun things with us- it really helps me out too! She not only got mistaken for my kids' mom once, but twice on this trip! Let's hope I get those genes!

Apple picking

An attempt at a picture of the three of them...

Cade's first day of preschool was the other day! This a picture of him with snort- his fave stuffed animal he was supposed to bring for the first day.

Trip to see the Lukkens

2009-09-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day, we went to see our good friends, the Lukken family. We had an amazing time! The drive to South Dakota was not bad at all! Seriously! I am considering making the drive by myself sometime in the future! Five boys and one little girl- it was too cute. Here are some pics that are the real testament of the fun that was had! Thanks Michelle and Wade! All 5 boys= total handful!
Drew wanted to feed Laynie everyday! He was so great with her!

I want a little sister, mom and dad... hint.... hint...

This sums up the weekend, lots and lots of outdoor play!

The new superman and batman jammies that we bought for the boys while I was there-

there's a story behind these... And the capes that attach to the back- so cute!

Some candid shots...

And some posed shots...

Until next time....

Totally Speechless

2009-09-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

We were driving today when Cade asked, "Mommy, how did you get that baby in your tummy?" I said, "I don't have a baby in my tummy right now." (I was really thinking, I BETTER not have a baby in my tummy, then a "I'd go really crazy if I had a baby in my tummy" to myself) He said, "I know, Mommy, but how DID you get that baby in your tummy before?" I didn't know what to say. "Cade, what made you think of that?" I asked. He said, "I was just thinking about the doctor's office." Great, I thought, what question will he think of next. I just sat there, thinking, how will I answer this? I don't want to answer this! I didn't answer this! I let some time pass, and said, we'll ask Nana when we get to her house. Luckily he forgot when we got there. Whfew. Suggestions?

Caught

2009-08-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

I was making dinner last night when I stepped out of the kitchen to get Laynie something. Came back seconds later to find Colt aka crazyman eating a head of broccoli head on! He didn't notice me until I grabbed my camera and started snapping some pics! He was enthralled in that stuff!

As soon as he noticed I was snapping pics, he had to say a big "CHEESE"!

The end result. Not too bad. Still chopped it up, steamed it and served it for the fam.

Miss Layne

2009-08-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Miss Layne, as the boys and me like to call her...is 6 months old today.

She is an amazing baby. She is so chill. Loves to watch her bros. Prob thinks they are crazy which they are. Has two teeth. And using them...ouch. Loves to roll all over the place. Will melt your heart with her big brown eyes. Is sitting up. Starting to scoot. Weighs 16 pounds! Don't mess with Miss Layne. She's all smiles in the morning when she wakes up. Love her to no end.

Love this look

2009-08-17T21:11:00.001-07:00

A boy after his daddy's heart.

There's no doubt he's already got mine.

Happy Birthday, Scotty!

2009-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Scott's 30th Birthday! The big 30. Can't believe it! Wanted to give a shout out to the man who is an amazing husband and father to us! We love you!

I surprised Scott last weekend in the morning - we went to a Cubs game and a Coldplay concert- both an absolute blast!

Scott's fave team growing up was the Cubs, and it was my first game- so fun!

Nothing like nosebleeds
Our birthday cake breakfast for daddy- although this time we did cake batter in the waffle machine!

At the sand dunes this past weekend, Scott carried Colt all the way up!

Buddies

Special thanks to Aunt Jamie for babysitting last weekend!

Happy 4th Birthday, Cade!

2009-07-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Our first baby is 4 today! We cannot believe it! We celebrated by having a birthday party for him over the weekend -Dinosaur theme- Cade loves them, and today we woke him up with cake and presents. We took him out for some one on one time to do something special and he wanted to go to Chuck-e-Cheese so that is what we did. He loves playing skee-ball!

Cade at the age of 4:
Loves dinosaurs, spooky stories, playing baseball with daddy, doing projects, telling knock-knock jokes, racing to anything and everything, his baby sister (and brother), swimming with his cube, jumping off things, and most of all- CANDY- which is totally my fault- I love it too.

Cade dislikes losing, playing freeze tag where he gets tagged out, hitting a foul ball, getting caught by sharks when playing sharks and minnows at any sports camp he's been at this summer, did I mention he doesn't like losing?- we are working on this... any suggestions are greatly appreciated...

Cade truly has a zest for life like I've never seen- he wakes up every morning with a "Is is morning time yet?" and it is so hard to get him to sleep at night! He cracks you up with the things he says, for instance trying to get him to bed tonight- I can hear him in his room while I am in mine- "But mom, I'm hungry still, can't I just have a bednight snack." few seconds later, "mom, I'll eat some green beans, mom, please!" "I'm tired of this!" "I am hungry!" "I want some broccoli, okay!" "I'm frustrated!" "I'm just soooo mad!" "Mommy, how 'bout some string cheese!"

Happy 4th Cade! Opening presents

His birthday cake breakfast, a tradition in our family

Having fun at his party Blowing out his candles Pinata time! The bounce house was a gift from his Nana, Papa, Grandpa K and Aunt Jamie! The cakes I made for his birthday party

If I'm Good

2009-07-22T19:24:00.001-07:00

As we were driving today, I told Cade that someday daddy will buy me one of those (pointed to a jeep wrangler- my fave), and I added, "if I'm good." Cade said that in order to be good and get the car with the big tire on the back that let's you ride out in the air I needed to follow the criteria of being good:

A. Don't step on wood- you'll get a sliver.
B. Don't touch sharp things.

C. Don't run away.

D. You should be nice to people.

E. Don't hit people.

And lastly,

F. Don't get close to a crab- it will snap at you.

I'm going to try my best, but I think A and F will be the hardest to follow.

