Photo Session 2010 Buwalda Photography

Oh. My. Goodness. I have a blog! It's been since August since I've blogged! I'd like to say it's because I've been sitting around eating bon bons and watching Oprah, but that's about the last thing I've actually been doing. So, let's try to give you a run down on what's been happening in our lives since August:

* The boys have been enjoying school. Aiden is in 2nd grade and Logan is in his second year of preschool. It's so fun to see what they've learned.
* I've been working on my Master's degree. What was I thinking!? I am doing it all online, which helps, but whoa! I'll be done December of 2011, so let the countdown begin. Oh, and did I mention I currently have a 4.0. If you knew me my first go around in college, this would seem like a fluke!
* We've made a few extra trips to Missouri to visit my Great Granny as she was not doing well. She went to be with the Lord and Grandpa on October 31st. It was more of a celebration as she had turned 90 a few days prior and was ready. My children were blessed to be 5th generation babies and know their Great Great Grandma. What a blessing!
* Logan turned 5 (gulp). I cannot believe it. He's learning to ride a bike sans training wheels. I'm a nervous wreck.
* Gavin (nephew) turned 3. So weird! Where has the time gone?
* My sister Jamie (Gavin's mom) learned she is pregnant with twins! WOOT! They should make an appearance in April sometime. I am so excited!
* I'm in the ending month(s) of the United Way Campaign that I am chairing. WHOA x's 2! I had no clue what I was in for. I have learned a lot, but mostly how much I love our community. Times are hard right now, not going to lie, but people are still open to hearing what UW can do and I hope they are willing to open their pocket books as well. Wanna give?? Let me know and I'll get you the info!
* I have just been voted in as a library board member of our local library. I am excited to serve in this manner for our little town. I cannot wait to meet new people and gain more board experience.

Goodness, I know there is more, but I am drawing a blank. Maybe because I am staring at a counter full of Christmas decorations that need to either be placed neatly around the house or packed back up. I am working on uploading some of the photos from our recent photo session. The pictures are by Buwalda Photography. If you want her info, let me know and I'll get it to you.

Let's hope I visit here soon with more updates!
~Carrie

Look Out World!

Armed with blankie, a blow gun, a lasso (right boot) and rainboots, Logan is ready to take on the world! (This is the thing that happens when Mommy decides to clean out closets).

Second Grade

I say this every year, but I cannot believe that Aiden is now ins 2nd grade. He was so excited - mostly to wear his new shoes (he *may* get that from me). I usually take a picture of both boys on the first day, but as you'll see in the first picture, Logan wanted nothing to do with it. Enjoy!

Happy Brithday, Marcus!

It's July 14th ... the day my husband was born 32 years ago! Keeping up with my tradition (3rd year running), welcome to the "32 Reason I Love Marcus" list:

1. When working nights, you leave the bedside light on for me and turn down the covers.

2. Your grin. There's almost always something behind it.

3. You always remember special dates like our anniversary, birthdays, our first date.

4. You're not embarrassed to purchase "supplies" for me.

5. You support me in everything I do: job changes, continuing my education, my different hair colors ...

6. You make the best french toast.

7. All of my favorite things include you.

8. You tolerate mushrooms in your food because you know how much I love them!

9. You are faithful.

10. You "get" marriage.

11. You let me sleep in and never make me feel guilty for doing so.

12. You take pride in our home.

13. You are very handy to have around!

14. You understand that even though I do not lift heavy equipment or get dirty in my job, I still have hard days and I work hard.

15. I love the fact that you LOVE Christmas. Everything about it.

16. You like my meatloaf and even brag about it at times. :)

17. You are a man of your word.

18. You let me be me.

19. You are a wonderful son.

20. You are a wonderful father.

21. You are a wonderful husband.

22. You don't try to understand me - you just love me no matter what.

23. You can finish my sentences, yet you normally don't out of respect for me.

24. You let me have an opinion on everything in our life. And you take it into consideration.

25. You keep me grounded.

26. You listen.

27. You still give me butterflies when you reach for my hand or lean in to kiss me.

28. You are fun!

29. I love seeing the pride you take in your grilling skills.

30. Your work ethic.

31. You make me a better person.

32. You are my best friend and I am honored to spend another trip around the sun with you as your wife.

I love you Marcus!

