FULLY CHARGED DOUBLE A'S

Christmas Cheer with Santa

2011-12-19T18:57:00.000-05:00

Christmas Card Shots

2011-12-17T09:05:00.000-05:00

We used these on our Christmas card this year. We did the pics on Thanksgiving day before I got sick, whew.. glad I got it in before I fell ill. It was much easier to do this way than go to the picture studio at a mall or something! Definitely the most cost effective!

Never Grow Up

2011-12-15T22:09:00.000-05:00

Abbott Christmas Party

2011-12-02T21:49:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to my friend Jessie who invited us to her company Christmas party at Abbott Nutrition out at Easton. We had a very nice evening and they had many things for the kids to enjoy. Here's a snapshot of the Parker family with Santa and Ava and myself with a princess that was wondering around. Lots of fun to start off December~! Xo Jess!

We made an "A" on the gingerbread house of course!

Is it the happiest time of year?

2011-11-30T19:32:00.004-05:00

For some, absolutely but for others not so much. I rarely ever write anything about "me" or personal but sometimes I think it's necessary to make ones self have some sense of relief, a sense of peace. Here it is not even Dec. 1st and I'm having my first sad moment all brought on by a Christmas carol I heard on my drive home. Just like that, emotions stirred, awakened within me and I can't shake the sadness that's been brought on. The kids are watching Rudolph and all is well and cheerful in their world and of course it will remain that way because I will see to it but I often grieve in silence for a mother I lost eleven years ago come Dec. 23rd. People don't realize that Christmas isn't always a cheerful time for people. Now my mother absolutely loved the holiday and I have childhood memories of it truely being the most magical time of the year so I strive to make it like that for my kids. They know no sadness or feel any loss around Christmas and I pray they never do. For me to think they will never feel it is to be ignorant but I just pray their holiday will always remain "merry and bright". I'm sure we all miss loved ones around the holidays, I just seem to struggle throughout the month of December at times and a carol can hurt, the first snow can hurt, the houses decorated so pretty can even sting. It's hard to explain. I just yearn for my mom who loved all these things and wish I could share them with her. I will grieve only for a short time and move on to making my children enjoy the season and trying my best to teach them that it is about our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. I pray my mom is enjoying it to the fullest by his side and they give me extra strength to endure yet another Christmas without her smiling, ever so cheerful spirit. This song is comforting to me. Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.... not only during this holiday season but always and "all ways".

Merry Christmas!

Bunk Beds

2011-11-13T10:37:00.001-05:00

Andersen got bunk beds a while ago and you can see that he and Ava use them for more than just sleeping. This is from last year, I came across it and haven't posted a video in a while so I thought I'd post it. The "mom" in me was going to tell them to stop it but then I decided to say heck with it and let them have fun and do "cannon balls" into the pillows down below. I'm so glad they have each other to have fun with.

School Project

2011-11-12T18:53:00.000-05:00

The kids had a "timeline" of themselves due in class this week and I was very proud of them for choosing what pictures they wanted and they each wrote out their own sentences! Very proud of how they are learning and we have school conferences this week! I sure hope they turn out good. For every project we have done, I usually indicate that they were born very early and small but while going through pics with Ava she decided she didn't want to talk about that. She was almost scared looking at the pics with oxygen, tubes, IV's, etc. It's like this was the first time it really sank in what had happened when she was born. I didn't push it, so we opted for a baby picture that was free from all the hospital tape, electrodes, etc. I think it's important not to forget how far they've come but also sometimes it's just fine to "let it go" esp. if they want to! So here they are very proud of their projects the morning they turned them in!

The Cost of a Child

2011-10-29T22:38:00.000-05:00

I saw this on someone else's blog and I loved it so much I had to post!

A few years ago the government calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about a shocker. That doesnt even touch college tutition. That figure leads to wild fantasies about all the money we could have saved if not for the birth of our child. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It tranlates to $8896.66 a year or $741.38 a month, or $171.08 a week. That is a mere $24.44 a day! Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advisor might say don't have children if you want to be rich. It is just the opposite.

What do you get for $160,140?

Naming rights. First, middle and last.
Glimpses of God every day. Giggles unser the covers every night.
More love than your heart cold hold. Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds and warm cookies.
A hand to hold usually covered with jelly.
A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites, builiding sandcastles and skipping down the sidewalk inthe pouring rain.
Someone to laugh yourself sill with-no matter what the boss said or how you stocks performed that day.
For $160,140 you never have to grow up.
You get to finger paint, carve pumpkins, play hide and seek, catch lightening bugs and never stop believeing in Santa.
You have an excuse to keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Sunday morning cartoons, and wishin on stars.
You get to fram rainbows, hearts and flowers under refridgerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreathc for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day and card with backward letter for Father's Day.
You get to be a hero for retreiving a Frisbee off the garage roof, removing a splinter, filling the wading pool and coaching a baseball team that never winds but gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat to history to witness the first step, the first word, first bra, first date and first time behind the wheel.
You got to be immortal. you get another branch added to your family tree and if you lucky, a long list of limbs called grandchildren.
You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, and communications that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there with God, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.
You have all the power to heal a boo-boo-, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever and love them without limits SO one day they will, like you, love without counting cost.

Soccer Stars

2011-10-25T19:19:00.002-05:00

Well we tried soccer for the first time this fall. Of course this was Adam's idea because he was the soccer star growing up and he of course wanted to see if Ava and Andersen would share the same love that he had for soccer as a young boy. Adam was on a traveling soccer team that took him many places, including Canada on soccer trips and playing many, many games.

All in all the kids did fairly well. I think they need a few more years yet to truly see if they will like playing or not. Andersen would get a bit upset if he didn't score a goal every single game and sometimes get his feelings hurt (wonder where he gets that??!). Ava enjoyed it, she is a bit petite compared to some of the other girls but she kept up as best she could. It was neat to see them try something else. They have already asked me, what sports are next Mom? So we will see where we go from here?! Dance / Karate perhaps? We will see, stay tuned!!

Happy Fall Ya'll

2011-10-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

Hocking Hills Staff Retreat

2011-10-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

The National Kidney Foundation Staff serving Ohio, KY and TN (missing few people)

I have always wanted to go to Hocking Hills in the fall and had the opportunity to go with my crew from the Kidney Foundation. We stayed at the Big Sky Lodge in Logan, Ohio and wow, what a place and what a view. They left no stoned unturned when decorating this place and all the features the lodge had. It could sleep at least 15 I'd say, hot tub outside and just cozy .. cowboy boots to drink out of even! That's my kinda place! We went horseback riding too so what a nice "work" retreat and YES we did do work!!! Great times with close friends who I happen to also call co-workers!!

Our view from the Big Sky Lodge in Logan, Ohio

Horseback riding guide, legit cowboy!

Our lodge

Rock balancing for years

My horse, Buddy

Myself and coworker John Bitler

The Best Six Years of my life

2011-09-26T16:56:00.002-05:00

are because of these two kiddo's ... my precious twins, Andersen & Ava who came into this world in a REAL hurry and have been full of energy ever since! I'm blessed with two children who have overcome SO many obstacles and are in kindergarten with no set backs. God has blessed my life and I will forever be grateful for that which I have been given. They love each other like no other but they also bicker like no other! ha! The next 12 years will be a wild ride I have no doubts. I pray for patience and guidance. They are the loves of my life. Happy Birthday Andersen James & Ava Ann!

Another football tailgate Birthday Party! Everyone sang to you!

Your best buddy & cousin, Camden Jay came to celebrate!

