The Betsy Blog

2012-01-01T18:12:00.005-05:00

Isaac: I want to kiss your open eye.

Me: No! Let me kiss your open eye.

Isaac: *shrug* ok

*my lips touching the eye lashes of his open eye* (I really thought he would close his eye!)

Me: Ewww you weirdo! You were gonna let me do it!

Isaac: Ok my turn!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-08-01T09:51:00.001-04:00

W9D3

2010-06-21T17:25:00.001-04:00

I am a graduate! On to OHR!

C25K W9D1

2010-06-14T17:48:00.003-04:00

Holy Cow! I am in (on?) the home stretch! Sorry I have not updated, it has been a bit crazy. I really can not believe I am almost finished and that I can run 30 mins straight! My first mile I did in 13.48! My best time yet, I did push myself a little to hard the 1st half a mile but I recovered quickly. My next mile took my closer to 15. These last two weeks have NOT been easy. Physically I know I can do it, but it is a lot of mental games. I just have to push the negative thought out of my head and try to concentrate on my music or my breathing. I try out little mantras that seem to help a ton. Today's was "Why would you pick failure when success is an option." Last week was "I do today what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't." They seem silly but they really do help!

Anyone just starting C25K, the first few weeks my mantra was "There is nothing wrong with your lungs" and "Do not stop unless you are injured or puking."

C25K W8D1

2010-06-07T19:05:00.002-04:00

Only 5 runs left! That is crazy! I can not believe a ran 2 miles today, I ran two, 14 min miles. I know that doesn't seem that great but, it is my best time yet! I got a chance to go to an actual running store on Sunday, they measure your gait and watch you run in different shoes to see what would work best for your foot. I picked out a pair of Asics, and my ankle pain is gone! They made for a really nice run this morning! I also finally got my new iPod. After dealing with apple I can say I will never buy a PC again. They were awesome. That will be a story for another day.

Now it is time to start thinking about whats next. I am not actually running a 5K, so I think I am going to start "One Hour Runner" it is another running program that gets you up to running for an entire hour instead of looking at distance like "Bridge to 10K." I haven't fully decided yet, I still have to do some more research. Anyone out there have any ideas?

C25K W7D3

2010-06-05T16:15:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't updates but my runs haven't been anything special. I did have to delay a run by 1 day this week. I haven't had to do that since I started. I got up extra early, got dressed and had my earphone's in, but when I reached the end of my driveway it started DOWN-POURING! I didn't have enough time to get to the gym and still get to work on time so I ran the next morning. That has been my excitement of running.

I did notice that now that I have hit two miles my ankles have been killing me. I am planning on stopping my a running store tomorrow and getting fitted for some real running shoes!

C25K W7D1

2010-05-30T14:50:00.002-04:00

Easy Peasy! We went and hiked around a state park all morning, so when it came time for my run my legs weren't near as chipper as they usually are. I decided to take it SLOW since we had been walking all morning, and when I mean slow i mean sllllooooooowwwwww. I usually finish 1 mile in a bit over 14 mins, today it took me 17. I was fine with that, I never got out of breath, my legs were getting a bit heavy at the end of the run but nothing I couldn't push through. Over all it was a good run! Can't wait for Tuesday!

C25K W6D3

2010-05-27T09:32:00.002-04:00

This post should have been titles "Run Down Memory Lane" but I like it when people get to my blog from googling "C25K." Why should it of been titled "Run Down Memory Lane" you ask? Because yesterday Isaac threw my iPod touch into the pool, we are currently letting it dry out for a few days to see if it can be saved, I'll keep you updated. Thank god intervals are over because I couldn't have done them without my iPod. Anyway, this morning I was looking every where for a mp3 player (I have had a million of them) so I wouldn't get to bored during my run, I eventually found one in a bottom of some junk drawer, i popped a new AAA battery in it and it worked!! This mp3 player was from when I ran in college, all the music was still on it. So it was filled with songs that reminded my of teen angst, insecurities, ex-boyfriends, and long summers. Lets say it was a fun run, but I don't miss being a teenage!

