Last Day in May

We had a nice final day of May. 

Playing at the kitchen sink.

Cannon slept until 8:30 am and Colson went back to bed before Cannon
woke up!  So Cannon and I enjoyed a nice breakfast by ourselves.  He
helped me cut apples to put in the food dehydrator.  Then Cannon 'washed'
dishes and played at the kitchen sink for at least an hour.  He was so
incredibly happy. 

Heather and Evan came about 10am and the boys played until 11am.  Our
plan was to head to the zoo, but the weather wasn't cooperating so we went
up to the mall to let the kids play at the indoor play area.  We brought the
lunches we packed for the zoo and ate at the mall.  Then we shopped a bit
at Sam's Club.  It was so wonderful to catch up with Heather and the boys
had fun playing, too. 

The afternoon was spent outside as Cannon rode his bike all around the

Hanging out!

neighborhood, riding through the puddles.  He loved splashing through.  He
also realized that when his bike got stuck, he could peddle and a big stream
of water would come off the back tire! 

Colson slept had two long naps today and had two cat naps this afternoon
and evening.  He loves it when I sing to him.  We read a lot of books today,
too.  This evening, Colson and Cannon took a bath together again.  It's pretty
slippery for Colson, but it's nice to get it done at the same time. 

Chris worked late on the Harley and will have to finish it up tomorrow.  He
got home in time to read to Cannon.  I know I've said it before, but I love
how they hang out together....reading and talking.  Cannon puts his head on

Cannon riding his bike.

Chris' chest and they read and read and read.  Then talk and talk and talk.
So love that!

I am thankful for being able to really 'take in' all of the things that go on in our
lives and just enjoy them.  No rushing....just being present.  My hope is that I
can do that when I go back to work! 

Enjoying every moment.

 

Memorial Day

Chores, Relaxing, BBQ, Bonfire

Loved today...

Thank you to Colson for sleeping 8+ hours last night!
Thank you to Cannon for sleeping in until 8:45 am!
Thank you to the Direct TV guy for coming to fix our TV.
Thank you for great phone conversations with Grandma and Karin.
Thank you to Chris for watching the boys while I went to church.
Thank you for a great church service and an amazing message.
Thank you to Chris for fixing Cannon's bicycle.
Thank you to Chris for hanging pictures and digging up the rose bush.
Thank you for a DVR so I can catch up on some shows!
Thank you to Cannon for being a good friend again today to Trey.
Thank you for the time to complete a scrapbook page.

Thank you to Greg and Brenda for the great BBQ!

Thank you to Colson for taking a good nap.

Thank you for the great bonfire.

Thank you Kendra for making yummy chocolate chip cookies!

Thank you neighbors and friends for a relaxing evening.

Thank you Chris for reading to Cannon and putting him to bed. 

Thank you for not raining today!

Thank you for the everyday memories.

Enjoying every moment.





fixing his bike



bonfire at the neighbors









Accomplished A Little...

You know those long lists that we always make with high hopes of getting everything checked off?  Well, we had one of those lists today.  We didn't even come close to finishing what I'd hoped, but we did get some major things done.  And...there's always tomorrow!

We did sell the Imapla today and Chris had to meet the buyer down towards Longview.  So that was an unexpected 4+ hours of driving.  But it was worth it. 

Cannon spent all morning outside and rode his bike a lot.  He peddles as fast as he can!  He helped Chris was the Imapla and then moved to the back deck and used the hose to "clean" other things.  He was in his third pair of jeans by lunchtime because he got wet! 

Cannon made a new friend today....Trey, the neighbors grandson.  They hit it off right away and played for quite awhile. Cannon loved Trey's toy tractor and spent a lot of time riding that around.

I'm loving the stage that Cannon is in...so much to talk about and discuss.  So many questions.  And he remembers everything you say!  He is all boy, yet he is still kind and loving. 

