Summer Break

Summer break around our house means that I am home every day.  Our routine during the school year is thrown out the window and we go without a routine...except to get up in the morning and go to bed at night.  Life is so different during these months of the year.  I feel so blessed to be able to "hang out" with the boys.  There isn't a rush to get somewhere.  Yes I make plans or have ideas about what we may do in a day, but usually those things are flexible and we accomplish what we chose to accomplish!  I look forward to these lazy days.  No TV.  Lots of playing and talking and sometimes cooking.  A trip to the store or library or park is usually thrown in.  Life is good!

Today I want to remember how Colson smiles all of the time.  Even as he is throwing up...he is smiling!
Today I want to remember how wonderful it is to visit with my friend, Heather.
Today I want to remember how Cannon told Daddy, "That's disrespectful" after Chris shined a flashlight towards his eyes. 
Today I want to remember how Cannon introduced us to "Allie" his imaginary friend.  I love how he can pretend!  She went to Heather's with us.  She watched Cannon cut and glue.  Cannon gave her a bath in the sink.  She listened to bedtime stories with us. 
Today I want to remember how Colson "talks" to us. We hold great conversations! 
Today I want to remember how wonderful it feels to be outside as a family, just hanging out, on a warm summer evening. 
Today I want to remember how amazing Chris is.  He fixed both of the neighbors motorcycles.  I can still hear the kids outside riding around.  He made their day!

Enjoying every moment.

And a few photos from the evening...




Chris and Cannon in the jeep going to
knock down the brush.



Colson fell asleep outside
this evenin with his thumb
in his mouth.



You Never Know What a Day Will Bring...

You never know what a day will bring...

I planned to post this last night.  But the blog site and/or my computer wasn't working so I didn't finish until the next day.

Today I planned on going to the library for Story time and Crafts.  Never made it. 

I planned to go up to the mall to get Cannon shin guards.  Found them at Fred Meyer for 50% off. 

I pulled weeds and got a lot done while Colson was "sleeping."  He was actually crying in his bed. 

I really, really, really needed a nap when the boys went down for their afternoon naps.  Instead, I ordered pictures, worked out, scrapbooked, picked up, planned dinner, checked email & Facebook, and organized July's calendar.  I'm tired but feel good about what I got accomplished.

I set the timer to sign Cannon up for swim lessons at 6pm, which was when registration opened.  Didn't get him signed up until 9pm.

Cannon was a good boy today....playing with his trucks, listening to books, riding his bike, hanging out with me while I did errands, playing outside.

Colson belly laughed every time I said, "Boo" to him.  Over and over and over.  He took a long afternoon nap woke up refreshed. 

Just a normal day around the Ross house.  And I love it! 

Enjoying every moment.

Today...

The only kid NOT following directions!

Today Cannon....
Slept in until 9am! 
Had chocolate chip waffles.
Rode his bike around the park.
Watched workers from the City of Sumner on their backhoe.
Got to sit on the backhoe!
Had a good nap.
Went to soccer practice for the first time. 
Ate dinner outside at his request.
Played outside until it was time for bed!


Today Colson...

Woke at 6:00am.
Played and played, then went back to sleep until 10am.
Rode around Fred Meyer in the cart with Cannon.
Had a stroller ride around the park.
Took a couple of short naps and one longer one in the later afternoon.
Slept through Cannon's soccer practice.
Still won't take a bottle.
Scooted all over the place on his back.
Laughed at Cannon.
Went to bed at 7:45 pm.

Today Janel...
Worked out this morning.
Ordered pictures.
Went to Fred Meyer.
Picked up in the bonus room.
Unpacked suitcases from our trip.
Did laundry.
Started a scrapbook page.
Read to Colson.  Read to Cannon.
Worked out this afternoon.
Watched 19 Kids and Counting.
BBQ'd turkey burgers and chicken.

Watched Deadliest Catch with Chris.

Today Chris...

Had a good day.

Met Ben at work and got brownies.

Came home for lunch.
Attended his daily 2 o'clock meeting.
Got his vacation approved.

Mowed the lawn.

Rode around on the 3 wheeler.

Cut Cannon's hair.

Folded laundry.

Watched Motorcross and Deadliest Catch.

















One

Two adults. 
Two kids. 
Four people. 
A husband and a wife. 
Married almost 15 years. 
Two brothers. 
An almost four year old and an almost four month old. 

Together....we are ONE family.

And we wouldn't have it any other way.

Enjoying every moment.

The Lake

I watched Cannon today ride in the bow of the boat and it brought me back to when I was younger and spent summers at the lake.  I loved being on the boat, sitting in the bow.  It made me happy to think Cannon is experiencing some of the same things I did and creating wonderful memories while doing it. 

