Trentadue's Tidbits

Halloween - trick or treating

2011-11-01T10:18:00.003-04:00

"Last minute" was the term we used to describe this year's Halloween. Normally, we start thinking about it early... but not this year! For some reason it's been simply crazy around here... I even managed to forget Caleb's project! (read more about that HERE!)

So although we originally outfitted Josh as Zorro, he changed his mind at the 11th hour... 5:00 pm Halloween night... (1 prior to trick or treating). The end result?... Zombie. (shutter)

Caleb is a black ninja as planned 3 days before Halloween.

I knew I made a mistake when I took Brooks to the costume store to find a costume after he pointed to every costume in the place. We finally decided on Batman but the costume was $30... so I went the cheaper route a.k.a. batman underwear, girls' black stretch pants, Josh's blue baseball socks, scrap black satin from the attic for a cape! And I don't think it looks half bad!

Happy Halloween!

Carving 'em up!

2011-10-30T10:11:00.001-04:00

This was the first year Josh did the carving all by himself... he did GREAT, don't ya think??
Caleb did as much as he could... I filled in when he got tired! Carving pumpkins is hard work!
Brooks picked out the template... and poked a few holes... Yours truly did the rest!

PUMPKINS: (from left to right) Josh (skeleton grim reaper), Caleb (boy looking in mirror and seeing a skeleton), Brooks (traditional ghost face)

Pumpkin Patch... Mike's Birthday

2011-10-20T10:02:00.002-04:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch on the afternoon of Mike's Birthday! It was a fun day!
Here we are on the wagon heading out to the field.

Prized pumpkins....

The Birthday boy blowing out his candles... Brooks had to be right up there ready to blow if Dad didn't hurry up!

Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for choosing a fun activity for everyone on your big day!

Fall Ball Under Way

2011-10-10T10:11:00.002-04:00

Josh is playing Fall Ball again this year...

Nice slide!
Coach Dad and Josh

Brooks turns 3!

2011-10-03T22:16:00.000-04:00

Brooks Wesley turned 3 on October 3rd!
He's quite a character... always photogenic... and usually has something funny to say! While the older boys were at school, me and Brooks had a private little party all on our own. Here he is playing with some fun stuff from Grandma Grover!

We also went to the store to pick up his basketball hoop that he's been asking about for months!

He loves blowing out candles... so we did it every chance we got, including at dinner in his twice baked mashed potatoes!

He asked for a helicopter cake... so there you go! (made by yours truly!)

And then a little Wii time with Caleb before bed! He has recently mastered and become obsessed with the Wii!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKS! We love you!!!

Caleb gets glasses!

2011-09-15T10:05:00.000-04:00

It took him a while to get used to them... especially after a few not-so-nice comments from other kids. In fact, it took me several days to get a picture of him, because he kept running away from me!

But he wears them ALL THE TIME now! And I have to say, that he looks pretty darn handsome in them!

And now whenever I see him without his glasses, I have to do a double-take! So, it's official... Caleb comes with the glasses!

1st day of school

2011-09-08T09:50:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't you know it? The first chilly day we had was the 1st day of school. And don't forget the rain... it was rainy and chilly. And it couldn't have been more perfect... it made me feel right at home!
Caleb - 1st Grade - Mrs. Stem

Josh - 4th Grade - Mrs. Jacobson

As far as I know, the first day was a success!

And look at them in their matching t-shirts! I would've thought they would not want the same shirts, but they picked them out together.... and then I was even more shocked that they both wanted to wear them on the same day. But they did! Brought a little silent tear to my eye.
Here's to the 2011-2012 school year!

Caleb is 6!

2011-08-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

Opening presents in jammies....before Dad headed off to work!

We also spent the day at Kangaroo Jac's and went out to eat at Chic-Fil-A to celebrate!

And then you can't go wrong with SpiderMan cupcakes!

Caleb is such a fun, cute kid! He loves playing outside with his brothers... and is getting ready to start 1st grade! WHOA! He is a very cuddly, sensitive little guy... and we just love him to death!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB!!!

Summer Fun!

2011-07-10T10:29:00.005-04:00

AT THE ZOO
On the tram to see the animals from up above!

While Josh and Caleb were on the tram, Brooks rode a little train!

Checking out the penquins... they kept pecking at Brooks' shoe.

Feeding the giraffes....

Oh my, that's a long, black tongue!

VIRGINIA BEACH AQUARIUM

Out of everything at the aquarium, they were most excited to see the sharks. But they were extremely disappointed when they found out that the aquarium did NOT have a Great White!

Another highlight was touching the stingrays! They are super smooth and super duper fast! After many attempts, Josh, Caleb, Brooks and me all got to touch one as they swam by!

OFF TO THE BEACH!!!
Josh and Caleb spent most of their time romping in the waves... but they did take break and dig for awhile.

Brooks was most content in his giant hole!

A few updates on Brooks

2011-05-16T14:40:00.002-04:00

Not only is he talking up a storm and picks up new words every day... he can spell his own name. He actually has been recognizing letters for quite a while now, and he can look at his name and repeat it. But when you ask him what his name is he says, "Books". Then you ask him how you spell it and he says, "B-R- two O's - K-S!" Just like that!

He is also very fond of automatic doors and will demand that he stands there alone waiting for no one to walk by until he can open it all by himself. I've tried to trick him if we're in a hurry... but he has an uncanny ability to know where the sensor can read his movement... and he will not leave until he is certain that he is the one who actually triggered the door. (sigh)

And my personal favorite story for today happened while we were reading a Pirate book before naptime. When we got to the page about the Pirate Booty, aka Pirate Treasure or "Monies" as Brooks calls it, I pointed to the treasure box and asked him what it was. He confidently said, "Pirate Bum!" Apparently in our house, the words "booty" and "bum" are used interchangably!

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T15:06:00.000-04:00

Coloring a few eggs...

All decked out in our Easter duds...
This was only the 3rd picture we took... and everyone is smiling, looking at the camera, and looks pleasant. It's an Easter Miracle!!!

WHOA! It's been awhile....

2011-04-10T18:24:00.004-04:00

A few updates in a nutshell (in no particular order):

-Josh turned 9... won 1st place in Pinewood Derby, and 1st place in the Blue and Gold Banquet cake decorating contest! (we're really trying to overachieve here)
-Brooks is a talking machine... our favorites include "Hola mommy/daddy!" and "Augua please!"
-Caleb started T-ball... that kid can sure swing!
-Josh's harmonica concert... gotta love 100 3rd graders blowin' away on a harmonica!
-Brooks' escape and dismantling of his crib. Needless to say, he is now in a big boy bed!
-Caleb learned to ride a 2 wheel bike (w/ no training wheels) on the first try!
-KaLisi recently fixed a lamp, which included taking apart and cutting wires!
-Mike is coaching 2 baseball teams (Josh's baseball and Caleb's t-ball!)

We got through Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patricks' Day and now we're on to Easter.... everyone's happy, healthy, and doing great!

The boys playing happily together building a ramp for marbles in the driveway!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

2010-12-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

This year it actually snowed BEFORE CHRISTMAS... so this is a little video of us playing in it!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love,
The Trentadue's

Mike, KaLisi, Josh (8), Caleb (5), Brooks (2)

Calebism 10/22/10

2010-10-22T13:25:00.005-04:00

When I woke Caleb up for school, he rolled over and gave me a drunken smile as he said, "Moooommmm, Why did you take my dream away?" Isn't that the cutest way of putting it?

When I asked him what his dream was about, he started giggling like crazy about how Josh fell down and Brook fell down... and a few other people I didn't recognize due to his sleepy-eyed state.... but apparently, there was a lot of falling down.

Ya gotta love this age where their perspective is so innocent and cute!
Right before surgery (to remove his tonsils), they gave him some meds to make him loopy. We call this the "Sleepy Bunny Face", because it resembles the face of a sleepy little bunny from one of our bedtime books.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKS!!!... He's 2!

2010-10-05T07:44:00.002-04:00

Brooks is pretty oblivious to the whole birthday thing... so we did keep it pretty low key. It's funny how even though it was his birthday, he still got annoyed by his brothers and would cry or scream! I kept saying to him, "What? ... you'r crying on your birthday?" He could care less and would keep on crying til we had some cuddle time and he told me all about how Josh and Caleb were torturing him. It's so hard being 2!

But it was a relaxing day for all of us. We watched conference... and Josh and Caleb played legos while Brooks took his nap.... then for the 2nd session Brooks got to join in with the big boys and he managed to scatter legos everywhere, which was a dream come true for him! Half way into the 2nd session (at 5pm) we ate dinner and tried to listen at the same time...almost impossible with 3 (or 4) boys. But after conference, we opened a few presents which included a shopping cart (yes, I know... but honestly, he loves it!), and a remote control train (although I think Caleb and Josh played with it more then Brooks).

We had cake and ice cream. While we were singing to him, he was gazing longingly at his Buzz Lightyear and Woody cake, which was made lovingly by the Walmart Bakery! He really knows what to do with those candles, as he's seen his older brothers do it. He also gets a lot of practice perfecting his "blow" by blowing bubbles. His technique is amazing... he has such a delicate little blow, that whiffs out that flame so effortlessly! And the satisfaction he gets from seeing the smoke rise up is hilarious! When it came time to eat the cake, he politely used his spoon and hardly got anything on his face (bummer for us!).

So, it was a good day for him to turn 2! Although when you ask him how old he is he says, "Dweeeee!", and then laughs hysterically! Even though he doesn't talk much, we think his sense of humor is highly advanced because he knows it drives me crazy to think of him as 3 years old! They do grow up too fast!!!

Now I have to take a moment to just remember some of the fun things that little Brooks does that make us all so happy!!!

- When I pick him up, he slips his little hand down my shirt in the back and just tickles my back... he knows I like that!

- He goes to bed so great.... and he lets me "tuck him in" every night. As long as he has his "doggie" and his binkies (usually 2-3), he's happy and content as can be. My favorite is when he immediately rolls to his side facing away from me... it's then that I know he's going to go right to sleep and not make a fuss!

- Whenever I set a plate of food in front of him, he always (almost without fail) opens his real wide and says, "Oooh... Mmmmm!" If only he knew what great satisfaction that brings me!

- When he wakes up in the morning, or from his nap, he requires a good 20-30 minutes of just quiet time. If I go in too soon, he gets made. He would much prefer to just sit/lay quietly for a while. Sometimes I'll go in his room when it gets too late, thinking that I'm going to have to wake him up... but most of the time, I find him just sitting there... meditating, I guess.

- He is so random. Sometimes we'll look over to see him peering from around a corner wearing an army helmet or staring at us behind a set of binoculars.

- He thinks he's so big... and plays so great with his bigger brothers... and they play so great with him. Even the neighbor kids let him tag along as they play in the yard.

- He LOOOOOOVES to go on walks. Many times I've turned around to see that he's climbed into the stroller all by himself and is now pointing for me to take him on a walk. I count my blessings every time he willingly jumps into the stroller... a tender mercy in my book.

- Whenever you ask him a question, he energetically says, "Yaaaaayyy!" It makes it so fun to ask him questions... our favorite is when we go into his room when he wakes up in the morning. We'll say through the door, "Brooks, are you in there?" And without hesitation he says, 'Yeahhh!" Simple pleasures!

- He loves to point out his body parts... and gets a kick out of learning a new part. His most recent discoveries are his elbows and his lips. My favorite is when you ask him where his eyebrows are. Instead of pointing to them... he just raises them up! It's great!

- Lastly, he's a cuddle bug. He often comes up to me just to be held, and will often sit and cuddle for 20-30 minutes at a time. Or sometimes, he just comes up and rubs his head and face against my shoulder, or rubs his cheek on my cheek... sort of like a cat. He always gets this sleepy eyed look too.... like he could fall asleep at any moment.

He's just a fun little dude and we can't stop kissing on him! We just love ourselves some Brooks!!!

fyi: pictures to come, as soon as I get my act together and dump them off my camera!

doe eyes

2010-09-14T12:04:00.004-04:00

Brooks has recently learned to flutter his eyelashes... and I have to say, his timing is impeccable! This afternoon, he kept getting down from the table while eating his lunch. His sticky, banana fingers were touching everything in sight, and so I told him to get back on his chair. He looked up at me sheepishly with his head cocked to one side, fluttered his eyes and said, "Nooooo" in the sweetest tone that a disobedient toddler could muster. I was torn between spanking his little bum or swooping him up and kissing on those chubby cheeks.

I chose the latter.

Calebism 2/11/10

2010-09-08T07:41:00.002-04:00

The day BEFORE "the first day of school", Caleb got large scratch across his face. I can't determine if the culprit was Brooks or a random kid at the pool... but the thing is a good 6 inches long gracing his entire cheek. The night before school, Mike appropriately nicknamed him "Scratch" to go along with Josh's nickname "Blood Eye", which he inherited a week earlier due to a "toe in the eyeball" maneuver.

Right before giving the annual "Night Before School Blessing", Mike teased Caleb that he didn't remember his full name. Caleb, without hesitation, said, "It's me, Scratch R. Trentadue!"

First day of school - 2010

2010-09-07T07:45:00.001-04:00

All decked out in their "semi-new" clothes, (we didn't really have a need to go school shopping because they have a ton of shirts, that they never wear, which includes, but is not limited to collared shirts... although they did get new shoes...) Josh and Caleb were excited for the first day of school. CORRECTION: Caleb was excited, Josh was annoyed. Thank goodness for peer pressure, because once we started walking toward the bus and seeing other kids emerging from their houses, he started to get on board.

After a smooth morning of eating breakfast and taming some unruly hair, I thought we were off to a great start leaving 10 minutes early to account for any first day mishaps. Good thing too... because I ended up having to sprint back to the house because I forgot to pin Caleb's "school bus tag" on him. For those of you who are not aware what this is... this is a very crucial part of his wardrobe because it clearly identifies him as a "Kindergartner" and should he get lost, it would notify any adult where he should be.

