Pictures...

Seriously... can I post without pictures?

The answer is no.

Currently we are sitting on the couch watching a Berenstain Bears DVD. I love Sunday mornings.

Here are just a few random pictures that I wanted to share.


"I have MAIL!!!" - I imagine that is what this mailbox is saying. This is in my in-laws neighborhood and every time we pass it I smile. It's the small things.

I forgot to post Riley's Christmas present!

The minute we put this bed on the floor Riley curled up in it and we didn't hear from him for hours. So much so that when we went to the in-laws house, we brought the bed ;~) I've always gotten Riley Christmas presents but I think this was the most well received one.


Definitely our kid. My M/FIL got Chase these kid proof headphones and since we had an extra nano hanging around... yep, Chase pretty much officially has his own ipod. Geeks tried and true.

Yesterday David came for a visit so after a yummy breakfast of waffles and bacon, then a record 2 hour nap we headed to the train museum.... aka Chase's mecca.

He was in heaven the minute we walked in.

This was a new display. There were 4 trains running on the table and each one was controlled by one of the 4 on/off switches on the table.

Chase would stop the Thomas train and then run over and wave hi then run back and start him up again.


Shocker of all shockers, Chase loved the Thomas train table ;~)


Yet another train garden.


This is the ultimate display. It's the size of an entire room (probably the size of my dining and living room) and it has several tiers, dozens of trains and goes from day to night every so often. It's pretty awesome. Chase LOVED it. He stood right up against the rail just looking and watching all the trains. I had to remind him a few times to keep his hands down but he did remarkably well.


Here's a wider shot but this is still only about half of the display.


Just outside you can climb on a car or 2... Chase thought this was pretty cool!

Ok... now we're onto an Elmo DVD. Time to cuddle with the boy some more and then figure out the rest of the day ;~)

A bunch of stuff

So New Years was fairly low key for this family. We put a very tired cranky 2 year old to sleep at 7:30 and proceeded to veg for the rest of the night. We watched The Hangover (not as bad as I thought it would be... I was actually pretty into it) and since it was already 11:30, we watched the ball drop.

It was perfect.

Anytime I have tried to plan a New Years event... going out, dressing up or whatever, it never quite turns out like I planned. I tend to build events up in my mind and then when they don't meet those expectations... total let down.

So, bumming it at home with a sleeping baby and a loving husband was perfect.

New Years day was about the same speed. We enjoyed the snow from inside, played play doh, played cars... you know, the usual.

Then we decided to build a house.



Helping Daddy with the super glue icing.

Getting it just right...


Making sure Daddy is doing it right.


Getting the roof attached... then (unfortunately) waiting 30+ minutes for the icing to dry. That's a long 30 minutes in toddler time.


Finally... decorating time!


I mean this is a masterpiece of epic proportions!


I bet you won't find a nicer house on the block!

Here are a few other random shots...

Pink butterfly wings in music class. No one pulls it off quite like Chase.

We got another dusting of snow yesterday which unfortunately canceled my MOPS meeting. So chase and I decided to make the best of it and get some fresh air.

He wanted so badly to help shovel so I gave him the ice scraper... he was in snow heaven.


All bundled up!

We even managed to take a walk around the neighborhood. Every time I asked if he wanted to go back home he said "No mommy. I'm just walking". As cute as that was, I finally had to insist we go home... his cheeks were a shade of red that I don't often see on skin.

Currently we are listening to Chase on the monitor going "Boom Shock a lock ahhhh" over and over. Apparently that is something Daddy has been teaching him ;~)

Ok, back to the post. I had a rough time over the holiday... especially once Christmas was over. I guess there is a post Christmas blues phenomenon that I didn't see coming. I was tired a lot and in a funk most of the time. Try as I might I couldn't shake it. Plus the fact that Chase was testing my every nerve (probably because he sensed discontent in me)... well it made for a very rough few days. Monday rolled around and Adam went back to work and Chase and I got back into the regular routine... storytime, music class, bamma's house, errands.. Well, that did wonders for the funk! In Chase's case, that routine is key to our survival. He's been happier, more loving and more manageable... and truth be told, so have I.

Christmas Day Con't Even More

Ok, so we are well into the new year and I am just now getting around to finishing my Christmas posts!

My Dad made it out to MD to celebrate Christmas with us... just barely though! If you've been following for awhile, you may remember what happened last year... if not, the long and short of it is that he was supposed to come but ended up in the hospital instead.

We almost had a similar fate this year. Dad called the day he was due in to say he had been in the ER that morning. Turns out he had a pretty bad infection and they started him on antibiotics immediately. When he called he was in Kansas waiting for his flight to Denver... once he got there he was going to decide if he felt well enough to continue to Baltimore or if he was still in pain, he would hop a flight home to SF.

Thankfully he felt a lot better after sleeping on the plane and he continued on to Baltimore!


Dad opening his clock made out of a faceplate of a G4 Mac.


Chase reading "Where the Wild Things Are"... I love that book ;~)


Adam opening our new Apple TV. Turns out we look like perfect candidates for the Apple TV because Adam's mom and dad got us one too ;~) oops!


