Yes, we went to the Pumpkin Patch too

I'm a little behind in posting these pictures. We actually went to Tate Farms on Levi's Birthday, but I just haven't gotten around to getting them up. This year we went late in the day and it was much cooler and a little less crowded. All in all, a great time!

I wonder if they put slides on large farm equipment up north:

King of the tire pile:

Petting the sick bunny rabbit:

Should I even be surprised:

Making Corn Angels:

Hayride to the Pumpkin Patch:

Levi & Garet with our Pumpkin:

Kara & I in the patch:
I had to include this picture. Levi was supposed to be holding Kara on the pumpkin, but he accidentally dropped her right as the picture was taken:

Now you see him (second one back):

Now you don't...Levi rode the corn train with his head tucked down inside almost the whole ride. I have no idea why:

Getting bigger:

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day:

Jumping into the hay:

Kara with her pumpkin:

Happy Fall!

On to the toddler years

Kara turned one yesterday (which I'm still rejoicing over). I recently read a book and the author said the single hardest year of her life was the first year of her second child's life (Note: She only had two kids). I wouldn't go that far, but it certainly was a challenge.

If I'm honest with myself, I'd have to say that I'm not really a baby person, but the toddler years are another story. I have never laughed so hard at stuff Levi does as I have these past two years. I am hoping the same will be true with Kara as well. Things have already been noticeably more enjoyable these past couple of weeks.

Anyway, we had Kara's party this past Monday Night with both sets of grandparents. The kids love attention, so of course, they had a good time!

I made Kara a pillowcase shirt for her birthday. She looked so cute in it!I love this picture:Kara got her own "pink" shake-n-go car. No more stealing Levi's:Putting on lipstick from her new purse:Kara with her new stroller & baby doll:She's looking at the camera!Daddy's Little Girl:My nickname for Kara is "Kara Bear", so we had a Care Bears Cake:Grandpa & Grandma:Granddaddy & Nana:Score one for a girly-girl - Kara wanted nothing to do with the mess:This is how Kara preferred to eat her cake:

Dear Kara,

Has it really been a year since you came into our lives? Your first year has flown by for me, but don't worry, you left your mark :). It was a hard year moving from a family of 3 to a family of 4, but I wouldn't change a thing about it (except for maybe a little less crying!).

From the day you were born, we knew that you were going to have a very unique personality. You are a strong-willed child and are passionate about most everything you come in contact with. This dynamic has been a little challenging for me, but I have to admit, at the end of the day, you always show me how to love you even more.

You are already a heart-breaker. Your big blue eyes have charmed many people and your infectious grin is irresistible. You are starting to get some big brown curls and I know you are going to be just as beautiful as you are right now. You also have 8 teeth to compliment that grin!

Although we have plenty of "baby" toys, you only prefer to play with cars and balls, or really, anything that belongs to your brother. Speaking of Levi, you adore him and want to be everywhere he is. Thankfully, he puts up with his "shadow"!

You are following in your brother's footsteps in that you already have plenty to say. "Mama", "Dada", "Bubba" and a form of "All Done", "Thank You", "Light", "Baby" and "Ball" are said on a regular basis. I have a feeling that sign language will not be for you either - you will prefer to just say the words.

Eating is still a struggle with you - you just don't do it. About the only thing you will eat these days is yogurt, green beans, carrots & goldfish. We've begun the transition to milk - we will be happy to wave good-bye to the expense of formula, hopefully soon!

Because eating is not your super power, you have always been a light-weight. You've averaged 5% in weight and 95% in height - a true string bean! This was a concern in the beginning, but the doctors now say that this is just who you are. You currently weigh 20 lbs, 1 oz which is just enough to turn your car seat around - we were worried you wouldn't make it! You also stand 29.5 inches tall - you are going to catch up to your brother before we know it.

For only one year of life, you have traveled quite a bit already. Your map has 11 states marked. I think that is more than your Daddy had when I first met him! You absolutely enjoy the different scenery's on vacation and I have been quite amazed at how well you do when we travel.

