A Visit to Santa Clause

Thursday evening I dressed Lindsey all up in her little Santa dress in hopes for a visit and good pic with Santa Clause at the mall. She briefly sat on his lap right after Thanksgiving and was not happy about it at all, crying, etc. It wasn't the official visit though, so once the time came, I wasn't sure how it was going to go and if we would be able to get a good picture. While we were in line to see Santa I was prepping her and she about squeezed my neck off. I asked her if she wanted to see Santa and she very emphatically told me "NO". Right before we were to see him, I told her she could have a piece of candy if she would sit on his lap and let us take her picture. I gave her the candy before she sat on his lap and she did great. Bribing works - wow! She wasn't the happiest at first, but we were able to get a good smile out of her and Mommy was proud of her and happy. So, another picture with Santa was taken to put in the book so we can go down memories lane for years to come. I hope to do it every year till my children get to "old".

Growing up, I never actually believed in Santa, but the whole idea was a fun thing. We knew "all" presents came from Mommy and Daddy. I really don't care if they believe or not, because that is definitely not the reason for the season, but the picture taking is fun anyways.

To all my bloggers Have a Holly Jolly Merry Christmas - HO-HO-HO!!

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Tuesday evening was Jonathan's work Christmas party and I was able to go as well. We left Lindsey with my Mom and Dad for a few hours, which we have only done 2 other times since she was born in order for us to just go out. We have both not been without her at the same time, but for other reasons and still not very often. The reason being is Jonathan and I just can't stand to do anything without her. I want her to be included in everything and to make fun memories as a family. It was an enjoyable time. We went to the Manchester Inn in Middletown, OH. I was finally able to put a face to many of the names that I hear about all the time from Jonathan's work.

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On another note, I think we finished our Christmas shopping and now the joy of getting to wrap them all. We didn't have a big list this year, but I always no matter what am usually buying the bulk of the gifts the week before Christmas.

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Enjoy the pics! Click on the pic below for more picture!

Misc Christmas Pics

Doctor's Visit Report

YEAH!! As of yesterday I have now actually seen the doctor and everything looks great.

And..... drum roll please..... YES, we heard the heartbeat and it is a normal fast baby heartbeat. But, all be it, it was a brief hearing. Jonathan was not able to go with me to the doctor this time and so I had my cell phone on speaker in hopes that he would get to hear the heartbeat. I think he ended up hearing it better than me. I was so worried about making sure he heard it that when they finally picked it up on the doppler for a brief few seconds I was trying to make sure the phone was where he could hear it. They only found it once and only for a few seconds. They said the baby was moving around too much and with it still being so early that it was hard to find. It satisfied me in the sense that I know it's a good, fast, normal heartbeat, but not in the sense of really getting to listen to that heartbeat. I still just may have to end up visiting my sister-in-law at L&D after all because 1/16/08 seems like a long ways away to wait and see the doctor again.

In other doctor news, I explained to them how I was having such a horrible time with my breathing and being extra abnormally out of breath. I remember being out of breath some with Lindsey, but I'm not sure that it was this early in my pregnancy. The problem started this time about the same time I started getting sick. I have been slowly improving on the nausea, but my breathing is getting continually worse. I can't do anything without being labored in breathing. Just talking for an extended time or bending over and helping Lindsey with something is just horrible, and to go to sleep is even worse. In years gone by I have had very minor signs of exercise induced asthma, and the doctor is thinking that my pregnancy is making it worse. I was given a peak flow meter to measure the strength of my lungs and I am suppose to track it to make sure that it remains in the same area.

There you have it, there's the report.

ME PG 12w 5d

Here is my first "bump" picture for all my blogger friends.

This was taken at 12 weeks and 5 days.

I still have my very nauseated moments, but they are not quite 24/7 like they were. A lot of the time right now I just seem to be short of breath and weak, with not a lot of energy. When I was carrying Lindsey I was able to have caffeine within the proper moderation limits, but not this time. I have had caffeine in a fairly strong quantity on 2 separate occasions and I was totally miserable both times. The first being a glass of tea, when I didn't realize it wasn't caffeine free and the 2nd being a nice Starbucks coffee that was given to me or I would have ordered it de-caf. So... no caffeine for me, except for the chocolate, of course. Hopefully, we'll hear that heartbeat Tuesday morning. As long as I remember the correct appointment time - haha!

Christmas Sunday

I have always considered the Sunday of the Children's Christmas Program and the Adult's Cantata to be "Christmas Sunday" and everyone wears their new Christmas outfits. I was able to get some very nice pics of Lindsey. I have also posted a few of Lindsey from this past week and also the curling preparation results from Saturday night.

Dec 16, 2007

The reason you see no Jonathan, is because he is verrrry sick. He has been sick since last Wednesday night and went no where on Saturday and Sunday in hopes that the rest would help kick the illness. His work has no slack and therefore work must go on - sick or no sick. He worked ALL day Friday - 13 or 14 hours. He was completely exhausted, but he made it. He is a Route Supervisor, but unfortunately, many times he has to do a route himself plus his main job. Very frustrating at times, such as this past Friday with 16 stops and many hours of driving, not to mention the fever, etc. I sure do hope he starts improving soon though because he is off to work again bright and early this Monday morning.

Saturday, all of our Christmas Program practices were cancelled, due to weather. So, instead of having the Children's Program Sunday morning, they had all the practices Sunday afternoon and both programs on Sunday evening. It worked out great and after both were over it still had only been 1 hr and 20 minutes. They were both very nicely done and very enjoyable.

