Blogging BONANZA!

Okay people, I am about at my free time limit! :-) I now have TWENTY blogs in my favorites folder... and I read along after you all faithfully! Can you believe that, 20!!! How did our parents ever stay connected? Oh yeah, they were on their land line phones, connected by a chord to the phone jack. Seriously, could you imagine? I surely cannot. I love to read about what my friends and family are up to in their lives, since I don't talk to some of them every day. I love to hear their opinions on subjects when they just can't hold it in any longer and feel the need to burst and instead they *Blast* a blog! :-) I appreciate knowing when someone is hurting or struggling, because it makes them all the more real to me, and helps me to know that I am not alone. It allows me to pray for them too. I love reading your blogs because THEY MAKE ME LAUGH! I mean it. Really laugh. I can't tell you the times Tyler comes around because he wants to know what is so funny (Amanda's recent post with the spit photo had me in tears!) So, welcome all you Newbies to the blog world. Following are my greatest tips for you...

*Post pictures. Everyone loves pictures.
*Have music play when people come to your blog. It is especially funny when you're brother his checking your blog from his construction site, surrounded by guys, and "Girls just wanna have fun" is blaring over his laptop speakers.
*Put a counter on your site! It is motivating for you to know how many people are coming and reading your site each day.
*I love a good top ten list on the side bar. It can be about anything, it's just interesting!
*Post often! People are checking back, don't let them be disappointed!
*Don't be bossy. I have read a few blogs that just boss people around, telling them what they should or should not be doing. No one wants to read that, at least not me. I get bossed around enough by my 2 year old! Instead, tell about you, what you think, what works for you, what you will be doing, etc.

Those are my greatest tips, for what they are worth! Thank you to everyone who continues to check in with the Silves, I am humbled each day that you care enough to spend the time reading about us!

Welcome to the "No Spin" Zone.

This post is in direct response to an anonymous commentor (what, too chicken to post your name, or can't figure out how???) Following is the comment, and the full story.

Anonymous said...
Here is the REST of the story according to Grandpa Bill! As we were sitting at the restraunt, RYan noticed that Weston had Ryan's daughter Madelyn's binki in his mouth, as the name on the front of the binki said " Maddie". PS Why have we also not heard the rest of the story about the trip to Grandpa and Grandma's house that resulted in Weston wearing GIRL pajamas. Is this Blog site "no spin"????

First of all, we are all obviously obsessed with the O'Reilly Factor. And, okay, yes, it's true, Weston ended up with a binkie in his mouth that said, "Maddie" at the restaurant. We must have grabbed it at Grandpa and Grandma's house before leaving, and never read it. The jammie story is a little longer... When Tyler and I went to the Mariner's game, Tyler was in charge of packing the boys' bag. I asked if he had everything, and he said yes (I had worked all day and barely made it home to change and feed Weston before leaving again.) Once we got to Mom's, we realized he had grabbed a "sack" pajama for Weston. Well... Weston is far too active now for a "sack" pajama, and apparently when Grandma put him in it, he was NONE too happy. In desperation, she called down to the neighbor lady (aka: Aunt Tara) and asked for pajamas and a onesie (Weston had pooped on his too.) Tara borrowed the clothing from Madelyn, mom changed Weston, and he happily went to bed. When Tyler and I came to pick up the boys, I found Weston in the pack 'n play, dressed in lavender flowers. He looked like a girl!!! I've been told that Tara photographed the incident, but I don't have the pictures, and even if I did I wouldn't offer up the blackmail to all of you! So, that is the truth and nothing but the truth! :-) Oh, and have I mentioned what goes around comes around? Don't be surprised to find pictures of Maddie on here in a football jersey, covered in mud! (or ice cream???)Hmm... Or, Christmas is coming and there are PLENTY of loud toys out there that require 12 "D" batteries and have no "on/off" switch... the options are endless! Feel free to comment with your recommended method of payback!

Mexico Tipico, Welcome to E-Town!

I'd like to offer a heartfelt welcome to the new mexican restaurant in town. We went there for dinner tonight, with Tyler, the boys, my parents, Ryan, Tyson and Breanne, and they had great service and food, despite what I think was a long, hot day for them! The server I talked to said they were busier than they thought they would be, which is great! The food was the same as El Ranchito in Lynden (the owner's of the two restaurants are brothers.) And many of the same faces from Lynden were in Everson. I am so excited to have chips and salsa in Everson, instead of having to run to Lynden! We wish them the best of luck. There phone number is the same as the old Dunny's (966-5155 I think). Enjoy!

Gooooo Ebates!

