The Burns Family

Don't Ever Forget

2012-01-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

Kaleb: You can bring my crackers to me here on the couch (as he is straddling the arm, kicking his legs in a wild frenzy pretending to ride his horse, and holding a vacuum attachment in the air--his gun--like the cowboys on True Grit)

Me: You need to eat your crackers in the kitchen

Kaleb: That's okay. You can bring it here. I'll just slide it right down my mouth so there won't be any crumbs.

HA!!!!!!!! Cunning little thing!

Just A Typical Friday Night

2011-11-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

LOVE MY 2 SILLY MONKEYS!! Never a dull moment in this house!

TWO BROTHERS. TOO SWEET!

2010-11-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

absolute adoration. the feeling is mutual

ashton goes for kaleb's leftovers every time!

Happy 1st Birthday Ashton!

2010-11-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

Ashton, we had so much fun celebrating at your very FIRST splish splash birthday bash! You completely devoured your cake with Kaleb's help! You ate up all the attention, had the biggest smile when we sang "happy birthday", and could have splashed in the water all day long! We love you so much our ONE TOOTHED ONE YEAR OLD!!!

Big Week!

2010-08-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Can't forget this week! Ashton took his first step (2 wks ago) and Kaleb went #2 in his big boy potty! He's been going pee 6 times a day in his potty and went #2 once out of his diaper...on the KITCHEN FLOOR RIGHT NEXT TO HIS POTTY! But now he's finally got it! more later...

scrapped

2010-06-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

finally working on kaleb's first year...i know! a few moments scrapped!

what does jackie chan say?

2010-05-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

adventures in potty training

2010-05-28T22:06:00.001-07:00

wearing his favorite underwear that happens to be two sizes too big

told you so

showing off his tricks to pass time until potty time!

making his cheese face

more tricks

"kaleb, do you have to go potty?"
"no. mommy ride it!"

stair stepping

oops! an accident! underwear change, addition of shirt, and k decides he must wear his boots with his new get up

playing puzzles on daddy's iphone another underwear change later

what better way to end a fun day of playing and potty training with ashy and mommy than to sit on the potty...

and NOT go potty!

8 months & crawling!

2010-05-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

our little ashy wavers between crawling and doing his modified crawl which is scooting forward and backward, pushing up on all fours in push up position and sliding on his belly like a little lizard! it is quite a sight to see!

Excellence in Construction Awards

2010-05-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

The 2010 'Excellence in Construction' awards ceremony hosted by Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. was held at the Peabody and Derek was invited to attend! In the $6-10 million bracket Bale Honda had been nominated and Derek was the Project Manager for this build. His name was announced and he accepted the award on behalf of his company. What a fun, fancy night it was honoring my husband and all his hard work! So proud of you hon!

big boy bed

2010-05-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Kaleb's big boy bed has been quite an adjustment--a little bit for Kaleb but mostly for ME! I was never expecting any hang ups with the process since the past several months there has been absolutely no fussing from him when it's been time to go down for naps/bedtime. I tell him it's time for a nap and he simply grabs his blanket, walks into his bedroom, and will sometimes ask me to rub his back or read a book first but then he goes right down.

So over the weekend, we got him excited for his nap in his new bed and Derek and I put him down together and closed his door--the apartment has difficult knobs he can't open unlike the easy handles in our house so it's kind of ideal...we were half expecting him to try to open the door but instead we hear silence and thought he was actually staying in his bed. A few minutes pass by and Derek says "I hear him walking around." Yup, sure enough! Then we hear a couple gentle knocks on the door...then a few more. No fussing or crying so we didn't dare open the door. We peeked under the door and saw his little feet just scurrying about as he busied himself with his toys and books exploring his newfound freedom. I then had to jump in the shower to get ready for work and assumed Kaleb would be asleep by the time I got out. Surprise, surprise! Derek and Kaleb were playing together when I got out and Derek just started cracking up and was so excited to share the story of why Kaleb was out of his room. He tells me he peeked under the door again and Kaleb was laying right next to the door with his little legs tucked underneath him and one huge eyeball stared right back at Derek!! Then Kaleb's little eyeball widened in realization and he said "DADDY!!!" and reached his little hand under the door for his daddy! So of course, Derek, being the softy he is, reached right back and touches Kaleb's little fingers and let him out of the room! Hey, if Kaleb's little eye locked on mine I don't think I could resist either!

So for rest of the week I put him down for naps in his bed but he has ALWAYS ended up falling asleep right next to the door with his little legs tucked beneath him=( It's like he just wants to be as close to us as he can and it breaks my heart! But I'm holding strong. One day he actually woke up and walked to his bed and finished out his nap there but most days I check under the door and can reach beneath and touch his hair!

But night time has been great! He fell out of bed the first two nights without waking up! We actually saw the process. I walked in and he was sleeping while kneeling with only his head resting on the bed! I walked out to grab another pillow and when I walked back in he was soundly sleeping on the floor! Mornings are absolutely hilarious! We decided to keep his door open at night so he can just walk in to my room in the morning. I'm normally awake first since I nurse ashton early but once he woke me up! Or didn't wake me I should say! One morning I woke up and found him sitting cross legged right next to me in bed just staring at me and giving me the BIGGEST smile!! Little bit creepy but I guess I should appreciate the fact that he allowed me to sleep while he just watched in silent anticipation for me to wake up! I'm a light sleeper so he must not have made a PEEP!!! I suppose we'll have to keep his door closed from now on!

Going Away Party for the Woods

2010-05-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

We're not saying "goodbye" but "see you soon" to our good friends Jeff, Jenn, and Chandler since they will be in Texas which is just next to us! I figure that since they drove to Texas all the time while they were living in Arkansas it's only right that they drive right back here at least once a month! We had a great weekend with them showering Lenee and baby Grady and stopping in at their going away party. Jenn was one of the first girls I met and has such an awesome heart for others and for the Lord. We had so much fun on church retreats, camping, and girls nights! It was especially sad to see them go since we were neighbors for a few months living right next to them in our apartment complex. I got to babysit a few times and Kaleb and Chandler have had lots of play dates! We love y'all so much! Here are some pics of the going away party and the boys.

soon-to-be AWESOME parents Matt and Lenee with Ashton!

Lexie and Jenn
LOVE this pic!

kaleb and chan-man

here are some fun play date pictures

sweet boy!

pretending to be babies again on ashton's play mat. silly boys

love playing in the tent!

sharing lunch!

the cali girls visit!

2010-04-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Riley came for a visit after moving to California one year ago! Oh how we missed them but these two picked up right where they left off and had way too much fun!
first playdate was at the playground at pinnacle mountain

oh how I've missed you!

"kaleb sit down and take a break"

they found a hole they liked to sit in and exchange sweet smiles

"yucky bug" they would say then jump up and down screaming

dinner at cheeburger

just giddy with laughter

these two laughed nearly the entire dinner and you know it's the good stuff when you laugh so hard you just have to throw your head back you can't contain yourself!

ashton, lauren and me

playdate at deacon's house

dancing to praise and worship music with riley, deacon, and stella...praise music that is, until Riley requested "all the single ladies!"

we also celebrated Reed's first birthday

what a beautiful day and setting right on the river and what an adorable baseball themed party!

kaleb and Reed riding in Reed's new birthday present

our lil' slugger

kaleb and riley

sharing a sucker

fun day at the zoo with riley, lexie, and kiley...I didn't have my camera so I stole these pics from lauren's blog=)

happy easter!

2010-04-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

egg hunt and picnic with church! what a beautiful day! kaleb likes to pick up one egg at a time, take out the chocolate, and throw the egg down! no need to take up basket space with a useless egg! more room for chocolate! my little man after my own heart!

taking a break to take in the beautiful lake
ashton got one!

running! his favorite activity

then he let all the other kids take all the eggs while he loved on all the dogs he found!

the easter bunny came but ashton didn't know it

the easter bunny visited our home! taking out the chocolate and leaving the egg again

bbq and egg hunt at uncle jake's and noelle's house

ashton belly laughed a whole lot for papa and gave sweet smiles all day

peas please

2010-04-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

jump zone x 5

2010-04-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

we have been to jump zone 5 times the past month for a birthday party, play dates, and family time! it is kaleb's AND mommy's favorite!!! kaleb even puts his arms in the air when sliding! I love that my independent little man still needs his mama on the "scary shark slide" and "big boat slide." He loves sliding on mama's lap and I love every bit of it since it won't be long until he'll take on even the biggest slides "all by ah self!"

lily and kaleb on my lap!

meemaw and ashton! it works out well when meemaw cuddles ashton and I slide with the big kids all day!

cohen's birthday at jump zone! as usual, kaleb ran around screaming with glee...that is, until he saw the cake cohen's mommy made for him! This kid LOVES cake and he sat patiently in front of it waiting for the main event!