The Wedding of ~ Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Bishop

On Saturday, Dec 8, 2007, Mom, Lindsey, and I went to Bradley and Jackie Bishop's Wedding. It was very nice and her dress, in my opinion, was one of the prettiest I have ever seen. The back was weaved with ribbon, absolutely gorgeous. Bradley is the brother to Jilayne, one of my very best friends.

I was also able to get some nice pics when we got home and was also able to get a 3 generation pic. Enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Dec 8, 2007

Talk about DISAPPOINTING . . .

Tuesday was scheduled to be my 2nd Doctors visit and we were going to get to hear the heartbeat. I am not a big worrier, but at times I can think about worrisome things and I was ready to hear that heartbeat. On the way there I was thinking, well I will get to hear that heartbeat real soon. We were even on time and early to the appointment and was able to grab a quick bite to eat on the way. We arrived just before my appointment time of 2:00.

Or, so I thought!!!

Somehow, I had remembered the appointment time wrong and did not recheck the appointment card and it was actually at 1:00. A whole hour late. Well, it ends up it's a very un-accommodating doctor's office and I HAD to reschedule.

I DID NOT GET TO HEAR MY PRECIOUS BABY'S HEARTBEAT!

Wow, I was crushed needless to say and left there a devastated person. I am not a crier, but this was a great exception. I cried and cried because not only did I not get to hear the heartbeat, they could not get me in for another appointment until next week on the 18th - grrrrr!!!!!!! I told them that my husband had to take special time off work to come and that it was an honest mistake, but that didn't matter. On top of all that, they said they were running 1 to 1 1/2 hours behind and would not be able to fit me in at all. Uhh, is it my imagination or wouldn't I have just been sitting in the waiting room anyways for the previous hour. I think it was their good excuse to get me out of there since they were running behind.

Needless to say I did NOT have a good day at all! Poor me, I had quite the pity party for myself. My first thought after realizing I wasn't going to get to hear the heartbeat, was to call my sister-in-law and see if she was at work because she works in L&D at a hospital downtown and see, if they could check for the heartbeat - Guess what?? She's on vacation all week! UUGGHH!! I guess it will be the 18th!

HOW DISAPPOINTING!!

(side note - This is not my regular doctor's office, but due to some insurance issues, I won't be able to go to my regular doctor until mid January. I sure will be glad when I don't have to deal with those crabby people anymore.)

YEAH! Our Christmas Tree is UP!!!

Wow, I was actually beginning to wonder when and if it would get put up. Especially since a lot of my blogger friends have had theirs up for over two weeks. I LOVE the Christmas season and the decorations, BUT.... I absolutely despise the mess and the hassle of putting up the Christmas Tree.

Jonathan's work schedule right now is out of this world crazy and absolutely way too busy and has been for about 5 months. I keep hoping that he can slow down, but something else always comes up. He worked almost 80 hours last week, but it' usually at least 60 or more. My point in explaining about Jonathan is... When can he help me????? I have been very sick with the baby and definitely am not up to doing this all by myself. Today, was no different. Jonathan and I both thought that he would be able to make it home at a decent time, but early evening I realized he wouldn't be home for quite a few more hours.

Lindsey was completely out of sorts, for some unexplainable reason and I was feeling verrry stressed. Jenn E. had asked me earlier, if I wanted to do something and I said I hoped to be able to spend time with Jonathan. I called her around 5:30 thinking in the back of my mind that it would be really nice if she would come help me, but didn't come right out and ask. When talking to her, I explained my frustration and how close it was getting to Christmas. She then asked if I would like for her to come and help me. I GLADLY ACCEPTED. So, that's the story. Our Christmas tree and some other decorations are all up. YEAH! Thanks, so much Jenn for the help. I don't know if I could ever be that nice because obviously I didn't want to do my own let alone someone else's - LOL!!

Lindsey was a little better after Katrin arrived. It was still a trying evening with Lindsey since she can be quite aggresive with anyone close to her size or smaller and they usually don't like it. I guess she's around her older cousins too much and she just fits right in with them. But, Katrin endured and they had some enjoyable time playing together. I told Jenn that she was going to think it was Nightmare on our street after having spent the evening here, but I hope she had a somewhat good time :)

Her presence helped greatly with my stamina and drive to get it done. I wouldn't really call myself a loner and certainly didn't want to tackle that project with just Lindsey here. We haven't had a tree up in our house in 3 years. Last year was due to being at my parents house for 7 month, and the year before that I was 8 months pg with Lindsey and there was no way I was going to create that mess when I was still trying to finish up the baby room. We had to have a tree up this year though, if for no other reason, for Lindsey.

Christmas is a WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR! Here are a few pics. Enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pics.

Christmas Tree 2007

Our visit to the hospital to meet ~ Jackson Scott C.

JACKSON SCOTT C.

~ 12/4/07 ~ 3:57 a.m. ~ 9lb 7oz ~ 20 1/2 in ~

We made it to the hospital Wednesday evening to meet handsome little Jackson Scott C. Congratulations, Scott & Suzanne! He is ADORABLE, CUTE, CUDDLY, LOVABLE! I think I'll just have to be his adopted aunt :) I have a few pics to share - enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pics.

