Thone Thoughts

2009-12-20T20:31:00.001-08:00

Coulter's Christmas Program

Our little shepherd walking up on stage

Coulter and his friend Kat.

Away in a Manger! Go ahead...listen!

2009-12-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

Crooks Christmas!!!

This will definately be added to the Thone family list of tradtions!!! Tom and I went 2 years ago but this time we took the kids! We took the drive to see the light display last night while my sister was in town!! It was super fun! The kids loved it! We did however have to wait in a drive-line for about an hour!! It was well worth it!! So cool!

Wanna go? Come for a visit and we'd be glad to take ya!!

2009-11-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

LEAVES. LeAvEs. Leaves.
we really do have some on our new lot.

Coulter.

Coulter loving the leaf pile we raked!!

Coy. Doesn't he just look like a football player?

Get'a mulching boy!!

2009-10-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

A Long time ago and far away...
We traveled to visit the island of...

We drove the "Road to Hana" seabring style in hopes to find the black sand beaches!

Find them, we did!

And Swim, we did!

The "Feast at LeLe" Luau in Lahaina was a first (Umm, Amazing)...

As was the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm!

Pincushion Protea growing in the mountains of Ali'i Kula! This was the flower that made up my wedding boquet! My absolute favorite!! Right Tom?!

The road less traveled on the south side of the isle questioned some of the passengers!(Not me though, I was all for it!)

Mount Haleakala up in the clouds, Yes totally UP IN THE clouds!

Once again, I wasn't too worried about the "walk slowly at this elevation" signs)

Nakalele Blow Hole! If you look close you can see Tom to the left!

Now, we have been for almost 2 months from this vacation but seriously folks seeing this photo makes me want to go back right...about...NOW!

Oh I mean this photo!! Ha! The other one too!

2009-09-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Trip to Huron
aka Coulter's paradise

We visited some friend last weekend in Huron, SD. We had a wonderful time filling the 20 hours we were there, and that included a full nights sleep! We packed in the fun, especially for Coulter (while Coy napped)!

Coulter riding on the Rhino with daddy (his first choice driver was Vic)

Riding the 4-wheeler with Vic

Tractor rides!!

Coulter sitting in the place.

Coy enjoying climbing the stairs.

AND...da da da daahh

Baby Addison! 8 weeks old!

2009-08-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

"LOTION ON?"

So as you may know, Coulter has pretty bad legs. As in, he's got eczema to the worst degree-- from my stand point! We do things a little differently with him to keep it "under control". Ya know, like the scent free laundry soap, no soap in the bath (except for his hair at times), and special lotions for his flare-ups-- just to name a few! If they hurt him pretty bad he'll ask, "lotion on?", "kiss mommy?" or something else to soothe the pain.

Well, as I was loading the kids up to head to SF for the morning, Coy and I were outside and noticed a bug. A green bug that looked like a leaf. Pretty unique. I yelled inside for Coulter to come and see! He loves bugs! Loves them to the point of giving them a kiss. Seriously. He'll bend down to the ground and plant a big wet one on them. Whatever. Fine with me.

Coy and I noticed that it must have been hurt because it really didn't move fast. Fast enough. Coy for sure wanted to get his hands on it--ya know probably to see what it tasted like. I moved it away from Coy, showed Coulter and we all went back into the house to get things ready to go. 5 minutes later I am putting Coy in his car seat and Coulter asks, "Bug go?" I told him he hopped away. Coulter says, "No mommy, bug!" Coulter obviously spotted it out in the driveway. His eyesight is amazing but that is another story. "Oh yup, there's the bug! Good eye buddy!" I tell him. As I now buckle up Coulter I tell him, "That bug didn't move very fast, I think he hurt his legs." Coulter asks, "Mommy, bug lotion on?"

Oh my dear sweet Coulter!

2009-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our Newest Walker

2009-08-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

1
Happy Birthday Coy.

Yesterday marked Coy's first birthday! 8-8-09. Remember last year, because I do clearly, 8-8-08, the sweetest birth date ever! Anways...

We did some celebrating with a cupcake, but couldn't go all out with the abscence of daddy. Tom was in The Black Hills with my dad, my uncle and a friend of theirs crusing around on motorcycles... ya know is was Sturgis week, right?! Now that he is home, I believe he is already looking forward to next year! BUT that is beside the point, Coy is 1!

It's crazy to think back one year. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was scared out of my mind that I would deliver our baby in our rented apartment! My doctors orders (because of the way my labor/delivery went with Coulter) were to not go further than a 10 mile radius of the hospital, and with one good contraction and I could be having this baby at home. Yeah, right! I seriously went to bed every night praying that nothing would happen and if it did that I would be able to make it to the hospital, which was only 1.5 mins away! HA.

Coy is 1 and with that comes many changes around our house. No more bottles! Introduced Whole Milk. No more rear-facing infant car seat! PTL! Less speed-crawling and MORE walking! Yup he's a walker now! A walker and a LOUD screeching talker! At times I wish I had ear plugs. Lots of hugs, snuggles, nibbles and kisses!

We love you Coy! Happy 1st Birthday!!

*tried to upload Coy eating his birthday cupcake, it failed, maybe later :(

Lazy

2009-07-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

I've had a blogging break. No reason really. We've been up to too much fun that I would love to share with you all, but at this point it is just too much. If I had to pin-point one reason for my BB (blogging break) it would probably be laziness. Just like you see with our youngest in the photo below. Laziness. It all come down to it being just too darn easy to crawl over the tub wall fully clothed while mom runs to the other room to get the post-bath diapers I forgot to grab. I didn't know this was possible. Ya see, I had just turned the water on, while both boys were fully clothes and getting the tub full of toys. I returned .01 seconds later to see Coy just splashing away happy as can be. I was litteraly in the adjacent room, now I didn't hear a thud, cry or anything and Coy wasn't even wet in the face. How in the world? I even asked Coulter, "Did you put Coy in the tub?" "No, mama," he replies. I should have known, because anyone of you who really knows this Coy Boy knows how strong he is. From the day he was born I was blown away at his strength. We should nickname his tree frog, he literally hangs on to the side of a pak-n-play trying to get in, just hanging to the point where I have to peel him off. He's a determined little dude. Obviously, the water was what he was after!

