Ansel Adams

For Christmas Monk was given a V-tech camera. He has had LOTS of fun playing with it. I have been meaning to show you some of his work, but for some reason haven't gotten around to it. Designhermomma reminded me to make it happen.

Monk spent a lot of time trying to get the best picture of this night light that he possibly could. Maybe he is taking after his mom in the way that he takes 30 pictures of the same thing. He wants to make sure to get the best picture he can.
A shot of Bebo and I
A very nice snowy scene of my computer

Over half the pictures that I downloaded were these. A black or a white background with some sort of face showing. It must have been fun for him to try all the different faces out.

And lastly a very endearing picture of his brother.

Movin' on up

Monk is finally in a big bed. We made the switch on Sunday, but left the crib up just in case. So far so good. He has gotten in trouble for getting out of bed a couple of times, but other than that has stayed in his bed. I am not sure what to think about it. It's always hard taking the next step towards my kids growing up. The special thing about Monk's head and foot board is that my Grandpa made them himself. Here's to hoping he stays in bed without us having to belt him down.

Historical Day

Today is a historical day as our country inaugurated it's first African American president. I had intentions of watching this and having my kids close by. I have been looking forward to it for the past week or so and was excited. I had heard free beer and hot wings talk about how the Democrats tend to throw a better party than the republicans in that they have tons of great musicians. They were joking about it, but I believe there was some truth to that. Today the 44th president was inaugurated and I missed it! Thank goodness for Youtube these days. I am going to have to see if I can't find a video there. My kids and I were at Sam's Club at noon and now that I think back to it, the store was so dead. I didn't have to wait in line and I got a parking spot right near the front. Man where was my brain! I hope that you all weren't as forgetful as me. If my sister is reading this may she feel a bit comforted that I even forget huge historical days like these. With each child I am loosing a little more of my brain.

"Rockin' the Star"

This little man has been REALLY into "rockin' the star" as he calls it. He runs around like a wild man dancing and going crazy. I think that while I am gone Fisherman and Monk kick it risky business style in our living room and that this is where he learned these crazy antics. I found this shirt for Monk the other day. I liked it and I knew he would LOVE it because it is a "rockin' the star" shirt. It was a great choice for all.

I really think he could be the next KISS don't you?
He even has his poster pose down. This last picture will be seen on his first album cover.

The Monk's Birthday Party

We celebrated Monk and Bebo's birthday with Fisherman's family last night. Since the boy's birthdays are so close together we decided to have two parties, one with each family, but combine the boys to make it easier on each family. So this party Monk was able to choose the theme and the next party will be a first birthday extravaganza for the snarky Bebo, but they will still both get gifts at both parties. Confused yet?
So Monk chose to have a "Back Ardigans" birthday party this year. He had lots of fun decorating the cake with me and picking out his plates and other Backyardigan accessories.

We had some lasagna which Monk likes and some chocolate cake.

It was so fun for me to see the excitement in him. He LOVED the birthday hats and blowing out his candles. I cannot believe that you are almost three little man.

Monk, the escape artist

Ok so I have held unto the crib as long as I can. I have always wanted to keep my kids in their crib as long as I can because they can't get out so nap time and night time are mandatory. I thought that putting kids into a big bed offered them too much freedom. Well the day has finally come where Monk will be moving into a big bed and here is the story. Last week Fisherman and I went shopping for a new mattress for Monk because we knew that the time would be coming soon where he would need to make the switch and what better time to get a new mattress than when they are 70% OFF? I said to Fisherman, "let's put up the big bed and leave the crib up just in case he is getting out of it all the time." Yesterday was the day that he finally escaped his crib. I am doing some chores while both kids are taking their nap when all of a sudden I see this little blond head with nothing but a t-shirt and shark boxer briefs on coming up the stairs. It was such a shock to me. I said, "Monk, what are you doing?" "He proceeded to tell me in this nonchalant sort of way that there was a pinto bean in his bed that just shouldn't be there so he CLIMBED out of his crib. So now it doesn't matter if he is in a big bed or not because he is going to be escaping anyway.

At the time I was infuriated with him, but now that I look back on it I just laugh. What a nut! Today I am especially reminded to love and cherish my kids because you really don't know how long you will be given to love them. Please remember The Busscher Family in your prayers as today it is Grace's birthday.

How they met

Fisherman moved into a house with two brothers. I just happened to be friends with the younger brother. Now three bachelors living in one house and parties go hand in hand don't they? The three dudes put on a big show with a pig roast. I of course was invited to the party because I was a friend. Later in the night I was introduced to Fisherman IN THE KITCHEN (he seems to think it was somewhere else, but I know this to be true). He graduated with my brother and so that is what had me interested in who he was. We didn't talk much that night, but I did think he was a really nice guy and if you have ever met Fisherman for the first time you will see how engaging he is. He will most always remember your name and look you right in the eye. Anyway I told my friend (his roommate) that Fisherman seemed like a nice guy. The roommate/friend then wanted sooooooooooo badly to set the two of us up. Nothing ever happened with that, but we met again at a Halloween party. This time we spent a little more time together and Fisherman made me feel at ease. I am pretty sure I wore a clown costume (LAME) and he was Dennis Rodman. Awhile after that he called me and asked me out on a date. We scheduled a date for the night before Thanksgiving. I was in college out of town so we had to do something when I was home. So a couple of nights before our date I head on over to the bachelor pad. I am a little nervous because I know Fisherman will probably be there. I get there and here is this dude with the BIGGEST burly beard you have ever seen. Behind all that hair was none other than Fisherman. I joke that I almost cancelled the date after seeing that. When he came to pick me up for our date he was clean shaven, what a guy. He picked me up in his white pick-up truck. We went to a bar to hear some live music of one of his favorite local bands and the rest is history folks.