Love this brown eyed beauty

2009-07-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Wake Up Call

2009-06-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

The day is over, and I sigh in relief.

My day has been taken by that little thief.

The one that poured syrup all over the table today,

The one that asked for more sour cream on his pancake, okay?

But only if you mean whip cream as I think in my head, "gross"

I hear a short little whimper of a cry that says it's getting close-

To feeding time- already, I think, "How will I do it all?"

Feed her, clean up, oh yeah, more whip cream, then a phone call

But it's not my cell nor the one on the wall,
I ignore it to get back to the daily grind

Playdate for preschool, then off to swimming lessons to find,

That I need to feed my baby girl again so pull off in a parking lot,

Whoa, cutting it close on time, getting to swimming right on the dot.

My little thief, so cunningly saying without any fear

"I'm the fastest swimmer in the pool around here"

But I look around to see, that it is only him and me

When I hear that phone call again but can't see.

Where is it coming from, I haven't the slightest clue

Fast forward now, watching him put on his shoe,

"All by myself, Mommy", and I think in my head,

Get fast to Nana's, pick up other two crooks and dread,

Getting them down for naps and such,

When I get the biggest hug that says I missed you so much,

Driving back home I can see,

The boys are smiling back at me,

I hear in a distance, a ringing, but where?

But am not trying hard enough to care.

I get home and get the little ones to sleep,

To clean, to plan for dinner that is starting to creep.

After a run to the store while Nana stops by,

I hear my littlest one begin to cry,

As I start to feed her, my big boy offers to help me,

He starts making fresh squeezed lemonade with glee,

While my other one licks all the used lemons with a grin,

They start to fight over the chair that they each want to win.

I manage to get enchiladas in the oven just before six,

When in walks my husband, hooray for the daddy fix.

Dinner on the table when the other family arrives in eight,

That still small phone is still ringing and I'm still making it wait.

Read my little thief one last book and sing him one last song,

Seems like I have been waiting for this all day long.

When boom it hits me, the ringing in my ears right here and now,

It's the wake up call I've needed all day somehow,

I kept answering it, but I didn't even know,

It was that burning in my heart, that tear in my eye, that smile I meant to show.

To look at all my moments with my little thieves and realize,

They have stolen my heart all day all along, but I still have the biggest prize.

I get to have them all day, everyday, to get to watch all thier smiles, all their tears,

I get to laugh at what they say, I get to see their best of years.

I don't know of anything better, than to have a day like today,

Than just to know I need to enjoy it, that the craziness and the chaos is okay.

For all of this will go too fast,

And all I will want is this wake up call to last.

Colt's fave new game

2009-05-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Colton has been loving the game "Simon says" lately! I just had to capture it! Oh- and guess what his favorite word is? MO! I mean NO!

Off to the Races

2009-04-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Cade ran in his first race this past Friday! It was called the Fun Run- it was part of the Borgess- Run for the Health of it- run. It was a mile long and he ran the whole way- with Scott of course! He kept telling Scott, "this is a long race, daddy"! We were so proud of him! At the end, they gave him a ribbon that said- "I'm a winner" so naturally Cade said, "Daddy, I won the race!" Then on Saturday, Scott and my sister did the 5K race only Scott pushed the boys in the double jogger and ran fast!

Brynn and JJ saved the day by meeting us at the race with my camera that I forgot! Thanks Brynncess!

PRE-RACE PHOTO!

Tiffany and Jamie Laynie was an angel all morning as usual!

Scott and the boys at the end! Check out Colt's hair!

Jamie and Laynie after the race!

The boys decided to have some post race fun running around- and I had fun taking some pics! The signs Cade made to cheer on Daddy, Aunt Jamie and all the other runners!

So proud of Daddy!

Playing Catch Up!

2009-04-20T19:39:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh. It's been a while since I last posted, but hear me out.
Here is a timeline of our last month and a half-
Feb. 18- Laynie graces us with her presence!
Feb. 23- Scott leaves for training in Wisconsin for 5 days! My mom stays with us- thank you mom and thank goodness!
Feb. 23-Feb 28- Pack up all week to move on Saturday! Thanks to the many people that helped us! (If you need a packing whiz- hire my sis- she's the best!)
Feb. 28- Pack up the truck at 11 and moved all our stuff to a storage unit and some to my parent's house
March 1- Come back to Ann Arbor to clean our place so that our new tenant can move in!
March 1-April 4- Stay at my parent's house until our new place that we are renting is ready! Thank you to my parents again for letting us stay there! They were amazing!
April 4- Move into our new place. Ahhhhh. (sigh of relief that we made it through another month of total craziness)
April 4- present- unpacking, unpacking, unpacking, cleaning, letting my kids watch too much tv, unpacking, unpacking, unpacking, some feeding the baby in there, kids running around like crazy men, unpacking, still unpacking....

New baby, New town, New job, New house- too many all at the same time!

Laynie is already two months though! I can't believe it! Here are some pics from our last month and a half of total craziness!
Here are the boys in our empty cupboards! SAD!

My fave boots that I bought for Laynie!

We took a mini vacation one of the weekends we were staying at my parents! It was so fun- we went to the indoor waterpark- KALAHARI- it was a blast- we went with our good friends, the Pachecos!

Daddy and boys having fun in the arcade area of the waterpark! Sadly, we didn't take that many pics of the weekend!