notice the object of his affection

when cohen decided he wasn't really into blowing out his candles, kaleb was more than happy to help to get the show on the road!

daddy I'll take that piece right there and that piece right there...

ahhh...sweet success

family time

2010-04-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

We haven't had the opportunity to drive out and visit family as I've been working every weekend. Thankfully, our family drives to us for frequent visits which we REALLY appreciate! We did make a very quick stop by the farm for a few pics.

love this precious picture

all boy

just one of the guys and proud of it!

play time with papa and nana

"i feed ashton"

2010-03-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

before a night out with girls I told kaleb to hop up on the bed and watch a movie with me while I nursed ashton

but kaleb thought he could do just as good a job as I

"i feed ashton" he said

he plopped a pillow down and pulled up his shirt

and held his baby brother close

oh my sweet, silly boy

2010-03-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

our lil' chatterbox

2010-03-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

kaleb's vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds! i have been writing sentences down the past two weeks so I won't forget! He is such a chatterbox and must be acknowledged for what he says and boy does he make sure the acknowledgement comes! He won't quit jabbering until I agree with him or repeat what he's saying. I'll hear "I see a motorcycle...I see a motorcycle...I see ANOTHER motorcycle" over and over again until I say "yes, honey, I see a motorcycle too!" or "I see a ambulance...I see a ambulance...I see a ambulance." You get the picture! Here are some sentences he has been saying perfectly!

daddy where are you?
I need a fork (kaleb, you sounded like a 5 year old saying this my jaw dropped! there wasn't even a lil' accent on 'fork' you said your 'r' SO perfectly!)
where did milk go?
I played with my tractor

he's understanding pronouns! I asked "do you love miss tanya?" and he said "I love miss tanya." We're working on she/he since he likes to say "she's cooking!" when the big burly chef on the little mermaid is chopping up seafood!

6 month bundle of joy

2010-03-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

that is exactly what he is! so full of joy and laughter! just one look from me and he gives the biggest toothless grin! so precious! he adores kaleb, his daddy and mommy and loves keeping busy! he'll occupy himself in his bumbo, his swing, his exersaucer, and his bouncy chair with his elephant or teething ring. he loves when mommy counts to 3 and helps him sit up, stand up and clap his hands! he belly laughs like no other during this game! he loves walks with the family when daddy puts him in his front carrier. He is drooling and wanting to chew on anything he can get his hands on! he'll grab onto anything mama is holding (or my hair!) and he LOVES standing up! he is NOT a fan of relaxing! i can't even get him to lay flat on his belly and turn his head to the side so I can rub his back! he prefers his head up, propped up on his elbows so he can take it all in! He is eating rice cereal each morning and is excited by all things new! He made a new 6 month old friend at gym class and is all smiles!

sweetness

2010-03-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

when kaleb gently kissed ashton 5 times on his head this morning...sweetness

when ashton belly laughed because kaleb was making goofy faces...sweetness

when kaleb cuddled next to ashton after laying a blanket over him...sweetness

Snow Days

2010-03-07T22:07:00.001-08:00

Kaleb's New Rides

2010-03-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

Kaleb rides with a permanent smile on his face! Grandpa and Grana sure know what this kid loves! We can't even keep up with him unless we jog/run! He switches gears, reverses, spins out...this kid can tear up the road! Ashton will love riding next to his big bro soon! He "works" on his vehicles each day and "fixes" the steering wheel, wheels, and back. Boy is he busy! It's not uncommon for him to respond "Kaleb working" when asked if he's ready to come in for a snack (yes he speaks in the third person even though I repeatedly encourage "I'm", "I", and "me")! We had a great conversation this weekend:

Me: Kaleb are you ready to go to the playground with mama and ashton?

Kaleb: No. Kaleb ah working!

Me: What are you working on?

Kaleb: Ah working on tractor!

Me: What else are you working on?

Kaleb: Ah working on wagon. Working on four wheeler!

We've Moved!

2010-02-28T21:22:00.000-08:00

SAY WHAT?! WE'RE MOVING???

SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!

We are now happily settled into our new apartment in Maumelle and have already enjoyed taking advantage of the amenities--family time in the jacuzzi!!! Kaleb absolutely LOVES the abundance of carpet for all of his rolling, tumbling, and jumping needs. We love the close proximity to church, the brand new walmart (which we frequent 3 days a week!) and Derek's company (he walks to work each day which makes him a happy gas saver since he has also gone green! The whole nine...he recycles, buys organic products...yeah, I don't know either...)which makes us wonder why we ever left Maumelle! The first night of our move we got to hang out with the Bakers and enjoyed a super yummy meal--thanks again guys!--and we've hung out with the Woods a few times since they are our new neighbors! And then the most wonderful thing happened--we had SNOW!!! We made snow castles, snow balls, and snow cones with apple juice!!! What a way to christen our new place! Home sweet home!

counting to 10! every number accounted for...

2010-02-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

4 month/25 month updates

2010-02-04T20:55:00.000-08:00

ashton

lifts his whole body and tries to sit up when laying on a pillow, wriggles out of his bumbo
can put his paci in his mouth after many attempts
giggles SO MUCH it is awesome!!! belly laughs like crazy when kaleb makes goofy faces and laughs with him
rolls over from belly to back
sleeps 6 hours at night very rarely...mostly still nurses every couple hours!! sheesh!! but he gives me the biggest smile when he sees me and then I don't care anymore that i never sleep!

kaleb

reading sight words: baby, boy, girl, fingers...
our little parrot!! As I'm having a phone conversation and saying "hello...yes" I'll hear "HELLO...YES!!!" in the background from kaleb. Then as Derek was telling his mom "Kaleb is a parrot" Kaleb echoed "kaleb is a parrot!!" Child is hilarious! He says "i love you honey" and mimics everything we say ALL DAY LONG!

can count to ten (but ALWAYS skips 5 and 9 so does that count? I think yes!)
proudly walks around the house pointing at objects and saying its color
favorite snack is still avocado (or OTTY-TAH-DOH as he says!)
favorite books are 5 little monkeys, Biscuit, and Going on a Bear Hunt!
finishes sentences in his Biscuit book from memory or looking at the pictures

5 Christmases

2010-01-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

It's so much merrier when we get to celebrate 5 times! On Christmas Eve our first stop was Deb and Aunt Becky's! The freeway was flooded and I'm pretty sure the tires were lifted off the pavement at one point in flowing water. We would have turned around if we could have but there was no where to go! Flowing water was on each side and cars were stacked up behind us! Thankfully we arrived safe and sound and enjoyed an awesome feast!

This was Will's favorite gift!! Is he not the cutest?? He asked for a war hero outfit for Christmas!
He then regaled the group with tales of battle

Kaleb and ashton got too many gifts and matt and coy were pretty excited about theirs!

Then it was on to Nana and Papa's. It's pretty serious! Nana has 4 different themed trees, one for each entertaining room!

kaleb adores his cousins! they are so silly when they get together!

Cassius and his christmas cast! poor puppy!

This was the first year we were able to celebrate Christmas morning at our own home with children! I got way too excited! Christmas has always been my favorite time of year and I want to make sure each Christmas is memorable for our boys!

derek's gifts consisted of survival gear for his solo hiking adventure! He braved the elements in 16 degree weather along the buffalo river the weekend of New Year's. He took nothing but a sleeping bag, freeze dried food, knife, and some fire starting essentials!

We had too much fun playing with toys and then we were off again to mamaw's! There were too many kids to get together for pics. Kaleb had tons of fun!

Off to Grana's (or Nina's as Kaleb says!)

Papa Carl entertained kaleb and lily way too much!

a very exciting christmas indeed and a very exciting trip back home! A normally 45 minute trip took us 2 hours! The freeway was closed due to flooding and nearly every road we attempted to take to get around was blocked! We finally found a road and found ourselves in stop and go traffic! I guess it just made christmas last longer! What a whirlwind weekend!

Christmas at Big Cedar Lodge!

2010-01-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

We were so blessed to be given a 4 day vacation at Big Cedar Lodge from Papa Carl and Meemaw! Especially since we weren't able to fly to California this holiday season it was the perfect family vacation! We headed to Branson the weekend before Christmas and were just in awe of how beautiful the resort was at Christmastime! The resort is set on Table Rock Lake and all the cabins were lit up along the water. In fact, all the lodge facilities, walk ways, bridges, restaurants, and activity centers were adorned in white lights! Carriage rides were abundant, elves tucked children into bed and read stories (we opted out of that one!), the views were just gorgeous with the lake and all the lights, and the dining was great! We definitely want to make this a family tradition each year!

We started out with a family brunch at a great restaurant along the way where they fire up cheese dip at your table and I got to enjoy my favorite drink of all time, cherry Italian cream soda! Then Kaleb and Ashton passed out in the car.