My family, Chad, Alair and Dad

Birthday cakes Hello Kitty and Ben 10

Birthday Party with friends at Chuck E Cheese's

They told the kids to scream as loud as they could, and Andersen was up for it!

The Sokolowski's

The Parker's

Pap Pap Rich

Ticketblaster was a hoot!

You loved m & m's ... you had a favorite red one named "nemmy"

Ben 10 shirt

LaLa Loopsie doll, you were soo excited!!!!

Angry Birds were a hit too!

Let's GO Bucks!

2011-08-31T20:27:00.002-05:00

Kindergarten Here They Come!

2011-08-24T13:55:00.005-05:00

Andersen and Ava are entering into kindergarten this year at Ridgewood Elementary which is right down the road from us, about five minutes! It will be a short bus ride and this year they have a bunch of friends riding the bus with them so that makes them sooo happy! I guess they are big kids now, sniffle, sniffle! I'm so proud of them. They enter the doors of Ridgewood, caught up. They tested out of needing any additional services to help them along so we will see where the road leads us so to speak! I am so very proud of them and excited for them! Goodluck Andersen & Ava, we love you so much!~

Pretty cool gymnasium... you can start to zip line and rock climb in 1st grade

The day before the first day, popsicle social, meet the teacher

Outside your new school

Andersen is diggin his new classroom

March for Babies Thank You

2011-07-20T09:04:00.001-05:00

I made this thank you on Shutterfly so many of you out there will be getting one! A successful year was had by Team Parker Twins raising over $4,000 and we couldn't have done it without your support. We are grateful as a family and esp. grateful to Jessica Makley who is on our team every year and raises funds for Team Parker Twins. Thanks Jess!!!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Here are some pictures from the March of Dimes awards party held at Cosi, our science museum for kids here in Columbus. Team Parker Twins were honored by no other than our best pal, Jessie!! The kids love Jess!

Our first camping trip to Cross Creek

2011-05-30T20:22:00.000-05:00

Over Memorial Day weekend we camped for the first time at an RV park called Cross Creek located near Delaware, near Alum Creek. Adam's dad and step mom have camped there for years and since it's not too far from home, we thought we would try it out with our new rig! It worked out wonderfully to say the least and we love, love camping!!! Here are some of our memories!

Fun with Aunt Ashley

A & A in front of our new camper, the Rockwood

Bare essentials when you camp!

Craft time in the shelter house!

Lots of golf cart rides

Lots of fun at the playground!

These campers fit right in!

Havin some cornbread in the shelter house

Lots of pool time

We'll see you on the 4th of July Cross Creek! Thanks for a great first trip!

Alton Darby Preschool Presents....

2011-05-27T19:33:00.019-05:00

Graduates, Andersen & Ava Parker!!!!

I'm so proud of these two, they have come soo far!~

WOO HOO.... I can't believe it, I really cannot believe that they graduated preschool. It was just yesterday they were born! If I was told back then in the hospital that these two would be graduating from preschool and heading into kindergarten without needing any additional services such as OT, PT, speech, etc.... I wouldn't have been able to wrap my mind around it! Back then we lived truly one day at a time, sometimes one hour at at time. Here we are and they are all caught up.

This preschool did tremendous things with my kids and I recommend them to anyone wanting to get their children into this excellent preschool. I will miss so many people there and we are just forever grateful for the level of care they received. They have ALL left a lasting impression upon our lives. Ava may just end up marrying her preschool best friend Ian Wagner!!! ha! They were the BEST of friends and Andersen met so many boys this year he was tight with..... they really enjoyed every day there. Thank you Alton Darby.... we will miss you all!

Anderesen pictured at the last day of school, called the "clap out". He spots his mimi that came to see him!

Kids pictured with Sharon Balduf, preschool director, "Mrs. B" who they loved!!!!

Headed to the last school bus ride of the year!

Andersen pictured with ONE of his best buddies, Josh

Graduation Day, Ava is looking for mom & dad

She found us!

Andersen gets settled into his seat

Andersen pictured again with Josh on graduation day... again my little peanut is friends with the tallest kid in the class.. ha!

Rockin it out with PaPa of course!

Presents from their babysitter Miss Patty who spoils them ROTTEN

Ava's bestie Ian Wagner, inseperable for two years

Andersen's preschool teacher Mrs. Sayers... he was a Superstar this year!

Sarah Myers, his speech teacher for THREE years and he no longer needs speech... thank you Sarah!

I hope we can make it til their 18! ha!

Proudest Mom Ever!

Vegas

2011-05-15T18:09:00.000-05:00

Alair and I had a great time in Las Vegas, many memories made and we made it home safe & sound. Although I didn't get to see Celine Dion, I'm hopeful to make it back there before she leaves Caesar's Palace. I think I have 3 years to make it back. Here are some highlights from the trip!

March for Babies 2011

2011-05-01T18:17:00.003-05:00

Well, we had another great year for March for Babies. Team Parker Twins just keeps trucking every year raising funds to help babies just like Andersen and Ava who were born prematurely at a mere 26 weeks. I can honestly say I only felt pregnant for a little bit, not nearly as long as I wanted to be. I loved being pregnant and believe it or not I want to be BIG... I just loved it but that was out of my control and God had different plans for my two miracles. So to show our gratitude for the life saving treatment A & A received, we walk every year and raise money to help others out there facing the same frightening ordeal that our family faced. Here are some highlights from this year's walk, held May 1st. We raised over 4k and Jessica Makley rocks for being a part of my team every year and reaching out to her friends and family to help us reach our goal!

Easter Memories

2011-05-01T17:13:00.001-05:00

Flashback to our Easter. Of course every year I try to do matching outfits. This year the color was a BRIGHT green! It all started with a dress I found for Ava at Penney's and from there the coordination began! I wasn't sure about black in her dress for Easter but with her bright green shrug, I thought it was too cute. I found a matching bow and it came together rather nicely I think! We had the usual outing in Circleville, the Saturaday before Easter and that always includes an egg hunt around Papa and Dee Dee's house and Easter baskets hidden inside! The next day was spent at church and then out to eat! We had an egg hunt inside Mimi's house too! All in all it was another great Easter full of memories. I even made a photo book off of Shutterfly this year that show cases spring and Easter. Here are some pictures of Easter 2011.

The Matching Oufits

Andersen gets $5 in the mail, score!!!

Spring time!!!, Tulips have sprung

Ava got stickers in the mail, woo hoo

Silly bands rock!

Easter egg hunt in Circleville at Papa and Dee Dee's

Family photo...awww

Papa & Dee Dee

The whole family on Easter

A & A with their Mimi

Aunt Ashley at the egg hunt

Ava finds her Easter basket

Jewerly inside!!

Flowers for their grandma

Parks

2011-04-19T18:18:00.001-05:00

This Spring we have been park bound on nice days which are so few and far between. I think most people here in Ohio are absolutely SICK of this rainy weather. I mean first it was the snow and now rain. I wish I could uproot my family and move cause I certainly would move to a better climate than this. For me to think it's 70 and sunny the majority of the year somewhere else seriously makes me ponder why it is we live in Ohio. Okay I feel better that I ranted. Sunshine just does a body good and I know I'm more cheery when it's sunny out (apparently!) Here are some shots of the kids having fun. They live for parks. They are now at the age where they want to play with someone at the park so there is alot of "Hi I'm Andersen do you want to play?" Then when it's time to leave Andersen is extremely concerned that we will never see that person again. Chances are he may be right but he quickly moves on to the next thing on his agenda which is usually something fun. He and Ava lead a very social, fun life! Lucky kids!