It was a bitter-sweet moment to see that big, yellow cheesewagon round the corner. I snapped a quick picture, and headed toward the already crowded bus. There didn't appear to be any empty seats in the front, (where the K's usually sit) so I, along with all the other Kindergarten moms were nervously pointing out our little K's. The driver shrugged his shoulders and just said, "I'm full, they just have to find a seat."

I felt so helpless, walking along the outside of the bus, watching Caleb's eyes scan the seats of the bus as he kept shuffling further and further to the back of the bus! But thank goodness for older brothers... although Josh temporarily forgot about Caleb as he bounded on the bus... he eventually "took him under his little brotherly wing" and they sat together about 5 seats from the back of the bus. (breath sigh of relief because at least they were together)

Now, I have to just trust in the school system... and have faith that they will return him to me safe and sound.

Pool time...

2010-08-18T11:13:00.004-04:00

We haven't been to the pool very much this summer... partly because we were in Alaska for a month... but mostly due to my laziness. I know... what could be more relaxing then going to the pool?

Well to be perfectly honest, it is getting easier. But I can't exactly close my eyes or read a book yet. I have to keep my eyes glued my toddling little one, because he's been known to bed over to pick up a toy and go UNDER! Not to mention, all the effort it takes to pack snacks, water bottles, towels... find the swim trunks that get strewn - wherever - and then apply sunscreen and load into the car. I'm sweating by this point!

But once we get there, Josh heads to the big pool and is under the supervision of the lifeguards... (am I bad mom for admitting that?) Caleb is often content to play in the smaller pool (we don't call it the baby pool anymore)... and Brooks is happy as can be playing with his balls.... check it out! Sorry, it's a tad long.

Matanuska River

2010-08-10T10:12:00.008-04:00

Alaska Trip Tid-Bits - July 7, 2010
We needed to kill a little time. Thank goodness my parents live on a farm with barns to play hide-and-seek in, fields to run and play in, a trampoline to almost break a leg on, and a riverbed to explore in the back yard.

My Dad was the tour guide for this little trip and after investigating a stream and an underground spring, we decided to hike across the riverbed to the main river. Some of our little hikers managed to fall on rocks and bruise up their knees, step in ankle deep water, and walk as slow as molasses.

Plan B:
Ancient Art of Rock Stacking:

The key is to balance the rocks in such a way that they are almost on the verge of falling over, but by fitting them together perfectly they manage to defy gravity. And to make it even MORE amazing, we did it with life-size boulders and climbed up on top of the teetering rocks to pose for a picture. Thank goodness no one was injured!

Another fun thing, is finding rocks that look like something else. For example, we found a "Nutter Butter Rock", and "Heart Rocks". As we were leaving, my Dad drew everyone's attention to a a rock he found that look like a sock. Turns out it was a real sock fossilized into the riverbed. The kids weren't as impressed, but they posed for a picture anyway!

Mini Hike

2010-08-09T20:38:00.002-04:00

Alaska Trip Tid-Bits - July 2, 2010
One day we decided to take a little walk across the field to check out the historic John Springer Cabin. It's kind of sad because it has completely caved in. It used to be a fun place to play... I remember going in there when I was younger and looking for old stuff like tin cans and jars and even an old newspaper from "back in the day".

The grass was so tall that Brooks couldn't even walk in it without it tickling his nose!

Now there's a lot of barbed wire around it to keep people out... and with all the old rotten wood and rusty nails, it's really not a place you want to enter. Although Mike tried and almost fell into a bottomless pit never to be heard from again. There really is only one beam that's upright... complete with a swastika plastered on it.

So after a quick look around, we were done with the cabin. But, I did want to venture into the woods to find another old cabin that we used to go to. But after we went 25 feet beyond the tree line, the mosquitos were so bad and swarming around poor little Brooks... they just love that sweet baby blood... that we had to turn around and head back to the house.

Mike, after his glimpse at death... or at least a slight injury.

Catching the BIG ONE!

2010-08-03T11:28:00.003-04:00

Alaska Trip Tid-Bit - July 6, 2010

So we flew 6,000 miles to take the boys fishing... but our timing was WAY off. We were too late for King Salmon fishing... and too early for Silvers. Apparently June or August are the best times to fish... we were there in July. But the "boys" went fishing to a nearby lake fishing for rainbow trout.

Caleb caught the biggest... and he was a wild one! Apparently, blood was flipping all over his face in an attempt to take this picture!

And Josh caught this little guy... and he looks like a wild one too....

... he's flipping around pretty good for a little guy.

Basically, Josh and Caleb got to experience it all... hangin' out with the boys for the afternoon... eating lunch with fish slime on your hands... and a couple close-calls with a flying hook... WHAT MORE COULD THEY WANT???

Next year we'll try to go in August so they can feel the fight of a Silver! Now THAT'S fun!

Hatcher Pass

2010-08-03T11:15:00.004-04:00

Alaska Trip Tid-Bit - July 9, 2010

We decided kind of on a whim to take another day-trip up to Hatcher Pass. Considering that we have 10 kids to consider... 3 of them are under the age of 2... we were somewhat limited in what we could do. So we spent 45 minutes on a scenic drive through the mountains in search of a the perfect spot to have lunch and play.

Listed were the preferred criteria:
1) Not too far away from the parking lot
2) A nice flat spot of ground that wasn't covered with high brush or rocks
3) Far away from steep embankments
4) Close to a small, quiet creek so the kids could throw rocks, sticks and maybe dangle their feet
5) Gentle mountain breeze

Turns out, we found the PERFECT SPOT with very little searching!
Check it out!

Thunderbird Falls

2010-08-03T10:00:00.006-04:00

Alaska Trip Tid-Bit - July 1, 2010
One of our little day trips included a little hike up to Thunderbird Falls. None of us could remember the difficulty of the hike.... some of us remembered that it wasn't very steep, and most of us remembered that the trails were paved. So we were confident that we could tackle this "hike" with 10 children. 3 hours later, we were packed up and ready to go!

When we got there I realized the jogger stroller that I planned to use had flat tires. So after much debate about whether someone should go back for another stroller or cram Brooks into one of the other strollers, we decided that we would just help our toddling Brooks walk the 2 miles on his own.

100 feet down the path (which turned out to be just dirt), he was already dragging his feet. The first hill we encountered was a doozy! We were worried that we wouldn't make it to the Falls at all... or that we might have serious injuries and complaining along the way... and we thought the kids would have a hard time too! (that was a joke, by the way)

But after that first hill, it evened out... we went up, we went down... there were a few mud puddles here and there (thanks to Brooks' internal radar he was able to find every one), and a few spots where the children could have plummeted hundreds of feet below down a steep embankment. To make things even more fun, Brooks stopped walking and tired quickly of riding on Dad's shoulders, so we spent the majority of the hike swinging him along by his arms. (so I got my bicep workout for the day)

We started hearing the Falls and knew we were close, so I told Mike, "Now remember, this isn't Niagra Falls."
MIke: "Oh, so you're saying it's not that impressive?"

Well, see for yourself!

Calebisms

2010-08-03T09:51:00.005-04:00

7/31/10
The other night Caleb was laying in bed and we were doing the "night-time routine". Caleb asked Mike, "Dad, can you make me a mama?" Me and Mike both looked at each other in confusion.... Mike said, "Oh, you mean a mummy?" Then we wrapped him so tight in his blankets that he could hardly move. Perfect! Apparently, there are some things we need to work on with Caleb's vocabulary!

8/3/10
Holding up Mike's electric razor, Caleb said, "I really want to shave my face... today is going to be a mustache day!" Puberty will come soon enough, my friend! Let's enjoy it while we can!

Baseball games are not Caleb's idea of a fun night out. He spends most of the night staring into space. But at least he's quiet.

trying to catch up....

2010-07-29T18:06:00.002-04:00

This is where I was from June 18th - July 18th. On Grover Lane... on the farm, which is nestled right up against Pioneer Peak... where I called home for 20 years!

Over the next few ... (however long it takes me)... I'll be posting some of the fun adventures of our trip, for the main purpose of "personal history". However, if you would like to check in now and then for a report, you can find them here soon.

This picture was taken on one of the first few mornings we were there. Me and my sister, ShaLene, took the kids for a little walk up the road collecting "Grover Lane Artifacts", sticks, flowers, pine needles, rocks, horse hairs and even a few mosquito bites.
Good times.

I'm back!!!

2010-07-22T23:43:00.001-04:00

I've been home from my month long trip to Alaska for 5 days now, and I'm still adjusting to the time change... 4 hour difference. I don't feel tired until at least 2 am... and I need at least 8 hours of sleep before I even consider crawling out of my nest... so, you do the math! And the kids have been going to bed around 8:30-9am.... and they still sleep in til 10 or 11am. It's crazy!

Along with my jet-lag, I've also been a little cranky. I guess after a month of hardly seeing my children (because they were so busy playing with the cousins), this three vs. one ratio is a bit overwhelming... I miss having my sisters and mom around for constant companionship... and please don't remind me that it's 100 degrees outside!

But I need to get back to real life again... and so there will be more posts to come soon....

**** NOTEWORTHY NEWS: I unpacked my suitcases on day 2 of being home.
**** CONFESSION: the empty suitcases are still haphazardly stacked next to my bed.
**** JUSTIFICATION: The attic temperature is currently 3,000 degrees and I just can't get myself to go up there!

Brooks said "Go!"

2010-06-05T15:09:00.000-04:00

Hallelujiah!

Brooks said his 3rd word!

2010-06-03T16:46:00.002-04:00

We made some progress with his talking today. Up until today he has only said 2 words meaningfully. "Dad!"... and "Uh-oh." Occasionally he says "Mom", but only when "forced". I know that he is comprehending a lot... and he has his own way of communicating... it's just not in the form of actually words. So I've been thinking that it will all 'click' and he'll be talking like crazy (similar to what Josh did when he turned 2). But the past few weeks, I have been a little more concerned because he doesn't even TRY to mimic words... only sounds and voice inflections.

But today he said "BALL!" We were sooooooooo excited you would've thought the circus was in our house!

This may seem like a little thing (especially after having 2 kids whose speech has always come easily)... but this is a big milestone for us... and hopefully the first of many more new words!

I would've taken a picture...

2010-05-03T23:08:00.004-04:00

... but there was nothing to take a picture of since Josh actually swallowed his tooth!

He does not like to wiggle his teeth, so they hang on by threads for weeks. We always tell him that he needs to just pull them out before they "fall" out. But he can't stand to wiggle them. So, tonight he took a big bite of juicy quesadilla, and *poof* it was gone.

I don't know which is worse... seeing a tooth all crooked and eventually hanging... or knowing that he now has a tooth in his stomach. (shudder!)

Take me out to the ball game!

2010-04-26T00:12:00.003-04:00

Josh started baseball this year... and as usual, he is doing great! He's especially sensitive to his biggest fans... his little brothers! Just comin' over to say hi!

Coach Dad and Josh #9. He sure likes having his Dad on the field with him!

And he sure is a great hitter! He's been working on his swing in the garage with the famous "Hurricane". Even Caleb follows after Josh's example and tries to perfect his form. And Josh is a good teacher and gives pointers to him!

What a hit!

Good job Josh!

Caleb's talk in primary

2010-04-26T00:07:00.002-04:00

Caleb gave a talk in primary today. He did a great job... and I didn't even have to bribe him! He's given a couple other talks... and I think I have them written down somewhere... but just in case I forget... here's what he said.

"A little while ago, I had my tonsils out. I was nervous at the hospital. My dad gave me a blessing that it would be ok. After the surgery, I was only a little bit sore, and I could play with legos the same day. We are learning about how Joseph Smith helped bring the Priesthood back to the earth. I am grateful that my dad could give me a blessing."

Good job, buddy!

Bye Bye Tonsils

2010-04-22T15:18:00.003-04:00

March 30, 2010

Caleb's pre-surgery gifts... along with a lego set. And he earned every bit of it! His last meal of choice was McDonald's... even in spite of Mike and Josh's complaining, Caleb held strong and insisted that we go to McDonald's for his last meal! He loved every minute of it. And before bed, he was allowed to eat/drink anything he wanted, since we had a long day of fasting ahead of us. this was the beginning of a very sporadic/non-traditional eating schedule

We had to be at the hospital by 10am... and we arrived about 9:45 just to be safe. I didn't want the surgery to be postponed until any later. Especially since I spent all morning keeping him occupied to keep his mind off of food. He did really great!

By noon, we were snapping a bunch of silly pictures... and saying one last goodbye to his tonsils! Little did we know that we still had a couple more hours of waiting left. We had our own private waiting room, which made Caleb feel less embarrassed about his fancy jammies and booties. This waiting room was fully equipped with the latest technology... a VHS. We spent the majority of the time waiting for the movies to rewind... come on people, "be kind, rewind!"

Once the anethsethiologist came in to talk to us... I thought we were on our way. Once again we waited and waited and waited..... they gave him some oral medicine, aka truth serium, where he professed his undying love for a little girl in his preschool class. He gazed longingly at a card she made for him, and spouted out his best 4-year old pick up lines, and announced that he was going to kiss her. Next thing I know, he's puckering up and moving the card slowing towards his lips, slowly closing his eyes. I'm still wondering where he learned those moves!

FInally around 2 pm, they loaded his weak, food-deprived little body into the wagon and rolled him down the hallway into the OR. He was so brave, (more like loopy and dazed) and that was the last time I laid on eyes on those problematic tonsils!!!

After about 50 minutes, I was back in the recovery area, rocking him in a rocking chair, while silent crocodile tears filled up those big eyes. Never once did he complain of a sore throat... which was in stark comparison to the little girl in the next bed. She was screaming and crying. Caleb let out no more then a few wimpers and coughs!