Upon arrival Kaleb loved riding the "choo choo train" with daddy and watching the tractors as they were continuing to build on next to our lodge

so precious. getting their beauty sleep

I LOVE my little thumb sucker! TOO SWEET!

Kaleb slept in a big boy bed in Branson since we will be transitioning him just as soon as his bed arrives! I told Derek to put cushions all around so he wouldn't fall off. Derek forgot so Kaleb fell off! He was just fine and was well cushioned the following night!

We hit up a great restaurant and play place the first night and then quickly found our way to the pool. Kaleb loved watching the kids go down the water slide. After cracking up after kid after kid splashed in the water he eventually worked up the nerve and went for it! We didn't get a pic since derek had to help him up the ladder and I had to catch him in the pool but he did great! He only went once though! It was a pretty big slide and a pretty big first for him! We were so proud!

Then me and my boy warmed up together in the outdoor jacuzzi. Kaleb LOVED it but it was 20 degrees so we didn't stay very long!

CHILLY

So we warmed up again in the jacuzzi tub! This is the life!

We all cuddled on the couch in front of the fireplace, watched Madagascar, ate sugar cookies daddy made and Ashton and Kaleb both fell asleep on me! This is the life!

we walked the bridge to get to dinner reservations at devil's pool restaurant

this kid loves vacation!

another restaurant lit up for the holiday season!

tram ride! Kaleb's favorite! He only wanted to sit with daddy on the tram! Mommy had to find another seat!

warming up and cuddling in the resort next to the fireplace was our favorite way to wind down each evening!

Kaleb gets the biggest grins from Ashton!

we hit up the arcade again and daddy hit the jackpot! kaleb was happy to collect our winnings!

kaleb got to bowl with us and nearly got a strike! It's so fun seeing him able to join in our activities!

Bass Pro Shop on the landing was also decked out for Christmas. Kaleb got to decorate gingerbread cookies, play with remote controlled cars, ride ATV's, run around the choo choo train set and Christmas tree with another boy, and sit on Santa's lap!

where there is an ATV there is a Kaleb

This is Our God

2009-12-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

freely you gave it all for us
surrendered your life upon that cross
great is the love poured out for all
this is our God

lifted on high from death to life
forever our God is glorified
servant and king rescued the world
this is our God

This song from Sunday's service perfectly describes the reason for my joy and sweetness of the season. What a perfect gift! The ultimate sacrifice from One whose love for us can never be surpassed and whose advent authored Christmas 2,000 years ago. What is so substantial about Christmas is God's gift in Christ and always, but especially during this time of year, I am reminded of the great love poured out for us. Such a simple yet profound message I reflected on as I watched my 2 year old stare wide-eyed at the sea life in the Bass Pro Shop aquarium! One little hand was pressed up against the enormous glass as his other pointed at all the different colors, sizes, and species of life teeming in that comparatively small space. As I took a step back to capture that moment on my camera I was able to take in the picture as a whole. Deer, elk, birds, and pine trees were displayed on the snowy landscape above. In every niche the Lord created he created life to fill it, to enjoy it, to enjoy camaraderie, companionship, and love. Because what is the point after all of life except to know Him, to enjoy those He has created, to be an example in love, and to live and learn in good fellowship. I can remember being very young and reading my precious moments bible. In Genesis I read that there was nothing, and then God created. I would try to reflect on what it meant if God had not created, on a world of nothingness. To not know my family, my friends, and the God which brings meaning and purpose to all...tears fell on my 7 year old cheeks as joy flooded through my heart. True joy is Knowing that the God we serve loves us so dearly He brought us into a world to enjoy and understand love in its purest form. Which brings us back to the Father of all creation. Because of all these gifts that have been given we are enjoined to look to the giver and realize that we are so privileged to be a part of the most important relationship of all. So thankful this season for God's perfect gift in Christ and for all of you we call family and friends! You are so loved! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Derek, Tara, Kaleb, and Ashton

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Being 2 Rocks!

2009-12-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

What a fun age to celebrate you! You adore Chucky and the singing animals and you had a blast playing ski ball, basketball, and riding on the cars! You had chocolate ALL over your face! We made chocolate truffles coated in sprinkles and chocolate train molds for your favors with choo choo train favor tags that said "choo choo choo kaleb is two" since trains, motorcycles, and tractors are your favorite things at 2! Mama could have stayed and played all day but you passed out as soon as you got in the car so I guess you were partied out! We celebrated your actual birthday with Grana and Aunt Jenny who you just started calling Aunt Jen-Jen! You kept asking us to light the candles so you could blow them out again! Thank you to all who celebrated with us!

Kaleb is 2 Years Old!!!

2009-12-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

I just put Kaleb down to bed and the tears just started flowing!! I can't believe my little boy is 2 tomorrow! It seems like just yesterday he would fall asleep on me and fit so perfectly cradled in my arms...not so anymore! He is such a big boy and is truly Mr. Independent. He knows to hold hands when in the street but don't even think about holding hands as he steps off the curb. Mr. Independent has an entire system for stepping off the curb before reaching up to hold my hand. He has this little man stance he does as he plants both feet far apart then he does a little crouch and takes a big step off! He is a wondrous, mysterious, mischevious, devilishly handsome little boy we love to pieces! We love you so much and are so thankful to God for you Kaleb! Happy 2nd Birthday honey buddy! At 2 years:

riding a tricycle all by yourself, pedaling like a champ!
so many new words to count including: sugar, running, raining, baby brother, baby ashton, satey pause (santa clause), chismas tee (christmas tree)...and the list goes on...
so sweet! at night you take out ashton's paci, give a big smooch right on the smackeroo, and then carefully put his paci back in. In the morning you smile so big and greet me with a high pitched "HI MOMMY!!" Then you pull yourself up onto our bed and cuddle with me while ashton nurses and say "oh tooooodles" with playhouse disney! you absolutely adore your daddy and he just eats up all the love he gets from you. He has such a blast having a "man day" with you as he calls it. He took you hiking at pinnacle mountain this month, took you to home depot, rode you on papa's tractors, and always lets you help him with his tools while he works at his workbench. You also adore Grana as she comes over Monday and Wednesday nights to hang out while mama is at school. You get so excited spending time with her and are just a ball of joy after playing with daddy, Grana, and Ashton! You say "papa tractor" everyday when you see a tractor since you just LOVE your papa and nana and know you get to ride the tractor at their house! Some days it seems all I hear is "papa...nana...papa tractor...papa tractor!!"
Mama is so blessed to spend time with you and your baby brother every day! I love every minute of our day and seeing your personality shine or your bashful side win over! You love playing with others and are so sweet but it took you a good 10 minutes to even step onto the playground that was dominated by 3 older kids yesterday. You just smiled as they flew down the slide 3 at a time but wouldn't budge from your spot in the corner. Hey, I don't blame you after the gorgeous French girl came up to you and said you had big teeth and big eyes! But one smile from her and you let her take your hand and lead you onto the slide! You had 3 new best friends after that! The 4 of you were inseperable and I saw that proud look on your face as you went super high on the seesaw with the added weight of 4 kids and your squeals of excitement and delirious laughter just made my day! xoxoxo

Happy 1st Birthday Owen!

2009-12-06T21:00:00.001-08:00

Owl-themed and oh so cute!!! We were so happy to celebrate his 1st and excited for Kaleb to accompany Ashton to his first birthday party!

Ashton has his party face on! Let the good times roll!

just gettin' spoiled...you know, the usual

Kaleb & Chandler

2009-12-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun time with Chandler while his mommy and daddy went to meet baby mia at the hospital!

we had fun bouncing in my crib and getting pulled on my blanket in my room!

chandler is so cute!

giddy up!

Date night!

2009-11-30T08:54:00.004-08:00

Papa, Nana, Chelbi, and Izzy stayed over and Aunt Jenny even stopped by with sampson to give us a much needed date night! Kaleb had so much fun with the girls! Papa and Nana we love you!! They called us and said they were keeping both boys for the night, were buying us dinner, and getting us New Moon movie tickets (Twilight Series)!! Dining over steamed mussels, fish tacos, and sparkling water, and topping it off with an amazing vampire/werewolf rival romance = one AWESOME date night!!! TEAM EDWARD!!! Although Derek is team Jacob I assume since he kept saying "that is SO COOL!! I totally want to be a werewolf!"

Grandpa & Elaine Visit

2009-11-30T08:54:00.003-08:00

and they came bearing gifts. How cute are these handmade bibs and blankets?? Old western style and rodeo clown onesies! Thank you Granny E!

kaleb's favorite were the wooden cars

dinner with Grandpa, Granny E and Uncle Jerod

Harvest at Wildwood Park

what a beautiful day!

wood working

I potted my very own plant

and Grandpa bought me a Halloween sucker for doing such a great job working

hay ride!