The run was GREAT! I had to use a watch and I HATE watching the clock so i refused to look at it until i was pretty sure i was almost done, when I finally looked I had three mins left. I ran the three mins and I knew I was only about 5 mins away from the two mile mark. So I just went for it! I finished the two miles in just under 30mins. I ran fast and HARD the last 60 seconds, when I started walking I felt pretty dizzy for about a min, it was a little scary. I am not sure if i just ran to hard or if my body wasn't ready for 30 mins or maybe I didn't eat enough before my run. (I only had a banana about 1/2 hour before i went out.) Either way that part wasn't cool, i am going to have to try googling it or asking on the C25K forum and see if anyone has any ideas. Overall it was a good run!

Goodbye Intervals! C25K W6D2

2010-05-25T18:08:00.002-04:00

Sunday night my husband talked me into running after dinner instead of Monday morning so I could sleep in a little. The run went pretty well. I went a different route then I usually do, it was a really nice night. Nothing to interesting.

Because I ran on Sunday that made today day2. It was HARD! I mean really hard! I didn't eat as well before the run as i usually do, my head wasn't totally in the game. It was the first time in a long time where I actually let the idea of stopping early pop into my head. But I finished and I guess that is all that matters, not every run can be great! I am very happy to be saying goodbye to intervals, it doesn't make any sense but intervals seem to be harder for me so far. Thursday morning will be a 25 min run! My longest run yet!

C25K W5D3

2010-05-21T15:22:00.002-04:00

Today at 6:30AM I ran for 20 mins straight! Six weeks ago I could barely run for 90 seconds and today I ran 1 and 1/3 miles in 20mins. That is amazing to me. I know I have said this before, but if you think you want to start C25K but are unsure, DO IT. This program is amazing. I feel so great. I am not saying it was an easy run, but it was easier then W1D1. The first few minutes for me are always hard. I have heard this is not uncommon, either you haven't hit your stride or your not really warmed up. I am not sure what it is, but I am thankful when I get past the first three mins.

I hit the one mile mark at 14:30, so I know I am doing pretty well at keeping the same pace. That is definitely something I want to work on. So I am going to type it here: I want to run the Turkey Trot (5K on Thanksgiving day) in under 30mins.

There, it is in print and now is a real goal. It will take a lot of training but I am prepared for that and I am going to do it. (but not until after I graduate from C25k)

15 runs down, 12 runs left.

W6D1: Jog 5min

Walk 3min

Jog 8min

Walk 3min

Jog 5min

W6D2: Jog 10min

Walk 3min

Jog 10min

W6D3: Jog 25min <---See that? =)

Then we will be saying goodbye to intervals!

C25K W5D2

2010-05-19T13:07:00.002-04:00

Finished! I had it in my head that there were two 8min runs and one 5min run today. I am not sure why i thought this; because W5D2 is only two 8 mins runs. I refuse to look at the time when I run because it drives me crazy. So when I had only run twice and it said "cool down" I again though my app messed up and I would have to repeat it. I decided I was NOT going to repeat it and instead I walked what I was guessing was 3 mins and ran another 5. It was probably a little under five mins because I was going by distance and not watching the clock. (I went as far as 5 mins usually takes me.) I got in the car and looked at my app and I was wrong and it was right. When will I learn not to question the app? Just for fun, I ran as hard as I could the last about 100 yards, it felt so good! I don't know how much further I could have gone running like that, but it still felt great.

I am READY for my 20 min run! I KNOW I can do it. I read on all the forums and it is really a mental challenge. I KNOW my body is ready, I KNOW this program has prepared me for it, and I KNOW I will finish it. Stay tuned...