Cade trying to put his arm around his buddy Ez at the arcade!

Colt loves to lay down with his sis whenever he can!

PRECIOUS!

Papa giving Cade a ride in his wheelbarrow! The best part about moving is that we are so close to Nana and Papa! Cade would certainly agree!

Love to dress her up!

The boys are always wanting to hold her but I hardly ever get a picture!

I could have never survived all of this craziness without my sis and mom- they are awesome! Thanks again, gals!

Laynie is a week old today!

2009-02-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

She's a week old today! I can't believe it! She is a great baby. The boys are crazy about her and can't seem to touch her enough! Colton wants to sit on my lap and pat her head everytime I'm feeding her! Cade can't say it enough, "Oh mommy, she's soooo cute!" We are thrilled with their response to her to say the least!

Here are some more pics from her first week of life!

Proud Big Brother Cade along with Proud Daddy and Mommy!

2009-02-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Elayna "Laynie" Kaylynn Tousa came into the world on February 18th at 6:34 PM! She weighed 7lbs. 1 oz. and measured 19 and 3/4 inches long! She is precious! Just a few pics here- more to come!

Some new pics of the boys!

2009-02-16T19:19:00.001-08:00

My friend Rachael took some pics of the boys- she is an amazing photographer and you can see them at www.rachaelbrinton.blogspot.com

Hopefully I will be posting about a new addition to our family soon!

The mind of a 3 year old... and his father

2009-01-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

Just the other night we were playing a new cute game called "The Take Out Family Dinner Box of Questions" and I just had to document some of Cade's memorable responses and one particular comment of Scott's (Thanks for the game, Cheryl- we love it)!

Question:

What is your favorite family activity?

Cade's response: The Baby Jesus. (No matter how many times we tried to repeat the question, Cade always had the same response- seems activity means NATIVITY to him no matter what.)

What do you like most about the person to your right?

My response: Since Cade was sitting to my right- I said when looking at him- "Your smile."

Cade's response: He apparently thought I was to his right because he looked at me and said, "Your heart, Mommy." (My heart about melted.)

If there is one rule you would change, what would it be and why?

Cade's response: Going to bed. After some prompting from Scott on elaborating on his response, he decided that he would change it so he would never have to go to bed. Ever. It's just too much fun to be awake.

What is your biggest fear?

Cade's response: A wolf.

My response: Having someone in my family get hurt.

Scott's response: Having too many kids!

I say- You must face your fears in the face! Needless to say, Scott will have this opportunity in about a month and a half! And if I get my way, another couple years later too! Ha!

How 'bout a family pic too-

Colton's first haircut

2008-12-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

Colton got his first "real" haircut today. I say "real" because Scott trimmed the back of his mullet a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't enough. He needed the royal treatment of a hair salon. He was adorable. He cried as soon as they started with the scissors. But he just sat there. He didn't move. Just sat and looked at me and cried. I was smiling because it was so cute! Then I gave him a sucker and he calmed down for a minute. When she got out the clippers he was mesmerized and he stopped crying. It just got funnier and funnier. Here are some pics from the event.

A Very Merry Christmas

2008-12-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post some pics from Christmas at Nana and Papa's house! We had a blast, Cade was so excited when he woke up! Colton just liked climbing on all the new toys. Note: Colton's hair clearly needs a haircut! Look to next post for pics of that!

Notice- it's still dark outside! That's 'cause Mr. Cade woke up at 6:30!

The boys opening their stockings

The boys' new Diego sunglasses

Cade opening his first present- he said- "I asked Santa for this!" Scott and I felt good about that.

Colton on numerous toys- some that you are not supposed to necessarily "sit" on.

Santa forgot to bring me a haircut!

The end of a really good day!

A Spooky Christmas Tale, Anyone?

2008-12-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

Every night before Cade goes to bed, he wants a spooky story. Spooky as in- a dark dark night, a scary house, a scary animal, or a giant. Yes, it all started around Halloween. But, it has continued. So, tonight, this is how our conversation went:

Cade: Mommy, I want a spooky story, no a spooky Christmas story!

Me: What would that be like, Cade?

Cade: Well, how 'bout Santa's flying his sled and he falls in a pool and the sharks try to get him!

Me: Okay, I suppose I could do that...

And so I did it. I told a spooky Christmas story that involved Santa and his reindeer almost getting eaten by sharks- real nice, eh? Well, don't worry, Cade and his brother Colton came to the rescue and saved Christmas! He loved it so much he wanted another spooky Christmas story, this one involving a mean Polar Bear!

I do love his imagination!

My Little Ball Players

2008-11-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

One of Colton's favorite things to do is play baseball! Cade loves to play too! Cade got a really cool baseball hitting thing from our good friend Jim for his birthday, and ever since Colton has started playing with it, Cade wants to do it more and more! Go figure!

Some new pics

2008-11-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

I am such a slow blogger and have been such a slacker! Just wanted to post some new pics of the boys! This is such a fun time- they are really starting to play together! Halloween was a blast and we can't wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Cade was so proud of all the candy he got!

Our cute little monkey boy!

Spiderman! He never wanted to wear the mask though!

Never too young for a little sucker!

Nana and Cade at our church Halloween party!

A weekend with the girls! Me, Jen, Michelle, and Chris!

All the shopping we did!

Cade's preschool field trip to the apple orchard!

Happy 1st Birthday, Colton!