Then, one glass of apple juice later, we were on the road heading for home. We arrived around 4, and he laid on the couch for a couple hours while his curious brothers looked on. Then by 6, he was up playing legos and walking around acting almost normal. This first night, I slept in his room so I could help him. He woke up and coughed a couple times every 4 hours just in time to get a dose of medicine... then he would go back to sleep. I think it was the best night's sleep he's had in a year because he didn't snore, snort, gasp, or stop breathing! Hallelujiah!

For about a week, we hardly heard a peep out of him... I received a lot of taps on the leg, and motioning with his hands... and when he did talk, it was in his high-falcetto voice to avoid any pain on his throat. But when I would ask him if his throat hurt, he would always say "no." Not only is he brave, but he's tough too!

Now, about 3 weeks later... he's eating like normal, and even his voice is back to normal.

So if anyone out there is considering tonsilectomies (for just cause, of course), I would highly recommend it. Caleb was such a trooper!

Josh is baptized!

2010-03-13T10:10:00.001-05:00

We are so proud of Josh and his decision to be baptized! We were lucky enough to have family here to help celebrate. Of course, Mike's family was there... but my parents, along with four of the cousins were able to travel from Alaska for the occasion.

Josh requested Chicken cor don Bleu for his special Baptism feast (good taste for an 8 year old, eh?). As we were getting ready, there were little bumps along the way. For example, once the kids got dressed, they went outside and were supposed to just stand there quietly and look at the grass. An impossible task, I know. But I wasn't thinking clearly. Anyway, Caleb took a spill in the mud, needing a complete change of clothes. But even with that, we managed to get to the church on time, to set up the chairs and refreshments, leaving just enough time to practice their special musical number.

Once it started, Josh got to hear from both sets of grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa Trentadue gave a talk on baptism, and then the cousins sang Nephi's Courage. And then Grandma and Grandpa Grover gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Josh was very happy to have so many family and friends supporting him on his big day!

Thanks to all who came... especially those who travelled sooooooo far to come! We love you all... and appreciate everyone for the wonderful examples you are to our boys! We couldn't do it without each of you!

Calebism 2/11/10

2010-02-15T15:19:00.002-05:00

Caleb: "Mom, am I going to die?"
(I'm assuming this question was triggered by something Josh said or teased.)
Mom: "We're all going to die someday... but it will be a really long time away!"
Caleb: "We'll be with Heavenly Father and Jesus, right?"
Mom: "Yup... it will be really nice and happy."
Caleb: "Well, if they don't have Legos there, I'm going to be REALLY mad! .... They are going to have Legos there, right?"
Mom: "I think something could be arranged if it's that important."

Josh is 8!!!

2010-01-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

Today is Josh's 8th Birthday! Here's a few pictures of him (in no particular order)!

Top 10 Things we love about Josh! (also in no particular order)

10. Humorous - he likes to make people laugh, and will even do it when it embarrasses himself. He's coming out of his shell more and more!

9. Dedicated - If there's something he wants to learn how to do, he will do it. During the summer, he wanted to learn how to pogo stick. Despite my fear of it, he kept trying (and falling) until he mastered it! He's currently attempting to teach himself to play the piano as a result of his mother's laziness to give him lessons.

8. Competitive - He loves sports and wants to win and do his best! He is doing so great in baseball, and works hard to fine tune his abilities, with the help of Dad!

7. Humble - Even though he gets super excited about catching that fly ball, or tagging out a runner on 1st, he does really good about keeping in all in perspective! He doesn't rub it in the other team's face, and is a good sport!

6. Grateful - He surprises me sometimes by saying "thanks for that great dinner, Mom!" or "Thanks for taking us to the park!" He seems to know when I need the "praise" the most, and is good about showing it!

5. Good example - He is a hero to his little brothers! Caleb can't wait til he gets home from school... and Brooks literally lights up whenever he sees Josh!
4. Simple - He is a man of few words, but when he does start talking, it's important. Ever since he was a baby, he hasn't needed a lot of toys to keep himself entertained. He was happy playing with measuring cups and spoons. And now, he's as happy as can be with Legos!

3. Loving - he shows love to his family and friends by trying to be nice to everyone. Even though he's constantly teasing Caleb, I'm almost positive it's intended in fun... Caleb just doesn't always see it that way.

2. Obedient - He tries to choose the right in everything he does. His teachers at school have always said that they wish they had an entire class full of Josh's! He is overall just a good kid!!!

1. FUN! - before I had kids, I was worried that I would be annoyed by them once they got to that pre-adolescent stage. But Josh continues to entertain us! He is genuine in everything he does... and we thoroughly enjoy hanging out with him! We love him to death and are so excited and proud and happy that he is in our family!!!

Happy Birthday Dude!!! Hope it's a good one!!!

TRENTADUE FLICKS

2009-12-24T14:49:00.002-05:00

Tune in for the highlights of 2009... and get a glimpse into our favorite flicks!!

CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Mike: as “Real Estate Dad”
KaLisi: as “Household Managing Mom”
Josh – age 7: as “Baseball Playing 2nd Grader”
Caleb – age 4: as “Bike-Riding Pre-Schooler”
Brooks – age 1: as “Toddling Bundle of Rolls”

FEATURING:
NCIS – (Naughty Children Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With silly doses of humor, it focuses on the complex and always amusing dynamics of three young boys forced to work together in mischievous situations. Mike and KaLisi continue to brush up on their forensic skills to determine the “victim” from the “perpetrator” in every crime. Test your own forensic skills by predicting which family member, who in a strange turn of events, backed into Mike’s car one dark night.

LOST – We’re constantly teasing you with mysteries, but here’s a few things that we know for sure... Josh continues to lose teeth at an alarming rate; to date, he has lost 7! Caleb is always moving and we often refer to him as a pocket of powerful electromagnetic energy! This energy often rubs off onto Josh and Brooks, which usually leads to destruction of mass proportions! Brooks, who often appears shirtless, can hypnotize the Others with his sultry gaze and round physique.

24 – 24 is broadcast in the semblance of real time, with each season depicting a 24-hour period in the lives of The Trentadue Five, who work together and fight against threats of H1N1, the broken-garage-door-incident, which trapped a mother and her children in the house for three days, and the Fall of 2009, which buried the Trentadue’s with leaves until two brave missionaries raked them out!

Million Dollar Listing – The first season premiered in 2001, and now focuses on the real estate market in Richmond, Virginia. It follows a very prestigious real estate agent at ReMax Action. The storylines range from a down-town listing becoming the final resting place for a local vagrant, to numerous awkward advances from a flirtatious married client. Unlike the show’s title, Mike likes to keep it in the Hundred-Thousand Dollar range.

Cake Boss – This reality show stars the owner of KaLisi’s Bakery. Hundreds of meals go on her table lined with four hungry boys, who have been known to chant, “We want food! We want food!” She’s a one-woman team and has even tried her hand at decorating the kids’ birthday cakes… although she won’t be winning any prizes, the boys loved her first ever Sponge Bob and Teddy Bear cakes!

Sponge Bob Square Pants – This animated series is an extremely energetic story, which centers on the adventures of three brothers who live in a brick, colonial in the Southeast. Some episodes include: “Life of Crime”, which depicts the lone Joshua’s spontaneous excursion around the neighborhood; “No More Mr. Scaredy Pants” featuring Caleb’s victory over the indoor inflatables at Kangaroo Jac’s; and “Overboard”, a heart-wrenching tale of Brooks’ sudden upside-down plunge into the baby pool!

Flash Forward – What’s in our near future? Josh will be baptized in March… Caleb will be starting Kindergarten next fall… and Brooks will graduate to nursery in April! We look forward to many other 2010 milestones in our family and wouldn’t change it, even if we could!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Love, The Trentadue's

2009-12-19T09:20:00.002-05:00

This year we drove up to Iowa to spend Thanksgiving with my sister, ShaLene and her family, including their newest addition Max Ellis Jorgensen!! My parents were also there, and it was a wonderful visit!!!

Caleb finally got a chance to hold that baby... and he loved it. I think it brought back memories for him of holding Brooks not too long ago!

Here's about half of the grandkids (Canyen, Brooks, JayLene, Max, Caleb and Josh).... we were missing Dustin, Dillan, Taylor and Cole!!!!

Grandpa (my dad) wore his best Thanksgiving tie just for the occassion!

It took several days, but JayLene finally warmed up to me and fell asleep on my lap, wanted me to read books and play. What a fun treat!

We also went to a indoor bouncing place... I can't remember the name... but it was very big, and clean, and the kids had a ball! I even took a few turns down their big slippery slides. One time I tried it head first (only after I saw another kid do it)... but I got busted by one of the mean workers...I'm such a rebel!
Anyway, it was a fun trip and totally worth the 15+ hour drive, an overnight stay in a crappy hotel, and 3 overtired kids!!! Would TOTALLY do it again!!!

Halloween Fun

2009-12-19T09:08:00.003-05:00

Before I got fully dressed, I only had my goth make-up and fake eyelashes on... and I had to answer the door. The man at the door was struggling to know what to say. I didn't say anything, I just acted normal (I'm so mean), and I think he thought I was for real, until he saw the werewolf and vampire peek around the door. Then he loosened up and said, "Oh you must be going to a Halloween Party!" it was funny.

Josh as a werewolf... I painted that face all by myself, after watching a few tutorials on youtube. People at the halloween Party had a hard time recognizing him until I told them it was him!

Caleb made a great vampire... although he got confused that people kept calling him Dracula. He was frustrated that they didn't know who he was, until I had to explain that Dracula was the most famous vampire ever. Then he was happy!

Evil Dr. Brooks wouldn't hold very still while I was drawing on his glasses... and out of all the make-up that the rest of us had on, his glasses were the hardest to wash off. Red spots were left where the glasses were. poor dude!

We won a prize for best costumes... since we were all the Monsters of Halloween... inspired by our JibJab video in an earlier post! If Mike was in town, I would have made him dress up as Frankenstein!

This was the costumes the boys wore earlier in the day to go to Story Time at the library! They were a lot easier to put on, and took a lot less make-up!

Pumpkin Pickin'

2009-10-23T16:14:00.005-04:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch to get some pumpkins! It was a great day... nice and sunny... Caleb's favorite part was the wagon ride out to the field...

Brooks loved just holding pieces of hay...

and Josh thought it was funny that he found the smallest pumpkin in the world!

2009-10-11T11:24:00.001-04:00

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I'm puttin' them to work!

2009-10-09T13:02:00.002-04:00

So, I got another freelance photography job where the client needs pictures of kids doing different things that depict a certain word. It was borderline torture for us all the first time around. The boys hated it, I found myself barking orders trying to get them to suddenly become models and actors overnight... and they would literally run away from me when they saw me pick up my camera and my "list" of words! "No more words!" they would yell!

So now that we're doing it again, they were a little less then pleased! Well, yesterday, they actually did great and we got a lot of words done! Here are a couple of my favorites... some of them they didn't even know they were "working"... because they were just having fun! But they were very cooperative and agreed to help me! And the bonus part is... they're actually getting better! They listen to what I say, and they actually do it! Maybe I could hire them out after all!

"swing""squat"
"swing"
"hug"

Brooks is 1!

2009-10-03T14:05:00.000-04:00

This is one of his tricks that I hate! He's like Houdini!

It's amazing even after 3 boys... to see the similarities and differences between all three! And it's been fun to watch our little Brooks develop his personality by watching his 2 older brothers, as well as the things that he completely invents on his own! Here's a few of our favorite things about Brooks, in honor of his 1st birthday!

Brooks is quite the character, and has a pretty mature sense of humor for his age... at least we think he does! He seems to know when things are funny, even though you think it's something that would be completely "over his head". He basically loves to laugh, and make other people laugh too... and he's willing to do almost anything... including funny, weird noises... spitting and weird laughs are his favorites!

He recently started walking, and is pretty good at going slowly from one piece of furniture to the next. Although he has a tendency to get too excited when he realizes how far he's gone without help, and gets going too fast only to crash! But he likes being upright... and I like it too... he doesn't collect as much dust that way! But we do love a particular "Brooks move" when he crawls... he swings his head from side to side as he goes... and he looks like a little horse!

Our boys are also known for their lovely locks... and Brooks is no different! I've cut his hair so many times, I've lost count! We know it's time to cut his hair again when he starts to get little knots in the back, from shaking his head back and forth in his car seat!

When Brooks gets mad, he lets you know it! He loves the remote control, or other technological devices, and can spot them from a mile away, and he does not react kindly when you take it away. In fact, many well-meaning people have offered to let him hold their cell phones, keys, blackberries, etc., but we have to politely decline because once he gets a grip on any piece of technology, he doesn't want to let it go! It doesn't matter whether you're holding him, he's sitting down, laying down, or standing up... he will throw his head back and arch his back and scream! Luckily he's received no head injuries as a result of his temper!

He also knows where he's not allowed to go. Every time he gets near the open bathroom door, he will pause and look back at me and smile, as if he's giving me a fighting chance to close it before he enters. If I don't take that chance to close the door, he will bee-line it for the toilet as fast as he can...but thank goodness the other 2 boys have almost learned to put the lid down!

And he's very photogenic... from at least 6 months of age (or maybe even a little sooner), he would stop and smile whenever we pull out the camera! He loves to be the center of attention, and he literally lights up whenever he sees his big brothers! You can't help but smile when you see his little face!!!

For his birthday "party", we invited his little friend, Marshall, (and his family) to come eat some cake! Marshall and Brooks share the same birthday, so we thought it was appropriate to have them eat cake together too! When Josh and Caleb turned 1, they were a little leery of the cake... and it took them a few minutes to figure out that it was something they wanted to eat... but not Brooks... as soon as we set the cake in front of him, he knew exactly what to do and started taking big handfuls of cake and shoving it in his mouth! He sure loves food!

Brooks is the man of the house these days, and pretty much gets whatever he wants! We just love him to death... so much in fact, that we just chew on him all the time! It's just too hard to turn down those yummy rolls on his arms and legs... And even after the 3rd time around, we're amazed at all the fun things that he's learning to do... it just doesn't get old to just sit and watch him discover everything around him! Here's to you, Brooks! We love you!!!