C25K W5D1

2010-05-17T11:55:00.002-04:00

Run went great! My legs are starting to full behind my lungs. I can breath fine through the entire run (which feels AMAZING) but now my legs are starting to burn towards the end. It feels really good to push myself and let my brain lead instead of my body. I am getting pumped about Friday's run. It will be my first 20 min run and also my first day back to work. I will have to get up at 6am and I have NEVER run that early... I don't get out of bed that easy, so it will be a fight and I am going to win! =)

C25K W4D3

2010-05-14T18:16:00.002-04:00

I finished Week 4! Today was a great run, sorry I didn't update Day2, but it was boring. I read the other day that most people who start C25K drop out on weeks 4 and 5, and I can see why. Don't get me wrong, I have NO desire to quit, I crave my next run. But the run's stop getting easier. Since week1 pretty much all the runs have gotten easier. W2D1 is only slightly harder then W1D3 but not as hard as W1D1, I know that doesn't make any sense but it's true (for me). Every run I felt myself getting stronger and recovery time was getting shorter and easier.

Then hits W4D1 and it was pretty close to W1D1, it was HARD. I really thought my app must have screwed up and put me on week5. I thought "NO way that was only 5 mins." it has been the only time since I started I wanted to pull my iPod out and see how much time I had left. But my app didn't mess up, it was W4D1. Luckily I still feel myself getting stronger, day3 was easier then day1.

Week 5 is different then past weeks because every day is different. Here is the outline, all days start out with 5 min warm up and end with 5 min cool down. (check out W5D3)

W5D1: Jog 5min

Walk 3min

Jog 5min

Walk 3min

Jog 5min

W5D2: Jog 8min

Walk 5min

Jog 8min

W5D3 Jog 20min <---- WHAT? =)

C25K W4D1

2010-05-10T11:13:00.003-04:00

Today's run was rough! Like really rough. I am not sure if it's because I ran yesterday or if it's because I had a faster pace. I didn't feel like it was a faster pace, but i had to add distance to my run today, but that could be because it was so much more running then last week. Bleh I don't know. I feel great now, and I finished it. I think if I decide to do a "fun run" next weekend it will definitely be on Saturday so I have a day to rest before starting a new week. In other news the scale FINALLY started to move again! I lost 2lbs last week, when I was at a stand still for almost three weeks. I am extremely happy about that!

15 min run!

2010-05-09T13:59:00.002-04:00

So I have been feeling a little bit anxious about week4. That 5 min run was really getting into my brain as being to much of a jump, I didn't think I was going to be able to do it. So on this lovely Mother's Day morning, I bundled up (Because its FREEZING out) to see how long i could run for without stopping. I did my five min warm up then started running and I ran FIFTEEN mins straight and finished 1 mile in 14min30sec! Take that week4, I am not scared of you! I think I might start doing this every weekend to work on my pace, unless I find any reason why it's not a good idea.

Dear Week3

2010-05-08T10:20:00.002-04:00

Dear Week3, I am sorry to end it like this, but I feel we have grown apart. I need more stimulation in my life, more of a challenge. I am very sorry to tell you I am leaving you for your close friend Week4.

-Betsy =)

C25K W3D2

2010-05-05T22:54:00.002-04:00

It's done. Not a whole lot different from day 1. It was prefect weather. I am a little nervous about week 4, and.... that is all I have to say about that.

I have had a few people ask me what Couch to 5K is, and since my run was so boring this would be a good time to explain. C25K is a training program that is supposed to get you ready to run a 5K in 9 week. What it really does is trains you to run 30 mins straight, most people can't actually run a 5K in 30 mins at the end of the program, but it is a REALLY good start to get you there. (but most who finish the program have no problem running a 5K, it just takes longer)

Week1: 5 min warm up, then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 mins, then i five min cool down.

Week2: Five min warm up walk, then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two mins of walking for 20 mins, then 5 min cool down.

Week3: Five min warm up walk, then 2 sets of 90 seconds of jogging, 90 second walking, 3 mins jogging and 3 mins of walking, then 5 min cool down.

From now on I will post what I am doing that week on each week's Day1 post. If you want to read more about it now, go to: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml it has the whole 9 weeks laid out.