Thirty-Five Months 01/08/09 - Monk

Monkadilly, you are surely full of life that's all I have to say. You spread joy to the people around you and are full of questions about EVERYTHING. You LOVE to talk and I would dare say that I may have finally met my match. When you are awake your mouth is moving and you are learning and inquiring about everything in our day.

You have been liking my iPod lately and jam to the music. This not only makes me laugh, but also makes me happy because often times in my life I have found music to be a comforting thing and my hope is that you do too.
You are such a great big brother. You know how much your blankie means to you so you have no problem running to get Bebo's blankie for him. I have found you more than once looking for it when Bebo is sad or crying. What a sweet little heart you are. You love to play with other kids, love riding your scooter EVERYWHERE, and lately love changing your underwear. You don't like to listen, go to bed, or sit on your chair while we are eating dinner.

I had to post the picture of you in bed to show you how much junk you keep in the bed with you. Some days I wonder how you can fit. Since you got your sleeping bag from Grandpa and Grandma Great you have been sleeping in that every night. This takes up a lot of room and then you have about 400 stuffed animals to go along with that, but hey it makes you happy and somehow you manage to get some sleep. Everything with you Monk is full force. You put your heart and soul into everything that you do and this is what makes me love you the most. You love me with everything you have and tell me many times a day. You give hugs with all your might and kisses all over my face. I love you kid, don't ever change. Love, Mama

Eleven Months 01/06/09 - Bebo

Bebo, eleven months and counting man! Last year at this time I can remember wanting to meet you so badly. Little did I know that you would look like you do now with blonde hair and gray eyes. Little did I know that I would love you this much. You are loving graham crackers and yogurt. If you could eat those two things for the rest of your life I think you would.

Now there are FOUR teeth and they are BIG! I love the gap between the top two. Your brother used to have the same thing. At least this time I know there is a chance of that gap closing. I love when I am changing your diaper and you smile with all four teeth showing. It makes me smile every single time because it is just so goofy.

We see this face LOTS since you have been getting teeth. It's like you are biting down to ease some of the pain. Chipmunk Cheeks! Your little personality is emerging. You are getting into EVERYTHING and don't like to be told no, but I hate to tell you kid that getting into stuff and the word no go hand in hand. You love keeping up with your brother and playing with toys.

Bebo you make my days so much brighter. You are getting to be so much fun. You repeat uh-oh and say bye-bye in your own little way. It warms my heart to see your little fingers open and close as you wave bye-bye to people. I love your smile and love the way you suck your thumb and snuggle your blankie. I love you more this month than I did last and am looking forward to the month ahead. All my love, Mama

Happy 2009!

New Year's Resolutions for 2009:
1. My number one resolution as with most years is to be a better Mama to my boys. There is ALWAYS room for improvement there.
2. To get to know my husband a little more and learn to love him and respect him even more!
3. Learn more ways that I can help conserve the energy that our family uses and the waste that we create.

Top Addictions from 2008: (in no particular order)
1. Blogging happens to be on my list AGAIN this year
2. Facebook, sadly, has become a big addiction of mine.
3. Watching movies and television again now that I have two children that sleep through the night.
4. I love taking pictures of my boys
5. Scrap booking
6. Wearing my baby has become a HUGE addiction of mine. I love nothing more than having little Bebo close to me.
7. Spending time with my family
8. My iPod. I should have gotten one a long time ago. If I could I would marry it!
9. Working on stuff for the Sling Shack

Best Television shows of 2007:
My list has not changes that much from my list from last year, but here they are again.
1. Desperate Housewives
2. The Office
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Scrubs
5. Private Practice

Favorite Blogs from 2008: (in no particular order)
1. http://www.dooce.com/
2. http://www.bleeuw.blogspot.com/
3. http://www.lifenut.com/blog/
4. http://thefregofamily.blogspot.com/
5. http://dykstrafamilyblog.blogspot.com/
6. http://chaseandlogansblog.blogspot.com/
7. http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/
8. http://thelittlefeet.blogspot.com/
9. http://eldersfam.blogspot.com/
10. http://bkraker.blogspot.com/
11. http://jbzwiep.blogspot.com/
12. http://jhoklittle.blogspot.com/
13. http://themauronewlyweds.blogspot.com/
14. http://www.designhermomma.blogspot.com/
15. http://thebusscherfamily.blogspot.com/
16. http://thestaalfamilyblog.blogspot.com/
17. http://bkiddfam.blogspot.com/
18. http://busscherfamily.blogspot.com/
19. http://flofam.blogspot.com/
20. http://stormeystories.blogspot.com/
I hate to admit that this is not ALL the blogs that I follow, but just some of my favorites and some of the people that I know personally.

Things I am most looking forward to for 2009:
1. Seeing Bebo walk. He is already getting into everything, including a favorite for all kids, the toilet, so he might as well walk.
2. Possibly going on another family vacation
3. Watching my boys grow and change even more
4. Playing outside this summer. Babies are sweet, but they put a bit of a damper on summer activities at times so I am really looking forward to doing some fun stuff with the boys this summer.
5. Seeing my business grow and change.
6. Getting to know my husband more

Happy New Year everyone! Here is to another Great year at the Tripp Tent!