Today was another amazing day spent at the lake....

Sleeping in.

Waffles for breakfast.

Boating.

Sitting on the sandy beach.

Watching Cannon play, wade in the water, throw rocks, pull sticks, run, get sand everywhere...

Playing with Colson and loving what a good, laid back baby he is.

Eating a picnic lunch on the beach.

Talking and laughing.
Soaking up the sun.
Reading.
BBQ hamburgers, deviled eggs and ice cream for dessert.
Sitting on the deck in the evening.

Love everything about the day!

Oh, and today Colson rolled over from his belly to his back!  Exciting times! :) 

Enjoying every moment.

Fun at the Beach

Being at the lake is such a wonderful place to be.  I have many great memories from spending summer's here growing up.  Hanging out with family, lots of laughing, spending time at the beach, going for boat rides.  Today, we made similar memories.  We had a visit from Kay, Karen, Travis and Teresa this morning.  We went out in the boat, cruised to Hawk Creek, found a beach to hang out on, watched Cannon wade in the water and get sand everywhere, introduced Colson to a sandy beach for the first time, loved the warm weather, enjoyed time with family...including Todd and Sarah, had a great and filling dinner at Kay and Karen's, ate too much dessert and relaxed at home.  Loved every minute of it! 

Enjoying every moment!

Today Sounded Like This... (by Cannon)

Here’s what today “sounded” like in Cannon’s words:

So, how are you doing? 

I’m making a picture for dad.

That’s fantastic.

We’re not having waffles or pancakes so I’m not eating anything.

Hi mommy.  Let’s do bubbles.

I’m going to play with the wagon.

Well, I want to take it (the wagon) out back.  Back me up.

I wanted to take my bicycle to the sand hill that we just passed.

Clear.

You’re just a silly boy.

My hands are all “colory” from coloring.

What mommy?  What mommy?  What mommy?

I spy with my little eye…

I love you Auntie.

Grandma, (Great Grandma Eva) you look pretty without your glasses.

Is Grandpa home?

He’s pushing (Colson)…he’s going to roll over.

Here’s a mama hair.

Can I sit on this grandma?  Look, I fell off the side.

Where’s grandma?

Mama, please come here. Please, please, please.

Oh, I love you.

I want a pancake.

Yeah, it sure does.

I’m farting with my hands.

Race me down the hall.  I can race grandpa.

Dad’s truck is not here.

Hi Dad!  Why didn’t you bring the truck?

I want to tackle you.

You can move the trailer with the loader and put the front bucket to the thing.

Well, I’ll show you something.  Because you haven’t seen it in a long time.

Get rid of the Ford and get a Chevy.

I want to start the boat tomorrow.

I’m going to sleep good. 

This is only 5% of the things Cannon said today. 

And here's a few pictures from today:

Colson meeting Great Grandma Eva for the first time.

A big hug and kiss from Cannon!

We enjoyed our visit with Grandma.

The boys hanging out together!

Enjoying every moment.

Today Looked Like This...

Our day in pictures...

Chocolate Chip waffles for breakfast.

Making picnic lunch for later in the day.

Playing outside.



Inspecting the ant hill.

A ride in the wagon from Grandpa before they went to town.

Hanging out.



Cannon throwing the ball over the railing...again and again and again!





<>

Swimming at the pool!



Lunch at the pool.

Enjoying the warmth of the sun!

Lots of reading when the boys were napping.

Colson woke up first.

I had to wake Cannon after 3 1/2 hours!

Dinner: chicken quesadilla, fruit and veggies.

Visiting with Aunt Jackie.

Writing a thank you to Auntie Karin before bed.

We had a great day! 

Enjoying every moment.

Day at the Lake

We enjoyed the hot weather today here at the lake.  It was 85 degrees and muggy.  The morning was the best time to be outside and we were out early.  Mom, Cannon and I had breakfast on the deck.  Then Cannon played with the wagon more and we just hung out in the sun.  We watched the hummingbirds eat, listen to the baby birds in the birdhouse and spotted quail running across the yard.  Cannon helped water the plants and took a few rides in the wagon.  He figured out that if he pulls it up the slight incline passed the garage, gets in and shimmies back and forth a bit, the wagon will start to roll by itself, giving him a 'free' ride! 

Later, we headed to visit Auntie Ice Cream and then went to the pool.  The water was a little cold, but once we got in, it was fine.  Cannon did a good job kicking and moving his arms.  He definitely had a good time.  After a filling lunch, he was tired from all of the morning action and took a long nap! 

