FALB FAMILY FUN

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2012-01-18T15:46:00.002-05:00

The first week of January Grandpa Badertscher or Great-Grandpa Badertscher, as the little girls call him, had a birthday. Grandpa and all of his children came over to celebrate with food and cake and of course ice cream.

The girls were in the playroom with their toys when we first sang Happy Birthday to Grandpa and blew out candles and since they love singing the song so much....we let them sing to him again and Grandpa sang along with them. I just love this little video!!

In my line of work I am able to witness the one of the most wonderful miracles on earth, the birth of a newborn baby. I love every moment. From the first time those little eyes open as their skin touches air, from the first breath that they take. I usually have tears running down my face as I watch a dad kiss his wife as she holds their precious bundle. They both are crying in joy. It's an amazing experience that never gets old.

However, lately watching Grandpa fade away as Parkinson's takes more and more of him, I am amazed at God's keeping power. I love watching him take part in meeting (not the way he might have once before, but ever helpful still the same). I love listening to him pray. I love seeing the struggle for victory still there. It's so encouraging to watch him continue.

So... Happy Birthday Grandpa....Thanks for your example and for staying 'steady and true'!

New Years at Grandpa Terry and Grandma Pat's

2012-01-13T15:54:00.008-05:00

My co-captain Olivia. We got up early Friday morning. Jason and Christa needed to make arrangements for the upcoming funeral for Christa's dad. Nate had to work there in Wooster. Grandpa Terry was still in Columbus for work and Grandma Pat had to work at the office. So, I pretended to be Jen Campbell and played mama to 4 girls. It was a blast and I LOVED every minute. Yes, I was extremely exhausted by sunset, but a great day!! We first went to eat at Bob Evans for breakfast. Then we went to Buehler's. The girls picked out flowers for the mommy 'since her daddy had just died' as sweet Victoria put it. They wanted her favorites calla lillies, but settled for a white winter bouquet of roses, lillies and various other white posies. It was gorgeous. We just had to get something for Grandma too. Then we went to Starbucks where us girls got some hot chocolate and a skinny peppermint mocha for Grandma. Then we showed up at Grandma's office to drop off her little surprise. The girls went and visited the dr's and rn's with Grandma while this mama took a breather. Then back on the road we were again. We went to WalMart for some groceries and then.... We met Grandma Pat for lunch at Chipotle.
Grandma and all her granddaughters ate at one table and (Nate joined us for lunch too) we ate at the table beside them. The girls had a blast!! We then went to East Union bulk food and stocked up on deli meats and cheeses. We also purchased our supplies to make stromboli for dinner.

The next day we headed for Alice Noble Ice Arena where we showed off our ice skating skills...hahaha. Addison could not wait!!!

Mama and Daddy took turns with Addison after Kendra refused to get on the ice.

Grandma Pat with Olivia and Victoria.

Thanks Aunt Christa for the sugar high :o) Kendra refused to take her helmet off. Even though she threw a fit and would only let Aunt Christa take her on the ice...she wanted to keep her helmet on...smart girl, I guess.

Liv goes around for round 2...

This was New Years Eve and BBQ ribs we were havin'!!
We had all left the table but Grandpa Terry refused to leave one piece of meat on the bones. He cleaned them all up!

That night we went bowling at Wayne Lanes. Everyone did fantastic with the exception of me. I was never blessed with coordination in the hand to eye department when it involves a ball (basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, bowling, kickball). You name it I struggled with it. I hope with all of my might that our kids get Daddy's incredible I-can-play-every-sport talent. Anyways, I want to blame my jean skirt wearing for my horrible bowling score, but I'm pretty sure it was just my norm. So I didn't embarrass the rest of my bowling party that I arrived with (and so I would have a vehicle to go home in) I sat out for the next game and watched the girls.
Addison getting ready to throw a strike.

Kendra waiting to push the ball down the shoot.

Grandma Pat and her girls.

Grandpa Terry holding Kendra

Kendra stealing ice from Uncie Jason's cup.

missing them again this year...

2012-01-13T15:43:00.002-05:00

It was a hard year - It doesn't even seem like it's been a year! We stopped to see their gravesites and to let the girls tie balloons to cousin Logan's name. They really have them looking nice with all the red and green. Logan's closeup turned out blurry.

I know it might be a little weird to take the girls here but they love to remember here. We talk about Grandad and Logan and the girls (well Addi mainly) tell stories of being with them.

I think it's good for me too.

To remember what they were.

To remember where they are.

To remember where we want to be.

Dancing with the Stars you say?

2012-01-13T15:29:00.003-05:00

This is the promised video of Nate and I dancing at Christmas. I can't convince him to take ballroom dancing classes with me...yet. But, don't be surprised if someday....well a girl can dream right??

Nate knows and tries to understand my understated, slight obsession with Dancing with the Stars.

oh..I forgot how short the clip is.. I think Rebecca was afraid that even with my mad dancing skills, I might somehow plow into her...so for what is lacking in video... maybe I can make up for it in pictures.

