Life on the hill

2009-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

For my friend Briana

I just wanted to post a few pictures from the day that Dylan got his tubes.

I was a very nervous mother and of course feared the worst.

My biggest concern was however how to keep a child, who's first word upon waking is "juice" from getting even the slightest amount of liquid.

Lucky for me the surgery was scheduled for very early in the morning, so basically we got him out of bed, into the carseat and to the hopsital without much fuss as he went backtop sleep in the car.

Once at the hospital there was so much going on that I don't think he even remembered anything about a drink.

Once Dylan was in the OR (daddy went with him, cause I didn't have the nerve), we got told to wait in the waiting room. At that point my husband made a phone call and I went to get some coffee for us. I don't think I was gone for more then 10 minutes. When I got back the nurse told me to come back and that Dylan was just waking up.

Now they did warn us that some kids have a hard time coming out of anesthisia so I was fully prepared. When I got back to his room though, he was snuggeling with the nurse and only cried briefly when he saw me.

Once he got a hold of his juice he was just fine.

I am very glad that I got Dylan his tubes, as he hasn't had any problems with his ears since.
The only issue we're having now is trying to keep the plug when when he's in the tub. He likes to drive mommy crazy by taking them out as soon as he hits the water.
Not sure what I'll do in the pool yet, but I'm sure we'll figure it out.

2008-11-28T10:48:00.001-08:00

MY DAD

I can't believe it yet, but it happened.

My dad passed away yesterday morning 5:55am (german time).

I know I haven't seen much of him since my move to the US in 1990, but I've thought about him each and every day.

I thank god for the opportunity of seeing him one last time before he passed.

He is in a much better place now.

My mom seems to be doing okay with it all. She's been with him through good and bad times and will miss him dearly.

Wish I could talk her into coming over here for a while. maybe in time, who knows.

Thank you for reading this. There is so much more I'd like to say, but I don't think I can manage yet.

2008-10-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

CRAFTY WEDNESDAY

Okay, so I'm going to try an post something I've made every Wednesday.

It may be a card, a scrapbook page or something else.

Here is what I made today.

2008-09-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS EVERYWHERE

Today we went to a local Apple Orchard to find a nice pumpkin and of course do a photoshoot with Brent's Cousins.

As you can see we had a great time. Dylan was absolutely fascinated with the pumpkins.

The rest of the children did a wonderful job posing for my camera.

I still need to bring it to the shop, but just can't get myself to be camera less for an extended period of time.

Here are a few of my favorites from today.

And last, but not least a group shot.

Which by the way is pretty tough with 6 silly cousins.

2008-09-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

APPLE PIE

Today Brent made his very first apple pie with the help of his Aunt Phyllis.

She used to make the Pies for my in-laws Apple Stand and I must say they are the best around.

Here are some pictures of his first baking experience.

Of course Dylan had to "help" some too.

Oh and in case you're wondering why there is no picture of the finished pie?

It was yummy, not time to take pictures.

2008-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

NOT MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS ONE!

2008-09-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

DAYCARE

So far Dylan seems to be enjoying himself at daycare.

I was really nervous as some of you know, especially once the owner told me that he would be sleeping on a cot.

Yeah right I thought. Well, guess what...he DOES sleep on his cot.
Some days longer then others, but he DOES.
Can you tell I'm excited.

Also, now that he only gets one nap at daycare 3 days a week he has made the transition at home to. He usually sleeps from 12:30-2:30 when he's with me.

I'm hoping that he will keep that schedule going as it seems to work out pretty well for us.

2008-09-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN

Brent has his first day at Kindergarten today.

He was so excited to get on the bus this morning.

After getting him on the us I had to sit in the car for a little while and relax.

I can't even believe my "baby" is old enough for Kindergarten.

I followed him to school so I could get a few pictures with him coming off the bus.

When the bus got there he was already heavy in conversation with some of his Kindergarten Friends :)

I think he'll do well.