Colson was a good boy today, too.  He took a couple of short naps and one long nap, which is when I got a lot accomplished!  I can do so much more without a baby in my arms! :)  However I do love holding him.  Colson also likes to sit and watch everything that is going on.  He's getting stronger and can sit in the Bumpo seat for longer periods of time.  He likes to stand when we hold him up, too.  So much fun watching him learn and grow! 

I enjoyed catching up with a few of the neighbors and even got out of the house without kids to pick up a few items with Brenda.  (even though I had to wait until after 9pm to do it!)

Enjoying every moment.

Rain, rain go away...

Boy, has the weather been crazy today! 

Sun, wind, rain...wind, rain, sun. 

We all slept in this morning (except for Chris...sorry, Dear!)

Waffles for breakfast then off to the bank, Walmart and to get fuel.

Cannon had a lot of trucks out today as he played! 

Colson was his usual self!  No worries....just hanging out.  He sure does like to watch everything and loves Cannon.  We had Colson belly laughing today!  He likes when we sing, "Round and round the garden, goes the teddy bear.  One step, two steps, tickle you under there!" 

Cannon also did some stamping with me!  I'm glad he's taking a break from all of his trucks!  Lots of black ink all over his hands.  At least none got on the rug!

After a long bath, Chris read books to Cannon.  He'd listen to stories all night if he could!  Cannon had lights out by 8pm and Colson was just after that. 

Chris and I watched, Salt.  Not a bad movie!

Enjoying every moment.

We Are Thankful For...

Cannon is thankful for....

• Granny Joy coming over to play.
• the movie Cars.
• his toys.

Janel is thankful for....

• talking to Grandma Eva on her birthday.
• conversations with Cannon.
• inspirational sayings.
• wipes and burp cloths.

Chris is thankful for....

• the warden (that's me....yes, that's what he calls me!)
• my kids.
• family.

Colson is thankful for....

• warm milk whenever he wants it.
• naps throughout the day.
• constant smiles from whomever stares over him.

Enjoying every moment.

Just Another Regular Day

Yes, we had just another regular day around the Ross house.  Yet,  I look forward to those regular days! They are wonderful!  I love not having a schedule and just going with the flow.

Our 'flow' went a little like this....

*Cannon requested waffles (again) for breakfast.

*Off to Walmart for just a few supplies.  (I forgot to pick up the pictures that are ready twice now.)

*We stopped by the library on the way home to pick up some new books.  Love the library!

*Cannon and I cleaned out some toys from the bins.  We found some missing toys as we were cleaning!

*Chris came home for lunch and we all had lunch together.  

*Naps for both boys

*Playtime.  Watched Wordworld.  

*Dinner....we all sat down together and had pork tenderloin, veggies and mashed potatoes.  Yummy!

*I watched the final Oprah.  So very good.  I'm keeping it to watch again. 

*Hanging out as a family in the living room.  :)  

*Bath, books, bed for both boys.  

Oh happy day.....

Enjoying every moment. 

The Day Through Cannon's Words

Just a few things that came out of Cannon's mouth today.......

Come play with me.

Spit up. (after Colson spit up)

Get your shoes on and come out here.

So, how was your day?

I need help.

We’ve had this book for a long time.

Hi, Bud.  (To Colson)

Bring Colson up here. 

Will you move the loader, mom? 

Mom, you’re the hooker-upper so you get to drive the truck!

Back, back, back, back, back, back, back, stop! 

Let's go to dad's work right now.  I need to help him hook up the jet boat.

Daddy, I want to take a hot bath.

What's That?

Dad, do you have two belts?

NO! (he had to go to time out for that!)

Where are you going?

We had a lot of troubles.  Our truck was falling into the water. 

Dad, did you put a bandaid on the jeep? 

What happened to my engine? 

I'm just wearing my underwear.  No pajamas. 

I want to take those magnets to bed.

And a few pictures from today......

Morning time on the couch.



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Hello Monday!

Loved playing Memory and Candyland with Cannon this morning!  I could have sat with him all day playing games.  It was a nice change from the trucks and trailers we usually play with.  It was a great morning! 