Christmas at Dad and Mom's

2012-01-10T15:09:00.003-05:00

I'll admit it. I've tried several times to blog but just haven't 'felt' it. I hate how long the pictures take to load. I hate when I don't have a picture to load. Goodness, maybe I don't have all of my grouchies out of me yet today. hehehe (Nate might argue that most days I don't get my grouchies out) but anywho - onto our holidays....

We had a wonderful Christmas weekend at Dad and Mom's at Sharon. It was our first Christmas there at their new/old house :o) The first night there (even though we've stayed there a few times now) I kept saying "I'm not sure this feels like home yet?" However, by the next day while we were getting our Christmas dinner ready and playing games and opening up a few gifts - I decided that it could feel like home. All of us together (with the exception of Dave and Amber) felt like home. While we were making a ginormous chex mix, Nate and I and then Dad and Mom did an impromptu dance.. We were dancing in our sock and stocking feet on the hardwood floor gliding around while Addison and Kendra and Darren and Rebecca giggled at us. I'll have to find a video of that one for you.

Grandma decided she would rather stay at her house and wanted the girls to come over there for their presents. So, we went over there mid-morning where a Barbie kitchen and accessories, Barbie car and Barbies were galore and a Baby changer, diaper bag, pacnplay, carseat carrier, high chair, and baby doll were a-plenty. Boy, did Granny score big with our little girls!!

Christmas morning we drove to Virgil and Stella's for a beautiful Sunday meeting. It was wonderful to all be together. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Holly came down Saturday evening, so we were able to be with them as well. That sure was special! Aunt Holly's birthday is on the 25th so we were able to celebrate it with her!!

all I want to do is 'comment'....

2011-12-20T05:48:00.002-05:00

Does anyone else have issues with commenting on fellow bloggers' post? In the past, I had no problems being able to comment on various blogs that I followed and now it doesn't allow me to. It's so frustrating!! So, to you all out there, I'm loving the posts and pictures. Jen - the girls are getting so big. Wish I could squish their little bodies in a big ole hug...oh, and you too! Reb - I'm hoping for snow this weekend too, but I'm thinking I might have to keep on hoping with the forecast the way it is. Youngin - loving the little videos and pics of your little growing munchkin. She is beautiful and gorgeous!! The girls love looking at new pictures of her and Kendra giggles when she watches her videos. Cute story of the different shoes (glad we aren't the only ones) Dora - I can't wait to read your posts of your fun family and see what adventures come next. and so on and so on...I could continue giving shout outs but the main thing is trying to get my commenting fixed. I'll just keep working at it!!

weekend fun

2011-12-19T06:12:00.002-05:00

We had a great weekend!! First we headed to Uncle Andrew and Aunt Holly's for their annual cookie exchange. The girls loved playing with all of their cousins and this Daddy and Mama loved having the built-in babysitters. (Thanks Elly and Eva) We filled up on the fabulous food and then headed to Grandpa Terry and Grandma Pat's house. We took a trip down memory lane - driving through Medina (our little apartment), then through Wadsworth (our first house - where we brought both girls home from the hospital) and then finally to Wooster. It's amazing the places and experiences we've been through already in just 6 years!! When we got to Gpa and Gma's house, we were able to spend some time with Carlton and Randy, who were there for special meeting rounds. The next day we went shopping in Amish Country (East Union), Target (because the closest one to us is too far away - such a shame), Lodi Outlet Malls (Gpa and Gma took the girls on a train ride while Daddy and Mama finished some shopping for Olivia and Victoria...also, get this...the shoes Addison wore Friday night to the cookie exchange that fit her 'just fine'; she could not even walk in them Saturday morning - kept crying that they hurt her toes - talk about growth spurt...this child keeps growing!! So, a new pair of black boots she acquired as well). Then off to Malabar Farm Restaurant for our Falb Christmas dinner. Boy, was it AMAZING!!!! It did not disappoint!!

How was your weekend?

Zoo Lights

2011-12-16T07:11:00.012-05:00

Zoo lights were an absolute blast...blast as in blast of fun, blast of cold wind, blast of cold rain...oh well, you know what they say...the family that gets frostbiten together, stays together!!
We watched "dancing lights" which were lights that 'danced' to kids Christmas songs. We also saw ice sculpting (and how to make an ice block into something else if your chainsaw accidently knocks the penguins beak off). We stopped for some yummy hot chocolate. Then, we watched jellyfish swim under red and green spotlights which made their clear bodies look as if they were changing colors. We all had a wonderful time. For an extra treat, the girls got to sleep with us last night. So lots of snuggling (aka: legs in face, knees in back, toes in nose)!
It must have all been worthwhile because Addi rolled over this morning and whispered, Mama, let's go to the zoo again tonight.
Today we're making 7 dozen snickerdoodles for the Sparks family cookie exchange/potluck. Everyone comes home with 14 half dozen different cookie varieties. This is perfect for when our immediate families get together for the holidays as well. We use the cookies from our cookie exchange. So, when Nathan gets off work, we'll head to Uncle Andrew and Aunt Holly's with our pot of chili and snickerdoodles. Then, we plan to go to Grandpa Terry and Grandma Pat's house for the weekend. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

