Crystal and David

2008-09-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

He loves horses

My dad has two horses, Smudge and Lexi, and Isaac absolutely loves them. In fact, it would be a good thing if he developed a healthy fear of them. Smudge is the mom, and she is in these two pictures. No one has ridden Lexi yet, so Isaac can't sit on her back.

2008-09-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from the pumpkin farm

2008-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Potty training 101

Isaac is 19 months old now. Right about the time he turned 18 months, I bought a potty chair thinking he could start to get familiar with it, and we could start teaching him what it is for. He has sat on it a couple of times, but he has never "gone potty" on it. I have asked myself several times if I should start the training process, but I kept feeling like he just wasn't ready yet. I bought a book, read through, and started to watch for the readiness cues. Well, this morning I got one. I went to Isaac's room to get him out of bed, and I found a little boy standing up saying, "Poop!" His pants and dirty diaper were on the floor, and there were beautiful marks rubbed all over his sheets from where he sat and tried to wipe the dirty off. So, needless to say, we are beginning the training process. If you have any tips, please send them my way!

2008-09-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Fun with cousins

I took Isaac to the pumpkin farm with my parents and Jamie's kids. On our way, we stopped to "go fishing." Of the several times today that a video camera would have been helpful, this was one. Christian (Jamie's three-year-old) would say to my dad, "I'm scared. You do it," and the next minute he would say, "Papa, don't help me...I can do it by myself." Isaac was more interested in eating his apple, which can be seen in every picture.

After fishing, we headed to the pumpkin farm. On the way there, Christian and Carson sang "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," which sounded a little like this: "Winkle little tar, ow I wonder what chew are. Up above da wold so high, la la la la in da sky. Winkle little tar, ow I wonder what chew are." When they stopped after the first "what you are," Isaac piped in "up above." I was shocked and not sure what he was saying, but when he repeated himself several times, I realized he did actually say it. He adds to his vocabulary daily, and it is so wonderful to hear!

The first thing we did when we got to the farm was look at all the animals.

Cows

Pigs

Dogs

After the animals, the kids picked out their pumpkins.

Then we went on a hayride, which started out quite nice...

until Isaac got brave...

decided to walk...

picked up some hay...

and proceeded to start a hay fight...fun was had by all!

2008-09-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

WE GOT A CAMERA!!!

Our camera died on us near the beginning of the summer, so we got a new one last weekend! I know these pics are random, but I have been hearing about not posting anything. (Yes, Dad, these are new!) I feel like I need to take nine weeks off school to recreate our summer so I have some pictures...oh well! Enjoy!

I love this pic because it is hard sometimes to catch his smiles on camera...he's very serious!

Not sure what's going on here, but it makes for a cute shot!

This is Isaac trying to make his pants into shorts. He is not ready for cool weather. He's really going to hate when he has to wear closed shoes!

2008-07-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Lucas County Fair
We went to the Lucas County Fair on Monday, July 21. It was a hot day but lots of fun. Isaac loved all of the animals. His favorite toy at home is his Little People Farm, so he was definitely in his element at the fair!

This would have been a cute picture, but Isaac was ready for a nap and wasn't happy about having to pose.
We went to the fair with friend Melissa and her daughter Madison (pictured here). Melissa's friend Angela also came with us. You may notice the chicken nugget in this picture and the next one...he held onto this for an hour, so I finally threw it out. Yuck!
Now he's ready to pose!

2008-07-14T09:59:00.001-07:00

Summer Time???

I have decided that the reason my blog does not stay regularly updated with new pictures and quips has nothing to do with the fact that I am a teacher during the school year. I have not published one post this summer, and I have certainly had the time to do it. My typical day consists of going to the gym (which I surprised myself by absolutely LOVING...I do Turbo Kick, Zumba, and toning classes...it's a blast!), playing with Isaac, running errands for groceries and the like, and, hopefully before school starts back in five weeks if my parents decide to open the pool, swimming. The thing is, I can't stand to be bored, so Isaac and I keep ourselves busy by taking walks, going to the park, planning to go to the zoo (we haven't actually gone yet this summer), playing with other toddlers, playing out back in the baby pool and sandbox, and anything else that we can think of. I have totally enjoyed spending this time with Isaac over the summer, and I really need to start downloading and posting pictures to share it with all of you!

2008-05-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

FAMILY REUNION IN GATLINBURG

May 14-18, we had a family reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. Those present: Mom, Dad, Amber, Ed, Aubrianna, Annaliese, Jamie, Crystal, Christian, Carson, Chloe, Grandma Betty, Aunt Pam, Ashley, Uncle Doug, and Noah. My Grandma Frances was also planning to come, but she had surgery with some complications a few days earlier, and she was kept in the hospital. Please pray for her.

