One of my favorites...

Thought I would share one of my favorite shots from today at my parent's house.... Isaac was watching the finches at the bird feeder, and I stole a kiss! Thought you might like to see it in color.... and in black and white, too, of course!

Well, I better run.... we've got cookies to eat, milk to drink, and stockings to fill around here... yep, it's 10:30 on Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas!

Hope that you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas... full of fun with family and friends!

Favorite movies?

I just got home from Fort Wayne a little bit ago.... it was a great night with my entire family and celebrating with Deb! She is so fun! It was great to all be mushed in her cute apartment together! We all fit, even after eating at Logan's!

Now, Scott is out with some friends.... the boys are in bed.... and I'm waiting to swap a load of laundry, so I decided to be brainless and surf the web a bit. I ran across another young mom's blog, and on one of her posts, she listed her favorite movies. I thought, "Huh, should be interesting...." but this is what followed:

"Here are my top 5 favorite movies of all time:
The Patriot
Braveheart
Gladiator
Les Miserables
Dances With Wolves"

What?!! I think that this is the first mom that I've ever heard of.... EVER.... that can handle that much blood and guts.... and they made her top 5?!! Granted, I did like a few of these movies, but I never, ever, ever want to see them again. On the other hand, here is my list of the night...

Deanna's favorites of the night, in no particular order (warning: they will be MUCH different from the above!)

1) The Notebook
2) The Cutting Edge
3) Top Gun
4) Sweet Home Alabama
5) Hook (yes, this is in honor of my sweet husband.... this is one of his favorites, and one of our Christmas traditions is watching it at some point during the holiday season-- tomorrow night at our house, as a matter of fact!)

So, what are your favorites? Leave a comment or drop me an email.... I'd love to hear! And.... maybe even have a good recommendation for a movie that we haven't seen yet!

Well, the laundry now beckons...........

Happy Birthday, Deb!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little sister, Deb! We are crazy about her at our house; I wish everyone could hear the way Aaron talks about his "Aunt Debby"! We will spend the evening in Fort Wayne tonight with her to celebrate!

Here is fun picture of Deb with Aaron and Isaac and my niece and nephew, Abby and Zach!

Pulling Up!

Isaac brings so much joy to our lives! It's so fun to watch him develop and try new things every day. Here is the latest! We were in the basement chatting and looked over, and Isaac had pulled himself up to his knees with this toy and was working on getting to his feet. With a very small amount of help from Daddy, he made it to this point! All it takes for him now is for us to offer him a tiny bit of assistance with a hand or a finger, and he is able to pop right up! So strong!

Our Sweet Little Elf!

A new little form of "time out"!

I just received this picture in an email from another mommy-friend (thanks Melissa!) It gave me a laugh, so I thought I would pass it along! I've heard Lisa Whelchel recommend using a carseat for time out if a child won't stay in one place, but this is a whole new ballgame!


P.S. For the record and for all of you who are truly concerned, we won't be initiating this form of punishment at the Greene's! Maybe I'll show Aaron the picture though! :)

Way to go, Indiana!

Thanks to everyone who "Clicked for Cans"... the Colts came in second and won the coveted "Most Improved" prize! Campbell's will make a donation to some Indiana food banks because of our "clicking"!! Hoorah!

Click here for more info.

Pay it forward.... er, um, backward....

This is such a great story: check it out here.

Maybe not everyone will appreciate it, but I know that my sweet li'l sis, Deb, who used to be a sweet barista at Starbucks in Fort Wayne will love it!

I am struck by this fact as I read the story: it all started with ONE! One person.... making a difference.... for ONE.... who made the difference for another.... who made the difference for another....

And didn't you wonder as you were reading, too.... who was the guy or gal who simply said, "Uh, thanks...." and broke the chain?!!

I loved the movie, "Pay It Forward." Hmm, I'll have to pull that one out and watch it again over the holidays (warning to Scott: tears will certainly follow!)

58 degrees?!

As I was driving to town today, I looked up at the outside thermometer on my van.... and it said 58 degrees! What?!! It's December in Indiana.... we're supposed to have snow!!! So, in honor of the snow that SHOULD be on the ground, here are a few more pictures from Aaron's excursions in the snow last week! Don't you just love the snowflakes on his eyelashes?!! So sweet!

I'm going a little loony!

Okay.... we have sick kids! :( Both of the boys woke up Monday morning with colds and coughs. Aaron has spiked a fever a couple of times this week, too! It is so hard as a mommy to watch my kids suffer and not be able to make it better. I am often thankful that both of my boys have healthy immune systems.