Another poor attempt at my cake decorating skills.... but hey, this is pretty good for me! :)

This is our Birthday Buddy, Marshall!... they were born on the same day, so they're destined to have b-day parties together!!! hehehe!

It's hard to tell from this picture, but Brooks just grabbed the entire piece of cake, and held it to his mouth... he was literally sucking the sugar out of that cake!

Brooks is walking!

2009-09-23T21:24:00.002-04:00

It started about a week ago. He's getting braver! His favorite time to show us his tricks is at night... he paces back and forth between furniture. Here he is showing off his skills... as well as his rolls!

Caleb's first day of Pre-School

2009-09-16T11:48:00.003-04:00

Caleb is excited about going to school... next year he will start Kindergarten and ride the bus... but in the meantime, I am doing a little co-op with some other kids his age. Yesterday was our first day, and it was at our house, and I had to teach. Caleb is still a little leery of going to school at home (trust me, I am feeling the same hesitation)... but it was fun. Very busy... but fun.
Here are a couple highlights from our day!

We were learning about the letter "A", so we pretended to be "artists" and painted a still-life of "apples".
I thought it was appropriate that Caleb wear Josh's old painting shirt.

We also went outside and found objects around the yard that had the letter "A" in the word and sorted them into buckets. The kids found "leAves, brAnches, Acorns and grAss".

Another good first day!

Back to School

2009-09-16T11:35:00.004-04:00

Back to the "grindstone"! This summer has been very relaxing and easy-going and wonderful for our family! And as much as I hated for the summer to come to an end, as of Labor Day (the day before school started), we were ready to get the school year underway! Josh wasn't nervous about school at all. He got Mr. Shieber this year for 2nd grade, and he knows most of the kids in his class including one of his best buds! So Josh headed off to school on the bus, and had a good first day!

Caleb, Brooks and I also had a good first day! Me and Caleb made chocolate covered pretzels... we had good little chats... and he practiced writing his name, letters and numbers.

We did experience a few bumps as the afternoon wore on... I'll spare you all the details... but overall, it was a good day!

I'm no Ty Pennington... but...

2009-09-02T00:00:00.004-04:00

I don't like to do this... but I've had several requests to post my latest creations! The first one is a $10 dresser from a yard sale that I refinished! I use it in my kitchen as storage for all the kids' art, craft supplies and other odds and ends. It has revolutionized my kitchen area and now I can't imagine my life without it.

The second pic is a storage bench that I made to not only hold blankets, our Rock Band equipment, and other random stuff... but to also provide extra seating in our family room. I've never done any wood-working... not even a shop class... so this has been a fun learning experience for me! This beast is 72 inches long, and 18 inches deep... we joke that it's the size of a coffin and that I will someday be buried in that thing because I'm so proud of it! I also made smaller benches for the boys to put in their room. They are helping me by painting them all by themselves, so it has been a fun mother/son project!

The only bad thing about doing all these little projects is that Mike now thinks that I can fix anything and everything... so he's slow to do things around here now. What was I thinking? I can't play clueless anymore!

Caleb turns 4!!!

2009-08-31T21:23:00.006-04:00

Caleb wanted to have a pool party for his birthday... and he picked a few of his friends (and a few of Josh's friends, who he considers to be his friends too), to come to the pool and celebrate his birthday. That morning, we woke up to cloudy skies with a 60% chance of rain and thunder storms. He said a prayer that morning that it wouldn't rain and thunder so he could go to the pool for his party. As the day went on, the forecast was looking much better and we decided to go ahead with the party. But by the time I loaded up the car and drove over to the pool to set up, the pool was closed because they heard thunder.

So back to our house we go... and I threw together a mini pool party (thanks to the help of our friend's kiddie pool) and the sprinkler! At one point, there was crashing thunder and pouring rain... but I think that added to the excitement, and the kids seemed to have fun despite me stressing!

Sunday was his actual birthday, and so after dinner, Grandma and Grandpa Trentadue and aunts and future uncles came over to celebrate! Caleb entertained everyone with his dancing abilities, and then we had some more Sponge Bob Cake and opened presents! He got some little fireworks and GiJoe's and Better Batter Baseball! We went outside to try out the baseball, and he has quite the swing!

For any baseball lovers out there... Better Batter Baseball is a fun little toy! You push a button and it automatically puts the ball on the end of a lever... so you can hit it right outta the park! Here's a link, if you're interested!

VA Beach

2009-08-31T21:15:00.002-04:00

We've made 2 little day trips to Virginia Beach over the past couple weeks... and the boys have loved it! Josh and Mike spend most of the time body surfing and boogie boarding... Caleb stays close to the beach and rolls around in the waves... and Brooks and me sit in the shade under the umbrella and people watch, although occasionally he does like to "walk" around in the sand.

Josh FINALLY lost that front tooth!

2009-08-31T21:10:00.002-04:00

I don't know what it is with Josh and wiggling those teeth... but he doesn't like to do it! Basically what ends up happening, is the permanent tooth comes in and pushes the baby tooth out of the way, turning the baby tooth into a weird SNAGGLE tooth! It's really weird to say the least... but Josh thought it was funny to close his mouth and let that weird tooth protrude from his lips...gross! Here's a serious close-up of the big tooth coming through with baby tooth still in place!

But luckily, with a little help from Dad, the baby tooth finally came out! And now Josh won't be toothless for long, because that big tooth is well on it's way out! phew!

Calebisms...

2009-08-21T00:06:00.002-04:00

Caleb is at the time in his little life where he says the funniest things. The other day he asked if he could go outside and ride his scooter in the "Coleman-sac". For those of you who may not be familiar with this term... it's the circular patch of pavement in front of Coleman's house. It makes sense... Coleman is the little neighbor boy that lives at the bottom of the cul-de-sac...go figure!

********************************

Today I was asking if Caleb if he wanted to play soccer this fall. "No, I want to stay with you!" I asked him if he wanted to play baseball. "No, I don't think so." So then I asked him what sport he really wanted to play. "I want to play bowling... because that is really cool!"

Ahhh, Caleb, we love you!

Trentadue Tater Tots

2009-08-10T12:43:00.003-04:00

Josh made this little display the other day.

pictured from left to right: Mike, KaLisi, Josh, Caleb and Brooks
There's a few minor details that he was sure to point out... Mike has a cel phone in his hand... I have earrings... Josh has a handful of money... Caleb has girl eyes... Brooks is sticking out his tongue because he likes to spit!

The only girl I like is YOU!

2009-08-06T17:59:00.002-04:00

The other night, I was teasing Caleb. It's actually something my uncles used to do to me all the time.... tickle me on the knees and tell me if I laughed, then that means I liked the boys.

So I had Caleb in a hold and was tickling him ALL OVER and told him if he laughed then it meant it he liked the girls!
And he said, "No, I don't like the girls!"

Me: "But Caleb, you're laughing so hard... that means you like the girls!"

Caleb: "No, because the only girl I like is MOM!"

Aaaahhhh... That's the most romantic thing I've heard in awhile!

Just a little update...

2009-08-03T12:06:00.003-04:00

Summer is sure flying by! I can't believe it's August already! We've pretty much been living at the pool this summer... When I ask them what they want to do each day, they ALWAYS say "GO TO THE POOL!" And it also works out nicely if they are not obeying, I have something to take away... I know, I know... I'm so mean!

Here's a little update on each of the boys...

Josh has lost 4 teeth so far, and he has loose teeth all over the place, but he doesn't like to wiggle them! So they hang on for dear life for months! When I asked him why he won't let me pull them, he admitted that he was worried that he wouldn't have any teeth at all. He prefers to have them come out on their own, which basically looks like his front tooth is growing straight out horizontally, and all twisted! It's interesting to say the least! He also is enjoying reading chapter books all on his own! And he absolutely loves to have play dates with friends, and is always asking who he can play with that day! He recently developed a love affair with laser tag, when he was introduced to it at a birthday party. It's all he can talk about! And he is also a great big brother and helps me out tremendously! A couple times a week he will clean the garage all on his own so that's it's easier to get around in there... and just today he rearranged the family room so that it makes a better "playroom" for Brooks. He even constructed a new "gate" to keep Brooks better contained! And he is such a good example to Caleb, teaching him the dos and dont's of hitting a baseball, riding a scooter, catching fireflies, etc! He is such a fun kid!

Caleb has recently learned to ride a razor scooter, and goes up and down the driveway for hours! He loves to draw sidewalk chalk roads all over the driveway, complete with parking spaces, restaurants and gas stations! He has also learned the value of money, and is doing chores along with Josh to earn stars, to get paid with real money. He also likes to "read" books... and wants me to read a line at a time so he can repeat it like he's really reading. This takes a long time, but it is worth it to hear his little voice. He is so cuddly and lovable, and wants to hug on Brooks all the time, which often results in serious protests on Brooks' part... but it usually doesn't stop Caleb! He also has a laugh that is very contagious. There have been several times where he started laughing and something, and just the mere sound of his laugh makes me start laughing too... sometimes during the most inappropriate times, like during family prayer! He has a cute little sense of humor that is beyond his years, and he is fun to play with and watch! (and yes, he's wearing his Christmas jammies in July!)

Brooks is our little bundle and we all just love him to death! He has recently started standing up to things, and takes little steps to get where he wants to go. He's also a little grunter (from birth)... especially if he does anything strenuous. We call him a little grizzly bear! And believe or not, he actually has a little sense of humor too! He appreciates a good laugh, and all it takes is to hear us laughing, and he starts laughing too! He has learned to clap, feed himself (finger foods, of course), drink from a sippy cup (all by himself), and get his way! He knows how to scream and arch his back when something gets taken away, and he remembers it for a long time before he's distracted! Whenever he hears music of any kind, he starts singing his heart out... it's especially funny during church! There's something about that organ that really gets him going! He's also, how you say, CHUBBY? Everyone who sees him comments on his rolls and creases... we've heard every nickname from "Little Michelin Man" to "Tootsie Roll Arms". Either way, we think his are irresistible because they are golden brown on the outside and pure white on the inside... thanks to hours at the pool!

Check out my new blog!!!

2009-08-01T12:33:00.003-04:00

Check out my new blog for a daily dose of my precious moments and "please-let's-forget-about-it" mishaps, where life with 3 boys never slows! You may be surprised that there's something for everyone... if you don't have kids, you might be relieved that your life isn't as complicated... and for those of you who know exactly what I'm talking about?... you'll feel right at home!

Tag along with me as I turn those "snakes and snails" (or whatever little boys are made of), into something I can cherish... or at least live with!!!

http://mythreesnakesandsnails.blogspot.com

I'm not making promises...

2009-04-02T15:53:00.003-04:00

I have been completely avoiding blogging because I have let myself get so behind. I barely get a chance to sit down sometimes, and if i do, I'm usually snoozing! But we've had a few things to talk about, so I'm posting a few pictures to get us started... but I think there will be more to come... I'm trying!
Reader's Digest version:

Josh: started baseball again, is loving 1st grade, has lost 2 teeth already, but there are 3-4 more on their way out. Honing his RockBand skills on bass, loves to play on the computer and is a great big bro!

Caleb: says he is losing his teeth (but he's really not), loves to play GiJoe's, can't stop kissing baby Brooks, is a big helper around the house and loves to clean the bathroom, vacuum and dust... but still doesn't like to pick up toys!

Brooks: Rolling all over, has 2 bottom front teeth now, started eating cereal, loves the camera and will smile on cue whenever he sees it, sleeps through the night, and loves to watch his big brothers.

Well, that's it for now...

Our little Brooks is such a happy baby... he smiles at anyone who gives him attention... you would think he was ignored all day or something! :)

This has never ever ever happened before... Caleb never slows long enough to fall asleep at the table!

First snow storm in several years... it actually was descent and they could go sledding... and check our snow fort... normally, we struggle to build a little snowman because of lack of snow....so this is pretty good for us!

Josh going down the one and only semi-decent sledding hill around!

2009-01-13T16:30:00.002-05:00

I know that you've all been on pins and needles for over 2 months... constantly checking my blog... hoping and maybe even praying that I will post. And I realize that each time you are overcome with disappointment, because once again, you have no idea what I am doing, what I am feeling, what I am experiencing. You're lost without me, right?? Well, to all my dedicated readers out there, I sincerely apologize for my absence. I am sorry that I put you through months of torment, and I promise to make it up to you.............Man, it's so hard to be sarcastic in writing.... hopefully you are all aware that I'm really not that vain to think that you even care what has kept from blogging.... oh well!

I'm not even going to try and catch up on the past.... the idea of doing that completely overwhelms me! So although I know you want every single nitty gritty detail, I'm only going to give you the readers' digest version for your own safety!

Halloween - Josh dressed up as a white ninja/Storm Shadow from GiJoe's... although there were 2 potential characters, there was only 1 costume, since they basically looked the same! Caleb and Brooks were baseball players, and Caleb thought it was too fun to wear Josh's baseball pants! Me and Mike even dressed up for the ward Trunk or Treat as Todd and Sarah Palin... just in time for the election! I thought it was fitting since I'm from Alaska and a Palin supporter... and Mike, of course, is my "first dude!"

Thanksgiving - we didn't host it this year... but spent the day with Mike's family and had a great time. Josh got to shoot a little 22 rifle for the first time. He still talks about it!

Starring roles - For the ward Christmas party most of us had parts in the Christmas Nativity Play. Josh was a sheep, Mike was Joseph, I was Mary and Brooks was Baby Jesus. Caleb cheered us on in the front row! Mike was not exactly happy about doing this, but he was a trooper to dress up and act the part. And Brooks did so great and "no crying he made".