Daddy and Ava working on a spring day!

After the hard work a trip to Dairy Queen

Mommy got Ava a scooter at this year's twin sale

Ava & Rapunzel

2011-04-17T08:34:00.001-05:00

Ava loves the movie Tangled... it's one of her favorites. I must say mine too!

It's really a cute flick and if you haven't seen it then you should! She had gotten a hair piece or hair extension I should say way before this movie came out. I had forgotten about it and she brought it to me one day and we put it in her hair and she said "mommy I'm like Rapunzel".

I thought it was cute... a little girl dreaming of her hair touching the floor. This didn't quite touch the floor but she was loving it for a bit. Then that was over and I haven't seen it since, ha!

Medina

2011-04-15T09:40:00.001-05:00

As usual I'm behind in posting and I'm afraid it's going to be that way this year :-( I just don't have enough time. It's a vicious cycle of juggling it seems but I do get to go away in May to Las Vegas with my best gal pal, Alair who happens to be my sis n law too! It will be just the two of us, no kids, no hubbies, just us! WOW... I know we will be feeling guilty the whole time thinking someone needs us and we should be home but by god we are going to try and enjoy it all that we can! If I have to shake her and remind her I will and then when I have my moment of weakness I will expect her to shake me and remind me that we deserve a vacation!!! All moms need a little R & R!

Here's a pic of Alair and I three years ago when we went to Vegas.

At the Bellagio

I do need to thank my brother Chad who is kind enough to send us out there to a vacation spot of his. We will be staying at the Tahiti Village and I think we will approve!

Anyway, this post was supposed to be about Medina but I got waay sidetracked thinking of Vegas. I'm sure you can see why...hmm... Vegas, Medina... Vegas, Medina.

We took a trip to see my brother and Alair's new home a few weekends ago and had a nice time. It's located in Medina... not far from Cleveland. The kids had a ball with their cousins Camden and Cooper. Here's a pic of them with Camden in his shirt his Aunt Lei Lei (that's me) got him for his 4th Birthday. I like this pic cause we'll always remember the twins were 5 and Camden was four!

Camping anyone?

2011-03-19T18:51:00.001-05:00

We did it, we bought a camper! We had thought about it for a while and we were only going to do it if the right deal came along and we happened to find one in Troy, OH. I had only seen pics of it on the internet and Adam went to look at it one day with his Dad and Dawn. They have owned two campers so they know what to look for and what may be a red flag. It all checked out and they brought it home that day! I was so nervous since I had only seen pics online of it but I told Adam I trusted his judgement (boy I'm a nice wife!).

This will be alot of fun for us this summer and years to come with the kids. They were so excited about it and wanted to sleep in it that night but it was just a bit cold for that. I mean it does have heat and everything but we weren't going to set up camp that evening in our caudelsac! When Ava went it it she said "this is like a giant dollhouse" and we had to chuckle at that! Andersen wanted to know where the tv was, go figure!

We can't wait to use it, perhaps Memorial Day weekend?! We will keep it at his dad's house in Circleville. He has a lot of land and that is where he keeps his too so it will be camp central at Papa's. I can't wait to put my touches on it and make it homey. Here's to a new addition to our family and it's not human, ha!

I gotta give a Birthday shout out to my girl Jessie! Happy Birthday Jessica Ann!!!!

The Sun is shining

2011-02-16T19:15:00.000-05:00

The sun is shinin'

And this road's still windin'

Through the prettiest country

From Georgia to Tennessee

And I got the one I love beside me

My troubles behind me

I'm alive and I'm free

Who wouldn't wanna be me

-Keith Urban

Disney Book full of Memories

2011-02-15T20:02:00.000-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Happy Birthday Adam

2011-02-09T22:22:00.000-05:00

We love you so much!

Best part of the Superbowl

2011-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Is that sooo cute or what? I mean, I am a bit partial since I own two pugs. I have to post a picture of my Oskie, (Oskar). I brake for pug faces!

Why we love Groundhog day so much

2011-02-02T22:41:00.003-05:00

It's the day Ava came home from one of THREE Nicu's after 4 LONG months... can't believe we went through what we did and even after bringing her home we faced feeding issues, reflux nightmares, oxygen and heart monitors, etc. Even despite all those obstacles we were a family under the SAME roof so it made all those things so very bearable!!! Today was a little rough with the weather, she didn't feel good and I moved office locations across town and did I mention no power?! I got ready at work, that was a first! ha! I'm ready to go to bed and call it a day but not before I remembered that one special groundhog's day ... love you Ava Ann!

Speaking of skating

2011-01-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

This is what we did today!!!

Ava decided she wanted to dress up as Sleeping Beauty

Andersen got a crown with his $10 cotton candy which worked out cause I think it was the only "boyish" thing there! (besides himself, ha!)

The crowd tried to tell her not to eat it!

Sleeping Beauty and her prince

Mommy with her princess & prince charming

Fairy Godmother

THE END

Skates

2011-01-21T23:39:00.001-05:00

ICE skating ... I got to go ice skating at the beginning of winter and I'm just getting around to posting the pics! Ava really loves it and Andersen likes to go around a few times and then he wants to go play games in the lobby! Big surprise there! I shot this video of Ava and thought it was kinda funny!

Untitled from alisa parker on Vimeo.

Ava with Mary .. Mary is our old neighbor and now babysitter but most of all our friend. The kids LOVE her!

No hands!

Our Family

2011-01-21T22:36:00.000-05:00

Snow Days

2011-01-21T22:14:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, Happy Birthday TO ME!!!

2011-01-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

Slowly but surely I am getting caught up on my blog posts! So yes, New Year's is also my Birthday and I'm claiming to be "29". Nah, actually I am a big promoter of celebrating each Birthday regardless of your age because it's another year you have lived and hopefully have lived it to the fullest. When you lose someone that was young, your perspective changes. Okay, no doom and gloom, HAPPY thoughts!

The kids and hubby were very sweet to me and sang Happy Birthday to me with a chocolate cake and a few presents to boot! My big gift was a new phone... yea! I am actually with the year 2011 and got a phone that has internet and I can receive my email, the whole shebang! It's a motorola droid and I love it. Adam was able to score one in the deal too. I asked him if I could get a gift on his bday too?! ha! One of the best presents was the temperature outside.. it was 65 degrees on New Years Eve. That's unheard of for Ohio! The day just got better when we got to go out to eat with family and friends at Hyde Park downtown. We had our own special room with a plasma TV and just plain cozy! It was so nice and all in all I had a wonderful day!

The best two gifts that I've ever been given!

At our private dining room at Hyde Park

I really didn't need a jacket but I got it for Christmas and was excited to wear it!

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

2011-01-21T21:01:00.002-05:00

Well we've been zoo members for at least three years and have never made it to see the lights that everyone raves about. The night before New Year's was warmer than it had been so we decided to go. We knew it would be over soon so we thought we better go while we had the chance! It was PACKED. I have never seen the zoo that crowded. Come to find out, there was a coupon in the paper that day for half off admission so people came from all over to go! We had a nice time. The first thing we did was take the kids to a makeshift hill for them to go tubing down. Andersen went 10 times before we could convince Ava it was fun and not scary.

We then went to see the Polar Bears and that's where the crowd was! Ava was in her glory when she found the tree with bears dressed up as Disney princesses. It was a tribute to Disney on Ice that is coming to Columbus. She sat there and listened to them sing and was just admiring their outfits. It was pretty cute. We saw Polar Pete and the Polar Bear himself so we opted for a photo. The evening ended with a train ride and that will be our last ride for the year! Goodbye zoo, see ya in the spring!!!