Have you heard of Ebates? It is a website where you go *BEFORE* you shop online (you know, kind of how you stop at Starbucks *BEFORE* you go to the outlet mall? :-) Anyhow, you go to Ebates, and once you have an account set up, you just type in the online store you want to go to (Old Navy, Gap, Walmart, Lids, Eastbay, wherever!) Ebates not only directs you to that site, but they will provide all current "codes" "coupons" and "promotions" to you as well. Best of all, when you purchase, you earn a percentage back to your own Ebates account, which you can have issued to you as a check anytime! It's free money. And, they are currently running a bonus programs so that if you refer a friend, we EACH get $10 credited to our account. It's fast, it's easy and there's no limit to how much you can get. Just copy and paste the link below if your interested.

http://www.ebates.com/refer-a-friend/0809promo.htm?referrerid=Wfajfn9Jmh3vb94ctMHfBw%3D%3D

Class of 2026!

Here are a few pics of our future class of 2026. If their Mama's can let them out of our sight, they MAY go to school someday. And for those of you mistakenly thinking "What a cute couple!" don't be confused. (even if they were trying to hold hands when we were getting their picture, and even if they would each have the best mother in laws EVER!) Weston is going to be Grace's body guard at school. He'll report directly to Tom! :-) Hard to believe that these two are 5 months apart, isn't it? Weston will teach her all about boy toys, like tractors. Oh, wait a minute. I guess Tom will take care of that! :-)

i caved..

As of yesterday, at 10:05am the furnace is again running in the Silves household. I just couldn't wait until October this year... Weston was cold! :-) (Hey, one of the bonuses of having kids is so you can blame stuff like this on them!)

Back to School!

Okay, so it's a community education course, but it's on a college campus! :-) Last night was the first of 5 Tuesday night classes that I am going to, titled "The Art of Photography." I am going with my great friend and fellow "know nothing" Mindy. I knew I was not too bright about my camera features, but this class emphasized it all the more! My goal in taking the class was to become one with the light, that light would become my friend and not my enemy. I learned so much the first night, and can't wait to get our homework done and try things out. I am SO GLAD that we are taking this class, it was so fun! I actually missed not being in school the last five years. Not that I missed the tests or the pressure or anything, just the learning part. Who knew? I'll post my homework when I get it done, and I'll try to explain a little about what makes each shot different. Wish me luck!

A fabulous time at Safeco Field

Late yesterday afternoon, we took off for Seattle with Tanya and Jason to go to a Mariner's game. We had a blast! I actually enjoyed sitting in the car and doing NOTHING for a few hours (despite the carsickness.. I am such a wuss!) Our days have been pretty full lately (which I hate, in case you didn't know.) My mom was wonderful and took the boys, and then when I called to see if they were all in bed, she told me, "They are such good boys, they are a delight and you've done so well with them." Which made my night, needless to say! :-) Thank you to all who made the night possible. Enjoy the pics!

It was a little breezy when we got there!
The other happy couple! :-)
Seriously... he is never going to just *SMILE* for me when I have my camera!
These guys were in front of us... a little rivalry! This is my dream job. I want to be a hose carrying dirt sprayer for the Mariners.
2-1 in the bottom of the ninth, and it was *RALLY TIME!*The view from our great seats!

Prepare yourself...

...for some serious cuteness! I am enjoying a very relaxing Sunday afternoon, and finishing my *JUNE 2008* scrapbook pages... Tyler's fishing trip! I just love my Cricut, it has revolutionized the way I scrapbook. I've scanned the pages, but they get cut off because I scrapbook in the 12x12 dimension, and my scanner only does 8 1/2 x 11. Hopefully you'll be able to get the gist of the pages, minues 3 1/2 x 1 inches! (I know, I know, I really am a goof!)

Breaking News!

Weston's tooth is through! After checking several times this morning, I gave up on it coming through today... He was really knawing away on his toys though, and when Aunt Tanya stopped by to pick up Ethan she felt it and.... the tooth broke through the gum! My baby is officially heading towards not being a baby anymore (as if the sitting up and eating food thing didn't already tip me off! :-)
Although the picture doesn't show it too clearly, it DID come through, you can feel the sharp edge! And forget the not being my baby thing... I still call Wayne my baby, and I ALWAYS will!