2008-09-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Colton turned 1 on September 26th! I can't believe it's been a year. Colton is such a sweetheart! He's all over the place and always smiling! Some things he loves right now are: giving high fives, carrying large objects all around the house, climbing onto the bed and trying to jump on it, drinking from any sippy cup that isn't his, just playing outside, and still taking really long naps! He still is such a great sleeper, but he only has two teeth so knock on wood!

Lots of Catching Up! Our 6 year Anniversary! Some Official News!

2008-09-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

Our 6th anniversary was September 21st! We celebrated by just spending some quality family time together!

Some official news! We are having a baby girl due on February 13th! We couldn't be more excited! So there you go!

Intro to Fall

2008-09-28T17:07:00.001-07:00

A Fun Summer

2008-09-28T17:03:00.001-07:00

Colton's Walking!

2008-08-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Colton started walking a few days ago and it is so cute to watch him! He's wobbly but gets right back up! I think he wishes he could chase Cade!

Yesterday we were driving home from running errands and I thought it got pretty quiet in the back of the car- I thought Cade had fallen asleep- little did I know that he had colored his entire body with pink and brown markers before falling asleep!

Happy Birthday, Scotty!

2008-08-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

It's Scott's birthday today so I get to do a little bragging! He's 29 by the way... and he is the most wonderful husband and father ever! He is my best friend and the love of my life. He makes me laugh daily, and he is an amazing daddy to our boys. I just wanted to give a little shout out to the man of my dreams on his birthday! I love you, honey!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Cade!

2008-07-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Our first baby turned 3 today! I can't believe it! We woke him up with cake and presents- he was very excited! We had a pool party too, and when I asked Cade about his favorite part of the day, he said it was the treasure hunt we went on at the party. Cade is so much fun right now- he's got such a big heart and an amazing amount of energy! He is very passionate about things, and he always lets you know what he wants! It doesn't take him long to melt your heart, just a look and he'll say, "Mom/Dad, do you know how much I love you?"- even if it is a ploy to stay up just a bit later, it still gets us everytime. Happy Birthday, Buddy- we love you!

Thanks to everyone that shared Cade's 3rd Birthday- we had so much fun with all of you! Pictures to follow!

Our trip to see the Lukken Family in South Dakota

2008-06-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

Our trip to see the Lukken Family in South Dakota

2008-06-23T19:14:00.001-07:00

We made a long road trip out to see our good friends, the Lukkens, last week! We had a blast! They so graciously housed us for the whole week, and we couldn't have had a better time! Some of our fun times included just hanging out at their house with all five boys under the age of 3, catching some College World Series games in Omaha, going out to dinner without the kids, and going to the Omaha Zoo with Michelle's sister and her kids to name a few. Thanks Michelle and Wade!

Gramps and Na-Na

2008-06-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Even though Gramps and Na-Na (Scott's parents) left two weeks ago, their presence is felt with us always! We had a wonderful time with them! They are amazing grandparents, and we miss them dearly! Here are some pics from their visit!

A little sprinkler action...

2008-06-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Cade decided to run through the sprinklers in his underwear!

Colton is Crawling... kind of!

2008-05-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

We just got a new video camera, so bear with me and this video! It is my first one I have ever uploaded! I was trying to capture Colton crawling! He is starting to move well although it's not a full on crawl, it's pretty close!

Some memorable conversations

2008-05-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just a few days ago:

Scott: Hey buddy, how's life treatin' ya?

Cade: Daddy, I have a problem in my life.

Scott: (Puzzled, taken aback a bit), What's that Cade?

Cade: Taking things away, eating, going on the potty, sharing, (on and on)

Scott: Really? Wow. That's a lot of problems. (chuckle)

Today in the car:

Me: (trying to get Cade in his car seat) Cade, sit in your seat.

Cade: Go away, Mommy.

Me: What? ( I buckle him in, we start driving, then he starts doing something he wasn't supposed to) Stop doing that, Cade.

Cade: I'm not going to stop, Mommy.

Me: (half chuckle) Excuse me, Mister?

Tonight when Scott's friend and coworker Jim stops by:

Jim walks in front door-

Cade: How was your day, Jim? You sell anything?

Jim: (laughing) As a matter of fact, I did. How's life today, Cade?

Cade: Good. I don't have any problems today.

Tonight trying to put Cade to bed:

Me: Cade, get in bed now (this was about the fifth time he came down the stairs with a grin after being put to bed so I escort him back upstairs again.)

Cade: I just missed you, Mommy.

Me: You need to go to bed NOW, Cade!

Cade: Mommy, that makes me sad when you are upset with me. (repeats himself a couple of times)

Me: Cade, I don't want you to be sad, and I am not upset with you, but you need to go to bed!

It's scary that he's starting to figure out this life thing!

Mother's Day

2008-05-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was amazing! I hope all you mothers out there had a great day!

Scott made me breakfast in bed, I got to sleep in and take a nap, and I received some wonderful gifts- a cute wooden hangy thing Cade painted, a new apron that is the bomb, and some new cookbooks (is someone trying to drop hints? hmmm).

We spent the day at my parents and ate a wonderful meal! Also our good friends, Andrea and James and their little boy Hunter drove all the way to K'zoo to join us! It was awesome!

Thanks to all the moms out there that do so much! Mom, you are awesome! Mary Lynn, you are awesome!

Rascal Flatts Concert

2008-05-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

Scott and I got a chance to go see Rascal Flatts last Friday! It was the most amazing concert! Scott had gotten me the tix for my birthday and the original concert was Feb. 17th, so we drove all the way to Fort Wayne, IN and it got postponed due to a band member illness! We had so much fun this time around! The only thing was that they considered my camera professional level so we couldn't bring it in!

