My two boys

Kyle's 8 month pictures

Here is Kyle at 8 months.

Ryan pictures

Here is Ryan at 5 yrs old.

New pics

As you can see from my profile pic, we just recently had our pictures taken. I always like to get them done in Oct. since that's Ryan's birthday (and I like getting pictures taken close to birthdays), plus, Oct is usually when JC Penny starts their Christmas pics.

I have been going to JC Penny for 5 years now....ever since Ryan was a baby. I've always been happy with the job they have done. Previous years the pictures have always turned out nicely, and have had many selections on what to order. They have always complied with what I wanted or what I had in mind.

This year, it was very disappointing. First off, they were really busy. They normally aren't so busy the first week of Oct, so I felt very rushed while taking the pictures. All the pictures have the same background (I had wanted several different backgrounds for variety along with certain themes I wanted). In the midst of the rush I had forgotten to get a picture with both Ryan and Kyle in their dress clothes. And I had a change of clothes for the boys because I wanted a sports themed (particularly Green Bay Packers) picture of the boys together. Normally they give props and various backgrounds to match what you want. Not this time. No props. Nothing. It was all very disappointing.

But at least some pictures turned out well and I received them within two weeks. So I guess I can't complain too much. Here we are as a family. Ryan is 5 yrs and Kyle is 8 months.

We got a crawler!

Look out, now I'm in trouble. Kyle is now crawling. Like real crawling. Not just move arm here, move leg there, army crawl, but a real, full blown, going-to-go-get-what-I-want crawl. Crawling with intention and movitation.

It started last week. He finally went from the dry humping to hey-I-can-actually-move-my-arm-off-the-ground. But didn't get anywhere. Then he started going backwards. Yes, my child crawled backwards before he went forward. (just like me actually). Then after a few days he finally realized he could use his legs for something. Little by little he started to move.

Last night.....it happened. He spotted a toy in the kitchen from where he was lying in the family room. He decided he wanted it, and went after it. Step by step, little hands and legs moving, slowly, but still moving with intent. And the words out of my mouth: "Oh my gosh he's mobile!" Guess I'm going to have to put up that gate by the stairs now. Darn.

So now life as I knew it is over. I can no longer leave my little one on the floor in the living room while I run downstairs to grab laundry. Now I need to make sure the house is child proof. And oh the stuff he will get into!!! yikes!

So when I'm not blogging or reading others' blogs....I'll be chasing after the crawl machine!! LOL

Book Recommendation

I've been getting back into reading...well, as much as I can with two little ones. I find about 5 minutes here, ten minutes there. It takes me forever to read a book, but I'm just happy to find some "me" time again...even if it is just for a few minutes.



The book I have been reading I have just fallen in love with. Down Came the Rain: My Journey through postpartum depression by Brooke Shields.



Normally I'm not into celebrity reading, but this one appealed to me. Just knowing someone famous has been through what I have and is unafraid to speak about it and write about it is very encouraging.



Reading this book was almost like reading my life story...with the exception that I'm not famous. We both went through infertility, though she had to go through IVF to get pregnant. Luckily I did not. The feelings and emotions she felt shortly after her daughter was born were so similiar to mine it's frightening. Just knowing I'm not alone in the way I was feeling and that I wasn't crazy was so helpful. Knowing I wasn't the only mom who wanted to run away made some of the guilt go away.



I highly recommend this book to anyone who has gone through or is going through postpartum depression. I also recommend it to those who are currently pregnant. I was not informed on PPD at all before I had Ryan. I was so clueless, and I had never even heard of the possibility of having a crippling depression afterwards. It literally came out of nowhere. PPD affects 1 out of 10 women, ranging from mild depression to severe and even postpartum psychosis. One is more susceptible to PPD if one has gone through infertility, a difficult pregnancy or birth, a history of depression, including previous PPD. It's a common disorder that affects more women than we know and is not talked about much.



Kudos to Brooke for bringing it to light.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

It seems like just yesterday I was having an emergency induction. Hard to believe it was that long ago now.

We had the big celebration with the family this past Sunday. He had a football (Packers) theme this year. I'll have pics of the cake and all next time.

