Christmas #2= Also Success!

So with the crazy weather we headed up to Iowa earlier than expected. We left when it was raining and drove in it all the way there on Christmas Eve day. We never got into weather that was bad though, so that was good.

We spend the long weekend with Andy's family. There was like a foot of snow on the ground when we were there and then it continued to snow for the next couple of days...it is so pretty. Not like dirty snow here. Since it is colder there the snow is just white, a very white Christmas was had.

We enjoyed seeing the family and Tanner loved playing with his cousin, Molly and looking at his other cousin, Lexie and saying, "baby". He played with his new toys, and loved just running around.

We came back yesterday afternoon and the rest of the day was a blur. It was putting toys and Christmas stuff away, going to the grocery store, cleaning, and starting laundry....wow, tired. So the rest of the week doesn't stop that easy. I am working the next 3 days, of course Andy is also...then it's one of my good friend's wedding on New Years Eve.

I will attach pictures soon when I get a second to breathe....oh ya and then I will be posting pics with my new CANON REBEL camera...I'm so excited. My husband spoils me!! Ya...

Holiday Blessings to you all...

Christmas #1= Success

We had my side of the family Christmas this weekend, and it was so perfect. We enjoyed each other's company, good food (okay it was melt-in-your-mouth steak and fabulous), and we made great memories. We exchanged presents, and Tanner won by far. He LOVED getting his presents, every single one was like the best toy ever for him. He gave complete attention to the new toy and made the giver's smile just seeing how happy he was. That was the best part of the night, nothing can compare. I love Christmas!

The next morning Tanner woke up and immediately ran downstairs (okay he was carried), and went and dunked a basket in his new basketball goal and then ran over and got in his new car. I don't think Santa can compare, we are in trouble.

A busy week here, as it is for everyone. I look forward to the rest of the festivities of the holiday. I am 11 weeks pregnant this week, and also look forward to the time that morning sickness will be a faint memory....haha.

Holiday Blessings to you...

P.S. I will add pictures when I get a chance.

Coming in 2010....

...Hoffman Family of 4!!!

Yes, you heard right. Tanner is going to be a big brother. Baby Hoffman #2 is due the day after Tanner's 2nd Birthday, July 11. We have seen our new baby, and the baby looks great! I have been feeling not so hot, but if just makes me know that the baby is okay because I feel not good. That will pass, we are so excited, and blessed. Prayers for a healthy baby are always appreciated.

God bless....

Words with the pictures

So I couldn't figure out how to type with the pictures yesterday. Then I typed some stuff to go along with it, then it wouldn't post it...uhhhhh.

So, The first couple of pics are on Thanksgiving on the Plaza to see the lights come on...Thanks Gunthers! I have a handful with Kamryn and Tanner! They are so fun though. In a little bit you won't be able to tell who's older or younger, I mean it is only 3 months difference.

The next pic is of Tanner and his cousins, Molly and Lexie! We also made it to Iowa for several days over Thanksgiving and really enjoyed ourselves also. Can you believe we got 3 kids under 3 to sit still long enough for a picture? I think it turned out pretty good?!?!

Then our family pics....bet you couldn't have guessed that. My Mom took the pictures, I think they turned out great, but I am a little biased.

Tanner now looks at our Xmas tree in the living room and says, "wow"...I might think it's the most adorable thing ever. He is learning to leave the ornanaments alone, well sort of. It's a work in progress.

I can't believe it is December, I can't believe how fast this Fall/Winter is going. Lots to look forward to around the holidays, we have holiday parties, family gatherings, a wedding, and then the usual celebrations!

This Thanksgiving we were really blessed, as always. We have our family, our health, our friends, our jobs, our house, and our love and happiness. Thank you for being a part of our blessings.