2011-12-15T08:06:00.003-05:00

Today is a day off with my girls!! We plan to do lots today. Our first task at hand is the laundry - oh my, this will take a while..probably on and off all day...and with my girls help - maybe even longer! Then, we're going to get our Christmas cards out and take some of our cutout cookies to Great Grandpa and Grandma Izetta. I'm sure they'll enjoy all of the sugar. Tonight, Nathan is planning on taking us girls to the Toledo Zoo Lights - let's see if the rain cooperates with us!! Maybe we'll get some pictures on later...

cutouts of Christmas...

2011-12-14T07:08:00.002-05:00

Christmas cutout cookies are so much fun to make...especially with a 2 and 3 year old. We had sprinkles everywhere you can imagine. Kendra just loved watching the sprinkles come out so she continued to have herself a little snowglobe in her corner. Addison was meticulous with where she placed each sprinkle in the first 5 minutes but after watching her sister splash them every-which-way. She overcame her better judgement and shook and placed to her hearts content. This would be our process AND results!!

try to catch up a little at a time :o)

2011-12-13T06:24:00.003-05:00

We had a great, fun weekend with the whole Badertscher clan for the past few days giving Dave a little sendoff before he went to Georgia. We had so much fun: eating, chatting, eating, playing games, eating, opening presents, eating...you get the point!! One of the many fun things we did was make making cutout cookies. We plan to decorate them tonight. (pictures to follow)

We have had a busy and fun filled summer, but I have failed to blog...so I'm hoping on these blah winter days - I can post our memories here and remember all the warm summer times we had!

Around 5am this morning (after I had taken my shower for work)I hear this breathing coming from the living room...I'm immediately thinking someone is in the house. I look around...no one....and I no longer hear the noise so I start to slowly walk back up the stairs while thinking to myself. "Why are the blankets and pillows never put back on the couch?? If we could just pick up after ourselves our house wouldn't always look like a pig sty...grrr...." and what to my wondering eyes would appear but little Addison's hair sticking out from the blankets. She had come down in the middle of the night, wedged herself between the coffee table and couch amongst all the couch pillows and blankets and had herself a nice sleep. First time for that - she's usually in the middle of Nate and I if she gets up in the night. As I was reading my Bible about a half hour later in the recliner...I seem a little fuzzy head emerge from the coffee table.."Did I surprise you mama??"

fabulous weekend.....check

2011-05-11T13:45:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Gross!! Love you tons...xoxoxo

Mother's Day weekend was a blast. We left Friday and stopped in Wooster for a delicious dinner at Matsos...my fave their Greek salad and an egg salad grinder.

The kids rode fairly well. I think we sang John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt too many times to remember. We stopped and saw Harry and Nancy Shaw and Irving in Strasburg. Hopefully, he'll recover quickly without too many more setbacks. We arrived home a little after Mom and Grandma returned home from celebrating Donald's birthday with Dennis and Beth Carver in Marietta.

The girls camped out with Gramma and Granny while Nate and I slept at the old/new convention house with Rebecca and Darren. (while it's not all the way finished...wowsers does it look good!!)

Saturday morning we went to breakfast at Lori's where we enjoyed wonderful food. Then, we headed to The Wilds. The kids loved seeing all the various animals but it started raining and ended up being too cold to actually enjoy the safari ride completely. Mom bought the girls binoculars just like Grandpa/Grandad had many years before for Rebecca and I. It was bittersweet remembering him and Grandma/Granny taking us...couldn't help but wish that he was there with us... (pictures to follow at a later time)

Afterwards, the boys headed to Marietta to look at some RC cars, helicopters, and trains while us girls went back to get Grandma/Granny. She put up a fuss giving us every excuse why she shouldn't go out, but we won :o)

We took Mom and Grandma/Granny to Olive Garden where they drank peach ice tea. Our appetizers were stuffed mushrooms, fried mozzarella, fried zucchini, and calamari. We ate everything from seafood Alfredo, tour of Italy, lasagna, soup and salad, eggplant lasagna, and of course bread sticks. Have I got you drooling yet? Well, the best is yet to come. Coffee and Lemon cream cake. Superb!! We surprised Grandma/Granny with a birthday cake and a lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday" from our little gang and some help of neighboring patrons, since our little family wouldn't be with her today. She was surprised which delighted us!!

To top it off....Nathan and Darren (at our request) bought Mom and Grandma orchid corsages for our special dinner. Thanks boys!! (for pictures of our Wilds trip and dinner, check out my sister blog..lol Darren and Rebecca's blog )

Meeting Sunday morning was at Virgil and Stella's. A wonderful meeting with wonderful people. So thankful for His spirit that makes us one.

We finished our weekend with a Fresh Mozzarella Trio and Chicken Vegy Medley from Donatos. If you haven't tried it yet...it's well worth it!!