2011-01-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

Professional air hockey players going at it!

XMAS 2010 from alisa parker on Vimeo.

I forgot to post this pic of Ava with her "mac daddy" collection of princesses!

Two happy kids on Christmas Morning

Christmas Memories

2011-01-21T18:55:00.002-05:00

I am soo behind on posting! I compared 2009 to 2010 and I only did half as many posts in 2010. It's sad but I truly do not have the time but I want to make the time because essentially (that word is for you MB), this is the kids scrapbook in a sense! Well here are a few pictures from Christmas. Santa was VERY good to the kids and dropped off a spongebob air hockey game! WOW! Ava currently has all her dollhouse furniture on top of it right now so it has many purposes. You will see some of Andersen as a donkey and Ava a sheep. They dressed up at church this year while singing in the cherub choir. It took some persuading to wear the outfits! The kids favorite things this year. Andersen was obsessed with Ben 10 Alien Force, a cartoon he can't get enough of. Ava asked Santa for two things primarily, 1. a sleeping beauty doll and 2. Flynn Rider from the movie Tangled. She must have really "dug" him in the movie cause she wanted him. She requested Rapunzel's tower too but alas, Santa's elves were already done making things so that will have to wait until her birthday. She conceded!

Told ya Santa was good to these two!

He had to drop off Minnie since we had just gone to Disney

The kids went to the santa shop at school and they each picked out the same thing for me! They didn't shop together either! They must know me well and for the second year in a row, Ava picked out a tape measure for Adam which I find hilarious!

Andersen exclaims, "this is the best day of my life"

Ben 10 rocks!

Christmas dress this year

Singing for the Lord

Christmas eve it started to snow!!

Daddy got a John Deere hat and Andersen wanted to try it on for size

Me and a sleepy little boy on Christmas

Ava with Rapunzel and she got the matching dress in her size!

and of course, Sleeping Beauty

Christmas Get Togethers

2010-12-21T22:25:00.001-05:00

We've done several, with our first in Zanesville to visit my nephew for his 4th Birthday. Camden Jay turned 4 on Dec. 10th and we had a wonderful time celebrating with him. My dad came up from St.C and we traveled down from Columbus. Great halfway point for each of us but alas, they will be moving in January so that drive will grow by one hour. They are headed to the Medina area, near Cleveland. They better get used to the white stuff (my brother and sis n law). My other nephew, Cooper (Cam's brother) is walking. He will turn one January 13th so there's lots to be thankful for!

We also had a get together with the Wellman's (Ad's mom's side) and the Parker side, all in the SAME day, whew! I thought I would post some photo's of everything we've done lately! Merry Merry!

First visit with Santa at their pre-school's winterfest

My brother, Alair and Camden Jay

Andersen's most requested gift, a Ben 10 DVD

Pap Pap Rich

Diane who is so near and dear to our hearts

PapPap gets Ava Sleeping Beauty

My cute lil' girl in her Christmas shirt

Me, my bro's and dad

Anders with Santa

Anders was peeking before Santa came in, he just knew he was out there!

Mrs. Claus stops with Santa too

Me and my boy

Aunt Ash gets called first to see Santa

my wonderful, patient hubby!

Anders reaction to his Ben 10 DVD

Cooper's 1st xmas!!!

Our Family

Ava & her favorite things....

2010-11-21T18:43:00.001-05:00

Most of you know Ava had an obsession with Scooby Doo characters and she still does play with them but she certainly has added more trinkets/toys to her repertoire of favorite things. Jessie from Toy Story 3 is a big hit right now in our household. Her papap Rich got her the Jessie doll that talks for her Bday in Sept. and she's been taking her everywhere. There's a string on the back of her and she has several different sayings. I recommend her for sure for your lil' cowgirl! Now we just need to find her Bullseye for Christmas!!

Jessie at the park

Having a slumber party with a few of her favorites (Rudolph at xmas time)

A random shot of how long her hair is getting!!!!

Rudolph has been created

2010-11-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

We haven't finished November yet or gotten through Turkey day, but by God we got the Rudolph created at Build a Bear! To put the icing on the cake, we got Clarice too. Ava is in her glory and such a good mommy to them already! She is obsessed with Rudolph so I'm ALWAYS on the hunt for Rudolph things. If anyone spots anything super cute, please let me know! He's not he easiest to find although this year I'm having MUCH better luck than last!! Tis' the season folks!!!

Rudolph at Build a Bear from alisa parker on Vimeo.

2010-11-17T07:41:00.001-05:00

November 17 is National Prematurity Awareness Day. Join me in celebrating all the babies born healthy and those born too small who fight with every breath to survive. Please also remember to say a prayer for the angels that have passed on and for their families that have lost their little angels

Five years ago....

TODAY

(taken on their 5th bday at Disney)

Support the March of Dimes

BUCKEYES

2010-11-07T23:16:00.001-05:00

Just a few pictures of my Buckeyes on a fall day, not that long ago....

Happy Birthday Shout Out To Dee Dee!!!!!

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-04T20:40:00.001-05:00

We had to do a school project for Andersen and Adam created this as the center point of the project. I thought it was pretty funny!!!

Beautiful Sunset

2010-10-31T19:24:00.000-05:00

The sunset last night was GORGEOUS.... we were down at the family farm at a party to watch the OSU game and this sunset was just stunning! I think it was Uncle Joe's doing! :-) RIP Uncle Joe

School Field Trip to Kuhlwein Farm

2010-10-29T19:35:00.001-05:00

I volunteered this morning for Ava's class but pretty much Andersen's class too. When Adam can't be there it's hard, cause whichever one I'm NOT volunteering for, wants me .. oh to be me & feel so wanted! Andersen shed some tears so his teacher brought him to me on the hayride and all was well. Here are some shots of them going through a corn maze, picking pumpkins and Ava with her bestie, Ian.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, FALL, & PUMPKIN SHOW

2010-10-28T20:27:00.001-05:00

MEMORIES FROM ALL THREE.....

Looking back at Disney

2010-10-16T09:10:00.006-05:00

Well, we did it! We went to Disney for the kids 5th Birthday and it was a HUGE success!

I took over 800 pictures and have no clue where to begin to edit and post them!!! In due time, I will. They were pro's on the airplane (used the restroom on it and all!) and even hugged the pilot in the cockpit on the way down. Imagine that... they hugged someone!! Wish I had my camera out then but I had no idea a "kodak moment" would present itself walking off the plane..I should have known better!!!!

We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside hotel, which is on Disney property. It was one of the few hotels, maybe the only, that slep five people. We liked that option instead of getting adjoining rooms. It had a trundle bed that Anders actually slept on. We did the dining plan and that worked out great too! We hit all the parks practically... we started off doing a Halloween party called Mickey's not so scary Halloween party and it was alot of fun. I highly recommend it!

This Halloween party was held at the Magic Kingdom.

Snow White is Ava's favorite princess. As you can see, that is what she dressed up as and Andersen was batman. The first thing we did when we got there was head to Toontown where I had heard Snow White would be. I had read a tip on the internet describing a short line right when the party started so that's what we opted to do first. We had to have her picture taken with her and boy were we surprised by how much conversation took place between the kids and the prince and princesses! They didn't just push you through the line but rather took the time to make sure each child felt special.