Too Long

The real video I meant to post

Catching up

Below are a couple videos from recent. Tanner is chatting up a storm these days. He went from not talking, to saying, "Cooper" which is said "Pooper", "ball", "baseball" which is said "bahball", "bubbles", "hot", etc. Of course he will not say any of these words when there is a video camera around...hince the video of him just blabbing! One of these days I will catch him

We are looking forward to Halloween this weekend, Tanner might actually enjoy it this year, being that his parents will probably let him have some CANDY! Let's hope the weather is decent. We've been keeping busy with doing as many activities as possible...Tanner is really fun to take and do things now. I would make the exception that taking him out to eat is not very fun, but any parent would understand this.

I have said to many people, "oh this is the best time"....I keep saying that, I think this is the best time with Tanner. He is a challenging, yet fun toddler! Being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever done, but the most rewarding. When walking in the door from a long day at work and he just runs to me with his arms up is the most amazing feeling, I wish I could bottle it up. I think Andy would agree that being Tanner's Mommy and Daddy is so fun! We feel lucky.

Sleep, finally....

After approximately 15 months of going back and forth with the best way to put Tanner to sleep we were sick of it. We had finally had enough. We decided to try to let him "cry it out", now this does not mean forever until he falls asleep. We had a plan. 5 minutes at a time we would go in there and reassure him then 10 minutes, etc. The first night was about a week ago, and he cried for maybe 15 minutes woke up only once that night for like maybe 20 minutes and put himself back asleep. Since then, he has been going to sleep even for naps by himself, and sleeping through the night. I don't know if it coincidence, or he was just ready, or we are just stupid....but AMEN! Miles for Marley 5K...this was a benefit for a 20month old little girl, amazing little girl, Marley and her incredible family. She is battling a cancerous brain tumor. It was a great turn out for a great family. This is a picture of a bunch of us from the hospital that were lucky enough to take care of her.

Tanner's first ride on a merry-go-round. Contrary to this picture, he actually liked it.

What a helper I have, he loves to do what we do....or at least try.

There's my silly boy! God has sure blessed us.

3 years of wedded bliss...

We have now been married for 3 years, man how time flies. I love my husband. He is thoughtful, funny, smart, nice, considerate, handsome....makes me laugh when I want to cry, listens to me when he doesn't want to, let's me watch the silly shows I like, helps with the laundry because he knows I hate it, and takes me out to dinner on our anniversary when the Twins are playing in the playoffs! If you know my husband, this is the biggest sacrifice you could imagine. We enjoyed dinner, while Grandma and Grandpa K babysat the crazy little guy. The weather was like it was the day we got married, sunny and perfect. Cheers to us! We went to my cousin, Ryan and his wife, Becky's house for a bbq...it was so fun. They were so cute, they bought Tanner a cupcake for coming over. They will be great parents someday! Tanner loved playing in their yard and kitchen. He konked out in like 1 minute after getting in the car to go home. By the way, How much does he look like Andy in this picture? He might as well be little mr. Andy in this picture! Hmmmm....

All of us! I barely have ahold of the wild man in this picture!

Love and blessings to all...

Copier

I am copying one of my best friends on her blog with....What has Tanner been up to lately?

Well, let me tell you. This boy is so fun....and tiring might I add. He loves

1. To eat bananas, sandwiches, any bites right off the food like a "big boy".

2. Use his fork and then clap for himself.

3. Dance to Funky Town or Elmo's Chicken Dance, when I say dance I mean flap his arms.

4. Run, Anywhere. No more walking. Oh and climbing on everything.

5. Be outside, at all times if I let him. Get in and out of his wagon and car...over and over again.

6. Drink Mommy or Daddy's drink, or anyone besides his, and use a straw or right from the cup.

7. Play with boys, do boy things, get dirty, oh and play with boys.

8. Oh and Tanner loves his Mommy and Daddy, and for this I am so grateful. Nothing is
better than at the end of a day of work him running up to you with his arms up, smiling. I
know he will not always do this and want me this much, but I savor this time.

Words from another....