Today he's going to school in PJ's. Not only is it his birthday, but it's jammy day at school. Pretty cool. And I get to wear them too since I'm helping out in the class today.

Hard to believe this little bitty thing, at 4 lbs 15 oz

is now a 34 lb, hyper 5 yr old.

Happy Birthday my little sweetpea. :) (he hates me calling him that now. LOL)

Wednesday3

Do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?

Honestly, neither. I prefer using the computer. When I sit down to write my novel, I can't do anything writing unless I'm on the computer. I just don't have the patience (or the penmanship) to write "old school". But if I'm forced to write, I'd much rather have a pen. I don't press hard enough for the pencil to show up.

What was the last great movie you watched?

Haha. That's a funny question. The last movie I watched was Twister about a week ago. The last "great" movie.....or what I consider to be really great.....I don't even remember. I don't watch movies very often.

What makes you want to be with the person you are with?

Lots of things....but the one thing that sticks out the most is his sense of humor. He can make me laugh no matter what...even when I don't want to. That's one of the things that made me fall in love with him.

Date night

This past Friday we had an actual "date" night to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. I had forgotten what a date was it has been so long. We either always have the kids with us or we don't have the money to go anywhere or do anything.

So on Friday I took the boys to my parents' house. We spent the day there, going to rummage sales and various other things. Then at dinner time, when Bob got out of work, I left the kids at their house and met Bob at the restaurant. Ahh...to be able to put the radio on and listen to whatever I wanted was such a pleasure!

We went to Outback Steakhouse, which is normally one of my favorite restaurants. I guess we went on the wrong night. It was somewhat disappointing. I had a peach drink (yummy!)--yes, it was alcoholic (hehe) and Bob had a beer (don't ask me what kind). Those were good. And our server was very pleasant and nice. I ordered the Outback special (an 8oz steak with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed brocoli). My steak was a bit on the tough side, and the brocoli had a nasty taste to it. The pototoes were very good though. Bob had some sort of dish with steak on top of mashed potatoes and covered with pan sauce and mushrooms. His steak was good but seared too much. It wasn't the best we've ever had, but it was nice to actually eat a dinner without interruption (and a hot one at that!). No "mommy can I have more milk?" or "mommy I don't like this" or Kyle crying because he's not being held. Ahhhh. We even tried to spend an entire dinner without talking about the kids....though that didn't last long as we ran out of things to talk about.

After dinner we went home and just spent some quality time together. It was nice to be able to not only sleep an entire night without having to feed or rock a baby, but to wake up and lay around in bed for a few hours! Ahh...life before kids. :)

Anyway, we had a great "date" night and even better morning after *wink wink*. I'm sure it will be our last one until next year's anniversary. LOL

Oh-- and thanks to my dad for paying for our meal! Kudos daddy!! :) I love you!

email GTKY

Copied this off from Cindy! Thanks!