Chase's hand-painted ornaments for Grandpa Paul and Aunt Stacie... it's going to be worth millions one day!


I love this set. The fruit velcro together and you can 'cut' them with the play knife. Chase sat here for a good long time cutting and re-cutting the fruit.

Turns out knifes were a family gift this year... Dad also got us a set of Globals. If you haven't heard of them, you should. They are awesome.


Which will come in handy when I am preparing recipes from the Pioneer Woman cookbook! I can't wait to get started... this book is so awesome. Not only does it have great recipes but each stage has pictures (something that she always does on her site as well) and funny dialog. It also has pictures and stories about the ranch, her kids, her hubby and of course Charlie.


A little one on one action ;~)

I am so glad Dad made it out to celebrate... it just made Christmas feel complete.

But... because Dad's Christmas travel plans can't go unscathed, MD decided dump another few inches of snow on the east coast... which caused Philly airport to shut down... which cause Dad to be stuck in Baltimore over New Years. He made it home safely the next day and is probably really enjoying some nice snowless weather.

What a year

And 2009 comes to a close. What a year it's been.

In January we lost Grandma and Johnny A.

In February Adam lost his dad Pete and through that we were reminded of God's awesomeness.

In March we mourned 5 years that we have been without Ryan.

March also saw Chase's first haircut.

In April we moved out of an in-law suite and into a home.

In May Adam and I celebrated 5 years of marriage.

In July Adam changed jobs and I started one (working for the in-laws... happily might I add ;~)

In August we finally, after many impatient years, took the plunge and bought iPhones.

August also marked an entire year that we have lived in Hagerstown.

Also in August we went to Hershey Park, Adam turned 30, we spent a weekend visiting friends in Pittsburgh, we visited my Dad and Stacie in SF... (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 if you want to tie up an evening) and I turned 31 (*gasp*).

Whew, August was a busy month.

October 5th marked 13 years sober for Adam

I also met and spent time with my birth father in October.

I raised $2,425 and completed the Breast Cancer 3-day... every single step of the 60 miles. I also lost my sweet dear camera and all my precious pictures in the process.

October 19th we celebrated Chase's second birthday.

In November I mourned 5 years that I have been without my mom.

In December we watched as our son was old enough to place ornaments on the tree and countdown with the Advent calendar.

December also saw my dad making it out to Hagerstown to celebrate Christmas (unlike last year). Unfortunately it also saw him getting stuck in Baltimore over New Years because of MD's propensity for snow this year.

I've reconnected with several members of my family... and some connections are developing into friendships.

I've become more willing and adventurous when it comes to cooking... even seeking out and trying new recipes on my own!

I've watched Chase go from happy squeals and frustrated cries to full blown sentences. I've watched reason and concept fill his mind. I've watched him learn things right in front of my eyes.

I've discovered half a dozen local parks, been to the National zoo, swam (or at least waded) in a lake, played in a pool in our backyard, been to Port Discovery, had countless playdates, road-tripped many times to visit friends, watched Chase take his first swim lessons, been to an American Idol concert, enjoyed watching Chase love music class, sent out Christmas cards for the first year ever and even let play doh colors run together.

We've built and maintained a garden, celebrated the fourth of July on a boat, ridden on a train through Western MD, walked through a corn maze and watched as snow piled almost as tall as Chase. We've discovered that laughing and loving your best friend is the best marriage out there. I've learned that my life will never be dull with Adam and I will be laughing for the rest of my life.

I've watched 3 children turn 1, 11 children turn 2 and witnessed 7 loving families be blessed with beautiful healthy babies.

I've been shown God's grace and love over and over again this year.

2009 was full of ups and downs... as I am sure 2010 will be.

However, we are starting off with an up.

As of tomorrow Adam will officially be a partner at his law firm. There are no words to adequately describe how proud I am of him. With all that the job market threw at him, he has been patient and worked extremely hard. He definitely deserves this. It isn't without some fear but as we have done in the past, we are going to set aside the fear and put our faith in Jesus.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Day Con't

Once at the in laws house we commenced operation destroy the living room.


"I ♥ Justice"... yeah, this gift is all sorts of awesome.

The next 3 pictures are t-shirts that I picked out for the various family members:

The lone hold out in the family... sticking with his PC. I'll hold my tongue because I love him.


"I don't do Windows"... converted never to return... she's a mac now!


My dear sweet hubby... "i owned a mac before it was cool"... so very true...


Color me thrilled... hubby got me these Bear Paws. Once I got them weatherproofed and ready to wear, I haven't wanted to take them off. I could use them for slippers they are so warm and comfy. Don't be surprised if I wear these all winter long... I am in love.

Oh and the crock pot in the background... fantastic gift from the in laws. I've been wanting to make more meals in the crock pot but lacked the crock pot and the motivation... now I have both!


Hubby geeking out with his new magic mouse and external keyboard.


Bamma showing Chase the key ring photos I made for Sandy.


Random show of Chase and I opening a present because I wanted proof that I was there.


Elmo much?


New hat, new scarf, new glasses... I'm set for this weather!