Thanks to my parents and Aunt Jamie for babysitting! Colton cried almost the entire time we were gone until he went to bed!

My trusty boots! One of the best purchases I have ever made!

Mom Brain

2008-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

So I know I have been slacking on the posting. It seems I have what some call "Mom Brain". Let me elaborate. It's when you feel like you would lose your head if it weren't attached. Some things that lead me to believe I have this is: Just a few days ago I turned on the wrong burner on the stove to cook something meanwhile a glass pyrex dish was sitting on the hot burner with a sweet potato casserole in it- I was just about to stick it in the oven to cook (this was a meal for my good friend that just had a baby) when it completely exploded! I couldn't figure out what happened at first, but then aha- I had turned on the wrong burner on the stove and was cooking the glass dish from underneath it! It was a huge mess. Evidence B: A few weeks ago we were out with some friends at a restaurant- it was a little chaotic with all the kids and the restaurant was busy. Cade had been running around previously so I scooped him up in my hopes to keep him under wraps. Five minutes passes and we are trying to gather everything up to go when I freak out that I can't find Cade. Alas! HE IS IN MY ARMS. Dah. I literally was like- I didn't just look for my child that I'm actually holding, did I? Oh yes I did. Kinda like the sunglasses are on your head thing but this was a kid. Want more? The other day we were eating outside at noodles and company when we started talking to a couple sitting at another table. The guy was like- "I knew you were a Mormon couple!" I was really confused. I recognized the woman but I didn't know where from. Then I realized she's in our ward at church- her husband had told her that he suspected that we were Mormon and she confirmed it. Anyway, I was still trying to figure out how we knew her when it hit me- then she introduced her husband to which I said- "So why don't we know you then?" HELLO, MORON, he might as well have said but actually said, "I don't go to church." I felt like the biggest idiot. I could go on and on, but some days I feel like I have really lost my mind. My good friend that I made the meal for that exploded said I just have "Mom Brain". That makes me feel like atleast it's for a good reason, right?

Here's some cute pics, cause let's face it- this post really isn't that great so just look at the pics.

Happy Birthday Mom/Janet/Nana!

2008-04-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom/Janet/Nana! Thank you for all you do everyday! Thank you for all your love and care always! You are beautiful inside and out! Your kindness and generosity never cease to amaze me!

Farewell Party

2008-04-14T14:30:00.001-07:00

Farewell Party

2008-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

We had a little farewell party for all the girls that are leaving Ann Arbor for good or for the summer! It was a lot of fun hanging out- we will miss all you girls that are leaving dearly! Thanks to all those that came, and we missed all of you girls that couldn't make it too!
Here are some fun pics! And, don't worry, we were toasting the sparkling juice!
Check out the slide show above!

Like mother like son

2008-03-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Cade has been so honest lately. It's so cute. I'd like to think that it's genetics, but it's probably not. The reason I say that is that when I was growing up, my family used to tell me I would be a nun when I grew up because I couldn't tell a lie.

It all started with a little lie I told in preschool to my teacher. She asked if I had any brothers or sisters, and since the boy sitting next to me said he had a brother, I wanted one too. So, I told my teacher I had one sister (the truth) and a brother (a lie) but that he had died by getting hit by a car! I knew I couldn't verify that I had a real brother so I guess him dying was a cover up! Ha! Well, when I was in first grade I was learning about telling the truth at a church service one day. I could not stop thinking about that lie I told. I ended up crying to my mom that same night and told her about the lie I told. She said it was okay, but I was insistent on her calling the teacher to tell her what I did! She said she would. That eased my liar's remorse, and I started only telling the truth from then on out.

Fast forward to present day. I got home from grocery shopping at Sam's Club yesterday, and I had gotten a scrumptious pop there. I sat it on the table when I came in, and went back out to get the rest of the groceries out of the car. When I came back in, Cade was standing on a chair at the table- I thought nothing of it, until he said (with the cutest little smirk on his face) "Mommy, I took a sip of your pop." I said, "oh you did, that's okay just ask me next time." "OK mommy, I will" LONG PAUSE... "Mommy, I took TWO sips." I was chuckling at that point. Then he wanted another sip, of course (pop is a big treat!) Then later that day, he was playing with his friend Hunter, and I heard Hunter kind of crying, and I said to everyone else in the room, "Did Cade just take something away from him?" Then Cade blurted out, "No, I just pushed him." Gotta appreciate the kid's honesty, right? These are just a few recent examples, but since this has been a pattern, I think we might have an Honest Cade on our hands.

Happy Birthday Dad/Jerry/Gramps and Happy Belated Birthday Mom/Mary Lynn/Nana!!

2008-03-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Today is our beloved Dad/Jerry/Gramps' Birthday! We hope you know how much we love you! You are a wonderful example in so many ways- thank you for all you do and who you are!One day, Scott walked into our house with a gentleman that he worked with that resembled Gramps in only a way that Cade would recognize because Cade said "Hey Gramps!" when they came through the door! It was so cute! So even though you are hundreds of miles away, Cade knows exactly who you are and thinks of you often! As do all of us!

Unfortunately, I messed up and didn't do a post on Mom/Mary Lynn/Nana's Birthday which was February 17th! I am so sorry! We hope you know how much we love you, and how much you mean to us! You only get more beautiful with time! Thank you for being such an amazing mother and grandmother!