The girls STILL haven't given in to napping, but this mama will stand her ground and not give in...they WILL be asleep within the next half hour so I can watch my Dancing with the Stars on hulu....I just gotta :o) I've planted my flowers, cleaned the downstairs, and taken them to Fort Findlay playground for lunch with Daddy... I deserve my Dancing with the Stars...right?!?

a little of This and That...

2011-05-06T00:32:00.004-04:00

We're heading down to Sharon this weekend to celebrate Mother's Day with my beautiful and wonderful mama!! She and my dad have been working hard on the old-new convention house. We're so excited that it's coming around and hopefully almost done!!

The girls have been getting adjusted to the new routine here at 'Grampa and Gramma's house' as Addison continues to call it. I try to explain that this is our new home and Addi continues to disagree, "Nope, Grampa and Gramma's" okay, then...Grampa and Gramma's it is. They have a playroom again (like they did at our last house). This is such a treat to have a room that is totally theirs to mess up and not have to be picked up every 10 seconds. I still try to tidy it up at the end of the day, but when company stops in unexpectedly, I love being able to have a spic and span living room and saying, sorry about the playroom that's the girls room. The new sitter is going well too. I still have to pry Kendra off of me when I leave her which breaks my heart and makes me wish I could stay at home and never leave her ever again. But then, Addison yells out through the screen door, "Bye-bye Mama...I love you...Make lots of money at work so you can take me to Elmo World again" Kids....gotta love 'em!

I'm still adjusting to my new work schedule. I go in at 2:30pm and work until 3:15am. I am able to come home and sleep and then have time to be a mama to my kids without being a complete zombie. This hospital is a lot bigger and the unit is much busier than any OB unit I've worked on before, but it keeps me steady and my skills are getting stronger.

So, with working full time again...I am making out a 2 week meal schedule that we try to strictly stick to and then I only go grocery shopping once every 2 weeks which is helping out so much with fitting it into my schedule and cutting back on not buying the non-necessities. Nate and I are splitting the duties/responsibilities almost even!! The evenings I am home, I cook and when I'm gone he cooks. What a good man I have!!!

We now have 1 dog (Chief), several...I repeat...several cats (Addi has a new name for all of them every time we visit the barn...today was Tink, Lacy, Zeno, Lank, Zank, etc), and 16 chickens/1 rooster (Ralph and Mrs. Cluck are what we call the rooster and most of the hens...lol) It's so much fun to have chores to do and have the sense of accomplishment when they are finished. We love gathering the eggs and watching the kitties grow. My girls are LOVING life on the farm. We plan to someday get a steer or 2 and maybe a lamb or piglets...it's so much fun to just daydream :o)

Special meetings were wonderful: like a cool glass of water after a long hot day. It just quenched the thirst!!

Our workers are starting gospel meetings again - I believe 3 meetings a week!! Special privileges....

Well...I guess that's a start. I have some pictures to post when I get around to it of some of our new adventures, but thought I could try posting a little more often :o)

What's everyone else up to this spring??

2011-04-17T15:28:00.000-04:00

third time a charm??

These are the moments...

2010-10-04T14:18:00.003-04:00

Meeting Daddy at the park for lunch are some of the most fun days we girls have. It just doesn't get any better than that :o). We can be having a horrible day and then swinging on the swings with Daddy is our "fix"!

Kendra Elizabeth

Addison Annele

Kendra had her 1st Birthday!!!

2010-10-02T16:54:00.003-04:00

We've been so crazy since then that we haven't been able to catch up. Today is a rainy day and after receiving at least 5 emails from my sister saying, I quote "YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR BLOG!!", I decided to try and 'catch up'.

August 10th, 2010, our second daughter, Kendra Elizabeth turned 2!!! Grandpa Terry and Grandma Pat Falb, Uncie Jason, Aunt Christa, Cousins Olivia and Victoria Falb, Grampa and Gramma Badertscher, Uncie Dave Badertscher, and Great-Aunt Marjorie Badertscher came and helped us celebrate!! Her theme was hot pink and hot orange and swirls!! She loved her cake. No shyness there. She dove in right away and was covered within seconds. Of course, Nurse Mama took it away before we had a diabetic coma on our hands. :o) We ate picnic style outside and the kids played in the sprinkler and slipnslide, Daddy and Uncie Dave had set up. After opening lots of fun presents, nap times we in order for EVERYONE!!!!

Here is a video of our singing Happy Birthday to little Kendra!!

The Busy-ness of a Falb week

2010-07-16T11:22:00.009-04:00

Monday and Tuesday all I was able to accomplish was laundry, change diapers, take Addison to the potty, laundry, change diapers, take Addison to the potty, feed children, laundry, laundry, and more laundry....whew..glad we were able to get that out of the way. As much as I complain about laundry I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer. It wasn't so long ago we were using contraptions that weren't so advanced or just went around smelling....hmmm after that thought I'm glad I did laundry for 2 straight days :o)

Nate and I have started walking at the Kinney Walking Track in Wooster with the girls on our 'free' nights which end up being Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. It's a wonderful trail with just enough hills and valleys and trees and breeze to make it worth it.