Cannon and Colson both spent the afternoon at Jacie's.  This was a first for Colson...first time at daycare!  He did just fine, however he still isn't very good at taking a bottle.  That is something we'll have to work on. 

I had a super afternoon at school teaching!  It was kind of spur of the moment.  I had a babysitter lined up already for something else at school that was cancelled.  So I decided to work the afternoon since Jacie was already expecting Cannon and Colson.  It was wonderful to see my students and it was great to be teaching!  The afternoon went very fast and I was back home before I knew it.

We had a great family evening doing nothing too exciting...but we were all together at home and that was wonderful!  Chris mowed the lawn, washed the new vehicle and worked in the garage.  Cannon played downstairs, upstairs and outside. Colson slept some, hung out with Cannon some, and spent time with all of us.  I made a new soup recipe and we all sat down to dinner and talked about the day.  I love this time! 

Cannon was the cameraman!

Cannon helped give Colson a bath tonight and he takes his role very seriously.  He helped wash him, poor water over him and talked to him!  Colson hit the sack a little before 8pm.  He was tired! 

Cannon with his trucks!

Chris helped Cannon get ready for bed.  I love hearing the two of them in Cannon's room reading and talking and laughing. It makes me smile just thinking about it!  I joined them and the three of us read and talked and laughed some more.  We hung out later than usual.  But it's those moments that aren't planned that mean so much.  It's the little things-like the three of us lying in Cannon's bed together talking-that I want to remember. 

Love my family.  Love the everyday moments.  Love being together.  Love that I am recording these memories.  Love that we get to do it all again tomorrow.  Love that their will be new memories! 

Enjoying every moment. 

Camping in Beverly

Memories are made every moment. 

We are so glad that we have so many wonderful memories!

This weekend we created many more. 

So much fun camping in Beverly with the neighbors. 

And we had a visit from family which made it even better!

Love this kid!

Priceless moment #1:

Sunset on Friday night. 

Watching Cannon and thinking how blessed we are. 

So glad to be together!

"Mom is silly!"

Priceless moment #2

Camping with a 9 week old. (not hard at all!)

Exposing Colson to lots of new things.

The smiles. They just melt our hearts!



Pulling his trailer everywhere!



Priceless moment #3

Riding quads.

Cannon wanting to ride his and cruzin' everywhere. The joy he shows on his face when he rides!










Help from Papa Al.



Priceless moment #4

Sharing priceless moments with family and friends

Grandparents visiting.  Uncle Kay and Auntie Ice Cream visiting.

Love our family!



Loves from Grandma!





Auntie Ice Cream!









Priceless moment #5

Playing in the dirt.

Totally filthy dirty and dusty!

All boy.  (I wouldn't have it any other way!)

Happy Sunny Friday!

Three sunny days in a row!  Hoorah!

Errands this morning and we cruised the '64 Chevelle again.  Love that car! 

Worked on getting things organized to leave for camping this afternoon.  Always so much to do! 

Cannon played and played and played and played and played...you get the idea! 

Colson....well, he ate, slept some, pooped, hung out....and the patterned continues! 

Enjoying every moment!

A Little Bit of Everything

Today we did a little bit of everything. 

And I didn't take one picture!  Ooops.  Oh well.  Sometimes, that's how it goes!

Colson had his 2 month well check up.  He is growing well and doing fabulous.  He did get three shots, so he wasn't a happy camper.  Cannon watched...I didn't.  Of course! 

We cruised around in the Chevelle after the doctors and did some errands.

• Bank to buy savings bonds for Cannon and Colson
• Walmart to pick up some groceries
• Target for a couple items

We had a late lunch and Cannon played outside.  It was another beautiful day and way too nice to be inside.  I soaked up as much warmth as possible.  Boy, it sure feels good!  Cannon is already getting brown and I think his hair is lightening up a bit! 

Cannon finally napped and Colson did off and on. 
I started packing for our camping trip.  Ordered some more photos.  Checked and answered email.     