If you know me, which by reading this you probably do...I love quotes. I love reading other people's words and how they remind me of my life, or they say it better than I can. I have quote books, of quotes that I have collected since before high school. Reading through them reminds me of previous times in my life, and from reading them, I remember how I felt back then, and why I loved that quote. I love having quotes on the walls in my home, I have to limit myself though, because I could tend to go a little crazy. The quotes make me stop and thank God and take a moment to pray. I love them. Here is a little quote that I will leave you with that I think is so pretty.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest joys in life may appear bigger.
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Tanner and Kamryn, might as well call them the 2 amigos...this is them restrained in seats, otherwise you can't get a picture of them!

Tanner LOVES corn on the cob, he was eating it like those cartoon characters that eat it like a typewriter...I hope you know what I am talking about!

What Mom, do I have it all over my face?!?!

Still eating....

and some more.....

Til next time, God bless your days.

The ending of summer...and funnies....

I cannot believe it is Labor Day...where has the summer went to? Well some funny things have been happening lately with Tanner D...aka Tanner the Destroyer. Today in a matter of an hour he, picked up and dumped all over the floor Cooper's water bowl, climbed on the fireplace standing up then cried to get down, climbed on the bottom of the window to reach the blinds I had pulled up, leaned how to open the dishwasher, and learned how to open the baby gate at the top of the stairs! What a morning!!

Some other funnies....the other day at my Aunt and Uncle's house he had a blow-out diaper so he was running around in just a diaper, that is....until he learned to take his diaper off and run away from me, multiple times!

Now when we pick up our cell phone, he puts his hand to his ear and starts talking away, just like us!

Several meals lately, when he is finished he will open his mouth and let the chewed up food just fall out of his mouth everywhere...and don't worry, he does this with liquid too!

Do you think he is 100% boy, or what? Tanner playing in the fountain in NKC...
Uncle Troy and Tanner at Clear Lake

The boys going for a boat ride

Tanner and Andy swinging at Penguin Park...

My smiley, happy little man!

God Bless...

Sometimes there are no words

My Dear Aunt Becky lost her battle with cancer last Wednesday. Thank God she didn't suffer for a long time, and was surrounded by people that loved her at her home that she loved. My Mom and her parents did not make it to be with her before she passed, but did get a chance to love on her and say good-bye. Like my title, there are no words to describe the sadness we feel. I feel sad that she was taken from us too soon, I feel sad for my Uncle and cousin, Emma.

We celebrated the amazing woman she was over the weekend in Arizona with a celebration of life ceremony. It was at the gym of the school that she worked at for over a decade. It was PERFECT, her beautiful pictures, flowers from loved ones, homeade crafts from some of her kids, and you could just feel Her. There were hundreds of people that loved her there. Her daughter, my cousin, Emma chose several of her closest friends and family to talk about her, and then it was opened up for other people to talk if they wanted to. Each person had incredible things to say about her, funny and touching stories, and how special she made them feel. I felt lucky to have known her, lucky to have loved her. Please keep her husband and her daughter in your thoughts and prayers, as this continues to be very hard for them. Tanner, Kamryn, Trey, and Katie feeding the ducks
The Keilbey family pool....in the 100 degree heat.

The celebration of Becky's life continues at a party in her honor at her house.

The "Outlaws"...see the circle above their heads, it's the only picture that it's in...she was there with us that day.

My Dear Aunt Becky, how I and so many others will miss you so!

I love you!

Family

I have been thinking about family a lot lately and how it means something different for so many of us. For me it makes me smile just thinking of my family and what they mean to me. In times of trouble, heartache, or joy family will step in where friends might not (this is not the case with me, as my friends are amazing and are like family also).

My family means to me...
Sunday night dinners, every week.
Being there in times of heartache, celebration, and every minute in between
Sending cards on holidays and birthdays
Making us laugh so hard we cry
Helping us raise our child and future children
Going to Church together
Dropping everything in a moments notice when it is needed to be at our side
Being a friend
Being an angel

Those are just a few things that come to mind when I think of my family. I hope that when our children grow up they think of these things about their family also....