2008-09-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

MEET THE TEACHER

Well, Brent and I got to meet his Kindergarten Teacher today.

I have to say I was very nervous when I heard that both Kindergarten Teachers were going to retire after last year, but after meeting Mrs. Sontag all my worries went away.

She is so very nice to the kids and very reassuring to us "looney" Kindergarten Parents.

She spent a lot of time answering all of our questions and adressed all of our concerns.

I think Brent will have a really good time in her class.

2008-09-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

CAN YOU SAY...

Mom?

Dad?

Nana?

Gampa?

Bubblegum?

I did it?

Bye Bob?

Yes those are a few of Dylan's favorite things to say.

2008-08-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

4 WHEELING

So my best friends son got a 4 wheeler for his Birthday last week.

After watching him getting rides with his dad and their friend Bob, Brent got a turn.

To say he loved it, would be an understatement.

After Brent it was Dylan's turn as he had been watching them riding around and smiling this big smile every time they came by.

Both Tom and Bob where very good driving with the, although judging by this photo they may have been going too fast.

2008-08-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

VBS

This was the first year brent attended Vacation Bible school.

I figured it was well past time for him to lear a little about the Bible.

The program this year was called "Surfing through the scripture", so each day Brent had to wear a different color T-Shirt.

First it was

orange

then red,

then blue,

then green,

then yellow.

He definately wants to go back next year he told me.

2008-07-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

THE REAL ME

I was actually going to post some pictures from Disney, but as it's late and I have lots to say about our trip I took Alissa up on her challenge.

I know this picture is very old (1997) and not the best quality as I had to scan it in, but I have to say I believe this right here is the real me.

2008-07-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

FIRST OFFICIAL HAIRCUT

Not sure how I got talked into it, but here is Dylan with his first "official" haircut.

He's had a few trims before, but this time the clippers came out and to my surprise he was really good.

Here are a few more shots of him during his haircut.

I think he will feel a lot better now, especially with the trip to Florida next week.

Although he may not think so yet :)

2008-07-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

ADVENTURES WITH A HAMBURGER

MY FRIEND JENI CAME OVER WITH HER KIDS ON WEDNESDAY AFTER SWIMMING LESSONS AND THE KDIS ENJOYED AN AFTERNOON IN THE SPRINKLER AND ON THE WATERSLIDE AGAIN.

AFTERWARDS I DECIDEDTO THROW SOME THINGS ON THE GRILL AND ANJOY SOME FRESH CORN I HAD BOUGHT AT A LOCAL FARMSTAND.

I HAD ALSO MADE SOME OF DYLAN'S FAVORITE PASTA SALAD.

AFTER THE OLDER KIDS GOT DONE EATING THEY TOOK OFF TO PLAY A LITTLE MORE BEFORE IT WAS TIME TO GO HOME.

DYLAN ON THE OTHER HAND DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO CLEAN UP WHAT THEY HAD LEFT.

JULIA'S HAMBURGER LOOKED ESPECIALLY GOOD TO HIM.

ALTHOUGH APPEARENTLY SHE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH KETCHUP,

OR MUSTARD ON HERS

TAKE ONE LAST BITE

AND BE HAPPY

2008-07-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

SLIP N SLIDE

A few friends of mine came over for an afternoon of slipping and sliding on Friday.

It was fun, need I say more.

2008-07-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

BLACK AND WHITE

I love taking black and white pictures. I just think there is something very special about them.

This morning I had a great opportunity to get some black and whites of Dylan.

It all started with a poopy diaper.

No, don't worry I don't have pictures of that :)

Anyway, after changing Dylan I decided that my sheets really needed washing, so I took off all the pillow covers, sheets and comforter cover and stuck them in the wash.

The comforter itself ended up on the floor and my little BOO, which is when I call him when I take pictures, right on top of it.

Here are my favorites.

What do you think?