What time did you get up this morning?6:15am
2. Diamonds or pearls?definitely diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?Can’t remember…haven’t been to the cinema in many years.
4. What is your favorite TV show?Grey’s Anatomy
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? cereal and granola bar
6. What is your middle name?Jean
7. What food do you dislike?really spicy foods
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment?Great White—Back to the Rhythm
9. What kind of car do you drive?2001 Buick Century (green)
10. Favorite sandwich?roast beef
11. What characteristic do you despise? lies
12. Favorite item of clothing?Grey Packers sweatshirt
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?Hawaii
14. What color is your bathroom?a hodgepodge of stuff..but mostly purple
15. Favorite brand of clothingnone
16. Where would you retire to?Possibly Omaha, NE
17. What was your most memorable birthday 26th
18. Favorite sport to watch?Football
19. Favorite saying?Totally
20. When is your birthday?May 2621. Are you a morning person or a night person?neither.
22. What is your shoe size?6
23. Pets?1 cat
24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?Bob and I are going out for dinner for our anniversary this weekend.
25. What you wanted to be when you were little?gymnast, author, mom
26. What are you today?stay at home mom
27. What is your favorite candy?toss up between chocolate bars and Swedish fish
28. What is your favorite flower?Lilacs
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?Oct 2- Ryan’s birthday
30. What church do you attend?Immanuel Baptist Church (http://www.ibckenosha.com)
31. What is your full name? Brenda Jean
32. What are you listening to right now?the fish tank, Ryan playing
33. What was the last thing you ate?Cheese Its
34. Do you wish on stars?No
35. How is the weather right now?Very nice….mid 70’s and sunny
36. Last person you spoke to on the phone?my mom
37. Favorite soft drink?currently it’s Sprite
38. Favorite restaurant?toss up between Famous Dave’s and Outback Steakhouse
39. Hair color?Medium brown
40. Siblings?2 brothers and 1 sister (deceased)
41. Favorite day of the year?Christmas
42. What was your favorite toy as a child?My Little Ponies (I really wish I had a girl since they are back in again!)
43. Summer or winter?Summer
44. Hugs or kisses?I like both
45. Chocolate or Vanilla?Chocolate
46. When was the last time you cried?Saturday
47. What is under your bed?lots of cat hair
48. Who is the friend you have had the longest?Amy
49. What did you do last night?took Ryan to Awana, put Kyle to bed, Picked Ryan up from Awana, put him to bed, watched tv for about a half hour, then I went to bed.
50. Favorite smell?cookies, lilacs
51. What are you afraid of?My husband and my children never being saved (claiming Christ as their Savior)
52. Plain, buttered, or salted Popcorn?Ultimate butter popcorn!
53. How many keys on your key ring?
Too many to count
54. How many years at your current job?5
55. Favorite day of the week?Sunday
56. How many towns have you lived in?5
57. Do you make friends easily?Yes….though I’m quiet until I get to know someone
58. What's your favorite household chore?laundry
59. Your least favorite?Cleaning the bathtub

Happy Anniversary Sept 11

It is that time again. It is mine and Bob's anniversary-- 8 years. My how time flies. And to help celebrate this momentous occasion, I thought I'd write the story of how we met and started dating. Trust me...it's interesting.

I met Bob toward the end of my senior year in high school. I was very close to a friend of mine named Lisa. We had been off again on again friends since grade school, and senior year we became very close friends again- to the point where we called each other our twin. (we were also both born in May). That spring (of 1993) Lisa and Bob were dating. Since I was close to her, I met him.

My First Impression

My first impression of him was not good. Seriously. I had heard a lot about him, but hadn't met him yet. The first time I met him Lisa and I were at our mutual friend Kathy's house. She had just been confirmed and we were hanging out at her mostly family party. Lisa of course invited Bob. When he came over he was very rude, immature, and treated Lisa like crap. I actually asked her what she was doing with him anyway. I hated him.

However, the more I hung out with him, the more I got to know him. I still felt he treated Lisa like crap, but I started seeing a different side to him. He wasn't all that bad. And he gave really good back massages. :) We as a group (besides the 4 of us there were a few others we hung out with almost every day) hung out all summer. By the time I left for college that fall, I knew I was having feelings for him. Imagine hate turning to love. Even after knowing all that went on in their relationship.....I couldn't help myself. Of course, I never acted upon it, nor did I tell anyone. I always denied it.

How we got together

Most of that year when I would come home from college I hung out with Lisa and Bob. During the early part of '94 they started having issues. Being as I was friends with both, I was stuck in the middle as they would both call me up and tell me their side of the story (which, btw, never was the same). Being young and in love I made the mistake of siding with Bob....without even realizing it. Lisa was ticked and I ended up losing her as a friend. (I would have anyway as she was hanging out with the wrong kind of people at that time and her life was taking a turn for the worse). They broke up the beginning of April. While home for break I talked with Bob and even helped him get Lisa back. (what was I thinking??).