Christmas - We were lucky enough to have my entire family come from Alaska and Iowa to spend 2 WONDERFUL weeks here in Virginia for Christmas! We added up to 14 with everyone.... 7 adults and 7 kids! Needless to say there was never a dull moment around here! Here's just a few of the things we did! Played Wii, played tennis, went miniature golfing, the kids acted out the Christmas story for our traditional Nativity Christmas Eve, rode the train at the mall, rode bikes and scooters in the driveway, went out to eat at Olive Garden, made gingerbread houses, watched a few movies, played Apples to Apples and laughed sooo hard, had family pictures taken, opened a "few" presents, played a lot of Rock Band, and just had fun being together as a family!

Brooks' Blessing - while my family was here, we blessed Brooks in Sacrament Meeting. the night before, I remembered I still hadn't bought his blessing outfit... so at 5:30pm, after a couple hours of playing tennis, and without taking a second look in the mirror, I bopped on over to Buttons and Bows for some last minute shopping. It was obviously dark outside, so when I walked in the store, it was very bright in there... especially with those non-forgiving flourescent lights. I was on a mission... so I bee-lined it straight for the blessing outfits and started thumbing my way through them, only to realize that my hands were very dirty... and I had dirt under a couple of my fingernails... This looked really bad in contrast to those perfectly white, delicate little outfits. The sales woman, complete with her own manicured nails, came over to ask me if I needed help. All of sudden it was VERY obvious that I was fighting a cold as i managed to say, "no thank you." I was just hoping that snot wasn't dripping down my face... I was having trouble finding something that didn't look too "girlie"... (instructions from Mike)... and it was getting close to closing time, so 2 more times, the sales people kept trying to help me. Finally, I accepted their help, and she asked me when I needed it by. It was just a tad embarrassing when I had to admit that I needed it by the next day... and she smugly replied, "I had a feeling you were going to say that!" Whooo-eeee... I felt like a loser at that point... rugged and ragged, trampling all through the store trying to find a special outfit for my son's special day 20 minutes before the store closed.... COULD THIS BE THE THIRD BABY BLUES, OR WHAT??? Oh well... everything turned out fine.... the outfit fit perfectly, he didn't cry during the blessing, and it ended up being a special day, despite the rough start!

2 days after my family left - I had to teach the lesson in RS... somehow I managed to get through it....

A week ago - Caleb and Brooks both got strep throat... but we're on the mend and sleeping through the night again! Thank goodness!

May not seem like much, but it's all enough to wear a mom of 3 out... Now, 3 weeks after Christmas, and i still haven't taken down my Christmas decorations! Mike keeps asking when it's going to get done... and I keep saying I'm not touching a thing until he brings down all the boxes from the attic... so who knows, we may be celebrating Christmas til Valentine's Day!

Here's a few more pictures......

visiting with Santa at the ward Christmas party.

we went miniature golfing...and they just HAD to climb up on these rocks!

"I Spy" Trentadue Christmas 2008

2008-12-23T17:06:00.000-05:00

Find the following items to see what we’ve been doing this year!

- Lion – This was Josh’s first school project crafted from styrofoam and pipe cleaners.
- #3 – Caleb turned 3 this year! He is quite the character and keeps us all laughing!
- Pacifier – Brooks was born October 3, 2008. He weighed 9 lbs. 11 oz, 21 inches long!
- 3 GI JOE guys – Mike is reliving his childhood by getting the boys into GI JOES!
- Key – KaLisi is in the Relief Society Pres., and finally got her own keys to the building.
- #7 – Josh will be turning 7 in January… he is a great big brother and helps out so much!
- Curious George – The theme of Caleb’s first “kid b-day party”.
- #2 – Brooks is in his 2nd month so far! He’s smiling, cooing and even laughing!
- Candy bar – Mike teaches Sunday School at our church and uses candy to bribe the kids.
- Vampire teeth – KaLisi’s recently read the Twilight Series… who knew vampires would be so interesting.
- Quarter – Josh has lost 2 teeth this year… and loves those visits from the tooth fairy!
- Paintbrush - Caleb loves to paint... he’s getting to be a pro at water colors.
- Watch – Brooks is sleeping through the night… 8-10 hours straight, and Mom feels great!
- CTR ring – Josh is a CTR in primary and is memorizing all the Articles of Faith.
- Sunglasses – Caleb will be entering Sunbeams in primary this January.
- #1 – Josh is in 1st grade this year with Mrs. Burke! He is reading, and loves school!
- Toothbrush – Caleb’s first visit to the dentist! He did great, and charmed the hygienists!
- Baseball – Josh did machine pitch baseball this fall and never struck out!

We have had a wonderful year and feel very blessed to have three
happy, healthy, boys that keep us busy!

We have loved hearing from all of you, our friends and family, and
hope that this finds you all happy and safe! And know that we
appreciate your love and friendship!

But most importantly, we’re grateful for this time of year to celebrate
the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the holiday season!

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Love, The Trentadue’s
Mike, KaLisi, Josh, Caleb and Brooks

What?!?!?!?!?!?!?

2008-10-25T12:14:00.002-04:00

First of all... as most of you know, I have spent HOURS on the phone over the past 4 months talking to LG, the manufacturer of our incompetent dishwasher trying to get them to give us a cash refund... or to replace the dishwasher with another brand, since I have little to no faith in LG and they have been unable to fix the dishwasher we have! I even shed a few tears over this due to my unintentional flow of emotions as a result of my hormonal and somewhat unstable state of mind due to pregnancy and even post-partum blues! And all of this was completely in vain, and not one person had any sympathy on me whatsoever! They kept saying, they couldn't change their policies. But because our dishwasher cannot be fixed, LG finally agreed to replace the piece of junk with (in my opinion) another piece of LG Junk... So, our current options are to go into Best Buy and pick out one with "compatible technology" that still falls within the price range that we paid for our original dishwasher. And if there is not one available within the price that we originally paid, we will have to pay the difference. great options, eh?

So, Mike waltzed into Best Buy the other day to pick out the dishwasher... and said that he did not want to exchange it with another LG, but wanted something else. He had to pay a $60 install fee, but he ended up with a Whirlpool! It was that easy!

Although I'm very happy that I don't have to see another LG Dishwasher come through my front door... I am very confused and disappointed that I spent so much time haggling and debating over this... and they were very firm about not letting us get anything but LG. And then Mike (a man) walks in and says literally 7 words and 5 minutes later, he got what I have been trying to get for months!

I'm trying not to be bitter and loose sleep over this... but really, what's up with that???

We're hangin' in there!

2008-10-22T09:46:00.003-04:00

Every week Josh is supposed to write out all his spelling words and then use them in a sentence. Last week one of his words was "clog". Here is the sentence he wrote: "I can clog the toylite." (translation... toylite=toilet) He said that his teacher laughed pretty hard at that one! Classic!

************************************************************

As for news... we are all doing pretty well and we're starting to adjust to life with a newborn again! Although it's difficult to predict things.... Here are the top 5 things I've learned and am more prepared for the 3rd time around... in no particular order.

1. Never trust a burp.
2. Never trust the containment quality of a diaper.
3. Never trust a boy without a diaper on... even for a second.
4. Never trust a 3 year old in the same room with a newborn... even for a second.
5. Never expect to get 4 hours of sleep... if it happens, it's a pleasant surprise!

Here are Brooks' greatest achievements for the past 2 1/2 weeks of his little life!
1. Can lift up his head... and look around
2. Focuses on objects and is more alert
3. Has smiled a few times... and shown us all his cute little dimple!
4. Has slept 5 consecutive hours a couple of times... we're hoping the "flukes" eventually turn into habit!
5. Manages to poop his pants immediately after getting a fresh diaper... this is his classic move... I know he thinks it's hilarious! Our record was 3 diapers in one changing.
6. Has mastered the binky... but he's also mastered flipping that sucker right out when he doesn't want it.
7. Has gained weight like a champ... last time we weighed him he was 10 lbs. 8 oz... but I'm sure he's pushing 11 lbs by now!
8. Has captured all our hearts... including Josh and Caleb... and we just love him to death!

As for pictures... I've been so slow at downloading my camera! oops! So hang in there... I'll post more soon!
I'm out!

********************************************************************

On a side note... 4 months have gone by... and we still don't have a working dishwasher! Although LG has finally agreed to replace it, I'm not breathing a sigh of relief until it's installed and can successfully wash a load of dishes! Word to the wise...

NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!
NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!! NEVER BUY LG!!!

Forgotten Posts

2008-10-14T09:50:00.002-04:00

"First day of First Grade"
Josh was very excited for school and rode the bus on he first day! His teacher is Mrs. Burke, and he is enjoying everything! And his reading has improved dramatically (and he is actually enjoying reading), even within the first month or so! Way to go Josh!!!

"Dentist Appointments... Caleb's first visit!"
Permanent molars for Josh... plus 2 new permanent teeth!
Caleb's first dentist appointment... and once again he was chatting it up with the hygenists!

Both boys were cavity free! HOORAY!

Caleb's Comments

2008-10-14T09:41:00.002-04:00

My mom has been here since Oct 4th, and we are loving every minute of it! While Grandma (my mom) was holding Baby Brooks, Caleb wanted to play with Grandma... Caleb said, "Grandma, you can put down Brooks, he won't run away!"

He's just full of them!!! The other day we went to get the boys hair cut... and while Josh sat quietly in the chair and hardly said a word... Caleb was giving his stylist an ear-full of the latest town gossip! Never a dull moment with Caleb around!!!

Brooks Wesley Trentadue

2008-10-10T09:06:00.004-04:00

It is true... babies do come out eventually!!! ... I have to admit, I was starting to wonder!

Brooks Wesley Trentadue arrived on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. He weighed 9 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long! Both big brothers are very excited and have been a huge help... putting in the binky, fetching diapers... and just being cooperative and playing so great together! We're also lucky enough to have Grandma (my mom) here with us! phew! And although we're still working out the kinks, Brooks could not be much easier. he's already sleeping great at night (sometimes 4 hours at a time) and is so laid back and content. LOVE IT!!!

Now for those of you who want a little more details (I promise not to get too gorey)... keep reading... if not, just check out the pix of our lil' dude!

"Awesome Big Brothers" - they painted these t-shirts themselves and were so proud of their creations! They even made a little shirt for Baby Brooks! ("Awesome Lil' Brother!")

I know, I know... check out that hair! he has the "do" of a baby chick... and despite the combing, it likes to stick straight up!

*******************************************************************
A few more details....
For those of you not so fortunate as to hear my complaining... I had been pretty uncomfortable for the past couple months. lots of back pain, fatigue, and pressure from a moving, ever-growing baby... the usual pregnancy stuff. But the last several weeks were especially hard since I was continually having contractions/braxton hicks. By 37 weeks, I was 3 cm... so I was encouraged that things were moving along.

My last drs. appt was scheduled for Oct 3 at 9:00a.m., so I got Josh off to school, and went to my appointment. I was feeling a little "sluggish", but nothing out of the ordinary... so when my doctor said that I was definitely 5 cm, I was a little more the shocked. At this point, she couldn't let me go home like that... so they wheeled me in wheelchair over to the hospital. (a little embarrassing, I might add... but they wouldn't let me walk by myself... despite the fact that I drove myself to the hospital and walked in there by myself. that's how us Alaskan women do things, ya know!)

Anyway, the nurses were a little more then surprised when I "waltzed" into my room at 5 cm and feeling no pain. go figure! But they broke my water, and I started making a few calls... first and foremost, calling my husband to come in immediately.... calling the school to arrange for Josh to be picked up... calling my mom and sisters... and settling in to watch "Regis and Kelly". Things got moving a little bit, but they gave me a "whiff" of petocin to get things going a little faster. I was toying with the idea of doing this without an epidural, but it didn't take much back-labor before I felt completely out of control at 7cm... in fact, I remember breaking down at one point and crying to the doctor that I just couldn't do this anymore... not my best moment.... and that I was ready for that big 'ole needle! So, a few contractions later, things eased up a bit, but the contractions never completely went away before it was time to have a baby! I felt a "little" (the term "little" is used rather loosely here) more then I had expected (which turned out to be a good thing), and 3 contractions later, Brooks was born!

My mom flew in the next night... and I got to see her on Sunday morning, when they all (Mike, Mom, Josh and Caleb) came to take me and Brooks home!

Since then, we've been working out the kinks of having a newborn again... and after tweaking a few things, Brooks is sleeping great at night... and is pretty content during the day! We all love him very much and are enjoying spending time with our "big" guy!

Thanks for all your emails and words of congrats... it means so much to us!

Holy Cow... it's been 9 years!!!

2008-10-01T16:41:00.005-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!

Today is our 9th Anniversary... it's hard to believe that it's been this long... and here we are, about ready to have our 3rd baby! Crazy how fast it goes! Although I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't done much reflecting on the day we got married, because I'm pretty occupied with having a baby these days. poor Mike... I didn't even buy him a gift!

But we have plans on going out to dinner tonight for the last time before having a newborn, so you can imagine how excited I am. I just hope I don't go into labor at the restaurant!

Anyway, here's a few fun things about Mike that I love!... His personality! ... his sense of humor, and sometimes his sarcasm. I appreciate his work ethic, and never worry about him taking care of our needs! He loves our boys....and is pretty darn proud of them! I love that he loves sports and that he gets pure joy out of watching Josh and Caleb perfect their "baseball skills"! He gives great gifts... and it's usually the talk of the neighborhood! He does have a sensitive, but he's not over the top mushy, which would drive me CRAZY... and on occassion he has been known to be even romantic! :) I love that he loves my family...
And honestly, I could go on... but overall, I'm very to have such a fun guy for a husband! So cheers... to 9 years... and many more to follow!!!

Outside the Anchorage, Alaska temple.

just being silly!

Here we are NOW!!!... me, I'm a little chubbier... but I'm 7 months prego in this pix!

Another funny Caleb

2008-09-27T22:44:00.003-04:00

Caleb is full of surprises... here's another funny story.

One day he realized that I had something he didn't have... boobs! Here's how the conversation went...