Without a doubt one of Chase's favorite toys is the vacuum cleaner. At the mere mention of going to Jack's house he will start insisting that 'Chase play with the vacuum cleaner... yeah?' Anywhere we go that happens to have a vacuum cleaner... Chase is all over it. Not sure what the attraction is but whatever, as soon as he can handle the real thing, I'm handing it over.

Anyway, enter Grandpa and Bamma...


The boy couldn't be happier if he tried. He runs that thing all over the house.... now if only it actually vacuumed!

Christmas Day

What a fun morning. Grandpa and Bamma came over before Chase woke up so they could see him open his presents... of course Chase decided to sleep in a little!

Once he woke, he came out to a rather large and poorly wrapped Christmas present.



Even with the crappy wrapping, he loved it. In fact he has been asking to play with trains non-stop... usually demanding 'daddy sit down right here and play trains'. We're working on asking like a gentleman ;~)

A few pictures from the rest of the morning.

Smaller magnetic Thomas trains... which permanently reside in our 'car bag' for restaurants and other necessary distractions.

Opening his M and D puzzle (which no pieces to lose... YAY!).


Opening his very own self titled DVD.... starring none other than Chase Harper.


Watching one of the videos on his DVD (aka "DBDB")

After a ridiculously good breakfast made by Adam (baked apple french toast), we packed up and headed over to the in-laws house to finish our present opening extravaganza!

Baby Gabriel is here!

I will post about Christmas but I just had to post this first...

My best friend Christine and her husband Greg welcomed baby Gabriel into the world.

He arrived calmly and peacefully on Monday December 21 (of which I thought he was scheduled to arrive on the 22nd... some friend I am... ) (Oh, and I was waiting for pictures before I posted about his birth)


Big brother Andrew showing some love


Just too precious for words.

I cannot wait to go visit... I want to kiss all over that beautiful newborn face!

More Ornaments

Merry Christmas Eve All!

Unfortunately I realized I was getting sick yesterday... inevitable since Adam and Chase have been ill lately. Oh well... I'm still going to enjoy the holiday!

I thought I would share a few more ornaments that mean something to me.


I am pretty sure my mom's friend Terri got this for her many Christmas' ago. I think the story goes that Terri saw it in the store and immediately thought of mom... I think she thought it looked like mom, you know, as a compliment. I just love it because I can totally see where Terri was coming from.


I think I (or we) bought this for my dad a long time ago... and since we inherited most the ornaments, now it gets hung on our tree each year ;~) Computer wizard is a complete understatement but Computer God of the Universe is long and boarders on sacrilegious.

Let me start the next one by saying that I rarely find anything with Chase's name on it... Chase just isn't all that popular of a name. So a few weeks ago Adam, Chase and I were at Michaels and saw cute little snowglobe ornaments. Just for giggles I checked to see if they had Chase... sure enough there was a slot but alas they were out. I was disappointed... I finally found something with his name and I couldn't get it.

Fast forward to this past Friday at MOPS. I look in my secret sister gift and what do I see...

It's just a small little ornament but it brought the biggest smile to my face. And now it has a great story ;~)

Ok, back to relaxing with the family on this beautiful Christmas Eve. I hope everyone is having a good day and really taking time to enjoy this holiday.

Cookie Party Central

Now I have never been involved in a cookie exchange and this year I had 2... Thursday and Friday of last week. That meant 130 some cookies in 2 days... I work well under pressure ;~)

Thursday was the cookie exchange with the moms... with Dannette hosting. Thanks again for that Dannette... I am sure we left you with plenty of cleaning!

First the kids sat down and decorated some sugar cookies... well not so much 'decorated' as 'pile additional sugar pieces on top of sugar cookies and stuff them in your mouth'... but lots of fun regardless!

It really is an art that takes much concentration.

After decorating cookies, while the kids were all playing, Laura glanced over to see this:

Chase had planted himself in front of Ryan and was showing him different toys... "dis yellow one"... "dis red one". So stinkin sweet!


And of course every party needs pizza!


Starting the exchange! So many ridiculously good cookies! Looks like Bennett was trying to get a jump on divvying up the cookies. (Bennett = Shelby's pregnant belly ;~)


Ahhh, my boy. He was walking around like this... drinking "poffee". I love him so much.

We had a really great time and between this party and Friday's, we have more Christmas cookies than we should ;~) And Chase and I may make more today!
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As an aside.... we have watched Elmo's Christmas Countdown 674,974 times... easily. I am currently explaining to Chase that "Elmo's Christmas needs to take a break and rest"... which works for 2 minutes... then I hear "where Elmo's Christmas go?" And he just started singing "I believe, I believe" over and over again which happens to be the final song on the DVD. I think if he wanted to, he could recite the whole thing from start to finish.

Anyway, I say all this because at certain parts in the story the term "elfin" is used. As in "watch out for this elfin menace" or "I don't play those elfin games". Every time I hear it all I can think is "effin"... which makes me smile. Now I am not saying Sesame Street did it on purpose but either way, pretty freaking funny. And it makes the DVD just a little bit more tolerable.

Now if only I could get the song "I want a snuffleupagus for Christmas" out of my head.