We love you both and hope you can make it out to Michigan soon to visit!

Easter pics

2008-03-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Since I'm such a procrastinator, here are finally some pics- and finally a new post!

We headed to Kalamazoo to spend Easter with my family- we had a great time, and of course, Cade was spoiled!

Happy 6th month b-day Colton!

2008-03-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today Colton is six months old! I can't believe it! I wanted to make sure I wrote something about him since I have been bad about documenting stuff in his baby book! Sad I know! He is a little peanut- that's exactly what they called him at the doctor's office today- he is very small for his age! A lot smaller than Cade was at his age!

Here are some things about Colton right now:

-He has an auburn tone to his hair! Going to be a red head? Hmmm.
-He adores his big bro and watches him in awe! But don't let that innocent face fool you-

he starts to screech loudly when Cade pulls a little too hard on him! Which leads me to...

-He has this high-pitched screech that he does constantly to get your attention- doesn't

matter if he's tired, hungry, bored or whatever- he WILL get your attention!

-He is sitting up by himself! But you need to be nearby cause he's still mastering this!

-He smiles ALL THE TIME! He is such a happy guy and so laid back!

-He kicks his legs constantly! Same thing Cade did too! Funny!

-He is a really good sleeper right now! I hope I didn't jinx this!

This is what happens when mommy tells Cade to play with me! He dumps all the bath toys on me!

We love you, Colt!

Meet Pedro Peabody Tousa

2008-03-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Well, in celebration of Cade being officially potty-trained, we got him a fish! We were in Meijer's one day when he wanted to look at the fish- he loved them, so I told him if he started to go to the bathroom on the big potty, we would get him a fish! He did it! So, he named him Pedro Peabody Tousa. We tried to give him lots of options on the name because he wanted to call him "Purplefish", which would have been okay, but isn't Pedro so much cuter? Celebratory dinner at where else- QDoba! At the pet store with Cade's new fish!

Cade's sticker chart

Pedro

The Next Survivor Series

2008-02-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

So, the reason for this post is two-fold.

The below proposed "Next Survivor Series" is hilarious to read (Thanks to my friend Kari, whom I stole this from off her blog that she posted it on a while back). First off, I do believe my husband would win. He is amazing, and he amazes me more each day with the way in which he approaches each day with his easy going attitude. He is an awesome daddy, our boys love him to pieces! Nevertheless, this is not to undermine men- it is just funny to look at all that moms do that sometimes gets overlooked.

Secondly, when is this writer's strike supposed to end? I am so tired of not being able to watch my favorite shows! So let's get our husbands together for a little friendly competition and we'll get the cameras rolling!

NEXT "SURVIVOR" SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.There is no fast food.Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time.Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care (weekend, evening, on a holiday or right when they're about to leave for vacation).

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.Each father will be required to know all of the words to every silly kid song that comes on TV and the name of each and every character on cartoons.

Each man will have to make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4 year old to eat a serving of peas.

Each man must adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep their nails polished and eyebrows groomed. The men must try to get through each day without snot, spit-up or barf on their clothing.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must try to explain what a tampon is for when the 6 year old boy finds it in the purse.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.He will need to read a book to the children each night without falling asleep, and then feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair each morning by 7:00.

They must leave the home with no food on their face or clothes.A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

They must clean up after their sick children at 2:00 am and then spend the remainder of the day tending to that child and waiting on them hand and foot until they arebetter.

They must have a loving, age appropriate reply to, 'You're not the boss of me'.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if... he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

Our trip to see The Lukken Family

2008-02-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Better late than never! It has been a week since we got back from visiting our best friends, the Lukkens, but my computer has been acting up, and I could not get pictures to upload!

We had a blast! As some of you know, Michelle and Wade and their three precious little ones moved to South Dakota last June because Wade finished up his residency here in Ann Arbor and now is working at a surgery center as an anesthesiologist in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. We miss them so much!

Wade and the boys!

Bennett and Colton! Only 2

months apart!

We flew into Omaha, NE on a Wednesday and headed to their house. They have a beautiful new home! Of course, it's spotless! The boys were having a blast together! Drew and Dylan are such cute little boys, and baby Bennett is one of the happiest babies I have ever seen! We actually took all of the boys to the mall in Sioux City, IA (only a 20 minute drive) to go to the playland they have there. It was hilarious! We had two double strollers and Cade walked- it was a riot! We got lots of sympathy stares not to mention some sympathy quarters for the rides they have near the food court! The best was the ride home (we left twenty minutes too late) when almost every boy in the car was crying at one time or another! Michelle and I just looked at each other and smiled and thought- this is life and we love it! Ha! We hung out at their house until Friday afternoon until we headed out for Lincoln, NE to visit Michelle's family.

Michelle's family is so sweet! We all stayed at their beautiful home and they were angels for housing us all (Cade likes to run around like a wild man)! We had so much fun! We went to the Lincoln Children's Museum and then headed to Michelle's nephews birthday party! Thanks Jennifer for having it on the weekend we were there! It was awesome! It was at a gymnastics place, and of course, Cade was in his element. We then went to Jennifer's beautiful home to hang out and bake some chocolate cookies. It was a blast, and between the three of us- we had 7 boys! We had so much fun! We also met for breakfast the next morning- all 7 boys and 6 adults!

Dylan playing at Derek and

Braeden's Birthday Party!
It was jersey party if you

hadn't guessed!

Drew being cute!

Cade being a daredevil!

Again!

Colton and me!

