Changes...

I am Sad that the holidays' are over, and I am also extremely happy as well. There have been some major changes that have happened here in our life these last few weeks, and I have been just barley able to take a peek at a few blogs, let alone catch up. The holiday's were very special with the boys, and spending the moments with my family. As I sit here tonight, I have a heavy heart, I was looking back at my last years blog, and just was amazed at where I am not from then. It really goes to show, you NEVER know what life is going to be like, you can Plan what' happens' and you can Do EVERYTHING YOU can to make the " Right" choices, and stay on the path, however you can not get others to choose the same as you. My heart has been breaking these last few weeks for my boys, and my family as we are going though some really hard times, as we are doing the best we possibly can to stay strong. I am very grateful for the amazing friends and family that I have, and the boys have that can lift them up, to help ease them into this new stage of our life. I start school on Monday the 4Th, and am VERY excited for my future! When the days come that I do not want to get out of bed, or I do not even want to get dressed for the day, I just look at my two angles, and know how I want to give them the very best..
I will talk with you Next Year!!! SO excited!!!!

A whole lot of Excitement

Pictures are on there way.... We got the tree out and up last night... It was So Cute, as Karson and Kaid went Nuts! really.. They were getting crazy with all the decorations. Christmas is Kaid's FAVORITE holiday " HANDS DOWN!!" well.. that, and his birthday. He loves to sit by the warm fire, stay up late, drink apple cider, and watch the Polar Express over and over and over again. There is So much to be happy for, and look forward to. School for me starts in a short time.. 3 or so weeks.. I am excited, and nervous at the same time. I would love to say that I am excited for Christmas Vacation, however I think I would be lying. I love it when Kaid is in school, not only for a " break" but he really Loves it. When he's not in school.. he wants to be. So, I will be in " School mode " here.. Pretending.. I am a little, well.. I am a LOT sad that my sister's are not going to be here this Christmas, ( Sniff ... Sniff... ) Please make it Next year. Pictures to come.... I have been really slacking this year, on the christmas card, the newsletter.. the whole thing.. Am I the only one? I figure I " Might" { key word there.. } get to it the beginning of the year. Or maybe I will just post something here.

Kent's a BMW Pro Now

This Thanksgiving would be one to Never Forget. My parents went to Utah to visit my sisters, and so we decided to spend the holidays with our friends out in Newberg. As the we prepared the car for the 45min trip, we stopped off at Fred Meyers for some Last Min trimmings. From our house, NE, we headed out on the I-5 South, driving through Downtown Pdx, up through the Zoo, and back down the 217, taking the 99 Toward Newberg. As we were driving we were singing all the way, it was Such fun. With a pie on my lap, Yams in the back and 2 boys that Really wanted to get out and play we were eager to arrive. While making our journey down 99, we came to Gattenberg Rd, ( Walgreen's ) the light turned Red. Waiting for the light to turn green, Kent turned the music up, and we started rockin to " Rocking Around the Christmas tree" ( I am Setting the scene here for ya.. ) So when the light turned green, being the first car.. Kent put the clutch in and the car stalled. Started it again, and the same thing. What is going on? We both looked at each other with a weird look.. Tried it again.. Nothing.. it just was not getting fuel, would not keep started. How could this be happening. Not to mention if you remembered thanksgiving day, it was a Downpour. As Kent put the hazards on, we were shocked at how many people still Flipped us off, and honked at us. Really people? With 2 kids in the car, Christmas music blaring.. do you think we really want to be stuck holding traffic up? with in seconds 2 nice guys came from nowhere and pushed us down the hill to the Walgreen's. From there, I took the boys in to play with the toys to see if Kent could figure out what it was. 1 hour later, Still nothing, Boys were DONE. We called our friends that we were invited to, and told them the news, and they jumped in there car and headed to pick us up. Kent needed to stay with the car, in hopes that he could get it going. So me and the boys went on to Newberg, and leaving Kent in Tiagard. Had we known then, that we would not be spending thanksgiving dinner with him, we would have Begged him to come with us. He waited there for over 2 hours in the rain for the car to start. All in all, kent made it safely home and we were reunited with each other. The Car on the Other hand was Not working. It was not even working, Kent got it towed to our house, from 1 mile away, bought a book and Diagnosed it. He figured out the Fuel Pump was Fried. This happened due to the fact that in BMW's you can NOT let the gas go towards the Empty before you fill, or the red light coming on. Me, I do this often, this is what caused the Fry. What I AM SO SO SO SO SO thankful for, IS a Husband that is So smart and a awesome troubleshooter! He figured out that the pump needed to be replaced, called around.. all the Dealership's the Part was $480, then to put it in was starting at $ 1,800. I am So proud to say that Kent Bought the Part for $ 219 and Put it in himself! Yes it took him 3 days.. Just being the fact of all the Wires, and German car.. I am Just So So proud of him, and the fact that we saved so much money! This was a Great ending to a crazy thanksgiving..