Before:

After:

2009-07-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

4th of July Fun!Oh yes and...

Coulter's Toe Nails are Pink!

Tom & I. Check out the flowers behind us. GREAT JOB Mom!

Sniffin g'mas pretty plants.

Coy. 99% of the time he's chewing on something.

Peek! This is our Coulter showing off his version of what "swimming" is. He is not so much the water bug that his brother is!!

There is always lots of Grilling! Great Job Grill MASTER!

The boys sitting by daddy with a treat.
4th of July Carnival followed by Fireworks!!

Tom & Coulter, Ryan and Brody on the Big Yellow Slide

Riley, Brody and Coulter riding the train.

The Sisters enjoying the fireworks!

And the Big 60th Surprise Bday was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Love you Cedar Lake, see ya next weekend!!!

2009-06-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

BOYS

These boys are so much fun!! We are outside any chance we can get. They keep me busy that is for sure! But we are loving every minute!

Coy's lovin'

watching his brother do just about anything
playing with every thing he shouldn't!
walking behind the push toys! Note to self: when letting child walk outside on driveway make sure they wear shoes or you may start to notice little scabby scrapes on their feet. :( Ouch! Sorry buddy!
climbing up stairs faster than EVER! Still haven't found the right gate.
WAVING (see below)
eating all kinds of foods, not picky at all!
testing out the dirt, sticks, leaves, grass to name a few
splash arks and pools
swinging at the park
being tickled

Coulter's lovin'

driving his cars around the driveway and stopping at the "gas station"( aka the end of the sidewalk) to fill up. I still can't believe he can fill up is Coup for "1" dollar as he puts it! Everything costs "1".
helping me water plants ( see below) with a spray hose, water can, cup...whatever. As sneaky as I am, I have used "watering plants" as a reward. HA! Is that bad?
playing at the park--climbing, playing in the sand, swings and JUMPING
being tickled--like his brother!
doing push-ups with daddy!
mowing the lawn with daddy!
READING
Bath time--Although Coulter really isn't the water rat that Coy is, he loves his bath time. It takes him time to warm up to the idea of a pool or splash park.

2009-06-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Milk Buddies

2009-06-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Ole Stompin Grounds
Do you see 304 E Dodge? The dark slate blue house in the distance? All I have to say are these 5 sweet words: Glad we sold LAST summer! Dodge street is under construction All.Summer.LOOoooNG! I sure wouldn't like parking on the side street with 2 kids and a load of groceries!

Coulter walking by the old house.

AND WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE???
Is that a toad?

Coy feeling it out...

Coulter and his friend Katherine.

2009-06-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Happy 10 Months Big Guy!!!

2009-06-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

roaring water.park.picnic

Wanna come?

2009-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

My Little Fishies Two

Coy: (deep in thought) What is he munchin over there?

Coy: I just gotta reach a little farther...uhh...to get the bag...of...fishies from my brother.

Coulter: WHAT does he think he is doing?? umm...these are MINE!!
Coy: Did you really just say that?? because I thought mommy just said to give me one fishy.

Coulter: FINE. Here, have one! Just take it. You know Coy, these are my fishies. Mommy handed the bag to ME!
Coy: Whoa. Slow down brother, mommy said one, just one!

Mommy: Coulter!

Coulter: Uhhh...well, hi mommy!

Coy: Ha! Right. You think she doesn't know what is going on? Really? You think that?

2009-05-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

The Big Blue Dog

Rocking on the dog together, though this only lasts a few seconds!

Coulter helping a brother out!

Go Coy! He absolutely loves this toy. He can really get going!

2009-05-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Garden View

Tom started working on the edging of the garden last weekend.

Overall size:16' X 16'

WITH

4 quads of 6' x 6' inside

Today, he and Coulter transported the pavers to the backyard--using the wagon! (Notice they are traveling on the street...

and jumping the curb because of our seeded lawn!)

Atta boy Coulter!

Good toss Buddy!

See one of the 6 x 6's coming together?!?

Working till dark!!

Thanks Tom!!

Love you.

2009-05-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

Picnics and Playdates

Coy and his buddy Jackson

Coulter and his friend Taylor

Coy

Jackson, Coulter and Taylor

2009-05-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

My Three Uncles

Apparently, according to Coulter he has three uncles. AND I am not making an announcement for my sister here!! Ya see, Coulter know the names of his uncles--he's got it down: Uncle Toy (Troy) and Uncle Ryne (Ryan). This third and mysterious Uncle recently popped out of nowhere and he speaks of him often under many different and unusual circumstances. This uncle is Uncle Baby. We remind him time and again that: There is no uncle baby. The baby's name is Coy and your uncles are Ryan and Troy. Blah Blah Blah.

This Uncle Baby makes me laugh! You will see him playing away and all of a sudden he'll yell, "Uncle Baby" at nothing at all. Or when he has to apologize for something he has done wrong, he'll say, "Sorry Uncle Baby!" even if it is to Tom or I and not even the baby. Honestly, what is this all about!?!

Do you know an uncle baby?

On another note, I love bathing my kids together!! I love watching Coulter make Coy laugh! Check it out! You might even just see what made me have to stop this video in action!! HA!

2009-05-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

New Heights!

2009-04-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

I heart Arizona

In-N-Out--gotta have it!

Cactus--love em!

Desert Botanical Gardens--Chihuly Exhibit--The Nature of Glass --Amazing! AMAZING!!

Hiking in Sedona--breathtaking!

Turquoise Arches ONLY in Sedona!! Dollar Menu anyone?

Diamondbacks Game!!! (With friends that drove down from Vegas!!)

And BEST of ALL...

Major R&R by the (one of MANY) pools!! Not to mention Lazy River too!!

2009-04-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Yet another POST in numbers

12- days since I have last posted on this blog...oops

4- teeth in Coy's mouth

4- coughing coughers in our house

uncountable- the amount of rashy specks on Coulter's face/neck due to excema :(
(FYI--I just took him into the Clinic to be checked, he's on an antibiotic due to some infection)

2- stops made yesterday with my mom and the boys at coffee shops, HA. Love it.

3-days my mom has been down here kickin it with us

My mom you ask? What is she doing here?!? Follow along...

6- days Tom and I will be in AZ for a little work and mucho playing, I think?!