Caleb: What are these, Mom?
Mom: Oh, it's just part of my body.
Caleb: (not satisfied with that answer)... why you have these?
Mom: Well, that's how I'll feed the baby.
Caleb: (still looking quite confused)
Mom: That's how the baby gets milk.

little pause....

Caleb: There chocolate milk in there?

Aaaaahhhhh Caleb... we love you!!!

Funny Caleb

2008-09-24T12:29:00.003-04:00

Caleb and I were discussing a few matters of serious importance about the new baby this morning... here's how our conversation went.

Caleb: The baby sleeping? (as he lifts up my shirt to get a good look)
Mom: I think so.
Caleb: Let's wake him up, okay?
Mom: Okay, give him a little pat.
Caleb: How big is the baby?... he going to be wittle? (the whole time he's rubbing my tummy trying to wake him up)
Mom: Yes... he'll be about "this" big. Do you want to hold him when he comes out?
Caleb: only when he's wittle.

long pause....

Caleb: His mommy going to come out of your tummy too?
Mom: No, because I'm the baby's mommy.

long pause....

Caleb: No... you're MY mommy!
Mom: Well, I'm Josh's mommy, I'm your mommy... can I be the baby's mommy too?
Caleb: No, I don't want you to be the baby's mommy too.

Oh oh... we might be in for some trouble!

*********************************************************************************

Update on Josh....
Josh lost his second tooth on Sunday morning... he manages to do when no one is around, so we have yet to see the actual "losing of the tooth"... but I guess the gap is proof enough. So far he's lost the two bottom front ones!

He's also full "swing" into Fall Baseball! So far he's had 2 games and he's done great both times! Although it's a bit of a nail-biter, it's so much more exciting then T-Ball! And he's learning the ups and downs of the game first-hand... getting tagged out.... not getting to hit every inning because the boys ahead of him got out... and the stress of hitting the ball! But he's managing it well! GO JOSH!!!!

1st grade

2008-09-11T14:46:00.003-04:00

I'm slow to post pictures of Josh's first day because they are on Mike's camera that he uses for work... but they will be coming shortly.

But he's had a first couple weeks... His teacher is Mrs. Burke and he is in the same class as one of his good friends... so what could be better. He wasn't nervous at all on the first day... he wanted to ride the bus and everything. (I always preferred to be taken to my classroom by mom on my first days of school). But he did just fine! And although I don't get a lot of details out of him, he does enjoy school because he pops right out of bed every morning and can't wait to get out the door!

And even Caleb is getting used to the idea of him being gone. And when Josh gets home, they play so great together... a little time apart every day must be doing some good... because on a good day, they will play together for sometimes 2 hours with no fighting! As I'm typing this, they are singing a beautiful medley of "America the Beautiful" and the "GI-JOE Theme Song".

Which brings us another thing... Josh is getting into Gi Joe's, which Mike is loving! Mike played with Gi-Joe's when he was younger, and so they have the best time having wars. And I have been priviledged to have taken part in my first Gi-Joe Battle, when Mike wasn't around. And believe it or not, there are many rules to keep track of. The first, is to build your fort... and this is an important part of the process. You have to make sure there is plenty of coverage and places for snipers to hide. And then once the battle starts, you have to announce where your guys is shooting... and who he shoots... and a guy isn't completely dead, until he lands completely flat on the ground... If an arm or leg is still up in the air, he's not dead... he's only wounded, so he's still able to limp or crawl over to another fallen comrad, take possession of his gun and keep fighting. Playing this way, does lengthen the amount of time that I have to use my "machine-gun sound effects", so it actually can be quite exhausting. Not to mention helicopter and jet fighter attacks!

I even tried to end the game early, by giving up and saying that all my guys were dead. But Josh was carefully keeping track and informed me that I had still 4 guys that were covered by debree, but really, they were still alive and well.... and that I could try to take over his tank if I wanted.

Anyway, back to school.... he is doing well getting his homework and chores done every day... and just seems to be getting so big and mature!

And last night, we had our first baseball practice of the season. He's in machine-pitch now... and it was his first time hitting off the machine! HE DID GREAT!!! He hit the ball almost every time... some were fouls... but at least he was connecting with the ball the majority of the time! I was so proud! Saturday is our first game... and I can't wait to see him in action! I'll break out my telephoto lense and get some good pictures for sure!

That's it for now!

Happy 3rd Caleb!!!... Aug 30th

2008-09-02T08:21:00.007-04:00

Caleb was so excited about his birthday this year (August 30th)! He would stop people in the store to let them know that it was his birthday and that he was 3! He is just a fun kid! Here are just a few of the things that I love about him...
- he's so outgoing for such a little guy.
- he still likes to give kisses
- he says thank you all the time... and even reminds big bro Josh to say thank you. my favorite line, "thank you sooo much, mom!"
- he is independent and likes to entertain himself
- he likes to read, and when I read him books, he has to repeat everything himself.
- he likes to do whatever Josh is doing
- he's POTTY TRAINED!!!
- he's got quite the personality and makes us laugh literally every day!
- he likes to be the one to say the prayer... and if he's not saying it, he usually tries to top the person saying it by repeating everything over them.
- he recently started incorporating the word, "actually" into his vocab. it's hilarious! especially since Josh did the same thing when he was 3.
- sleeps in a big boy bed... and actually goes right to sleep (most of the time), without getting out of bed or keeping Josh awake.
- he likes to have his picture taken
- likes to help do chores like vacuuming and washing windows... but pretty much refuses to pick up toys. He even goes as far to say, "No, Josh do it by himself!"
- likes to talk on the phone...
- and a million more things... but mainly, it's not hard to love this kid! We just can't help ourselves and love on him and kiss him! We're so glad that he's in our family!!!

Josh was pretty impressed with my "bean bag toss" monkey that I drew and painted. Although Mike just had to point out that the "banana" looked more like a corn cob, then a banana. Now, Josh says, "Nice corn cob, Mom!" I never get a break around here with all these boys... imagine my life a few years from now when I have 4 boys teasing me! (sigh!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

When will it end???

2008-08-31T17:13:00.003-04:00

I'm 8 months pregnant and I thought the days of nausia and sensitivity to smells was behind me... but today as I was washing my dishes (still by hand, by the way), the smell of my dish soap sent a clear message that the urge to throw up is still very close at hand. And then, minutes later, I opened a cabinet in the kitchen that houses odd-ball items such as matches, band-aids, etc.... and a familiar smell came wafting out... that of an air freshener that I banned to the cabinet because the smell made me sick. Once again these normally pleasant aromas, triggered the unpleasant "gag-reflex", which was thankfully not accompanied by the "throw-up reflex"... but disturbing none the less.

have you heard???

2008-08-29T16:57:00.005-04:00

Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, just got chosen as John McCain's VP!!! Many of you know I am from Alaska, so this just is so exciting that Alaska gets put on the map for something this big! This morning on Fox & Friends, they were trying to figure out who McCain was choosing... they received word that a plane from Anchorage landed in Ohio... but they also heard that Palin was supposed to make an appearance at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, Alaska... MY HOME TOWN....Turns out she missed the fair, but just hearing my home town (along with other cities where I have been and know of) on national news puts a little butterfly in my stomach!!!

And honestly, I don't know a lot about her... I know that she is completely family oriented with 5 children.... the youngest of which is down syndrome and she just had recently (since being in office).... so she's completely PRO LIFE. And she has strong views about the whole oil thing and is taking drastic measures against the big oil companies and has WON!

Anyway, I'm not what you would call the "political type" (drives Mike crazy, by the way... he's always surprised that I even choose to watch the news occasionally of my own free will) ... and I know as much about politics as I do about cars... I know where to put the gas nozzle, and I know the difference between Democrat and Republican. (sad, I know) But, if you don't know much about Palin and wonder if this young, unknown is up to the challenge... do a little research and keep your eye on her... Who knows, you just might be surprised at what us Alaskan women can do!!!

More beach adventures (August 15-22nd)

2008-08-28T17:51:00.005-04:00

We rode our bike to the beach several times... which was about a 20 minute bike ride... but when you're traveling with an 8-month prego, it's closer to 30 minutes! Caleb had fun riding in the cart... and Josh rode a tandem with either me or Mike. My favorite was riding with Josh, because he helped me pedal!

But aside from playing in the "waves" (the term "waves" is used loosely, since it's a shallow beach, so it's not exactly white water), we also had fun playing in the sand. It was definately a family affair and we all had a part in the sand castle city! Mike was the general contractor (he had the general vision, but also dug the moats and built the outer walls)... Josh was the excavator (he cleared away the sand bulldozer style and helped with the outer walls)... Caleb was the landscaper (and dug some fabulous holes for lakes and ponds)... and I was the Interior Designer (I strategically placed all the towers). Mike's Dad said it looked like Zarahemla... although that wasn't what we were planning... I do believe it bears a slight resemblence!

Another day, we rode our bikes to South Beach, where they have a lot of shops and restaurants... and the main attraction is 3 parrots who are perched outside "The Salty Dog". They encourage you to talk and wave to them because they supposedly talk. But except for their "screaming", as Caleb put it, we weren't lucky enough to witness their extended bird vocabulary... and Caleb not being a fan of the loud shrieks didn't stick around the birds for long.

The last day we were there, we were seeing the results of Hurricane Fae (from Florida), with a lot of rain. But it was our last day, and so were determined to make one last trip to the beach. The rain seemed to be holding off, so we packed up the trailer and jumped on our bikes. By the time we got to the beach, we could see the dark clouds coming, the wind was picking up, and a few rain drops could be felt. We walked out onto the beach to find the wind whippin'...and the boys weren't too fond of the stinging sand on their legs, and we could barely hold onto the boogie boards! But it was quite a sight! Normally the water is pretty calm... but that day it had huge waves roaring in, and I have to admit, it was quite impressive! (our video and pictures just don't do it justice) But we decided it wasn't worth someone drowning, so we headed back and found a pavilion just in time to avoid a huge and sudden DOWNPOUR! I talked Mike into waiting out the rain... and we ended up hanging out with another family with 2 boys for about an hour until the rain stopped.

We went out to the beach to take a look, and although the waves were still huge, the sun was trying to peek out, so we decided to stay as long as we could before the weather turned again! Josh ended up having a great time with the other kids... and they boogie boarded and body surfed/got slammed for a little over an hour! And there was a huge stump that washed up onto the beach, and I was surprised how all the boys (including the Dads) were so fascinated by a large, gnarly piece of wood! Nevertheless, it entertained them for quite a while! And although Caleb was a little hesitant of the waves, he enjoyed being hit by the water and swept up the beach!

We were having a great time... and then, in a matter of seconds, the rain started POURING again! We grabbed all our stuff and made our way to our bikes, packed up and prepared for the 30 minute bike-ride back to the condo. Again, I tried to talk Mike into waiting out the rain, but he wanted to just get on the road. So away we went! We were literally soaked after 2 minutes... and with rain pouring down our faces and into our eyes, it was difficult to see where we were going (especially me, sporting my contact lenses!) Mike didn't say much... but I couldn't help but laugh... Caleb couldn't help but cry every once in awhile... and Josh couldn't stop shivering! But overall, it turned out to be a fun day, spent with complete strangers, in the rain! Unfortunately, it was raining too hard to get a picture of us completely drenched... so you'll have to use your imagination!

***********************

And considering that we had an 8 hour drive home, both boys did so great! We only made 2-3 quick stops to use the restroom and get gas, they were both very patient and well-behaved travelers! Thank goodness, of course, to the DVD player, Leapster Games, and the fact that they are both experienced travelers from making multiple 12+ hour trips to Alaska! And I feel that it's worth mentioning that our potty-training Caleb didn't even have an accident the whole trip! Hallelujiah!

Trip to the beach!

2008-08-25T14:01:00.003-04:00

We drove down to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina last week... and spent a week playing at the beach, the pool and riding bikes! This year the boys tried out Boogie Boarding... and were quite successful in spite of the small waves. Josh's favorite part was body surfing in the deeper water! Caleb had more fun trying to jump over the waves... and hit the waves with his hands!
Here's just a few pix... but there will be a few more to come.

I know, I know... it's been awhile

2008-08-13T16:49:00.002-04:00

It's not that I haven't wanted to post... I have... but I've been in denial about my most recent act of stupidity and have been embarrassed to admit what happened. I won't go into all the details (mainly for my own dignity), but I lost all my pictures on my computer! Most of them were backed up on CD's... but I had been lazy about backing up the last year and a half... thinking that I would get to it sometime. I did get some recovery software and managed to save a lot of pictures. But there is no way to tell what I have, or don't have because they are a complete mess!!! No dates, no type of order... it's literally PANDAMONIUM! So I will be spending the next several weeks organizing pictures and trying to make some sense out of this digital mess!

And it's taken me up until now to console myself about the whole thing... but I think that everything will be okay... so I'll start posting pictures again soon.

****************

Just a little update on the boys....

Josh has been having fun at a sports' camp this week. He has been going from 9-12 every day with a friend from school, and he's loving it! He is working on his reading... and although he gets frustrated, he's doing better. But he loves to write and has been doing a journal entry several times a week. But he's seriously into Lego Kits right now.... he'll spend hours putting together planes and helicopters and submarines... right now he's saving up his $$$ to buy the Indiana Jones set.

Caleb is quite the character... he is talking so well now... and he can talk to pretty much anyone/anywhere! Sometimes it's kind of embarrassing because he stops people in the store, at the pool, etc... and talks their ear off. Lately, he's fascinated with the doctor's office, and whenever I have my check-ups (which are every 2 weeks now), he has a list of questions for her. He's into cars and motorcycles... and whatever Josh is doing. He's also getting ready to turn 3... which he is very excited about!