On April 22 I came home from school since my best friend Amy was having a birthday party. While I was in town I figured I'd call up Bob and see what he was doing/how he was doing. During the conversation I mentioned I was going to a party. He invited himself along! He asked if he could go, and I said if he really wanted to hang out with a bunch of high schoolers (Amy is 3 years younger than me so she was a sophomore in high school). Apparently he didn't mind...he even dropped his friend that night to go with me.
So we spent the evening at the party. Many people asked us if we were a couple as we flirted with each other quite a bit. We both said no, we're not. And my lovely best friend that she is (I love her) even tried to get us together. She talked to me that night and had her boyfriend talk to Bob about it. LOL
Anyway, later that night (more like early in the morning...I think it was about 2am) Bob and I were laying on a couch just talking. Amy and her boyfriend were on the other couch, making if I remember correctly. Everyone else at the party had already left. I don't remember exactly what was said anymore, but I do remember Bob kissing me. I also remember Amy's boyfriend yelling at Amy to stop watching us and leave us alone. LOL

So that day (April 23) is the day we started dating. We haven't looked back since. Of course, the first year was tough as he was still getting over Lisa, but I stuck in there. At around 2 months of us dating I just "knew" we were meant for each other. We got married 5.5 years later.

So that's the story of us meeting. Not really one I'm proud of, since in essence I took another woman's man (well, after they broke up), but it's what happened...and I'm ever so grateful. He's the love of my life. :)

Happy 8th Anniversary my love.
From your Pookeybear

First day of school

Today is Ryan's first day of preschool. Yep, my baby is growing up!! We went school supply shopping a few weeks ago, put his name on all the supplies, and he even decided yesterday what he wanted to wear for his first day! He was so excited.

It was only for an hour today, with the parents. The teacher just basically went through what a typical day will be like. I think Ryan will fit right in.

It seems like just yesterday he was born.....now he's in preschool and next month he will turn 5. Life sure goes fast.

Some summer pictures

Since I was so busy all summer, here are some pics of what we have been up to. Just some key moments.

The two brothers on the couch. Kyle looking up to his big brother.

Ryan in the pool...we had it out many days. :)

Kyle lounging around outside, watching the action.

Ryan getting into the pool. He loves jumping and splashing.

Of course there are many others, but I don't want to bore you. There are also things we did that I forgot to bring my camera...such as the zoo, water parks, tons of rummage sales, etc. It was a busy summer.

The rest of the vacation...

Alright, I put you guys through enough suspense.....time to let you know about the rest of my vacation (more like I finally found some time to type).

After our trip to Lambeau, we went to my friend Colleen's house. Colleen, as I have mentioned in a previous post, is a friend I made a few years ago from Simplymoms.com and met a few months back IRL. We have become very close friends and we all decided it would be great if we could spend a weekend together. And what a weekend it was! It was just about perfect. We knew we would have a great time, but none of us expected it to be so good. Colleen and I talked like we have known each other forever, the kids got along great like brother and sister, the babies were so cute together, and the guys hit it off pretty well too. It was wonderful.

Ryan and Alia (Colleen's 2 yr old). Brother and sister? Future couple?
Kyle and Alyssa (who is only a week older than Kyle) having an in depth conversation about the blocks.

Colleen and I

So after we get there, feed the babies and get settled, we go out to Bay Beach. What an amazing place! An old fashioned amusement park where the rides are only .25 cents or .50 cents. Nice and cheap...and the kids loved it! Us adults even had some fun! Colleen and I went on the swings together...man it was like being a teen again! haha

Ryan dragged me on the slide. It was a bit scary at first but lots of fun! I went down it twice, and Ryan talked daddy into going once.

We spent the weekend at Colleen's house. I figured we would all stay in the guest bedroom (should have known cramming 4 people, including one being a baby, in one room wouldn't work!) but it didn't work out that way. I put Kyle to bed first in the playpen, then Ryan a half hour later. Ryan freaked out and didn't want to be alone and ended up waking Kyle up. It was a big mess. So Ryan ended up sleeping on a futon in small room in the basement, and Bob slept on the couch in the basement. Kyle and I stayed in the guest room. In the end it all worked out.

On Sat we went down to Appleton, WI to a children's museum. It was an amazing place for kids to play and learn and explore. It was very reasonably priced too! Ryan had a blast, and I got into it too.