We for sure have so much to be thankful for. It was Really hard being with out a car for 3 days, thank you to my parents and my Friend that put up with my with my " complaining" it' true what you can handle when the lord hand's you trials. I am not too sure if this was a trial, however it sure as heck felt like one :)

13 mo And Counting..

Sorry it's Fliped wrong..

Our Sweetness is 13mo. Time Truly is Going WAY WAY too fast.

Karson, is really finding, and showing us who he really is.

* Walking\Running with out limits.

* Bebe { aka his Green Bink, that he says Bebe }

* Talking up a storm, watching everything

* Very Sweet and Soft Natured little boy.

* Patient With Kaid, More so than I ever Thought.

* LOvE's His brother Unconditionally he's his #1 Fan { besides us}

*Wants to ride the bus with kaid

* When Grandpa comes's around, Now one else maters, ( Sorry mom.)

My Greatest joy is getting him in the morning when he wakes up, he ALWAYS has a big smile, just talking in his crib.

I am Truly Thankful to my heavenly father blessing me with Two boys, both of which are 100% opposite, I know HF, blessed me with Calmness, and a little " Break" if you will..with Karsey

I love Love kaid to death, but... Let's face it, It's not Easy.. Just worth it :)

Photo Session

I wanted to post these, To talk about the awesome day, we had. The pictures speak for them selves. The photographer Jenni Price, captured the very essence of the kids. This was our first out door setting, and the kids really did amazing. Kaid was really exited, he was a ham, and wanted to pose himself, not to mention karson every time he could he would look up at Jenni, with his " watcha doin" look. Kaid loved to take her prymind ( is that what it's called?) and pretend that he was taking pictures as well. The way that the fog was coming in, with the sunny breaks was magical. We took these on the 23rd of October, so these are

Karson's 1st year photos!

( sniff sniff ) Time goes too Fast..

I didn't Do it mom.. He did..

These were kaids words when I walked in the kitchen to see this, " Mom, I didn't do it, He did" I was Shocked. #1 that I could completely understand kaid, and clearly too. The bowl of candy was way up on the counter. The joys of having boys, Kaid knew that candy was " Off limits" so he scooted the bowl close enough to the edge of the counter, and !Boom! down it fell into the eagerly awaiting lap of little Mini Me..Kar, opened up the Lolly pop, as fast as he could.. I was dying laughing so hard as when he saw me, he tried to hide more candy by sitting on them. He was So sticky, head to tow. The middle picture Is all Kaid, He is loving taking pictures.. I think we have a new little camera guy.

p.s Take note.. The pj's This was at 8am!

Trick or Treat '09

This was Funny , to say the least. Our neighborhood is not the best for trick or treaters, however we stocked up on candy just in case. Promptly at around 6:45ish, we got our first " Treater" and the last one rounding about 20 min later.

It was a little disappointing, as we have ALL this candy, and me and Will-power are not getting along these days. As we got all excited to take the boys out, Kaid was NOT having it. Quickly re-directing him to change his mind, we headed out to our own neighborhood. All of 4 houses! It was Great nonetheless! Karson was So excited to hold his little Bucket, that was being transferred between the boys. Karson just LOVED the instant gratification that came from knocking on each door, and candy would trail in his bucket. With joyful laughter from both boys, they were reaching the end when we rounded back toward our house. We wanted to take them to larger neighborhood's, however they were very much Satisfied. I will have to take better use of my camera, and take pictures of all of us. Here's our little Dinosaur, and Elmo ~ Again.. he wanted to be Elmo..