KIDLESS

8:51- the time we fly out tonight!!!

Check ya later!

2009-04-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

Six Pack

I have been loving this dressing lately and had to share. Have you had it?
A friend of mine got me hooked! So good. As you can see on the bottle it is a dressing and a marinade--so many scrumptious ways to devour!
I love it on a salad with chicken, scallions, Mandarin oranges & crunchy wontons. I love it on a sandwich--peppered turkey breast, Muenster cheese and lettuce. Or even as Coulter eats it, as a dip for his jicama, carrots and basically everything else! Yup, even apples. Not my first choice though.
Really you must try it! Let me know what you think.
And if you didn't see that hidden message, I think if consumed you get a six-pack. Sa-weet!

2009-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Scrabble!

The last few nights after the boys are in bed Tom and I have pulled out an old game we used to play all.the.time! Scrabble. We love it! We are both very competitive at it too!! Now we have played many different versions of the game, let me define a few.

Word: Travel Scrabble

Definition:
A word making game played in route to a particular destination; on the go.

Used in Context:
The last time Tom and I played travel scrabble was 3 years ago in flight to Cancun (March, 2006). While playing I believe everyone around us was utterly annoyed because the letters kept popping out of their place on the board, hopping from seat 7A to 6A. We have since thought twice about making travel scrabble a carry-on necessity.

Word: Turn Table Scrabble

Definition:
A word making game played on a turning board thus making it easy to switch turns from one player to the next without messing up the letters; round and round.

Used in Context:
In our scrabble collection of at least 6 games, turn table scrabble DOES NOT EXIST. Sad!

Word: Super Scrabble

Definition:
A word making game played on a BIGGER board with MORE spaces and DOUBLE the amount of tiles found in the standard scrabble game. (And yes the games takes a least 3.5-4 hours to get through!)

Definition:
Tom won at super scrabble last night and the final point totals were so very close. See for yourself!

Test your scrabble knowledge with some Scrabble Trivia!

During the Great Depression, an out-of-work architect Alfred Mosher Butts decided to invent the board game Scrabble, but what was its original name:

a. Criss-Cross Words
b. Lexico
c. Scrabble, it has always been scrabble
d. Checkerboard

What is your answer?

2009-04-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

What's in your Crockpot?

Update: We just had a wonderful lunch. No one was silent! That's a good thing around here...that means my boys were delightfully humming through the entire meal. (Coy had his own menu though)

This is what's in mine!!

Provencale Chicken Supper *Taken from Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook
4 chicken breast halves (I throw them in frozen!)
2 t dried basil
1/4 t salt, divided
1/4 t pepper, divided
1 C diced yellow pepper
1 (16 oz) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 1/2 oz) can pasta style chunky tomatoes, undrained
Basil leaves (opt)

1. Place chicken in crockpot; sprinkle with 1/8 t salt, 1/8 t pepper and dried basil.
2. Combine remaining 1/8 t salt, remaining 1/8 t pepper, yellow pepper, beans and tomatoes in a bowl; stir well. Spoon over chicken. Cover with lid; cook on high setting for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 hours. ( I have found it doesn't take this long--I cook mine on high for 1 and low for 3)

Yield: 4 servings

I remember the first time I had this. My mother made is for us when we came home from the hospital with Coulter. It was sooo good, but little did I know (as a nursing mother) that after I devoured my whole dish my little newborn would be fussy because of the tomatoes. I didn't have this meal again anytime soon, but I never forgot it. Now with my easy going Coy-boy, I can eat anything and he wouldn't even blink an eye...so it's back to the crockpot for one of my favorites!!

Try it! It's is soo easy!!

2009-03-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Now and Then...My Pudding Picasso

This morning we did a little painting...

...with chocolate pudding! We started with our Q-tip paintbrush...

...and moved to our fingers and hands!

VIDEO: My Pudding Picasso explaining his art!

One year ago...(March 2008)

He started out unsure of that brown blob. And...

...ended up loving it!!

2009-03-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Coys moving along...in his wiggly fashion

2009-03-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Look who came thumping at our door!!

Oh, wait...

Coulter organizing his Easter window clings

tip-toes...
Coulter had to get out his stool to get the Easter clings as high as he could reach on the window!

The Bear, pretty proud of his work!
Good job buddy!

2009-03-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What did you do that was green today?

2009-03-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

what a beautiful day is was!!

2009-03-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

the excitement continues...

This is what is constructed the night before an exciting playdate or should I say the morning before. Yup, it was 3:32am when Tom came out to the living room (due to hearing some noise) to see Coulter mastering his car line-up. Ya see, I told Coulter about our plans yesterday to go to Backyard Adventures with Owen and Emily. He couldn't stop talking about it. I told him at bedtime that when he gets up in the morning we are going to the "park" to play. Well he did get up and was ready to go, but just a wee bit early. He just didn't understand why he had to go back to bed. Who cares if it was dark out, right?!

(photo take at 8am, hence the daylight)
Coulter is an expert at lining up his cars big and small. Sometime, depending where his line up takes place, we might even find his tricycle or his scooter in the mix.

Backyard Adventures

Coulter cruising down one of the slides.

Owen and Coulter swing on the tire swing together

Coy's first swing experience. Really! He loved it! Just sat back with his arms up--relaxing! I can't wait for these adventures to actually be outside in the spring air with the sun shining!

2009-03-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Addictions, Confessions and Random Facts

1. I'm not even going to mention how many times (a week!) Caliente Canasta is played in my household with at least 4 people over the age of 29! You might think we were crazy. I actually just asked my game players the question last night, "What did we used to do before we started playing Canasta?"
And if I were to tell you that my sweet partner and I --hands down--had the most enjoyable "hand" 2 nights ago, would you believe me? By most enjoyable I mean MAJOR points were scored! Now just take a little guess at what that one hand totaled our points out at...go on!

2. When sleeping at night I totally prefer my stomach. Even when I am way too far along in a pregnancy. (This is not an announcement either--you could possibly be looking for one of those, say, in a few years...) Anyways, while sleeping, if I find myself on my back, I must roll back over but only prefer to go one direction--from my right to my left (clockwise). If I go the other way--it gets me all out of funk. Weird, I know. I would much rather make a 300 degree turn going clockwise than do a quick 60 degree going the opposite way. Weird! Tom did you know this random quirk?