< i'm tired >

Have you been wondering why I haven't posted much these past few days? It's because I've been BUSY! I went shopping yesterday with my "friend" (okay, she is my S-I-L but she is my friend too!) down to Burlington to the outlet malls. The boys had a babysitter, and while I felt really guilty leaving them, I really enjoyed myself too. There is something about HAVING to leave them to go to work, or some other obligation... it's easier to do, because I don't feel like I have a choice. But WANTING to leave them with someone so that I can go and have time to myself... that makes me feel guilty! I miss them, and wonder if they will be scarred for life because they didn't see me for most of the day. I just love them so much, and I hope and pray that they will know in their hearts the depth of that love. Okay... I'll wipe the tears away and continue on! :-) We had a spendid time shopping, and a found some much needed clothes for work, church, and going outside the walls of this house! We made it back by 4:30pm, and I was thankful I had taco soup in the freezer for dinner. I spent the evening playing with the boys, and then they scurried off to bed shortly after Tyler was home from work. THEN.... I got sucked into a "good deal" from Shutterfly. My friend Amy is a blood-hound for good deals online... She had emailed me with coupon codes for $10 off plus free shipping... That pays for all but 53 cents of a 5x7 book! So I kicked it into overdrive, and threw one together of our boys on their recent photoshoot. Then I decided I would be sneaky, so I logged into my sister's account and made her a book, and shipped it to her. Don't tell her, it's a surprise! (She's too busy with baby Madelyn to read the blog... so I should be safe!) I got to bed WAY too late for this mama, but oh well. This morning we picked up two of my cousins and hit the Treasury of Memories garage sale. Yippee! We got some good deals, but then had to head for home because Wayne was EXHAUSTED. He was practically asleep in the car by 10:30am (and no, I didn't wake him up this morning, he got up on his own!) So now, I am cozying at home, and enjoying the rain. The boys are actually napping, together, at the same time. I am balancing the checkbook, doing laundry, putting away my "goodies" from this morning, and blogging to you all! Next up... Finish a scrapbooking layout, and get dinner ready for tonight so I don't have to do it when the boys are up later. It's herbed chicken with baby red potatoes, tossed salad, and... Maybe cooked carrots? The boys all love those, and they are easy. For those of you who think that's a gourmet meal, ne'er fret little ones. Total prep time will be approx. 20 minutes, and I'll throw it in the oven later! I hope you all enjoy your weekend, I know that we will!

Coming Soon!

A tooth! Baby Weston is on the very verge of having his first tooth! It is swollen and looks very painful in his little mouth, but isn't quite through the surface yet. It is his front, left tooth. Go baby Weston! (I'd like to say a personal thank you to the maker's of Tylenol for helping us get through our day! :-) Not much else going on around here. The weather is changing, and I think it is responsible for my lack of motivation these days. Although, I'm still doing things, I just don't have a running list to tackle. Scrapbooking is going well. Wayne's book is caught up until September 5, 2008; the family album is caught up to June 12, 2008, and poor Weston has not been born into the scrapbooking life yet. I'll get there! My "budget" has been 5 pages per week, and I have kept it up ALL summer long! Go me! I really do enj0y it, it is relaxing and calming to me. Wayne is just getting so big. He was such a turkey for his pictures, but I am so glad that a few turned out. To capture his zest for life right now is so important to me... I never want to forget it. I'll close with a few of his funny words/sayings these days.
Wayne's word ---------------------> Actual Word
Wesson ----> Weston
Ceam -----> Whipped Cream
Pider -----> Spider (he's not a fan of them!)
Bokin! ------> Broken
root nack! -----> Fruit Snack

Other words are pocket, cracker, bucket, mine, toys and TREAT!

Ready, set...

.... and that's as far as he's made it! Weston can now get in the "set" position of crawling. He is up on his knees, and holding is body up with his arms. He gets into the position and starts rocking, but then laughs so hard he falls over! Someday soon he'll actually, "Go!"

10 Musings from a Mom

1. In our house, we apparently use the most electricity on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the least amount on Tuesdays.
2. Child safety locks were a beautiful invention.
3. My baby seems so small until I hold a newborn baby. Mine now seems like a monster.
4. How can I go from wanting my 2 year old to talk SO badly, to fondly remembering the days when, "no Mom!" was not in his repertoire?
5. How does Weston keep getting cuter ever day?
6. I honestly hope the day never comes when Wayne no longer wants to snuggle his Mom and Dad. IF it does, I'm having another baby.
7. I love Tyler. I love that he puts both boys to bed at night, and that he reads to Wayne. I love that he races me to go in and check on each of them before we go to bed.
8. I enjoy the change in seasons. There is something about Ch-ch-ch-Changes that I just thrive on.
9. I am so excited, I just got my first official label maker. I don't know how I made it 27 years without it.
10. I can't believe I am almost not going to be able to say 27 years anymore. 27 rounds down to 25. 28 rounds up to 30. Need I say more?

i.love.them

Pudding anyone?

Sometimes, pictures say more than words can.

Mission Accomplished!