C25K W3D1

2010-05-03T13:47:00.003-04:00

I did W3D1 this morning and it went great! I feel so good after I run! I am really getting why people love this so much! I left the house feeling a little off, I was kind of hungry but didn't want to eat and wait because it was supposed to rain any second so I just went for it. The rain started 3 mins after I finished. I think it was holding out just for me. =)

C25K W2D2

2010-05-01T14:09:00.004-04:00

Goodbye Week Two! I hope I don't miss you too much in week 3! It is HOT out today! It's funny I went from running in flurries 3 days ago to feeling like I might be sun burnt. (ok to it wasn't THAT hot but it felt like it in the sun.) I will start wearing sunblock every run from now on! My HUGE iPod touch holder will NOT make a nice tan line.

I was really sick yesterday. That is why I didn't run. I thought I did a pretty good job staying hydrated but I guess running a fever over 102 all day I should have drank much more. I can feel it today.

Wish me luck in Week 3.

2 more weeks until I get my Garmin Forerunner 305!

C25K W2D2

2010-04-28T11:39:00.003-04:00

W2D2 done! 22 runs left! I think I am starting to like running. I think this because usually I can't wait for my app to tell me I am half way done, but today I wanted to hit the one mile mark before I was half done (have I mentioned how SLOW I "run"?). Well I was ALMOST finished with the one mile and I hear "half way done," I was so mad! I know I shouldn't be worried about speed yet, but I don't think hoping for an average of 4MPH is to much.

On to W2D3!

C25K W2D1 part 2

2010-04-26T12:39:00.002-04:00

So i am finally on schedule! 23 runs left! All my work out clothes were soaking wet this morning (thanks to our temperamental dryer) so i basically had to run in my pajamas. I am sure I looked silly but still, it is done! It wasn't to bad, last two runs were tough but do able!

C25K W2D1

2010-04-23T11:25:00.003-04:00

Whoo hoo! I finished W2D1, I am planning a repeating it on Monday so all my new weeks fall on Monday's. (I have to write that every where because I have had a lot of people ask me why my program is different.) It was pretty tough, the last 90 second run I did have to repeat my mantra "Do not stop unless you are puking or injured and you are neither!" I needed almost the entire 120 seconds to recover, but the 90 second runs weren't THAT bad. My "runs" are only slightly faster then my walks, but everywhere I read says that is fine and to worry about speed later.

I can't wait for Monday!

W1D4

2010-04-21T12:10:00.003-04:00

I just finished W1D4, (remember I did an extra week so I could start new weeks on Mondays), everyone on the forums are right! Your endurance gets better quickly! Today was so much easier then W1D1 (the real one). By no mean was it EASY, just easier. I breathed through my nose pretty much the whole time, and even picked up my pace the last 15 seconds of the last run. I could feel my heart rate increase in that 15 seconds. I think I am going to do W2D1 on Friday and repeat it on Monday, that will give me 4 days of week 1 and 4 days of week 2.

Today I decided WHEN (I am not saying 'if') I hit week five I am going to buy a Polar heart rate monitor! I have read a ton about them and everyone raves about the Polar.

I know today was easier because I just realized I didn't have to yell at my self "Do not stop unless you puking or injured," even once.

W1D1

2010-04-19T12:12:00.002-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I posted. A ton has gone on, I had a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Sally, and she is an absolute joy. I will post pictures later.

What today's post is about is my journey to running a 5K. I have wanted to do this for a long time but always gave up. I found a program online called "Couch to 5K" its abbreviated to C25K. I have read through the C25K forums and see that tons of people had success with this program. It was REALLY helpful to read through other's people blogs who started this program, so i thought "what the heck", I think it will keep me accountable and make it a little tougher for me to give up.

So today was actually my 3rd day doing week one, but I want to start my new weeks on Monday so i decided to give week one an extra two days. (Usually its three days for a week, and it is an eight week program) They were all hard, I had to REALLY talk my self into not stopping, BUT i made it all they way through. It feels good to finish something you start. I know this is only a VERY small battle in a LONG war, but still, it feels good to come out on top. =)

Sunday Snapshot

2010-02-21T13:16:00.001-05:00

Sunday Snapshot

2010-01-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

Isaac at my best friend Joyce's wedding.

First Time in The Snow

2009-12-23T07:49:00.001-05:00

Isaac got to go outside a few days ago for the first time in the snow. The first words he uttered?
"EWWWWWW UCKY!"
I agree baby boy! I agree!