Dinner.  Trailer hooked up and ready.  Loads of  'stuff' to the motorhome.  Laundry.  Vacuum. 
Bath for Colson.  Shower for Cannon.
Chris mowed the lawn.

Time to finish the rest of the things on my mental to do list! 

Enjoying every moment.

Zoo!

Today was another beautiful, sunny day so we took advantage of it and went to the zoo.  We invited Granny Joy to go and the 4 of us had a fabulous time.  Cannon kept us going, practically running everywhere we went!  We enjoyed looking at all of the animals we could.  Then had a nice, relaxing lunch and slowly made our way back up to head home. 

Cannon loved to play on the toys and especially in the sand pit.  He enjoyed feeding the goats and so did Granny!  The tigers were all resting and the monkeys were just "hanging" out, too.  It was great to be outdoors, taking advantage of the nice weather. 

Colson slept off and on throughout the day, was awake and loving a little bit of Vitamin D.  He cried for awhile on the way home and finally fell asleep. 

Cannon was tired and actually put himself down for a nap when we got home!  He slept for 2 1/2 hours and I had to wake him just after 5pm.

I forced myself to sit outside for a short time and read a magazine.  It was wonderful!  Cannon spent the rest of the evening outside playing in the dirt, riding his green quad, helping daddy unload the wood for our trip, assisting Greg and Chris with trailer 'issues', getting wet from the hose, etc. etc.  Oh the wonderful life of a 3 1/2 year old!

Love, love, love the sunshine! 

Enjoying every moment.

Our Day in Numbers

1 waffle for breakfast for Cannon

7 laps around the house on the Radio Flyer

15 minute drive to the dentist

0 cavities for Cannon

0 cries out of Colson as he slept at the dentist

1 trip to Fred Meyer

10 minutes looking at toy trucks
$1.01 spent for veggies
1 lunch eaten on the back deck
1 shirt with spilled spaghetti on it (not mine!)
20 minutes of working out for me
0 naps for Cannon
65 degrees out

100+ times kicking the ball back & forth

2 times that Cannon cried after he bonked his head

1 watering can filled up too many times to count by Cannon

5 planters watered 

1 wet 3 1/2 year old

1 shovel + 1 bucket + dirt = lots of fun for Cannon

76 pictures taken
Hours outside in the sun

1 quad that was put back together

Lots of laughs 

4 Ross' around the dinner table

1 visit to Holly's

3 magazines received in the mail (all for me!)

4 naps for Colson

2 boys in 1 bath

4 bedtime stories (2 with mom & 2 with dad)

8:00 pm = bedtime for Cannon

8:30 pm = bedtime for Colson

3 shirts to iron

1 kitchen to pick up

2 tired adults relaxing on the couch

1 DVR show watched

Too many everyday, wonderful moments to count!

Daddy and Cannon reading before bed.

Cannon at the dentist.

Enjoying every moment.

Rainy Sunday

After such a warm, beautiful day yesterday....
The rain came down in buckets today. 
The puddles had puddles!

This morning Chris made crepes.  Cannon wasn't too sure about them and passed on ones with jam in the middle.  He finally ate one with peanut butter on it. 

Cannon hung out with Chris all day, working in the garage. 
Colson went with Brenda and I to Costco, JoAnn's and Kohl's. 

Spaghetti for dinner.
Bath time for both kids...

Chris is reading to Cannon now and Colson is listening in! 

Soon, Chris and I will be on the couch watching some TV and relaxing. 

Enjoying every moment.

Weekend Waffles

I love weekends the weekends for many reasons...one reason being that Chris usually makes breakfast and I'm "off duty" so to speak. 

Today Chris made waffles. Yum! And Chris and Cannon ate the waffle from the middle out, just like Abe did!  I'm sure that will be something we'll talk about every time we eat waffles!  Here's to you, Abe.