Please continue to pray for my Aunt Becky, and her husband and daughter. They could use many prayers.

My wonderful husband

I came home the other night to a scavenger hunt! A very sweet note from Andy on the garage door and then I had to go all throughout the house to find.....NEW SUNGLASSES! So, I lost my other sunglasses awhile ago (opps). I had those for several years (a miracle). I have had a couple of really cheap ones since, but found some that I really like the other day at a eyeglass store. Andy knew this because I was talking about them and looking for replicas at a knock off store.

So the other day I guess he went all the way out to Overland Park on his lunch break and got them! They are aviators and I LOVE them! I am so lucky and blessed that he is so good to me.

If I lose or break these, I'm sure I will never get another pair...haha.

With all my heart, I pray.

My Uncle Joe and cousin Emma.

My Mom and my Aunt Becky....with their "outlaw" cowboy hats!

This is a post about a person very dear to me, my Aunt Becky. Several years ago, she battled breast cancer with the best of them...winning, at the time. It has come back to fight against her bones and liver. Once again, she is fighting with her all. She is undergoing chemo, has done radiation, and is doing natural healing methods as well. News several days ago is that the latest chemo is not working as well as they would like. She is going for more tests, but that is the news as of now. She isn't feeling as well as she has been feeling, which makes this all so much worse.





See, let me give you a picture of my Aunt Becky. She has worked out almost daily for as long as I can remember. She is spunky and full of energy. She works at a elementary school. She is one of my Mom's best friends, like the sister she never had. She is an amazing cook, always without recipes. She writes lovely letters and sends thoughtful cards. She is a great Aunt, amazing Mother, awesome Wife, and Friend.





Please set aside a minute and say some prayers for her. Prayers specifically for her cancer to be shrinking, for her energy and spirit to come back to where it was a few short weeks ago, and for her husband and daughter.





I thank you, and I know she would as well. God bless

Taking a breath...

So after an ear infection on the poor kids birthday and then a reaction to the MMR? (rash everywhere) along with a viral sore throat, and basically not feeling good. We are finally better than ever. The child is practically running, so the video at the bottom of this isn't really how he walks anymore, but I cannot keep up, so oh well.

This week, Andy is home, I worked the weekend, so I am off more this week. We are going to enjoy it! Eat dinner at home, go on walks, etc. Tanner seems to be getting a SLIGHT less busy because he just wants to walk everywhere so he isn't getting into as much stuff. That to say, we still run around ALL day long, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

-God bless

Tanner playing with no pants on...with his Uncle Dustin.
Walking around the golf course at the Waterloo Open with his Daddy...

Loving his 1st Birthday cake!

A little timid.

Going on a ride in Grandma and Grandpa K's boat...looks a little smashed huh?

Our little man walking (about a week or so ago).

Happy Birthday to you..cha cha cha!

So Tanner's FIRST Birthday has come and gone....too fast for my liking. It started off with a bang. Daycare called that he had a temp of 101.7...so we had to do some re-arranging to pick him up. The next day (his birthday) I took him to the Dr., his first ear infection. I cannot believe that he went a year without one, or that he got sick for the first time on his birthday. Oh well. He was feeling pretty crummy, but we took him to a special Birthday lunch anyways! It was special with balloons and a present and a birthday hat...plus surprise visits from Aunt Katie and Grandma Keilbey! Later, the Hoffman family came in town for his big day!

We had the good food, family, blow-up bouncer in the backyard, balloons everywear, and lots of smiles First Birthday Party on Saturday. It went by too fast, and despite Tanner getting over an ear infection and skipping his afternoon nap, he was a great little man! He did not dig into his cake....this is crazy, only because this child eats everything in site and shoves it in his mouth! Oh well.

I cannot believe he is one. My BABY is ONE! He is such a little boy, and I love him more and more every single minute.