He is still knocking on doors, around in the house.. hoping for candy.
He was SO excited!
Notice his mouth, he some how got into the candy..
Could not Believe that he went up all by his self. He normally is FREAKED out.
Daddy giving the boys a prep talk, about Safty, walking

Halloween Spooktscular '09

It's so great having Karson's birthday be so close to Halloween. I know that karson' is not always going to like the

" Halloweeny" theme birthday, but nonetheless we brought in his first birthday in this fashion. Our last Halloween party was in 07, and we were super over due for another. Due to the fact last year we were in an apartment, we dusted off all our Halloween decorations, and had another costume party. I am a little upset right now, at SONY, my dumb Sony camera. Maybe it's partially my fault for having all the bells and whistles for a camera, and truly have no clue how to use it. The problem was, It did not let me know that he needed to be charged! lol.. So.. pictures are coming. We had such a fun time with our friends, and family. Some could not make it and we totally understand, hope to see you next year. All the little kids were so cute. Once again our friends mike and Nola took home the best costume. They were clowns, Super cute with there red noses to boot! The food was yummy, thank you again to my mom that made a delish salad and apple & pear crisp & Brownie bites. By far the highlight of the night was the boiling punch bowl. It was So great to see the kids faces as the dry ice, mixed with the juice, frothed over the bowl. Thank you to everyone that came, even if you could not make it, thank you for being in our life's we love all of you. Let the Holidays Begin!

p.s... Is it too early to bust out my Christmas stuff?? lol

After looking at the Cupcakes.. They look a little " Sad" They were Really good though.

And the Pear & Apple Crisp was Heaven-- { Thanks mom }

Thanks to all the Friends and Family that posed for Pictures. For some reason, I did not get everyone.. My

lame camera was being weird. I am not even in one.. ( That's A-ok with me though..)

Best Costume { Mike & Nola }

Happy 1st Birthday Karson!

We can not believe this day is here, One years old! This morning was so sweet, watching kar inspect his wrapped gifts, and GI-Joe balloons it was just so sweet to hear his adorable " oo's.. & ahh's" for Kar's Big day this is what he had to eat.

B- Menu Mickey-Mouse pancakes, OJ, Orange slices

L- Menu Mashed squash, Bananas, Milk

D- Mini- Pizza's { LOVES pizza.. 1st time tonight! } Fruit salad

Birthday Dessert ~ Sky High Triple Chocolate, Cupcake w/ganache.

~ Just making this, I think I gained weight.

I kind of cheated, when shopping this past week, I breezed by the Toy isle, and watched his eye to see what he was Super Fond of. Here is what Karson is Totally Loving.

1~ Loves his Puppy Pull-along

2~ Leapfrog Caterpillar ( Thanks Grandma & Grandpa)

3~ Cookie monster Talking doll.

4~ Push & Talk Vacuum

There are many more that he loves, but these are his " New" faves.

Loves to hear himself talk, loves EVERY thing KAID, it's the cutest thing to watch him trail him throughout the house. Watching the special bond they have, they just look at each other, and in a way it's almost like they are talking with one another, " Spirit to spirit " I know that's cheesy, but it's just amazing to be around them everyday.

It was a little hard this AM, when Kaid did not get any Toys, he is REALLY suffering from " First child Syndrome" if there is such a thing, watching karson open up his presents, was nail biting for kaid, he wanted to play with

all his brother's toys. A little thing about karson, he was Totally OK with it. Karson is a Sweet, Sweet soul, very

calm, and gentle. He knew how much kaid wanted to play with his new toys, he just wanted to make kaid happy.

I was taken back watching karson share his Brand new toys to his brother.

Karson we love LOVE Love you, everything about you..

p.s Tonight was Pretty Funny.. For his Sweet experience, we placed a towel on the Floor, and let him just go to

town, He had it Everywhere! He was So So sugared out! It was funny watching him stumble to the bath,