Off to get the sheets back on hte bed now.

Love the smell of fresh covers.

2008-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

JUST A FEW

Not too much happening around here as of late, but thought I'd share a few pcitures from the weekend.

The one above is Dylan walking with my friends daughter Julia.

He's been doing a lot of walking lately and I'd love to share a video, but can't figure out how to post it here.

Anybody out there that can help?

Anyway, back to the weekend.

Here we are getting ready for the annual Apple Hill Open.

New holes needed to be cut and the distance measured.

The the green needed to be rolled, to make it faster.

And here is Dylan giving it a try...

after hanging out with our friend Wendy.

That's about it for July fourty.

We watched some fireworks in the evening, but didn't take any pictures of them.

Sorry.

2008-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

2008-06-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL

Wow, I'can't believe another year is over and Brent is on his way to Kindergarten.

He sure has grown up quite a bit this year. Too much if you ask me.

I've been teary eyed ever since I dropped him off yesterday for his last official day at his preschool.

The graduation ceremony was great.

The kids did a wonderful job performing their songs.

The teachers also made a slide show of the past year, which every parent got in their envelope. Not sure if I'll be able to watch it again anytime soon as it really brought out the tears.

Here are a few more pictures from today.

This one is of Brent receiving his diploma.

Here he is with his best friend Julia who also graduated today.

And here is the quilt the kids made at the end of this year.

Every child got to take home a square and decorate it however they wanted.

Here is Brent's.

After the ceremony Brent and I went to the movies to see...

It was a good movie, although somewhat scary in parts.

Brent really liked it though.

Next he wants to see Wall-E and then the new animated Star Wars Movie in August.

2008-06-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

ROOKIE CARD

Briana over at Life with boys had shared her sons rookie card with us this morning and I thought it was a great idea.

So here is Brent's.

Last nigth was Brent's last T-Ball game and he got his trophy.

He's so very proud of it.

Can't wait till next season.

2008-06-17T07:06:00.001-07:00

MY LITTLE PEANUT

I took Dylan to his 1 year checkup yesterday.

Poor guy had two shots and the dreaded lead test. They couldn't get enough blood out of his first toe after 4 pricks, so they had to prick him 3 more times in the other foot. He did very well though. Was more of a complaining then a hurt cry.

As far as his stats, he weighes 20lbs 5oz (10-25%) and is 29.5 inches long (25-50%).

Funny thing is, that's exactly where Brent was at 9 month.

The doctor didn't seem concerned at all though.

2008-06-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

CAKE, GIVE ME CAKE

Seeing as everybody seemed to like the cake images best, here are a few more.

Dylan definately had a GREAT time with the cupcake.

2008-06-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dylan's 1st Birthday Party

It was a long day yesterday, but so well worth it.

Everybody had lots of fun.

First off, let me say a big thank you to my best friend Jeni who came over at about lunch time to help me set up for the bash. Don't know what I would have done without her.

Here she is with her son Zach, who decided it would be fun to run the cozy coupe off the putting green. Very dangerous if you ask me, but then again he is 3 :)

We played a few games througout the day, including musical hula hoops.

The kids had loads of fun bouncing around the backyard trying to be the first in an empty hula hoop when the music stopped.

Then it was pinata time. Talk about some kids that can hit...it only took everybody hitting once to get the pinata busted up.

Even Dylan had a turn and as I was the one taking pictures it was Aunt Jean that helped him out.

Everybody got playing in the sandpile after that. I have never seen soo much sand on any one child. Not sure the parents were too excited, but the kids had a blast building forts, making tunnels and of course adding water to make mud waterfalls.

Then it was present time. Dylan got a lot of dumptrucks, which of course he loves. He also got some books and several other toys. I still think the paper was his favorite again though.

Dinner was served at 6:30. It was quite the feast.

Chicken legs, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Pasta and Potato Salad, Corn Salad and Beans.