We had tons of fun! One thing with no pictures that we all really enjoyed was the Black Bear Jamboree...it was a great meal and show, and all of the kids paid attention the entire time!

Ripley's AquariumEd, Aubrianna, Annaliese, and Amber

The kids watching the fish in the big tank

Just after arriving

Isaac looking serious

Crystal, Carson, Chloe, Christian, and Jamie

Isaac and Chloe looking at the fish

Me, Isaac, and David

Outdoor Mini Carnival

Isaac on the giraffe

Aubrianna on giraffe

Isaac and Chloe with me

Isaac on the carousel

Not a great picture, but since she was SO brave, this is Aubrianna on the swinging boat...I can't believe she did this!

Isaac hugging Annaliese...he LOVES to hug!

Isaac and Chloe on the train

Christian and Aubrianna on the ferris wheel

Christian on the carousel

Carson on carousel

Carson on the swings

Chloe on carousel

Chloe on giraffe

Pony rides

Carson

Isaac

Aubrianna

Christian

Some random pix

Aubrianna's face painting

Cousin Noah

Uncle Jamie...before he got tired of the kids running down the hall so that he would lift them over his head while screaming like a maniac

Isaac in Gatlinburg

Carson, Christian, and Chloe

David with the animals

Some Family Pix

Us with my Grandma Betty

Us with my Aunt Pam (obviously my mom's sister) and cousin Ashley

Family Pic

2008-05-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

Trinidad 2008

I led a group of my students on a mission trip to Trinidad April 11-21. This was an awesome time of ministry, stretching, and growing. I am so proud of my students for their commitment to do whatever was needed of them. They were each such an amazing blessing. They passed Isaac around when they knew that I needed help, and they remained sensitive to this need constantly. It was wonderful for me to see their servant hearts. Here are a few pictures.

Our team along with some of the local youth group before hiking
Our group at a bridge in Lopinot
The waterfall we hiked to
We had a competition to see who could do the craziest jump into the pool...for some reason mine was the only one photographed...I guess something about seeing your teacher acting so crazy calls for a camera to be used
Miming at a church in Dow Village
Taking a steel pan class
Beautiful sunset
Our group before the hike

Isaac with Andy (he LOVES Andy)
Isaac with Stephanie
Me at Lopinot
Mommy and Isaac
Not sure what I was doing, but since we were at a preschool, whatever it is should be justified

Isaac with Papa on the guitar
Isaac with Mimi
Isaac and Papa
Isaac at the waterfall

Isaac at the airport in Detroit

2008-03-26T12:18:00.002-07:00

What's your superpower?
I admit that I "stole" this from my friend Kelly's blog. That being said, it's time that I break my silence on this issue. Those close to me or who are around me often (co-workers) know that I was a breastfeeding mom through Isaac's first birthday. I am not hugely outspoken about it because I feel that it was a personal choice that I made and every woman should have the right to choose whether or not she wants to breastfeed. (I say should because I have friends who are unable to make this choice due to medical conditions.) I was proud of my decision and my perseverance. There were times that it would have been easy to give up, not simply out of convenience, but out of severe pain (and I do mean severe; if you really want details, email me)! But I stuck with it! I did it because my son was worth it! I am NOT one of those women who looks down on those who formula-feed; as I said, it's their choice. The thing that does irritate me is women who say, "Oh, it must have been really easy for you!" No, it wasn't. If you choose to formula-feed, I have ZERO problems with that, and I don't think less of you! But don't simply assume that because I breastfed for an entire year that it was easy for me. Case in point: After six weeks of nursing, I had such severe lacerations that I went to see a lactation consultant. She was shocked that I was still breastfeeding and advised me to stop (not because of danger to Isaac or me, but because of pain); I didn't. I went back to work after seven weeks, and I pumped three to four times a day for the remainder of the school year. Then, when school started back in the fall, I pumped twice a day through February. It wasn't convenient; I had to take work and lesson plans home; but I did it. At the end of the day, does making milk count as a superpower? I think so, and I bet Isaac does too!

2008-03-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

These are some pictures of Isaac while at my parents' house.

Not looking too happy
Now looking VERY happy!
What beautiful eyes you have!
Your smile steals my heart! I love my papa!
Grinny boy!
Eating cars!
You know I'm cute!
Eyes for Gammy
Isaac is playing with a car here, but you can also see the Hallmark snowman and penguins on the table. I had to pack mine up as soon as Christmas was over because all we ever heard was the different stuffed figures singing Christmas carols. Isaac LOVES these things, so we will certainly continue adding to the collection!