Grandma Visits!

2009-11-30T08:54:00.002-08:00

Love you Grandma! Will post more as soon as I receive (home in California caught on fire so this is the only picture mom sent so far. Little busy moving into a new home for 8 months=)) Thankful everyone is okay!

Happy Holidays!

2009-11-30T08:54:00.001-08:00

ashton at 2 months and kaleb's FUNNY habits at 23 months

2009-11-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

ashton:

9 lbs. 8 oz at 2 month visit
so sweet! bats his long eyelashes and just smiles all day long!
teased me with sleeping an 8 hour stretch at 2 months then went right back to waking up every 2-4 hours! Oh well, nothing better to wake up to!
smiles biggest for his big brother. If he's crying in the morning while I'm cooking breakfast, Kaleb runs into the bedroom where he is, climbs up onto the bed, and gets him to stop crying, no paci required! I'll walk into the room to find a huge smile on ashton's face and he's just cooing away at his big bro while kaleb loves all on him!

kaleb: such a funny stage right now cracking us up night and day! Derek and I call each other often throughout the day with "you wouldn't believe what your child just did!" Here are some funny moments:

before bedtime we say "5 more minutes then it's bedtime." Once the 5 minutes are up and we tell him to give night night kisses he protests in that sweet little voice "minutes!" or "more minutes" or "FI minutes!" hahahaha
I thought his vocabulary had grown last month...boy oh boy has it ever increased. He loves sounding out words and will repeat them over and over again. Practice makes perfect! So as we're driving in the car we hear "firetruck...firetruck...firetruck...red...big...firetruck" as he then incorporates others words he knows.
organizing fool! He's definitely picked up on his mama's OCD for cleaning. He'll organize all his toys in a perfect line, organize pots and pans in the drawer even better than I do (he seriously de-clutters and saves space by removing pans and putting them in other drawers for overall improved appearance), lines up all the ride on toys on the playground before we leave, places fridge condiments in perfect rows...I've gotta say, I LOVE this new hobby of his!

step 1: pull everything out to assess what we're working with

step 2: put back items that coordinate and keep out items that make it look cluttered

step 3: Now a place for everything and everything in its place after kaleb's touch! You should have seen what it looked like before the little miracle worker got to it! Measuring cups and spatulas just strewn about. Madness I tell you! Does that drawer not look PRECIOUS? This is what I come to find after sitting on the couch eating cookies...all in a day's work my friends =)

knows that "honey" and "buddy" are terms of endearment although we don't use them together...but he does! I've blown kisses only to get a response of "I LU YOU honey buddy!" And my heart is his...
at dayschool on the door to his classroom there are pictures of him and all his classmates with their precious angel faces. His classmates are giving sweet smiles, some are looking serious and posed on chairs and then there's Kaleb! BIG CHEESY cheese face grin with a red bucket on his head! That's my boy! The kid LOVES hats so much so that he transforms other objects into hats
says bye bye to inanimate objects. When we see firetrucks and firemen (as we did at walmart over the holiday weekend) and I roll down the window so he can give a big wave he says "bye bye firetruck" (his gaze was set on the red truck...I don't think he gave the very enthusiastic firemen a glance). He's also said "bye motorcycle," "bye toys" and "bye bye choochies (cookies)!"
at chik fil A on grand opening day all the children rushed to the big cow walking around. Some gave hugs, some stared up with huge grins, some stood bashfully by, and then comes Kaleb! Marches right up, gives a fist bump and blows it up! It took the cow a sec to realize what kaleb was doing then caught on and they were fist bumping like champs!
Middle eastern influence? The child adds "eesh" to everything. He and his best buddy at dayschool, Parker, are so cute together. I was told that after naptime whoever would wake up first would run to the other to wake him up to play. He says "bye bye parkeesh" every day! He also loves tractors and will yell out "trateesh" whenever we see one. He now says "trator" but every now and then...he also has a hawk eye for motorchichels (motorcycles). While we're craning our necks to see where he's pointing at we hear a huge roar and then it'll pass above us on a bridge...seriously how does he spot them?
in the grocery store every time we get to the cheese aisle he says very loudly, "MOMMY CHEESE PEASE!"

we love these two to pieces!!!

giggles galore

2009-11-12T07:55:00.001-08:00

first month with baby ashton!

2009-11-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

...and my 3 other boys! That's right, 4 total--Derek, Kaleb, Ashton and Cassius, our puppy! Okay, it's Uncle Jerod's puppy we're keeping until he closes on his house but don't tell Kaleb that! Never a dull moment pretty much sums up this past month! Ashton is just too precious! He smiles and coos all day for anyone that pays any attention. We are so blessed!

The first week we brought ashton home was ROUGH!!! Kaleb was waking up in the morning and after naps in screaming fits. The doctor told me to bring him in to check for an ear infection and sure enough he had one but good grief! Most children just look miserable when sick but Kaleb lets the whole world know it! I'm sure adjusting to the new addition and practicing for the terrible twos had something to do with it as well! After the first week everything was AWESOME! We had decided to pay for full time daycare for Kaleb just until we had gotten breastfeeding established but, of course on the second day that plan went into action we got a call asking for kaleb to be picked up because of 3 dirty diapers. So I just kept Kaleb out of daycare completely for the first two weeks of ashton's homecoming. Who needs to get nursing down pat, pump incessantly, alternate between cold packs of peas and hot cloths to lessen engorgement, study, nap, clean house, EAT?!! Well this girl definitely did but we successfully got most of these tasks accomplished anyhow and I had a blast with both my boys!

Kaleb absolutely adores ashton, will lay next to him on the couch and cuddle, nuzzle, and rub his head just like I do. He'll bring me his diapers, help pour water on him during bathtime, put in his paci (and if the paci is missing he'll improvise with his finger and let him suck), and each morning he says "baby" or "ashton" (no more annie =)) and looks for him for morning kisses. He got pretty jealous when nursing but got over that pretty quickly. He has realized he has a new role to fill as big brother, has taken to his responsibilities and has matured so much!

So here's some of what we've been up to this past month. We've had so much fun never being home!!! Ashton was out more than he was in the first week of his life! We've had lots of family fun time and are having a blast adjusting to our new, busier, more blessed life!

aunt jenny and mamaw visit!

love hanging out with uncle jerod!

visit from lily!

shopping with mommy

ashton just cuddles into his sling and that's how he strolls! loves it!

pajama day at school!

another visit from lily and meemaw!

first trip to chuck e cheese! I think this is the spot for birthday #2! Kaleb adored the singing animals

twins dylan and dalen come over to play

love the singing--now headless--monkey. Bit creepy but fitting for Halloween

Doctor Kaleb in the house

pumpkin patch

not too into picking out his pumpkin. He kept saying please more trateesh (tractor). LOVES riding. This kid could ride on a tractor all day long!

Halloween party with the fam

bradley, jesse, and kaleb

Papa, nana, chelbi and newborns owen and ashton

The kiddos made an awesome haunted house but kaleb wanted none of it! He preferred sliding around on his knees with jesse

ready to get candy

kaleb's first time trick or treating was so much fun! Chenal circle was perfect as they block off the circle so there are no cars and it's the perfect length for getting a good amount of candy! There were tons of kids! Kaleb's face just lit up with all the festivities and each time he received candy! He happily said "happy halloween" all night! Kids decorated their golf carts so cute!

1 month/22 months-speaking in sentences!

2009-10-21T18:59:00.001-07:00

Asthon at 1 month:

continues to hold his head up so well as he did at birth
rolled completely over at one week when it was time to nurse--he is a feisty fellow! I was expecting as much from all the somersaults IN my belly and assaults ON my belly! What a kicker!
is still nursing pretty well despite all the hangups! Harumph is all I have to say! Why do some girls have it so easy?? I've spoken to the lactation consultant on the phone more times than I've talked to my own husband, have gotten mastitis, and have found that God gives unbelievable strength and energy when I've gone 3 days in a row on one hour of sleep! Amen!
ashton is just so precious and looks completely different than Kaleb now although I thought he looked identical the moment I saw him. He sleeps 4 hours at most, loves to cuddle, and can sleep through anything! We love him so much!!!

Kaleb at 22 months:

said "I'll do it!" which I thought was his first sentence but Derek and Jerod corrected me as he said "no way daddy" a month ago. Then the very next day he said "it's all gone!" while at the mall. It's like something just clicked! I always say "I know it" when ashton cries because he's hungry and I know it and I'm just letting him know, you know? So now whenever ashton cries you'll hear kaleb say "I know it, I know it!" Sooo cute! Any time Kaleb spills something we say "uh oh buddy" since we love calling him our little buddy. Well now any time he accidentally spills something or "accidentally on purpose" throws something down he says "uh oh buddy." The sentences sound perfect except for the "buddy" in "uh oh buddy." It's pretty funny. And he still continues to repeat EVERYTHING we say. What a big boy!

baby ashton is here!!!