The museum had a children's Kwik Trip in it! Ryan got a kick out of that. Behind it is also a convenience store. LOL
They had a water fountain there along with other water things. As you can see, Kyle was less than thrilled.
My fire-boys!

The rest of Sat we just spent lounging around Colleen's, and having a barbeque. Sat night the first preseason Packer football game was on. Unfortunately I didn't see much of it as I was either talking to Colleen or taking care of Kyle, but the guys watched it. (Doesn't it figure? LOL)

Sunday Kyle and I went with Colleen and family to her church. Bob and Ryan opted to stay at the house. I tried my hardest to get Ryan to go, but he wanted to stay with daddy. Anyway, it was incredible. My church is very small...only about 200 or so members. Hers is about 5,000 members! I was stunned by how huge the place was. And I even saw a Packer there (KGB) but didn't have a chance to say hello.

After church we went to their church picnic and had some yummy food. Ryan even got to find a toad. LOL

Once we finished lunch, it was time to head back home. Not surprisingly, both boys slept most of the car ride back home. We wore them out!

It was a wonderful vacation and though short, we crammed a lot of stuff in there. It was great to spent time with Colleen. We are already making plans to get together again.

Frozen Tundra

Yes, I do realize it has been yet again, forever since I last posted. I'm hoping with fall coming soon I'll have a little bit more free time (yeah right). At any rate, I'm finally posting now about our vacation that we took 2 weeks ago now.

We (meaning Bob, Ryan, Kyle, and myself) took a short mini-vacation over the weekend of Aug. 10-12. We spent the weekend up in Green Bay, WI. Yes, I do realize we didn't go out of state or anything (we are such adventurers haha), but what can you do with a very low budget and only 3 days? I was a great vacation anyway...didn't matter where we went, it was nice to be together as a family. (awwww)

We left Friday morning...hoping to leave before 10am, but unfortunately just as we are about to go out the door (literally) Kyle had an accident. More like a fall.....yes, his first face plant onto the kitchen floor. I have a feeling it will not be his last. (I think Ryan says oww about 50 times a day). Bob put him in the carseat to put him down for a moment. He turned back to him and picked up the carseat, forgetting that just moments earlier, he didn't strap him in. So the carseat flips over and Kyle goes face first onto the cold kitchen floor from about a foot away. Kyle of course is crying hysterically, Ryan starts crying because he just saw his little brother get hurt, (and thinks daddy did it on purpose) and I'm freaking out that I just saw my baby do a face plant. It took about 15 minutes for everyone to calm down, and thankfully, Kyle was ok. Just a small red spot on his head that went away by the end of the weekend. So off we went.

Green Bay is only about 2.5 hours north of us. Not a bad drive. Of course, I've been that way a few times, as many of my extended family members live in Kaukauna, Appleton, Chilton, and other small towns nearby. Though it's been years since I've been there. I stopped going up that way once my grandma moved back down here to live with us for several months before going to a nursing home.

Since there is so much to tell about this trip (who knew you could pack so much stuff to do in just 3 days?) I will just focus on what we did for part of Friday. You ready for this? You know how much of a Packer fan I am. I haven't had a chance to write a post yet about the upcoming football season, but yes, I'm a HUGE Packer fan. Football in general too, but my heart is set on the Pack. So being Packer fans, we made the pilgrimage to yep, you guessed it, the one and only Lambeau Field. (crowd goes wild!)

It was incredible. It was so beautiful...who ever thought that a football stadium would be pretty? I guess it is to those who are fans.

So got there and took tons of pictures outside and inside.

Here we are with Vince Lambardi.

Then we finally decided to eat. There are a few choice restaurants there, but Bob had his heart set on Curly's pub. He was told it was good. So off we went (it's a restaurant on the second floor of the Atrium). It was delicious...but pricey. After lunch we stopped at the arcade and game place there. Ryan (ok, and me too) had fun throwing footballs and running through the defensive line. Bob told me I throw like a girl. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have a baby in my arms at the same time!