"I know Mom"

2009-11-29T10:43:00.003-05:00

Isaac has a new favorite phrase, and its not near as cute as "uh-oh" "wow" or "crazy dog". This is how most of our conversations end: "I know MOM." Here are just a few examples from this morning.

Me: It's time for breakfast.
Isaac: I know mom.

Me: Isaac is there poop in your diaper?
Isaac: No poop.
Me: I think there is.
Isaac: I know mom.

Isaac: Wheres Tuck?? (his favorite toy from Wonder Pets)
Me: He is next to the TV stand
Isaac: I know Mom

Apparently my 22 month old knows everything. I thought I had at least 10 years until this started!

Ohh wait, while typing this Isaac and I exchanged these words:
Me: Isaac don't give your crackers to the dog!
Isaac's hand is in the dogs mouth along with a cracker.
Isaac: I know MOM!

P.S. Isaac definitely has a baby sister on the way!

Big News!

2009-10-21T18:06:00.001-04:00

So, it has been a long long time since I last posted. But I have a little bit of time and some BIG news! For those of you who don't know I am 20 weeks pregnant, we had the "big" u/s on Monday and the ultra sound tech said 85% sure we are having a BABY GIRL!!! The baby was curled up into a little ball for the whole appt so we need to go back in four weeks to get some different shots they couldn't get, so hopefully she will be more cooperative and we can know for sure if shes a girl! Hopefully we will get some better pictures too, if we do I will post them!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T19:53:00.001-04:00

Reason #508 why I wont be winning mother of the year.

2009-08-09T21:15:00.005-04:00

Just now, I glance over and see Savannah fully cocked back about to punch her sister.

Me:Savannah don't you DARE punch your sister!
Savannah: But I werry werry want to punch her!
Me: Sometimes I really really want to punch people too, but you still can't.

(also i would like to add Jade and Savannah are my nieces not my children, but still you can use this as an example of my naturally great parenting skills)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-05-15T20:31:00.001-04:00

Why I Won't be Winning Mother of the Year.

2009-05-07T19:37:00.002-04:00

We try to eat organic foods, especially milk and meats, we have banned all high fructose corn syrup from our house, then I let my son eat an entire strawberry frosted donut at 7PM at night.

MAKEOVERUNDER?

2009-05-02T19:36:00.002-04:00

Before: Savannah dressed to impress in her spring dress.

She looks just like her mom!

After: A few hours later ready to play!! (And wearing funny glasses she found.)

These pictures crack me up every time I look at them!!

Baby Signing Times

2009-04-23T19:39:00.002-04:00

Isaac is almost 15 months old and has really gotten a hold of this signing thing. Right now he can sign:
More
Milk
Eat
Please
Dog
Cracker
Book
Ball
Apple
All Done (or finished)
I think there is a few more, but that is all I can think of. He also is saying: Mom, Dad, thank You, hey you, I don't know, No No No, Jade, Ma'ma, and spoon.
I don't think I like him growing up! Here is the only video I have of him signing, if you can get by him screaming it is kind of cute. (This is when he first woke up in the morning and he would rather eat then get his diaper changed)

Drawn From Water

2009-04-14T18:31:00.002-04:00

Please visit these AMAZING people at their website Drawn From Water. Click the tab that says "story" and read about how this started. If you ever wanted to make a difference in the world, now is the time.

He Loves To Clap

2009-03-28T11:20:00.002-04:00

This kid loves to clap for himself, he will stop whatever he is doing and drop whatever he may have in his hands to clap for him self. It's so funny. He also now has 15 teeth. He looks so funny with a full mouth full of teeth, every where we go people think he is older then he is because of it. (I am sure it doesn't hurt that he is over 28lbs and wearing 2-3T clothes)

(and I am adding this because he looks so cute when he is mad,
and he was really mad in this picture)

Random Favorite Mom Moment

2009-03-22T11:02:00.001-04:00

Isaac loves his back rubbed, but it also tickles him. It is one of my favorite mom moments when Isaac will crawl up and hug me and I will start rubbing his back, the whole time he is hiding his face in my shoulder trying SO HARD not to laugh.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-03-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

My Little Man!

