The Short story....

I updated my blog!!!

2011-03-11T13:03:00.001-06:00

Yes, as you can tell I finally updated my blog. I am sorry it has taken me so long to do so. Since it has been so long I had to add the posts for each child since it has been months since I have updated. This year so far has been interesting. In Feb, Eric went to Germany with his Guard unit for 3 weeks. During that time, Corbin got sick. We made it through it. This weekend will be the first weekend that we will have together since the end of January. I am not sure what we will be doing yet, but I need the family time. You just don't get enough of family time on a week night! Our weeks are pretty busy anymore with Cub Scouts, and Religious Education, and then other events we have that are unaccounted for that come up. We are a busy family, but the love that I have for my husband and boys are all I need to get me through a day!

Collin

2011-03-11T12:57:00.005-06:00

Oh how I love how much Collin is growing. He is becoming such a young man. He loves to play and be around his brothers. He is doing well in school and he is really liking his teacher this year.

It is Pinewood Derby Time-------Collin's car won one of the three races. It was fun for all of us to watch. Him and Eric had a good time making his car and you could tell he made it, notice the sticker over the whole car?

Cooper

2011-03-11T12:49:00.006-06:00

So Cooper is definitely hitting that stage of testing his parents! But, the problems is some of the things he does are so stinking funny that it is hard not to laugh at him. For instance, at daycare the other day he has this friend who he always plays with and they get along really well. This friend is not potty trained fully yet. So, Cooper told him that he does not need his pull-ups anymore and threw one of them in the potty. He said that is where he is suppose to potty, not in his pull-up. So, anyone who needs help potty training, Coop is your man!

He LOVES to make funny faces and me so I will take his pic and then I have to show it to him and he thinks it is HILARIOUS!

Coop also loves to do his hair. He says he needs to look nice for school every day. So, he turns on the water and wets his hair with his comb. Keep in mind he only does front part of his hair and he makes a MESS while doing it!

Corbin

2011-03-11T12:34:00.007-06:00

Corbin is growing so fast! On March 17th he will be 9 months old. He is army crawling all over the place and it is hilarious! Collin and Cooper love to help out with Corbin. They are both such good big brothers!

While Eric was in Germany for Guard for 3 weeks Corbin had RSV, an ear infection, and then croup. He is always such a happy baby, and you can tell that by the picture here. This picture was taken by my mom when Corbin was sick with his RSV(Mom is not use to her camera phone, notice the finger in the corner). He was such a good little baby and the doctor even commented when I took him in how good and easy going he is. I said he has to be he is the 3rd boy! :)

As I said, Collin LOVES to help out with Corbin! Here he is feeding him his dinner. Corbin just ADORES his brother Collin!

Collin and Corbin

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-23T14:22:00.002-06:00

Collin - 7 years

Cooper - 3 years

Corbin - 6 month

Collin Turns 7!!!

2010-10-20T16:04:00.008-05:00

Collin wanted to go to Kobe and eat for his 7th birthday. He loves it there because they cook the food right in front of you and they put on a little show while they are doing it. Of course since it was his birthday, they also gave him a special treat and did some extra things.

This dragon danced for Collin for his birthday and Collin decided to join in. He had so much fun!

Collin being silly

A skateboard for his birthday!

Collin - We love you more and more every day. You are growing up so fast! You are a wonderful big brother to Cooper and Corbin and they look up to you so much! I hope that your birthday was as special for you as you are a special gift for me every day! I love you Bubba!

2010-09-17T14:52:00.003-05:00

Happy 3 Month Birthday

CORBIN JOE

Yes, it is so hard to believe that Corbin is 3 months old today. I am not sure where the time has gone, but it has gone by really quickly. Eric and I have been very blessed with good babies, and Corbin is no exception. Daycare usually wears him out most days, so he gets home and takes a nap. Ok, well really he sleeps most of the night. We usually wake him up and play with him for about an hour or so and then he is tired again. He has a bottle about 10pm and then he is not up again until about 4 or 5. He is such a laid back baby also. He LOVES to be talked to and he will sit there and smile at you the whole time you are having a conversation with him. His smile is so cute. He does have dimples. I wrote in his baby book last night. I wish you all could see him and realize all he wants you to do is talk to him and he will be a happy little boy. It is neat to see the boys interact with him also. Corbin loves to watch them play in the house or outside. And if he is sleeping, he sleeps through all the noise the boys make. Corbin just loves being around and we all love him so much! He has completed our family!!