Except for a couple of steps here and there, you have not taken off walking across the room. I hate to admit it, but part of that is probably my fault. With two of you now, you unfortunately have not gotten the attention your brother got at this age. However, you will always have someone to play with and for this I am thankful.

Your current "tricks" are giving kisses, clapping, high fives, sticking out your tongue, strumming your lips, and pretend sneezing. You get the biggest smile when you perform for others. Perhaps your biggest accomplishment to date is standing up from a seated position without using anything to pull up on. This usually follows walking, but you are unique! You also like to dance anytime music is played - it is one of the cutest things ever.

I'm anxious to see if you will be a girly-girl or a tom-boy. You never pull the bows out of your hair, and if someone else does, you want them back in your hair immediately. On the flip side, you can wrestle with the best of them and can throw a ball like nobody's business. "Drama" has been used to describe you many times, so we'll just have to wait and see. :)

I am so thankful to have you in my life. I never thought I wanted a girl, but you have proved me wrong time and time again. You bring out a side in me that your brother will never know. I cherish praying for you every night as I put you down - I love you so much!

Kisses,

Mommy

For Sara

This past weekend, Garet and I had the opportunity to run in the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run for breast cancer in memory of our friend Dustin's mom, Sara. Dustin & Mary Ann both wrote beautiful tributes to her here and here - what an amazing lady!

We've been fortunate to run this race a few times in her honor with Team "Sara's e-racers" (which raised the most money!) and each time I am so inspired and humbled by all of the ladies that have lived through such a difficult experience and are able to celebrate in the survivor's walk, but also saddened by the number of memorials around the race site.

There was a record crowd at the race on Saturday (3,600) and over $100,000 was raised for breast cancer. Hopefully, we are one step closer to a cure!

Despite our lack of training (only about a month), Garet and I both finished under our goal times. We both felt great and it was a gorgeous day to run! There was a lot of encouragement along the route and there was a beautiful tribute to Sara for about a block with many, many pink ribbons. The street even had large pink ribbons painted on it.

Garet ran first. Here is he is coming in to the finish line. We like to title this picture: "The crowd looks to see who is coming in second":
I ran next. Ignore the wacky expression on my face - I was trying to get Kara's attention. Special thanks to the lady in green who kept me on pace with her fancy watch:
Garet and Levi at the finish line:
Dustin, Mary Ann and Carter (with Dustin's Dad in the background) walking in the Survivor's Walk in honor of Sara:
The family at the end of the day:
Hope to see all of you next year!

My Cousin, Andy

We learned on Sunday that my cousin, Andy, passed away after a 3-year battle with cancer. He was only 28. Although we spent many Thanksgivings together growing up, I unfortunately had not been around him these past few years. It has been a tough 3 years for him and his family and when his parents stopped through last year, you could see the burden they were carrying.

If you could, would you pray for my extended family this morning? The funeral is at 10 AM. My mom is fortunate enough to be able to be up there with the family.

Andrew James "Andy" Brown
Andrew James "Andy" Brown, 28, was born July 3, 1980, to Kelly and Linda Brown. He lost a three year battle with cancer on October 12, 2008. Andy graduated from Strafford High School in 1998, and attended SBU and MSU. He was an outstanding athlete and musician. For the past eight years he was employed by FedEx Ground. He was baptized at Second Baptist Church of Springfield in 1985, and was teaching a class of second graders in Sunday school. Andy was the lead singer and wrote the lyrics for all the songs of a Christian rock band, Signal Amber, later changed to Stereo Static. They will release a CD soon. Survivors include his parents, Kelly and Linda Brown of Strafford; brother Scott Brown of Buffalo; grandfather Clifton "Babe" Brown of Brookfield; great-aunt Inez Hughs of Springfield; a special aunt, Ruth Liuzza of Monroe, La.; grandparents, Jim and Joan Joslin of Springfield, Mo.; aunt Jane and Farrel Hahn of Brookfield; aunt Kathy and uncle Jerald Nunn of Ozark; and several cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Clyde and Myrtle Anderson; great-grandmother Mary Joslin; and grandmother Mary Brown. Visitation will be in Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be in Second Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 16, burial following in Eastlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the American Cancer Society and/or Global Impact at Second Baptist Church.