2008-03-17T12:24:00.001-07:00

Update on cousins

Christian is 3 years and 4 months old, and he is eating Carson's birthday cake in this picture. Note: being shirtless is necessary.
Annaliese is 7 months old, and she is a beautiful girl!
She and Aubrianna LOVE each other!
Aubrianna is 2 years, 4 months old, and she is eating Mommy and Daddy's birthday cake.
Here is Carson on his 2nd birthday!

Chloe is 11 months old, and she has a smile to light up a room!

2008-03-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

THE DAY HAS COME

We took Isaac to Cookie Cutters, a place just for kids. I can't say that he enjoyed it, but he did a great job!

Look at the length of his hair as it is combed out!

Slicked down
It dried and curled right back up so fast!
A handsome, clean-cut little man!
That wasn't so bad!
And I get a balloon!
How do you think I look with my new haircut?
Personally, I am pleased with the results.
Final verdict: I am NOT sorry that I didn't get this done earlier, but I am thrilled that I had it done now. Isaac is a handsome little man!

2008-03-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

THE STORY OF A BOY AND HIS HAIR

People have told me for about six months that I need to get Isaac's hair cut, and mothers with little baldies will perhaps not understand this, but it's a difficult decision. After all, once the hair is gone, so is your baby...he all of a sudden becomes a little boy, at least in my mind. So I have procrastinated (which, no, I do not have a habit of doing). Some of the last pictures of my son's long locks are in this blog; I know, I need to get his hair cut!

In his defense, he was sick this day, and I know the picture is AWFUL, but I had to show you the head of hair I am dealing with!
Here he is in the chair Granny bought him for Christmas, and, yes, his hair is big...
...and crazy all around!
I love you sweetie...you, and ALL of your hair!

2008-03-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAYS

Snow days are fun, paid days off for me. Isaac also enjoys them because we get to play all day long! This week we got 8 inches of snow in one day, so I bundled my toddler up to go out and play; after all, his first reaction to seeing his first snowfall was to stick his hand in it and eat it. I just KNEW I had a snowbaby. Alas, I set him down for the first time, and this was the fruit of my labor (20 minutes of bundling...hey, at least he's still in diapers, so I didn't have to immediately unbundle him to take a trip to the bathroom).

So, Kelly, while you wish for snow and your kids would probably LOVE it, I wish for it to leave (please!), and my kid isn't exactly thrilled with it! Love you; enjoy that Miami weather!

2008-02-16T13:13:00.001-08:00

ISAAC'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

Playing with LeapFrog Caterpillar with cousin Jajuan

Please allow me to compose my masterpiece!

Piano from Grandma Frances (thank you!)

Sand toys in a wagon from Papa and Mimi

In the wagon with Papa and Mimi

Family pic

I loved my balloons
Musical card from Papa and Mimi...I LOVE to dance!

I loved the 100 balls in my sandbox (because it will be too cold to play in it outside for a while now), but I was not thrilled about being IN the sandbox with 100 balls!
I'm actually attempting to share with my cousin Jajuan!
The Birthday Prince has been crowned!

So handsome (why doesn't he smile???)
Half of a smile

Here, have some cake!

Isaac with Mommy

Happy first birthday, Isaac! Thank you to all who came out to make it such a special time...Mommy, Daddy, Papa, Mimi, Granny, Gigi, John-John, Jajuan, Sam, and Phil! You are all really great friends!

2008-02-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

It was one year ago that my life was forever changed.
It was one year ago that I experienced the greatest pain I ever hope to experience.
It was one year ago that I met the most wonderful person.
It was one year ago that I fell in love.
It was one year ago that I met my son.
It was one year ago that I experienced the greated joy I ever thought possible.
It was one year ago that my life was forever changed.

Isaac, you have made the past year more wonderful than words can express! I love you so very deeply, and I could never have dreamed of a better son! Happy first birthday!

2008-01-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas with Mommy's Family

Gammy with Aubrianna, Annaliese, Isaac and Carson

Gammy and Aunt Crystal with all the kids!
Daddy and Isaac...I LOVE this picture!
At the Toledo Zoo Lights

2008-01-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Pictures

At the Lights Before Christmas (although we went after) at the Toledo Zoo...it was a COLD night, but we still had lots of fun with Aunt Amber, Aubrianna, Annaliese, Uncle Jamie, Aunt Crystal, Christian, Carson, Chloe, Gammy and Papa. (Uncle Ed went back to Chicago for church the next day, and we missed him a lot.)

Christmas morning breakfast

In front of all my gifts
My new toothpaste was my favorite
Not to be outdone by my Cheerios
Are there more???
Opening Christmas Eve PJs with Daddy

So he's not a fan of clothing gifts
But once he put them on, he was excited!
Our little man in his Christmas Eve PJs Granny gave Isaac a sit and stride car...he LOVES it!

