What's Happening with the Staples

1.) We bought a HOUSE! A place to call our very own! It was a crazy process and not something we were planning on doing at this time but everything pointed to the direction that this was the right move for us. The house that we are currently renting, the landlords wanted to put it on the market. We agreed to it and they were going to give us 60 days notice if someone was interested. Right away they were getting offers, lower then the asking price so none were considered. But it made us really think about what our next move was going to be. Do we rent another house...NO! But we were open to the idea if that was what needed to happen. A good family friend took us under her wing and started showing us some houses. Everything was selling so fast...it was crazy! I would see a house online that I liked and that night it would be under contract. So long story short, a house popped up that we were interested in and we actually wrote the contract before we even looked at the house. We quick looked at it...LOVED it and 4 hours later were delivering the contract. Whats even more CRAZY and what made our decision that much easier was that the people that sold the house 4 years ago to the current sellers were good family friends. (And I went with their son to my senior prom:)!) So we knew that house was taken care of and was a good family home. They accepted our offer...it was all so surreal. We seriously feel so blessed! It was great renting and we had some really cute apartments and houses along the way with lots of wonderful memories but it was time to have our very own home. Somewhere I can garden, paint and truly make ours!

We haven't moved yet. We closed May 24th but the sellers are moving out of the country and needed more time before they moved out. With that said we are renting it back to them for a month. We take ownership June 30th! Our first home improvement job will be removing the popcorn ceilings...we thought it would be easier before we moved all of out stuff in.

Now I get to pack, pack, pack..and clean, clean, clean. But I am actually excited about it because God willing it will be our last time packing for awhile! God is SO good!

 

This was the day we closed! 

2.) Baker is potty trained! YAY! If Baker was my first child I potty trained I would have been worried about Jacob. Jacob was SO difficult to potty train...we are still working on accidents! He seriously holds it till the very last minute...does the potty dance and still will refuse to go. He is so afraid he is going to miss something...even in the morning it is like pulling teeth getting him to change out of his pull-up. And he is still very wet at night (which I know is normal). Baker on the other hand had been showing interest. He would tell me occasionally he had to go potty and go! I decided to try putting him in underwear after Dave was done with campus for the school year. I really thought he would be like Jacob and I would need all the help I could get. That was NOT the case. He seriously was completely potty trained in 3 days...it is seriously the craziest thing to me. He is even dry at night. I didn't do anything different then what I did while training Jacob. I actually don't even know what to say about the whole thing it was so easy...I guess it just goes to show you that all kids are different and learn at different speeds. We are thrilled over here though! Go Baker!  

Here is Baker at the zoo...this pictures cracks me up because it reminds me of Billy Madison. 

3.) Beau is crawling...and getting into everything. Because this child is HUGE he didn't do anything for the longest time. He would just lay there or sit in his excer saucer. But one day he sat up on his own...the next week he was crawling and now he is everywhere! Climbing up stairs, pulling himself up, climbing in to the toy box (not even kidding!) He loves it and so do we! So fun!

4.) Dave is home for the summer! Well I should say he is home for the summer but working really hard too! I LOVE having him home, even if he is behind a locked door! Drinking coffee with him in the morning, having him eat lunch with us in the afternoon, taking breaks here and there and watching movies in the evening after the kiddos go to bed. Its wonderful!

5.) Jacob got a new bike for the summer! Here is a picture of the big boy!

6.) New favorite song of the week! Turn it up and try not to dance! 

Praying for the Superbowl.

Jacob: "Mom, I need to pray for the Superbowl." As he grabs a Rosary from our Rosary box.

Me: "Okay"

Jacob: "Dear God, please help the Superbowl players have enough food to eat. Amen."

Amen brother...I hope we all have enough delicious food to eat today!

Have a happy Superbowl Sunday!

Go Giants!

10 Things you Never Knew...

About the writer of this blog

I was tagged to do this fun little post by my dear friend Cynthia. And on this snowy day with the boys out sledding with their daddy, the little Beau asleep (for probably 2 more minutes...have I mentioned he is a terrible sleeper!), the house picked up and the laundry put away I thought 'YES!!!'