Dear Levi,

WOW! I can not believe you are now 3. In some ways it seems like you were just born and others in seems like you have always been a part of my life. Regardless, I definitely couldn't imagine my life without you in it. As my first born, you will always have the distinct honor of making your father & I parents.

You are a little guy right now - measuring just over 3 feet and weighing 30.5 pounds. You are very, very active and enjoy running all over the place. You want everyone to run with you on the playground at school and ask your teachers why the other kids aren't chasing you when they get tired. We say you are a future soccer player, your teacher's say track star :).

Eating isn't really your thing (it never has been), but your favorite foods are rice, baked potatoes, yogurt & lemonade. You also like your "handaburgers" (with no "salad" on them). You have accepted that your parents are not great chefs and confidently ask: "What eating place are we going to tonight?".

Lightening McQueen and the movie "Cars" are your favorite interests hands down. I think you own almost every "Cars" car out there and there are not many things with Lightening McQueen on it that you don't have. You enjoy most any kind of car for that matter. Play dough, Bikes, Diego, Puzzles, Markers, Books, Legos, the Playground and Games also occupy your time.

You have almost every "Cars" car, because that was your incentive to get potty trained. Thankfully, you picked it up rather quickly and for the past several weeks, you even sleep in "big boy underwear" at night! We appreciate this very much - diapers are expensive.

While you prefer to play, I am glad that you do like to watch TV sometimes (when I need a break!). The Backyardigans is usually what you ask to watch, although you enjoy Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Imagination Movers as well.

You are a well-traveled little boy having already been to 21 states, which is a lot for a 3 year old. You have always been a great traveler and some of our best memories have occurred on vacations over the years.

Every day, you become a little more independent. You can dress yourself (when you want to), go to the bathroom by yourself (when you want to), and take a shower by yourself (when you want to). I've enjoyed this new found freedom.

As far as developmental milestones, you have always been right on target, except when it comes to vocabulary. Your speech is by far your super power. You started talking early and I honestly believe you know most every word in the dictionary some days. You talk like an adult and it really is quite comical to hear your words come out of your 3 year old body. You have started recognizing letters & numbers by sight (mostly 1-10 and the first letters of the alphabet), know which day of the week is which and what comes before & after, and very basic addition. I must give credit where credit is due, your teachers at your "church-school" are fantastic!

I'm looking forward to seeing how your personality develops these next few years. You are very shy when you first enter a new situation, but a short time later, you clearly become a leader in the room, but only after you seem comfortable. You can talk (and talk and talk) with the best of them! Oh, and Aaron is your "best buddy" by far.

You prefer Daddy right now, which is OK with me. You know the rule: "No tackling girls in the house" :). I am so glad that you have a strong father figure in your life - I hope you grow up to be just like him! You prefer me when you are hurt or sick, but you have never been one to snuggle up.

It has been so much fun to watch you grow up. You always know how to put a smile on my face. Know that we pray for you all the time and can't wait to see what God has in store for you!

Love you,

Mommy (or just "Mom" as you have called me this week - thankfully you don't call us Garet & Alison anymore!)

PS: You have been an AMAZING big brother. I haven't seen any jealousy towards Kara at all and you love her so much. One of my favorite things to do is watch the way you help your sister and teach her new things. It makes me so proud!

At least one of our kids likes to camp

Continuing Levi's birthday weekend, we took the kids camping with their cousins (Caleb & Kaitlyn) and Garet's Parents on Friday Night.

We started off the night setting up the fire:

Got a family shot:

And one with the birthday boy (Have I mentioned he's not so much into pictures these days?):

Then, this picture says it all:

Kara wanted nothing to do with camping after about an hour and a half (when it got dark). So, Kara and I packed up and headed home while Garet and Levi stayed. Maybe next year.

Levi loves tents:

Here are a few pictures Garet took of their hike and throwing rocks in the water - I think they turned out really well: