Growing up Slater

Keagan turns 3!

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-06:00

Keagan turned 3 on the 21st of this month....I can't believe he's 3. He's as big as a 4 year-old.

We traveled to Springfield for his birthday so the grandparents could attend this year. I was glad we did...and hey - mom just has a bigger house compared to ours!

We did the construction theme....Keagan had requested diggers, loaders,....anything constrution themed.

I had hard hats and work aprons for everyone...Kade especially loved his. The birthday boy, well, froze.

Keagan did not want to participate with the hats and aprons. He had been so excited about them the day before...oh well.

I fixed a "dirt cake" in the dump truck. I was so afraid the part that dumps was actually going to dump everything onto the floor....but it was a success.

Dad sported his hat and apron like a true birthday champ.

Keagan loved the gummy worms that were in the dirt cake the best.

Mom will probably kill me for posting this.

Keagan received a big wheel from Nana and Pa Dudley and many construction trucks from the Slaters.

The big wheel was a big hit - more so for Kellen and Kade though.

Next was the pinata...even Kade took some pretty good whacks at it - everyone was ducking for cover from that one!

We had a wonderful birthday party and want to thank everyone for coming!!

Dear Keagan, You are such a big boy. I seriously think you should be a stand-up comedian sometimes. The way you reenact scenes from movies, books, and real-life amazes me. We are still hoping you decided to try out potty-training - SOON please. You adore your brothers and still love to cuddle with mommy when you wake up in the morning and after naps. You still take naps most days - which I am thankful for. You love to color and draw and basically do anything Kellen does. I love you dear one and pray for you daily that you will grow up to be a man of God who loves his wife and family. Happy Birthday!

Kade at 18 months

2012-01-18T09:21:00.000-06:00

Life keeps getting busier with you Mr. Busybody...so busy.

You think you are just as big as the other two. Kellen and Keagan like to play Thomas or PBS kids on the computer and there are many times I catch you "pretending" to play as well. So much for the "kid" computer you got for Christmas!

You are a big cheese. You see the camera and you strike a pose.

Waiting patiently for your first haircut....sigh

Your hair was getting so long in the back. Sometimes it would curl, other times it just stuck up everywhere. So I braved it and took you and Keagan to the mall for your first trim....by myself.

You were so good. I actually let you have a sucker. I figured it was the most sure-fire way to get you to sit still. It worked.

All done!

The things you are into right now:

plunging your hand as far down the toilet as you can

opening my make-up bag and playing with my make-up

spoons and cheese graters are your favorite kitchen item right now

and anything else that strikes your attention....

You are my busiest child by far. You are starting to say a lot more words and understand so much more!

My favorite thing you say is " I ov ooo " for I love you...it melts my heart.

I am looking forward to seeing you grow. We have a busy spring and summer ahead of us but I think you will just take it in stride. I love you dear one!

Batter Beater Eaters

2012-01-11T13:45:00.000-06:00

OH my little BIG moochers. You can't get anything past these two. I swear they can hear the refrigerator door open from across the house. They hear a cabinet door open and close; they come running. They hear the slightest bit of a paper crumpling...Mom - what you doing? Mom, what in your mouth?

Me: (with my mouth mostly full of something scrumptious) - "uhm, nofin - I dn't hv nofin"

I hope they think I'm as wonderful as these beaters filled with cookie dough.

A little more Christmas

2012-01-09T10:59:00.000-06:00

Just a few random pictures from around Christmas...

The boys were wanting me to take their picture for some reason with the home-made ottoman...they were just being silly.

We had a LOT of icing so we had several different mornings and evenings of decorating sugar cookies.

We went to Nana and Pa's house Christmas morning and then my Grandma Dudley's Christmas night - when my camera decided to no longer work :-(

I love the look Kade is giving Ruby..like - uhm - excuse me...what ARE you doing?

Little Riley...

Ruby and Kade got these ride-on toys from Nana and Pa. They were a HUGE hit. They rode them all around the house and giggled - and of course we were all laughing hysterically at them.

My mom made this bench for Ruby out of an old bed. Isn't it adorable? I hope I'm next...hint hint.

Merry Christmas!!

2012-01-05T15:24:00.000-06:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We were gone for actual Christmas Eve and Christmas and surprise - my camera broke Christmas night! So these are the pictures from our Christmas at home. I'll have to bum some off everyone else.

Kellen finally realizing there were 3 giant bean bags in the room - each with their name on them.

The boys ran outside to check on the reindeer food

And Keagan then explained what had happened to all the cookies.

Keagan is obsessed with keeping wrapped up in a towel after his bath. So I thought a robe would be a perfect gift for him.

Kade had to try on the robe too.

What?!? Candy!!

The bean bags were a hit the rest of the morning. They are a bit bulky but I am hoping those will become their new stomping ground (instead of my couches).

Where in the world is Daddy?

Merry Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve (kind of)

2012-01-02T11:37:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Christmas a couple of days early this year because we traveled to Springfield for Christmas. The boys really didn't keep track of the calendar all that much so we got away with it. It won't be long before someone is going to notice the dates just don't add up!

We read the Christmas Story and The Night Before Christmas.

We also wrote notes to Santa

And Kade wrote too - just not on paper.

I think Keagan's favorite part was getting the reindeer food out.

We had a plate with cookies and milk for Santa and a plate for the reindeer with "reindeer food" and carrots.

We took the reindeer food outside.

"Dear Santa, I hope you like the cookies"

Setting out the cookies for Santa.

The boys didn't realize that it wasn't really Christmas Eve, which I am thankful for. I just didn't want to explain it all - yet. I'm not ready for the magic to end yet. We don't make a huge deal about "Santa" because Christ's birth is what we really celebrate. All in all we had our own wonderful Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Kellen's holiday sing party

2011-12-31T07:44:00.000-06:00

Kellen's class at preschool had a singing party on Friday, their last day of school. Each grade/class had a few songs to sing and then we all got to eat and hang out.

It is so precious to see the kids sing and do their little actions with the words. They take it very seriously most of the time.

One girl was singing an entirely different song part of the time. So funny.

We were all asked to bring a treat to share with everyone. Kellen requested brownies. I was thinking of something a little more festive, however I did what he requested.

And let me tell you that didn't work out so well. Kade pushed the step stool up to the counter and stuck his meaty paws - I mean hands - into the brownies. I had to cut out around his hand prints in order for Kellen to take something to school. Oh well. Another day in the life with the busybody.

Christmas in Carterville

2011-12-28T19:12:00.000-06:00

At the beginning of this month, Carterville had their annual "Christmas in Carterville." They shut down their main street and have all sorts of activities for everyone. The street is decorated beautifully with lanterns and garland and lights. All the store fronts are decorated individually and each has it's own theme. It really is neat. I don't have many pictures because I was too busy checking everything out.

You know Dasher, Dancer...this one is Comet. They actually brought in a real reindeer and the kids really got excited that one of Santa's reindeer came to visit.

This was Candy Land Trail - there was a path of lights and several Candy Land themed stops.

Finally got one as a family...

All along the street people had stands of hot cocoa, cookies, kettle corn, and hotdogs...you name it - and it was completely free!! They fund raise and save all year to provide this event for the town of Carterville. Inside the businesses and churches along the street are activities for the children...making crafts and ornaments, coloring, and of course more treats. The best part of the evening was the horse-drawn carriage. It truly was a better than expected evening. Fun had by all!