3. We have two boys! And our two boys have many names which we refer to them as. Here we go...First up, Coulter: (just shy of 25 months) Coulter, Coulty, Coco, Coulter Bear, c-bear, The Bear. My favorite of these is Coco. That is his response when we ask him to say his name. Next up, Coy: (7 months) Coy, Coy Bear, Coy boy, Coy Bert, The Bert. It would not be uncommon for Tom to come home from work to find Coulter and I playing (while Coy naps) and ask, "Where's the Bert?" I would simply respond, "Oh he's sleeping."

4. And this big questions just in...Which of these do you chew with your teeth? A Ritz Cracker OR Milk? Because here, Coy does both!! OUCH!

2009-03-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Black Hills or BUST 2009!
Our Destination: The Antelope Trail Lodge (pictured below)

As we headed West last weekend, we hit up all the stops on the way out to the Hills. You know the ones...Al's Oasis...Wall Drug...and of course the beautiful scenery of Western SD! Our destination was right on Terry Peak where we did a full day of skiing on Friday! It started off a little rough for some (I won't name names) but after we got the trees out of the way it was smooth skiing! Right Dre? Oh, Ooops! Friday night we headed into Deadwood. Hung out at The Top of the Ten, did a little gambling and headed back to the cabin to Hot Tub our aching muscles and play some games!
Saturday we stopped in Keystone to get some Taffy, we visited to Presidents and did a drive by at Crazy Horse. Then on to Hill City to see some shops and eat at The Alpine Inn. The Dinner we had been waiting for, for more than 17 months (that was the last time we ate there!) It was spectactular: one item dinner menu and great company all for just the right price! A must eat when you are in Hill City, SD!

Here are some shots of the weekend:

Tom & I getting ready to hit the slopes!

Steph & I riding up the chairlift

Andrea & John

The Girls: Me, Andrea, Sara and Steph ready to hit DEADWOOD!

Penny Slots, need I say more?

Jason, Sara, Tom and I on the roadside by the Presidents!

Andrea, Steph and I posing by the Presidents!

3 Words: The Alpine Inn!

2009-03-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

And We're Off...
all but our precious cargo!

Coy rolling around on the floor

Coulter playing with his cars in the "snow"

In just a few short hours our company will arrive before we all take off in the morning for the Black Hills! I am pretty excited about this trip! I am in need of a vacation mainly just to get out of the house and enjoy some adult time! I can't wait to do a little skiing, relaxing and enjoying the hot spots around the Hills!! There will be 7 of us renting a darn-cute little cabin by Terry Peak.
My boys will be staying with my in-laws for the 3 nights!

Well, for now We're Off!! Hope you all enjoy your weekend!

2009-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Fresh out of the Kitchen:
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

YUM!
What are you doing to go green today?

2009-02-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday dear Thomas, Happy Birthday to YOU!
With just a few minutes left of your birthday I just wanted to share with everyone that you are now another year older and of course a whole lot wiser!! I love you honey!! You are the best husband I could have ever asked for! I hope you had as much fun celebrating your 31 years today as I did!!
XOXO

2009-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

He's sittin' solo...

Showing his peraly whites...

AND Humming like there is no tomorrow!!

Coulter's Tractor Party

2009-02-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

Update:
How could I forget! Most all of my tractor ideas came from a dear dear friend, Shelly, she threw a wonderful party similar for her son when he turned two last July. And when I heard the sweet words out of Coulter's mouth that he wanted the tractor party vs. a digger party I knew just who to contact!! Thanks Shelly!

2009-02-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate!

It all started with Valentines Day. Love was in the air.
Once all our company arrived for the weekend we headed out to a nice dinner with my parents, Tom's parents, and my sister and brother-in-law. The three boys were left home with a sitter!

Celebrating all of the February Birthdays!
(Tom, Me & my dad's) Coulter's too but he had his very own party the next day!

Carrot Cake!

Do you really think the parties are over? No way! Well, 2 of the 3 birthdays we celebrated have come and gone but one is left to CELEBRATE!! Tom's! Watch out honey!

2009-02-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Coulter
February 17, 2007

I can't believe he is already 2!

Coulter's amazing tractor cake!

We celebrated this last weekend with fabulous tractor party! The birthday boy's request! (More pictures to come!!) There was so much green and yellow we didn't know what to do. With our families together we couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate Coulter's 2 years!

2009-02-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Our Florida Favorites

It's been two weeks now since we have been home from our trip and I am way overdue on sharing our favorite from the Thone family vacation!

"The Beach House"

Our family visiting the Mixon Fruit Farm. Loved it. Can you tell it is super hard to get a good shot of the 4 of us?

Coulter and Daddy at the beach. Being that we were on the tip of Anna Maria Island the beach was literally 3 block to the left out the driveway or 2 blocks to the right. It was GREAT!

My lifesaver of the trip was the little black car print fabric bag in the sand behind the boys. I sewed up the night before we left. What was in this bag? Coulters cars!! It was perfect...it went.everywhere.with.us! EVERYWHERE!

Playing in the cold cold ocean.

Coy swimming in the pool at the beach house!

Daddy and Coulter. See the toungue? Just like daddy I might add!

The Florida Aquarium

The sea turtles at the aqaurium. Coulter would have taken this home if he could have!

Can't forget Busch Gardens!

This was my favorite. At first, I was terrified of the looks of this rollercoaster! But it was Amazing. Shiekra has a (2) 90 degree drops! Ohmy.

We had a wonderful time with the Thone crew. Some other favorites on pictured: hot tubbing, swimming in the pool, sitting in the sauna/steamroom, (tom loved the steamroom so much I think he may be planning to put one in our basement when we finish it), visit with my aunt/uncle/cousin that lived nearby, playing cards or a game EVERYNIGHT!, frequent stops for coffee and the list goes on!

2009-02-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

I must admit...
It's been way too long since I last clicked on the bright orange rectangular box that reads PUBLISH POST. We have been up to way to much fun to not include my bloggies! Way too much that I really just haven't sat down to do so. Posts are coming soon! But in the mean time I want share that my sweet little Coy--who is super under the weather :( --has reached many milestones the last 2 weeks but the largest is his age!

Happy 6 Months Sweet Baby Coy!
We love you to pieces!