Graduation and Lucky #7

Seriously, where has the time gone? This past week was a little rough for me. On Wednesday (5/19/10), Logan "graduated" from preschool. He has another year of preschool, so I managed not to shed any tears, but there was a HUGE lump in my throat. Then on Friday, Aiden turned 7. Wait, that cannot be right. Ugh! Seven!!! I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. Overnight he has turned into a little man. *sigh* For his birthday we went to see the Fort Wayne TinCaps "play." I put play in quotes as we saw one inning due to rain. But we had a blast anyway! All the kids were great and barely noticed the rain.
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Logan - I am so proud of you and how far you have come this year in preschool. You are the most empathetic 4 year old ever. You just seem to know when your friends, teachers, brother or parents need to be lifted up. It's truly a gift of yours. Your speech has improved and you love showing off your work. You are actually sad the days you don't have school. I can't believe this year is already over, but I love watching you grow. I love you Bud ... *pound it!*********************

Aiden - Seven. I keep saying it over and over so it will register. You'll never know the joy you have brought to this family. Even as a baby you were bringing us together. I am amazed everyday to see how much of an "Erskine" you are. Man, you are competitive. Not only in sports and with others, but with yourself. You want to do everything perfectly on the first try. Many tears have been shed over the Wii, spelling words, and reading because you missed something on the first try or didn't get the highest score. One thing you never get frustrated with is math. You are a whiz (totally did not get that from this from me). You are so handsome. You wear your feelings on your sleeve. You are too cool to kiss your mom, but hold my hand a lot and still demand that I kiss your cheek before you go to sleep. I love you Aiden Michael.

Blessed.

I had one of the best Mother's Day weekends I can remember. Saturday night we (the boys and I) went to my parents to celebrate. We met Jamie, Nick and Gavin at Red Lobster. That's where Aiden ordered crab legs for the first time ever (see pic)! That kid will try anything. He loved them. The next thing he'd like to try is sushi. Ugh. Anyway, Sunday we went to our home church and then ... wait for it ... Chuck E. Cheese!!!!!!!!! Yes, I know ... what in the world? My parents had promised the boys a trip there for a few weeks now. We thought about Saturday night, but then I had a genius idea that Sunday (Mother's Day) the crowd would be minor. I was right! It was actually an enjoyable trip. There were maybe 25 people in the entire place. The boys had a great time and so did we! Who knew!?! It may become a Mother's Day tradition ... or maybe not. HA! After all of that fun, we headed home to Marcus (he had been sleeping because he was working nights over Mother's Day weekend) and they gave me my gifts. I got some wonderful items (pictured below) and a gift certificate for a massage (not pictured). I am blessed.

Art that Aiden made me. It says (in ink I might add) "At times you get discouraged because I am so small. I always leave my fingerprints on furniture and walls. But I'll be growing up some day and all the handprints will fade away. So here are some handprints so you will recall, how my fingers looked when I was very small." Sigh ... blessed.

Picture Logan colored me that reads "Mommy, I know you love me by the way you show you care. you hug me oh so gently when I need you, you're always there." Sigh again, blessed.

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Now on to the good stuff! HA! Below is my Chuck E. Cheese ring from Aiden. It lights up ... ohhhhh yeah. Before work on Monday, he came into my room and asked me if I was going to wear it. I told him I was going to try and he said, "Well, you are wearing something in the pink family." He was right. I was wearing fuchsia. HA! Again, blessed.

And finally, a picture of Mommy and her boys at Chuck E. Cheese. *BLESSED*

7 Years ...

Marcus and I are celebrating our 7th year anniversary today. Seven years, it doesn't seem possible. Is it really seven years; has it only been seven years?? HA!

I love our story (did you know I cussed him out when he proposed? Classy, I know. Or that we were engaged for nearly 4 yrs?) I love the fact that people that knew us in high school still give us the "huh, you two???" look. I love that we've surprised many by not only making it this long, but making it through a lot of the stuff society would have justified it is "ok" had we just given up. I love us. I love being married to my best friend (as cliche as that sounds, it's true). I love where we've been, where we are, and where we hope to be someday. I love that we enjoy the simple things in life. I love the family we have together. I love us. I love that our wedding was so simple and small, but such a turning point for all 12 of us involved. I love how we've grown together every year. I love us. I love our life. I love how we just "work." I love us.

Happy anniversary, Marcus. I love you.

Never Gets Old

My boys say some off the wall things, but lately I've really listened to some of the things they have said or asked for and realized that those things will never get old. Here's just a few of them:

*Throw me another fly ball (or grounder).
*Can we snuggle?
*Will you read to me?
*Can I read to you?
*You look pretty.
*I like your fingernails (or dress, or shirt ...)
*You smell good.
*I didn't get in trouble today!
*I did my homework.
*You're the best!
*You're silly.
*I did well on my spelling test.
*Will you tuck me in?
*You forgot to kiss me (not that I want to forget this important step, but I love that they miss it if I don't).
*Can I pray tonight?
And last ... but obviously not least ... I love you.