Wednesday, the girls and I went to Dad and Mom's for a funeral. My high school history teacher had a massive heart attack at age 50 and passed away. He was not only a wonderful instructor, but an amazing friend. He attended Nate and I's wedding reception and always took time to chat with us when we were in town. He will surely be missed by me... and his young family.

Thursday morning we found our freezer to be full YET AGAIN of thawed meat...lots of thawed meat!! This caused for a very..no, extremely...no, better yet indefinably angry mama!!! When we moved to our farmhouse, we knew we would have to buy a refrigerator, oven/stove, and microwave. After much browsing and budgeting, we decided to go with some decent 'scratch n dents'. We were very successful in the oven/stove and microwave areas. On to the frige....we continued to look and finally found a matching bisque-colored refrigerator. woohoo!!! We got it, took it home and noticed that even though it was super cold in the store, the frige side was not cooling down enough. I called the store back and after the rigamarole of a week of them "having a part, but not having a guy able to come fix it" they decided that they "the part they were now waiting on to arrive was not going to be able to get here in time". Some more big GRRRRSSSSS from me. I asked for my money back and they said they would just come to our house get the broken one and give us a new one. Okay, I was fine with this ( I guess I had to be)...I went down to the store (an hour away) to make sure before they hauled it up to my house the next day, it truly was a frige I would want in my house ( I really didn't trust these people). It was fine. New frige here. Everything hunky-dory!! Move on to vacation. Before we left, we started smelling something 'funny' but couldn't find the answer...the answer...THE ANSWER????? Nate calls me on vacation, "honey, our freezer stopped working....a whole freezer of beef and chicken compeletly thawed and smelling to high heavens!!! He thinks he has it 'fixed'. He leaves for vacation. We get home from vacation. Freezer seems cold. I go to store and restock freezer with frozen materials. Now we are to present time: Thursday morning: FREEZER THAWED with ICE frosted all on its back!!!!! I call the manager, irate! using my oh-so-professional-yet-very-angry-I-could-bite-your-head-off voice and explain the situation. I tell them I want this piece of junk out of my house today with my money back plus money for my 2 freezers full of thawed meat and I will not take NO for an answer. They came and fixed it today, Friday mid-morning. Moral to my long and boring story: DO NOT BUY A USED REFRIGERATOR...it will more than likely cause you much anxiety and nausea as well as cost you lots of money that you do not have :o)

Today we are relaxing and trying to keep the house in shape for the weekend. We've weeded the garden, got some veggies from it (which Addison thinks is the most fun thing to do!!), played with our kitties ( washed our hands), played sidewalk chalk, and even went to DQ for an icecream run!! whew.....Now it's a napping house where everyone is napping...except for a mama who's catching up online :o)

Vacation Blahs

2010-07-11T14:59:00.004-04:00

We've just arrived home after 2 weeks of vacation fun and the blahs and blues have accompanied us. We were so ready for our own beds and cribs, but the end of vacation always means the beginning of our routines again.

We started off by the girls and I heading to Dad and Mom's on Thursday 2 weeks ago. Aunt Rebecca came from New York, dropped her car off at our place and rode with us to Home. 4am, bright and early..well, not the bright part but for sure, very early...we started south!! We arrived in Atlanta, GA after 10 hours in the car with Addison 27mths and Kendra 10mths....yes, we did survive!!! After a quick meet and greet with Amber, Saturday morning (which was way too short...we'll have to do longer later) we headed for Tampa, FL....awaiting us there were our dear friends and adoptive family Brian and Gayle Tingley. Sunday, after meeting we drove to Orlando, FL, to our cousin, Ann Haley's home and stayed there for a couple nights. It's actually more like Haley Hotel. She has wonderful rooms and a gorgeous pool, slide, diving board, and hot tub!! While we were there we spent time with our cousins: Daniel, Keara, Jesse, Hudson, and Brice and Anthony, Tonya, Ava, and Josie!!! What a blast! We hadn't seen them in ages!! We went to Sea World Monday and Tuesday (this was a pefect plan - we got a 2 day pass, so we went really early Monday and did as much as we could until the kids pooped out...came home swam while the kids napped and then woke up Tuesday, napped the kids in the morning and then more Sea World in the afternoon!! ) We went to Uncle Ed and Aunt Leona's on Wednesday and spent some time with them and their family. (we found out that evening that our newest cousin Micah Lee Evans joined our family on Wednesday afternoon in VA...this would be our sister Heather and her husband Ryan's second boy!! Congrats to them). Thursday we went back to the Tingley's home. We went to a Storm pro-arena game there in Tampa, Siesta Key Beach, Tampa Outlet Malls, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete's Beach, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. all while celebrating the holiday, Independence Day (sparklers and all...thanks Aunt Reb) Friday (Nathan and I's 5 year anniversary) morning, Nathan flew into Tampa to join us!! On Monday morning, after many tears, we left Brian and Gayle's lovely home. We then dropped Dave off at the Tampa airport so that he could go back to work. We then headed to Savannah, GA (where 5 years earlier, Nathan and I had honeymooned)...we spent a couple days walking River Street, feasting on scrumptious seafood and learning about the historic downtown by horse drawn carriages. On Wednesday morning, we started for Charleston, SC where we walked the streets and learned more about the history of this wonderful city. We went out to Ft. Sumter Thursday morning and then toured the aircraft carrier, Yorktown. Friday morning, we parted ways with Dad, Mom, and Rebecca. Addison called for her Ma-maw, Pam-paw for a few hours before she realized that they couldn't hear her. We arrived in Roanoke, VA late afternoon Friday to meet our new cousin Micah! Noah and Addison and their daddies swam in the hotel pool, while us mommies and our babies stayed dry :o) Our Satuday consisted of finding IHOP in Roanoke, slipnslides, bubble guns, baby holding, and Subway before we headed back home to good ole Ohio.