Ava pictured with her favorite dwarf, Dopey

I do have to add that this night was extra special because my brother Jay surprised us at the park! He flew down and spent 2 days with us. The kids loved their Uncle being there!

We had dinner with Pooh and the gang on their Birthday and the next day, we ate lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table INSIDE THE CASTLE !!! Wow, what royalty we were that day! It was their Gramma's Birthday that day so it was just a magical time for all~

Ava met with Cinderella before going to the dining room where we were greeted by many other princesses!

The next two days were spent at the MK and then onto Animal Kingdom where I got to meet up with an old friend that moved to Florida in the 8th grade. She brought her family and it was so awesome to get to spend time with her after all these years!!!

A & A pictured with my friend's daughter,Elleson

We finished out the trip at Epcot and Hollywood Studios

The trip didn't end at Disney. We rented a van and headed on down to Sarasota to visit Aunt Audrey. She will be turning 94 in December!! She flew up five years ago and saw the kids when they were babies so she hadn't seen them in quite a while. We got to visit with her and were lucky enough to spend a few hours at Siesta Key beach!! We packed it all in I tell ya!

Three A's .. Ava, Aunt Audrey and Andersen~

We had a SUPER DUPER time and I can't wait to do it again sometime! There will DEFINITELY be a next time :)))

I hope Andersen feels like this again if we ever go back

Destined to have a golf cart

2010-09-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

These two love golf cart rides. Their grandparents in Circleville own three.. yes three! I believe one is up for sale if you are interested. I just came across this picture from earlier in the summer and it made me chuckle. They love golf carts and will probably grow up thinking everyone owns one.

Princess Camp

2010-09-23T17:32:00.000-05:00

Ava went to a princess camp in Dublin this past August. It was a four day workshop and although she was VERY shy the first day, she ended up LOVING it. I think she loves dressing up and she'll fit right in at Disney. Snow White is her absolute favorite. Sure hope we see her there!

DSLR Camera Class 101

2010-09-23T17:04:00.000-05:00

I took a camera class in August and it's for a new camera I purchased recently. It has alot of bells and whistles that I do not know how to use, so I felt it was wise to invest in a class! There's alot more to a DSLR than a point and shoot camera! I really liked being back in a "class" setting and I so enjoyed it. I can only aspire to be as good as our teacher someday. Here are a few shots I have taken recently that I like. I learned alot about aperture, fstops, shutter speed, etc!

Aunt Ashley Graduates

2010-09-23T16:33:00.002-05:00

WITH HONORS, I might add! She graduated from the College of Social Work this past June. I'm behind as usual in my posting but I wanted to recognize her for her terrific accomplishments and she has a full time job, straight out of OSU... Congrats Ashley... we are so very proud of you. XOXO... BUCKEYE ALUM!!!!!

Dad Update

2010-09-04T07:47:00.006-05:00

Wow, only one post in July and ZERO posts in August. Where have I been? Apparently working six hours shy of full time and juggling a million summer events! It's left little to no time for blogging :-( I'm always running on empty it seems and the past two days I have gotten rest and yet I still sit here and yawn. Well, there is soooo much to catch up I don't even know where to begin. I wanted to share some pics of my dad who had a health scare at the beginning of summer.

My dad turned 67 July 7th and he is doing really well, thank goodness. He had kidney cancer and a tumor was removed in May at the James Cancer hospital. He was down for six weeks but he's bounced back considerably well. He'll have a followup in December here in Columbus. As far as we know, he's gotten a clean bill of health! YEA! Here are some photo's from this summer. He loves nothing more than being outside taking care of his beautiful yard and pool. I get to stumble upon it every once in a while. Wish he could move his property up here!

I also wanted to post a picture of Diane, Alair's mom. She is like a second mom to me and she as well went through some health issues this summer. She's one of the strongest ladies I know and she is doing pretty good too, despite everything she's been through. I made a surprise visit home last weekend so I could celebrate her Birthday with her and the kids swam ALL day together. A & A love their cousins Camden and Cooper.

Happy Independence Day!!!

2010-07-03T15:44:00.001-05:00

We started off the weekend in Granville at my good friends house, Melanie and Nick's. Today we are headed to Arlington's fireworks and tomorrow we'll go to Zanesville to see cousin Camden & Cooper. Whew! Hope you are enjoying a safe and Happy 4th!

Professional Photo's

2010-06-24T18:48:00.007-05:00

We were the lucky recepients of some wonderful photo's taken byMelissa Jones. She is a photographer in the Hilliard area and I recommend her to those of you out there! Here's a few samples of her great work!~

Another Ava Face

2010-06-10T22:58:00.002-05:00

I forgot this one which is a fave of mine!

Another Monkey In A Tree

2010-06-10T22:05:00.002-05:00

Monkey in a tree

2010-06-10T21:58:00.002-05:00

A girl and her pug

2010-06-08T18:11:00.001-05:00

A zonked out pug.. that snores LOUD! Ave has been real smitten w/ the doggies lately. They are one year older than the kiddo's so they will be six in September and the kids will be FIVE... that hurts to write that! It will be a little less painful spending their Birthday at the Magic Kingdom!

Ava had an eye exam last week that went well. It was the quickest appt. we have had in over 4 years. We were in and out of there in a half hour.. amazing. I think it took Ava longer to pick out a toy than it did to do the exam. Pressures are stable, and she even read a 20/30 line using her bifocals... that's amazing!!!!!! So we go back in September and it's so nice to hear the words S-T-A-B-L-E! Andersen goes in October .. let's hope he doesn't need glasses soon.. he doesn't even like to wear sunglasses. That's the latest in the eye department!

The laptop I spoke of

2010-06-07T18:51:00.002-05:00

Is often in use by this lil' guy or by Miss Ava... I get it every so often ... hence the lack of blog posts! Today was so fun. I had it off since I traveled for work on Friday and Saturday to Cleveland for the kidney walk there. We went to get cuts (Anders has a summer "do") and then to the Disney store at Polaris. That was "magical"... love to see them so excited. They had never been before. We then went to play in the Jack Hannah play area w/in the mall & they loved that too! Before leaving we stopped in a store for some silly bands and finally we headed for home. I miss having days off with them. I now work Mon-Fri ... I have Friday afternoons off. I cherish those days .. they call it Mommy day.. so sweet! Anywho... I took them to the disney store for doing such a good job in school this year. They will be thrilled to know that we are taking them to Disney for their 5th Birthday. Yes we are succesfully dragging daddy away from one OSU football game ... amazing I know but he realizes how special this is going to be! They have an idea we are going but they don't know for sure. That's a good thing cause they'd ask me continually, so it's best to keep them wondering! Hope you enjoy a vacation if you are taking one this summer!

Summer Shots

2010-06-06T20:26:00.003-05:00

Pump It Up Party

2010-06-06T20:07:00.003-05:00

The kids went to a pump it up party recently for one of their old YMCA buddies. They won't be doing the Y this summer... they are going to be free of any programs this summer... at least the first half so we'll see how that goes!

Many Faces of Andersen

2010-06-06T20:00:00.002-05:00

The Many Faces of Ava

2010-06-06T17:53:00.004-05:00

snapping some shots w/ my new camera.. I grabbed several of Ava before bedtime, hence the no glasses... she likes to be a lil' non-traditional with her funny faces!

All wraped up in one post

2010-06-06T16:40:00.006-05:00

Well, that's not going to happen, but I can try to fill in some gaps that may have occurred from the last time I gave an update in April. I cannot believe it's been almost TWO months since I did a post. Time is something I just don't have alot of... it's GO, GO, GO all the time and although it's fun to do things, it's also exhausting! There is definitely something to be said of "down time."