I had to make everything yesterday, as I woke up with muscle spasms in my back the day before and ended up at the doctors who prescribed an anti-infamatory and a muscle relaxant.

It all got done and everybody enjoyed it.

The best part of the party was the cake of course.

Dylan loved it. He had everybody in stiches when he would smush the cake into his face and then shake it off.

He just love that everybody was laughing at him.

I can't believe my little boy is 1.

And no..he did not learn to walk by his first birthday as my husband predicted.

2008-06-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Swimming and a load of sand

We got to go swimming for the first time this year.

The boys loved it.

Brent was brave and just wore his swimmies and after a little while even took them off. I'm proud to say that he did really well.

Dylan took a little while to warm up to hte water, but then had a blast.

Can't wait to go swimming again.

Also, the sandpile for Dylan's Birthday Party was delivered yesterday.

10 tons of sand.

Of couse the kids had a blast trying it out this morning.

Brent had to have a shower already.

2008-06-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

6 KIDS, 1 POOL

This is Brent with his cousins enjoying the kiddie pool for the first time.

What do you guys think? Is it itme for a new pool?

I'm thinking of maybe getting a suare inflateable one.

We also had our first bigger boo boo with Dylan yesterday. He was emptying my DVD tower and fell. He hit ear right on hte corner of thte subwoofer. It looked bad, never bled but swelled up quite nicely.

It looks much better this morning though.

If you look real close at this picture you can see it on his left ear.

Oh yeah and then there was the hot dog incident.

Appearently Dylan hadn't quite had enough dinner, so while I was showing the Aunts something on my computer he decided to climb onto the little tikes table next to the counter and help himself to a hot dog.

Thank goodness Brent saw him.

Didn't get a picture of it as I was completely freaked out, but the cousins thought it was funny.

Silly guy. I think I need to change his middle name to TROUBLE.

2008-04-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Opening day

Brent got to march in a parade today with his T-Ball team. He loved it as you can see in this picture.

After the parade the teams were announced and got to walk onto the field.

Then it was picture taking time. Firts individual shots, then team shots.

Here are the ones I took. Of course he's not looking at me, as there was an actual photographer there taking the pictures.

After all the pictures were taken they got to play a quick game. It was so much fun.

Can't wait for the next game.

Here is Brent on his way "home"

2008-04-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

T-Ball

Brent had another T-Ball practice last night.

He just loves palying hte Game. He will be on the Ashby Raptors.

Originally he was going to be on hte storm, but due to some sponsor ship errors is now on the Raptors.

I love the T-Shirts. Especially the big #1 on his back.

Here are a few of the pictures from yesterday.

Here he is throwing the ball. He's got quite an arm.

Up to bat.

In the outfield.

And here is Dyaln wondering when it's his turn.

2008-04-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

OUTSIDE

Finally it's nice enough to go outside.

I had invited a few friends over to play and the kids had a blast.

I took the watertable out for the first time this year.

Even Dylan had a nice wet time, as you can see.

And how is this for climbing. Yes, that is the kids picnic table.

Wonder who he's going to call.

Looking forward to lots more days like today. Dylan took a nice 2 hour nap too after being outside for 1.5 hours.

Now he's back outside pruning peachtrees with daddy.

2008-04-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's about time.

Wow, I can't believe how fast time flies. Has it really been since March 6th since I last posted.

Have to definately get better about this.

Anyway, here is what's been happening.

Dylan is officially a climber will climb everything in sight.

Stairs, Chairs, the fireplace hearth and so forth. I've finally blocked off the stairs, but not the hearth, so here is a picture of him on top of it. Doesn't he look proud?

He's also finally popped two teeth. I'm thinking the two top ones can't be far behind. I can almost feel them coming through.

The bathtub is definately his favorite place. He's been trying to get into it by himself and I have to say it won't be long and he'll have it figured out.Here is a picture of him during a bath. Doesn't he look like Albert Einstein?