So, as you can see we're missing the fun and adventure of a vacation...but oh so ready for our daily routines!!

Aunt Rebecca Came to Visit

2009-06-18T14:19:00.002-04:00

My sister Rebecca came to stay with us for a week. It was wonderful!!! We miss her so much since she's moved to New York a couple years ago - 5 hours away!!! We had a lot of fun this past week: zoo, garage sale, and misc 'stuff'. Our first morning we went to Bob Evans for breakfast.

This is how Addi smiles for the camera now...I remember a certain cousin Victoria doing the same thing not too long ago!!

Garage Sales...

2009-06-04T17:29:00.003-04:00

so, I don't know who all will apprecitate this post but maybe some will...I have found a new obsession/hobby that I love to do on my non-crazy/busy Thursday and Friday mornings...GARAGE SALES...I have been finding baby items, toddler toys, and a little of this and that...Here's today's finds and their retail value: (maybe I'll post pics later...just to prove how good of a deal)

Graco Highchair: RETAIL$100 WHAT I PAID $15

Graco carseat base: RETAIL$42 WHAT I PAID $0

Crib mattress: RETAIL$150 WHAT I PAID $10

Little Tykes Turtle Sandbox: RETAIL$40 WHAT I PAID $10

Backpack Carrier: RETAIL$100 WHAT I PAID $4

Futon: RETAIL$500 WHAT I PAID $15

Patio Table with Umbrella: RETAIL$300 WHAT I PAID $10

TOTAL: RETAIL$1232 WHAT I PAID $64

This is why it's all worth it!!!

Sand City

2009-06-04T17:11:00.004-04:00

When I was a little girl, we had a turtle sandbox. So, obviously I want Addison to have the same experience that her mama did and I have been "nagging" Nate to get one. Well...today, reguarly priced $49.99 at Wal-Mart, I bought a turtle sandbox (one of many good finds) on a garage sale binge for $10!! I came home, Clorox'ed it up and voila...Addison's first of many turtle sandbox memories...

oh yeah, since we didn't have any sand toys...my Tupperware and plasticware did the job!!

Summer Playgroup Fun

2009-06-04T17:04:00.002-04:00

Cousins: Landon and Addison @ our first summer playgroup. We met 4 other kiddos at Kaleidoscope Park in Wadsworth. We can't wait until our next playdate!!

First Swim of the Summer

2009-06-04T16:36:00.002-04:00

Addison got her first baby pool and so of course we just had to try it out...so, being the nice mama that I am, I filled it up with warm/hot water thinking it would be better for Addi plus with it being a little windy...it would cool it down...The pool was so hot that we had to wait an hour to get in...nice one mama!!!

wish i looked this cute in a swimsuit...

"Addison NO!! I said don't go near the edge"

this is gonna be so much fun!!

love this girl

Mama and Addi

29 weeks

2009-06-04T16:24:00.005-04:00

Addison's view

29 weeks..and counting

Akron Aeros Game

2009-06-04T15:57:00.005-04:00

We took Addi to her second baseball game. We went to see the Akron Aeros. It was a long game, but she took it all in and enjoyed every second!!

all ready to go
Daddy and Addison

Mama and Addison

how many more innings??

the Falb family

Canal Fulton Park

Addison loved Orbit - the Aeros mascot...she wouldn't take her eyes off him!!

Little Miss Sunshine

2009-06-04T15:51:00.002-04:00

Addison loves going through my dresser drawers...emptying them...and then throwing the clothes back in....She's so cute at it ...that I keep letting her do it...What a smile and a dress from Gramma will do!!

what mama??
I'll pick them up later...

trot, trot, trot to her room...

are you still watching me??

27 weeks

2009-05-19T10:42:00.002-04:00

We're at 27 weeks...not a huge milestone but something to mention. At my appointment with the midwife today, the baby's heartbeat was in the 140's which is wonderful!! This little girl moves constantly. I have contractions that are normal and healthy all the time!! Hopefully it's getting my body ready for delivery in August!! Addison was such a good girl. She sat in the stroller and absorbed every ounce of the visit. Eyes wide open as they measured the baby and listened to the heartbeat. Little does she know what it all means and how her world is going to be turned upside down!!