2010-09-09T12:18:00.008-05:00

September 2010

Yes, it is the best time of the YEAR!!!!
I thought today would be a good day to update my blog. Why you may ask? I am not sure, but I guess I got the idea when I was going through some pictures on my phone and saw how much Corbin has changed in the past 2 and 1/2 months. It is just amazing to me the difference!!!

Corbin - One day old

Corbin 2 1/2 months old

Corbin was baptized last weekend and it was a lot of fun. There were many surprised throughout the day, but the best was the fact that he did not cry at all! He was such a good boy and we were so proud!! This little boy is so laid back and just LOVES it when someone talks to him. He starts kicking away and tries so hard to talk back to you.

I have a feeling that Cooper is going to be the child that tests me daily. He does this now, but there are just times when it is hard not to laugh at him. He is so funny and has a wonderful sense of humor! He one of the funniest kids I have met. And when he gets it trouble, he knows how to work those eyes, but of course Eric and I don't fall for it. At least we don't most of the time. Coop is going to be my funny kid.

Oh, what do I say about Collin. Or Bubba as I like to call him. He does not like it and has not really liked it since I started calling him that at 6 months, but he deals with it and ignores me. I found out today that I am not a cool mom. I was dropping him off this morning and he did not want me to take him. He wanted Eric to, but I had more time. Well, when I dropped him off, I told him that I loved him and he just gave me this look that said, "are you kidding me?" So. I said it again. And I got a big eye roll. Last week he got a 10/10 on his spelling test and he was so excited. He also still loves to hold Corbin all the time and he is very protective of both is brothers. He has grown up so quick. I can't believe he will be 7 on the 19th of this month!

I really have to say that I LOVE MY BOYS!!! I would not and could not imagine my life without them! I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!

2010-08-04T15:19:00.007-05:00

So, it has been FOREVER since I have updated my page. I know that many of you never even visit it anymore and I don't blame you. Things have been going really good here at the Short house. We have been adjusting very well to Corbin being here. I tell you, 3 is completely different than 2, but it is all worth it. I feel as if my life is complete and these boys bring such joy into my life!

Here are a few of my favorite pics of the boys and Corbin.

Update on us:

Eric - has been back to work for some time now. He comes home and the first thing he wants is to see and play with the boys.

Me - Well, I start back to work on the 16th. It is bitter sweet. I have had the boys home with me for the past couple of weeks and it has been an adjustment, but it has been a nice one. I am sad to say that I will be going back to work, because I will miss my boys so much!

Collin - he starts school on the 23rd of this month. I can't believe he is going to be in 1st grade already. Time goes by so fast! He LOVES Corbin. He is always wanting to hold him and play with him. And yes, he has even changed a couple diapers (with us standing right there of course).

Cooper - Oh what to say about Cooper. He is the ham in the family. He wants to hold Corbin for 2 seconds and then he is done. When Corbin was first born he would call him skittles for the first few days. It was pretty funny. Cooper is always the life of the party and I am pretty sure this will continue all throughout his lifetime.

Corbin - for those of you who don't know, Eric named Corbin since I got to name Cooper. He first wanted to name him Crosby, but then changed his mind (thank heavens for that). There were 2 people that submitted the name Corbin with this exact spelling. Not sure what they will get yet, but they will get something. As for the Joe, he is named after my grandma Josephine and me. Corbin is so sweet. He LOVES to just lay with you. Does not matter if he is tired or not, he will snuggle in. He is doing pretty well at night, only getting up once, so he is a good baby.

That is the update on everyone in our family. I hope everyone reading this is doing well. I will try to update the blog more often, but with 3 boys, I don't get much time to do much!

Would you update this already

2010-04-21T17:54:00.003-05:00

I know, a lot of you have been asking when I am going to update my blog. Well, I have a little bit of time tonight, so I will do a little update.