Mike is working hard.... and trying to tie up all the loose ends before we head to the beach this week... this will be our last little vacation before the baby comes, so hopefully we'll get good and relaxed! Mike, like Caleb, is also into cars... and recently motorcycles too... he keeps trying to convince me that him getting a motorcycle would be a good investment and save us $$$ on gas. I'm having a hard time picturing a real estate agent riding around on a bike... pulling out contracts out his backpack... and showing people houses in his little side-car. At this point in time, I am NOT giving my blessing on such a reckless way of transportation... no offense if anyone has a motorcycle... but I'm just not the "daring type" right now. He thinks I'm being ridiculous and jokes about buying one anyway and asking for forgiveness later. I joke about changing my last name back to Grover and asking for alimony later! :)

ANOTHER dishwasher dilema

2008-08-01T17:52:00.003-04:00

Sorry to keep talking about the dishwasher... but the repair man came back today (this will be his 3rd trip) to try and fix it. The whole time Caleb kept asking "Is the dishwasher man going to fix the dishwasher?" I'm confused why he's as anxious as I am, since he's only 2. But once again, he couldn't get it fixed! It's been 5 1/2 weeks people... I'm getting annoyed!

Don't buy LG

2008-07-26T13:52:00.002-04:00

For the past several weeks... actually 4 weeks, 3 days, 5 hours and 16 minutes.... I have been without a dishwasher. In a previous post, I was actually enjoying the time doing dishes by hand... however, I have come to realize that we did not spend hundreds of dollars in order to use it as a fancy double-decker drainer! And after we have had technicians look at it, parts ordered, etc., no one seems to know what's wrong with it! So here we are a month later, and we're still waiting on parts... and I'm tired of doing dishes by hand... blame it on my achin' prego back... but I'm done doing things the old-fashioned way!

So after 1 1/2 hours on the phone with the manufacturer of said dishwasher (LG Brand), I have come to realize that LG is a difficult company to work with... LG parts are not easy to come by... so I'm sending this post out to the masses... or at least the few people who actually read this blog... as a WARNING... if you are contemplating buying any LG product, BUYER BEWARE!!! Don't be fooled by their sleek appearance and lower prices... stick to the companies that have been around FOREVER! According to the repair man, they hardly ever get calls on Maytag or Whirlpool appliances!... so I'm sticking with them from now on!

As for our dishwasher, we may get a replacement, and there's a slight chance they will offer us a refund. If that's the case, I'm taking the $$$ and running for the nearest Whirlpool dealer and never looking back!!!

Laugh your head off!!!

2008-07-20T19:49:00.006-04:00

If you've ever heard of Jim Gaffigan, then you'll know that we literally spent 1 1/2 hours laughing hysterically!

Gaffigan was in Richmond this past weekend, and after watching his first DVD, we couldn't pass up the chance to see him LIVE! Not to mention the fact that our good friends hooked us up with tickets so we could all go together! And it was worth every minute of it! Seriously, if you haven't seen him, YOU NEED TO!!! His act and material are VERY CLEAN... no swear words (at least that I can remember)... and he takes the every day/normal stuff and makes it darn right HILARIOUS!!!

So if you're in the mood to laugh, check out "Beyond the Pale"... and then, be on the lookout for his next tour (see it LIVE, if it's near you...) or wait til it comes out on DVD... "The Sexy Tour!"

I know I sound like I'm getting paid to write all this... but I'm not... he's just THAT funny!!

... I bust up just looking at him...

There's only 1 KaLisi Trentadue

2008-07-14T22:44:00.002-04:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

However... There are 4 Michael Trentadue's

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
4
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

the longest post in the world

2008-07-14T10:32:00.010-04:00

We just spend 2 Glorious Weeks with my parents visiting from Alaska! We were too busy playing and catching up to blog... so here's the highlights from the past couple weeks! Brace yourself, this is a long post!

Grandpa and Grandma come for a visit

Josh wrote this sign all by himself... since they were driving in from Chicago, Josh wanted to make sure they knew where our house was... hence, "This is our house!"
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"4th of July"
Our neighborhood does a little parade every year, and this was the first time we've participated! We tagged along with some friends (thanks Gary and Heather), and I have to say, Mom and Dad (aka George and Martha Washington) completed the theme perfectly! It was a little toasty in the wig and velvet dress... but their suffering was not in vain... THEY LOOKED GREAT!!! Also notice, the Statue of Liberty, Abe Lincoln, Betsy Ross, and secret serviceman outside the President's car (aka Mike's caddy)!

Mike drove his car with the "President" inside... and check out Gary Payne... one of our good friends... doesn't he look official as a secret serviceman?
Mike was just a tad embarrassed by my "get-up"... I say I look lovely in my feather boa and Uncle Sam's hat!
look closely for a glimpse at the President's "thumbs-up"!

The only purchased item from their costumes was George's wig (previously known as a "female blonde wig")... Check out George's axe... Dad fashioned it out of cardboard and tin foil... look even more closely for a sprig of cherries positioned on the end of the blade! And is it just a little odd that even the shoes came from the Trentadue wardrobe? I guess we're Colonials at heart!
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Trip to the grocery store
Is Caleb deprived because he has never been in those CAR CARTS at the store? He was soooooo excited, I felt bad... he just kept saying, "I get to ride in the car, I get to ride in the car!" After awhile, even Josh wanted to get in... while me and Mom were shopping, Dad kept them entertained by going on little "journeys" to try and find us! It's a "Grandpa" thing for sure!
****************************************************************************
Visit to Meadow Farm/Crump Park
We went on a little tour of the main house and got a glimpse into how they lived... Caleb and Josh were fascinated with the idea of a "chamber pot". And Caleb even wanted to try it out, since he's going in the "pot" now!
Caleb giving Grandma a ride on the mini-tram.
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Bowling Night
Our plans of mini-golf were dashed away by the Tornado Watch ... so we went bowling instead! We played 2 games...
Mike won the first game with 181
Grandpa - 120
Grandma - 106 (first time she's broke 100!)
Josh - 68 (first time he's ever been bowling!)
Caleb - 64 (first time he's been bowling too!)

The second game, everyone was a little pooped... sore wrists and backs... so here are the scores the best I can remember...
Mike - 145
Grandpa- 115
Grandma - 117
Josh - 84
Caleb - 78
KaLisi??? - sat on the side and watched... bowling not so good on my prego back!
Caleb used the rack for part of the time... but after watching everyone, he wanted to do it like everybody else! So he would push that 10 lb. ball as hard as he could... and then wait ever so patiently as it would creep down the lane. there were times we thought that it would stop moving all together... but it made it to the pins every time! Then he would come back and give everybody High-5's!
Dad
Mike
Mom gets a spare!
Josh's form looks a little awkward... but he got the job done!
Josh's STRIKE!
He couldn't have been more happy!

And that's all the pictures we got, because there was a professional bowler in the house so apparently my flash was "hazardous to his bowling" (according to the manager)! But who cares about the guy smoking like a chimney 2 lanes down... which is actually "hazardous to our health"! Oh well... don't get me started! It was a fun night... and afterwards we went out for ice cream at Maggie Moos! Fun fun fun!
**********************************************************************
Trip to Monticello (Home of Thomas Jefferson... 3rd President of the U.S.)
None of us could remember which president he was... but I am proud to say that I won the bet...

Josh and Caleb did pretty well ... although we had to ditch the Plantation Tour after about 15 minutes because the guide was a little long-winded for a 6 and 2 year old. We went on ahead and read the plaques along the way. I think we learned just as much, and everyone was much happier!
Funny joke for the day...it goes something like this...
Mom: "Oh look, a Sugar Maple!" (she was reading a sign posted on a tree)
Dad: "Hey sweety pie!" (he misunderstood and thought they were exchanging romantic nicknames!)

A few hours later as we were boarding the shuttle...

Dad: "Hey there, White Ash!" (he was reading yet another sign labeling the type of tree!)
Mom: (turns around and glares) "Hey, that's not fair... I called you Sugar Maple!"

Seriously, we laughed about this for awhile! So check them out... "White Ash and Sugar Maple walking down path!"

Caleb's first time riding a bus. Caleb's exact words... "Mom, take a picture of me riding the bus!"

Visiting Thomas Jefferson's gravesite.

Caleb and Josh trying their hand at "quill-writing". We all tried it, and it's harder then it looks!

After we got back to Richmond, we went to Olive Garden for dinner... So overall, a fun day!!!
******************************************************************************
Mini-Golfing at Windy Hill Sports Complex

Scores for Game 1:
Grandma - 56
Grandpa - 60
Josh - 64
KaLisi and Caleb -44 (although I had to scratch 3 holes due to a potty break... for Caleb, not me!)

Scores for Game 2:
Josh - 51 (Josh got 3 Holes-In-One)
Mike - 53
Grandpa - 55
KaLisi - 61 (doesn't really help much, when it took me 12 times to make hole 4... seriously, it was tricky!)
Grandma - 64 (Hole 9 was Grandma's undoing!)
Caleb - 979 (towards the end, he was pretty tired... and would kick the rocks and throw his club and yell "I missed!"... he didn't pick that up from me!)

This is the enfamous "Hole 4" that drove everyone crazy! I scored a "12" on this lovely little thing... but when I tried it again, I got a hole in one... But I couldn't talk anyone into a "mulligan!" Go figure!!!

Well, there you have it... 2 weeks worth of fun in the longest post in the world! Congrats to making it to the end of this!

Caleb going "potty""??

2008-06-29T19:08:00.003-04:00

Caleb has been really good about the potty training thing... and the great thing is, he's doing it on his own! I did this with Josh... just waited until he started showing some interest, and then we took off from there. And I thought it worked SOOOO well, I'm doing it again with boy #2. Anyway, he still has accidents, (and I'm okay with that) ... the important thing is that he's trying! Today, I sat him on the toilet and went into the kitchen and this is what I heard! (for some of you who are a bit squeemish about bodily functions... stop reading here!)

"Mom, something is splashing my bum!"

MUSIC TO MY EARS!!! That could only mean one thing!!! This actually isn't the first time... but I'm happier now then I was the first time, because there is starting to be a pattern!

Anyhoo... just a way to brighten up my Sunday... and now I actually think it's possible to have only 1 child in diapers! keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

back to the simple life

2008-06-27T18:12:00.007-04:00

As of two days ago, I am without a dishwasher! Luckily it is still under warranty, so when the repair man came to fix it and he said it would take 2 weeks just to order parts... I was thinking the man must be crazy. Honestly, who goes without their dishwasher for 2 whole weeks! But then I remembered growing up with no dishwasher... and although there were many fights about who had to stack, who had to wash, who had to rinse, who had to put away... there were also many fond memories about washing dishes. Soap bubbles... soap fights... being instructed by dad about the finer way to stack the dishes (silverware next to the sink, cups directly above the silverware, plates and bowls stacked by size in as few piles as possible, large bowls stacked to the far right, and pans could remain on the stove until there was room on the counter).... being threatened within an inch of our lives not to step over the linoleum line into the living room unless the dishes were done (I'm exaggerating about the "inch of our lives" part)... and my favorite... some of the best talks I've had with my family, have been over the kitchen sink DOING THE DISHES.

So after some careful contemplation and a little reflection... which is ironic that this very contemplation and reflection I'm referring to, occurred while I was.... get ready, folks... WASHING DISHES!!! Anyway, I'm happy to report that even after only 2 days of doing dishes by hand, I'm actually not that annoyed by it. And to be honest, my kitchen hasn't been cleaner! I'm getting satisfaction out of doing the dishes right away, as opposed to waiting and letting the dishes get crusty, just because I'm "waiting" for the previous load to finish! ridiculous, I know... but don't knock it... I'm sure you've all done it!!!

Now I can't say with 100% certainty that after the dishwasher is fixed I will maintain this "way of life" ... I mean, having a dishwasher does have it's perks... but for right now, I'm okay with it and am going to look on the brighter side!

grandma and grandpa are comin' to town!

2008-06-23T15:28:00.003-04:00

G&G Grover (aka my mom and dad) are heading to Richmond for a couple weeks... and they actually left today, but they won't be arriving until next week sometime because they are flying to Chicago, and long story short, are driving the rest of the way seeing church sites, etc. So I was explaining this to Josh, and he wasn't really comprehending where they were, and what they were doing... so we decided to follow their journey on a map. (thought this would be a fun "lesson" for Josh)

Mike caught wind of this little project, and thought that it was more for my sake then a geography lesson for our rising 1st-grader. His words exactly, "Isn't this more for you?? are you just a little bit excited?" I have to concur, I am excited that they are coming, so this map/countdown to their arrival was fun for me too!

Regardless, now we have a detailed route mapped out (complete with airplane and car stickers to keep track of how they will be traveling... and blue stars to document when they arrive) so we know exactly where they will be on any given day during the week! So, for example, if you are wondering where Garth and JoLene will be on June 28th, I can say with about 98% accuracy that they will be in Kirtland, Ohio! Man, I'm good! And when they arrive around July 1st, we'll be ready!!!

evening fun

2008-06-20T15:24:00.000-04:00

the other night, was just nice just relaxing in the yard... it was actually nice and cool (a pleasant 80 degrees)... Mike was helping Josh to perfect his "step and throw" technique... and Caleb was riding his bike like mad up and down the driveway! I, of course, was perched in my chair resting my prego body! :)

sliiiiiiiiiiide!

2008-06-18T14:58:00.001-04:00

Josh had his last t-ball game this week... and as usual, he did great! But I have to say, the highlight of the game was when Josh slid head first into home plate! (fyi: normally kids don't do this in t-ball) I missed it the first time, so I asked him to do it one more time the next inning... and he did! The second time wasn't near as good, because he said it hurt more then he thought it would and he was a little hesitant... but I can't complain, because at least I got it on film! In the fall, we're going to enroll him in machine-pitch... so that should be REALLY exciting!!!

Big Boy Bed for Caleb

2008-06-17T14:49:00.000-04:00

Caleb is officially in his "big boy bed" now!!! I went to a Mattress King to look at prices... and told the guy I was just looking. Of course, he gave me the whole schpeel, but I was walking out of the store and he said he would take $50 off the price. Well, I was just surprised that he was dropping the price, so I got excited and bought the mattress... I even went to the warehouse and picked it up myself and saved an extra $50. So I was pretty proud of myself for saving $100... until I thought that I probably could've talked him down further... but oh well.