Afterwards we decided to check out the tours they have. They have a Hall of Fame, which is a musuem of Packer artifacts and memorialbilia or you could take a tour of the stadium. Both were about the same price, and with the two young kids with us, we opted for the stadium tour. Ryan was really excited about seeing the football field...he wanted to play in it with the Packers. LOL

The tour was awesome...well worth the money. The kids were free at least (thankfully since Kyle slept through most of it). We saw the suite seats that go for $100,000 or more. They are NICE.

We went through the tunnel that the players go through to get to the field during games. It was very exciting. And of course we saw the field. It was incredible to see it.....it's one thing to see it on tv, but it's so different and huge in person. Just amazing. We even got to sit in the bleachers just behind the goal post (the side that says Packers) and got to shout "Go Pack Go" and hear it echo back. Gave me chills!

The tunnel

After the tour Ryan got to play on some inflated things in the parking lot. There was a jumper and some football technique stuff. He has a blast.

All in all we spent 4 hours there (unfortunately we didn't get to see the Packers play or practice...they were out of town since their first preseason game was the next day at Pittsburg- Ryan was upset) and quite a bit of money, but it was worth it. Hopefully some day we will get there for a game. The waiting list is only about 73,000 people long. LOL

I thought this sign was hilarious!

More to come on the rest of our vacation!

Wordless Wednesday (a day late)

Wordless Wednesday

Kyle's 6 month appt

We had the 6 month well check appt this morning. It was the easiest well check appt I ever had. I had no concerns at all...he is totally healthy, and since I've been through it all before I didn't have any questions either.

Now for the stats:

16 lbs 7 oz

26 inches

in the 50th percentile for both!!!!!!!! Now that seems very average to most of you....but mind you....first off he was born at 5 lbs 5 oz and was in the 3rd percentile. Secondly, I don't have big babies. LOL Ryan was 17 1/2 lbs at 1 year.....so only a pound short of that at 6 months is HUGE to me!!

Dr. said he is perfect....no issues or concerns.

He received 3 shots. He cried when he got them but by the time we got to the car he was fine. Once I got home I fed him and put him down for a nap. I don't expect any problems.

My baby is growing up!

The new/old car

Yesterday while I was hanging out side with the kids, I decided to try my hand at photography. I know nothing at all about photography, or how to take a decent photo or anything, but I had a little bit of time on my hands (in other words I was bored while Ryan played in the pool and Kyle sat in the bouncy seat) and thought I would take pictures. Some of those pictures are to come in future posts.

This is a picture of my new car I talked about here. It's not really new, but it's new to me. It's a great car.....dark green (I guess that would be hunter green? emerald green?) and runs so smoothly. The first few weeks I had it I was driving everywhere! I made excuses up just to drive it. Now I guess it's old news since today was the first time I drove it since Sunday (either that or the gas prices are making me realize I don't need to drive everywhere).

Isn't she pretty? :)

My boys

I have finally taken some pictures and uploaded them to the computer. Yeah, I know. I just never get around to it. Though today I took a whole bunch of pics and will be showing them off! :)

Today is Kyle's half birthday. He is 6 months old today. Amazing. Time goes so fast. He's not the little baby anymore that he was....now he's full grown infant. He's rolling over, babbling, screeching, smiling, laughing, cooing, and reaches out for me when he sees me. He's showing his personality already. He's just amazing. He is such a momma's boy too. :) He only stays in daddy's arms for about 5 minutes before he's getting upset. And if daddy is holding him and I walk by, Kyle's face just lights up and he reaches for me! LOL I'm just so in love with this little boy!

Here is his 6 month pics...taken today. Normally I get pics done professionally at 6 months....but due to financial constraints and we are getting our family portraits done in Oct, I might as well wait 2 months. So these were taken by me :)

Ryan is doing well. It's so hard to believe he will be 5 in Oct!! He doesn't like getting his pic taken much anymore...so this was the best I could do. He is all inquisitive (why? why? why?) and curious. Something I'm trying not to discourage him of, but after the 500th question in an hour it gets a bit frustrating! We still play games when we can and play catch outside, take walks to the park. He's a great big brother!

*sniff* *sniff* They's growing up.