First Class Bulldog

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

I am proud to announce that Aiden was awarded the First Class Bulldog award for this trimester. What is a First Class Bulldog? Forty students are chosen each trimester as students that are living out the 16 Life Skills that are taught: respect, integrity, initiative, flexibility, perseverance, organization, sense of humor, effort, common sense, problem solving, responsibility, patience, friendship, curiosity, cooperation and caring. Aiden received it for his honesty. We were very proud of him. He had no idea he was receiving the award nor did he know that we (me, my mom, Jamie and Gavin) would be there to watch. Here are some pictures of my First Class Bulldog.
Isn't he handsome? He's going to be a heartbreaker.
His friend Bryce received the award also. They are cute boys!
Gavin watchin' the program.
Receiving the award from Mr. Roth, the principal. Aiden seems less than excited.
Proud Mom.
All of the SWE First Class Bulldogs.

What's an award without presents!?! He got two skateboard guys, balloons and a t-shirt.

Marcus couldn't go to the program because of work, but to say that we are proud seems like an understatement. I know this award is not life changing, it doesn't give any recognition outside of our small town, but that doesn't matter in the least. To know that the things we try to teach at home are being practiced outside of the home (maybe even more than inside the home ... oh brothers) means a lot to us as parents. We love you Aiden Michael.

February Family Fun!

Once again this month has been action packed! Let's jump right in. Marcus has been reunited with his brother, Donnie after 14 years. We had a big homecoming celebration for him at our home on Valentine's weekend. Below is a picture of all of us together for the first time. It really was a great day.Here are the three stooges - Donnie, Jason and Marcus.
We also were able to welcome a new baby into the world! Emma Rose was born on February 19th. She is gorgeous (just like her mom and grandma). She's a sweet little package.
Yes, my baby fever is going crazy. Especially when I see all the cute little pink things.
Logan just adores babies. Here he is all snuggled up to Emma the night we went to visit her. He could kiss and hold her all night.
And then there's Aiden. He's not thrilled with babies. He wasn't all that thrilled when Gavin came along. He loves him now, just not interested when they're little. He humored me for a picture though.

Well, that's it for now. I have a fun post for tomorrow though! Stop back by!!!

Lessons From Home

I worked from home today. The boys didn't go to school/daycare due to weather and I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I opted to try this out. I wasn't sure how it would go since the boys are pretty active, but I was surprised. Here's what I learned today while working from home:
1) I love wireless internet.
2) I love my bed.
3) I love wireless internet while sitting on my bed.
4) My kids like oatmeal (I already knew this) but are devastated when you drop it on the kitchen floor.
5) I am devastated when I drop oatmeal on the kitchen floor.
6) I hate mopping. I'm no good at mopping (see #5).
7) I can have a day where I don't have to get on the kids for fighting until after 11 am!
8) The Young and The Restless picked up right where I quit watching 8 months ago.
9) Lunch with the boys seems to be a larger mess than a 4 course dinner.
10) The boys could (and did) watch the Sandlot 2 over and over.
11) When the boys are quiet and I am being productive in the bedroom, I should stop and go see what's happening (see pictures below).
12) I can get all the laundry caught up in one day.
13) I am praying Marcus doesn't read #11.
14) I have truly great boys that for the most part were great while I worked and rested today. I am blessed.Some type of war (The Hoffman War) happened upon our couch. The cat may be under there for all I know!
Silly putty sticks to a computer screen. Just ask Aiden. Not sure what he was making exactly. Eeek.

I am feeling better this evening. I hope to return to work/school tomorrow. But I must admit, I enjoyed our day and lessons.

Life's a Circus

Saturday we took the boys (Aiden, Logan and Gavin) to the circus. It was a first for Gavin. He was really needing a nap since the night before he and Nick were up most of the night due to a furnace issue. Anyway, he did great other than asking over and over for them to turn the music off. Nick and I couldn't blame him. Oh, I should mention that the adults were my parents and my brother in law, Nick. Marcus and my sis had to work. The circus was pretty good, although we were worried when the second act was "Felicia and her house cats." Yeah, big fail. Here are some pics from our big outing:

Gavin loves his cousins. He kept putting his arm around Aiden during the show. So sweet.

This pic was actually after the show. This is all of us packing into the Tahoe. Looks like the clown car!

Papaw JJ is a little proud of his grandsons. Just a little ....

Mommy and Aiden playing with the camera. My face looks huge!

Our little Colts fans!

Whitley, IN Lock-Up 2010: Carrie Hoffman

Whitley, IN Lock-Up 2010: Carrie Hoffman

I Scream You Scream We All Scream For Snow Cream!

It started snowing on Thursday morning. It snowed ...

And snowed ... and snowed some more! I think when all was said and done, we received 5 inches of snow. Not enough to cancel school, but an early dismissal and 2 hour delay made Aiden (and mommy) just as happy.


The boys couldn't wait to go and play in it.

It's fun until you get hit in the face with a snowball and Mommy makes you stand still for a picture. Grrrr.





The boys think the grill looked a bit like a monster. Ha.

The best part of the snow was when we made snow cream. The boys thought the idea of it was so fun. What they didn't realize was that it's super sweet and you really can only eat one heaping spoonful. Aw, memories.