10.) I really like my house picked up and organized. The beds have to be made everyday and the counters have to be disinfected every day...that one might be a little OCD. The toys all have there special place and...I am embarrassed to say this one...but as we are putting toys aways I count to make sure all the toys are together. If we have 10 little people, I count to make sure there all together...you get the point. ANAL!

9.) I really cannot function in the morning without my coffee. Before we do ANYTHING I have to have that cup in hand. For Christmas we got a coffee pot with a timer and it has been the best. thing. ever. Waking up in the morning to already brewed coffee...yes please!

8.) I dress the boys alike...pretty much everyday. If Jacob is wearing sweatpants, Baker and Beau will wear sweatpants. If Baker is wearing brown pants then the other two have brown pants on as well. You get the point.

7.) I love watching movies. Especially romantic movies where I need a box of tissues by my side.

6.) I want more children (God-willing) and I DO pray that we are blessed with a girl someday...but I really want 5 boys all in a row. My own little basketball team!

5.) I have my toes painted all the time, even in the winter...I really just like to have pretty toes!

4.) Before getting pregnant with Beau John Paul we had a miscarriage. Little Cecilia Anne is in heaven looking upon us everyday. I ask her to pray for me everyday and I feel especially close to her when receiving our Lord in Holy Communion. I miss her and am blessed to have had her with us for a short while. Our family has a little saint in heaven praying for us.

3.) I really wish that I could sing. And believe me I can not...at all. Sometimes I pretend that I can.

2.) I like to cook...but I don't LOVE it. I wish I did but I don't. We are pretty simple over here and when I bake...it's usually from a box!

1.) I make popcorn almost every night....its our favorite!

Well there you go folks! 10 things you never knew! Make your own! Can't wait to ready others!

Whats Happening with The Staples...

1.) My Beau is 4 1/2 months old! How did that happen so fast? We love him so much! He just started rolling over...both directions. Seriously it makes us ALL laugh when we put him on the floor and he starts rolling all the way to the other side of the room. I think he knows we enjoy it:). His sleeping...is well that of a 4 month old...we need to work on it;). He is BIG...weighing in at 20.1 pounds and 27 inches long! His smile melts my heart and I am holding on to every minute of it. Its funny how your mothering changes as you have more children. I still have a lot to learn, but I have grown so much. Jacob and Baker have grown so fast...and it all will happen...no need for me to stress about it- just enjoy it :)

2.) The 2 year old Baker has decided he likes to pee in the potty! Every time he goes he gets to give EVERYONE an M&M. He loves it and gets so excited about it. He likes flushing the toilet, washing his hands and being the big boy that he is! I still have him in diapers...the pooping I do not think we are ready for. This child poops at least 4 times a day...um do any of you have a child like this? I seriously will be jumping for joy the day he starts going poop in the toilet.

3.) The boys have all been sick this week. I don't mean to be gross but we have had more snot coming out of noses then I was prepared for...I had to run to the store to get more Kleenex. And what is it about a child wiping their nose on their sleeves...it grosses me out and we have had to change shirts at least 3 times a day. A couple blogging friends I have recommend this. I just ordered it. They have been champs through it all and are on the mend.

4.) Spinning! I am in love! I love the burn...the rush..the fatigue...the way it makes me feel! I love it all! It makes me happy. I have also signed up for the Horsetooth half marathon for April 22nd. I am EXCITED! I ran a half marathon about 8 years ago and am looking forward to conquering it again!

5.) Dave and I have been watching Friday Night Lights, per recommendation of some friends of ours. Its good. I really just love snuggling on the couch in the evening with my husband and a glass of wine. It makes me happy.

6.) The other day we were cleaning up toys and Jacob looks over at me and says; "Mommy, your really pretty. When you get little can we get married?" I love the innocence and his heart. My response was that I get to be his mommy forever and that is the best job! It really is.