Jackson Scott C. - 1 day old

Lindsey Plays in the SNOW

Well, it really snowed and yes Lindsey got to play in it. Today we went to Wal-Mart and bought her boots and gloves. We spent about 30 minutes outside. She actually wasn't too crazy about it, but I think if she had some cousins to play with her and show her how it's really done it would probably help. She liked it for the most part, but not when she jumped and then fell down. She finally decided that she wanted to swing and so, all bundled up that's what she did and loved it. I got some cute pics that I thought I would share. Enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Lindsey's 1st time to play in snow

Money Saving Deal

Well, I am definitely a shopper and I love a good sale. Ever since summer was ending and we were headed into fall I have wanted to buy Lindsey a snowsuit. I even looked on ebay at some of the expensive ones that are now used for a good price, but I never purchased. I just couldn't justify the purchase - UNTIL NOW! It is supposed to SNOW today. I know Lindsey would love to go out in the snow, but I had no wet worthy winter clothing for her. I was out shopping with my friend, Jenn, Tuesday evening and came across a great DEAL! I had purchased a maternity top at Sear's and with the receipt it printed out some coupons. One, being a 20% coupon off of the kid's winter clothing. I decided to check and see what they had. I ended up getting a $55 snowsuit - coat and overalls that were marked down 50% to $27.50 and then I got another 20% off of that. Making my purchase total only $22. I am very pleased with my purchase and so is Lindsey. We went home and tried it on for size and she thought it was the greatest thing. To top it off, I LOVE the colors - pink and brown. Maybe we will actually get the forcasted snow and I will be able to share some pictures with her in action at a later date. Until then, here's the store photo of the snowsuit.

1st Doctors Visit for our Baby in Making

Well, I went to the Doctors Office, but didn't actually see the doctor. That won't be until next Tuesday. I did have my first visit though and did lots of paperwork, answered lots of questions, blood work, weight, blood pressure. You've got the idea by now. I was quite dissappointed when I asked if they would be checking for the heartbeat and they said not until you see the doctor next week. UUGGHH!!! Oh, well - I guess I'll just have to keep waiting.

Congratulations - Suzanne & Scott!

Congratulations to one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world, Suzanne C. She has now joined the great world of Mommy hood!! She had her baby Tuesday morning, December 4, at 3:57 a.m. A great, big, handsome, adorable baby boy - Jackson Scott! He weighed in at 9 lbs 7 ozs and 20 1/2 inches. He is absolutely beautiful and for proof of this you can check out 2 of his aunt's blogs, who have already posted pictures and see for yourself.

Heather L's blog - http://theloperhouse.blogspot.com/

Amy L's blog - http://orangecupcakes.blogspot.com/

I will hopefully get to see him today, if all works out. He looks like a perfect doll baby - nice, squishy, loveable, and as CUTE as any baby boy could be.

CONGRATULATIONS - SUZANNE & SCOTT - ON YOUR NEW BABY BOY - JACKSON!!

Grand Due Date of Arrival - June 24, 2008!

Well, if you haven't guessed by now - we are growing by one more in this house! I am PG - all 10 1/2 weeks so far. We are going to have another wonderful sweet baby - due to arrive June 24, 2008! We are so very excited.

The following picture is what we gave our parents and family to announce the big news.

A Baby Girl or Boy? Either way we'll be happy to make room for one more! Our Newest Addition is due to arrive June 24, 2008! We are now the Pitcher's of four!

Wow, it's hard to post when all you want to do is share your big news with all your blogger friends. It has been quite the feat for me to keep this a secret for so long, since we have known for almost 6 weeks. We wanted to tell all of our family in person, thus the delay in order to tell Jonathan's family at Thanksgiving last week. I have told a few friends, but just announced it to my friends at church tonight at the Church Christmas Dinner. Finally I can share with the www of bloggers - my dear friends :) Lindsey is already very excited about becoming a BIG SISTER. When you ask her, she just lights up with a big smile. She loves nothing more than baby dolls. She's just going to think that Mommy and Daddy went out and bought her a real live doll. I can already envision it now - Lindsey caring me the 1 week old baby to me and telling me it is crying. Ahhhh! She's never shown signs of jealousy before and now I think she will think that this is the greatest gift yet. I'll sure have to keep my eyes OPEN! They will be 2 years & 5 months apart.

(Heather Dickinson - I agree with you whole heartedly.) I have been very sick as well. I can't stand the smell of many foods and it's 24/7 sickness, not just that morning stuff. It was the same way with Lindsey. Nothing sounds good to eat, but I make self at some point in the day. It only helps the way I feel for a little while and then it's back again.

As I had said in my previous post about the biggest news I have to share, well I guess I was wrong, this is definitely bigger - HAHA! This posting also explains the previous and the reason I was so adamant on her sleeping through the night. I would like a few nights between the two of good sleep :)

Well, enough of all the details - THAT'S OUR BIG NEWS and we are SO HAPPY!

Sleeping Baby

This little story is a little lengthy, but it is the biggest news I have to share. Sorry, in advance, for the elaboration. It is a very important highlight in the life of me and my baby Lindsey.

Well, for the very unscheduled Mom that I am, and a little bit of honest humble pie, I have conquered a great battle. And, I might add, quite easily. Being a stay at home Mom, with only one child, Lindsey's sleeping pattern was not a concern to me and therefore I never reinforced a good habit. You always have to be careful what you say you will NEVER do as a parent or it might come back to haunt you and this sure did. I never dreamed that Lindsey would be sleeping in our bed with us for so LONG.

But... it all started back when she was first born and we were in the hospital. The 2nd night in the hospital she would have no other way, but being held and she would not sleep in her little bed not 2 inches from my bed. When we arrived home she would not sleep in that beautiful cradle right beside our bed - ON HER BACK! So, wanting to be careful and not take a risk of SIDS and putting her on her stomach, I ended up holding her every night on my stomach. I asked the doctor about this and they said that was fine. Well, after two months, I had to have somewhat of a major surgery and could not hold her so on her stomach she went and she did fine for the most part in her cradle. At 6 months I thought I would move her to her bed, but that was a no go. I was up way too much in the night with her being in her room and she was not a good sleeper of very many hours at all. I tried for a very short time after she was 6 months to let her cry it out and it DID NOT work out. So, I gave in - she was in our bed, because she was too big for the cradle at this point. Then, we ended up living with my parents due to their health reasons for 7 months and there was no room for a bed for Lindsey. She remained in our bed during this time. We have been back home since the end of June and she was STILL in our bed.