2009-10-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

Or "Annie" as Kaleb likes to call him! We are so blessed and thankful for our perfect gift! Ashton you are loved by so many! Thank you to all who came by to love on him! I tried to get pics of all but missed some in the joy of the moment--Ashley & Laurie, love you! Will post so many more updates soon! This month has flown by as we have been out and about way more than we should be with a brand new baby but we are having a blast keeping busy!

ashton michael

September 18

7 lbs. 3 oz

1:32 pm

21 Months and Bye Bye Paci!

2009-09-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

3 big changes this month! Bye bye paci, forward facing car seat, and first mini buzz cut! Kaleb sat perfectly still while daddy buzzed his head!

Loves putting on daddy's boots and shades. But these are our 3d glasses from the movies!

Thinks he is so stylin' with daddy's glasses. He'll wear them for our entire walk but upside down, of course, since they don't stay on right side up! Such a cool dude!

We are weaning Kaleb from the paci on a trial basis only as he can be quite the fussy one! So far so good! We just started 4 days ago and he has succesfully been off the paci for 4 days and 3 nights. I know the longer we wait the more difficult it will become and once his baby bro is seen sucking on the paci he will never want to let it go so I was really wanting to do this before baby arrives. Naps have been great with the exception of today when he cried it out for about 5 minutes and then daddy caved and brought him in to our room to cuddle. When he calmed down I put him back down in his crib. I thought he'd lay right down but instead he sat up and clutched his blanket. Then I was worried he'd fight it again but I blew him a kiss and headed for the door as quickly as I could and he said "BYE!" and waved so I had high hopes. He fell right to sleep.

Nights have been more difficult. He's had to fall asleep on Derek or myself with the exception of tonight since we were driving home and he fell asleep in the car. We'll just have to let him cry it out and not rock him at bedtime although I couldn't resist the past few nights. He got his first short haircut (bye bye curls--so sad!) so he looked so similar to when he was just a baby! And he was curled up on mommy holding me tight! So precious! I could have held him all night!

I'm sticking to my guns since I wanted to wean him a while ago. The plan was to wean him while in Michigan but that trip ended up being one of the most difficult times I have ever had in dealing with him. He was sick and he's always super fussy when ill but even so, it was worse than ever! Needless to say, he wouldn't let go of his paci that entire week! My biggest concern is restaurants when he gets restless and wants to expend energy and run around. Oh dear! Hopefully, he'll go down at bedtime the rest of the week without having to fall asleep on us. He's been really great this entire week without the paci during the day so I hope this keeps up!

Another change, we turned his carseat around to face forward. Derek has been begging me to turn him around but we had learned in our child safety course that rear facing until 2 is safest so I kept saying "no!" Until this past week when Kaleb had his little body turned around the majority of the time on car rides anyway to give me big smiles and to try to see what was going on behind him so I figured it was time. Boy was he excited to see everything from a new perspective as you can see!

what's new at 21 months?

attempting more difficult words with not much success, but attempting nonetheless! He'll try so hard to say "presentation" or "razorbacks" and it sounds almost like it!
says "no" quite often and appropriately when asked if he wants more juice or milk for instance
such a wild man! he makes these deep throated manly noises when he gets excited or is acting mischevious! no clue where he got this from!
loves babies so I'm hoping he'll adore his baby brother! the last two times we went to the park he ran after one mother and her baby saying "baby!" all the way and when they disappeared inside to cool off he threw up his hands and looked to me and Derek for answers as to their whereabouts. Another baby he just kept touching his little feet and giggling =)
putting together two word sentences but just a few: "up please" and "my daddy"
13th tooth is coming in!
such a big helper. still throwing food sometimes but he'll help pick it up after dinner.
doing the cutest things! he got a grocery cart from the rhea lana sale complete with fake food boxes (brand new!) and one box has a pic of icecream cones and he brought it to me and said "please!" This child LOVES icecream! I had to show him there was nothing inside and explained that it was just a play toy. Well, he understood and didn't see the need for keeping pretend icecream around so he marched right up to the trash can and threw it away. So funny!
I also bought him a tractor which he adores. Brought it in the bathtub with him and to bed!
he seems to understand nearly everything I say which I know is certainly not true but he'll respond when I say something I honestly didn't believe he'd understand. Understands a ton but still waiting for his funny little language to sound more like English!

Holiday Weekend Fun

2009-09-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

Trying to get in lots of quality time before baby brother arrives, Kaleb and I had tons of fun playing together over the weekend while daddy helped on the farm. At night when daddy came home we made tents and chocolate chip cookies! When Kaleb discovered what tent making was about his mouth dropped open and he shook with excitement! His squeals of delight made my night! He was so content sitting under his tent watching the football game daddy had on. This kid loves watching a good game! And if he had to get up to grab his blanket or sippy cup, he'd walk right back to sit under his tent. The next night, all 3 of us cuddled under a new tent. We turned off the lights and shone lights in the shape of the moon, stars, bugs and clouds above us on the sheet. The next day was spent swimming all together! Kaleb wanted to go on the slide and diving board but settled for standing by and watching everyone jump off. He would then walk up to every cute girl in the pool, point towards the diving board and speak in his gibberish, striking up a full conversation as far as he knew! Fun weekend!

A Big THANK YOU!

2009-09-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

I thought there had been a consensus that throwing one shower for each of the eight girls in our church group was enough since each of us were hostesses to the other 7 and we didn't want to break the bank! But of course they wanted to shower baby Ashton too! What a surprise when Ashley called to inform me of my breakfast shower...truly unexpected and such a blessing! I thank God for such sweet girls and sweet blessings! Thank you to all the girls who joined us for breakfast and for the sweet gifts!

Thank you to our awesome family in Arkansas who also showered us with gifts after our monthly family dinner! Another surprise and awesome blessing! Every little and big need we have has been met! Love you all to tears!

Wild River Country with Lily!

2009-09-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

My First Swim Lessons

2009-09-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

More of an acclamation to water class rather than actual lessons, Kaleb had tons of fun and learned to blow bubbles, jump in the water, and kick! He enjoyed lessons with two of his friends, Chandler and Deacon. He loved singing songs while riding on a horsie (noodle), using the kickboard, getting thrown into the air, and counting to three and jumping to me! Jumping in the water continues to be his absolute favorite activity when we hit the pool. When he gets really excited rarely does he wait to the count of three but just throws his arms up and goes for it!

Summer Birthday Parties

2009-09-05T21:43:00.001-07:00

Kaleb got to celebrate with Chandler and Deacon at their 1st Birthday parties this summer!

Chandler is so adorable and really enjoyed his cake! what a fun birthday party! Kaleb loved the marshmallow sticks and jump house!

Deacon! Such a cutie pie! We had so much fun playing with the birthday boy, Reed, Amelia, Owen, and all of Deacon's toys! Reed and Owen even gave sweet kisses!

Kaleb, Reed, Deacon, Owen, and Amelia

Caseville, Michigan

2009-09-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

pics on the farm at our favorite restaurant, The Farm

grilling steaks, asparagus, corn, portobello mushrooms, and cioci's famous perch...mmmm!

We had lots of friends visit the cottage but Kaleb's favorite were Luke, Alexis, and their brand new baby sister! They played football, jumped off the dock, went on boat rides, played in the sand, and watched Uncle Danny set off fireworks

Only time belly shots were taken! I suppose this is why Amy termed it "torpedo belly!"

airplane!

the weather was a perfect 80 degrees all week and the lake was smooth as glass so I was able to take kaleb jet skiing at 8 months! So happy I didn't have to miss out on all the fun! Kaleb's favorite activity by far at the lake was jet skiing. He would make motor noises the whole time while sitting on it! He loved putting on his life jacket since he knew it meant jet ski time! Each time I asked if he was all done riding or wanted to go more he'd respond with a very enthusiastic "more!"

the best of both worlds: Arkansas farm boy and full blooded beach baby

20 months

2009-08-18T13:33:00.002-07:00

you put on your own shoes just yesterday and it's now your favorite task. You found your tennis shoes several times today and slipped them on while standing up. Since I keep telling you you need your socks on first you always reach for those first now. Your face just lights up when you finish putting on your shoes!
you lean into your turns on your 4-wheeler, stand up while riding, and jerk your body back and forth to make it go faster! You are SO BIG!
12 teeth!
You're getting the hang of your potty chair but I think it still might be a little early to push you out of diapers. You're just getting the hang of saying "mommy tee tee" (for potty). There are signs that we should start soon: we wake to find you sleeping on your tummy with your naked bottom up since you love taking your own diaper off, you often nap or go several hours without a wet diaper, and you have attempted to climb onto the big pottty and mimick us flushing. As soon as you can communicate that you have to go better you will be on your way!
you mimick so much! When I kiss your boo boos you get your lips as close to your knee as you can and blow kisses too!
We've started including you in prayer time and you LOVE praying with mommy and daddy at dinner. You always reach for our hands and give us the biggest smile after we've prayed and look up at you! You know it's a special time!
still such a cuddle bug! You LOVE cuddling with us on the recliner for story time or watching a video before bed time!
TANTRUMS! My goodness! And so unpredictable! We can get through an entire day without any tantrums and you are such an angel and then the next day it's nothing but tantrums all day long. You seem to have plans for every moment of the day and if your day deviates from YOUR plans you throw a big one!

