Sweet Music

Practicing my piano ;)

WOW....Look what I found in my playroom

when coming home on Monday

A PIANO from Grammy Videmschek

Thank You!!

-Grammy sent Brooks this cool piano the other day. It only took a minute and he was pounding away. Music to my ears....hee hee. Not quite, but I think it is a great idea for Brooks to have another interests rather than tractors and balls. It is fun to randomly hear him in his playroom making music. Thanks for thinking of him!!!

GO CARDINALS!

I got his COOL fire truck from "Pops"

(I don't think you are really supposed to ride it)

I love hanging out with Great Grandpa

Grammy even stopped by to see me again!

I never sit still when taking pictures with mama

Headed to my first Cards game with dada and "Pops"

Where's Fredbird?

Thanks "Pops" for the awesome seats....

only if I actually sat in it!

Blackmore Crew

Trying to say "GO Cardinals" in prep for the big game

(we were hanging out at Great GPa's house for dinner)

-Last weekend was long in waiting for Josh and "Pops" Blackmore.....they got to take Brooks to his first Cardinals Baseball game!!! I of course tagged along to help chase after the wild man. He really thought the stadium was cool and liked looking for "Fred bird" (cardinals mascot). He liked looking for him so much, that he only wanted to roam the halls. He did not actually watch the game, but really enjoyed running up and down the ramps. The game started right when he would be going down for a nap...so he crashed at the 5th inning and we left early. I know Josh can't wait until Brooks is a little older so he can take him to more games. We enjoyed our weekend away in St. Louis with "Pops". He got to visit with Great Grandpa, eat good food, and play hard all weekend long. "Pops" spoiled Brooks as usual with cool firetruck and new Cardinals gear....he has such wonderful Grandparents. We feel blessed. Thanks for a wonderful weekend!!

21 months old and full of fun

My first BIG WHEEL

(thanks Grandma McCarroll)

Grammy go higher!

I love Choo Choo Trains!

My first time inside Connor Prairie

Hanging out at the Apple Store in Connor Prairie

Learning how to ride the Big Wheel

-Brooks had a great weekend! Grammy and "PawPaw" came to visit from St. Louis and we took advantage of the beautiful weather. We went to Connor Prairie to explore the wilderness ;) and to get some yummy treats at the Apple Store. We lucked out and found a playground as well. Brooks also enjoyed playing inside at the Discovery Zone. He gravitated to the train table and off course to the big hot air balloon. He loved going on walks, skipping, swinging, and riding his big wheel with Grammy. He was very sad to see them leave.

-Brooks is 21 months old now!! So close to 2....sigh. I just want to bottle him up so I will never forget these moments. He is so much fun and such a happy boy. He loves to ride his big wheel fast down the driveway, go high "up up up" in the swing, and go flying down the slide. He's all boy....balls, trains, cars, trucks, tractors, etc. He is also such a mama's boy....loves to cuddle, hug and give me kisses. He loves his snuggle time with Daddy on the couch and rough and tumble play on the floor. He is such a joy and makes my day. What did we do with ourselves before life with Brooksy??

-On a side note...I want to congratulate my sister Tammy and brother in law Brian....they are prego! It was a bit of a surprise, but a welcome blessing. After a year of marriage, their lives are about to change....but for the better :) Congrats!

What matters most...

Check out that Walrus!

No you feed him Mommy

Hi Elephant!

-I wanted to first say how sadden we are that 10 years ago The United States was forever changed. Our hearts go out to those who lost family members in the World Trade Centers. We decided to spend the weekend together...as a family. That is what matters most to me, family time. We never know when life will be taken from us...so I want to create as many memories for Brooks as I can. We decided to go to the Zoo Saturday morning when we woke up. Brooks really enjoyed himself. He got to feed a giraffe, pet an elephant, and "talk" with the monkeys. He learned to say "cheetah" and "porcupine". We then went to Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brian's house for a cookout. We hung out on Sunday reliving all the 9/11 stories on t.v. It is amazing how it feels like it happened yesterday. Time might heal all....but a heart never forgets.

My first day of "skool"

Why is mom taking all these pictures so early in am?

On my way to school!

Almost there!

My classroom

I'm in the "butterfly" group

Mom? Who is she? I got CARS!

This is what Brooks looked like 10 seconds after I said bye to him on his first day of "school"....Did not even phase him!!! Not sure if I should be happy or sad ;)

-Well...today was the day I have been dreading since January. Brooks started an early preschool (mother's day out) program. I've had such anxiety about leaving Brooks with "strangers" for 4 whole hours!!! But, Brooks was such a big boy. He strutted into class wearing his backpack and saying "hi" to everyone. He looked a little unsure when we got to the classroom, but gave me a kiss and said bye. He went right in and started playing with the cars. I don' t even think he looked back to see where I went! I was so proud of him, but so sad to see my little man all "grown up". I think this will be a great social experience for him to make new friends. He appeared to have enjoyed himself and the teachers said he did great. Day 1 done! Day 2 should be much easier for mommy ;)

Labor Day Fun

Sporting my Uncle Tyler soccer button

Waiting to catch my soccer ball

I got it!

-We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Josh cooked up some yummy ribs on Saturday and we enjoyed hanging out at the house. Sunday we headed to IU to see Uncle Tyler play soccer. Brooks was so good and had SO much fun. He got another soccer ball and even got the team to sign it this time. So cool! We met Grandma, PaPa, Uncle Brian and Aunt Tammy at the game. Brooks enjoyed running around, playing ball and screaming "goal!!!!". Monday was laid back and very easy. I love days then everything just works. Brooks was happy, naps were easy, weather was beautiful, food was yummy and life was good....until the attack of the bumble bees!!! We were eating dinner outside and two pesky bees were wanting our food. One got stuck in Brooks's sweatshirt and stung him...ouch! He of course starting to break out in hives and face started swelling. Ugh....benedryl time. After about 15 minutes the hives started to lessen and the medicine started to take its affect. Good thing it was close to bed time because Brooks was feeling loopy. Poor Kid....what else is he going to be allergic to? It was almost a perfect day ;)

Fireplace update:

-I forgot to mention I got to the painting stage...finally!

After 2 coats of primer

One coat gray (bad lighting...sorry!)

(Plan to do back of cabinets in gray and rest of the woodwork in a creamy white color)