7.) I had some empty wall in the boys room and made this...I was really excited about it. I just went to Hobby Lobby ( love that store BTW) and bought some wooden letters for 60 cents a piece and some paint. Painted the letters and hung them on the wall with tacky stuff.

8.) My dear friend Cynthia was having a giveaway at her blog and I won! I was so excited when I found out and am SUPER pumped about the carseat cover! YAY!

5 years...

Last week Dave and I celebrated 5 years of marriage! I can't believe it! In 5 years we have had 3 beautiful boys...one little girl in heaven, 5 moves and a master's for Dave almost complete! Its been a busy 5 years, full of wonderful memories, lots of laughter and plenty of tears...both tears of joy and sadness! I have had my best friend by my side through it all! Every year we go back and watch our wedding video and relive the day! So much fun!!! I love seeing all the friends that were part of our day...and everyone dancing at the reception is a plus! I am so grateful for this video! The boys watched it with us this year...it was so much fun..they kept asking where they were in the video....they didn't quite get it! 5 years...in the scheme of things is really not that long, its fun to know that this is just the beginning of out life together. God willing we will have MANY more memories together, have more children and lots more adventure in this wonderful world of parenthood!

November 25, 2006

Our first Easter with Jacob

Now a family of 4...finding our pumpkins

5 of us in September

Earlier this year I posted the story of how Dave and I met and our engagement story...I am reposting it HERE if you want to read it again!

Have a blessed day!

Whats Happening with The Staples...

Well its been awhile since I have been on here....

Its been hard to find balance between it all... nursing, having quality time with the boys, homeschool preschool (which is SO much fun), quality time with my husband, keeping a clean house, keeping up with the laundry...and just keeping up with the things of everyday life, errands, bills, balancing the check book, etc. I know it will come...give yourself 3 months is what I keep having to remind myself. Here is a quick take at what we have been up to...

Halloween

1.) Beau is absolutely perfect! He fits in wonderfully and is loved by everyone in the house! Jacob and Baker simply adore him...a little too much sometimes:)! Seriously the amount of kisses they give this sweet baby! Beau is a BIG boy...as he was from the beginning. He is almost 2 months old (where did the time go?) and is over 15 pounds! I have him in 6 month clothes already, which I am actually grateful for...thats were all my warm baby clothes are! He is a good eater...sleeps well..and literally NEVER cries! God has blessed us with Beau! The transition of 2 to 3 has actually been easier them 1 to 2! It is SO beautiful bringing a new soul into your family...watching your family grow and watching the love between your children!

I love this smile!

2.) SO I have started weight watchers once again... It has been more difficult this time for me to log in what I eat. I was at a different place last time I began WW...Baker was 1 already so it was easier for me to focus on me..if that makes sense. But I will get there, discipline is a good thing:) It will also be nice to get back in shape before Beau is 1...right? Thats what I keep telling myself! I have been making it to the gym about 3 times a week. Dave watches the boys Tuesday mornings and my mom comes and watches the boys Thursday mornings (I love living close to family). I just have to make sure I make it one other time that week. Its been good. I'm excited about my goal.

Beau and Me

3.) We have began preschool here at the Staples. We are doing The Little Saints preschool program. It is really fun and so cute! We do it 3 times a week for about an hour. We just finished learning about safety and next week we will move on to shapes! I have noticed their behavior is better on the days that we do preschool. I spend quality time with them, we read, sing songs, do an art project, talk and laugh! After that they are okay with being by themselves for a short while and playing. They get a long better and let me get some things done. I have really enjoyed it too...it's bringing back the teacher in me!

Jacob painting

4.) Beau John Paul was baptized on October 16th. It was such a blessed day with friends and family. We are blessed to have our good friends the Schroeders be the godparents of Beau. Thank you to all that joined us on this beautiful day!

The Staples came to visit

5.) Here is a song for your listening pleasure...I couldn't decide between the acoustic or regular version...so here are them both. You can decide!

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday...hopefully i will be back here soon to write more!