Christmas with the Oldhams

2011-12-20T19:05:00.000-06:00

We look forward to hanging out with the Oldhams any chance we get - but for me it's especially fun at Christmas time. This year they came to our house and we ate dinner together, the kids exchanged Christmas gifts and then we decorated sugar cookies.

The boys were so excited to see them....but they definitely needed to burn some energy. They were running laps around the couches prior to them getting here.

We tried to get the kids to open one gift at a time - and take turns - it worked for about 30 seconds.

We love Melissa and Doug products. I actually got several items from that company this year. Keagan received a shish-ka-bob grill set.

It was the night of shoes for Liam. I had bought "squeaker" shoes for Kade a week prior and much to my surprise he FREAKED OUT when I had him walk in them. The kid LOVES shoes. But not these shoes. He cried and refused to walk in them and started crawling. SO Liam got them!

The decorating of the sugar cookies was the highlight of my night. The kids were pretty funny.

Just look at this picture!! Look at that sneak!

Keagan didn't understand that we weren't going to eat all the cookies. He decorated one cookie and then ate it. He gave up decorating very quickly.

The two little boys played in the jungle gym that is my kitchen table.

We told Nolan he was going to turn into the incredible hulk with all that green icing...

He was trying hard to make muscles.

These two did a pretty good job at decorating.

We had a great time and the only mishap was losing HK's bow...but we did find it eventually - after the Oldham's headed back to Eldorado.

Kade at 17 months

2011-12-17T14:54:00.000-06:00

Kade at 17 months:

You LOVE to wrestle. Lately Kellen will lay down on the floor and you will just come running to him and jump/fall on top of him. You both laugh hysterically....until eventually someone gets hurt.

Kellen will play sports resorts on the wii and you like to pretend to play as well. You know exactly where we keep the controllers and games. You get into the box, pull everything out, and then "play" the wii.

Just this week alone you stole Kellen's toothbrush and stirred the toilet water. On the same day, later in the afternoon, you pushed the step-stool up to the counter in the kitchen and stuck your meaty little - or should I say fat - hands into my freshly made brownies. I had made those brownies for Kellen's preschool Christmas party the following morning.

You are soooo busy. I know I keep saying this - but you are busier every day! I love you dear boy - but I hope you are done with some of this mischief!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-14T14:48:00.000-06:00

The tree has officially been up since the weekend of Thanksgiving and I am loving it. I love the smell, but I love making memories with the kids most of all.

As tradition, we find either a tree farm or a local Home Depot/Lowe's to find a real tree. We prefer Fraser Firs..

It was blustery wind/rain out that evening. So let's just say we picked the first one...

Mommy - I cold - I not moving.

I have decided we need an extra set of hands. It's extremely hard to video tape/take regular pictures and keep the kids out of the way, all while telling Karsten which way to hold and turn the tree.

Our old lights officially died - so we opted for the round LED lights.

How do I get these things out?

I don't know buddy - the same way you get out anything - destroy it.

The boys were fascinated with the lights and getting them out of the packing.

My most helpful "unhelper"

I have this picture memorized. I just think it's precious.

We now put the star on TWICE

Next year we will be putting it on three times.

I wish I had better pictures but I was video taping at the same time. We also had a young one (I won't mention any names) literally chucking every ornament or "ball" out of the boxes. I just could not keep up!!

I think next year we are going to have a "memory tree" that all the kids can decorate with their own ornaments and hand-made items and then I can have my pretty tree.

The Polar Express

2011-12-06T11:18:00.000-06:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving, Karsten and I surprised the boys with Polar Express tickets. We have been wanting to do this for awhile now and this summer I finally bought tickets. We drove to the Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello - and I just have to say this...that town and the railway is ADORABLE!

That day we told the boys we had a special surprise for them but they had to take naps -- then we would give them their surprise.

I just didn't want them to fall asleep on the train and miss all the excitement!!

I gave them each a gift bag..inside were their Christmas pj's and a ticket..

If you haven't seen the movie or read the book The Polar Express, then I will give you a run down: In the story the train is called the Polar Express. It picks up children and takes them to the North Pole. In the book/movie, the children are in their pajamas the entire time and they have hot cocoa, meet Santa, and recieve a bell. (It's a much better story than what I'm telling - but I don't want to give it away.) They reenact the scene on the train ride and the children are encouraged to wear their pjs.

The boys didn't realize at first what the ticket was for and Kellen was really the only one who understood.

I told Kellen to look at the ticket closely....then all of a sudden he screamed "The Polar Express!!" So I asked him - well then where do you think we are going? He screamed - "To the North Pole!!" It was absolutely precious to see their excitement and record it on video and in my mind forever.

So we whisked the boys into the van and drove about hour and 15 minutes to the depot.

The pictures just don't do it justice.

Soon after we arrived the train pulled up and the conductor called "all aboard!"

Excited is an understatement.

Daddy took a picture from the outside after we found our seats. I love Keagan's nose pressed against the window.

The train was a real train that actually moved. I think some people expect it to be pretend but it's actually an hour ride and an interactive experience. The train has wood floors and ceilings and definitely takes you back in time.

In the movie there are dancing waiters who serve hot chocolate but here it was girls dressed up as elfs and they tap-danced. The conductor even talked over the speakers and asked: "are there any passengers in need of refreshment" (just like the movie).

The book was read for everyone to hear, the hobo came to visit, then the conductor came to punch the boys tickets....

They each received a "k" punched in their ticket.

Santa then came to visit each child and give them their special bell.

Keagan wanted nothing to do with Santa.

It was such a memorable trip...I would recommend this to anyone who has children and loves the movie. It was a magical experience for my children and we love living through their excietment.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-28T11:26:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting around to posting last month's pumpkin carving for Halloween. I think I will be caught up soon!! Usually the boys each pick a large pumpkin and we do elaborate carvings. This year the pumpkins were really picked over and we chose just one. Kellen was the designer this year. He was very specific - triangle eyes and nose, a mouth and rectangle eyes. All I can say is this: the kid knows his shapes!

Kellen and Kade LOVED the pulp and seeds. Keagan however was totally disgusted.

Rectangle eyebrows. I think Kellen was trying to draw Daddy's eyebrows...they are slightly rectangular-ish!

Bandy Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

We finally made it to Bandy's Pumpkin Patch the weekend of Halloween...and I'm just getting around to posting something.

The boys had a great time. It was a little chilly out that afternoon but they didn't seem to mind at all.

Here's my attempt at getting a picture with my boys....

Yes, I'm pulling on Keagan's arm trying to get him to cooperate...

Yeah, not gonna happen

So I settled for 2/3.....and a crazy face from Kellen.

Kade loved all the baby pumpkins. I think he rearranged their entire pile.

We decided to go through the corn maze. I'm sure glad that Daddy was with us. We didn't take the stroller and Keagan didn't have a nap that day so you can imagine....

He memorized the map as best he could. There were 6 checkpoints that you had to get your ticket punched at. They told us to expect to get through the maze in 1 hour.

We actually made it out in 20 minutes...

Then we realized we skipped checkpoints 4-6. So I guess we found a short cut!

We decided to backtrack and eventually found the other checkpoints and made it out alive.

Next we found this photo-op...Hey there were 3 places for my 3 kids...I thought they would have fun sticking their heads through the holes...

But by this point Daddy was forcing you-know-who's head through the hole.

Next we went into the barn and let the kids run wild.

They love the corn bins.

and the bouncy house

the slides were super fast.

We finally got a hay-ride through the pumpkin patch and attempted a family pic.

We had a great time together and we finished the evening with carry-out pizza.

I love fall.