COLLIN - he is doing good in school. I can't believe that it is almost over already. He is loving the basketball hoop that the boys got for Easter. Also, he likes to ride his bike. Collin does help me a lot when Eric is not home.

COOPER - What can I say about Coop? Well, he is my handful! But, he is so funny doing. Some of the things he says just crack me up. It is the kid that you can't ever really get mad at because sometimes it is just to funny. The other day him and Collin were outside playing and Cooper looks at him and whispers......"Oh sh**, I peed my pants. Keep in mind, he is doing actually pretty well not peeing his pants at this time. I heard him say this, but I did not say anything to him becuase I think it was a sibling thing and I did not want to at the time. All I could really do is laugh!!!

BABY #3 - it is going good. The doctor has me are partical bedrest, so I get to come home and do nothing. It is driving me NUTS!!!! Eric is having to do it all and I feel bad for him. Although, I love him for doing it also! :) We are officially 29 weeks along and it has gone by so fast. Since I just lay when I get home, every night Cooper has to come and lay down with Mommy and the baby about an hour before bed. I love this time with Coop!

Eric - Well, he still has his weekend Guard obligations. I have to be honest and with me on partical bedrest, this gets hard at times with the boys. But, we make it! :) Although I am a little nervous because he has to go for his 2 weeks coming up here. Let's just hope I don't go into labor while he is gone. The good news is, he will just be in Springfield, so not that far away! :)

That is really the only update I have for us right now. Hopefully I will update again before the baby comes, but I will be honest, don't count on it! :)

Boy or Girl

2010-01-22T16:04:00.003-06:00

Yes, I am finally getting up the nerve to post that we are expecting baby number 3!!! It is a great feeling and I am so excited! When we were thinking about it, I asked Collin if he woud like a baby brother or sister and he said that "we have to many kids Mom." I am ready for another baby Short to be here and I am super excited about it! I am due the end of June! Many ask if we will find out what we are having and I don't think we will. Or if we do, we won't tell anyone! Since this is our last one, we HONESTLY don't care if we have a boy or a girl. We have the clothes from the boys and thanks to Allison we have all of Kat's clothes, so we are good for a girl! :) I am just excited and trying to enjoy every minute of this pregnancy! Feel free to make your guess as to if you think it is a boy or a girl! :)

Happy Friday!

Time to see Santa at State Farm

2009-12-07T08:52:00.006-06:00

Cooper and Collin waiting to see Santa

We took a little family picture

Boys by the Gingerbread House

Boys with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Christmas Parade in Fairbury

2009-12-07T08:47:00.003-06:00

Last year the boys and I rode with my dad in the fire truck for the Fairbury Christmas Parade. This year, they asked Eric to be part of it. They were honoring the Veterans. Eric got to ride with the Red Hat ladies. We all had a lot of fun! And the float Eric was on one first place!

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-07T08:39:00.003-06:00

So last year I was not really into Christmas to much. I think it was because Eric was not home and I did not want to do a lot of decorating in the new house without him. So, this year is the first year that we have really decorated the house. Here are some pictures of what we have done.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2009-12-07T08:33:00.006-06:00

Finish with a Christmas Cookie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T17:07:00.005-06:00

So, the other night Eric had put the kids to bed and all of the sudden Cooper came down the stairs to find us. Eric was standing at the doorway and said "You need to get back in bed. What are you doing up." Of course Cooper said, "I don't know Dad." I was in a different room and had not seen Cooper yet, but I was laughing at Eric. Eric thought that I should see what his son had done, so he tells Cooper to come and show me. Here is what he looked like:

He had his paci and all! Man, he is going to be my handful, but I love him so! :)
Yes, I had to laugh and take a picture of him!

Movie Time!!

2009-11-25T11:14:00.007-06:00

Eric and I decided to take the boys to see "Planet 51" over the weekend. We had a late lunch so we decided to get some nachos and hotdogs. They boys decided they wanted the nachos so Eric and I ate the hotdogs. We get out of the movie and Cooper has decided that he now wants a hotdog. He was really good while Collin was playing some games, so we got him his hotdog to eat on the way home.