We did EVERYTHING on our list today! Tyler was AMAZING and watched the boys while I painted, and managed to get his own list done. The boys were so good... I love the ages that each of them are right now. Weston is just adorable. He is so full of fun and life. Gone are the colic days, and even the fussy baby days. The sunny days of Weston are here! From morning until his 7pm bed time, he is our delight and our joy. His smile goes from ear to ear, and his blue eyes are piercing. He adores Wayne, and the way the two of them play together brings tears to my eyes. I want them to have the type of relationship someday, where they say, "I can tease my brother and fight with him all I want, but if someone else does, they are going to have to answer to ME!" He LOVES to eat food... he goes crazy when he knows it's coming. He loves to sit in his high chair and watch Wayne play. Those two are crazy together! Wayne has now learned that if "Wesson" has a big boy toy, then he can say, "My turn" and take it away, as long as he replaces it! He also likes to call Weston, "my baby."

Where do I begin with Wayne? The boy has grown too fast for my liking. Where did the last two and half years go? He is so fun, so full of life, so spunky. He loves to play with his toys, mainly his puzzles, farm toys, and his GeoTrax. He eats a ton too. He is a pretty good napper, once he finally goes to sleep. He has been getting up at night and coming into our room, and make Tyler take him back to bed because I can't do it! I hate to pass up snuggle time with him. :-) Sometimes I can't believe that God has blessed our family the way he has. I have wonderful parents, an adoring husband, and two beautiful children. We are financially secure, live in a house we largely built ourselves, and now that it is all provided by our Lord. I continually pray that it is his will for it all to continue. Sometimes I have to pinch myself!

Stay tuned.. This weekend we are going to try to shoot a "brothers" picture of the boys. I think they are old enough to try for a good "professional" shot!

Tanya's To-Do's for Tuesday

-Clean up the kitchen/oven after Tyler made breakfast (it was very good... blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage.) Who needs lunch?
-Paint the rest of the trim on the garage
-Paint the rest of the green paint on garage
- Trim bushes
- Call Keiser's to tell him how we want our butchered cow cut
- Call Beld's to schedule babysitting for the next month
- Finish two scrap book pages left over from last week's budget... piece of cake, they are half done already!
-Dinner, baths, books and farm play
-Oh yeah, and mop the floors!
-Tyler has some things to do too, so I'll have to help him out a little and watch the boys.
- And don't forget the coffee breaks! One in the morning and one in the afternoon. Tyler and I love to take a break from our busyness and relax!

That's it! I'll let you know how it goes!

Maddie, meet Wayne and Weston

I went up to Tara's yesterday, and while Mom watched the boys, we had Madelyn's newborn photo shoot! That girl is too cute... and like any good newborn, managed to fill her pants while I was trying to photograph her. It went well though, and we got some great shots. I can't post them though, I think Tara wants to surprise folks. I'll sneak one picture in though, since it shows off her totally adorable sweet cheeks!Wayne's words were, "My baby Maddie!"
Meet the next Gerber baby!

Oh what a day.

Weston is now in a "big boy" carseat, but still facing backwards of course! Can't believe that cute kid is so big! The sign we made for Madelyn... The flowers, candles, and cake were my Mom's doing!
Madelyn... still just as cute, if not cuter, then yesterday and the day before!

Today was one of those days... so full of fun things, and yet so full! I am tired tonight, that's for sure! We went to my aunt's to help her out, came home, I worked or did projects for others all afternoon, visited my sister, visited my friend, then came home, made dinner, got the boys ready for bed. That's the nutshell version, but trust me, IT WAS FULL! :-) Thankfully, our "nanny" Brenna came to watch the boys while they napped. Why is this necessary? Because they are darn inconsistent when napping these days, and I needed to get some things done! Bless her heart, since the boys ACTUALLY slept today (of course!) she helped me out with baking, kitchen clean up, toy pick up, and a little laundry. Oh, and she helped make the "wecome home" sign for Madelyn! All in all, it was a good day. I am so glad to be blessed with the talents and gifts God gave me, and that he has also provided me with the energy and folks in my life to use them! (Well, at least most the time I'm glad!)

More Maddie Girl!

We went to visit again.... who could resist taking more pictures? She is just so darn cute! Thanks to Taylor and Brenna for watching the boys so Tyler and I could go in and then enjoy a nice dinner at Pastazza. You are the bestest babysitters ever!

My niece, Madelyn Kay Bajema!

My niece, Madelyn Kay Bajema was born this morning at 10:24 am. weighing 8 lbs. and 7 oz., measuring 20 1/2 inches long. What a big girl! Maddie was breech, so Tara had a scheduled c-section this morning (she always was good at keeping a secret!) and the whole little family is doing so well. I am SOOOooooo happy for my sister, and grateful for Maddie's safe arrival! Just thought I'd share the little bumpkin with you all!

The happy little family!
The Bajema's and their new daughter/granddaughter!
Mom, Tara and Maddie!