COSI: Center of Science & Industry

2009-05-19T10:05:00.006-04:00

Friday night, our nieces, Olivia and Victoria came to Ohio. The plan was that they were to stay with us...Uncie Nate, Aunt Rachel, and Cousin Addison, Friday night. But...when Grandpa and Grandma Falb went to leave, 2 little someones wanted to go along too.

On Saturday, we took Olivia and Victoria along with Grandpa and Grandma Falb to COSI in Columbus, Ohio. It was a blast: chaotic, crazy, exhausting, entertaining....a blast!! Everyone did great. Baby Falb kicked and moved the entire time. Addison loved walking and only had 20 minutes of a nap, but wasn't cranky at all. As soon as we hit the car she was fast asleep.

My girl...

2009-05-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

I happen to think that I'm the luckiest mama in the whole wide world!!!

Jimmy and Amanda's Wedding ~ May 8, 2009

2009-05-14T10:24:00.006-04:00

During the "intermissions", Addison was able to spend some time with Grandad and Granny...

Grandad and Addison Hammin' it up for Granny

Grandad feeding Addi some hor d'oeuvres

The Wedding...

we sat in the very last row due to having a no nap-cranky-teething toddler who would more than likely need to take several visits outside...on top of that my zoom was not cooperating in a timely manner...so I either got pictures that were far away or I got no pictures...I chose the far away pictures....

First Kiss as a married couple!!

The Reception

Jimmy and Amanda, like most of us northeastern Ohioans, are dedicated and devoted Cavs fans...well who couldn't be?? especially after 2 sweeps, but we'll go into that in another post...so to show their true appreciation to LeBron and his court, the newlyweds were introduced magically...with a little baby powder help...

Jim and Beth Paluch

(Jim and my mom are first cousins...Jimmy and I grew up like first cousins)

The first dance as Mr. and Mrs. James Paluch..I'm blaming it all on the hormones but I'll admit I was crying like a baby through the whole dance and Andy's speech...Nate just looked at me and rolled his eyes...so many tears, I couldn't even blame it on allergies :o)

Best Man toasting his big brother

Table Setting

The Cake

The cake was gorgeous and beautiful and immaculate...until Jimmy and Amanda got to it...the couple cake cutting and eating happens to be the best one I've seen to date...

As you see, Jimmy continues to go for Amanda's face as he is "getting away" from her.

But don't be fooled, Amanda's hand......yeah, it's just starting to smear icing all over Jimmy while they're kissing!!!

The Happy Couple

Why there are no pictures of Nate, Rachel and Addison Falb together :o)

where Addi spent most of her evening...

My little helper...

2009-05-14T10:17:00.002-04:00

Addison helping Mama clean the bedroom...

Lunchtime with Daddy

2009-05-14T08:04:00.004-04:00

Addison and I often go down to Wooster and pick Nate up from work for lunch on days when we don't have a whole lot planned. Now that the weather is nice, we've been enjoying the parks to devour our food.....and play!!!

Freelander's Park

going down the slides...

WHEEE!!!!

When we told Addi that we had to take Daddy back to work...she ran saying, nonononono....right towards the exit :o)

Byer's BBQ

2009-05-11T14:42:00.003-04:00

We went over to the Byer's for some awesome BBQ!!! Marinated chicken kabobs with rice, bean/corn salsa and chips....yummy!!! After supper, the boys played some baseball - Indians vs. Tigers. Mara and I chatted and Addison fell in love with the sandbox (that's a must on the "things to get this summer" list). When the sun started to go down, we went inside for some "after-dinner-music". Thanks for a wonderful start to a great summer of BBQ's.....

Mr. Cool - the hitter, outfielder, and base runner: Ian...I almost forgot..and sometimes pitcher

"you can't get me..you can't get me"

"oh yes I can...and yes i did"...."not fair, not fair"

beautiful music...by our talented, yet still in training (we hope) musicians...

Hartville Market Place

2009-05-11T14:35:00.003-04:00

A few Saturdays ago, we decided to go to Hartville Market Place...an indoor/outdoor farmers and flea market. So with the sun rising high in the sky we started off...Addison was a great trooper and smiled...most of the way :o)

Daddy and Addison

2009-05-11T14:22:00.002-04:00

Our Wednesday Night Mtg Rainbow

2009-04-30T14:22:00.003-04:00

it followed us all the way to George and Mary's...well, not all the way, but a long way there!!

Our Special Visitors

2009-04-30T14:18:00.003-04:00

Wanda, Geri, and Addison
Getting lots of snuggles in

Addison fell in love with Geri...

We're Growing Flowers...

2009-04-30T14:14:00.002-04:00

Addison and I planted little "four o'clock" seeds yesterday in our "greenhouse"...we're hoping for results!!! Let's see....these were actually planted....Friday the 24th. Hopefully, we can post some results soon!!