Colson hung out with us and napped on and off a few times today.  He went outside with us and enjoyed being held by Auntie Ice Cream.  He is very observant and is truly taking everything in.  He loves to grab whatever is out in front of him. 

I sat and read outside and enjoyed the warmth of the sun.  Mom made a great dinner.  Both boys had a long bath and are now in bed and asleep.  I talked to Chris twice today....we miss not being together and sharing in these moments.  He'll be here Friday but it's not soon enough! 

Now, I think it's time to relax and do some more reading.

Enjoying every moment. 

First Day of Summer

The first day of summer...

And what a beautiful day it was! 

Loved that I was able to sleep in.

Loved that the sun was shining.
Loved not having to rush.
Loved driving the '64 around.
Loved sitting on the back deck.
Loved playing with Colson.
Loved that Chris came home for lunch.
Loved that we had a great flight to Spokane.
Loved seeing Cannon!
Loved the view from mom and dad's house.
Loved the sunset.
Loved hearing the crickets through the open windows.
Loved everything about the day!

Colson and I also flew to Spokane and he did a fabulous job on the flight over.  Hardly a peep out of him! 

It was wonderful to see Cannon and get a big hug from him!  He had lots to share about what he's been doing.  He was happy to tell me about his new trucks that Auntie Karin bought him. I'm excited to hang out with both boys here at the lake.  It's supposed to be 85 degrees tomorrow!  I think the swimming pool is calling our name. 



Colson on his first plane ride.


 



Enjoying every moment.













Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school for me.  It felt great to be done, however, it wasn't as momentous since I had only just come back to work two weeks before.  But it's still nice to know I am off until the end of August and have more time at home with the boys.  That is a great feeling! 

Today I want to remember how relaxed I felt after I got home from work.  Cannon was in Spokane.  Chris was at work and Colson and I just hung out.  I didn't feel like I had to rush to get anything accomplished.  Colson and I just "talked" to each other and played.  I'm so in love with that little man!  His constant smiles just melt my heart. 

Cannon had a fabulous day at Grandma and Grandpa house.  Grandma said they played outside a lot and Cannon loved moving the big garden wagon around. (of course).  They went for a big walk up the hill to the mailboxes and Cannon pretended he was a quad going up the sand on the side of the hill! 

And here's a quote from Cannon that Karin sent me.  He said this yesterday when he was riding in her car:

"I liked riding in the truck (Phil's truck), except it's a Ford.  Uncle Phil can't drive it anymore.  He needs a real truck." 

Yes, he's a Chevy guy! 

And a couple of pictures from today:

Such a happy boy!



riding on the 3 wheeler



Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

We (Cannon, Colson and I) love Chris because...

...he has a good sense of humor and always makes us laugh.
...he's a great breakfast cook.
...he reads the boys lots of books.
...he always has everything ready for our camping trips.
...he takes out the garbage.
...he always fixes things when they break.
...he gives the best hugs.
...he makes us feel better.
...he loves us to the sky and back.

Enjoying every moment.

Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That

Rainy Saturday. 
A good day to do a lot of everything.

Errands this morning.
Laundry.
I actually sat....without getting up...and watched Friday Night Lights.
Pictures for Colson at Sears.
Picked up pictures at Olan Mills from last month.
Put together Jacie's gift.
Worked out.
Scrapbooked.
Organized.
Lunch at the neighbors...leftovers from Kendra's grad party.
Cleaned out tubs from the boat.
Gathered things for the Goodwill.
Pedicure.
More picking up (it's never ending).
Checked emails, Facebook, etc.
Read my book.

Chris worked on the 3 wheelers most of the day. Yes, all of the other projects have been put to the side! 

Ray and Mary Anne spent the day here and got to snuggle with Colson.  They missed seeing Cannon. :( 
Cannon is spending the weekend with Auntie Karin and enjoying playing with Maddy and Jake.  He'll be heading back to Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's tomorrow. 

Enjoying every moment.

Favorites

Here are a few of our favorite things....

Janel
Family
Colson's smiles
Target
My treadmill
Sunny Friday's
A good book
New magazines
A weekend where nothing is planned
Talking on the phone with family
Wonderful neighbors


Chris
Friday
A cold 'beverage'
The new 3 wheelers
Potato Salad
Cake...of any kind...with frosting
His boys

Cannon
Grandma and Grandpa
McDonalds Chicken McNuggets
"Specials"
Auntie Karin, Hunter and the kitties
Trucks and trailers
Lightning McQueen

Colson
Mommy
Boobs
Smiling
Being held


And the excitement around the neighborhood tonight:  Kendra's Grad Party and 3 Wheelers

Greg and Chris on the 3 Wheelers



Kendra's Grad Party



 Enjoying Every Moment.