Well, ENOUGH OF THAT. Out she went - 4 or 5 weeks ago. I had made up my mind and the fight was on. I was no longer going to give in to those night wakings. She needed to learn how to sleep through the night and put herself back to sleep when she awoke. The first two nights she woke up once and she had to have a good long cry each time and after that - it's all history. We've had a few bumps along the way, but she has never been back to our bed and she can put herself back to sleep when she wakes up. She seems to be in the routine of waking up once after quite a spell and I have to tell her to lay down with her doll, cup and blanket. The reassurance of my voice is enough for her and she goes right back to sleep. 12 straight hours of sleep - WOW! Thank goodness - I HAVE MY BED BACK :) !! Be careful what you say, you might end up eating crow :) And, I guess that's enough honesty for one night.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY -3 - 3 days in a row!!

Happy 64th Birthday to the World's Greatest Mother! Her birthday was yesterday - November 29. All 12 of us went out to eat Thursday evening to Bravo's and had a great time together. Mom received a really nice watch from Dad and some other gifts as well. Nothing like family time, which was very enjoyable. Happy Birthday - MOM!

And a great big Happy Birthday to a great niece who is turning 9 today, November 30. ANNA MARIE! I hope you have a great day! We are going to her Birthday Party this evening at their house. Wow, how time flies. It seems like yesterday that she was that 3lb. baby in the NICU. Spunky little thing survived her way through all that and is now a beautiful little girl who is growing up. One year away from those double digit - pre-teen years :) Lookout Mom and Dad! Happy Birthday - ANNA!

And... another great big Happy Birthday to one of the world's greatest sister-in-law's, Belinda, who is turning 26 tomorrow, December 1. I hope you have a great birthday and I wish that I could see you more often - nothing like our late night chatting sessions after the kids are tucked away in bed:) Love Ya! Happy Birthday - Belinda!

And..... HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY for all those other family members through out this past year that I have sadly not mentioned on this blog of mine. Not a good remember-er of doing those types of things. Love all of you and hope you all have another wonderful year ahead of you!

Welcome Christmas Season

I love ALL seasons and Christmas and winter is with no exception. I LOVE the hustle and bustle. I love crowds. I know many people to do not like crowds, but I am not one of them. It's always funner in the malls the day after Thanksgiving or to go to the grocery store in the mad rush before the close on Christmas Eve for those last few items. I love the festive feel in the air. This Christmas season deems to be just as busy as all the previous. One of the first things to happen each Christmas season is the first Saturday in December is our Church Christmas Dinner, which is this coming Saturday evening. I hope to do many things that will become traditions for our little family. I want to take Lindsey to the Festival of Lights at the Zoo, go see the Duke-Energy train set that is always set up downtown, maybe the Conservatory and the list goes on. We have already done one traditional thing this year that I want to continue and that was taking Lindsey to Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis to see the Christmas Lights (even if we were freezing and Lindsey and admitted for the first time that she was cold - even though she was layered many times over). I love making memories. No one can take them away and they last a lifetime. I am still a kid at heart!

Merry Christmas to All! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey Day!

We are in the land of Indiana for this great, long, Holiday weekend at my in-laws. We arrived around 10 p.m. Wednesday night after a very long day of errands, cooking, packing and then driving.

We were very excited to get to see all of Jonathan's family after having not seen them for almost 5 weeks. Unfortunately, my Mother-in-law has to work at the hospital today, so we are going to Jonathan's Great Aunt and Uncle's house, John and Linda LeBaron, for Thanksgiving Day and for a wonderful dinner. I am taking my homemade Cranberry Salad, which is a must in my family for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. (Another must for ME - Stove Top (brand) Dressing) In Jonathan's family there is no such thing. Don't tell anyone, but it's that nasty Oyster Dressing. My Mother is a great cook and does basically everything from scratch, but never the Dressing. It's got to be Stove Top :) lol :) I hope you all enjoy your Turkey Dinners and then those great naps that come afterwards :)

We are here in Indiana clear through Sunday evening and will greatly enjoy the time we will get to spend with family. Lindsey loved getting to see Lizzi and Noah when we arrived and started running around and playing with them immediately. She loves to play with kids and Cousins are at the top of her list.

Also, on this great holiday, my Baby Lindsey, is 22 months old! How time flys! The other night we drove by this house in our neighborhood that had a huge blow up Turkey in the front yard. I pointed it out to her and told her it was a Turkey and she promptly said "Turkey"! She is definitely not a early talker, but just within the last week she is quickly becoming my parrot. After having driven by the Turkey we then drove by some Christmas decorations that were up in the neighborhood as well and she called all of that "Turkey" too :) lol!

I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR MY HUSBAND ~ LINDSEY ~ OUR PARENTS - both sides ~ OUR SIBLINGS AND SPOUSES ~ OUR NIECES AND NEPHEWS ~ AND ALL THE REST OF OUR GREAT FAMILY - both sides!!

Have a Great Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Happy 12th Birthday Matthew

Verrrry Belated! But wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday anyways and share some pictures with my blog readers as well. Enjoy the pics.