The Seasons of Life

As I sit here this morning watching the boys play outside, digging in the dirt, climbing up the slide, hiding behind the tree they call their fort, getting along for the most part:), I can't help but feel how blessed I am. I am also thinking about how much my life will change in just a little over 8 weeks (probably more...I am typically late with the babes!)

I sit here sipping my coffee with my feet up just watching my boys go on their many adventures. They don't really need me right now..they are completly fine on there own...and enjoying their freedom too! Thats how life is right now...typically pretty easy when it comes to entertaining the boys. Yes, sometimes I do feel like a WWF referee breaking up the constant fun of wrestling and tackling that has gone a little to far and isn't fun for one of them anymore. But really I can't complain. We put the boys to bed at 8 and I pretty much don't see them till the morning, there is the occasional visit in the middle of the night that is fixed with a quick kiss, a re-tuck in and a rub on the head...and maybe a prayer or too...but they go back to sleep. With a good nights sleep this means I am able to get up at 6 to pray and shower before I see the beautiful faces of my boys. (believe me when I say I am such a better mom if I have had a cup of coffee and some prayer time before we start our day!) When we go out I don't have to bring a diaper bag and remember the million things that a newborn might possibly need. I don't have to think about the type of shirt I need to wear that will work with nursing while we are out. We can go out in the mornings without wrecking anyones nap schedule. They eat the same thing at lunch and they can feed themselves! They go down for nap at the same time..on their own and sleep. We have routine. This is the season of life that we are in right now...but it will soon change.

When a new baby enters the picture EVERYTHING changes for the time being...but it is such a short time and soon things will become routine again...probably a different routine but non the less a routine. There will be many awakenings in the middle of the night. There will be the constant nursing that a little one desires. There will be the carrying of the car seat into the grocery store. Things will change...you get the picture!

But how we look forward to this change, how exciting it is to hold a sweet, tiny baby in your arms again. One thing I have learned and I will continue to learn with every new baby is that this season goes by SO FAST! They are only little for so long and then soon they will be running with the rest of the pack. That they only sleep peacefully in your arms for a short period and they only need you in the middle of the night for a brief time. I know that with Jacob I did not treasure the newborn time I had with him like I should have. I worried about things like sleep schedules, nursing...was he doing all the things he should be doing at this point in his life. What will it be like when he crawls...when he walks. I wished for the next period of his life to come and did not really enjoy the time that was present with us at that moment. But I have learned and the time I have with a newborn is treasured and looked forward to.

So yes, in 8 weeks or so I will not be sitting here watching the boys play outside, sipping my coffee with my feet up. I will most likely be sitting here nursing and enjoying the sweet baby smell as the boys play outside...But how we look forward to Beau John Paul becoming part of this family outside the womb.

Jacob

Baker

Whats Happening with The Staples...

Looking back I have not blogged very much over the summer...sometimes life just gets busy! But here I have found a few moments to sit down and update you few readers I have:)

1. We just got back from a three week trip out to Michigan. It was really very nice to spend time with Dave's family and catch up with several of our mission partners we have out there. On the way out we spent two nights at Mahoney State Park in Nebraska. Last year we camped but being 7 1/2 months pregnant I voted for the air conditioned lodge! We had a blast! We hiked, paddle boated, fed fish, played. played. played, and spend an afternoon at the water park. It was really nice to have some family time together and just relax! In Michigan, Dave's family lives in a VERY small town..its very cute and quaint. There is no cell phone service...well hardly any:) And lots of farms. "I see cows! Hold!" was all we heard Baker say. (Thats his new favorite thing to say..."hold!" he wants to hold EVERYTHING, no matter the size! Its really pretty cute:)!) The humidity was crazy..being a Colorado girl... but we managed to get through it! The boys enjoyed seeing their gramma and papa out there and had lots of quality time with them...they were spoiled! Always nice to visit! We miss them for sure!