Before I brought the bed home, Caleb was very serious about staying in his crib... but once he saw it all set up (I even hauled it upstairs myself and put it together because I just wanted to get it done, and couldn't wait for Mike), he was all about it! And he has adjusted really well... and with only a few minor setbacks (quietly getting into the closet and completely destroying all my little piles of winter clothes, too small clothes, etc), he is actually getting to sleep and even laying down for nap!

pictures to follow!

Oh, I forgot to mention... that on Caleb's 1st night in his bed, I left Mike to deal with it. I went to a "girls' night out!" I'm evil, aren't I???

Happy Father's Day MIKE!!!

2008-06-16T19:10:00.005-04:00

And of course, I can't help but give a "shout out" to my hubby, Mike... for being such a great Dad to Josh and Caleb! He's pretty busy with work, but the kids sure love him and appreciates it when he's home! Caleb can hear the garage door open from any where in the house and says, "Dad home!" and then runs to the door to meet him! Josh loves having Dad help coach his t-ball team, and says that "Dad is the best coach ever!"
Here are just a FEW of my favorite pictures... it's amazing how much the boys resemble their DAD!!!

Happy Father's Day DAD!

2008-06-16T16:38:00.003-04:00

I can't really put into words how much my family means to me... and my Dad is no different! He continues to amaze everyone with his quiet acts of service and sacrifice... his faith and humility... not to mention his sense of humor and quick wit! He is always there when and advice and comfort is needed... and I just don't know what I would do without my Dad!
So here's to Garth R. Grover... a great Dad, Dad in law, and Grandpa! We love you!!!

Check out my birthday present!

2008-06-13T08:21:00.002-04:00

Who cares about perfume and jewelry... I've been asking for one of these!!! I have a central vac and it's great... but hauling that long hose up and down the stairs on a daily basis makes me ill! So, I've been wanting a swivel sweeper for those quick clean-ups... I'm so excited! Hopefully the thing actually works... so I'll let you know once I try it out!

30 ... and still tickin'

2008-06-12T12:25:00.003-04:00

Quote of the day: "Oh yeah, it's your birthday today, Mom!... You're 30!... but it doesn't look like you're any taller!" -- Josh

I've heard horror stories from people about the day they turned 30... depression sets in... you notice wrinkles you never had before... yadda, yadda, yadda.... In fact, my sister, NaDene sent a birthday card and wrote in it how "there could be worse things then being 30... you could be pregnant! Oh wait!" Hahaha! So I was a little curious to see how I would feel waking up today and no longer be in my ROARING TWENTIES!!! But even I surprised myself!

Of course it helped when my birthday celebration actually started yesterday when Josh picked a flower for my hair ... and Caleb picked grass (I fashioned a ring out of it) and wore it all afternoon! Suz dropped off a delish dark chocolate bar... and Heather and Aimee kidnapped me for a surprise pedicure and dessert at Cheesecake Factory... so this morning, even though I felt a little tired from being up late... I felt invigorated for some reason! In fact, I was listening to music from my computer and it started to play a song that reminds me of growing up... Tijuana Taxi... by the ever famous "Tijuana Brass!" You just can't help but dance around and laugh... although Caleb probably thought I was border-line insane! Oh well... he's 2!

And after I went shopping for a few fun maternity clothes, (by myself with no kids banging on the dressing room door... or hiding in the clothes racks) I'm ready to tackle this thing they call "turning 30" with grace... I won't mention that I completely tripped coming out of the mall, and nearly did a face-plant on the pavement... now that's grace, right?? But I felt better, when I checked my messages to hear a birthday wish from Chels, and a singing message from Gary Duda, the best real estate broker in the world! So far, my day couldn't get much better...

And tonight... I'm looking forward to take out from Olive Garden (thanks to Mom and Dad for the gift certificates!) and maybe even watching a good 'ole chic-flic... that is if I can stay awake!

So, I'm joining the group of thirty-somethings... and I'm vowing now to LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!... pregnant and all!

Playing in the fountains...

2008-06-10T07:57:00.003-04:00

Last night we went to Stony Point Mall for a little birthday party with some friends. It was great because it was 90 + degrees and the kids loved playing in the water! Josh had fun playing catch with a couple older boys (as opposed to frolicking), and Caleb had great fun with a cup! It was pretty funny! I held back the temptation to run through... but have to admit, it did look refreshing!

But when we got home, even I got sprayed! Caleb had just gone "potty", and I went to flush the toilet (confession: our toilet has been broken for quite some time, but you can still flush it when you reach inside the tank and pull the lever). Upon me reaching in, Caleb grabbed a hose... and well, you get the idea! Although, toilet water isn't what I would call "refreshing!"

We're melting!!!

2008-06-09T11:05:00.003-04:00

This past weekend has been sooooooo hot... with the humidity, it works out to be about 110 degrees! On Saturday, Josh was supposed to have a t-ball game, but they cancelled it because of the heat. So we went to the pool instead. The water felt great... and it was the only way we survived... staying inside all day just wasn't an option. We got a little tan, stayed cool... and my feet hardly swelled at all! phew!

Here is is Monday, and the heat is supposed to continue through tomorrow... then it drops back into the 80's again! thank goodness!

This week is also Josh's last week of school. Today is game day and he got to bring in his favorite game. He loves to play "Sorry", so he brought that in to teach to the other kids at his table. It's hard to believe that we've made it through the whole year of Kindergarten... i thought it would take forever, but it flew by! (okay, I know I sound pathetic... I know we have a long way to go... but it's a milestone just the same!)

I'll try to get some more pictures posted... I know those are more fun to look at then just reading... but you know how it is!

T-Ball FLOP!

2008-05-31T13:46:00.002-04:00

I wasn't there in person... (I was attending my sister-n-law, Sheri's college graduation from Randolph Macon... shout out to Sheri!) But I got there just in time to see the little Knights red-faced and down-trodden as then were coming off the field. Apparently all the tees were broken, and wouldn't hold a ball long enough to do the job... so the coaches actually pitched the ball! The Knights (our team) was up to bat first... and with only 8 players present, each and every one hit the ball... most on the first pitch, the others after 2-3 pitches! Coach Mike (aka Dad, in our family) was the pitcher and he did a "good job" according to Josh. The kids were so proud of themselves, and the parents were having a ball watching them hit! Everyone was pumped up and ready for an entertaining game... Little did everyone know that would all change once the Rivercats were at the plate! Rivercat coaches were pitching too high, too low, too fast, didn't make the plate... etc.... and those poor kids couldn't hit the ball! By the time I pulled up, an hour late, they called the game after only getting through 1 inning (there's usually 3 innings)! Not to mention that it was 90 degrees out, and brutal, to say the least!

So although it was fun to get a "taste" of pitching baseball... I bet everyone on the team is going to go out and buy a tee, just to make sure we have plenty to spare!

The Tooth Fairy is comin' to our house!

2008-05-23T21:25:00.003-04:00

I didn't even see it happen... in fact, I wasn't even aware that it was close to happening! All of a sudden, Josh just said, "I pulled my tooth out!... and it didn't even hurt!" So here's the end result!

And when I asked him how much $$$ he wanted the Tooth Fairy to leave, he said, "2 cents?... no, no 4 cents." I was shocked... so I asked him if he was sure that was it... and he said, "Okay, 20 cents!" Man, I love that he's so eager to please! I think the Tooth Fairy can afford those numbers!

Hawaiian Luau

2008-05-23T12:30:00.004-04:00

Josh with some of his peeps!

Today was Josh's Hawaiian Luau at school! They've been studying Hawaii all week long, so today was their party to celebrate! They rotated to all the different classes and did crafts... notice the headband.... and having fun "Hawaiian" snacks! But their favorite part (even though Josh probably won't admit it) was the Hawaiian dancing! They did a little Hula... and then on to some hawaiian line dancing where they got to hold hands with the girls and skip down through the middle! And I was excited because I was finally able to talk him into wearing that flower shirt.... and doesn't he look handsome! And he's even sportin' a white shell necklace! (if you didn't already know, normally Josh isn't into flowers and jewelry!)

I was glad I got to be there! ALOHA!!!

Just some t-ball pix

2008-05-23T12:22:00.004-04:00

Coach Dad and Josh (#12)

He's bad to the bone!

Caleb loves going to t-ball games... he has to be fully equipped with his own bat, ball, hat and chair! He sure is a good sport!

speaking of boys...

2008-05-21T16:22:00.001-04:00

DO THEY EVERY STOP FIGHTING???

end of post... I've had all I can take for today!

IT'S A BOY!!!

2008-05-20T21:26:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I was a little surprised to see the "evidence"... I was almost convinced that it was a girl! There were several things about this pregnancy (I won't go into details) that seemed different... Mike on the other hand, supposedly had a dream (I thought he was just a visionary man), that confirmed that it was a boy. Josh and Caleb were also a little surprised... Josh's anticipation of having a sister will have to wait til the next time... and Caleb's dreams of a monkey or puppy were dashed away when he saw the distorted ultrasound images of an actual baby!

Regardless of my surprise, we are all very excited about having another boy... although having another person in this family who does not report every bodily function still seems appealing! hehehe!

I tried to post the picture of our little boy's "goods", but Mike thought it was inappropriate, so he stopped me. I have a feeling my Dad would agree... so you'll just have to take our word for it!!!

Field Day!!!

2008-05-19T14:37:00.003-04:00

Kindergartner's didn't to get to sign their t-shirts for some reason, so he asked me, Dad and Caleb to sign it! :)

Josh had his first Field Day at school... and guess who forgot their camera!!! Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! I did get some video on my phone, but I have no idea how to get it onto my computer... so unless someone knows how to do that, I don't have much to document it all! But the whole thing is kind of a big deal.. you have to buy "Field Day t-shirts" for the kids to wear. It was supposed to be on the 9th of May... and the 16th... but it kept getting rained out! So this was long-awaited!!

They had a little Opening Ceremonies... where they all march on the field holding their grade's flag, and they did the Pledge, and ran the Olympic Flag around the field! Then they got to go to all these different stations and do little sporty games/activities. Josh's favorites were bowling, volleyball, baseball throw and basketball dunk. But the main event was the Tug O' War! Unfortunately, some of the the kids in Josh's class were not pulling as hard, so he was only on the winning team once... but he still had fun!

Caleb just walked around with me and Mike watching, and he was just soooooo good! Although he was a little scared of the Tug O' War part... the whistle was pretty loud, and he kept backing up behind me... he didn't want to be up in front to see the action. Normally, he's quite the dare devil... but sometimes he surprises me with his timid/sensitive side!

Then after lunch, they headed inside for "Dance Revolution" and "Crab Soccer"! ... oh, one more thing.... I was able to eat lunch with Josh, but to get to where they were, you had to go through a gate... but the gate was locked. So you had to walk all the way around this field to get on their side of the fence. Now that's just too much work! So just imagine this 5-month pregnant body, jumping a chest-high fence... with 2-year old and cooler in tow! Now that's about the most adventurous thing I've done in weeks!!!

The cat's out of the bag!

2008-05-15T07:54:00.002-04:00

Well, I can't hide it any longer!!! (not that I was trying to hide it... but it sort of turned into a game to see how long I could get away with it!) But it's now out in the open that I'm 19 weeks pregnant! HOORAY! Although some people have had suspicions for few weeks now, but just haven't wanted to say anything... but once I started sportin' maternity tops, I'm getting definate looks!

And I told Josh that he could tell people now... he's been sworn to secrecy for a couple months now... and hasn't told hardly anyone. Although, come to think of it, he did tell his whole kindergarten class and his teacher... but I don't see them anyway, so it's okay. But his response was, "I thought we were supposed to keep it a secret!" Then I felt bad, because I realized that maybe he thought we were NEVER going to tell anyone... and then one day we have a new baby??

Anyway, we're all going in for the ultrasound on May 20th ... so we're anxious to find out what this baby is! Mike and I don't care whether boy or girl... but Josh wants a sister... and Caleb wants a monkey! We'll see!

In fact, if you want... post YOUR hypothesis in the the comments... and we'll see who has the best "maternal" instincts out there!!!

Caleb sings....

2008-05-12T18:15:00.002-04:00

This is what I heard streaming from the baby monitor this morning...
"Nah nah nah nah... che boom- chee boom.... hey hey hey hey hey... bye bye!

Any guesses at what this song is??? translation... Nah-nah-nah-nah... Nah-nah-nah-nah.... Hey hey hey... Good bye!

He sat in his bed singing random songs for probably 25 minutes before I finally jumped in his room and scared the living daylights out of him! Aaaaaahhhhh, good times!

Mother's Day... memory lane

2008-05-10T15:15:00.004-04:00

I guess with Mother's Day tomorrow... and Josh being so sweet to me already, I must say, I'm a little choked up about the whole thing! This is probably the first year that he really gets what it's all about... but, I was looking back at some pictures and found a few with me actually in the picture being the MOM! Usually I'm behind the camera... but every now and then I tell Mike to take a picture of me too, so in case I die, at least they'll know what I looked like. Either that... or when they grow up and don't remember what I did, I can pull these out and say... "Look, I actually was there taking care of you 24/7!"

Anyway, today Josh was asking me what my favorite breakfast was, my favorite drink... etc. I'm only assuming that this has something to do with his plans for tomorrow... but even if it doesn't actually happen, it just made me feel good that he thought enough to ask!

check out those wrinkly old man feet... don't ya love it???

try to ignore that double chin!

And of course, I always think of my own mom... and all that she has done for me over the years!! She continues to be an example to me... and is always there (even though thousands of miles away), to give advice, comfort... or even just a good laugh! And then there's my sisters... that are wonderful moms too... I feel so lucky, that we're all going through this "raising kids thing" together... So here's to all the moms in my life... new and experienced... grandmas, aunts, cousins and friends! Love you all!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!!!