Photo taken in Anna Maria, FL.

Playdate: Come one come MANY!

2009-01-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

UPDATE:
I forgot to add that my sisters Stephanie snapped a few of these photos. So the credits goes out to here for capturing our fun. Thanks Steph!

I had 5 friends and their kids (8) over to play the other day. We had a blast! We played, we danced, we sang, we exercised, we ATE! Later in the afternoon while some Mommies stayed ALL THE KIDS (6) SLEPT! NO Kidding!

The Band!

Gathering the kids together *taken by Stephanie

"Ring Around the Rosie" *taken by Stephanie

Watch them dance

Coulter & Owen working out downstairs

Jackson ready to eat!

Lunch Time!!

Tom even came home just in time for our "orange" themed lunch: Mac-N-Cheese, Carrots, Raisins, Mandarin Oranges & Jello Jigglers

Brek and the Jello Jigglers *taken by Stephanie

Coulter and the Jello Jigglers *taken by Stephanie

2009-01-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

FREE COSMETICS!
Check this out.
As I was at work today watching the Inauguration (because it was on) I saw a new report about about a Lawsuit Settlement that is giving away Freebies. Check out the story here.
Basically, if you have purchased Department Store Cosmetics from May 1994-July 2003 you are eligible for the FREEBIES. Now that my friends was when I was in my prime of meeting the Estee Lauder and Clinique minimums to get their BONUS. You remember right?!
Check it out and go get your FREEBIES!

2009-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

Working on the Workbench with Grandpa and Daddy!

Coulter measuring the pieces

Coulter fixing the light switch plate

Coulter attaching the drill piece to his drill

2009-01-18T21:46:00.001-08:00

Weekend Wrap!
We had some extra special visitors down this weekend. My parents! They came down Friday afternoon and stayed till Sunday afternoon. It was the first time they had been down since we moved into the new house. We had a great time playing with the boys, watching the boys build a work bench, shopping in town and playing a few mean games of Mexican Train till oooh...to late in the morning!
We had one other extra special SuRpRiSe visitor come down Saturday afternoon...my sister Stephanie! She is here till Monday! Yup she's the up and coming photographer! Check her out on my sidebar!

Game Night! I just got done saying goodbye to one of our 20 Chaos youth group members that were over here for a game night. Ping Pong and Foosball in the basement, Guitar Hero on the main floor and Pit/Apples to Apples up in the playroom. Everyone found their place in just the right game! So fun.

On the agenda for tomorrow....
drum roll....
Extra Large playdate here! I have about 5 girlfriends and their children coming over to play. We had an orange themed day planned. Photos to come!!

What can I say, I heart hosting just about anything!

AND Betcha didn't know

In just one week...
We will be soaking in the the rays on Anna Marie Isalnd! We fly into Tampa, FL next Saturday afternoon and drive about an hour to our rented house on the 7mi x 1mi island. We are going with the Thone family 8 (MIL, FIL, BIL, SIL and us 4) to celebrate my in-laws 40th Anniversary! We've had this trip planned since last summer/fall. Can't wait. I'll admit though kinda nervous about Coulter on the plane. Not at all about Coy. For those of you who know Coulter he is full of energy/a constant mover/gitty/loud/abnoxious/spirited/my favorite oldest son! Just like his mommy? Got any ideas? Oh yeah and since he is still not two yet he's flying Free--on our lap.

2009-01-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

House Tour: Part II

Remember in the last post??
I asked, "Where do these stairs lead??"
Well, wait NO further because...

HOUSE TOUR: Part II is here!

Being that our house is a Story & 1/2, the 1/2 story is none other than the boys' playroom. I absolutely love having a room just designated to TOYS and PLAY! It will be one of my favorite rooms in the house BUT I am still working on the colors. Therefore it is not my favorite quite yet. Ya see, the stair that lead up to this wonderful room are a brighter sage green and dark teal. The walls up here are similar. AND I love diamonds. If you were one that saw our Dodge Street house, I used diamonds in lots of rooms. AND I have some sweet fabrics that I ordered to make seat covers for the window seat/toy boxes and for the window cornice boards. I just haven't gotten that far yet. So with that explanation here is the unfinished PLAYROOM!

2009-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

Without Further Adue...here comes...
The House Tour: Part I

The kitchen!

Another view of the kitchen

A peek into the mudroom and laundry room

This is where we dine. We love our new counter height table! If you are in need of one come visit me at The Furniture House! (My wonderful part-time job!)

The Living Room

AND NOW....

...where do you think these stairs lead to??

2009-01-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

UPDATE:
It just just a pair of boots my friends. JUST boots!! Come ON!

So I told myself that I wouldn't post another thing until I had pictures of the house to share. I am working on getting the house in order so that I can take pictures to share. Sure, we have been in here for a few weeks now but still putting things away and organizing. Who really wants to see a house in disarray anyways?

But I just heard the doorbell ring...

Have you ever been so excited to hear the doorbell ring? knowing that after you see the big brown delivery truck drive away that it is none other than the UPS man delivering a package that your husband ordered for you?? The package that was scheduled to arrive on or before the 14th. Come on it is only the 7th! Sa-WEET! Well, have you?

Those are the feelings flowing through my body right now.

And guess what, it fits!!!

2008-12-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

Thone Christmas 2008
I hope you all had a very enjoyable 2008 Christmas. We went to my parents in the cities to spend some quality time with my entire family. We had a great 5-day stay! While we were there we did a lot of playing, eating relaxing and catching-up.

Coy taking in his FIRST Christmas!

Coulter lost in the action. The wrappings! Sporting his Glow.In.The.Dark Lake Tahoe shirt from his great Aunt Wanda! "Wanda" equals one of his favorite words. Too Silly!

Tom & I enjoying our Prime Rib Feast. A Gullifer Tradition. This year we had 20 in all at my parents place. So fun!

Daddy & Coy relaxing after yet another tradition, bag bingo!

While in the Cities we took in alot, like:
*Starbucks, Caribou & Dunn Bros--all 3 a must!
*Cheesecake Factory & Marley & Me: Date night with my sisters and the men!
*Gullifer Dinner out at my parents weekly hotspot: Hazelwood! My menu favorite: Walleye and Sweet Potato Fries. YUM!
*Day after Christmas shopping at MY favorites!
*Breakfast with the Lundeens! Thanks MAX!
*SLP EV. FREE Youth Group reunion
*Ice Fishing--Tom caught a meal for my dad (& mom) to enjoy! Ha. Really! He ate in up last night!