new words

colors: boo (blue), geen (green), owange (orange), purple (say nearly perfectly!), white (perfect!), back(black), and finally ow (yellow). And I thought yellow was supposed to be easiest!
boo boo
RIDE is by far your favorite word since you LOVE going riding on the 4-wheeler
jet ski (although not in common usage you did say this at the lake repeating after grandpa!
learned the dreaded word "mine" while temporarily at a new daycare for two weeks while your daycare was on summer break. Now everything is "mine, mine mine!" *update: it has been one week since the "mine" outbursts and I think we have broken you of that, thank goodness! We had to correct you by saying "no, say please" and I think it's worked
monkey sound (ooh ooh aah aah!) but oftentimes you do the reverse (aah aah ooh ooh!), fish sound (makes fishy lips), elephant sound
eye
"THAT" is another favorite anytime you reach for anything and probably comes out of your mouth 30 times a day!
noon (moon)
knee
A-B-C!

Annual Burns Family Reunion

2009-08-18T13:18:00.001-07:00

hanging with the boys

slam dunk!

me and aunt amy

me with coy and matt

me and jackson

aunt becky brought me toys!

i love peepaw

terrible twos?

2009-07-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have to document the most horrific of tantrums. I thought we'd try out play dough last night. Three vibrant colors of squishy dough laid out on his play table sure sounded like a great idea! His eyes lit up and his eager hands began flattening the dough into a pancake. I don't know if he couldn't quite get the pancake flat enough or if it was too flat and he missed its previous cylindrical shape when it was fresh out of the can. Either way, screaming fit ensued. I quickly reshaped it into its orginal mold to see if that helped. Nope. Flattened it into a pancake and picked it up showing him it wasn't actually stuck to the table. Nope. I handed it to him gently saying "it's okay, show mommy what you want to do."

Dr. Sears says I should feel privileged since toddlers have more tantrums in front of parents because they're in the presence of people they love and trust. Tantrums shouldn't be interpreted as manipulation; it is rather that they feel safe and trusting enough to lose it with their favorite support person. Well count me blessed! Dr. Sears continues..."parents should do nothing to handle tantrums, we can only respect them." I respectfully watched my 19 month old scream in ungodly tones. He finally let me hold him as I offered soothing words and finally calmed him by distracting him and showing him how to put on and take off the lid on the play dough can.

My cell rang so it was daddy's turn to take a break from barbecuing. He played ball with Kaleb and in the midst of fun put the play dough up. When Kaleb realized his play dough was not on his table the screaming started up again. I couldn't get off the phone and instead had to move into the closet in the furthest bedroom from the action so I could actually hear the PA I was speaking with. When I emerged from the closet I saw that Derek had discovered the source of Kaleb's frustration and had given him back a ball of red dough. Yet Kaleb was still screaming because what he wanted now was the can. As I approached the red-faced monster he looked me square in the face and threw the play dough at my head. At this point I would normally give him a little rap on the hand and tell him not to throw but Derek and I met eyes and the look on both our faces prompted immediate laughter although we did a pretty good job of concealing our laughter from Kaleb. If this sounds awful, please remember I was empathetic, concerned and invested in Kaleb for the duration of his fit but the look on his face when he threw the play dough was so hilarious I lost it!

As soon as he got the can back so he could play with the lid he was all smiles the rest of the night. He gave kisses and hugs to both of us and daddy made him give me extra hugs for throwing dough at me! If this flailing, angry Kaleb is a harbinger of the second year of life Kaleb, mommy will be praying for patience a whole lot! I suppose this is an alternate reason they note "not for children under 3" on the can!

meet kaleb's cousin!

2009-07-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

sooo cute! sister was still debating between the order of the first and middle name as of this morning so I just call him "precious"

8 pounds, 20 inches

July 22, 2009

10:57 am

some of my words

2009-07-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

how CUTE is his kitty cat sound??? my favorite! for a doggy sound he normally makes an "ooh" sound in his attempt at "woof" but oftentimes he just blows air out as you can see in the video!

18 months

19 months

19 MONTHS

2009-07-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

stacking 6 blocks
running everywhere! why walk when you can RUN!!! I suppose that's why you sleep 13 hours every night and take 3 hour naps every day!
eating cereal and many other snacks nearly perfectly with a spoon
still in a super cuddly stage; mama gets THE BEST and BIGGEST hugs and kisses and you can't get enough of dada; each time you hear the garage door you scream "dada" and bolt for him and just play all night
developing so quickly! as soon as I posted the 18 month blog you said so many new words within 2 weeks! I just can't keep up! You are initiating words on your own more often than solely repeating words or saying words you see in your book. You were reaching for something at dinner and Grana pointed a forkful of cake at your sealed lips thinking she knew what you wanted. You just shook your head and with determination said "BED" (bread)! New words added to your vocabulary:
bed (bread)
bah (what a sheep says)
hay
more
no
red
doggy
baby
yummy
speaking in sentences, in your own language that is! For instance, you say "MEE CHEE APPLE!" you definitely know what you're saying!
I was going to post that you say "mee mee" or "nummy" for "yummy" but then you said "yummy" so perfectly a few days ago! You also mostly say "bay bay" for baby but I've heard it perfectly a couple of times. So proud honey!

I read with daddy...

we read until daddy gets sleepy...
we read until daddy falls asleep...

then I take my book into mama and dada's room so as not to disturb dada and read all by myself!

night night daddy...

cuddle bug

so much love to give for such a little boy

kisses for bunny rabbit

I love stacking blocks

2009-07-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Kaleb's super excited face. He's been doing this since before his 1st birthday and I had to put it up. This is by far my favorite kaleb face! He throws his hands out in excitement and just shakes when he's super happy! Still pic of this can be seen on previous post but live is so much better!

18 MONTH PORTRAITS

2009-07-01T19:49:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much for getting portraits for us, Jen! What an awesome gift! We ADORE the pics of Kaleb! We love you!

cheese face

super excited face

School Days

2009-07-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

spring 2009 with Miss Tanya and Miss April

Kaleb with his friends at mother's day out! What fun he had! I would drop him off and off he'd go as happy as ever. As soon as he saw the doors to church he would start kicking his legs in excitement! A few times he cried when I came to pick him up he was having so much fun! I think he saw that the other kids hadn't left and didn't understand why play time was over for him, at least that's what I tell myself =) Thankfully most days he'd run to me with open arms excited to see me so I didn't get my feelings hurt too much! He would then walk straight to the hall, pick out his Transformers lunch box from the lot, and grab my hand and head for the car. He'd sing and dance at praise and worship, play basketball, nap, do arts and crafts, and have tons of fun with the kiddos. It was neat seeing the others develop as well. Settler would get excited and yell out "k-k!" when he saw kaleb each morning and by the end of the program he was saying "kaleeb!" Kaleb got all happy faces each day in each category for great behavior, except a few times at lunch time when he'd throw food he didn't want and then help himself to everyone elses plates like a Thanksgiving buffet. I finally caved and threw in a few cheez-its so he wouldn't have to steal others lunches =)

ETHIOPIA

2009-06-30T13:06:00.001-07:00

My friend Katie is currently in Ethiopia and then will be headed to Ecuador on a mission trip. Just had to share these pics! Praise God for all the lives he is touching overseas!!!

Anniversary Weekend at Mount Magazine

2009-06-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

our view from our room

We spent our anniversary just the two of us so we wanted to spend our anniversary weekend all together at the lodge at Mount Magazine. So beautiful! First order of business: stocking the fridge, what our little man LOVES doing! When he discovered there were holders just for juice/cokes he went to town!

After swimming we were a bit chilly in the hotel room so daddy showed Kaleb how to warm up with the blow dryer. Kaleb stood with the blow dryer until he got tired of standing...

so then he sat down and continued warming himself up.

dinner on top of Mount Magazine with a view of the valley below

hike to the tallest point in Arkansas! we saw lots of butterflies!

Happy 3rd Anniversary! I love you!!!