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Matthew's Birthday - 2007

Thanksgiving Meal ~ With my side of the Family

Last Sunday was the last chance before Thanksgiving for all of us to be together so we had Thanksgiving dinner and it was scrumptious. We will all be going separate ways for Thanksgiving Day. We will be in Indiana with Jonathan's family. Lisa works and Mom and Dad and Brian and Janella's family are going on a vacation to NJ and to New York City for a day as well. I took a few pics of the Sunday dinner / Thanksgiving dinner. A few didn't turn out too well, but went ahead and posted them anyway. I thought my Mom's table was pretty and decorated nice for the holiday, so I am also sharing some pictures of that with.

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Snellings

Fall Yard Cleaning

Well, Jonathan worked in the yard a lot today and when I opened up the back blinds Lindsey thought she definitely had to go out. So, we bundled up - A LOT - and went out for a while. She thought the leaves were great and did some swinging and sliding as well. Daddy had fun swinging her around and throwing her in the leaves. It has been an uneventful Saturday at home with no plans which is very unusual for us. Here's a few pics for you to enjoy of today.

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Nov 10, 2007

Fall Party

Last weekend on Saturday, 10-27, we went to a Fall Party for all the kids in our church and the parents. It was hosted by Brian and Janella at their house. The kids all dressed up and some adults. We had a lot of fun all except for getting rained into the house before we really got to enjoy the bonfire. The kids bobbed for apples, had a scavenger hunt, and painted pumpkins along with trick-or-treating around to all the adults holding the bags of candy. And the table full of food was great. Thanks Brian and Janella for the great idea and the fun! Enjoy the pics!

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

10-27-07

More Fall Saturday Activities

This fall we have tried to do a fun, fall, family activity each Saturday. Here are some pictures from two different Saturday events that were in September.

We went to Scott and Suzanne Capplinger's house for a cookout and had a great time. The baby's got very dirty, especially Lindsey, so they all got to take a bath together before we all went home. They were so cute that we just had to get some pictures :)

Another Saturday, we went to a new outdoor mall, The Greene. It was really neat and we had a lot of fun just strolling the streets.

Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Misc pics - fall 2007

Camping Trip

We went on a tent camping trip two weekends ago and had an awesome time. We went with Jonathan's family and we camped at Hueston Woods State Park in Ohio near the Indiana border. We went for Friday and Saturday night and wished we could have stayed another 5 nights. I tooks tons of pictures - to be exact - 437 pictures and I am posting about 100. Hope you enjoy.

Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Oct 2007 Camping Trip

Visit to Shaw Farm - Milford, OH

This past Saturday during the day before we went out for our anniversary, we went to Shaw Farm in Milford, OH. Mom, Dad, Jenna, Jacob, and Anna all rode with us in our van. It was a lot of fun.

My brothers and their wives were gone on a 3 night stay with 12 couples in our church to Gatlinburg, TN, so my Mom and Dad kept their kids while they were gone.

We had a lot of fun at the farm and got some great pictures.

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Oct 2007 Shaw Farm

Wedding Pictures

Here are the promised pictures.


DISCLAIMER- These are all pictures taken of another picture = bad quality. Unfortunately we were married just shortly before the digital camera popularity days. In real life my pictures are awesome and great quality. I had to take most of the pictures at an angle to avoid the glare - hence the distorted look in some of the pics.

Hope you enjoy!

Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Our Wedding Oct 2000

Happy 7th Wedding Anniversary to US!

I have now been married to the man I LOVE for 7 years.

October 14, 2000 - 1:30 p.m. - West Chester, OH

Our story to wedded bliss started at Youth Challenge in Oct of 1999. We became engaged on tax day, April 15, 2000 and six short months later we tied the knot. For better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I can't say that every day has been a cake walk, but I wouldn't trade him for anything. It is great getting to spend the rest of my life with the man I Love.

Jonathan, I love you very much. Yours Always, Leanna

Since our anniversary is on a Sunday this year, we celebrated on Saturday. Jonathan had to go into work really early Saturday morning for a couple of hours and when he returned home he woke me up with a dozen roses and a sweet card. He's the best. We went out to eat Saturday evening - just the two of us. We never go without Lindsey, so it was quite the treat and we spent 5 enjoyable hours together. We decided to stick close to home and not spend time driving to our destination. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Bravo's ~ http://www.bestitalianusa.com/ ~ located at ~ http://www.streetsofwestchester.com/. A very nice location and a wonderful place to start our evening. Thanks, Babe - I had a great time!

Toast: Here's to another 7, plus many, many more Happy Anniversary's!

Pics taken by my brother -July 2007.

I have no digital pictures of my wedding and no scanner hooked up so for now there will be no wedding pictures to post. I will try and take some pics of pics and post them soon for all you hungry picture lovers.

My prayers have been heard - temperature drop!

YEAH!!!!!!
My prayers have been heard!
YEAH!!!!!!
Starting Tuesday it's going to get cooler!
YEAH!!!!!!
And after Wednesday above 70 isn't even in the forecast.
YEAH!!!!!!

Go start pulling out those sweaters - just maybe, we will able to wear them before next spring - haha!

10-Day Forecast for Cincinnati, OH

Sun Oct 07 Sunny 94°/60°
Mon Oct 08 Mostly Sunny 94°/59°
Tue Oct 09 AM Showers 78°/44°
Wed Oct 10 Partly Cloudy 65°/39°
Thu Oct 11 Partly Cloudy 65°/37°
Fri Oct 12 Partly Cloudy 65°/39°
Sat Oct 13 Partly Cloudy 70°/42°
Sun Oct 14 Sunny 70°/44°
Mon Oct 15 Partly Cloudy 70°/44°
Tue Oct 16 Partly Cloudy 69°/44°

It looks like we may get to go camping after all - since my stipulation was that it had to get cooler.