Anyway, one of the biggest reasons of non-blogging is that my computer broke down. I'm on a laptop at the moment and my desktop is somewhat fixed, but not completely up to par. Therefore, storing pictures can be tricky and we all know we LOVE pictures on blogs soo... I wasn't able to coordinate it all between the two computers.

My dad was in and out of the hospital the past two months but I'm happy to report that the James hospital took very good care of him and he's doing better. Ironically, he had something wrong with his kidney & with me being employed by the National Kidney Foundation, I was able to get him a good referral over at OSU Urology. He had a robotic partial nephrectomy in which they took 10% of his kidney and he has a follow up this week. It was a cancerous mass but they got it all.. yea!!! So.. all in all my dad is doing much better. The kids got real use to PapPap Rich being around. So we are excited to have him spend the night this week!

Ava loved having him play with her in the backyard.. this was after his first surgery from the kidney stone

Ava took his new hat he bought at the gift shop

OSU Medical Center

Dad's second surgery... I almost didn't make it to tell him goodluck but they let me in pre-op!~

Changing the subject entirely...I got a new camera
The earnings from the twins sale went toward a new canon SLR camera. I love it! Now only if I can use this blog to show them off. So, that's been fun in my spare time... snappin shots of the kiddo's ... guess that's nothing new though!

This weekend we have the graduation of Adam's sister, Ashley! Congratulations Ashley!!!! I can't believe I met you when you were in 8th grade... I think that means I'm getting old! ha!!!! I also have the March of Dimes award party this same day.

Well I'll see if I can't post some more pictures!! Happy Summer Ya'll~~~~~

Easter Mem's

2010-04-08T06:42:00.003-05:00

Hoppy Easter Everyone!

2010-04-01T20:03:00.007-05:00

hmm...dad... I think you like it better than us!

Have a blessed Easter! My dear friend, Maribeth, has been going through quite an ordeal with her newborn baby boy. I want to lift her up in prayer because her son Patrick underwent open heart surgery today. We certainly know what it's like to have a child in the NICU during a holiday. Hang in there... you are strong and amazing parents to all your children!! All our love Sharp Family!

Eye Update

2010-04-01T19:43:00.005-05:00

Ava spinning her scoobies. She has now added TWO pinkalicious dolls to the collection (from Burger King). She LOVES Pinkalicious (Thanks MB for the book, she's hooked)

Well we had an eye appt. today and for the most part it went well! The pressures (glaucoma) were fairly good and we are going to eliminate one eye drop... YEA! We do two different ones right now, so we are going to try the stronger of the two and see how she does. That makes life a tad easier. The goal is to patch her through the end of 2010 but there's a possibility we can quit around her 5th Birthday which is in September. She got a new prescription for her glasses and although I'd like to change frames, I can't find ANYTHING at children's. So... we'll see if she gets a "style" change or we'll just keep her in her same glasses. She was so funny, holding all the magnifiers in front of her eyes and stating how everything was bigger and she LOVED it. Dr. McGregor was pleased to see her do that because Ava does have bifocals in her glasses and we hope that she's inclined to use them more. We told her she had the same thing in her glasses but she was very focused on the magnifiers there in the office (much stronger). I was surprised by one thing .... ONE MORE SURGERY. Man, I was hopin' to be done with them but honestly, what's another at this point... geesh! The good news is that it will be sometime before kindergarten. So sometime in 2011, before she starts school (They will go when they are six). It will be a muscle surgery this time which will help keep her right eye straight. It crosses a bit now so hopefully the surgery will help it. For now I'm going to enjoy the good checkup and not stress over what will be her 5th surgery! Next appt. in June.... which sounds good to me!

Spring has Sprung!

2010-04-01T19:20:00.008-05:00

Wow, what a beautiful week here in Columbus, Oh. I think the temperature got near 80 today. That's unheard of for April .. and it was no April fools joke! Yesterday I had to drive to Akron for an event and it was so nice out on the way there and back. I was just missing the sunset on the way home by a few mins but I did catch a glimpse of the beautiful scenery.

Pretty soon our tulips will be in full bloom. We have a bunch of tulips and I must say, I love that flower. We have another bush that is in bloom right now too!

Oh, it feels good to be amongst "lively" things and for once we'll have a nice Easter to do egg hunts and traveling to and from church, restaurant, etc!

Beautiful Skies

Here's a few pictures of the kids at a park a few weeks ago...even before being spoiled by 80 degree temperatures!! Doesn't take much to get outside after the long winter we have had

LET'S GO BUCKEYES!

2010-03-19T13:03:00.004-05:00

The kids wore their Buckeye gear to prescool today in hopes of a big W tonight in the NCAA basketball tournament!!! Go Bucks!!!

We went to a Jim Gill concert last night at the kids school and Ava fell asleep right before we pulled in. She did get up and particpated in some silly songs by him.

Birthday shout out to my good friend Jessie!!!!!!!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T18:48:00.003-05:00

BEAUTIFUL DAY HERE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO... HAPPY ST. PAT'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!!

Laptop King & Queen

2010-03-17T18:19:00.003-05:00

These two are laptop junkies which probably isn't the best thing but HEY... they are doing educational games and learning! They do not use a mouse ...just the pad on the laptop and it's amazing how quickly they caught on and I'm not bragging, but they seriously know their stuff! Maybe all four year olds do and it's the norm these days?? I may be out of the loop. Anywho, Ava was doing a program and she said "hey, look... I made myself" and sure enough she did! Too cute! Love those moments of being proud!

Fun with Family

2010-03-14T19:04:00.005-05:00

We went to CoCo Key recently, which is an indoor water park in Newark, OH. To date, we hadn't been to a an indoor water park and it was a nice change of pace, esp. while the weather is still cold. I must say though, we went on a Saturday and it was WAAAAY crowded but we had fun nonetheless. I even went down a slide with my brother, a double tube! Big thanks to my brother and Alair for inviting us. Here's a few pictures from our weekend in Newark and Zanesville.

Andersen was very helpful and interested in the baby

First picture with baby Cooper

Where have we been??

2010-03-05T16:24:00.008-05:00

Oh my gosh, this is the first time in a few years that a month went by without even just one post! My blog has certainly taken a back seat lately and I hate that. I loved blogging but there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. I think that coupled with the fact that Ava resides in the room where the computer is, certainly has something to do with it! I mean it is nice to write this post and it be MARCH.... YEA.... MARCH! February here in Ohio was Brutal with a capital B!

Here's an abbreviated version of our February... that way we can be caught up a bit :)

February 2nd in our household is a family holiday ... Ground hog's day is when Ava came home four years ago from the hospital so it's celebrated very much in the Parker household. Ava and Andersen were in the hospital for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years's and almost Valentines so you can see why we love ground hog's day! So, we started off the month on a trip down memory lane, like we do every year.

Next up was hubby's Birthday, February 9th. Here's your official shout out Adam, Happy very belated Birthday! The kids were so joyous on his day... they were actually all about his day instead of them asking, "where's my gift" and making it about them.... Sheer joy for their daddy.