{ OK, it was not funny.. } We are So glad that we did not give him Sweet's before this day, I truly think that this is

not going to be a frequent occurrence in the Shannon home, { Sweets' that is }

First Grader

Today I picked up kaid from school today early for our family photo shoot! What a surprise when I saw him, he was So excited, { as well his teacher} to show me what was in his bag. I did not want to disrupt the class, however kaid could not keep his happiness contained. As we gathered up all his art projects, and other things for the end of the week, out come's his School Photo! Oh, my!! I was Speechless!! NEVER, { I never say never } but... Very rarely.. does kaid like to smile, with lots of people, or when " family" is not around. When kaid was so happy to show me his first grade photo I got teary eyed, { I do that a lot } After talking with his teacher about how she got him to take such a great picture, she began to tell me it was not easy. Kaid is very sensory, he is not found of Loud kids, or lots of kids all getting there pictures, in line. He just would not have it. So Mrs. B said after the first attempt, and second, and third, he warmed up to the idea. Kaid was the only one in the gym, and this is the shot that he gave. I guess that's the ticket.. wait until Everyone has taken their pictures, and then go in. Then today, we went up to the Pittoch Mansion and had a photo shoot! I was So worried that we would have to cancel, as the rain was coming down. At 3pm, when we started, The rain was GONE! Kaid was Amazing, so was Karson.. and the end of the session, the Sun was out! What a Perfect day! I am SO excited to see a sneak Peak of the photos' Jenni Price took! Thanks Again.. What a Great Experience!

{ p.s He was So excited to show everyone his missing tooth, his teacher said, so glad I can see it in the pic }

Halloweeny Cookies

This year I finally let go! I have been really picky on the " mess" however last night for FHE, I just let the boys have fun. Kaid is getting to be quite my little helper in the kitchen. As we were rolling out the sugar dough, little kar was at our feet begging to see what we were doing. I just love love these times, playing with them, reading,getting dirty, { I am still getting use to the dirty part } I just LOVE these two Awesome Boys. It's a little funny to me because kaid is VERY terrified of Halloween, the whole " Skulls,Witches,Clowns " when we were cutting out the cookies, he would NOT have anything to do with the BAT or the Flying Witch.. I hope he's going to be OK on the 30Th, when people come over for a Halloween costume party.. He was So proud of his cookie painting, he wanted to have a picture with his cookies. Note: the colors of the cookies.. yeah, Not my choice, kaid wanted Blue,Pea green, and Yellow.. What can I say.... Got to let him be creative :)

phew...

Can I just say I can not Stand Water Damage... The basement is full of it at the moment.. Yeah, Carpet is being taken out today.. And I am Really Crossing my fingers,arms,legs,{everything} that the issue is found asap, and new carpet is installed.. all before the 30th. I told the contractor, PLEASE this needs to be rushed. So thankful that Kent is not doing this, it's better that he can just go to work, and not have to deal with this mess. I really think that I love love having parties! Hmmm I am dreaming of our new house, " Entertainer s Dream" we are here until I am done with school though, 2 more years! Then lets see where we go from there. Hopefully I will be able to go to Nursing school here in the NW, looking pretty tough.

My new love...

My sweet husband bought this for me, a few months ago, and just today I pulled off the sticky tape to finally use it for the first time. I LOVE this machine!! I think I have been a little intimidated from all the features, and cartridges he bought me. However.... my walls are quickly getting filled with my favorite sayings.. and the boys rooms' are Oh, so cute. I am taken pictures of my new place, many have asked to see pic, { soo sorry.. it's been crazy to say the least }

So, if you want come on over, and come use this machine with me! Just get vinyl you want, I have the rest. Kent also got me the Glass etching kit? with stamps.. So I am going to be doing fun things for the holidays. I know I say that now.. but those are my intentions. Check out all the Cricut

Chocolate Cupcake Pops

( Photo From Bakerella )

So I have been wanting to make these ever since my sister told me about this awesome Website . I had a little helper as well, I will keep this sweet & short, my pictures show all the " tools" needed, and fun little steps, on the link she is great at step by step, and where to get your materials. They were sure Fun, However Time Consuming..( I have time )

So here below is my attempt to make these Oooo so yummy treats. It did not help that, I had a little helper, taking

rather LARGE dips in the chocolate with his little fingers. All in all, they turned out Great, note: leave them in the freezer longer, so they get nice and firm. I think that I am going to do these Pop/Bites For every holiday!

For these pop's it was my mom's birthday, Me and karson's drove to her school to take them to her. It was So cute walking through the hall, to her class room, some students, comments " Wow, are those Cupcakes on a stick", and

" oh, my... Those are soooo cute". Nothing like getting compliments from little kids. Thanks to my mom's 4Th Grade class, they were the BEST!