One of the comments made on my previous post made made me laugh and I agree with them. I'm complaining about not having cool weather now and then I'll probably turn right around and complain about it being too cool, but I guess that's how it goes! Gotta love those season changes! :)

Have a great Sunday! Our church is actually having an outside baptismal service, Sunday afternoon and as you already know, there won't be any problems with the weather since it's supposed to be in the mid 90's.

~ LEAVES ~

I love fall, but... it's because of the weather that we normally have during this time of year. WHERE IS THAT COOL WEATHER??? I am missing it so bad. It's pretty bad when we are still wearing short sleeves and sandals and the temperature is 90 outside and in the 80's every single day. Not to mention that not even jackets are needed in the late evening. Absolutely crazy. I sure am glad it wasn't this way in 2000 or I would have been sorely disappointed on my wedding day - in regards to the weather that is, since we were married on 10/14. We are wanting to go camping in a couple of weeks, but it will be called off till cooler weather if it hasn't cooled down any before then. OK, I'll get off my high horse since none of y'all can help me out in this situation :) ha ha

On another note of fall weather, Lindsey played in the leaves for the first time Friday. We went outside to let her swing. I decided to rake some leaves around the swing set and I just kept raking and ended up doing a large area in our backyard. Needless to say, Lindsey ended up hardly playing on her swing set. She discovered the childhood joy of playing in the leaves. She started playing in them, jumping in them, throwing them, etc. without me even mentioning the idea so it must be instinct - ha ha! I was only able to grab some pics with my cellphone so not great quality, but at least I was able to capture the moment.

Have a great weekend!

Do I still have any readers? ~~ And, I've been tagged!

Well, I know it's been a long time since I posted. Only 2 posts in the last month. Sorry to let you down fellow bloggers. Hopefully I still have some faithful readers that will come back to check and see if I will ever post again.

As an update from my last post, my Dad did come through his shoulder surgery with flying colors and is recovering nicely.

~~~~~
TAGGED
Well, along with the rest of you I have been tagged twice. So here it is - interesting or not.

1. I have a wonderful husband that I met at Youth Challenge 1999. We dated for 5 1/2 months and then became engaged. We then were engaged for 6 months. We got married 2 weeks before Youth Challenge 2000 and went back as a married couple.

2. I have an Associates Degree and worked in Insurance for 8 years. I am now doing what my hearts dream has always been. A "Mommy" and I get to be a stay-at-home Mom. I love my daughter and certainly couldn't live without her. We want more children as God sees fit, since Lindsey is a miracle child. If Lindsey is our one and only I will still be forever grateful for being blessed with her.

3. I lived in the same house my entire life until I got married. We then had a rented condo for 1 year and then we bought the house that we live in now, which will be 6 years ago this November.

4. I love the change in seasons, but fall is definitely my favorite. I love the cool, crisp breezes and getting to pull those cozy sweaters out that have been in storage for several months. To sit down by the fireplace, with a hot drink is so much fun.

5. I would rather be with family than anybody else. They are priceless. Both sides, my side and my husbands side. I have 6 nieces and nephews - total from both sides.

6. I would like to think that I would become a scrap-booker some day :) I have the book I want to start with and lots of paper, printed pictures, etc. but never have i started it. My biggest drawback is having a place to set it up. I could never leave it out with Lindsey around.

7. I have two older brothers. They are 9 and 11 years older than me.

Shewww!!! It's done. That's been hanging over my head for several days as I have been reading everyone elses tagged 7 items. (Sorry, but I think I'll be a party pooper and not tag other people, most everyone has been tagged by now.)
~~~~~
Lindsey is now 20 month and getting more honery by the minute. She's starting to try and talk more. Not a quick talker, but she's getting there. She's been calling me Mama since way back, but yesterday she started calling me "Mommy" and... she hasn't stopped. She never called me Mama like she calls me Mommy. She hasn't stopped saying it, or so it seems. A million times already in the last 48 hours. How crazy, but oh, so cute! Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy! Over and over! She also started saying her own name in the last week or so, but not very clear and not quite as often.