Who's a Rock Star?

2009-02-20T20:04:00.002-05:00

(I wish this came out better, I need a new camera!)

(He can be a computer genius and a rock star)

Favorite Foto(s) Friday!

2009-01-30T19:12:00.002-05:00

Isaac's Birthday Cake!!

Isaac IN his cake!!

Isaac coming up for some air! =)

Since Isaac has turned one he has decided that he can do everything a grownup does! He can blow kisses and say "bye bye" and he has even learned a few signs! I know you really can't tell he is signing in the video but if you know him then you know he is!

Guess Who is One?

2009-01-22T14:55:00.002-05:00

Isaac is ONE! I can't believe my baby is no longer 0 years old! He was such a champ at his party! Full face in the cake and all! I will show pictures of that when ever my Mom send me some of the pictures. *Hint*Hint*. We go to the doctors tomorrow for his Well Baby Visit, I will post his stats then. For his special birthday breakfast I made Banana Muffins! They were so yummy! I found the recipe at a very cool website called Cat Can Cook, and now I pass this very easy and very very yummy recipe to you:

3 or 4 Large bananas, mashed (the more bananas the moister, so I use 4)
1/2 cup white sugar (original recipe calls for 1 cup, but I don’t like them too sweet)
1 slightly beaten egg
1/3 cup melted margarine or butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
Mix the mashed banana, sugar, egg and margarine together. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Mix wet and dry ingredients all together, being careful not to over-stir! Pour into greased muffin tins, and bake in 350 degrees oven for approximately 20 minutes. Enjoy!
*These are much more flavorful the next day, and they freeze very nicely too!

(If you go to her page she gives you a couple other ideas to do with it, and I did use 3/4 cup sugar because I like them sweet!)

Go Donate Your Blood

2009-01-16T08:13:00.002-05:00

(Okay, well yesterday I did, but you get the point) Go give blood! I am sure you don't even know how many people in your life have been saved by a blood transfusion, start asking around. I always get soooo nervous before they stick me, then after I feel foolish because it doesn't really hurt. This is being said by a person who has NO pain tolerance so if I can suck it up and do it, so can you! I tried to give double red blood cells but my iron wasn't high enough, blah, so next time I am going to take iron pills for two weeks before I go in. They are always so nice there AND I got a free pound of Dunkin Donuts Coffee (Well David did since I can't drink coffee).

I went a little picture crazy, the last one is to guilt you into donating.

ARRRRrrrr!

2009-01-13T08:17:00.001-05:00

Almost!

2009-01-11T16:55:00.002-05:00

My little baby is ALMOST 1 year old. It doesn't seem possible that almost a whole year has gone by since he was born. I don't remember him not crawling or not smiling. I don't remember a time that he didn't get mad hearing the word "no" (even if it's not being spoken to him). We are planning a big birthday bash at a local hotel. There is going to be games and food and even Wii on a big screen TV.

I know the picture is a little outdated but I never put any Halloween picture up. I love this picture because he is with his very handsome god brother (?) named Colin. You can check out his mom's blog here.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-07T08:32:00.001-05:00

Isaac and Santa!

2008-12-25T20:19:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!! It has been a VERY busy few weeks! I am sorry for not updating, Isaac is now walking!! He walks about 80% of the time! He is so proud of himself. Now he can move AND carry things. I will post a video, but first I wanted to show a cute pictures of Isaac and Santa! I thought for sure Isaac would be scared and cry but he didn't! He saw that Santa had a ball on his hat, and everyone knows someone with a ball on their hat HAS to be cool!

SO BIG!

2008-12-07T13:43:00.002-05:00

Here is Isaac favorite new game, as requested from Aunt Joyce

World AIDS Day

2008-12-01T21:09:00.003-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. I have been reading a lot about whats going on in Africa and what AIDS has done to the continent.