Barb and Bennett

Stu and Colton

We managed to make it to the mall again- yes- another playland trip! But, this time, Barb was so sweet to watch the two little ones so Michelle and I could have some special time with the toddlers! We rode the carousel and ate dinner at our fave place- Q-doba! The boys ran around there more than the playland, but there was no one there so it was perfect! We had to head home the next day, but we really had such a great time the whole time we were there!

Colton and Bennett

This was one of many attempts

at getting all the boys picture!

This is how we travelled!

All in all, Michelle and I got plenty of time to talk- staying up late only to be woken up hours later to feed the babes, but it was so worth it! I miss you my friend! Thank you Michelle and Wade, Barb and Stu, Jennifer and Scott- we had the best time!

Dylan playing outside

Cade and Drew playing outside!
Hugs!

We will be back in June so be ready!

The antics of Cade Tousa...

2008-01-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cade has become quite the character. What am I saying, he has always been quite the character, but lately he has said some hilarious things. As some of you know, he is a chatterbox, and some of the things he has said keeps us rolling on the floor or ends up melting your heart.

Here are some the things Cade has been saying lately:

Tonight:

"I need a sandwich, mommy." ( Why is this funny? Because he has been saying this every night for the last two weeks before we leave his room when he has to go to bed. Too bad I fell for it the first two times! Didn't want to send him to bed hungry, but then it became evident that it was a clever excuse. )

Today at Jungle Java:

"Be careful, mommy." (He said this as I climbed through the tunnels and went down the slides with him at the indoor playground. )

"Hi, my name is Cade Christian Tousa. What's your name?"(my lil friendly toddler said this to every kid he saw bless his heart. Most kids were nice enough to respond, to which then Cade would say, "Hi ____." It was too cute.)

A day ago:

"That's not an option, mommy." Repeat. Again. (He said this about me saying no to him eating fruit snacks for dinner and going to eat dinner at our friend's house. I about laughed out loud! This is something Scott and I say frequently to him!)

Last time he did a prayer on his own without me telling him what to say:

"Thank you for daddy work hard," "Please daddy get home safe" (I almost started to chuckle! This is what I say when Scott is not home at night to say prayers with us before bed. It was especially funny because Scott was standing next to him!)

Every morning:

"Is it morning time, mommy?" ( He hates to sleep, so he ends up asking this all the time, because he knows morning time is when you wake up and you don't have to sleep!)

All the time:

"No, don't say no, Mommy/Daddy!"( He literally says this every time we say no about something he wants to do really bad. He says it with such passion!)

Here are a few new pics:

That serious look...

2008-01-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

I was looking through my new pics of Colton, when I thought I'd do a little comparison to Cade's pics at his age- wow! Here's what I came up with- what do you think? I think they look a lot alike! They both can get this serious look on their face that's hilarious!

A little update- Colton just started grabbing for things- so cute! Just yesterday, he started doing this! Cade has started saying some hilarious things- of course, things he has overheard us say- like- when I say- "Cade, you're my lil sweetheart", and he says, "No, mommy, I'm your bugaboo." He also thanks me for making dinner every night. Today, he told Scott that he's his best buddy. Too cute. And he has officially coined the phrase, " just for a little minute, mommy/daddy", which he says about anything he wants to do longer.

Remembering 2007: Some of our Best Times

2007-12-31T08:35:00.001-08:00

Christmas

2007-12-31T08:29:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

Trip To Charlotte for Thanksgiving

2007-12-10T20:31:00.001-08:00

Trip to Nana and Papa's

2007-11-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

Last week we had the pleasure of going to Kalamazoo, Michigan to see my parents! Cade always has a blast visiting with his Nana, Papa, Aunt Jamie and Grandpa K. Cade got lots of attention, and Colton got held round the clock!

Colton taking a nap!

I took Cade outside to look at the first real BIG snowflakes!

He thought it was too cold and wanted to go back inside!

Takes after his Daddy!

Cade and Papa

Nana, Aunt Jamie, Rudy and Colton

Guys night out

2007-11-12T18:08:00.001-08:00

Scott and Cade had a guys night out tonight! They had a blast! Cade wanted to go to the toy store to play, then on to Noodles and Company for Mac and Cheese. Scott said he asked to have broccoli added to his mac and cheese! Too funny! Then they went to Coldstone for ice cream! He got cake batter with bananas. He came running in the house after they got home- he was on cloud nine!

Scott sent this to me when they were out! It's of Cade going into each car at the toy store!

My camera charger is still MIA!

Date night

2007-11-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

On Monday night, Cade and I got to go on our first official mommy-son date! We had a blast! We are going to try to do them often and also with just Scott and Cade, so that he gets some one on one time with both of us.

I asked Cade where he wanted to go for dinner, and he immediately said Q-doba! No surprise there- (sidenote: My parents had him in their car the other day while they were following us downtown, and they heard Cade say, "I want to go to Q-doba", my parents were like- what?, that was out of the blue- but then they looked at the strip mall they were passing by and there was a Q-doba in it! We had been to that particular Q-doba only about 4 times, whereas we go to the one by our house atleast once a week, so needless to say, they thought it was hilarious!)

So, we went to Q-doba, and Cade got his usual chicken burrito and chips and guac, then we went to Toys R Us! We just went there to play- Cade wanted to play with the Thomas the train stuff first, then look at all the books, then play with the Elmo stuff, then it was on to the bikes and finally he had to sit in all the battery operated cars- it was too cute! To top off the night, we went to Starbucks- which sadly he knows by name as well- for his favorite- spiced caramel apple cider! It is delicious!