My in-laws bought her a swing set a couple of months ago and she has always loved to swing, basically avoiding the slide. Well, we went out there last week to swing, or so I thought and she ended up mastering the whole slide thing. She needs no help from me. She climbs right up those big steps and some how manages to get those feet out from underneath of her and slide right down the slide. All the while, I am watching very closely from my lawn chair. Like I have said so many times before, Where did the baby go? She's not even 2 yet and there's no fear in her when it comes to that slide. Needless to say, I was quite proud of her.
~~~~~
Time for some pics for those who are asking - WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?

The Cincinnati Museum Center at the Union Terminal had free admission last Friday evening so Jonathan and I took Lindsey to the Children's Museum. We also went to the other two museums that are there for a little bit as well. We then watched at the OmniMax there at the Union Terminal - The ALPS! Wow, that was really good. One of the very, very, best that I have seen. Ranks up there with the Grand Canyon imax film, in my opinion.
Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Last Saturday was our Church Fall Picnic. It was a lot of fun and Lindsey really enjoyed the hay ride.
Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Church Fall Picnic

This past Tuesday we met my in-laws 1/2 way between our homes and had an enjoyable time eating out and spending some time together. We hadn't seen them in about a month. Also a few pics of Lindsey playing outside on her swing set in her PJ's earlier that day.
Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Misc. Sep 07

I am certainly enjoying this fall weather and am trying to do something fun every weekend for Sep and Oct to enjoy the fun fall festive activities. We went to the Lebanon, OH Country Applefest for about an hour last Saturday and that was really neat, but had to leave to go to the picnic. A few weeks ago we went to the Clinton County Corn Festival. Very small, but fun and festive. Enjoyed the good corn on the cob. This Saturday we are going to some friends for a cookout and I'm taking scrumptious homemade carmel and apples. I would also like to think that we could fit a camping trip weekend in there as well. Camping when it's not so hot is much better than a mid summer camp out. Enjoy your fall festivities and hopefully the weather will decide to cooperate soon and cool down so it seems more like "Fall" :) Have a great weekend!

Well, hopefully that has helped in making up for my lack of blogging. I am still hear - kicking and breathing. I'm usually just so busy reading everyone else's :)

I'm still alive . . . :)

Well, I know it has been quiet from my little blogging world, but I just haven't been taking as many pictures and taking the time to post.

This won't be much of a posting in the way of pics either, but I did want to mention a few things.

My Dad made it home safely Tuesday evening from his 2 week trip out to Yuma, CO to spend some time with his family. He has 6 siblings and 5 of them live in Yuma and 1 other one that lives quite close to Yuma as well. He flew out on 8/29 and back on 9/11. The 9/11 part of the flying kind of made it scary, but he is now home safe and sound.

On the down side, my Dad is having surgery Wednesday morning. Not even home 24 hours and going under the knife. Yuck Yuck! He is having rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery on his left shoulder. Last November it was his right shoulder. I just wish my parents could go a year with out a surgery. ha ha! (and my Mom still needs to have carpel tunnel surgery done on her right hand) Please pray for my Dad. It's not the surgery that is scary it is knowing what the recovery is like. He still doesn't have full strength back in his right shoulder.

Lindsey is doing great! Changing so much - every day - it seems! She is now jumping - literally off the ground, which was surprising to me and she can do perfect somersaults. She is almost 20 months and starting to talk just a little bit more, but not much. She surprises you with little sayings, such as - She was talking to her Great Aunt Ruthie and her Aunt said, "How are you?" and Lindsey replied clear as day, "Fine". Shocked us half to death. You never know what all their picking up on. Brings more meaning to, Oh, be careful little mouth what you say! Our little one's are watching our every move and grasping it all, I do believe :) She can also do all the hand motions to the little kids church song, Running Over.

I will try and post some pictures soon. Have a great rest of the week!

Cousin Studio Pictures

Well, we actually accomplished it. I have been wanting to get Lindsey and her two cousins on Jonathan's side of the family picture taken together. We were going to at Christmas time and then we ended up not going through with it. The cousins are Belinda and Ralph's children - Jonathan's sisters family. Lizzi turned 3 in July, Noah turned one in May and is now 15 months old and Lindsey is 19 months old.

Also, I was going to take Lindsey to JCPenney's when she turned 18 months, but I was slow to getting around to it. She then burnt her face so I was trying to wait for that to not show up real bad, thus I have a 19 month picture of her from JCP's instead of the desired 18 months. I did get the nice outdoor picture of her that my brother, the photographer, took a week before she turned 18 months, so this counts as well, but we only got 1 good shot so I wanted more.


These pictures were taken on August 25, last Saturday while we were in Indiana. I was pleased with the way they turned out. We had a scheduled appointment for 2:10 and changed it to 3:10. We were a little bit late and we ended up having to wait until 5:00 for a cancellation, but we got the pictures taken and that is all that mattered. I was afraid they would all be too cranky, but we got the 1 good pic of them together and that was the main intent. I was very happy. Noah got fussy after the first few, but that was ok. It was past nap time for all 3. Lindsey did great, thank goodness. She did horrible at her 1 year and 16 month studio photo sessions and now this one went great. Hopefully it's a turning point or maybe it was the cousins :). I love pictures as I am sure all of you can tell by now - Memories - irreplaceable - love'm :) (Now to conquer this task for my side of the family :) ha ha!)

Click on the picture below for all of the pictures.

Aug 25, 2007

Grandma Cheatham's Viewing & Funeral

This posting is for the close family and friends and anyone else who cares to see pictures of the viewing and funeral and my intentions are not to offend anyone.

Wednesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. was the viewing in Frankfort, IN. Thursday morning was the funeral at 10 a.m. They had the funeral dinner immediately following the service and then the burial was about 1 1/2 hours away near Shelbyville/Franklin, IN at 3:30 p.m.

Following the viewing Wednesday evening, 31 of us went out to eat to Pepe's Mexican Restaurant there in Frankfort, IN. Thanks to Nathan Easley - our wonderful cousin - for treating every single one of us and only requesting that we all leave the tip. Thanks! We had a great time and was able to spend some fun times together during unfortunate circumstances. Family is a great thing!

Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Aug 22 & 23, 2007 Grandma Cheatham's Viewing & Funeral

No, outsmarting us parents...