We get into the truck and Cooper pulls the hotdog out of the bag and says "WHOA, that is a BIG HOTDOG. Look Collin." Eric and I were dying laughing and you will see why below!

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T13:47:00.003-06:00

Today is Veterans Day and it got me to thinking. I thank all the people that have served or are serving our country. What a great honor it is! But of course there are a few of the Veterans that are a little closer to my heart! :)

Eric - I want to take a few minute to thank you so much for all you have done. You are a true hero!!! You are a hero not only to our country, our kids, but you are my hero! I know that it was really hard for you to be away from the boys for that year, but I want you to know there was not a day that went by those boys did not tell you good morning or good night! They love their dad and they are so proud of you. I think about the things that we have been through in our relationship and I was really worried about you being gone for son long. Yes, it has taken awhile to adjust, but we are getting there. I want to make sure that you know how much we love you and are so proud of the sacrifices you made for our country. It was not easy for you to be away for so long, but you did it with such honor! We love you!

Lyndsey - Thank you so much for doing what you have done and made the sacrifices you made for us by going overseas! You are a very strong woman! Love you!

Chad - Thank you for all that you have done to serve our country. You have been in the service the longest (because you are old) and you have made so many sacrifices throughout the years! Thank you for all you do!

Shaun - Thank you for the sacrifices you made while you were in the service! We appreciate all that you have done!

Kyle - I want to also take the time to thank you for all you have done for our country also! You have been overseas twice in the last year or year and a half. I know that it has been hard for you, but just know that we appreciate it!

Danny - Thanks for the time you put in to serve our country also! It is such an honor!

Knowing these people and calling them all family is a great honor!!! You have each made so many sacrifices for us and with your families and I just want to let you know that it does not go unnoticed! We love you all and HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!!

2009 Pumpkin Carving Experience

2009-10-27T11:21:00.003-05:00

Cooper digging in his pumpkin. Collin getting all the seeds out of his pumpkin

Daddy helping Cooper with his pumpkin. Eric thinking about the next step on Cooper's

Cooper telling them where he wants the mouth. Oh NO! Look out!! Cooper is carving now!!!

Collin did such a good job! Here we go with Coop's attempt again!! EEK!

Collin did his all by himself! And Eric helped Cooper

Happy Halloween!!!!

Adjusting to each other again.

2009-10-20T11:37:00.002-05:00

So, I am blogging because I really have to get this off of my chest! Why are changes and adjustments so hard? I guess I thought when Eric got home that everything would be back to normal, but I am wondering when that will happen. I know that it will take awhile, but I am just not a patient person. For some reason I am ok with change and adjusting, but it needs to happen quick. I know things will work itself out, but I just want it to happen now and not have to wait for it. We are all still adjusting as a family. I guess I thought that it would be really easy and not a big deal for us. I thought we were so close that we would not have to adjust. Well, I was wrong. We do have to adjust. We do have to get used to things again. We do have to rebond as a family. It is just really hard to say, but it needs to be said too. I thought the kids would be the hardest to adjust back, but I think it is Eric and I. A relationship is hard, but when you are apart for a year it is harder. We will get through it, I am sure of it! Just time to roll up the sleeves and work it all out! :)

Did I fail as a Mother???

2009-10-06T08:51:00.003-05:00

So, Friday was a really trying time for me as a mother. I found out that my child trusts anyone. Here is what happened.

Friday was homecoming here in town, so the schools let out early. Our sitter was off for the day, so I had arranged for Eric's sister, Kelli, to pick Collin up at the bus stop. Kelli called Eric about 2 and said that Collin did not get off the bus. Eric told her not to worry about it that maybe she was too early and there should be another bus coming. Just thing, this guy got out of this car with Collin. He introduced himself to Kelli and she did not think much of it. She thought it was the sitters husband. Of course, I hear about this way after the fact. I kept pondering over what is the best approach to this.

I called Collin (he was at my mom's for the night) and asked him how he got to the bus stop. He said that the little girl that he walks to the sitter with was riding home with her dad. He said that he was on the bus and the bus driver told him to get off because someone was there to pick him up. So, Collin got off the bus and rode home with this little girls dad. (Now, as my son is telling me this, I am holding back the tears and also making sure that my voice does not crack.) I asked him why he went with her dad from school and his response was, "because he wanted me to go with him." Ok, now I am freaking out and tears are rolling down my face. I told him to never go with someone again!