Thank You

A BIG thank you to mom and dad for hanging out the last four days and watching the boys.  It sure was so much easier to get out of the house in the morning and off to work.

Cannon absolutely loves spending time with Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Al.  He enjoys the attention! 
Colson was a pretty good baby with just a few exceptions.  He was not a good napper for them!  But he is cute and gave them plenty of smiles!

Mom made some yummy dinners and did laundry for the last few days.  Love her for that!

Today mom, dad and the boys came up to school for a visit.  I walked back to my room after dropping the kids off in the lunchroom...not expecting them yet...and almost ran into Cannon!  Of course I screamed, which scared Cannon.  Poor kid.  I don't think he understood why I screamed and was embarrassed because he thought it was his fault.
Cannon got a cupcake from Judy so he was happy...and got frosting all over his face!  Grandpa pushed him on the swings for a long time and he even stayed out there for awhile when the kids came out to recess. 

Mom and dad left this afternoon and Cannon went home with them.  He's very excited!  But we miss him already.  :)  Colson and I will be flying over to Spokane Tuesday, so we'll see him soon enough.

Chris is off this evening buying a 3 wheeler.  Really?!  I guess that's why he keeps taking in side jobs...to pay for all of the things I roll my eyes at!

Enjoyed the evening with just Colson and was able to catch up on some DVR shows, go through email, and just relax a little.  Colson and I did a lot of singing and talking. We even had a little photo shoot.  I didn't get very many good photos, but oh well.   

Enjoying every moment.

Hello Tuesday

Hello Tuesday. 

I had a good day at work and accomplished a lot. 

Mom was successful getting Colson to take a bottle twice today.  Thank goodness for her patience! 

Cannon and Grandpa had a great time at the park. 

When I asked Chris how his day was, he just shrugged.  I figured I'd hear more about it later!

We all enjoyed a wonderful, filling dinner with Greg and Brenda to celebrate Mom and Dad's 41st wedding anniversary.  (Yesterday was their anniversary.) 

Dessert was yummy! 

Cannon had a fun playtime with daddy, then a long bath and finally a good book and conversation before bed.  Such special times together!  However, this is the third night in a row he has had a hard time going to sleep and has been up past 9:30pm!  Ugh!

Still enjoying every moment.

Back to Work Full Time

Today was my first day back to work full time after having Colson.  I went back last week 1/2 days and that was a great way to ease into things.  So today was really no big deal!  It went by fast....late start PLC day and a talent show in the afternoon!  What made it even easier was that I didn't have to get the boys ready to go because mom and dad are here watching them for the next few days.  So that made it simple.  I didn't have to worry about breakfast for Cannon.  I didn't have to get him dressed.  I didn't have to get both of them in their car seats and drop them off at the sitters.  So very lucky to have mom and dad here!  Cannon and Colson loved their time with Grandma and Grandpa.  Both were very good! 

We all had a nice, relaxing evening together.  It was nice to come home and smell yummy dinner.  I set out stuff for crock pot soup and mom put it all together.  Cannon rode his bike and played with Grandpa.  Chris gave Colson a bath and I gave Cannon a bath.  I love the crayons that you can write with in the bathtub....tonight we counted 24 dots that I made on the wall of the bathtub!  Colson went right down tonight and Cannon took forever.  It was after 9pm.... 
We read.
Chris drew with him on his white board. 
We turned the lights out. 
He talked to himself for a long time.
He got up to go to the bathroom.
We had tears because he wanted the music on.
I caved...and turned the music on.
I think he's finally asleep. 
Now I have to go back in and and turn the music off.  Or not! 

Lots of everyday memories made today!  That's really what it is all about.

Enjoying every moment.

Cannon and Granpa playing trucks.

Nice outfit...button down shirt and rain boots!

Riding around the culd-a-sac.



Hanging out with everyone outside.



Sunny Weekend Camping = Lots of Fun

We totally soaked up the sun this weekend and it sure felt good.  We headed over east of the mountains to Beverly to camp and do a little quad riding.  It was extremely windy at night and the mosquito's were terrible.  We all have bites all over us.  I counted 16 on Cannon's back, poor guy.  I've got bites on my arms, legs, face, feet....and they sure do itch.  However the bright blue skies and hot weather made up for the wind and bugs!

We did a lot of relaxing, working on our suntans...or sunburns.  I finished a book and read a magazine from front to back!  Cannon played a lot in the motor home this trip but did spend time outside and rode his quad each day.  Colson was passed around and tried to get naps in even though the hot weather made it difficult. 

Lots more memories made...
Enjoying every moment.