Kade at 16 months

2011-11-17T10:49:00.000-06:00

My dear Kade, I feel like I blinked and all of a sudden you are a little boy. Your babiness is slipping through my fingers at lightning-fast speed. That makes me sad...especially if you are our last baby.

You have an obsession with shoes. You love to get everyone's shoes and bring them to them - any time of the day. You know which shoes belong to whom and you attempt to put them on your feet.

You run down the hallway saying "shooz, shooz"

You also love to put them on your hands.

To say you are busy is an understatement. You can reach the light switches and you think it's funny to run into the bathroom and turn off the light while I'm in the shower....it's not funny!

This past month your vocabulary has really taken off. Your favorite word right now is moon. You say it a 1000 times a day. You love the moon and want someone to take you outside all the time so you can look at it. If I could pull it down for you I would buddy.

You LOVE your mommy. You are super attached to me but at the same time go to everyone.

This is what has developed this month and I think it's the sweetest thing. Do you see the tiniest bit of curl? You're probably thinking "so what?" Well, coming from a family of stick straight fine hair - this is huge!

Look at that - I mean - how precious!

Kade - I love you buddy! You bring much joy to our home. You are starting to show a little temper/frustration when you can't get things right or when someone takes something from you...And you've already picked up some bad habits from older siblings. However, you are so cuddly and I love you to pieces!!

Meeting Riley

2011-11-16T11:07:00.000-06:00

Several weekends ago we traveled to Springfield to meet baby Riley. I couldn't stand waiting any longer and Morgan graciously decided to come to Springfield. We also took family pictures that day as well. Each of the boys took a turn meeting Riley or "Wiley" as Keagan says it. They had no interest in holding her..they just wanted to gawk at her.

Kellen was pretty excited but when I asked him if he wanted to hold her he was not at all interested. Big difference between girls and boys!

Kade was a little confused I think

It's hard to believe he's only a month away from how old Keagan was when I had Kade!

Getting my baby fix!

Karsten meeting Riley

Pa and his Boys

Even though it was a whirlwind trip, we were so glad to get family pictures taken and of course meet little Riley. She's so sweet and I can't wait to see her again next weekend!

Caramel Apples

2011-11-13T17:05:00.001-06:00

Did you know that Kraft no longer puts the popsicle sticks in the bag of caramels? Or maybe I am out of the loop. But I sure was disappointed when I found out I didn't have any! I had been telling the boys that after church and naps we could make them.

So obviously I had to use plastic spoons - and actually it worked really well and they were easier for the boys to manipulate. They just didn't look very pretty.

Anxiously awaiting the bowl of melted caramel...

They (and I) love the food chopper from Pamered Chef. Anytime I need to use it I automatically have helpers in the kitchen.

We were trying to chop up peanut butter chocolate chips - it wasn't working so well.

Kade was helpfully unhelpful

The finished product - pretty lame huh? Well, we tried and they loved them.

Fall Days

2011-11-07T10:40:00.000-06:00

I love Fall. I love the smell, the temperature, and all the fun things to do during harvest time. I especially love that the boys can play outside in comfortable weather and I don't have to sit and wipe the sweat dripping from my forehead.

These past few weeks we (especially Karsten) have been emptying out our storage unit. We finally got the gator back out and I think it needs new tires.....again. We kept telling the boys we were going to wait until they poured the new sidewalks. Well, I can officially say that TODAY they are digging up the old sidewalks. So who knows when new ones will be poured. We ended up getting the gator out anyway.

Kade loves it. Anytime he goes outside, he makes a beeline for the gator and sits down and waits for someone to drive him.

He loves the golf clubs. However, I don't think they love him - especially when he just drags them across the concrete.

Having fun

We finally took Kellen to get crab legs at Red Lobster one evening. I can't tell you how long he had been waiting for this.

Our neighbor girl Gracie. She and Kade have a mutual adoration for each other.

We made it home once to get some combine time in. The boys talk about it all the time and Kade can say "tra ta" now. P.S. look at his gut! (No, not Karsten's!)

Daddy, all three boys, and Pa fit into the combine.

Gracie and Colin playing with the boys. They are such great kids. I wish they were old enough to babysit!

Daddy built new shelves in the garage to accomodate all of our stuff. We officially emptied the storage unit!!!

Kade and I were testing out the shelves to make sure they would hold.

The boys had to test it out too - but they were a little unsure about it once they got up there.

I know that was a little random but I had all these pictures and didn't know what to write - so there you are!

Happy Halloween!!

2011-11-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! We were busy as soon as we got up! The day was a little hectic but fun as usual. I just wish the boys would have cooperated a little better for pictures!

We started off the day with our daily trek to Carbondale to Kellen's preschool. The school was having a "Halloween fun and sing party." I dropped him off at 9 and then we were invited to come back to the school at 10 and join his class for the party.

He had to show off his pumpkin and cape prior to leaving for school.

The kids were finishing up their spanish lesson when we arrived. I was totally surprised when they all counted in spanish to 20 and then sang an entire "weather" song in spanish as well!

We had a short "parade" around the school and then stopped for a class picture. The cop - the one sitting by Kellen - is his "buddy." They immedietly took a liking to each other.

We then went to the fellowship hall and the kids sang several songs for us. (The pictures were horrible in that room!). After singing, everyone piled in line for a lot of sugary treats and drinks. I don't think my kids ate lunch that day.

My little scarecrow

My Superheroes. The heroes were not wanting to cooperate with pictures.

They had better things to do...like save the pumpkin from ????

After Daddy got home from work, we headed to Trunk or Treat at church and the Pumpkin Path in downtown Carterville. Carterville closes off all the streets and the kids go trick-or-treating at all the local shops. It's super crowded but such an easy way to go trick-or-treating.

Much to my surprise Keagan wanted an apple. I think the sugar was catching up to him.

More uncooperative pictures...ugh. And yes, Keagan is wearing a necklace. He won it at one of the booths at trunk or treat.

All in all we had a fun-filled sugary day. I think I'm going to hide the candy. Out of sight out of mind right?

Murphysboro Apple Festival

2011-10-29T14:33:00.000-05:00

Awhile back we took the boys to the apple festival. Another run of the mill carnival but the boys had a good time. They each got to pick several rides and then we filled up on greasy carnival food.

Kade was mesmerized

They each went down the bouncy house slide

And of course the flying Dumbo.

They begged for more rides but I can hardly stand paying $4 a piece for a one time slide! It's highway robbery if you ask me!

Either way they had a great time and we enjoyed watching them have a good time.

Soccer!

2011-10-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

It has begun...the shuffling of a child to and from games, practices, activities,...you name it. BUT I'm determined to not be an over-scheduled family. Good thing this was only 5 weeks! :-)

Kellen was VERY unsure of himself when we started soccer. He cried when we went to his first game and I was sure that he would be the one sitting on the sideline crying the whole time.

However, much to my surprise, he snapped out of it and played every game the whole time. I had explained to him that if he really didn't like soccer then I would not make him play. BUT we had signed up for it and we were part of a team - and his teammates were counting on him.

He actually scored several goals throughout the season. I was just excited for him because he tried something new and most of all had fun.

They received tickets after games so they could retrieve snacks from the snack store.

The best team member was little Meredith. She was the only girl on the team (there was only 4 players) and she probably scored 90 % of our goals.

We really had a good time watching them all play. They are so cute and animated....and not too competitive yet either.

Back to School Bash

2011-10-24T14:53:00.001-05:00

In Late August our church put on a back-to-school-bash. They had all kinds of carnival food and blow-up toys. The boys love bouncy houses and slides so they hit those pretty hard....and for once we didn't have to pay every time one of them wanted to slide down!