Last, but certainly NOT LEAST...he is WALKING, I mean everywhere. Last week it was a couple steps, etc. Now he walks everywhere and doesn't really fall too much either. It is so incredible to see this little person walking, he looks way too little to walk. I love walking next to him holding his little hand...my new favorite thing in life.

I will post pics of his party and a video of his walking real soon!
Lots of love and blessings....

You have a what?

Tanner has a MOLAR...ya who would've thought? I guess when you start getting teeth at 4 months, you are bound to have molars by a year! My poor baby, just must be hurting...he's still the happiest guy around though.

We went to Iowa this weekend for our neice's 2nd birthday. It was great family time, but went too fast. It's really cute how her and Tanner have started playing with each other. I can't wait until they are older to see how their relationship becomes. Man, do they look alike or what?
Grandma Hoffman helping Tanner with some snacks!

Grandpa Hoffman playing with Tanner at the pool!

Tanner and Molly playing at her new picnic table...This picture was caught in about 1 second before Tanner almost fell off the chair and Molly was ready to do other things!

Da duda daaaa!!! Tanner walking behind a walker for the first time. Now that we've got to borrow the walker, with just a few days he is way better. He will now run into anything, then scoot it over and start walking again.

2 more weeks until the big 1 for Tanner. I can't believe it....we got his pictures taken and he looks like such a BIG boy!

Milestone

Tanner took his first steps today! They were tiny, tiny steps...but they were steps! It was so great that Andy and I were there together to see him do it. He seems timid a lot, and sits down ever so gingerly, but he can really do it if he wants! Today he is also cruising like crazy around and to everything. He is going from couch to table to chair and leaning as far as he can to get to stuff. He kept going around and around his little music table today, he was making us dizzy!

That's our crazy news today! Hope everyone is having a good weekend! :)

Celebrate every minute, hour, day, etc.

I'm not a huge Oprah fan, but some of her shows are interesting. The other day she had "miracles" on her show. My Mom and I happened to watch like literally 2 minutes of the show, in between chasing Tanner around her house. It was a blog called 99 balloons, and it was this father who blogged about his wife's pregnancy and then the birth and life of their baby with Trisomy 18. This baby was not suppose to live, but lived 99 days. They celebrated each day, and each month. On the babies month birthdays they had parties. It made me cry thinking about how fortunate I am.

The whole point of this was to hope to make you all think like it did myself and my Mom. I should be thanking God more than I do. Yes, I pray daily, but sometimes I look over how really fortunate I am by getting bogged down with the daily things. I try to ask God for forgiveness for my sins that day, pray for other people, and then thank God for things in my life.

One of the things that I obviously have on my prayer list is my son, Tanner. Working where I do, and watching that segment brought to my realization AGAIN how lucky I am. When I am frustrated by chasing Tanner around all day, I need to thank God the he can be mobile. Whe he is crying in the middle of the night, I should be thanking God he is at home and can cry for me. I should be thanking God all the time for the time we have with him, that he is healthy, happy, and here. I think of Tanner often while I am at work caring for kids that are sick. Often, the kids I take care of are "frequent flyers" at the hospital, kids who spend their childhood's here. When I take care of them, I try to treat them as my own, how I would want my son to be treated. Then I thank God again that he is healthy. God has a plan, he has a plan for the healthy, and for the sick. I truely believe that with all my heart. Sometimes we just don't know what the plan is, or why.

So today, I celebrate my son's 11month, 8 days, and 17 hours. I can't even count how many years, months, days, and hours old I am, but I celebrate that also....everyone should celebrate today and everyday.

Finally Summer....

It finally feels like SUMMER! We've been cramming the days full of as much as we can. Baseball games, park playdates, walks outside, swinging on the swing, pool time, eating outside, and just enjoying ourselves. It's been busy, but a good busy. We are only looking forward to so much in the upcoming weeks. Below is our "cool dude" guy, he actually keeps his sunglasses on for like 2.5 seconds! Do you like the fauxhawk? His Aunt Katie gave that to him! He thinks he is such a big helper...
Baby pool time in the front yard! If we don't have time to make it to the real pool, this does the trick for some entertainment quick. We have a little water baby on our hands...thank goodness, because his Mommy loves to go to the pool, so he has no choice...haha!