Sissy

2009-04-30T14:01:00.003-04:00

Last night, the three of us were laying in our bed after meeting. Nate and I were cuddling with Addison before putting her in her crib. I kept pointing to my belly, saying "Addi, give sissy a kiss." Nothing....nothing...I continued to say this for....forever..and then, Addison points to my belly and says "nigh, nigh sissy"!!!!! She probably didn't say it that clearly, but both Nate and I knew what she meant...how precious!!!

Garage Sales

2009-04-30T13:58:00.003-04:00

Today, Addison and I went to garage sales with our friend Silvia. We had a blast. We came home with a new highchair for Addison $4.50!!!!, a jogging stroller $7.00!!!!, a Barbie trike bike $0.25!!!, and of course, a few other odds and ends....what a fun time!!!! We're hoping to go out tomorrow for the Friday garage sales....hopefully we have the same luck!!!

Dad Turned 50!!

2009-04-23T09:39:00.003-04:00

we had a surprise party for Dad and "Uncle" Kevin Rayl...their birthdays are a week apart

Addison Turns 1...

2009-04-23T09:29:00.004-04:00

well, she TURNED 1 on March 11th!!!

Addison Around the House

2009-02-03T10:53:00.004-05:00

Addi loves to laugh
and laugh...

scooting around in her walker

hangin' out

showing us her 2 teeth

"I wanna play with it too"

she closes her eyes when she smiles

she loves to play with the camera

walking around with her walker

playing with her dance machine

We love watching Addison grow and accomplish new things....it's amazing!!

Dancing to a New Tune

2009-01-23T21:02:00.003-05:00

As some of you may know, I started my new job on Monday. I work for Wayne Mutual, which is a small insurance company in Wooster. My new position is that of a claims adjuster. If you have ever been in an accident or reported any personal property stolen, you most likely spoke to a claims adjuster to try and get your car fixed or items back. Its a little overwhelming as I have never been in this line of work, let alone, spent much time thinking about my own insurance and coverage. The nice thing is they are going to ease me in. I have about 6 months to get into position and around 2 years to get to the point where they feel I should really know what I am doing. So this week I spent it reading all the different policies we offer and the endorsements and exclusions that go alone with them. The worst is the farm policy, its about 2.5 inches thick. So, at the end of the first week I feel I've learn quite a bit and am looking forward to next week. N

The Joys of Winter

2009-01-11T18:06:00.002-05:00

As many of you are aware, we got our first big snow fall of the season Friday and Saturday. Its great when you can sit and watch it fall, but having to travel in it is no fun. And of course, it was a "blast" to shovel. Addison got to experience her first snow, so that was exciting. More to come... Nate

2009-01-11T14:55:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving Pics

Melissa with her nieces and nephew

Ryan, Heather, and Noah

Jason, Christa, Olivia, and cute lil Victoria

Grandpa and Grandma Falb with their grandkids

Nate, Rachel, Addison: "us"

gotta love that tongue

she loved the turkey leg

Pulling in the BIG one....

2009-01-07T17:45:00.007-05:00

After having a wonderful Thanksgiving at Jason and Christa's, the next day Jason, Dad, and I went fishing out on the Chesapeake Bay. We were after some rock fish and boy did we catch some. Captain Ryan and his mate Kenny of the Midnight Sun had at least 20 to 25 lines out in the water at once and depending on the pill number you pulled before we left the dock, you were next. I pulled 12 so I got to be last and watch and learn from everyone before me. I've caught quite a few fish in my lifetime- walleye, perch, bass, carp, sheephead, steelhead and northern pike- but nothing compared to the fight of these rock fish. Sadly to say, I think it took me the longest to reel the guy in, about 15 minutes, and man did my hands and forearms ever burn. The limit was only one per person so I was kind of glad I didn't have to go again, as I didn't want to make a fool of myself anymore. All the fish easily weighed in at 20-30 lbs and at least 34 inches long. We came away with 30 lbs of fillets. Jay fried them up that night with a little Shoreline, and man were they good..... The link is below to the Midnight Sun's website....

http://www.fishmidnightsun.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=165&PN=3

Well, I will give this a shot....

2009-01-07T17:41:00.004-05:00

I'm not much for Facebook or MySpace, but as I was reading Troy and Youngin's updates from their trip down south I thought it was pretty cool. Low and behold, my lovely wife had already created a blog space. So I will now try and "help her" give this a shot...

Our Little Buckeye

2008-09-10T16:55:00.001-04:00

CONVENTIONS

2008-09-10T16:33:00.000-04:00

Yellow Springs 2008

getting ready for the first day
oh so cute

gramma came and helped us out

Sharon 2008

cute faces from "play time" between meetings

celebrating Gramma and Aunt Rebecca's birthdays

Grampa, Gramma, and Addison

2008-08-11T13:03:00.000-04:00

This is my first try at a blog...we'll see how often I post...with a 5 month old...

I should first introduce you to the love of Nate and I's life....our little girl....