Oh Great Googly Moogly!

It seems like it's been a little while since I've blogged (it really hasn't). Man alive, the last two months have kicked my usually-organized-and-on-top-of-my-schedule butt! I figured this was a possibility which is why I was hesitant to even keep a blog. Such is life though, right?
I can't believe we are ending the 2010 year and entering 2011. We sailed right through Thanksgiving, blinked and almost missed Christmas, and now we wait on the New Year to show up. So weird.
We sent out our Christmas cards a little later than usual. But, we got some amazing photographs out of it thanks to Brannick Photography. Sharon Brannick is Ethan's troop leader and a stay-at-home-mom who has built her business on her passion for photography. I won a gift certificate from the silent auction for PTA at last year's school carnival. Totally worth it.

Our Christmas cards for this year. Anyway, here are the latest pictures of our little family. Everytime I look at our family, I realize just how blessed I am. God has had His hand on our family, and for that, I am thankful. There's nothing I could want more.





Love it!

I Spy With My Bionic Eye...

Two boys looking for HoHo Claus.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...

I've been waiting for the year Ethan begins to question the reality of Santa Claus. He's in first grade and in school with other children. I know, theoretically, there will be some kid whose moron parents forgot to tell him not to ruin it for other kids. It's a moot point, really. Brian and I have discussed what we will do when the situation arises. And, it looks as if it might be soon because just yesterday he came home saying that some girl was going around the classroom telling the kids that Santa wasn't real. He said he didn't believe her but, knowing my child, she planted the seed of doubt.
Anyway, Brian and I decided that when the time comes Ethan will know that while, no there isn't a single person at the North Pole who makes toys, there are, in fact, SantaS. We take those who may not have a Christmas and we become their Santa Claus in the form of adopting their families. In essence, we become Santa Claus and the elves and we make sure that those who are less fortunate than us are given the opportunity to have a Christmas. The spirit of Santa Claus is something I want him to know is very real. He already knows what it means to give to those less fortunate as he enjoys donating to Toys for Tots and various other charities every year. He has a giving heart and is always looking for ways to take care of others. This won't be something too out-of-the-ordinary for him to latch onto and believe in.
Plus, there's always the fun in helping to be Santa for his little brother.

There's a Party in my Tummy!

A few pictures from Cade's 3rd birthday party. And yes, if you will notice, he did change his clothes midway through his party.

Why A Zipline in the House is NOT a Good Idea...

Happy Birthday, Caden Blake Hoover!

Three years ago today, I gave birth to one of the two most precious gifts in my life.7 lbs 6 oz; 19.5 inches long of pure joy.
Caden is very special to our family. In January of 2007, I had to tell my grandfather goodbye as, he was losing his long battle with cancer. Before I left his bedside, I kissed him and told him that he was a wonderful grandfather and I would miss him. I also asked him to tell God something for me when he got to heaven; to please tell God we wanted and were praying for another baby. Sadly, we had two prior miscarriages between Ethan and Caden. I didn't think my grandpa could have possibly heard me because he was slipping away. Apparently he did hear me because about a month later, I found out I was pregnant.
Caden is our gift from God and my grandpa. At least, that's the way we like to see it.
Caden amazes me and drives me insane all within the course of a day. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Cade is our singer, dancer, and the brawn for Ethan's brain. Don't mistake him though. He has his own brain and plans his own schemes. Many days, our house is filled with Tarzan calls, hysteria, mayhem, and giggles. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

There's nothing a good scoop of ice cream can't fix especially when the folks let you choose your toppings.