Kade wanted to be just like the big boys and slide down by himself. I've been trying to post a video but it's not always working.

Weee!!

You want me to do what? Keagan was so excited to climb up the slide...but when he got to the top he started second guessing himself.

It was soooo hot that day. This was in the evening and it was so blistering hot Kade's sweaty feet kept sticking to the slide. He would put his feet down and stop halfway down the slide.

The big boys got to have their face painted. Keagan chose a spider.

And Kellen a Rainbow.

My caged animal....literally. Keagan loved the bouncy house the most. He was in it every chance he could get.

They also had a dunk tank and several other things. The boys got to dunk the youth pastor which was pretty funny.

Well, I'm slowly getting caught up. Our computer died so I'm retrieving all these old picures from the backup they gave me....I'm almost there!

The new "fantasy fortress"

2011-10-18T15:13:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago (yes, I'm way behind) we finally found our way to the Boo Memorial Park in Carbondale. We had heard about this park and how neat (and huge) it was but I needed to wait until Daddy could go with us...it had been rumored that it was easy to get lost here....and it's definitely true.

The park was donated by parents who had lost their young boy in a tragic accident. He was a huge fan of "fantasy and castles/dragon"s..you name it. So they went all out. I didn't take very many pictures because I was too busy trying to find the boys.

The entire ground is covered in what I called chocolate sprinkles but are actually recycled and shredded tires. It was really nice to walk and play on and definitely beats mulch or pebbles.

The entire park looks like a GIANT wooden castle. The entire thing is a maze with itty bitty hiding places and twists and turns. Around a corner you may find a dragon in chains or a pirate in prison. Kade enjoyed peeping through the cracks at his brothers.

Kade had not been walking very long when we came here. He definitely had a hard time picking up speed.

The giant dragon seemed to be a favorite climbing obstacle.

On the dragon's head.

We had a great time. But I don't think I can go by myself yet - I just need an extra pair of eyes to help me find the boys in all those hiding places.

Kade at 15 months

2011-10-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

Kade has had a busy month. I cannot believe how "busy" he is. He is into everything. I think he may be my busiest yet. Kade has really developed an independent personality this past month and thinks he can do anything and everything he wants to. He is quite persistent as well.

This past weekend Karsten and I went home and then on to Chicago for the Chicago Marathon. We left the boys with my parents for a couple of nights and enjoyed some time alone. It was soooo quiet to say the least!

But first we got some more combine time in. The boys absolutely love it. We may hold the record in how many people can fit into a combine. Dad, Karsten, and all three boys in the above picture.

Kade really loves to be outside and of course anything to do with tractors and trucks.

He is learning how to keep his trains together but boy oh boy when they come apart....whew! The screaming out of frustration is about to get to me!

His George the Giraffe lovey is his best friend but he's also starting to develop a love for anything stuffed.

Dear Kade, You are all boy! You are trying so hard to keep up with your brothers. You try to run but fall a lot when you try. You also have an obsession with walking out to the street from our driveway. I cannot turn my head for a second. I think the appeal is that you always know I will come chasing after you.

You also learned how to blow your nose this month. It surprised me that you could do it. But the gross thing is you won't wait for a tissue. You'll just start blowing your nose with nothing there to catch it accept your hand - ew -- gross! Even though you're on the move you are still my best cuddler. Love you Buddy!

How to build a fire

2011-10-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

I honestly think if we gave the boys a few more tools, they would be able to build a fire from scratch. I'm not sure if this is a good thing considering their ages right now.

Step 1: Gather sticks

Step 2: Sprinkle dry leaves on top of sticks

Step 3: Break off some more dried sticks and leaves

Step 4: Discuss whether you have enough

Step 5: Ask Mom if she has fire. (AKA lighter or matches).

I told the boys that we couldn't make a fire this close to the house. They were pretty sad that I actually wasn't going to let them burn something at 10:00 in the morning.

They helped Daddy build a fire this weekend at Nana and Pa's house in the Secret Garden. I think they are now satisfied for awhile.

Following the leader, the leader, the leader.....

2011-10-11T10:12:00.000-05:00

When one goes up a ladder...the rest must follow!

Daddy accidently threw a ball up on the roof...

So naturally they had to go find it.

I was a little nervous about Kade going up the big ladder but he was bound and determined to do it. Keagan was second guessing himself. I was just glad no one fell and cracked their head open on the concrete below.

Check the shower

2011-10-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

Karsten: Where is Kade?

Me: I don't know....check the shower.

There are all sorts of odds and ends in our cabinets and drawers in our bathroom. So of course Kade is attracted to those odds and ends...especially travel sized shampoos, lotions, etc. that Karsten insists on keeping.

But lately Kade has moved on to bigger and better things. The shower.

At random times we will find Kade playing in our shower. He absolutely loves it and will pitch the biggest fit when I tell him he has to get out. I think it's the door he is most attracted to...and of course the ability to get soaking wet when we are about to go somewhere.

A day later Karsten and I repeated the same conversation as I was fixing dinner. He had just arrived home from work and said "hey - where are the little boys?"

Me: Check the shower.

And there they were. Having a grand old time.

Kade was trying to figure out what the holes were for at the bottom of the shower and Keagan was singing on the bench in the shower.

Um Mommy - no girls allowed!

So much for buying toys - we really don't need them!

Sock Boy

2011-10-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

Keagan loves "mittens." He usually makes them out of Daddy's socks and tonight was no exception. I just finally took some pictures of him in action.

Keagan was "going to work" with his work "gloves" and tool box

This is one of my favorite pictures of Keagan. It's just a genuinely happy little guy....

These pictures just do not depict his imagination very well. These socks entertained him for a good hour!

Georgie and Blankie

2011-09-28T19:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Georgie and Blankie.....

I LOVE YOU!

All three of my children have "lovies" and they absolutely cannot live without them. We gave them each one when they were about 3 months and they became attached quickly. I got smart with Keagan and actually bought back-ups. Knock on wood...but we've never lost one - forever that is. Thank goodness!

Weird Day

2011-09-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

Some days are just off - ya know?

A couple of weeks ago Keagan started pulling the "I'm not going to nap anymore" stunt. This particular day he had been in his room for 1 1/2 hours and still had not fallen asleep. So I told him he could get up but thanked him for at least staying in his room for "quiet time."

Kellen and Keagan both asked if they could watch their John Deere video and I said yes...what happened in the next 10 minutes was beyond me.

I was doing things around the house and I looked over because I thought "man, it's really quiet" and Kellen and Keagan both were completely sacked out on the couch with the John Deere video blaring it's music in the background.

Yeah - so much for the "no mommy - I'm not tired" excuse!!

They both slept for an hour and a half - and I relaxed too!

Caged Animal

2011-09-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

Ever since we have moved, our kitchen table and chairs and desk have been declared (by the kids) a obstacle course zone. Prior to us moving, the kids hardly ever played under the table. After we moved we bought a new desk and chair and the little boys were CONSTANTLY underneath it - including messing with all the wires from the computer.

This particular day Kade and Keagan were chasing each other through the above-said items. I think Kade decided this was his spot and no one was going to make him move.

Then Keagan decided he was a caged animal and he was going to squash him. I think Kade was thinking "oh yeah? you're not going to make me move!"

I'll step on you with my giant two-year-old foot!

Mommy he's getting closer with that giant foot!