This weekend coming up, one of my best friend's wedding reception, and FATHER'S DAY! I am excited to make the day special for Andy and his first day.

God bless, until next time....

May post continued....

I always can't figure out the right way to get these pictures in the order I want....so they are backward. Oh well. This is a picture from my first Mother's Day! It was a great day, relaxing and so special. I love being a Mom, more than I could ever imagine. I feel so lucky to be Tanner's Mom. Andy made me breakfast, then we had a great early dinner of steaks at my parents house...relaxing.

Here are my handsome boys! I love this picture...they both have such great real smiles on their faces.

My LITTLE sister graduated from University of Missouri with honors several weeks ago. I just cannot believe that she is out of school and going on to get her Master's Degree. I beam with pride when I talk about it, like she was my kid.

A little family picture from Columbia on graduation day. I'm so glad Tanner got to re-wear his Easter outfit...it was freezing that day!

Our first family Royals game for my birthday. Tanner LOVED it...he just looked around. He was such a good boy. He ate some bar-b-que and got his "Royals fan" certificate. He konked out in the car and was asleep within like 30 seconds. I know Andy is already planning for Twins games in Minnesota, and to have "boy days" at the baseball game!

Along with this update post I wanted to get some quick little thoughts out about my son and trying to hold onto these precious memories that I don't want to ever forget.

*How he says "mmmm" after EVERY bite of foot he eats.

*How he crawls so fast, pulls up on anything in site, then gently sits down backwards and looks for the next thing to crawl up on.

*His favorite new "word" is "guy"...he says it a million times

*How he wants me when he is tired, or hurt...but when it comes to playing there is no one better than his Daddy

*How he SHOVES food in his mouth, you can only put several bites at a time in front of him or there might be a choking problem

*How frustrating bedtimes and naptimes are right now, and how too soon this will past and I won't be able to remember how hard it is now.

*How he cries when other kids touch him or take his pacifier...we are working on it.

*How he has 8 teeth right now and is getting more

*How he loves his taggy blanket and is starting to need it now to sleep.

*How he won't sit or stand in the grass

*His giggle

*How he picks up his sippy cup and chugs his water...then proceeds to throw it on the floor.

*How he will pull off his diaper a million times if you let him.

*How his favorite things are being outside, going on walks outside, being in the water, sesame street, his pacifier, his taggy blanket, and of course his parents (had to throw that in there)...

Crazy May

So, I warned you that May was a crazy month, so here I am a month later just getting around to a post! This one is a Tanner post, I will post another one of pictures other than my son. Tanner fell asleep like this and I thought it was so cute and funny. Taggy blanket under arm...boy was he exhausted.

2 out of the 3 boys in my life....he looks like he's about to get into trouble doesn't he?

I LOVE this picture! He just pulled up on the window....

This is Tanner and his Daddy hanging outside and using his new swing....he loves it. It doesn't get him excited, it really just calms him down. Probably because he's been in a swing since he was a baby.

I love messy food pictures. This is after Tanner ate a "biter biscuit" which is really hard, but then it sort of melts in his mouth and then you can figure out how he ended up looking like this.

So update on Tanner....he is eating all "real people" food now, loving every minute of it. Even at daycare he gets to eat their food. I told Andy he won't ever want to come home...kidding. He has his first friend, Jay at daycare...they play together a lot. He eats a ton, and fast...I hope he is always a good eater! Other than that, he is crawling really fast, pulling up on everything in sight, opening every drawer and cabinet...constantly hitting his head, smashing his fingers...it is a tough, busy age, but sooo fun. His favorite "words" are "guy", "dada", "mama", and "uh-oh"... and his parents favorite word is "no"....

Next update, maybe today will be on the rest of our life!