2009-06-24T11:38:00.001-07:00

We celebrated our 3rd anniversary at Sonny Williams Steakhouse--thanks dad! Thanks Grana for babysitting! It was a pretty perfect evening. The pianist began playing my favorite Andrea Bocelli song as soon as we got to our table! He continued to play nothing but Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion! It's like he knew we were there! I was in heaven and Derek was even excited. Yes, he loves Andrea Bocelli too. But I was reminded that I married a farm boy when he pointed out an interesting wine bottle at the next table; I had to explain to him what a decanter was =) Derek, you are still the one that makes my heart happiest. In our 3 years together the Lord has truly blessed us and I am so thankful for every moment with you. Through our ups and downs God has continued to strengthen our marriage. You will always be my farm boy and favorite man! You work so hard for our family and any guy that does a Beth Moore study with his wife is a keeper! xoxo I love you!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's day Derek! You are such an awesome father to Kaleb! You make having a toddler so easy and fun! He just lights up when you're around! Our family adventures together have been such a blessing. I fall more in love with you each time I see the two of you together. I thank God for you and the way you lead our family and provide for us! Can't wait until Kaleb's brother joins us! I love you!

Daddy:

I love you very much and am so thankful for all the love you've given to me and Jenni. We could never doubt the love you have for us. Kaleb sure is lucky to have you! We miss you bunches! Looking forward to being together in Michigan!

Papa, Papa Hodor, Peepaw and Papa Carl:

I thank God for each one of you and for the love you have for Kaleb and our family. You are each a great example of what a father should be. We're so lucky to have you.

We had a Father's day brunch at peepaw's and spent the rest of the day at Michael and Shelly's wedding reception! Fun day!

all the grandbabies at the reception

Friday night Father's day dinner for Papa Carl

First Taste of Summer

2009-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

1 1/2!!!

2009-06-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

What a face! And, oh my, what a personality for such a little one! The battle of wills continues ever stronger but more often displayed than fits of frustration is your sweetness that just shines through! The joy on your face and how much fun you make each day overwhelms my heart. You can make daddy and me laugh like no other! Each moment with you is awe-inspring and such a blessing. What a dream come true raising you! xoxoxo hugs and kisses sugar pie

At 18 months:

you say "apple" instead of "bapple!"

daddy and I have counted 11 words you are saying: "mama", "daddy" (yes you finally said "daddy" instead of "dada!"), "ball", "apple", "nana" (banana), "wawa", "up", "moo", "woof", "nay", and finally you say "dada" for "doggy" which has an entirely different meaning than "dada" for "daddy" since you place more emphasis on drawing out the "ah" sounds. I just don't get it! You LOVE dogs and each time you see one your heart pounds, you drop everything and run to the doggy screaming "DADA!!!" no matter how much daddy and I emphasize "DOGGY."

I'm amazed at what you can remember. We learned what a horse says early one morning and you repeated "nay" immediately after me. We didn't talk about the sound again until daddy got home at 5. As soon as I asked what a horsie says you said "nay" with that sweet, bashful smile on your face because you knew that you had it and knew your recollection would be met with very excited, high-pitched praise from your mother!

You are adept at sign language for signing more, please, and thank you and most often use more and please when wanting a book, a ball, or an apple! You adore books and will beg for us to read the same book over and over again any time of the day. You love pointing at the animals and repeating sounds although other than "moo", "nay", and "woof" you think that every other animal also says "MOO!" so funny! You LOVE apples for some reason and that is the first thing I grab at the grocery store so you can hold onto one the entire ride. I just have them charge one extra apple when our shopping is done! Your face just lights up. We even let you nap with your apple one afternoon as you can see here:

you are an athletic one! You have a throwing stance just like the big boys on our street and will crouch down, wind up, and throw the baseball, football, tennis ball...as hard as you can. What an arm! We can't wait to get you onto a team! You run any and everywhere, up driveways, down driveways, we count to three (you move your fingers like mama) and with such a big smile on your face you take off when I get to three and run down the driveway. You love running down grassy hills and up and climbing anything we'll let you! You go down big slides all by yourself and can climb up and down steps with ease. You can also climb up onto the couch now and also up onto the coffee table which is something new and something I don't allow but in the time I had gathered towels from the bathroom and came back in the living room, there you were, standing proud with the biggest grin! Can't leave you alone for a moment!

We've definitely seen you mature more physically and vocally this month then ever before. You're not saying very many words we can understand but you sure do have a mouth on you! "Jambaya" is a favorite of yours! You say this often and with such excitement, I sure do wonder what it means!

Petit Jean Mountain

2009-06-07T13:36:00.001-07:00

What a fun day!

it would have been a pretty quick hike to the falls except that kaleb wanted to stop and pick up every rock he found!

we would have made pretty good time on the hike back except that our little cuddle bug wanted to love on his daddy and kept putting his hands over his eyes!

Home Sweet Home!

2009-06-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy, sleepless, fun-filled trip to California! In the 4 nights we spent in California I got 3 hours, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 4 hours of sleep each night respectively yet was incredibly energized. I'm guessing it was because vacation was spent in lots of quality time with loved ones. We ate out a ton with family and friends, had breakfast at great grandma's and chased bunny rabbits, showered Jenni and baby, went swimming, went to Disneyland and California Adventure, visited everyone at church, hung out at a missions fundraiser bbq...at church, we sang one of my favorite songs and the words "I'm chasing after you because you first chased after me" kept repeating in my head all weekend and I was reminded of the reason we celebrate life and loved ones. The Lord has worked in so many wondrous ways and has united us in purpose and joy. He chases after each one of us with amazing love and desires to fulfill a great purpose in each of us.

A definite highlight of the trip was waking up at 4 am to visit Katie's brother. Through a car accident and possibly facing 15 years in prison Cody has asked the Lord into his heart. His wife of 4 months, Alisha, has accepted the Lord into her heart and has a strength I've not seen in many girls. Ridiculed by inmates' girlfriends, she has pledged to be faithful to Cody. She has changed her major to support them financially and has stood firm in her commitment to move wherever Cody is transferred to. It's so evident her strength is from the Lord and her expressed excitement for growing in God alongside her husband is infectious. She was bubbily when she saw Cody...hopeful...joyful. If you think of Cody please pray for him! He is very discouraged at this time although is holding onto hope.

Back to the vacay, we STILL did not make it to the beach, the one thing I really wanted Kaleb to see...next time! The flight there was AWESOME! Kaleb was an angel the entire day, on both flights, and made lots of new friends! One of the 13 year old boys played with him and even sat on his mommy's lap so he could be a "lap baby" like Kaleb and gave Kaleb his very own seat! Everyone around us played peekaboo with him and our little man was just full of smiles. The flight back however required getting up at 5 am and made for a very fussy homeward trip! Kaleb flung his paci every which way, I think at least 3 different passengers had to pick it up. He is more precious than gold yet sure can throw a tantrum! He pretty much screamed until he passed out in mama's arms. Here are lots of pics of his 2nd trip to California.

dinner with our buddies. Grandma babysat so we even got to hang out all night at kevin and jessica's with everyone like old times! jess is just over 4 months pregnant here!

dinners with grandpa, elaine, and aunt jenni

showering aunt jenni and kaleb's cousin!

5 mos. and 7 mos. pregnant!

kaleb's AND daddy's first trip to disneyland!

SUMMERTIME!

2009-05-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

It is FINALLY warm! I love our neighborhood since there are lots of kids for kaleb to play with. As soon as our truck pulls into the drive, the neighborhood kids follow our truck and migrate over to kaleb waiting to play! They know they are allowed to use his toys and help themselves to the garage. They love getting pulled in the wagon and even beg to pull me. I'll take the nice break! It is so cute watching maya on kaleb's batman 4-wheeler with her princess barbie dress flowing behind her!

kaitlyn, kaleb & maya

patrick
kaleb's new pool! thanks grana!

Mother's Day Brunch

2009-05-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Grandma's pictures from her visit!

2009-05-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma brought me lots of clothes, toys, and books and discovered my love for books! Grandma sat on the couch with me everyday and read to me! She taught me lots of new words!

farewell dinner with the Purcells

kaleb's happy dance after getting spoonfuls of porcini mushroom soup

ristorante capeo

Grandma doesn't come empty handed

daddy's catch of the day

We Love You Jason, Lauren, & Riley!

2009-05-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

We had a farewell bbq for our dear friends, the Purcells, as they headed off to sunny California! They travel so often I try to think of it as a vacation rather than a relocation and since they are in my home state I know we will see them in the near future! Lauren, experiencing pregnancy and the birth of our first child together was such a blessing! I thank the Lord for you, your awesome family, and the friends you have been to us. We know the Lord will bless you in your new home and can see he already has! Until we see y'all I'll think of smoked brisket in your backyard, spying on the boys with baby monitors, dinners galore with our newborn babies...so many sweet memories! All our love!