So, now I have to figure out who this guy is and why he thought that he could get my kid from school. I call the sitter (I know that she in Chicago, but I thought I would try anyway.) and leave her a message. She calls me back on Sunday. (when we first started going there, she told us that she would not be able to get Collin from the bus stop, but there would be a little girl that he would walk home with. Also, on really cold days this little girls dad would get him and take him from the bus stop to her house.) The sitter says that she called the dad of the little girl and told him to NEVER do that again. She said that she is not sure why he would think that he could pick Collin up at school. I told her that I am fine with him taking Collin from the bus stop to her house because she does have trust in him and she is responsible for my son at that point. My concern is more with the school. Why did they have him get off the bus?

After I get off the phone with the sitter my little 6 year old looks at me and ask - Mommy did I do something wrong because I was on the bus and they told me to get off. I told him that he was right that day, he was suppose to ride the bus! I also explained even further that we don't ride with strangers (now I know how he knows this man).

Yesterday I call the school and ask to talk to the principle. She calls me back and I tell her what happened on Friday. She is very apologetic and she is in disbelief that this happened. She is going to talk to the bus driver and all the bus drivers and make sure that anyone out at the bus yard is not letting the kids just go. It is also safety month at school, so she is making sure that "Stranger Danger" is at the forefront for the students. Lets just say that the principle was very upset about it and she is not taking this lightly! She said that she will be taking some action because this should have NEVER happened. She also asked if I was ok and I told her that I was, but I felt as if I failed as a parent. I tell him not to go with anyone, but it is not like I tell him every day, so did he forget? She of course said it was not my fault and that the bus driver had failed in keeping my child safe and she will be taking action! I am glad that she was so willing to listen and I really feel as if she cares for the students there and that she is not taking this lightly!

Moral of the story - we have been talking more and more about Stranger Danger at home and made sure to let Collin knows not to go with strangers. (As I said before, I think he knows this, but he had seen the guy and he has taken him to the sitters before.) I of course explained to Collin that unless it is one of us, he does not leave the school with anyone!!!

This was such a scary time for me and I was taken back by the fact that Collin is so trusting. I love him for that, but then again in this day and age (unfortunately) it is not a good thing. It was a real eye opener for me and I hope that all of you take the time to remind your kids not to go with strangers. It was the first reality that I could have lost my baby!!!!!

Clinton Apple and Pork

2009-09-28T10:58:00.001-05:00

Sunday we decided to take the kids to the Apple and Pork in Clinton. They both wanted to ride the horses (the only real ride there). I was surprised they both did so well! They were very excited and it was a first for both of them!

2009-09-28T10:57:00.001-05:00

2009-09-28T10:49:00.010-05:00

Collin Turns 6

2009-09-28T10:46:00.003-05:00

When you as a 6 year old where they want to eat for their birthday, most of them would say something like Chuckie Cheese, but not Collin. Eric and I asked him where he wanted to go and he said Alexander's Steakhouse. He wanted to go where you cook your own steak over that big grill. So, that is what we did! He enjoyed every minute of it! He is getting way to big to fast!!

2009-09-28T10:46:00.001-05:00

Collin and his birthday cake.

2009-09-28T10:45:00.003-05:00

Yep, I am 6!

2009-09-28T10:45:00.002-05:00

So happy to be 6!

Cooper being funny!

2009-09-28T10:43:00.001-05:00

Cooper with funny teeth in on the way to Collin's Birthday Party!

2009-09-16T11:37:00.003-05:00

Eric is HOME!!!

Eric and his unit returned home on Sept. 11th. They were deployed overseas for a year. Below are some pictures of the Welcome Home Ceremony and also how the kids and I decorated the house when we got home! You will notice there are no pictures of Collin. This is because he was throwing up during the ceremony. Him and his bucket stayed in the stroller the whole time. I felt so bad for him! It was very emotional! I did not think that I would cry, but the relief of him being home and getting our lives back was so overwhelming!