Just tooo smart. Monday, Lindsey was unusually very fussy and I was set on her having a very necessary nap. I put her to sleep and went and laid her down. Five seconds later she was awake. I laid down beside her and got her back to sleep. Jonathan arrived home from work about that time. I quietly got up from laying beside her. I was out of the room for a mere few minutes and she very loudly let us know that she was awake. I then sent Jonathan in to take care of her because we were going to win the battle. He laid down with her and she decided she wanted to play. A few minutes went by and then Jonathan decided to holler for me to let me know she wasn't going back to sleep and BAM she hit the pillow beside Jonathan like a scared cat. She KNEW that Mama meant business and that she was supposed to be going to sleep and not playing. So, I came in and gave her the Mama talk about having to take a nap and that she had to lay down beside Daddy. I left out of the room and did not see her again until she was awake from her nap. Jonathan told me later that after I left back out of the room that she still wasn't going to sleep and so Jonathan said to her, "Do you know what Mommy would do if she was in here and she knew you weren't laying down and going to sleep?" She clapped her hands in a manner implying -spanking- and then patted her hand on the pillow. She KNEW that she was supposed to go to sleep. Well, she finally did under the persistent help of her Daddy. (Yes, he disciplines her as well, although this story doesn't seem to imply that, but she knew that Mommy meant business about the whole sleeping situation as we have been dealing a lot with this lately.)

On another note, which might be the cause of the fussing, she has been teething. I kept watching for this one particular tooth to come in for the last two weeks and then tonight I checked and to my amazement there were two new teeth that are coming in and the one I had been expecting isn't one of them. She now has 14 with more quickly to come. The two new ones are hardly visible, but I can actually feel the hard tooth that is coming through so the teething on those aren't over with - uugghh!!

Here are some 1sts for Lindsey


She finished unrolling a roll of toilet paper to the very end the other day. She has rolled toilet paper off before, but never in a LARGE quantity and never finished a roll off before. But, she has now. I had to laugh and realized that I was lucky that this hadn't happened before now.

Monday evening when we had the whole sleeping ordeal we were actually at my parents house and she took her nap in my parents bed. When she wakes up from her naps she always just crys enough to let me know she's awake. Well, she didn't this time. Here she came walking into the kitchen from the bedroom. She had never done this before and it quite shocked me. I knew she could get down off of the bed by herself, but she had never done it after a nap. My little girl! Where did the baby go? She wasn't crying, and she just looked really sleepy.

She told me Monday evening for the first time that her diaper was dirty. I have asked her on other occasions if her diaper was dirty and she would imply that it was, but she had never initiated the grand news. Monday, she came up to me and kept trying to get my attention and hitting on my skirt. I thought she just wanted to sit in my lap and then I looked down at her and she started pulling at the back of her skirt. And... sure enough - she needed changed. Another step leading to the readiness of being potty trained. YEAH!!

Well, I hope this didn't bore you too bad, but I guess it's too late if you were, because you've obviously read it all now. Until next time - Tu da loo!

Grandma Cheatham

Jonathan's Grandma Cheatham passed away in the early hours of this past Sunday morning around 5:30 a.m. She lived a very full life, one of ministry with her husband. She has now joined him in Heaven and they are together again and both free of pain. Grandma had been very sick and although her death was not unexpected it is never easy to let a loved one go. It is peaceful to know that she is no longer suffering. Please remember the family in your prayers. The viewing is Wednesday evening and the funeral is Thursday morning.

Click on the picture below for more pictures.

Grandma Cheatham

Obituary (http://www.goodwinfuneralhome.com/obituaryNew.asp#Cheatham)
Frances Esther Cheatham 79, formerly of Franklin, IN passed away early Sunday, August 19, 2007 in her home, following an extended illness.
She was born on February 26, 1928 in Frankfort, IN to the late Rev. Dorsey and Esther (Miller) Schenck. She married Rev. Robert E. Cheatham on June 9, 1952.
She is survived by her five children, Joy (David) Easley of Bradleyville, MO, Cindy (Paul) Easley of Frankfort, IN, Brinda (Jay) Pitcher of Fishers, IN, John Cheatham of Dalton, OH and Retha (Clayton) Jones of Pell City, AL. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchidlren, 2 brothers, Lee Schenck of Lakeland, FL and Rev. Eugene Schenck of Ashboro, NC, and 1 sister, Linda LeBaron of Westfield, IN. She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 53 years, 2 brothers, and 1 grandchild.
She graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and Frankfort Pilgrim College. She served as a pastor's wife and a legal secretary for many years.
Services will be at 10:00 am Thursday, August 23, 2007 at Bible Holiness Church, Frankfort, IN with Reverends Mark Mowery and Lonny Dunn officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at Goodwin Funeral Home, Frankfort, IN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be 3:30 pm at Miller Cemetery in Shelbyville, IN. Memorials may be made to: Memorial donations may be made to L.A.O.M. (Latin American Outreach Mission) P.O. Box 401, Frankfort, IN. with envelopes available.

Pregnancy Q & A

I have never posted anything like this, but I though this was pretty funny and quite blog worthy.

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor,but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A! : Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

Haha! Gotcha!! You thought this was an announcement posting for an addition to the Pitcher family! Well to set all of you wonderers straight - No, is the answer to the question! My Mom actually sent this to me in an e-mail and I enjoyed a few laughs from it and thought you might enjoy as well. Have a great weekend!

I took this pic of Lindsey back in July on a Sunday night after church. For the life of me she would NOT cooperate. I could not get her to stand still long enough to smile at me for one decent picture. I took about 24 pics and this is the best I got with Grandpa S. in the background. She was too busy clowning around and wanting to see the picture that I hadn't even taken yet. She's getting "bad" about that. I go to take her picture and before I have even snapped the picture she is up running towards me to see what the picture looks like. I guess that means I've taken one too many pics of her in the last 18 months and the technology of digital cameras - haha! They do learn some things way to fast that's for sure.

Shaffer / Loper Wedding

Last Friday, my good friend Joanne Loper got married. My brother and I were the photographers. My brother takes ALL of the pictures and I do ALL of the placing as to where people should be for the pictures. I only took some quick snapshots with my own little camera, but thought I would go ahead and share them with you (non-professional). It was a very pretty wedding. The recepion was at Der Dutchman's Amish Restaurant. Congratulations Solomon & Joanne. I wish you both much happiness and a wonderful life together!

Click on the picture below for more pictures.

8-10-2007 Solomon & Joanne Shaffer's Wedding