But... with the sickness has come reconfiguring the plans for the week... and cancelling TWO playdates! Bummer! For those of you who know me well, you know that I love being a stay-at-home-mom, but that I am definitely a stay-at-home-mom who is on the go and gets out a lot during the week to see others. Yep, I'm certainly missing adult conversation! However, I did have a coffee/chai/smoothie night with my dear friend, Angie McCleary on Tuesday night; I'm convinced.... that's the only reason that I'm still sane right now! Thanks, Angie!

If you think of it, say a quick prayer for our kids.... I'm hoping that this bug is through their systems and that they are on the mend.... and ready to go for a busy holiday schedule next week! Yea.... adult conversation!!!

The Santa Saga

Well, it turned out well.... but started with sadness! On Saturday, we took the boys to get their picture with Santa. The library had advertised that Santa would be there from 2-4. No problem.... we arranged naptime accordingly, grabbed our Santa hats, and headed to the library. Well, much to our dismay, the room was pretty dark and locked when we got there.... AT 3:30! Ms. Margaret came out and said, "Oh, you just missed him.... Santa was H-O-T. But you can go upstairs and do a craft if you're interested in that." So, I'm thinking, "Excuse me?!!! He only had to stay for TWO HOURS.... it's only 3:30! Do you see the disappointment on my 4-year old's sweet little face?!!" Well, we went upstairs and made a Pirates of the Caribbean ornament (of course, that's the one Aaron would choose.... not Clifford.... not Nemo.... PIRATES!) My sweet hubby made me laugh though.... as we were riding the elevator away from where Santa should have been, he said, "If I didn't love J-E-S-U-S right now, I would be pretty H-O-T!"

Anyway, it turned out well.... Santa was at his little house at Kmart! And he even had candy canes! It was so cute, Aaron brought the Aldi's ad to show Santa the spy belt that he wants (and, for the record.... isn't getting!) He also wants an AXE for Christmas?!!! Ah, the joys of boys....

Elf Yourself!

Okay, last night, I should have been sleeping, wrapping presents, or cleaning, but instead, I was doing this for a couple of minutes!!! Check out this site; it's pretty fun! And.... your kids will get a big laugh out of it, too! Aaron loved it!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=139a1e8809488e1af52d598G20061209

It finally snowed!

YEA! We finally have snow in Warsaw! Aaron was SO excited as I was driving home from town on Thursday (with very little visibility, I might add!) because he knew mommy was about to let him put on his new boots (thanks Grandma and Grandpa Burch!), his old snowsuit, and his warm hat to head outside!!! It actually led to a GREAT afternoon here! We have a fenced-in backyard so Aaron and Ollie played outside together (with an occasional knock on the sliding door for mom to get the snow out of his mittens), Isaac napped, and I made baby food while I listened to a Passion worship CD! Hoorah!! Much fun was had by all!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.........

Classy, very classy

I love this video for many reasons.... the kids' faces in the pictures, each Santa enduring each of these screamers, and, more than anything, the fact that the kiddos singing remind me of my elementary school programs!

Please note, if you prefer to use the word, "Toot" in your house, you may want to avoid this video! Otherwise, definitely check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62SUfLfO6tM

The best of brothers

It's amazing how much Aaron and Isaac enjoy being together! Aaron has never once shown jealousy towards Isaac, and our new little guy will bend his little body in any direction, just to catch a glimpse of his big brother in turbo-drive, running around the room! I am sure that at some point the "sibling rivalry" stage will hit (I'm certain it does in any family), but we sure are enjoying watching these two grow up together already!

Oh no....

This seriously chokes me up. I don't think I ever even knew that I liked ducks until I saw this picture (yeah, I'm convinced that it's the mom in me!) I just keep telling myself the phrase from Nemo: "All Drains Lead to the Ocean, All Drains Lead to the Ocean...." I'll just hold onto that hope for poor mama and baby ducks!

The Perfect Tree

I must admit.... this picture makes me giggle! Yeah, we all stood and smiled while daddy did all the hard work! Thank you, Scott!




Last Monday night, we had a great time picking out "the perfect tree" for 2006! Aaron loved hunting through the Christmas tree farm (he even tripped on some of the stumps as he ran in excitement.... it actually made me smile because I remember doing the same thing as a kid!) Notice: we were in light jackets in the pictures.... wow, the weather sure does change quickly in Indiana! Anyway, we found a great tree! Aaron is really excited about having a tiny tree in his room this year, too!

11,000?!!

So, tonight at Summit, we had "Small Group Wars." First of all, let me just say.... I love these girls! We had a really good time making our "Go Home" t-shirts together last week, and I even went home from that night with the nickname, "Mama D."