Obviously it was still early enough in the morning because they still had their pjs on. But it could've been one of THOSE mornings. But hey - The baby was released and safe from harm. I love seeing their imaginations come to life.

Hot and Cold

2011-09-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

Now that I have my computer fixed, I am trying to organize pictures....and of course I found a few that I had forgotten about.

This particular day was a scorcher (one of many this summer). The boys had been playing outside and of course were sweaty and red-faced. They had asked for drumsticks earlier in the day and I had told them they could have them after dinner. And of course they did not forget. It was about bath time so I said "how about we eat a cold ice cream cone in a hot tub?" The boys thought this was a great idea and so here it is.....drumsticks during their bath.

I love their rosie cheeks on their sun-kissed skin!

Kade finished his first....are you surprised?

Kade at 14 months

2011-09-22T15:03:00.001-05:00

Finally - I have my computer back! I'm so behind on blogging - so here's my attempt at catching up!

Kade 14 months

Kade is walking very well now. He thinks he can do anything the big boys do

I love this look...he gives me this look any time he wants me to chase him. He just looks behind him and gives me those eyes...and he's off.

Kade had his first trip to the ER (actually our first with any of the kids) this past month for an infection. He is doing so well now but it was torture at the time. It's amazing how quickly little ones get better.

Dear Kade - you are growing up so fast!! You love your "Georgie" and will try so hard to get into your crib to get him (if he's not out already). You have really started to voice your dislikes. You point at everything and even have a few sounds for animals. You are so cuddly but are also very active at the same time. I can't wait to see what happens next month! I love you!

Kellen's first day of Preschool

2011-09-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

September 6, 2011

Kellen's first day of Preschool

Of course I couldn't get one by himself

I can't believe we are so close to Kindergarten....only one more year at home with my Kellen. Sigh.

Kellen has really grown up this summer. He went from being 4 to this "I'm 5 and I'm a big boy now" kind of attitude. Since he has started school there are several things he is doing that surprised me:

1. Absolutely no more baths (unless I make him) - showers only!

2. He sleeps with only pajama pants on...no more shirts - unless he's really cold.

He's so ready for school in the morning. I hardly have to remind him to do anything. He's always saying - mom is it time to go yet? I'm ready!

Psyyyyych!

2011-09-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

JUST KIDDIN' MAMA!!

Keagan and I (and Daddy) have been talking about potty training Keagan for quite awhile now. Even Kellen talks about it and encourages him to sit on the potty.

He knows the potty song....

He knows the faces he needs to make....

BUT this is the only time he has sat on the potty! Put it down in the record books! (He didn't even go mind you!)

I thought I may as well document that I have really tried. I believe he's ready - except for the fact that he won't sit on the potty! I'll say in a really high-pitched excited voice..."oh let's try to go potty"...blah blah blah. He just does the stiff-as-a-board-can't bend at the waist routine. What am I to do? I have a galore of bribery items...stickers, candy, potty chart...you name it.

I guess he may be the first to go to Kindergarten without being trained at the rate we are going!! Ha!

Kellen's Birthday (part 2)

2011-09-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

On Kellen's birthday morning we let him open his last couple remaining presents. He didn't know that he was going to open anything else so he was really surprised.

He got the Donkey Kong will game that he had been eyeing

After he opened presents he got to have his cupcakes for breakfast...hey - they can't be worse than a doughnut right?

I asked Kellen what he would like to do for dinner for his birthday...eat out, mommy could fix something special for him..etc...

His answer was "Mommy, I just want to go to the park and have PB&J sandwhiches and take my new fishin' pole and fish."

So that's what we did.

We had dinner at the picnic tables first. I'm not sure I've ever seen a 13 month-old eat an entire apple...and literally not swallow a single bite. I think it just felt good to bite into something!

haha...action shot

Keagan's job was to help get the fish out of the water when Kellen caught one. He took it very seriously.

I love this precious picture.

Daddy and the boys are now hunting for real worms because his fake bait wasn't catching anything.

Keagan guarding the tackle box. I threathened both of them within an inch of their lives NOT to open that box without Mommy or Daddy. There were probably 8 hooks in there and all I could see was a trip to the ER with something sticking out of an eyeball.

Dear Kellen, you are so sweet. You are really starting to become a Daddy's boy. Everything Daddy does is so cool. This year you are starting preschool every day. Daddy and I elected not to send you to Kindergarten yet even though you wanted to go (and because HK goes). I will treasure this last year with you at home. You start preschool on Tuesday and we had an open house friday. We met your teacher(s) and some of your classmates. I really think you're going to like it. You are growing up on me way too fast!! I love you sweet one and can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Happy 5th Birthday Kellen! (Part 1)

2011-09-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

August 29th was Kellen's 5th birthday and I can hardly believe the big (little) boy he's become. This year (as always) I asked what he would like for his birthday and what he would like on his cake/dessert of choice. He had no strong opinion either way and really had no interest in talking about..weird huh?

So I took it upon myself to decide and I went with a shark theme. This kid didn't miss much of shark week on tv!

I found a local person who does cakes from her home and she had done Kade's birthday cake. So I took a chance when I asked her if she could do a cake with a great white shark coming out of it! I think Kellen really enjoyed it.

It didn't take long for Kellen to lose his patience with waiting to open presents. I should've just kept them in another room until it was time to open.

Karsten and I stayed up late the night before to make a shark for pin-the-fin-on-the-shark

He recieved a spider man suitcase which he was pretty excited about.

Time to blow out the candles....

and eat the shark's head. I really wasn't expecting this. I took the shark off the cake so I could cut the cake. He started digging into the shark when I said it was edible. And HK joined in....they were laughing hysterically. I just hope we got it on video.

Thank you to everyone who came to Kellen's party....I know he (and we) enjoyed seeing everyone even though it was a little hectic.

No No!!

2011-09-01T14:28:00.000-05:00

No No! Is Kade's favorite word(s) these days....or I guess his least favorite word to hear...

Kade is constantly messing with the tv, wii, cds, dvds, tapes....you name it.

I'll say Kade in a long drawn out voice and he'll turn around and give me this:

"ha - I just jokin Mama...I"ll stop!"

You're such a little stinker!

Say please.....

2011-08-29T17:38:00.000-05:00

The other morning I fixed eggs for the boys. Kade was eating (and making a mess) and had already finished most of his. Keagan was asking for something and I kept telling Keagan (at the other end of the table) to say "please." I think Kade thought I was saying "say cheese." He kept making his funny "cheese" face so I had to capture some pictures.

Oh and of course all of the eggs all over his face and head. (and do you see the ones in his eyelashes?)

Why is it that they must rub things all over their faces? Does it feel good? Aaaahh...cleaning up hands and high-chairs is a full time job!

Summertime.....

2011-08-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

I've been harboring these random pictures for some time now and didn't know what to write about - or how to organize them. So - here's to some various summertime pics from our many trips to the park, pool time and other summertime fun.

I love his little fat knees with his front wedgie...

"Hey Kellen...how did you do dat?"

I love this picture. It was taken at Washington Park in Sprinfield.

Kade loves the water.

I'm sure I will have some more summertime random pictures with no stories....so check in again!!

Brusha Brusha Brusha

2011-08-23T08:23:00.000-05:00

This kid LOVES to brush his teeth

Or maybe he's just sucking off the toothpaste.

But you better not try to help him or take it from him. He actually prefers to rip the bristles out of the toothbrush. I do intervene at this point but man - bedtime brushing is a battle every night! I guess I should be thankful he wants to brush his teeth. He's such a little stinker!