Just a few stats:

Between 1999 and 2000 more people died of AIDS in Africa than in all the wars on the continent.
Each day, 6,000 Africans die from AIDS. Each day, an additional 11,000 are infected.
In Africa, especially Southern Africa the average life expectancy is only 48 years; this being largely because of the AIDs epidemic.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the worst affected region in the world with almost 25 million people living with HIV, of whom over 2 million are children under the age of 15 years
Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 15 million children under 18 have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. Around 11.6 million of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa

AHOPE for Children is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the children of Ethiopia, with a primary emphasis on caring for orphans infected with HIV. In Addis Ababa, AHOPE's two pleasant, well-staffed Children's Homes care exclusively for orphans who are HIV+ and have no extended family to care for them. (Taken directly off their page)

Yesterday I received in the mail one of their very cool stainless steel bracelets that has a child's name that is living in AHOPE. I would encourage everyone else to go to their store today and do a little bit of x-mas shopping. Isaac is waiting for his shirt that should be here any day! I hope one day in my future I am able to travel to Africa and volunteer at the AHOPE orphanage.

Unassisted Standing!

2008-11-29T20:23:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have been such a bad blogger! We have been so busy with Thanksgiving and X-mas coming up! Isaac has expanded his vocabulary beyond uh-oh, he now says Dada, MaMa and HaHa. I know these are all very similar but he still says them! I say to him all the time "HaHa Isaac you can't reach (whatever trouble he is trying to get into)," so I am sure he says "HaHa" because he is working on his response of "HaHa Mom look what I got!"
And look what else he can do!

He is standing all the time, he doesn't even need anything to pull himself up on, he will be sitting in the middle of the floor and then just stand up! "They" say within a month of unassisted standing comes walking! Isaac is cruising against furniture like a pro so I bet it will be anytime. Then daddy and I are in real trouble!

Isaac's First "Word"

2008-11-17T20:19:00.003-05:00

Today when we were at Savannah's birthday party at my mom's Isaac decided it was a good time to steal the spot light and say his first word!! So right when we got home I got out the camera and made him say it! He would only say it if he wasn't looking at the camera so ignore the quality and just listen! (Ignore his crazy mom too!)

Boost to My Self-Esteem

2008-11-11T11:04:00.003-05:00

Me to Savannah: Savannah I looooovvvvvvveeee you sooooooo much!
Savannah: *pause*
Me: Savannah I love you!
Savannah: *pushes the hair behind my ear* Well... Ma'ma (my mom) loves you.

Gee thanks Savannah that's great.

GO VOTE!

2008-11-04T07:30:00.002-05:00

What A Ham!

2008-11-01T15:09:00.002-04:00

I DO have Halloween pictures but I still have to get them on the computer. Until then I wanted to share Isaac's new hammy smile. This is the smile he gives when he wants YOU to smile back. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T19:19:00.001-04:00

Silly family photo from awhile ago.

The Calm at the Center of the Storm

2008-10-24T20:07:00.001-04:00

Favorite Photo (I know its not) Friday

2008-10-19T10:43:00.003-04:00

Twins??
Isaac with his cousin who is 10 months older then him!

Fun Fall Day

2008-10-12T20:45:00.002-04:00

Today David, Isaac, Jade, Savannah and I went to my mom's house for "Pizza and Pictures", we ate tons of pizza and took even more pictures! Isaac wasn't up for to many pictures but we did get a few decent ones. Savannah and Jade were perfect models! If you want to see more go to my mom's blog and check them out!

Sick

2008-10-05T16:25:00.003-04:00

My baby is sick for the first time in his life. Today is day three of a cold and for the most part he has taken it pretty well, besides the fact today he has decided he is done drinking ANYTHING. He can't breath through his nose therefor he can't breath while he drinks, so he has decided he doesn't need it and is done. His momma on the other hand is respectfully disagreeing. The only 4 ozs of formula he has drank today was given to him through a syringe. He still has wet diapers and still has tears (he demonstrates this every time he sees the nose sucking bulb,) so I am not to worried yet. I just wish his nose would dry up! Please send some healthy vibes his way!