During this deployment, I think all of us have learned many things. We not only learned how strong we each were, we also learned how much our family can endure! We missed each other like crazy, but I think this will just make our family stronger! Don't get me wrong, some days were a real test for all of us, but we made it through!

It is so nice to finally have my family back together!!! We are more thankful for each day that we have together!!

2009-09-16T11:36:00.002-05:00

2009-09-16T11:35:00.001-05:00

2009-09-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

Eric, Cooper, and I.

Collin was really sick this whole day, but he was a trooper and came with us. He just did not get out of the stroller the whole time. Him and his bucket stayed in the stroller to welcome Daddy home! I felt so bad for him!!!

2009-09-16T11:32:00.000-05:00

Eric and I

The year is FINALLY over!!!!

Good-Bye Preschool

2009-05-21T11:31:00.007-05:00

Tuesday night was a big night...COLLIN'S PRESCHOOL GRADUATION!!! It was such a fun night. MeMaw, Grandma & Grandpa Short, & Aunt Kelli came. It made me very sad that Eric was not there for it. But Collin was excited so it was a great time. Here are a few pictures from the night.

standing outside the school

walking in

lined up

singing

in his graduation hat with his diploma

brothers

Collin & Mommy

Collin & MeMaw

Grandma & Grandpa Short with Collin

Aunt Kelli (his Godmother) & Collin

And what would a post be without a picture of this adorable boy???

Cooper is 2

2009-05-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

My little baby is 2! I cannot believe it. Time has just flown by! We celebrated Cooper's 2nd birthday yesterday with a party - Sponge Bob themed! Prior to guests arriving, we got online with Eric so he could see Cooper open some of his presents. It was great!

Happy Birthday Cooper!
Me & my boys!

online with Daddy

Say Cheese Coop

presents, presents, & more presents

He's a White Sox fan by birth!

And what would a birthday party be without cake??? And messy kids :)

And some "brotherly" love!

and this just because Collin is so darn cute!

Eric's Leave

2009-05-15T11:51:00.002-05:00

We made the most of Eric's 2 week leave.

Here we are in downtown Chicago - on our little get-away!

And this was too cute not to post!

Collin Plays Baseball

2009-05-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

new family picture - taken right before Collin's first baseball game!

Collin up to bat

Easter 2009 (very late & I'm sorry)

2009-05-13T11:45:00.002-05:00

The boys Easter Morning

Coop "LOOK WHAT I GOT"

Collin says "EASTER BUNNY DIDN'T HIDE THESE VERY WELL"

Enjoying this Time...

2009-04-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

It is absolutely wonderful to have our family back together. We have been doing lots of things. But most importantly, we have been enjoying this time together.

Eric & the boys chillin out watching a movie. The boys are so happy to have their Daddy home! Eric & Collin spent some quality Daddy/son time together yesterday while I ran errands. We also managed to have a "pretend" birthday dinner for Eric at Kobe. Wasn't he such a good sport!

ERIC IS HOME ON LEAVE!!!!

2009-04-17T15:25:00.003-05:00

I am very happy to report that Eric arrived home safe & sound! He is on a 2 week leave, & we are loving every single minute of it. The boys are SO UNBELIEVABLY happy to have Daddy home for a while. I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY HAPPY TO HAVE ERIC HOME!!!

With that being said, we have much more important things to do than blog about it. I will leave that to my very awesome friend, Natalie . I am taking lots of pictures & will get them to her to upload when I return to work!

Too Busy To Blog

2009-04-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here are my reasons for not posting more regularly:

Eric has been in Afghanistan since the week after Thanksgiving.
Collin & Cooper keep me very busy at home & I would rather enjoy my time with them then sit down to blog.
I work full time & recently took on a different role at work. And I am much busier!

Coop

2009-03-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

Cooper exhausted from his day...

me & my boys

2009-03-08T08:44:00.004-05:00

Take 1...

Take 2...

Cooper Eating

2009-01-07T10:56:00.001-06:00

So, we all know that Coop loves to eat, well this is what he looks like when he is eating spaghetti! I loves it! He is definately my child with the way he LOVES pasta!