Our new ride

2011-08-19T15:53:00.001-05:00

This year for Karsten's birthday and Father's Day the boys and I got him a bike trailer. He/we have been eye-balling these things for actually a couple of years now. Awhile back we had borrowed one from his brother but then never ended up buying one. Now that we have multiple small children I thought we could really use this.

On afternoon Kade was still sleeping so Daddy gave the big boys a ride first. There is actually quite a lot of room in there!

One of the best things about this trailer is that it also converts to a double jogging stroller. We really don't need another one - but hey you never know when you might!

Kade got his chance....and got attacked while he was in it. I don't remember what the situation was but it didn't last long and hey - it's just another day in the Slater household.

There - that's better.....

My idea was for all of us to go on bike rides together. Kellen would ride his bike, Daddy would pull the youger two... and oh - I totally forgot that I don't even HAVE A BIKE. I guess that's what I'm going to get for Christmas! Ha! For now I just walk - really fast.

Beating the heat

2011-08-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

Oh how I wish I had a pool. A real pool. A really big pool! But I guess soaking my feet and letting the boys soak me with their water guns will have to suffice for now.

This is the pool we started out with earlier this summer.....

Then we had to advance to a little larger one - at least one where all of us could get in. The small baby pool died so of course Daddy went and bought another one for them. Honestly though it was so hot out I would have given a kidney for something cool to do outside!

I couldn't fill the pool all the way up because Kade really loved to be able to sit in the pool and play. When the pool is filled all the way he has to be in the floatie or one of us has to be in with him. I don't trust him one bit!

This is one of my favorite pics of the summer

Trying to escape

Look at me mommy! I cool!

Oh these silly things.....I can't get them back on!

My little water baby. He absolutely loves the water. Actually he loves any water - especially the dog bowl these days. At the rate he's going Kade will be the first one to swim without water wings!

Wanna go muddin'?

2011-08-15T20:17:00.000-05:00

When we first arrived in Carterville our house was not completed - therefore neither was our yard (and still isn't). It had been raining quite a bit and there was 3 tempting dirt piles and a whole lot of mud.

Kellen had been asking for several days to play in the mud and I kept putting it off. I wanted them to have fun but I also wanted it to be the easiest clean up for me as well! So of course I waited until Daddy got home.

So we stripped them down to their undies and let them have at it.

Kellen was smearing mud all over Keagan and throwing mud balls at him - he didn't seem to mind though

I can't believe that Kellen was this brave - to actually roll around in the mud - just like a pig.

He looks mad but he was trying to squeeze the mud out of his hands and in between his fingers.

After they tired of the mud Daddy hosed them off and we whisked them straight into the bath. They had a blast and we had a blast watching them! Nothing a little soap and water can't take care of.

Kade at 13 months

2011-08-13T10:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Kade, another month gone by. This past month has been one of more mobility and a few extra words.

You love to "smile" when the camera comes out. It's actually a really funny face. Pa calls you a "cling-on." And when I really think about it - you actually do kind of look like one when you scrunch up your nose.

You have been walking all over - you still fall a lot though.

You also can stand up from the floor. It looks like you are getting ready to hike a football.

You are so precious to me in a diaper. You're precious anyway but I just can't resist all that chubbiness.

Whoa! Are you hula dancing? Actually I think you were trying to balance yourself to keep from falling.

You also got another tooth this month. You have 7 now. You are eating anything and everything we give you. You also have started screaming and showing your dislike when something doesn't go your way. The screaming I will not tolerate - so we're going to have to work on that one!

We went to the Dr. this past month for your well baby check ups and shots. You weighed in at a whopping 27 lbs and 31 inches.

We love you dear one and look forward to watching you grow.

Ride a little horsey

2011-08-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

Kade has really started to enjoy Winston - our horse. Little Winston has been around since Kellen's first birthday and has been a source of enjoyment for all.

This particular morning I was singing "ride a little horsey...." while Kade was riding and he thought it was the best thing ever.

He can get on the horse all by himself and usually rides standing up. He looks just like a jockey....except a whole lot bigger!

Whenever I get the camera out this is his usual face.

Sometimes Winston gets put up in the "barn" and we forget about him. Then when we find him again it is a brand new toy...or a long lost BFF.

My little climber

2011-08-08T15:36:00.000-05:00

Dear Kade.....please don't break your arm, or neck, or anything right now. However, I have a feeling you may be our first child with a trip to the ER.

This climbing business is a new one for me. The other two climbed a little but NOTHING like what you can do. I don't trust you further than I could throw you.

It started out with simple things...dishwasher door, the ottoman in the living room, the stairs and Nana's....

Then it soon advanced to the ladders and stairs at the playground. (I know it's not a big deal to climb stairs. HOWEVER it's the speed in which you do it and I have 2 others to watch out for as well.) It's what you do when you reach the TOP of whatever it is you are climbing that I worry about.

Those feet get you into lots of trouble

SOOO proud!

You are so fast at the ladder and the stairs. I can't turn my back for a second. You have a natural desire to climb but when the boys get up in the morning - you better believe the ladder is up too! I do not trust you even though you are cute.

Other things you like to stand up on are your rocking chair arms to try to get into your crib and get Georgie and the stool in the boys bathroom.

Oh Kade - I love you dearly - but boy - slow down!

St. Louis zoo

2011-08-07T19:31:00.000-05:00

Several weekends ago we traveled to the St. Louis zoo. We also celebrated Kade's birthday with family who met up with us there.

Cake again?

We bought the passes that allowed us to ride the train (more than once).

Keagan and Kade LOVED the train. Kade almost fell asleep during the ride.

Poor little guy....Kade finally conked out and actually slept for 1 1/2 hrs. He missed most of the action...

Kellen's first comment wasn't "Mom - look at the elephant!" It was "Mom - look at that pile of poo!" I about died laughing.

I love this...the train was passing and we were standing at the crossing. Dad squatted down to get a better look and Keagan looked at him and attempted to do the same thing. He stayed like that until the train passed.

Precious Ruby....Her little curls were all over the place. It was sooo hot and sticky.

Mom had bought a squirt bottle with a fan attached. Kellen was the official "Cooler-offer" He sprayed everyone - everywhere - all the time.

I love giraffes. This particular one was a baby and he was so curious about the ostrich over the wall. He stayed like that forever!

The picture is dark but this was the penguin exhibit indoors. I think this was a pretty popular place because they kept this at 45 degrees! Needless to say it was packed with people. We were shivering by the end!

There was a new shark exhibit as well. Of course Karsten went with the two older boys and I gave him the camera...needless to say I have NO pictures.

We had such a great time - I think we will go back again when it's a little cooler. We were so hot and tired. The boys were asleep in the van before we even left the parking lot!

Congratulations Karsten!

2011-08-05T19:05:00.000-05:00

Deaconess Family Medicine Residency

On June 24th Karsten graduated from his residency program along with 4 of his fellow colleagues. I'm so thankful that we can look back on these last 3 years with fondness. A lot happened along the way and I'm thankful to leave Evansville with more friends than when we came. Karsten will be doing a fellowhip at SIU Carbondale in Sports Medicine and then we can close this chapter in our lives.

The residency provided us with an evening "celebration" and good food and fun. I was already staying in Springfield at this time but was able to come up to Evansville to celebrated with my hubby. Looking back I realized this was the night before our move to Carterville. Wow!

Thank you honey for working so hard. We both know these past several years have had their challenges but as always God provides for all our needs. I can't wait to see what this next year will bring for you and our family. I love you!