We celebrate with the Thone's on New Years Day!

One day left of 2008! Live it Big and Celebrate the New Year even Bigger!!
NOW, who's got big NEW YEARS plans?!!! Come and Share!

Holiday Cheer!

2008-12-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

Snipits of our weekend...

Friday we had a playdate/bake-fest!
We got together with my friend Emily and her son Owen to play. Our bake-fest was supposed to be at my NEW place but I opted out on that and headed to her house. We had a great time together. If anyone wants to know the *special ingredients* to the peanut butter cookies just ask Em! (They are the ones on the top rack in oven!) Soo sooo good!

Owen and Coulter playing rather nice together!

Friday evening we had a triple date planned. Potluck dinner at my place and off to the Palace Theater in Luverne to catch FIREPROOF. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it! Really!! The crew came back to our house for a night FULL.OF.LAUGHS over the game Snorta.

Anyone ever played that. Super FUN! I got it a few years back from my sister--what a great game!

Saturday I had to work. Closed early due to weather. Enjoyed a wonderful evening with my BIL and SIL.

Sunday we were stuck home because of the weather, no church, no nothing. Here is a little glimpse of what Tom and Coulter were up to. (ok so Tom and I did get out a little--dodging snowdrifts--to empty the apt...still not done yet though)

No how did that happen?

Tomorrow (Monday) we close on the house! Yipee! Off to Sioux Falls for that one...and some added Christmas Cheer doing our last minute shopping. I usually have my list all crossed off by now but we have had a busy December! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

2008-12-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Baby!!

To Coulter's Daddy...

who longs to be like him,

And Coy's daddy...

who also is the LOVE of my Life.

Thomas,
Happy Anniversary Honey! It was just 4 short years ago that I married my soulmate. Oh how the time goes by so quickly. I have loved every mintue of being Mrs. Thomas Thone! I cherish the memories we have made together and all the wonderful memories

we have yet to make. I couldn't imagine life without you by my side. Here is to many more years ahead. I love you!

Stacey

2008-12-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

This is how we play, at least today! In the empty apartment!

Coulter emptying the silverware drawer

The only stuff I haven't packed in my kitchen and a few of the kids toys!

2008-12-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

Only in Luverne! Seriously!
We just got back from my in-laws, checked our mail and found this envelope for Coulter (with a u, please)! Tom opened it up and showed me. Too sweet for words.
Let me take you back to Thursday at 1:00. Coy had his 4mo well-check (where he weighs a whopping 15lbs-7oz.) I always go prepared to these things. Note: 1pm is nap time for my Coulter--so I knew I as pushing it. That's what happens when you forget to schedule your appointment. In my bag you can always find the following: water, snack, toy of interest, diapers, wipes, the list goes on. This little piece held by my thumb in the photo is a tool belt magnet to one of Coulter's interactive building books. I have learned that magnets are a wonderful toy to bring along to a doctors visit--ya see the examining tables are metal--perfect to little ones to play with magnets on. Well, this visit Coulter had his building book to play with. He was entertained for quite some time. As you can tell he must have left one (of about 20) behind. Now it's only my opinion, but I believe Jackie deserves nurse of the year! How sweet to take the time and return our toy!
Are there any magnet fans out there? We sure are!

*****************************************
It's Moving Day!!
*****************************************

We started early packing up and moving out. We had wonderful help getting all the heavy stuff moved!! (Thanks Guys!!) Although we don't have the apartment completely empty, most all of the large things are out. (Except our beds) We will be sleeping here still for a few nights while things get settled in the new place.

Coulter playing with cars, trucks, and trains on the boxes.

Some furniture waiting to be picked up by the guys*.
*Tom, Troy, Erik, Justin and Greg

The nice WIDE school hallways full of our furniture!

2008-12-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Poll Answer Revealed

Awhile back I had a poll letting my viewers guess when we would move into our new house. Three of you were right! Our move-in date is THIS SATURDAY December 13th! Now who were you? If it was you post a comment to let me know.

Top 10 reasons why I can't wait to move from 327 to 402...

10. Neighbors just 2 steps away...literally! I still wonder if they can hear our daily adventures through the old school walls...On the flip side I only had to take 2 steps to borrow an egg from my neighbor the other day...literally 2 steps!

9. "9" --The lucky number you press to let people into the building when they buzz. It's super helpful when it works, but that is not always the case!

8. "74"--The lucky number we set our heat at ALL.DAY.LONG. What? That's way too hot, right? Well not with these over insulated original top notch windows--(sense the sarcasm) !!Thank goodness for blinds that hold back the draft a tad.

7. The wide hallways are great but too many are traveled just to exit the building and

6. The Keys Three--one each for our door, the exit doors and the mail. It's hard enough just getting in the building with a few bags and a couple boys-- throw keys into the mix and it's a mess! (Don't even get me started on what you do when the boys are buckled into their car seats and you forgot something from your third floor apt. ANSWER: Forget it!)

5. Coy's growing larger than his bassinet--and we need to have our bedroom to ourselves again

4. Our 5' x 5' play area is just too small, way too small

3. Our first double, I mean triple garage ever...bye bye parking lot--won't miss you one bit

2. Free Laundry--for the most part-- I literally have paid for a washer by now in just Quarters. Sick thought.

and the number 1...

1. Christmas in our new house and all that goes with it...especially the tree!! (AND Of course, the true meaning,--the birth of Jesus!)

2008-12-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

"Mommy I like your boots!"
Doesn't he look smashing! He just makes me laugh!

Coulter still enjoys putting on other peoples shoes. Even last Friday night when we had dinner guest, he had to try theirs out as well. But if the shoe is way too big--a little frustration shines through.

"Just like my brother"
When I place Coy in the Bumbo immediately Coulter wanted to sit in it. Instead, I quickly rigged up a look-a-like, the Boppy. My boys and their toys!