And last but not least, here is a picture I took of him yesterday as he was playing in his Sandpile. He had so much fun.

2008-03-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

Kindergaten

I registered Brent for Kindergarten today. I can't believe it's already that time. Before I know it he will be out of the house every day.

I'm sort of looking forward to it, but I know I will alos miss him very much.

I got to meet some of the school staff last night during a parent meeting. Unfortunately both Kindergarten teachers are retiring this year.

Brent is very excited to be able to go on a bus. We had the chance to pick up one of his cousins twice from the bus now and he loved it.

On another note I finished my parent Slide Show today. Now I just need to figure out how to burn it onto a DVD. Any advice out there?

I've done it once before, but can't seem to remember how anymore.

Anyway, here is a picture of us that we took this morning. It will be the last slide on Oma and Opa's DVD.

2008-02-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

RUB A DUB DUB

Dylan got to go in the big tub with Brent for the first time yesterday. He loved it, Brent loved it and so did I.

Recently he started to splash so much in the sink that I had to mop up the water of the floor after each bath. That got really old very fast.

Here is a picture of the two of them from last night.

2008-01-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I’m going to be doing something different today.
I will be participating in one of those blog things that spreads like a virus.
I got it from Alissa over at Life’s Little Adventures. Here’s how it goes:
If you’d like to take part, be one of the first three to comment mentioning that you’re signing up for the PIF exchange. You’ll have to agree to this pledge:
I, [insert your name here] will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange, and who make the same pledge on their own blogs.
Let's see how many people actually read my blog.

2008-01-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I know I know it's been a long time without an update. It just seems like I never have more hten 5 minutes to myself, which doesn't give me much time for anything.

I can hardly keep up with the household, never mind take care of myself.

Anyway, enough with the pitty party. We had a great Christmas. It was nice to have Dylan around. he's just old enough to enjoy the lights on the tree, the paper on the presents and the needles that are soooo soooo prickly.

Yes, he loved the tree. Especially playing bumper cars with his walker. Once he hit the tree he loved trying the needles. Never much liked them though.

Next there were the presents, or should we say the paper. Seems like all I ever did is take colored chunks out of his mouth. Here he is with the tasiest one.

All in all I'd say he had a great time.

Now as far as Brent is concerned, he was sooo much into Christmas this year he couldn't even wait for us to get out of bed to open presents. Yes, by the time I got into the livingroom he had already opened 3 presents and was so very excited about all of them. But who could be mad at a 5 year old boy that was grinning from ear to ear? Not me anyway.

Here he is with Dylan under the tree.

Can't wait to see what 2008 will bring for the Pierce Family.

But one thing I'm sure of is that it will be filled with lots of love for two precious little boys.

2007-11-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

BRENT'S ANATOMY

We went to a playdate yesterday and the two older cousins were playing Silly six pin bowling. After playing for a little while htey decided they needed and audience to cheer htem on, so they sat down at hte table and started drawing. Suddenly laughter broke out. I was feeding Dylan so I couldn't check it right out.

I asked Brent's cousin what was going on and she started laughing even harder.

Then I asked Brent to show me his picture and he ran away with it.

Now I knew something was up.

Here is the picture he drew. Guess he's figured out that people are built differently. :)

2007-11-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We had a great day today. As usual we went to my inlaws house to have turkey. We had a full house. 28 people in all. We were supposed to have 36 but some dropped out.

We had two turkeys. One 31.5 lbs, the other 32lbs.

Of course we have more then enough left overs for the next few weeks now.

Dylan had a great time at his first Thanksgiving. He got to try a few things, but I think the food had too much texture, as he made quite the faces.

I also took some pictures for a friend of mine for her Christmas Cards. I don't want to share the one she liked as I don't want to give it away. However I took this great picture of her husband with her son that I am

totally in love with.

Hope everybody else had a great Thanksgiving too.