Happer Easter! He is Risen!

2009-05-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

did you know the human head weighs 8 pounds?

top of the mornin' to ya!
while visiting in the living room, peepaw decides it is a good time to shave

my belly is full

baby reed!

2009-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

proud parents!
precious baby boy

riley & kaleb

leslie & laurie

mama's birthday dinner!

2009-05-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

It was an awesome day! I got to visit baby Reed and got lots of birthday wishes from everyone but my husband! He remembered 3 days, 2 days, and 1 day prior...he took off work that day so he was unaware of the date he says! Josh and Jason kindly texted him from the hospital "don't forget your wife's birthday, idiot!" Derek and Kaleb called it quits early from helping uncle Jake with his fixer-upper home after receiving the text. Kaleb enters through the door first with a pink rose and gives it to me followed by an extremley apologetic Derek. Well, he sure made up for it with a dozen pink roses, dinner at bonefish grill, a movie, and LOTS of hugs and kisses from my two boys!

"happy birthday mama!"

more olive oil please, ma'am

playtime

2009-05-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Jesse's 2nd Birthday at the Little Rock zoo complete with a train ride, animal show, and yummy cake and candy hunt!

playtime pizza with uncle jerod! I love cars!

Meemaw, Grana, and Lily came to surprise us with mean pig bbq and lots of fun toys! We sure had a great time playing!

sweet hug from lily!

sweet kisses!

Little Rock zoo trip with riley!

pooped out!

cohen's 2nd Birthday party

cooking in Barbie's dreamhouse

kaleb & lily

15 Months--Kaleb's Second Word!

2009-05-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

your second word is "up!" I didn't think anything of it when you said "up" to get into your carseat...thought it was just baby babble until you wanted up on the couch and said "up" again! You sure are babbling nonstop yet you're not saying many real words. Although I'm amazed at how much you understand! You are learning so much! Words you "say":

bapple (apple)
na-na (banana)
wawer (water)
ba-doo! (when you're excited and want to be put on a ride or spot something you love)

words you understand:

"get the vacuum"
"sit down"
"put on your shoes"
"put your toys in the box" (you clean up every toy when you're done playing. If I leave one out of the box because I think it looks cute on the couch well, that is just unacceptable to you! You walk right up to the couch and put your bunny rabbit in the box too! You are such a good helper!)
"put that back" (and you'll neatly stack the toilet paper back on the shelf that you just knocked down)
"don't touch"
"dip your food" (you dip your chicken in bbq sauce but you'll dip your blueberries in it too!)
"get your lunchbox" (you run to get it each time I pick you up from mother's day out and you head for the door!)
"show me your belly"
"cuddle mama's belly" (you give sweet hugs to your baby brother!)

Family Weekend in Branson!

2009-05-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

School's Out for Summer!!!

2009-05-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

at least until summer school starts!! Now I can actually update the blog a bit!

final grades:

anatomy/physiology-A

genetics-A

biology-A

woohoo!! Not normally noteworthy except that it is when studying through nausea, vomiting, being attacked by viruses 3 weeks out of the month, when your bio advisor advises against taking genetics coupled with 2 other science courses since "you won't survive it"! I need to praise my awesome husband! Derek, thanks for giving up fishing all those times you really wanted to go without complaining once, for being the sole financial contributor, for falling asleep on the couch as I completed exams online into the wee hours of the night and setting up family dinner dates so we could maintain some semblance of normalcy. I love you, love you, love you! And thank you Grana for coming by so often to help with kaleb! You are a lifesaver! Thank you, Lord, for discipline =)

14 MONTHS- MY FIRST WORD IS BALL!

2009-04-04T20:27:00.001-07:00

Kaleb loves his football, kicks his soccer ball, and loves his bouncy ball and mini ball. We always ask "where's your ball?" and he'll find it and bring it. If it's under the couch and he can't reach he says "bah" until we get it. I was exaggeratedly saying "BAAAAAALLL" and Kaleb suddenly said "BAAAALLL" even got the "l" sound in there!! Good job honey!

other "words" he says:

awa (water)
duh (duck)
bubba (bubble)
and he just babbles "dobby dooby dooby"...derek and I just CRACK UP! We hear"dooby daba dooby" ALL DAY LONG

we're also told from the ladies at daycare that he stares right at them and "talks" so intentionally and loudly like he's REALLY telling them something!

uh-oh (when he drops something or when we catch him doing something he shouldn't)
oh! (when he spots his paci or something else he wants)

13 Month Milestones and Favorites

2009-04-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

playing with shaving cream!

you LOVE playing outside and understand "let's go!" As soon as you hear it you race for the door! You also take the initiative and let me know when you'd like to go play by grabbing my shoes and bringing them to me. You even place them on my feet i.e. you hold them upside down and place them on the top of my feet. You always grab the correct shoes for me or daddy! You grab my heels or boots and daddy's tennis shoes or work boots and bring them to the appropriate person! You have also attempted putting daddy's boots AND mama's heels on!

Other words you understand:

"run!"
"watch mama"

"give it to me"
"hug"
"kisses" (you are SO lovey dovey I just love this stage! You rest your head on mama all the time and just come up to me and cuddle! You give hugs to all your friends at mother's day out, give kisses to your animals in your favorite book, and you always grab your blankie and nuzzle your head into it
"go find your ball"
"go find your shoes"
"splash"
"bouncy-bouncy (bounce)" (you jump on the bed)
"where's your nose/mouth/ear?" (you point to your own nose/ear even if I don't say anything but instead point to an animal's nose/ear in your book
you do all the movements to "the wheels on the bus" and you also dance like a pro! you twist and turn, move up and down, and when you're really excited you run in place or walk around lifting your feet up really high! So funny!

LOVE wearing mama's scarf

BIG KISSES- SO SWEET!

swimming time!

handsome boy!

Sometimes you do quite well feeding yourself yogurt with a spoon and manage to get most of it in your mouth. Most other times you get more of it on your face than in it!

Spaghetti monster! Your favorite foods are mama's spaghetti, strawberries and avocadoes!

mama's spaghetti is so good you lick your tray clean to get every tasty morsel!

at 13 months you learned to keep your thumb pressed down to make your batmobile go without our help! You just couldn't turn yet as the video shows! Now at 15 months your are starting to turn!

12 Month Milestones

2009-04-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

You help mama sweep the house! In fact, when you're done eating you so generously grab the broom and the swiffer and bring it to mama so I can sweep up your crumbs! What a good helper!

working on his muscles

at 12 months for the first time you actually got the leggos to fit perfectly on the mat and you were also placing your animal puzzle pieces in the exact animal spots perfectly!!! I was very excited about this and called daddy because I was wondering when you were going to figure it out! Good job honey!

Walking

A week before your first birthday on December 1, you took steps--15 to be exact as daddy recollected as he excitedly spilled the news over the phone. He may have exaggerated as you actually ran more than walked in your excitement during your first trial. Nevertheless, you went for it! Over the next few weeks you took careful, concentrated steps and by your first visit to California you were walking at Catherine's wedding (December 27th) all night long! Exactly one month after your first steps you were a walking champ! Now you are RUNNING!!! At the park you just run all over the place and explore everywhere you can! Daddy called you his little Magellan!

Mexican Dinner Night

2009-04-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Videos- 10 months

2009-04-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Old videos I had to post! Kaleb still LOVIN' bathtime!!! do you think he enjoys water?

practicing brushing those pearly whites

Church Valentine's Dinner

2009-03-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

great friends, great food, and one HILARIOUS comedian!!

Outback get-together including new baby Owen

2009-03-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

baby owen!

I LOVE this pic, thanks Andrea!

New Year's Eve party

2009-03-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

riley & kaleb the boys playing around the world ping pong (or something like that)

the girls + deacon

February was NOT FUN!!!

2009-03-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

well here are a bunch of quick updates to follow this post...beginning with New Year's since I'm playing catch up! In February, Kaleb got respiratory syncytial virus and was on albuterol for a week and a half. Luckily, he loved putting the breathing apparatus on so no problems there. After recovering, he got bacterial pneumonia and was put on antiobiotics. In the midst of caring for my poor baby, I got the flu which lasted for about a week and a half, then both Derek and I got a stomach bug and were throwing up for days, and of course I then got sick a third time. Combination of stress and pregnancy really weakens the immune system I guess =) We are back to normal and feeling great as we just returned from a vacation in Branson. We were in need of some rest and relaxation and good ol' family fun!

here we go again!!

2009-03-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

We are so very excited to share our pregnancy news! baby burns #2 is on the way...due date is September 17! We heard the heartbeat for the second time this past week and find out if Kaleb will have a baby brother or sister on April 27! I've always wanted children close in age and I know Kaleb will just love having another lil' one in the house! Thank you Lord for our precious gift!!