However, what was up with the judges tonight?!! Let's just say: the team that won had 43,000 points! Ours you ask?!! 11,000!!! Blah! We even tried winking at the judges to get points... yeah, it didn't work. Anyway, it was fun to bond with my girls.... I've been a small group leader for 1 1/2 years now, and it just keeps getting better and better! We even "won" a bag of chocolate for being one of the three teams that came in last.

Sitting up!

Yes, Isaac has entered a new stage... just before Thanksgiving, he started sitting up on his own! It's the best!!! He has always hated "tummy time" and being on the floor, so he's definitely loving this new development! It makes it easier to watch big brother!

Isn't he the cutest peanut you've ever seen?!!! I just can't get enough of him! The ladies in the nursery get a kick out of him because he's so little but so strong!!!

What a guy....

I am crazy about this guy of mine. Just thought you should know!!!

It's funny.... Scott and I have realized that since we had kids, we have very few pictures with just the two of us, but Aaron has recently taken an interest in trying out the camera so maybe that will change (yes, he took both of these pictures!)

The Super Hero Stage

Aaron is totally into super heroes right now. It's kind of funny.... I think that every boy must go through it though, yeah?!! (what do I know.... I grew up with two sisters!) He even corrects me when I introduce him to others as Aaron.... he says, "No Mom, I'm Dash!"

Here is "Dash" with one of his best buddies, Jacob.... (for those of you who have seen "The Incredibles," he even calls Isaac "Jack-Jack" at times!)

Quick change

My house is quiet tonight; Scott is at Ruby Tuesday's with a friend and both boys are asleep. I'm enjoying it! Ahh, QUIET......

So, I'm messing around.... deleting old email.... and ran across Isaac's first webpage. Seriously, how DO babies grow up so quickly?!! http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=4H3L5R2V9U

Bathtime!

I don't think there is anything much sweeter than my babies at bathtime! And oh, the sweet smell of a baby's skin afterwards.......

My next great idea....

I was just talking to a friend about the "Shopping Therapist" idea.... yeah, she thought it was a good one, too!

So.... here's my next great idea: BABYSITTING AT WALMART!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, they have it at the YMCA, why not at Walmart?!! (of course, it would be complete with references, video cameras, pagers, etc, so that you could trust the services!)

Also, I think that moms (and dads) should always be handed a t-shirt when leaving the store that says, "I survived Walmart with __ kids!" (fill in with appropriate number!)

Have a great day! Here's to happy Walmart shopping!

Keep clicking!

Yahoo! The Colts are currently running at the top of the "Most Improved" category in Campbell's "Click for Cans" competition. It would be terrific if they "won" in this area and if lots of Indiana food banks benefited from the Campbell's company. If you haven't started clicking, there are 18 days left! http://www.chunky.com/clickforcans.aspx

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite parts of visiting friends' blogs is seeing pictures! So.... I'm overloading you today! (you'll have to forgive me.... I'm not a web expert, so I don't have a "Flickr" account, and I can't figure out how to insert this many pictures in one post.... so you'll have to check out all three installments this time!)

We had a GREAT weekend! We loved the beautiful weather and even enjoyed a bonfire in Muncie and golfing in Noblesville! Aaron loved every minute of it! We had a great time snapping pictures of Isaac and cousin Lainy, too! She is 14 months old and is an absolute doll! Because Jill, Kenny, and Lainy live in Nashville, we don't get to see them as often as we would like, so we enjoyed soaking in the time with them this weekend (between everyone's naps, of course! Oh, let's just blame it on all that "triptophan" from the turkey.....)


Sweet, sweet Lainy at the bonfire
Isaac and Aunt Jill (Scott's sister)

More Pictures!

The guys returning from golfing (Aaron, Grandpa-Great, Scott, and Grandpa Burch)

With my sis, Deb
With cousin, Kara (from South Carolina)Hanging out in the toy tub at Grandpa and Grandma Greene's!

Yes, folks.... Isaac is ON the lazy susan in the middle of the table! He loved it!

Installment #3

Grandma Greene, Lainy, and Isaac
Our littlest angel!

"Lainy, I LOVE YOU!"

I sure love these boys! We had fun taking this picture at our bonfire (complete with marshmallows, of course! "I think I have a headache.... no more pictures, Mommy!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are looking forward to a long weekend together! We'll be in Muncie through the weekend with Scott's family, and we'll even head to Noblesville for the day on Friday to see mine. We will head home Saturday evening so that we can be home for church at WCC on Sunday and "One" (aka youth group) on Sunday night.

We hope that you each have a wonderful, blessed holiday with friends and family! We are truly thankful as we reflect on the blessings that God has given us in the past year.... our new little miracle is certainly at the top of the list!!! Aaron even says that he is thankful for Isaac!

Blessings to YOU!

Eleven hours!

Isaac slept for eleven hours.... STRAIGHT.... last night! It was amazing! Considering the fact that he is usually up twice a night to eat, that was a lot of improvement! Unfortunately, Aaron snuck into our room at 3:30 AM instead, but it was still great to get a pretty good night of sleep! YEA!

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'!

Isaac is on the move! He's been rolling for awhile now.... he doesn't do it a lot because we spend so much of the day holding him and cuddling with him, but when he decides to show off his new trick, he really can move! He rolled the length of the room yesterday!

We had a first at our house today, too; I was playing "Chutes and Ladders" with Aaron, and Isaac was holding one of the game pieces.... Aaron proceeded to inform Isaac, Dad, and me that this was HIS game and not Isaac's. Oh no.... let the lessons in sharing begin! Aaron has REALLY liked Isaac up until this point.... but I'm confident that the "fun" of sibling rivalry is yet to come!

A "Shopping Therapist"

Okay.... so we did it.... we ALL endured Kohl's tonight! I wanted to find a few new clothing items for the holiday season (for Isaac and me! And the REAL reason.... I had a great coupon!), and Scott decided he wanted to join me with the boys! As he made rounds through the toy area with the two cuties, I headed to the racks and racks of clothes and THE DRESSING ROOM!

So.... here's the deal.... I think I have a new idea! After enduring numerous trips in and out of the dreaded dressing room, I told Scott on the way home, "I think I needed a therapist in the dressing room with me tonight." And then, I realized, DUH! I'm a counselor.... I COULD START A NEW PROFESSION! Ladies, can you imagine???? Someone to POUR words of TRUTH into your life as you're standing in front of WAY TOO MANY MIRRORS as you try to find a pair of jeans that fits.... or even as you pick out that dreaded SWIMSUIT! Okay, I know that you precious size 2 ladies may not understand.... but to the rest of you, great idea, huh?!!! And.... to go along with it.... the therapist wears a blindfold the entire time; she is just there to hear you growl at the image looking back at you (or listen for the mirror shattering as you kick it!), and then, she'll just randomly shoot out Scripture and words of affirmation: "YOU ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE! YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR JEANS SIZE! SWIMSUITS WITH SKIRTS TO COVER THE DIMPLES ON YOUR BACKSIDE AND THIGHS ARE THE LATEST STYLE AND YOU WILL BE STRIKINGLY GORGEOUS ON THE BEACH THIS SUMMER! THINK ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL BABIES THAT CAME FROM THAT BODY!!"

Nice, very nice.... yeah, I think I'm onto something!!!

Funny baby

This is sure to make you laugh.... too cute.... not as cute as our boys.... but cute, nevertheless!

A tooth!

Yep, it's official! Isaac's first tooth popped through today on the bottom right! He was up a little bit last night.... I had no idea that it was teething though! Thank goodness for baby tylenol!

We've taken some fun pictures of him at chow-time recently. He's eating just about everything.... squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans and peas (when mixed in with the yummy orange veggies!), pears, applesauce, peaches, bananas, and AVACADOS! Yum, yum, yum!

"Click for Cans"

Campbell's Soup has a competition that is called Click for Cans. Please go to the below web site once a day, click on the area to vote, and then click on Indianapolis Colts (even if you aren't a Colts fan, this is the team that would help people in Indiana). If the Colts get the most clicks for this area or are the most improved from last year, Campbell's will donate one can of soup, for however many pounds the entire Colt's Team weighs, to a local food bank. Think of how many hungry people we can all help just by one simple click of a button!

http://www.chunky.com

"Chazown"

I'm just starting a new book called, "Chazown, A Different Way to See Your Life." Scott brought it home from the Catalyst Conference in October and handed it off to me. After reading the first chapter, I'm pretty excited about the journey that I'm starting by diving into this book! Here's a memorable quote already:

"His vision for your life is bigger and better than you've had the courage to even hope for. Your God is that good. That strong. And He loves you that much."

Don't ya love that?!! To see more, check out: http://www.chazown.com

A few similarities?

Well, it's official.... these two definitely cannot deny the fact that they are brothers! Whenever I pull out my scrapbook of Aaron at 6-months, it floors me to look at the pictures!!! Yes, there are a few differences (at 6-months, Aaron was over 18 pounds and Isaac is 12 1/2... Aaron was 27 inches, and Isaac is 24). However, they definitely have a few things in common....

Note: the first two pictures are Aaron, and the second two are Isaac!