Favorite Foto (Flashback) Friday

2008-10-03T21:08:00.003-04:00

Isaac when he was just a week old, I LOVE how his legs are folded up like when he was still inside me.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T20:25:00.002-04:00

2008-09-21T00:07:00.001-04:00

Isaac wants to know your opinion on what looks better.

No Glasses

Aviators

Or Zebra?

Gaint Ike

2008-09-17T18:55:00.002-04:00

Ike had his 7 month doctor appointment yesterday, as the nurse would say he made a "clean sweep of the charts." He was off the charts for his weight, height and head circumference. My little giant wears 18m or 2t clothes! I know he will slow down eventually and I really don't want him to be in size 9 clothes in kindergarten but I think I will be a little sad when he does get "on" the charts.

7 Months!

2008-09-14T11:39:00.002-04:00

Here are a few of Isaac's 7 month pictures I took. He's getting to big!!

"Your taking pictures again?"

"Ok fine one smile"

"I told you ONE smile"

"Alright one more"

He's so cute!! I love him!

"Mom, let me show you how to use that camera"

Blake

2008-09-09T19:35:00.001-04:00

Just so everyone knows Blake's Benefit was changed to October 18th! Be there, it will be tons of fun!

Jades First Day

2008-09-04T08:53:00.004-04:00

Today was Jade's first day of fourth grade! She is growing up WAY to fast! Since her mother has a broken leg, I got the honor of bringing her to the first day of her new school!!

Here she is in her new clothes before school.

Jade and Seth

And here she is outside her new school; can you tell she was nervous?

Miss. Savannah, she was VERY grumpy this morning before her sister went to school. (Hopefully her first day at Head Start will be next week)

Obama

2008-09-01T13:03:00.001-04:00

Just in case there was any question.

BFF

2008-08-31T11:48:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Isaac went and visited his BFF Blake Levi!

This was a very big day for Blake because it was his first day home from the hospital in almost a month! For those of you who don't know, at Blake's 4 month check up he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, since then he has been fighting a very brave, but hard battle. In his mommy's words he is "kickin leukemia's ass". It was so great to see him yesterday, we even got to see a few smiles. If you would like to find out more about Blake and his treatment please visit his website http://www.babyblakefund.org .

Doesn't look so sick does he?

Here he is with his Mommy and Daddy!

For anyone from around the area there will be a benefit for Blake and his family on September 20th at Wainwrights Fine Food & Spirits, 515 Palmer Ave, Corinth Ny 12822. Please come it will be a lot of fun and its for a VERY VERY good cause!

Family Fun!

2008-08-28T20:53:00.003-04:00

We went and visited family on Tuesday, as usual we had a great time! *Warning Picture Heavy*

Here is Ike and his cousin Sarah

Ike wearing his cousin Colin's hat!

Savannah and Sarah rockin out!

Jade (one of my other wonderful nieces) cutting flowers for her Mom.

Ike in his hoodie,

We always have such a good time when we go out to visit, I wish we could do it more often but it seems life is always getting in the way!

(I was thinking the same thing Savannah)

Moes

2008-08-26T13:14:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Moes!

County Fair

2008-08-25T20:13:00.003-04:00

I love the fair! It is one of my favorite things to do. I love the animals, the food, the booths. Luckily it is that time of the year again, so Mr. Buckowski, Ike, Savannah (one of my wonderful nieces) and I all packed up and headed to the fair.

Ike saw animals:

Savannah went on the rides:

Mr. Buckowski tried to feed Ike to a goose:

Over all fun had by all:

(Minus the smoking carneys running every kiddy ride, cussing grandmothers and neglected children wetting themselves on the ride because their parents were too busy to notice their little boy was strapped into a ride and couldn't get off to go use the bathroom)

The Barbie Cake

2008-08-23T22:20:00.001-04:00

Mr. Buckowski (and Isaac of course) got me a lovely cake decorating set for my first Mothers Day; I have used it a total of once. I decided it was time I put it to some use, The Barbie Cake in theory looked very easy, in practice though not so much! But either way I had fun making it and next time it will go better! Here are some pictures, don't laugh!

The first thing Mr. Buckowski asked me when he saw it: "Can I eat it?"