It was actually kinda nice, cause it snowed that day (go figure) and he got to come home early and so did I. That was when the snow was somewhat new or just starting for the month, so we hadn't reached complete and utter frustration with the white stuff.

hmm.... what else occurred? Well, Ava got a very bad case of pneumonia. She had been sick this winter with a cough but this was different. I took her to the peds only to be followed by an urgent care visit the next evening. I pride myself that the kids have not been to an urgent care since coming home ... purdy darn good for preemies. She got a full work up and several chest xrays indicated how crappy her lungs were from her fragile start and that she had pneumonia in both lungs. They indicated reactive airway disease and asthma. Wow ... it took me back to when she was itty bitty and talking about the whole lung issue ... scarred lungs. She was in bed literally for a week straight and the nights were awful... coughing to the point of throwing up and lots and lots of breathing treatments w/ albuterol that almost really sent her coughing spells over the edge cause it was breaking up everything.

It was a really hard time in our household but I am happy to report that she is Marvelous in March!

She got better just in time for DISNEY ON ICE ... WOO HOO. It was truly a magical time and we'd go back to see it for sure. It was the 100th anniversary show so they did a little bit of everything. I felt like a kid, I truly did. We had second row seats and I highly advise anyone that has a little one that has vision problems to always call the ticket outlet and state they have a vision impairment. I have been doing that as of late when we go see things and it makes all the difference for Miss Ava Bean Sprout!! This show was at the end of February so there, you are all caught up!!

WHEW!!! I will be starting to work Friday mornings come next Friday... I'm growing ever so closely to that full time status ... 34 hours ... I can't give up those six hours on Fridays with my kids... that to me is PRICELESS.

March will keep us busy with March for Babies, the spring twins sale that about kills me twice a year buying and selling clothes / toys, and March Madness... woo hoo. Ad and I love the tourney so we will definitely have a babysitter one night to watch the buzzer beater games that we LOVE so much. It's so fun, esp. when you have done a bracket and there's money on the line.

So long for now, you'll be hearing from me for sure for the MARCH FOR BABIES, STAY TUNED!

Snow Pics

2010-01-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of our family playing out in the snow and sled riding for the first time this year .... I am happy to report that we've managed to warm up to the thirties... that feels like a heat wave compared to the teens!

My new nephew, Cooper

2010-01-16T08:28:00.003-05:00

I am a proud Aunt again to a baby boy named Cooper Charles Sokolowski!!! I got to be there for his birth which was truly amazing. My sis n law, Alair, did absolutely fantastic. It was a very smooth delivery. She was induced at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday Jan. 13th and had him at 11:48 a.m. ..... WOW and with only about 10 mins of pushing. He weighed 7 lbs 6oz and 20 inches long. Congrats to her and my brother, Chad! Cooper has a big three year old brother named Camden.

My dad and my brother with Cooper

Let Your Hair Down

2010-01-15T12:52:00.008-05:00

I was brushing Ava's hair one day and couldn't get over how long it is! Speaking of long, we have been waiting a LONG time for her hair to grow. It has curl and just takes forever it seems. When she was little it was all curls in the back.

I couldn't wait to get it in a bow

Not a fan of the first haircut

At the beach in 2008, ringlet curls

Today

Thirty Something

2010-01-15T12:40:00.006-05:00

Well, I turned thirty "something" at the end of 2009... the very last day, which obviously is New Year's Eve. My hubby surprised me by inviting some of our good friends that live in Granville that we don't get to see all that often (Kelly, if you are reading this, Nick Schott and his wife Melanie!!!).

We ate at a Japanese Steakhouse on the east side of town called Kobe and it was pretty good. For dessert, my hubby had them sing and look how yummy this chocolate cake was!

Despite me not feeling all that well and Ava too, we had a great time with friends & family.

Adam's cousin Dan and Kathy joined us too which was a nice suprise!!

Thank You Adam for making my day special... XOXO

First Eye Update of 2010

2010-01-15T12:24:00.006-05:00

Ava's favorite toy at the eye docs...she sneaks and turns off the lights before the doc comes in so she can see its pretty colors

Well, I scheduled an appointment for Ava AFTER the holidays for fear of any bad news. I didn't want to go prior to Christmas in case we came across a potential problem with her eyes. The pressures had been on the high end so there was no telling what could occur.

I am HAPPY to report a good appointment the 1st of January and it honestly was probably the best appt. we've had. She had great success in her ability to match letters by looking at a computer screen that was some distance away from her and then telling us what she saw. She got most of them right where as in the past she got most of them wrong. WHAT A GREAT FEELING! Her disposition has dramatically changed as well now that she is older and better able to understand what the doctor is doing and trying to accomplish. She understandably had a lot of fear when she was a baby. Pressures were on the high end of normal, but no further action needs to be taken at this time... woo hoo!

We left, feeling good about how her sight is doing and our next checkup will be April fools day! Oh, just to write April feels good.... THINK SPRING!

Trying on glasses... these are the exact same ones she has now but in green

Happy New Year

2010-01-08T09:51:00.004-05:00

Here are some of our Christmas memories from 2009. We wish you a wonderful 2010 and a healthy one!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Remembering my mom

2009-12-23T14:14:00.004-05:00

IN LOVING Memory of Kitty Ann Sokolowski who passed away December 23, 2000.

You have been dearly missed for the past nine years. We love you more today than ever and we wish you a Merry Christmas every year. Those things never change, they remain constant and we will continue to cherish you & hold you close in our hearts forever.

Loved and missed dearly by your family and friends

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-05T19:39:00.006-05:00

well round one with Santa. Ava was all about sitting on his lap this year and assured us she would but when it came down to it, she got scared so we all opted to jump in the photo!

We went to the Park of Roses this morning for pancakes and a visit with Santa, put on by the Columbus Mother of Twins Club. It was a nice time and then I hit a craft show at Hilliard Davidson where I picked up only a few goodies. The St. Brendan craft show was a bit better in my opinion, but that's just my opinon. Then it was home for a little more decorating of the tree!

Pony Up

2009-12-04T15:14:00.005-05:00

The kids were thrilled to see horses standing outside Tuttle Mall today and especially with a police"man" .. well woman in this case, sitting on the horse! They really like the police ... at least now they do! hee! Tis' the season everyone! Even this horse has the spirit

ven this horse has the spirit!!!

WE WON A PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST!!!

2009-11-29T18:11:00.004-05:00

Yipee!!! We will be the recipients of some AWESEOME photo's I'm sure taken by Melissa Jones. She had a contest called "giving is awesome" and our family and another family won in a tie ... so gracious of her to give her services of photography to TWO families. We are grateful. Her work can be viewed here.

Hope you had a GREAT Turkey Day!

2009-11-29T17:56:00.004-05:00

We went to Ad's mom's in Dublin on Thanksgiving and ate TWICE .. very yummy! They had great wine (I actually drank red) and built a fire, quite cozy!

The next day I went out on Black Friday in the morning.. we're not talking 4 a.m. .. we are talking more like 8 a.m.! I found some really good deals so that makes me happy. I can't believe how many families get out there and do their shopping together; matching shirts and all .. made just for that day in particular... DIE HARD shoppers out there!

We then went to Zanesville that afternoon and had a nice time with the Sokolowski's. We will actually head back there in two weeks to celebrate my nephew's 3rd Birthday and exchange gifts with my family. It's SUPER busy from here on out! We have a pancake breakfast with the twins club in which Santa will be there, Adam's work party where Santa will be there and lastly the kid's preschool is having a holiday party where Santa will be there... THREE DAYS IN A ROW of Santa! Wow, they should have down what they are asking for and have no communication problems with Santa! Although Ava is always reluctant to sit on the big guys lap! We also have two Birthday parties to get through and a XMAS program at chuch which will include the kids singing!! Let the holiday madness begin, eh? I don't have my decorations out yet .. only one me and TOO many tasks! I'm sure that's uttered by a million moms around the globe~!