2008-01-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

some cute pix...

At about 10 months old
Naked...still cute!!!
This is when Isaac had the two bottom middle teeth and the two top side teeth...it made for an interesting grin!
No, he didn't just stick his finger in a socket!
Such a handsome little man!

2008-01-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

TRINIDAD TRIP

Hey to all of you!!! I know that I am not much of a messenger or blogger on MySpace, but I wanted to let you all know about our upcoming school mission trip to Trinidad. We will be leaving April 11 and returning April 21. There is a group of twelve; six are students, three are chaperones, and three are people outside of our school who also wanted to participate. We will be flying into Port-of-Spain, and we will be staying in a local pastor's guesthouse. There will be the opportunity for a variety of ministries, including door-to-door evangelism, kid crusades, meals on wheels, homeless shelter visitation, prison visitation, and much more. One of the opportunities that the students are very excited about is taking a hike to a waterfall on our first day with the youth group from the church we will be working with; this will allow them to get to know the teens in Trinidad really well. The total cost of this trip is $14,000; if you would be interested in being a part of this trip by financially supporting my team, please send your donation to the following address:

Fountain City Christian School
P.O. Box 150
Bryan, OH 43506

Be sure to write Missions on the memo line, and include a note indicating that you are sending a donation in response to my letter. All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive the necessary paperwork to that end.

Thank you all for your consideration in this. Please keep my team in your prayers between now and the time of the trip.

Crystal

2008-01-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

OK, so I am a little late on this...as always. At 10 months, Isaac measured in at the same height, but he gained about half a pound. He had lots of fun in Christmas preparations. He was a trooper going in and out of all the stores with me, and he LOVED trying new foods (especially cookies).

Christmas was so cool with him. I have always loved both giving and receiving gifts, but this year my biggest delight was found in watching Isaac's reaction to each gift he received. I will upload some pix later. He loved everything, and now that he has had these new toys for a couple of weeks, he has figured out how to work them all, and it is a blast to watch him play with everything.

On Christmas Eve, David and I sat down with Isaac and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, and we talked about the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, Isaac didn't understand this (though he did clap his hands to the song), but we want to start a tradition of making focus on Jesus the main idea at this time of year (as it should be all year long). He got to open his PJ's (a tradition my parents have had since I was a kid) and his ornament for this year. He wasn't super-thrilled, but that's okay. It was throughout the next week as he received all kinds of toys that he started to LOVE opening anything that was wrapped. I will post pix soon...so cute!

2007-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

At Isaac's 9-month check-up, Dr. Rasor said that he is looking great and progressing wonderfully. The only thing we need to keep an eye on is his weight and length. He has been in to 50- 75th percentile in both categories since birth, but this month he is in the 5-10th percentile for height at 27 1/4 inches, and he is in the 10-25th percentile for weight at 18.2 pounds. He has only gained one pound in three months. There are a lot of factors that could be contributing to this: he is eating more food and drinking less milk, so less calories and fat; he has learned how to crawl and is on the verge of walking, so burning more calories. We are trusting God that Isaac will be just fine...he is such a delight!

For his first Thanksgiving, Isaac was able to see all of his family in the area. On Thursday we went to David's mom's house, his Aunt Doris' and his Aunt Nita's...Isaac had a blast eating all kinds of different foods! His favorite foods that day were the macaroni and cheese and the sweet potatoes! Yummy! We also went to my parents' house just to see them for a little while. Friday morning we got up early and went shopping with Aunt Amber and Grammy. We shopped from 5am-1pm (although Isaac stayed at home with David until about 7:30). After that, we had the Garrett Thanksgiving, which was a blast with six kids all around!

Isaac in his reindeer ears

All six kids on Thanksgiving

Saturday afternoon we went to have family pictures made...that was interesting to say the least...here are some of the shots.

All of the grandkids with Grammy and Papa

What in the world are we all looking at?

Our family pic

The whole gang...this was the hard one!

The three new 2007 babies

2007-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a long while since I uploaded ANYTHING...life is crazy!!! I totally missed posting 8 months, and now Isaac is 9 months old...so big, so fast! I will post 9 month stats on Wednesday after his doctor's appointment. Here are some pix from the last couple of months.

First Ohio/Michigan border battle...GO BUCKS!!!!!

"Helping" Daddy with his recording...this is Isaac's favorite room in the house. This picture was taken on Isaac's 8 month birthday!

Anything will keep him entertained!

Cheerios are his favorite snack, along with yogurt, which you can see on his face if you look closely!
Isaac's 9 month birthday...what a stud!!!