Living with family - part 2

2011-08-02T15:49:00.000-05:00

The latter part of our "homelessness" this summer was spent with my parents.

Dad was spraying corn this particular morning and of course invited the boys to come along. How can I say no? Every time Keagan sees a sprayer on the road or field he screams "Pa! Pa!" Well, I try to explain that Pa is not in every sprayer we see - if you know Keagan you know how the rest of that situation goes!

Kade's first crop spraying adventure

It's crazy how short the corn is in this picture! It's well above our heads now!

During our stay with Nana and Pa, the Sangamon County Fair was on. We all went together and the boys had a great time. First on the list was the alligator show:

The boys watched the alligator but dared not touch it. For 30 minutes Kellen kept saying how excited he was to see and pet the alligator. Well, that alligator received no petting from our end! They were pretty freaked out.

It was just a baby!

We rode several rides after getting our fill on fried and greasy foods. I'm surprised no one lost their dinner! I actually took Kade on several rides and he loved them!

Here we are on the BIG ferris wheel! I thought Kade might be scared but he kept giggling and kicking.

In the fun house...can you count how many bug bites on Kellen's face?

Kellen in the bumper boats

And Keagan and Pa with one last ride on Dumbo

One evening Dad was sweeping the grass. The boys always like to ride with Pa on the mower - or any tractor/atv for that matter. Mom and I were fixing dinner and the next thing we knew Dad had both boys on the four wheeler. We both just died laughing - especially watching Keagan riding in the milk crate on the front!!

The boys had sooo much fun doing this! I hope to have a four-wheeler of my own someday!

I had run out to take these pictures with my mom's camera. I was running back into the house and just about stepped on a really LONG snake! You can imagine the dance I did!! Seriously it was an inch from my foot. I started screaming and of course Dad and the boys heard it. They came over to see it and chased it back to the creek. It still gives me the shivers.

I'm so thankful for both sets of parents for letting us live with them for awhile. We don't know what we would have done without you!! Thanks a bunch!!

Kade at 11 months

2011-08-01T10:27:00.000-05:00

(back dated to June 9th)

Nothing like being two months behind on blogging huh?

Kade turned 11 months while we were living with family. It was such a time of transition for him - and he handled it very well!

Keagan and Kade - they get along so well together. However, I think it will even get louder in our house as they try to compete with each other over who gets attention first.

While we were staying with family Kade became quite the copy cat. It was really funny. I would cry "WAAAAAH!" and then he would do the same thing back. He thought he was pretty hot stuff.

So proud of himself eating table food

My sweet Kade - thank you for being such a trooper during this crazy period in our lives. You went through many changes:

You started crusing really well and then standing by yourself for a few seconds.

You went from nursing, to breast milk from a bottle, to formula, then a sippy cup.

You also transitioned to table food from baby food. You never once looked back.

You also learned how to get up the stairs at Nana's house....I can't take my eyes off you for 1 second - otherwise you are at the top of the steps in no time.

As I'm writing this I realize another month has already passed and you are already 1 year. But I couldn't just let it go. You are so sweet and adore your big brothers. And we all adore you! Love you big boy!

Living with family....Part 1

2011-07-26T20:27:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, we sold our home in Newburgh, IN at the end of April and moved May 20th. Our home here in Carterville wasn't going to be ready until close to July so we basically had no home. Both sets of parents graciously let us stay with them for 6-7 weeks. Unfortunately Karsten still had to finish up work in Evansville until the end of June. SO I got to be a single mom that entire time. Thankfully our parents were a big help!

I split our time between my parents and Karsten's parents. The first go-round was with Nana and Papa Slater.

Kade LOVED the doors. ANY doors. He would disappear for awhile and sure enough - he was at a door practicing opening and closing it - over and over.

We brought our pool and sand box with us to Springfield. After the initial cold spell, it finally warmed up enough to bring out the slip n slide and pool. The boys had a blast.

How may boys can you fit in a sand box?

Kobe of course joined in the fun.

This table in the middle of Nana's living room has always been a huge source of entertainment for the little boys. Kade actually started cruising well while we were there. He practiced going round and round.

So big!

I would say this cabinet was Kade's FAVORITE thing to sneak off and do. We would constantly find him in here pulling out the "just my size" travel bottles of lotions, shampoos...etc. He figured out how to open one of the soaps.....that was a mess.

Hi mom!! Aren't you proud of me?

I can put LOTS in my hands!

I'm sure I'm missing lots of pictures that Nana may have on her camera, but I'll have to bum those off her later!!

Thank you Nana and Papa for ALL your help! We love you!

Keagan at his finest

2011-07-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

To say Keagan has an attachment to his "Buddies" is an understatement. In fact all my kids have had a "buddy, lovey....you name it" since they were infants. If you know us - you know that my kids are super attached and are a must-have for sleep every night. Heaven forbid we lose them. (Don't worry - I do have duplicates).

Anyway, I wanted to preserve this kind, precious moment he was having one day. He asked me to wrap his buddies up...

So I did. He cared for them, sung to them, rocked them; it was so sweet to see that.

So sweet.......

AND THEN:

Don't get me wrong - I do LOVE this picture. BUT he can be the messiest kid alive.

Disclaimer: This was NANA'S idea. It was "indoor sand" from corn meal. Nana Slater told me she used to do this for Karsten too. I think she may tell you my eyes may have popped out of my head when she said he could do this. But hey - it was her house :-)

Yep - snow angels - in corn meal - on the kitchen floor.

I just hope it didn't ruin her vacuum!

Kade's first popsicle

2011-07-20T08:33:00.000-05:00

(Back dated to May 12)

Shortly before we moved from Evansville, the boys were enjoying popsicles outside. We usually went for a walk in the evenings and visited with neighbors (something I dearly miss). This particular night the kids wanted their treat in their wagon after the walk. HOWEVER we were not anticipating Kade wanting one. He went nuts. He had just turned 10 months and I was thinking - I think the older boys were about the same age as well - so go for it!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Oh man! That hurts so good!!

OH, I know I wanted more......but this is cold!

Okay, I'm getting used to this coldness.

Two months have passed since his first popsicle. Let's just say he can down a flavor ice in 1 minute - without all the faces!!

Happy 1st Birthday Kade!!

2011-07-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Kade celebrated his first birthday on July 9th.

I have decided that my blogging over the next few weeks will be in no particular order...but I think I'll do some of the most important ones first...then I'll have to do some back-tracking.

Kade's birthday was actually on a saturday and unfortunately Daddy had to take an entire day long test......

So we had a quiet little party by ourselves on his actual birthday.

Kade received a fire truck ride-on from us and a few other small things.

I think his favorite thing was the singing dog card from Kellen and Keagan. (If I would have know that $8 would have been that valuable I would've just got him more cards!!) It's not like we need more toys!!

I made this little banner for him...it didn't turn out the way I wanted but we needed some sort of decorations!! I love Kade's cheesy smile.....this is the look he pulls when he sees the camera.

Let's just say he ate the entire cucake.

Last weekend was our birthday party at the zoo with family. I actually had a cake made for this party. (Don't look too close.....it had to make a trip to St. Louis in a hot car.)

More chocolate cake? Are you sure mommy?

We had a great time at the zoo. It was a little difficult getting everything hauled into and out of the zoo but we had a great time (and I think everyone else did too). It was very hot but the boys were really good and we stayed all day.