2. WE ARE MOVING! In 10 days...and I haven't even started packing yet:)! Dave will be serving FOCUS at Colorado State University (CSU) next fall so we will be moving to Fort Collins. We are so excited! I grew up in Fort Collins and thats where my family is and several of my aunts, uncles and cousins. We will be living 1.8 miles from my parents house...some of you might think this is CRAZY;) but I am so excited to live close to them! It will especially be nice with #3 coming along here! I am so not looking forward to packing, that is why I have been putting it off! I wish I could snap my fingers and everything would hope in to boxes, just like Mary Poppins! I guess the positive is we get to clean out everything and find all those missing toys!

3. I am 32 weeks pregnant and feel that way too! I don't know if it's the heat or all the traveling that we just did but I am so tired...ALL. THE. TIME. I am not as "quick" to get up for sure and I have swollen ankles too! But enough of this complaining...we feel blessed! Beau John Paul is an active little guy in the womb so I can only imagine what he will be like when he is born. I sit and daydream about what he will look like, what is smile will be like, holding a sweet, tiny baby again, his smell and all the joy another life will bring to our family. 3 of my friends have had their babies in the past week and I am getting baby envy...I want to meet little Beau so much with all my heart...but I will just have to wait! It's not quite his birthday yet!

Not a very good picture...but here is Baker resting on my belly!

4. Baker will be 2 July 17th. I cannot believe how much this little man has grown up in the past couple months. Everyday he surprises me with something new he knows. His vocabulary and the way he communicates with us has grown leaps and bounds! He is just plain funny and makes us all laugh...including Jacob! Even though he does NOT listen, his favorite word is "NO!" and he doesn't sit in timeout unless you are restraining him...you can not help but love the kid!

5. This is my new favorite song...

What's Happening with The Staples...

1. Yesterday I did ALL of the laundry and was able to fold it and put it away! I have not done this in MONTHS! It usually sits on the couch for days while piles of laundry waiting to go in the washer sit in the hall. It was such a great feeling! I didn't go to bed till 11:15 last night but I was determined to get it done!

**Side note: The boys somehow, without my knowledge, found my RED lipstick and put it in their hamper. When doing their laundry I dumped it all in the washer without realizing it:(. Now, all of their clothes have bright RED marks all over them! UGH a thousands times over! A few good friends of mine swear by oxiclean...so off to the store we went this morning to buy some oxiclean so I could start soaking these clothes. I have never used oxiclean before but have been inspired by these women. I'm not sure how well it will work though since the clothes have already been dried with the stains...we will see! They are soaking now...wish me luck!

2. We seem to have taken a couple steps backwards in Jacob's ability to use the potty. For the past two months he has being doing AWESOME with very few accidents but the past couple of weeks we have been having SEVERAL accidents...most of them being poop (yesterday 3):(. I have been unsure how to handle these accidents. Do I discipline him for going poop in his pants or to I treat it like I have past accidents, "Accidents happen and its okay!" We have been struggling. Today we have gone back to a jelly bean after he goes in the potty. If any moms have suggestions or have gone through this I am all ears!

3. Lent is almost over. I am embarrassed to admit that I have really struggled this lent with staying true to my lenten fasts. I wish I would have been more disciplined during this season. My prayer has been good though which I am thankful for. May these last few days before the Resurrection of out Lord be a time of prayer and grace for all of you!

4. Last night I went shopping for the boys Easter baskets! I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!! I spent way to much money on candy though...why is Easter candy SO delicious??? Probably because we don't eat it until Easter! Dave did make me take two bags back though...he thought I went a little overboard:)

5. Yesterday during lunch we has a little thunderstorm ! It was so cool! We had it all... a little hail, thunder, lighting and rain! The boys were quiet during their whole lunch as we sat there and watched mother nature at work! It was beautiful!

6. Baker has discovered the word "NO"! Seriously that is ALL he says! I try so hard not to laugh every time he says it because the way he says it is SO darn cute! The cuteness of an almost two year old is unbearable!

7. The other day I was cleaning the bathroom and went to check on the boys and saw this...

Melt my heart!

Jacob turns 3!