2009-01-07T10:54:00.001-06:00

Cooper was so upset when he could not go to the Cooperider Christmas with Collin, so he called him all day on "'his phone" and took my picture. As you can tell, he wanted to go so bad that he had his hat on most of the day.

Christmas Plate

2009-01-07T10:43:00.002-06:00

I took the boys to Artiful Designs here in Bloomington. We made this platter. The light green hands are Collins and the dark green ones are Coopers. Collin also wrote both of their names! I thought it turned out pretty well!

Yes, they Copy each other ALL THE TIME!

2009-01-07T10:41:00.002-06:00

Movie Time

2008-12-12T14:50:00.002-06:00

Cooper got to go and see his first movie. It was Bolt. He would not take his eyes off the screen. Here is a picture of him and his favorite part.....

POPCORN BUCKET!!!

Fire Truck with Grandpa McPherson

2008-12-12T14:44:00.005-06:00

As most of you know my dad is the Fire Chief for the Fairbury Fire Department. This year he drove one of the fire trucks in their Christmas parade. The boys and I rode in the truck and threw out candy. They had so much fun! Here are some pictures before we left at the fire station.

Christmas Tree 2008

2008-12-12T14:31:00.007-06:00

The boys wanted to start putting up the tree. Please keep in mind this was a 2 day process. This is just after getting the tree and lights up.

Don't they look nice in this one

Collin's face cracks me up in this one!!

Trip to North Carolina

2008-12-02T10:06:00.003-06:00

As most of you know, we went to North Carolina to see Eric one last time before he left. It was a good trip! It was a long ride, but the boys did really well with it. When they saw Eric, they were not sure what was going on. They were surprised! We tried to do as many things with the kids that we could do. We ended up having to take Cooper to the doctor while we were there and he had pneumonia. He is doing better now, but it was a hard time for him. Eric had to go back on Friday, so we spent the day getting the kids ready for another good-bye. They did pretty well with it. It is just going to be hard for us to not see or hear from him very much in the next 9 months.

2008-12-02T10:05:00.000-06:00

Christmas family picture

2008-12-02T10:04:00.000-06:00

Eric, Collin, and Cooper by the Christmas tree the day Eric had to report back

2008-12-02T09:51:00.003-06:00

Family picture at the beach in North Carolina. This was taken on Thanksgiving day

Eric's Gone

2008-10-06T14:44:00.002-05:00

As you all know, Eric is now in North Carolina. It was a very emotional weekend for all of us! Eric did make it there ok. On Friday we decided to take a picnic to the park. We had a good time and the kids loved playing! Then Saturday came the day that we were all dreading!! We took Eric to the Armory in the morning. Collin has not realized that Dad will not be home until after he is 6. He was having a tough time with this! We were all crying to say the least! We know that he will keep himself safe and he knows how much we all LOVE him and will MISS him so much!!!

Here is a pic we took while at the park.

Short Boys for Sale

2008-08-23T13:30:00.002-05:00

Not sold separately!!!

Cooper's First Carnival Ride

2008-08-23T13:21:00.002-05:00

Cooper before the ride started.

He did not like it so well once it got started!

Spiderman.......

2008-08-08T12:09:00.002-05:00

Update

2008-08-08T12:06:00.003-05:00

Sorry it has been awhile since I have done an update. We are moved into the new house in Bloomington. It is painted, but we are still trying to get thing unpacked. It is amazing how much fit in the other house. The boys have adjusted well. Collin is in the pool almost every day! We are still trying to get stuff on the walls, but it is coming along! I will add pics of the house once I get them taken! :)

A Look Back at Cooper's First Year

2008-05-16T14:31:00.007-05:00

Check out a slideshow of Cooper's first year!!! He has gotten so big!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=5d5be12ec41d73fa2db148

Our Boy's

2008-05-09T15:38:00.000-05:00

They do LOVE each other!!!

Family Picture!!!

2008-05-09T15:36:00.003-05:00

We bought a house and we are moving on June 5th!!!! We are very excited to have more room!! It is a 4 bedroom with 3 1/2 baths and also has a pool in the back and a bar in the basement! It has almost 3,000 square feet! It will be so nice to have the extra room!