I hope I can find my camera battery charger soon because otherwise I cannot upload any new photos- my camera is dead and needs to be charged!

Halloween pics

2007-11-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a blast! Thank you to the Skousens and Deweys for having us at their Halloween parties! We had so much fun! Check out Cade and Hunter, the mullet duo and fam, all the kids at the Skousen's Halloween party, Andrea's equisite treats, and James, Dave, and Scott! Ha!

Trouble...

2007-11-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Had to post this:

Was watching John, Cade, and Hunter again, and I had to go upstairs real quick to check on Colton- when I got back down literally 30 seconds later, Cade and John had gone to the pantry and taken out a bag of chips and started eating them! Caught them red-handed! Those little stinkers- they knew it too!

Week in Review..

2007-10-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Monday:

So, Monday I watched three 2 year olds (including Cade)! It was a riot. Hunter is almost 2 and John is just 3 weeks older than Cade. They are all adorable little boys. The three had a blast together- I had to include a pic of my house because you can see it was hilarious as they took off every pillow from the couches and had almost every toy out they could find! All in all, it was fun to watch them play together!

Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday- can't remember!

Cade is still loving being a big brother! He wants to be around Colton constantly, and we finally let him feed Colton! He thought he was a really big brother being able to do that!

Friday:

Friday night was the church Halloween party! Cade loved being Elmo, but he loved getting to trick-or-treat even more! He couldn't believe all the candy he got, and he just wanted to keep eating it! He already has a mad sweet tooth- it doesn't help that I have one too!

Sunday:

On the way to church, Cade asked if we could listen to, "Pour sugar Me", which is really, "Pour some sugar on me" by def leopard. Scott and I just looked at each other and laughed. He had asked for it before, but we didn't have it in the car at the time (he doesn't forget anthing! we had listened to it a long long time ago and he liked it, and then just recently listened to it the other day). He loves to bob his head and sing the chorus to the song. What a hoot.

That was our week! Can't complain- another good one!

Startin' 'em Young

2007-10-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

We are diehard Michigan fans, and it is now evident that this is rubbing off on our children. This is Cade with his new Michigan jersey on today. He now knows most of the words to "Hail to the Victors"- although you can't understand them all- "conquering heroes" is heard "conking heoes", and today he asked if we were going to the game, then, tonight, he would not take off his jersey, saying " I sleep in it tonight". How could we turn down that? Cade calls every shirt that is maize and blue a "Michgan shirt". No, I didn't misspell Michigan, this is how Cade pronounces it. So, the shirt he has on at the pumpkin patch is a "Michgan shirt". I guess I shouldn't be surprised at his apparent love for True Blue. I rarely dress him in red... so maybe he picks up on it from his parents. Hmmm.

We are alive! Almost 3 weeks...

2007-10-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello out there!

So, life is going well with our family! Colton is still an unbelievable baby- giving me more sleep at night than I could have ever imagined! He gained a whole pound at his 2nd week check up, which was excellent! He is eating and sleeping and watching Cade when he's awake.

Cade is still as sweet as ever with his baby brother. When I hold the two boys at night to read Cade his books before bed we sit in his rocking chair in his room, and he always says, "Mommy, you got both your guys". He has now started saying, "Colton, you're so cute" over and over again, but if we ask if Cade is cute too, he replies, "No, I handsome." Then he goes on to say that daddy is handsome and mommy is pretty.

Life with two kids has been awesome. Scott is a huge help, and the hard part is getting out of the house to go somewhere, which I have managed to do. Hope all is well with you and yours!

The first almost week with two kids...

2007-10-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Thank you to everyone that has called us, sent e-mails or replied to this blog! We appreciate hearing from all of you, and we are so glad that we could share this special time in our life with our closest family and friends!

Colton is quite the sleeper! I was expecting to be exhausted this first week, but he practically sleeps all the time- I have to wake him up to eat! This is quite the contrast to Cade, who was up all the time and never slept! I am not complaining one bit, it is just such a surprise to me! Talk to me in another week though to see if he's still sleeping this much...

Cade is loving being a big brother! He wants to know where he is at all times, and he always wants to pat his head and give him kisses! He also likes to push him in the swing, which we have to remind him that babies can't get underdogs! Everytime Colton cries, Cade says, "It's okay, Colton." It's too cute. He also fetches me diapers and wipes or my cell phone when it's ringing while I'm nursing!

Overall, the first almost week has been terrific. I'll have to check back in next week when Scott has gone back to work, and I'm all alone with an oh-so independent toddler and a newborn!

A new addition to our family!

2007-09-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I decided to start a blog for our family to update family and friends on pictures and happenings in our life!

Well, as most of you know, Colton Brooks Tousa is the newest addition to our family! He was born September 26th at 2:52 pm. He was 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 in long! He is adorable and has a striking newborn resemblance to big brother Cade!

We had a hard time deciding on a name, but when it came down to it, Colton was the name that stood out to us. Probably mostly because little Cade has been wanting to name him Colton all along! We were at one of my doctor's appointments a couple of weeks ago and we were waiting for the doctor to come in- Cade was sitting on my lap, and I just asked him, "Should we name the baby Griffin?" He replied so sweetly, "No, Colton." I almost melted. Scott and I hadn't mentioned the name Colton in at least a week. He never stopped mentioning Colton after that.

It was almost a no brainer.

We are all doing well, and we hope you are all doing well too!

Cade's sticker proudly announces he's a new big brother!