Pumpkin Pie

Sam is serious about his pumpkin pie. In fact, he loves pumpkin pie. In years past, I have attempted to make him one of these much-adored pies, however I just can't seem to get it right. Either the crust comes out burnt or the middle is runny. So I gave up making [and ruining] pumpkin pies.

But, this year, Sam proved he actually can navigate his way around the kitchen. This hankering for a pumpkin pie has turned into somewhat of a cooking-obsession for him. When I do a grocery run he specifically asks for crust, pumpkin and evaporated milk. All the other ingredients are household staples [he let me know], so as long as I keep our pantry stocked with these three ingredients, he can get his bake on.

And since Sam has been making at least a pie a week, Max has joined the cooking club.

And this is how you crack an egg...

And pour it ever-so-slowly...

Fresh out of the oven.

It is quite a masterpiece, isn't it? 

Enjoy Boys!

And Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Gotcha Day!

Max with mommy & daddy

in the courtroom on Gotcha Day!

Dear Maximus, 

Today, November 24, 2008, is a very special day for our family. It is your adoption finalization!

Do you know?

We prayed for you before we knew you. We dreamed of you before we held you. We prepared for you before we were "expecting" you. And we loved you before we met you. 

And the moment we laid eyes on you?

We melted forever. You, sweet Maximus, were chosen for us. And we were chosen for you.

We are so proud to be your parents. Everyday you teach us something new. You make us smile bigger, laugh harder, dream higher and love deeper. Our lives are forever changed because of you!

Today we celebrate our forever family.

We love you!

Daddy & Mommy

Elf Greeting!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Happy Holidays

Oh how I have waited for this moment:

I am so excited I am about to burst. 

Seriously. 

Thank you Pottery Barn for engraving these stockings.

Thank you UPS man for delivering this package so promptly. 

Thank you Sam for understanding the importance of this holiday investment.

I might have to get a jump start on my holiday decorating. The first thing I am going to pull out? My stocking holders. Three big silver letters that say "JOY". And each letter has a perfect little hook for each stocking. This year, is the first year, that three stockings will hang from our mantle. 

I find myself being completely overwhelmed with the little things. The little reminders of how life is different now. 

Maximus, thank you for bringing such JOY to your mommy and daddy this holiday season! 

And thank you Jesus for stockings!

Home Makeover

With the help of Sam's awesome mom, I was able to give my eating area a face lift with a new paint color. Meet Caroway. A lovely olive green. Doesn't it have a nice ring to it?

And in all seriousness, there is no one better to call than Sam's mom when you need a new paint job. She shows up ready to work and with all the supplies. My only responsibility? Get the paint. 

And what did Max do today to keep busy? Well, watching us work [which was my bright idea of keeping him busy] only lasted a mere 10 minutes. He wanted to join the painting party [of course], so I rolled one entire wall with the little man on my hip.

Thanks Max...you were a huge help today!

It's Snowing!

Max is officially ready for the cold weather...and good thing! It's SNOWING!

Bundle Me car seat fuzzy cover. Check.

Hat with silly pom-pom on top. Check.

Let's go enjoy the winter weather. Brrrrrrrrr...

A Tale of Two...Hockey Jerseys?

Do you remember this post? I don't know if I have ever seen Sam more excited. His little man, all dressed up in a CBJ jersey. 

We have had season tickets to the Columbus Blue Jackets for years and it has become a passion for Sam. Not only does Sam watch every game [sometimes more than once]; he takes his fan-ship seriously by spending way too much money on clothes and paraphernalia. That would explain why Max was the proud owner of his first jersey [several sizes too big in a 2T] at the small age of only 5 months. 

Oh. But. Wait. Sam recently discovered that they started stocking the Blue Line [a store dedicated for serious fans like Sam inside the Arena] with an infant size jersey. 

[Imagine a chorus of angels singing 'halleluiah' and shining a bright light over the jersey as Sam enters the store.] 

There was no talking him out of it. In fact, I am pretty sure his heart stopped beating for a second or two. And do you think he stopped to even glance at the price tag? No way. So when I did [I know, shocker, right?], and mentioned to him that it might be a bit expensive for a teeny tiny jersey [I mean he does already have one], Sam looked at me like I was speaking alien. 

So Mr. Max is now the proud owner of two Blue Jackets jerseys. One for now [that actually fits and looks adorable]. And the other, hanging neatly in his closet, for later.