Dear Kade, can you really be a year old already? Man! A lot has happened since you've been born and I think many more changes will be coming over the next year or two. You are so cuddly and squishy. I love your fat cheeks. You are soooo kissable! You can't walk yet but you are trying. You will take one giant step and then fall to your hands and knees. You can climb the boys bunk bed ladder !! Several times Kellen has come out yelling "mommy! you have to come see this!" and there you are......at the top of the ladder!! That is driving me crazy. I think I am going to have to remove the temptation. You are solely on table food and sippy cups!! You LOVE - I mean LOVE to wrestle with Daddy. You think you're one of the big kids. You are such a sweet boy. You are dropping your morning nap and taking one long afternoon nap. You still sleep great at night! I can't wait to see what happens in this next year.....but if I could keep you one forever I think I would! We love you Kade!

We're baaaaack!!!

2011-07-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

I officially have internet again!! It has been a long two months without blogging - I'm not even sure I can remember how!

I am now trying to decide on how to catch up from my hiatus!!

We are all moved into our new home. So far we really like it - we are just trying to get familiar with the area and make new friends. Our house that we are renting is still under some construction as are the 2

houses next to us. SO, I will leave you with at least a picture to start my catch-up blogging. We have been awakened at 6:00 am by you name it: hammering, nail guns, bobcats, cement trucks, saws..... But the boys have had a blast!!

Keagan trying to stand like one of the workers. The boys were in the garage watching them pour our driveway and sidewalks.

Sidewalks finally!! It was hard to keep them out of the wet cement....we only had one accident from Keagan...and that was towards the end of the driveway and the worker fixed it right up.

A cement truck and a bobcat.....what could be better for little boys?

Bye for now

2011-05-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

Well, we are officially moved out of our home in Newburgh. It has been a crazy week for us and I am glad it's over.

I most likely won't be posting anything for the next month or so. We are living with family as our home in Southern Illinois is not ready yet. It is a time of transition for us....but this too shall pass!!

I will try to post something soon! So long for now.

Kade at 10 months

2011-05-10T13:04:00.000-05:00

It has began....the obsession with the DVD drawer.

Kade loves crawling over to the TV stand and pulling the drawer open. He then proceeds to empty the drawer out. Keagan had this obsession as well....and still does!! So now I have two kids always messing around with the DVDs!!

OH my dear sweet Kade. I can't believe you are 10 months already. You are a BIG boy too. You are weighing in at 22 1/2 pounds now. Last week we went shopping for a new car seat. You are officially out of the infant carrier. It was KILLING my back and neck hauling you around in that - and well - I sold your travel system at the garage sale.

Look at my big hands!! Do you see them?

AND my big feet!!

You finally are crawling the traditional way now. For awhile it was the weirdest crawl I had ever seen. It was a combination of army crawling, slithering like a snake, rolling, and "moutain climbers." You got where you needed to go though!

You have six teeth (four top and two bottom). I think you may be getting two more on the bottom. You are transitioning to some table food but most of your intake is still baby food.

You love your Mama. You will go to other people but you still jerk around and desperately look for me.

You still sleep good at night and take two good naps.

I am so thankful for your sweet temperment. You smile at everyone and are pretty laid back - except when it's dinner time. When the food is out - watch out!

I love you Kade!

101 things to do with boxes

2011-05-05T10:27:00.000-05:00

There seems to be a lot of playing with boxes around here lately. They are not being used for what their true purpose is....packing. Everytime I get a box out someone has to play with it first. Let's just say I am not making much progress!

In this particular photo, Kellen is a baby dragon. He is an animal of some sort every day. We play this game probably 15 times a day....and he's a different animal every time. You have to pretend that you find this "animal" and ask it all sorts of questions and make a big deal about it. It's precious....but also exhausting when in the back of my mind I'm thinking "okay... I really need to have this box back for packing." I don't want to stop him from playing and using his imagination though.

Keagan was pretending he was locked up in a cage. Kellen was shaking the box trying to get him out.

Here is a panda bear cave. Notice the "bamboo" in the pot?

The panda bear is sleeping. Later he comes out and pretends to eat the bamboo.

Kade is throughly enjoying the boxes as well. He loves to sit and hang out in them and then play with all the flaps.

If only I could manage to fill these boxes up and tape them shut... but then I wouldn't have these precious memories and pictures.

30 days of being 30

2011-05-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to do a post about my birthday.....mostly because I dreaded admitting that I am now 30...and have been for over 30 days now. Sigh.

I decided to reflect back on this decade of being twenty and as I really started thinking, I realized how many things have happend and how God has truly blessed my life.

On the weekend of my birthday both sets of family came to visit. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

I'm going to list everything that has happened over the past decade....at least the major milestones and events that have impacted my life forever. So here goes........

Met and became engaged to my best friend.
Finished and graduated from Bradley University with my BSN in nursing
Married my best friend
Karsten started the long journey of medical school
Started a career (that lasted 5 years) of ICU nursing
Bought our first house
Got our first baby (Bailey)
Got another furry baby (Murphy)
Had our first child (Kellen)
Sold our first house
Moved and bought another house in Evansville
Karsten graduated and started residency in Evansville
Had another baby (Keagan)
Had one more baby (Kade)
Karsten matched with a fellowship in Carbondale, IL
Sold our house in Newburgh
Getting ready to graduate from residency and then a big move to Carterville, IL

Wow! We have been busy. I am so blessed with what God has given to me over the past 10 years. I am so thankful for His Mercies.....because it has not been an easy road. I just hope that the next 10 years will be as great as these past 10 years!!

If you can't open it....saw it

2011-04-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

When Kellen goes into the bathroom and locks the door it makes Keagan really upset. Most of the time Kellen is going to the bathroom and needs some privacy. However, I cannot get that concept across to Keagan at this time.

So Keagan does what he does best. He uses his tools. I missed most of the action shot but first he tried his screwdriver to unlock the door from the outside. Next it was a wrench. Then he decided to take a more rash avenue.....saw it down!

He worked really hard at sawing the door handles, then the trim.....you get the idea.

This boy is not complete without some sort of power tool in his hand. He is definitely all boy.

Happy Easter

2011-04-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!!!

The boys woke up early Easter morning and had no idea what was happening. We had been reading their Bible in correlation with what Jesus was going through the week leading up to Easter or Resurrection.....so we didn't even talk about "the Easter Bunny!"

Keagan was so happy that there was LOTS of candy

Kade joined in the fun too. (But mommy gets to eat his candy!)

Such good buddies....notice two out of the three cooperating....

You-know-what hit the fan as soon as I told Keagan we had to get dressed and that there would be no more candy this morning.

Sugar rush??

OH well, so much for a good picture.

It rained all day which made for a good day of napping and getting things done around the house. Karsten and I spent the afternoon packing up a lot of things in the garage and getting ready for a garage sale.

After the kids woke up from naps they spent a couple of hours playing in the rain. They had so much fun! There was no lightning this time around so I let them play until they were water-logged.

Keagan and Kellen started collecting buckets of rain water to water the flowers....hmmmm

I'll say this....the flowers shouldn't need any more water until after we move!!

Helmet Head

2011-04-23T17:41:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is what a little boy's head should look like after riding his bike for a couple miles.

Kellen has made some great progress in his biking skills. I seriously think we could try his bike without training wheels by summer's end. He is getting really fast and now doesn't stop at up or down hill ramps.

Oh, I can't forget Keagan....he was pouting because he couldn't get his helmet off. He REFUSES to pedal. He just wants to be pushed on his tricycle. So now the tricycle doesn't work...unless he pedals.

I can't wait to see what the big boys will do and learn this spring and summer. We have started trying to teach Keagan how to drive the gator. I think it won't be long before he's proficient at it too!!