Cannon hung out with Chris today and Colson and I spent the day together. 
The day was absolutely beautiful and Chris actually got a little bit of a burn on the back of his neck! 
Cannon loves being outside and rode his bike, rode his green quad, watched Chris work on the jet boat, and of course, play with the trailer hitch.

We finished up the day at our neighbors house for a party.  (Dan and Claire)  They had lots of good food and Cannon spent almost the entire time playing with the tub of trucks Claire has.  He was in heaven!

The beautiful day slowly crept away as the clouds moved in and the rain began to fall.  We're thankful for the warm weather we did get today.  It sure felt good!  Now its time to finish up on some inside chores (maybe) and relax. 

Enjoying every moment.

Busy Morning, Relaxing Afternoon

Stop #1:  Walmart to pick up photos and supplies for some 'creative' projects I am going to try.
Stop #2:  Olan Mills to have a few quick photos taken for Colson's 2nd month.
Stop #3:  The Truss company to pick up Chris.
Stop #4:  Jet Chevrolet to buy a new car.....gulp!
Stop #5:  Arby's for a quick lunch
Stop #6:  Home...sigh!

Here's one of the 'creative' projects:

Naps happened late today, but their naps somewhat overlapped so I felt good about getting things done for myself.  I also was successful with another creative project I found:  Printing on Fabric.  Very easy and so cool! 

Later, Cannon and I spent a lot of time coloring and he worked very hard, with the tongue out, on staying in the lines.  We actually had to take away the coloring so he'd eat dinner! 

After dinner, Cannon spent time with his first love...trailers.  See the picture below. 

He's got the trailer hooked up to his bike with the chains and a lot of other things going on that he probably shouldn't be doing by himself!

We finished out the evening around the fire pit at the neighbors.  Relaxing and talking and happy that it's Friday. 

And here's a picture of Colson, just because!

Enjoying every moment. 

Teddy Study

The blog site was down yesterday (Thursday, May 12th) so here is a post from yesterday.

Cannon has been in a study on childhood diabetes (Teddy Study) since birth.  He doesn't have diabetes, but had elevated markers which means he has a slightly higher chance of getting diabetes....maybe.  The cause or trigger is unknown, which is the point of the Teddy Study:  to find the cause of childhood diabetes.   

Cannon cleaning his arm...ready for a blood draw.
Today however, they weren't able to get the needle in Cannon's vein on the first try (and they don't try again.)  Poor Cannon was so brave and did shed some tears afterward, which was a first during a blood draw. 

The rest of the day was uneventful and after a long nap from both boys, we played outside again.  Cannon rode his bike around the culd-a-sac and then played with his remote control truck.  He is really very good at controlling it.  You can see the concentration:

And a Cannon quote...


Cannon was running his remote control car over Colson legs. I asked him to stop (with a chuckle because it didn't seem to bother Colson) and Cannon replied, "But it has good articulation."


Enjoying every moment.

No More Pictures

I get this a lot.
Hands in front of the camera.
Looking the other way.
Running the other way.
The dirty look.







I'm persistent however and usually can catch at least one decent photo.

Today, I took many photos as I was feeling the urge to capture more of the everyday moments. It was a beautiful afternoon and we have been missing the sun so much. Needless to say, we were outside the entire afternoon and evening, except to come in for pit stops and, of course, dinner.

Cannon ran around in shorts and sandles...no shirt and loved every minute of the outdoor playtime. He watered everything that needed to be watered (I do believe the nasturtium seeds have drown) and then moved on to watering things that didn't need watering. Cannon spent much of his time "working on" a large toy car that, "had a radiator leak" according to him. (Yes, more water was poured into the front of the car and low and behold, it was leaking out! So off to find his tools and a container to catch the water. Oh, the creative imagination. Love, love, love it!

Colson hung out with me in the front pack and ended up falling asleep. So little did he know that he helped pick weeds, cut back some out of control plants and bushes, and play with Cannon.

What a wonderful afternoon out in the sunshine, enjoying every moment of the day.

Family Photoshoot - Spring 2011

My Loves

The two bright stars in my life.  So in love...