Cooper's 1 Year Pictures

2008-05-09T15:28:00.005-05:00

2008-05-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

2008-05-09T15:25:00.000-05:00

2008-05-09T15:24:00.003-05:00

Cooper's Throat

2008-05-09T15:21:00.003-05:00

I got a call from the daycare and they said that Cooper was throwing up blood and I needed to take him to the doctor. I got there and the doctor decided to do a strep test on him. As the nurse was doing the test, she pulled this out of his throat. Needless to say, I almost passed out! It is metal and sharp on both ends. He is doing fine, but I am just thankful that they got this out of him.

Look who has CURLS!!!!

2008-04-10T08:30:00.001-05:00

Funny Boys

2008-04-10T08:29:00.001-05:00

Cooper LOVES playing with cars!!!

2008-04-10T08:25:00.001-05:00

Collin making faces at me!

Sleeping

2008-04-10T08:24:00.001-05:00

We cleaned out Collin's closet and he decided that he wanted to sleep in it. So, here he is sleeping in the closet!!!

Smile

2008-04-10T08:23:00.000-05:00

Collin needs some chapstick, but he is all smiles!!!

Rub my Belly

2008-04-10T08:22:00.000-05:00

This shirt just cracks me up!!!

"Mommy's Lucky Charms"

2008-03-07T15:16:00.001-06:00

That is what their pj's say! They do love each other!!!! :)

2008-03-07T15:15:00.000-06:00

We have been trying to get this picture for too long now!!

Watching TV

2008-03-07T15:14:00.001-06:00

Of course, Collin is in Spiderman as they are watching TV. And look how cute, Collin has his hand on Cooper to make sure he does not fall off his chair!

Cooper's Chair

2008-03-07T15:13:00.001-06:00

Cooper got a new chair. He loves it because it is a blow up one!

Budda Belly

2008-02-21T09:49:00.001-06:00

The doctors says that this little 22lb boy has the best buddy belly that he has seen in a long time!!!!

My Budda Boy!!!

Swim Collin, Swim

2008-02-21T09:47:00.002-06:00

We went to a hotel one night so Collin could swim. He is going to be a little fish!!!

Cooper Being Funny

2008-02-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

Cooper and Collin thought it was HILARIOUS that Cooper had his NUK in upside down! They both could not stop laughing about it!! BOYS!!! :)

2008-02-21T09:41:00.001-06:00

Collin is all smiles for the camera!!!!

Supper Time

2008-02-21T09:40:00.002-06:00

Yes, there is more food on his face then he got in his mouth!!!!

I LOVE to Bounce

2008-02-21T09:38:00.000-06:00

Cooper LOVES to bounce.

2008-02-21T09:24:00.002-06:00

Taken about 10 minutes after the previous picture. I guess he was so tired that he fell asleep. These things are suppose to entertain them, not put them to sleep!!

Bye-bye

2008-01-31T10:56:00.000-06:00

Look at my Teeth!!

2008-01-22T13:13:00.000-06:00

Showing off my teeth!!

SPIDERMAN

2008-01-22T12:59:00.000-06:00

When you come to our house, you have to turn into Spiderman. Drew and Tannin came over to spend the night at our house last weekend. They had a blast!!!And before you ask, yes, these are all Collin's masks!!!

Why are you in the crib?

2008-01-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

Collin decided to get in the crib with Cooper the other morning. Cooper loved it!!!

SO CLOSE

2008-01-10T18:00:00.001-06:00

Cooper is so close to crawling right now! He does a push up and the army crawl. He is getting there and Collin and I hope to have him crawling by the time daddy gets back home!!!!

Rubber Duckie

2008-01-10T17:59:00.001-06:00

Rubber Duckie your the one. You make bathtime so much fun!!!

Bath Time

2008-01-10T17:48:00.000-06:00

PRICELESS!!!

2008-01-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

Yes, these are the boys with new underwear on their heads! They can be so funny sometimes! Of course I told Collin that he can only do this with NEW underwear!

2008-01-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

This is the cabin that Eric took me to for my birthday! It was such a wonderful time and we had so much fun!!!