Anywho, hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Kingdom of Bounce

2009-11-15T16:17:00.007-05:00

Ever heard of such a place??? A twin mom from the Columbus Mother of Twins Club had a playgroup there on a Friday afternoon and the kids really liked it. I believe it's similar to another place called Pump it Up. The Kindgom of Bounce is located near the airport, on the east side of town. Thought I'd share in case anyone was bored this winter!

This is what your child will look like after a few hours at the bounce place!

Columbus Kidney Walk

2009-11-15T16:01:00.005-05:00

We had the Columbus Kidney Walk a few weeks ago on a sunny, Sunday morning at the statehouse downtown. It was alot of fun and brought together many people affected by kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation, the organization I work for, will use the money raised from the walk, for programs and services to help PREVENT kidney disease. Also, if you aren't already an organ donor, please become one. As an employee for the kidney foundation, I have heard many stories of survival due to someone being an organ donor and saving another person's life!

Eye Update

2009-11-15T15:49:00.004-05:00

Ava has been having some "ups" and downs with her eyes but for now, we are managing the "ups" with medication. I say "ups" because the pressure in her eyes is climbing upwards to a number that's not within normal range. A few months back, this started happening in the healthier of the two eyes which really surprised all of us but we got it back down within the normal range with an additional eye drop along with the one we currently have been using since she was a baby. At our last appointment a few weeks ago, her eye that had the cataract surgery, decided to climb also in regards to high pressures. BUMMER. The doc felt though, that we could wait until our next appt. in January to see if we need to start medicating that eye with the help of the additional drop. I hate waiting but that's what we need to do and just pray that her eyes stay under control. This is all due to glaucoma. That's the latest in the eye department!

Candy Galore!

2009-11-01T16:33:00.008-05:00

Well ... we did FOUR straight days of trick and treat ... well one day was spent at the preschool for the kids "fall festival" and that was the only activity that didn't involve candy which is a good thing! We had a great October and we are ready for November because you know why??! It should be ALOT slower paced I hope and we'll get to see my family over the Thanksgiving weekend which is always nice! Here are some pictures of my Pumpkin (literally) and Spiderman who has incredible muscles!

Andersen may be small, but boy is he mighty!!! Hope you all had more treats than tricks this Halloween!

Ava and her good friend from pre-school. His name is Ian the fireman
Trick or Treat at Tuttle Mall

A witch is a brewin something at HCSD pre-school

Our last stop on Halloween, Cousin Cam's in Zanesville. He was a very cute Dragon

Our Beloved Brutus

2009-10-07T21:10:00.005-05:00

was kidnapped !!!! He's been with us for a long time and he was taken by someone who we haven't identified yet. There is a Parker farm still in the family in which a relative has restored the farm house and lives there with her family. They throw a tailgate party each year and view the game and it's a hoot and holler of a time. It is located outside of Circleville, in a town called Kingston. I missed it this year due to total exhaustion from the twins sale (all you twin moms know what I'm referring to). ** side note, I participate in a sale twice a year where you can buy and sell all your unwanted baby / toddler clothing, toys, furniture, etc. It's ALOT work though. (mark your calender, next one is April 24th and then the 25th is the March for Babies walk!)

Anywho, my hubby still went to the Parker Farm while I recuperated from a long stretch of "duties" .. i.e. kids birthday the weekend before and then the twins sale. He came home the next day, unpacked the car of all the tailgating equipment and realized Brutus was not among the items. No sweat, just call our cousin Dan who has equipment also and we thought surely he had him ... NOPE. We call the farm to see if he has been put in a garage or shed and alas, NO ONE has seen him. To date, he is still missing and we miss him. I never dreamed he would be taken from a family event. He was like part of the fam .. sounds crazy I know, but honestly, he made it to every tailgate and to some special occasions too! Heck, he used to ride shot gun in the truck w/ a seat belt and all! We are a serious Buckeye family!!!

He was unique and well... WE WANT HIM BACK!

A monumentous event involving the #4

2009-10-03T17:02:00.010-05:00

AVA AND ANDERSEN'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! YEA!!!!! I can't express to you how excited I get for their Birthday. Their birth was truly the best day of my life .. for many reasons .. not just getting of the magnesium that I thought might be the end of me (med to help prevent pre-term labor).

Oh anyway, they had a great fun-filled weekend starting off at their preschool. They each took special cupcakes. Andersen took spongebob and Ava took Dora.

Ava had this special hat when she came bouncing out of class.

Next was the football tailgate where it rained like no other. Luckily we got their singing in before it downpoured. My whole fam came up for their birthday and my dad and brother Jay went to the game and luckily sat under cover... whew!

Yet another Birthday at a tailgate.. They have celebrated their 2nd, 3rd and 4th Birthday's at tailgates!! Cakes on coolers.... Buckeye style! Cousin Cam helping to blow out the candles.

Lastly was a Birthday party held at Galaxy Games and Golf... literally one of their favorite places of all time. There were 15 kids total and they were all so sweet.

Ava has a best buddy named Ian and he too, wears glasses. They are quite cute together. Andersen was excited to see a buddy from the YMCA, that he met this summer. A good friend of mine's daughter, named Ryleigh, was also there and they just adore her too. Oh, what a social life at FOUR!

Ryleigh and Ian

Cousins Max and Parker

Uncle Jay filming and Diane making sure he's doing a good job!
Spongebob Mania~

The cake

Grandpas

Ava after the Birthday weekend, asleep before getting home from Galaxy G & G

Happy Birthday to Mimi!!!!!!!

I can't believe they keep growing up on me. I want to just bottle it up... so very grateful for their continued progress. God has really blessed our lives and I am thankful. Happy Birthday Ava and Andersen, We love you so very much.

Ava the Collector

2009-10-03T16:47:00.004-05:00

Ava has a history of collecting things ... trinkets or mostly "figures / figurines". This started with the scooby doo action characters .. the whole scooby gang and has progressively grown over the past several months. She entertains herself for hours lining them all up and as you can see, they have found their way into her bed during slumber

and also into the bathroom ... she decided they needed a bath and well... it's flu season right?? Not a bad idea to get the germs off so she enjoyed bathtime for ALL of them...IN THE SINK!!

Kidneys and the Crew

2009-10-03T16:35:00.004-05:00

What could they have in common you ask??!! Well, we did a fundraiser for my work (The National Kidney Foundation Serving Ohio) at a Columbus Crew Event in support of this year's Columbus Kidney Walk. We happened to have it on a beautiful evening and it was Adam and I's first time at a crew game. It was pretty fun and what a cheering section they have... wow, very spirited.

If you know of anyone interested in the kidney walk, they can sign up here! It's Sunday, Nov. 1st at the Ohio Statehouse and we are trying to kick it into high gear with it only being a month away. You don't hear about kidney failure as much as you do about other diseases but 26 million Americans are living with it. Please "love your kidneys" and come out to walk!!!

Can you believe this was a few weeks ago?

2009-10-03T16:26:00.004-05:00

The preschool decided to do one more water day for this year around mid-September (yes, I'm quite behind on posting) and they happened to pick one last sunny Friday before the weather turned... great job teachers!! Here's a few shots of them and I'm sad to announce, the bathing suits have been retired for the year :(

Scrubbing a firetruck
One proud student!

Buckeye Fever

2009-09-19T09:37:00.007-05:00

Here are a few shots of us over the past few games. Let's go Bucks... we need a "W" today!!!!