2008-12-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Puppets and Pizza
I can't tell you enough how nice it was to get out of the apartment today! Lately I have just been feeling cooped up in our 5' X 5' play area that also consists as our living room!
When my friend Emily called the other day to see if we wanted to come over-- we couldn't resist! We filled our morning with a Christmas Puppet show and then back to her place to enjoy some homemade pizza! We always have a blast playing together--kids and adults!

The Puppets!

Owen (turned 2 yesterday!), Emily and Coulter

Coulter and I

This was Coy 3 mins before he fell asleep for an x-tra LONG nap!

Owen and Emily making the pizza

Coulter and Owen decking out the pizza with toppings!

It tasted AMAZING!

2008-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

He Found It!

We have a thumb sucker folks! Our still nook loving baby found his thumb too. It is way cute I must say. Unlike his mommy and now little bro, Coulter never found his thumb. I was addicted to my thumb. Were you?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Breakfast Break

We had to hault our everyday oatmeal madness to watch the snow plows. The joys of Winter indeed. And when I say everyday, I mean it. I really don't know a day without the kick-start of the oats.

Open Up and Say Aahhh

2008-11-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

Coy, wanna play a game?

Mommy, if I show Coy my tongue do you think he'll show me his?

Look Coy Look! See my tongue. Now show me yours.

Mommy, I know his tongue is in there. Why won't he show me it??

We play this game all the time at our place. Notice I didn't say house. You see we are still living in an apartment. So I guess I should say, we play this game all the time at our apartment. But I just can't agree with the ring of that. We are moving soon. SOON! Our 3rd floor living is tough. Enough on that though...I have had many wonderful guesses on my poll and at least 1 of you are correct!! HA. Moving Date to come...
But, this game we play is naming our body parts. (We Thone's only play the clean version of this game) Coulter loves it. Especially when it is pointing out everyone elses... and the TONGUE is one of his favorites. He'd find it on a strange if they'd let him stick his fingers down their throat.

2008-11-29T20:39:00.000-08:00

Who's Who?
Two Boys. Cute as buttons. Same shirt. Worn about about 15 months apart. Can you name my boys?

1.

2.

2008-11-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

If putting this wide cheeky grinner in the highchair didn't just age him 6 months... I don't know what will! Maybe I should take him out?

And if this proud wearing boot boy all booted up all.by.himself doesn't make you want to smile from ear to ear...then...don't! But if you could see me now, I am.

And if you think these here boys don't like to be doing the same thing at the exact same time. You are wrong! You know what?? It was the big bro following little bro here. Ohhh. (sigh) Good thing we are equipt with many of the same baby toys!

And if you think my boys are addicted to the nook--proof is in the picture.
What really gets me is how my nook loving babes help eachother out when the other seems to have lost their plug...ok, so that is one sided right now, but oh so precious to see.

2008-11-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

We had visitors this weekend! My oldest sister Sara and her family came down from the cities. Saturday, Ryan and Tom went out hunting while Sara, Brody, Coulter, Coy and I went shopping in Sioux Falls. We had a very fun time together! It was fun to watch Brody and Coulter play together. We all had a very successful day. Ryan and Tom shot 2 birds, Sara and I found the deals. Twice! We made it home for the boys' naps and ventured out AGAIN to Sioux Falls at night (after pizza) without the older boys--the daddy's had them at the apt!

Brody taught Coulter one of his favorite songs, "Ring around the Rosie"

Sara, Brody & Coulter playing with their new cars

Coulter, Brody & Coy

Brody and Coulter having a splashing good time in the bath

Coulter and Coy

ME and my boys

Ryan & Tom with their pheasants!

2008-11-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Would that be Wood I see?!
Why, yes it would!

This is what I saw this morning as I put the last finishing touches of paint in our house!! I must say the flooring crew has floored me with their progress! I love it!! Our master bath's flooring was completed last night by none other than Jason our contractor! Have I told you how amazing he is!! He is currently working on at least 2 other homes now, one being his own!! His wife has a blog too, check it out!
And if you must know, I have a little helper on my lap right now pointing out all the "ovals" on the keyboard...you know all the zeros and O's. My favorite letter, shape and number rolled into one!

2008-11-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

Do you see what I see?

Now where would I use colors like this??
And what do you really think?!

Cowboy Up

2008-11-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

Cowboy defined by wikipedia: A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks.

I was talking with Coulter today about his new bedroom. I was showing him his new cowboy sheets and pointing to the horses. I proceeded to talk to him about his new "big boy bed" he will be getting once we move because baby Coy will be sleeping in the crib.
I told Coulter he was going to have a cowboy room, because he was a cowboy.
His response: "MOO, Moo, MOO!"

2008-11-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Update on the painting
I said I was going to post some updated paint photos so here they are.
Tom had his painting shift from 4:45-7:30p. I went from 7:45-10:30p.
(Remember this is crunch tag-team painting!)

Photo taken from Living Room area. You can peek into our bedroom from here. Stairs up to playroom.
Stairs down to unfinished basement.

Coulter's room.

Living Room. Hallway on left to boys' room and bathroom.

Coy's room.

2008-11-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Paint is On! And it's Crunchtime tag-team style!!

We started painting the interior of the house last Friday. As you can see from some of the pictures I started with edging around the ceiling and corners. Having my mom here last week until Sunday helped out a lot with the painting. During naptimes/between feedings I would paint. Of course, being that it was deer opener, Tom was out hunting for a furry friend Sat and Sun with afternoon breaks to help out at the house.
Now, tag-team it is. I am at home with the kids. Tom is painting. Later tonight we will switch. My MIL had the kiddos for a few hours today so I could keep painting. It's crunchtime! Why? Because Tuesday the 18th our flooring is scheduled to be installed. That gives us 7 days to paint the whole interior. Can we do it!!! You bet...tag-team style.
We currently have the kitchen/living room/hallway/wall going upstairs and wall going downstairs/mudroom/laundry room/Coulter's room all covered with it's first coat of paint! As you can tell these photos are not up to date. I'll post more tonight after my paint session.

Poll Revealed

2008-11-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

So the answer to our poll...
From the date that I first posted the poll Coy had slept thru from 10pm-6am oh about 5 times. NOW he is sleeping from 10pm-7am. What a wonderful little boy!!