2007-11-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

Helping one horse at a time

So I just got off the phone with a lady who runs a theraputic riding program. My vet told me about it when Quinn had his shots on Thursday and I thought, what a great idea for a wonderful horse.
They are coming out sometime next week to take a look at him and if they like him would take him on a trial basis for at least 60 days.
I will be able to visit with him once in a while.

I am feeling really good about this, so I'm hoping this will work and he will be able to do some good. He's been a great friend and companion to mee. for 12 years and it will be hard to let him go, but knowing he will be able to help other people might make it easier.

Here is a link to the program if you are interested.
http://miracles-in-motion.org/

2007-11-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Rain, rain go away

Kind of feeling blah today too. It's been raining all day so far and I feel tired and annoyed.

Need to get the barn done so my horse has a clean stall to come into tonight.

Speaking of my horse. I love the guy, but lately have been having a hard time to get the motivation to go do something with him. He's 26 years old and pretty much retired.

He lives in a "castle" that my husband and his business partner built for me and my neighbor.

Both of our horses moved in there in the fall of 2002.

Unfortunately her horse passed away in the spring, so only my horse is living there now.

I keep playing with the idea of leasing him out or sending him somewhere to become a companion horse. Well, Brent overheard me the other day and got very upset.

I think he still misses Babe, my neighbors horse and doesn't quite understand the difference of Quinn living somewhere else and Babe passing away.

Needless to say, I'm pretty torn of what to do with him.

I just keep thinking that it won't be much fun having to dress the kids 2-3 times a day to go to the barn and take care of him.

Here is a picture of him.

And here is one of Babe and him together when they first moved in.

2007-11-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Halloween

Another year has gone by.

Brent had a lot of fun trick or treating yesterday.

What a loot he collected.

Here is a picture of him and his friends in our town.

Dylan ended up spending the evening with Nana and Grandpa while we went out.

Doesn't he make a great pumpkin?

2007-10-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

My, my, my it's been ages since I've written in here.

I've had great intentions, but my 5 year old and my 5 month old are keeping me quite busy.

Seems the only time I get a chance to really get on the computer is after they both go to bed.

Then of course there have been the late nights of watching the World Series.

I am so excited the Red Sox pulled off another title. Now lets resign Mike Lowell :)

Anyway, here is what's going on in my life. Eric has been in Missisippi building houses for some families that lost them during Katrina. He's finally coming back after a 10 day trip. Last I talked to him he was about 3 hours away.

Before that he's been on several short trips to Arizon and Maine.

His feet are getting better, although he will probably never be the same. It's really hard on him too as he feels very useless at times. Hope that his new business takes off and gets his mind off his "handicap".

Me, I've been trying to take care of the kids, my horse, the house and for the last week my friends cats as they were on a trip too. Can you say busy mama?

Also last week I did a photo shoot for Brent's preschool. I think the pictures came out great.

Here are a few samples.

Now to today. It was just gorgeous outside so I took the boys into the yard for a photo shoot. I got so many nice shots, I'm not even sure which one I like the best.

Here is one of Brent

One of Dylan

And one of the two of them together (which may turn into my Christmas Card picture this year)

2007-07-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, here we go. Let's give this blogging a try.

As you can see by the picture of my blog, we live on top of a hill, that also houses a putting green. Not the cheapest hobby to have with all the upkeep, but lots of fun in the summer.

There is hardly ever a weekend where there aren't a few people up here putting around golf balls.

On the weekend closest to July 4th we even have an actual tournament called the Apple Hill Open, after my hsuaband and his partneres company.

This year we held the 5th annual open. I could'nt find a good picture from this year, so I included one from last year. Things get pretty crazy around here that weekend. between setting up the day before and tearing down the after, it turns into quite the long weekend.

The golf tournament itself starts at 10 am and usually runs until 6pm.

After that we've started also having a Texas hold'em tournament which runs into the early morning hours.

Here are a couple more pictures from this years event.