On March 11th Jacob turned 3 years old! It was a joy to celebrate the day with him! He was so excited for his birthday...For a month prior he would tell us, "my birthday is almost here!" He woke up to balloons, presents and our traditional birthday cinnamon rolls!

Jacob on his birthday morning!

Clothes...always exciting!

His Woody!

Blowing out his THREE candles!

After presents and cinnamon rolls I asked him what he wanted to do next..."Watch Cars!" So thats what we did...watched Cars:)

Watching Cars!

Later that day in our new birthday outfit we headed to the park with our good friend Lily! It was a beautiful day!

Jacob at the park

We then headed home for our favorite lunch of Mac and Cheese! We then took naps and rested up for our special surprise that evening! My dad came over to babysit Baker while we took Jacob to meet Namma in Denver for the big event! We took him to see the Disney show The Imagination Movers. It was basically a rock concert for kids! It was really fun and cute to see Jacob watch four grown men sing about brushing teeth, eating vegetables and getting strong! It was crazy and an absolute free for all...kids running up and down the aisles, standing on chairs, dancing till their hearts content. Jacob was most comfortable just sitting on our laps and watching!

Namma and Jacob at Imagination Movers

After about an hour of overstimulation:) we headed home to a yummy dinner of fish and chips! It was a joy to have my parents spend the evening with us and celebrate Jacob. They blessed him with a big wheel! He was super excited!

Jacob and his new big wheel!

It was a wonderful day and so fun to see my baby be so BIG! It really is crazy how fast they grow. God has truly blessed us!

A week later Jacob got a surprise in the mail from his Grandpa and Grandma Staples...a Lightening McQueen Power wheels! Seriously every kids dream:) He is a loved little boy thats for sure!

Jacob and Lightening!

Just so we have witness that Baker was part of this joyous day!

We're Expecting!

Baby Staples #3 is on his/her way! We are so excited! I am currently 15 weeks prego and due September 5th! In about 4 weeks we will find out if we are having a boy or girl...always exciting! Jacob is adorable with this pregnancy...he recognizes my belly and constantly tells me I am growing BIG! I am showing a lot early with this baby then my other two...did you find this true with your subsequent pregnancies? Jacob loves looking at the App on my phone that shows what the baby looks like at his/her current stage and has wanted us to read the book Angel in the Waters about a million times. "Thats what our baby looks like mama!" So sweet. Baker has no idea, but I am sure he will become more aware soon!

This pregnancy has been my most difficult one thus far. I had to be placed on progesterone with this little guy (more of that story to come later) so I am not sure if that made my symptoms worse. 1st-I am so tired..which is true with all pregnancies...but maybe with two active boys running around I am feeling it more. There has been little to NO housework being done around here:(. Morning sickness, or ALL DAY SICKNESS is still with me:(. Somedays are better then others and I truly feel like I am on the up swing of things...but seriously the throwing up is no fun at all! I have also had several other viral infections which has made life just a little more fun...right! Exercise...what is that?!? I have felt like doing absolutely nothing and can feel myself getting more out of shape by the minute.

But enough of the complaining! I feel truly blessed to have this little one with us and cannot wait to meet him/her! For some reason I am most excited to meet this little one. Baker will be a little over 2 when this baby makes his/her appearance and I am yearning for that little newborn baby again! God is SO GOOD!

Seriously...having kids is so much fun!!!

The Difficulty of the Perfect Picture!

I am sure other mothers have this problem...but it is SO hard for me to get a good picture of the boys! They really are cute I tell myself...why can't they both smile at the camera and at the same time? Sometimes I feel like they are plotting against me! Here are a couple of examples...

Both boys are NOT looking at the camera...Jacob's smile is adorable though!

Baker is NOT looking at the camera

Jacob is NOT looking at the camera...and possibly picking his nose!

Baker is done with getting his picture taken...so is Jacob!

Jacob looking at the camera...and Baker trying to escape the picture!

Where is Baker????

Cute one of Baker...but where is Jacob???

This is the best we got...