So my mother is down this week. Ya see, Tom is out on business and so is my dad. What a perfect reason to have my mom come down for a visit just 24 hours after I left her up in the cities.
Since she has been here--we have been busy--shopping, eating, playing and a repeat of the same activities. Not to mention doing a little...new house finalizing!! Let me tell you folks, it is coming along just fine. Too fine that I can't even keep up with the progress!!

Off to soothe a baby Coy.

Oh yes, and the only HUGE downfall of the day...I got summoned to Jury Duty for the 3rd time!

2008-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Election Day 2008

Did you get out there and ROCK the Vote??!

HERE THEY ARE...

2008-11-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Coy and Lucy.
Just days apart.
Coy was born 8-8-08 and Lucy on 8-16-08.
It was so much fun being prego with my wonderful friend Andrea!!

If you want to read more about Lucy check out her momma's blog!

2008-11-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Trick-Or-Treat?!

We had a great Halloween weekend up at my parents house. My dad and I took the boys out to a few homes to collect some treats and show these cuties off! Coulter was the itsy bitsy spider and Coy was a puppy. My mom stayed home to hand out treats. We spent a lot of time outside in the huge leaf piles my dad made. Coulter was a little hesitant at first but couldn't be pulled away in the end. Even Coy enjoyed the leaves. More pictures to come.

2008-11-02T11:36:00.001-08:00

Have you tried the NEW Starbucks Salted Caramel Signature Hot Cocoa?? OR Mocha for that matter??
It's a MUST!!!
Let me know once you do.

2008-10-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know the shelf-life of a squash??!
I have been wondering. I have a squash sitting on my counter that I bought at our local farmers market. I won't tell you how long it's been sitting there but does anyone know???
Let me know via a comment.
Thanks!!

Post 206 coming from the Twin Cities Metro Area

2008-10-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

To Grandmothers house we go...

Yesterday, the two little boys and I ventured to Grandma and Grandpa's house in the Cities. We timed the car ride perfect for my two little nappers. (That is just what you have to do when you drive solo). The boys did GREAT. Coulter did only nap a very s.h.o.r.t time but he was a good sport for the majority of the ride. We made a pit-stop at a DQ for a little feeding session for ALL. I must admit my was probably the most tasty!
Kinda a last minute trip up. Tom is gone hunting this weekend back in Huron, SD. I figured why not leave town too. We came a little earlier than planned too. He wanted an extra day to hunt so he took today off. BUT he didn't think of that plan till Wednesday night and wasn't sure if he could really get Friday off...so he asked first thing Thursday morning and was granted his request. (unlike a few other times when he tried)
Needless to say, the boys will do their trick-or-treating on their mom's old stomping grounds.

What are you Halloween plans?!

2008-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Name those kids!
(Coulter or Coy)

1.

2.

Now do they really look alike??

2008-10-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

We've been pretty busy lately!
Let's see in the last week...

*Coulter transitioned to ONE nap a day. He is such a great sleeper--but the change was needed. I sometimes feel he could still use 2 but he is already 20.5 months.

*Coulters vocabulary stretches by the minute!!
His favorite, especially ALL.DAY.TODAY: "no.no.no.no.noooooooo"
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT??
My favorite: oval, olive, star and of course car-- you gotta hear them.

*Coy (and Coulter) had major daddy time last weekend while I went to work my first weekend since baby Coy.

*Coy talks a lot while flashing his gorgeous smile!

*I got out of jury duty for the 2nd time in the last month!! Yeah. I was first called when Coy was 5 weeks old. The first lady I spoke with was ultra RUDE. I guess having a NEW baby doesn't get you out the serving your time--breastfeeding doesn't hardly help either. The 2nd time--finialized today--(to serve tomorrow)--was a lot easier they settled without needing a jury. YES.
HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE SERVED JURY DUTY?

*The house. Well sheetrock galore!! Today: Sheetrock finished / Garage Doors IN/ Plumbing! Tomorrow: mudders and tapers / cabinet guy to make final measurement. Thursday: Flooring Guy to make final measurements! YES!! It sure is coming along. SO fun!!

*Last a not least my big C has a question for you all:

"What sport do you think I should play when I grow up?? "

If you take your eyes off your child...

2008-10-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

...beware of the mess that may be in the making!!!
UPDATE:
The answer is B. I was all about Coy at the time of the cheez-it party. I needed to get the little guy clean-- it was the worst blow-out he has had...yet!?!

Now why on earth did my eyes drift away from my sweet innocent 20 month old?

a. I need the use the restroom.

b. Coy USED the restroom and needed a quick rinse in the tub while his clothes soaked in the sink.

c. I was on my cellphone.

d. I had to get the cookies that were baking out of the oven.

e. b. and c.

Our Apartment I

L is for Living Room (freshly cleaned after the Cheez-Its)

D is for Dining Room
Do you see my buckle-obsessor and my swing sleeper? How about the chalkboard entryway?

It's Coming Along Just Fine II

2008-10-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest on the house. I just can't believe how fast things are moving along. The sheetrock crew started working today! They are kickin it off in the garage, I believe. Check out the photos below!

The fireplace.

An egress window in the works. (They are all finished now!!)

The NeW pillars to be painted white.

The front of the house!

Tom and his buddy Erik painted the interior doors this week. I was amazed at how this whole process was rigged up in the garage of my in-laws. Pretty ingenious if you ask me. They used a sprayer. I will have to post picture of this to share soon. Another coat of paint is going on tonight!

SD Pheasant Opening Weekend in Huron

2008-10-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Hunters.

Cleaning Time.

Yup. Coulter kissing the pheasant head. Encouraged by daddy.

Big C kisses everything. Lately, it has been the asian beetles. He'll find them, smoosh them, then give them a little kiss. He did not learn that from me I can assure you that!

Note: Luckily his mouth didn't touch the bird...or the bugs. He just kisses the air really really close to the yucky objects.

Coy and daddy!

2008-10-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Update:

Note: Coulter is eating is favorite: black olives. Did you hear it?
He has a mouth full when he answers my question on what daddy did this weekend.
The answer HUNTING. Way to go Andrea!

Last weekend was the SD pheasant opener. As long as I have been a Thone we have gone...Tom--even longer. This time with 2 kiddos. It was a great time...photos to follow.

We're Back!!!
But, where were we??!?

Thursdays Food for Thought

2008-10-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
-NutterButters
-Almond Bark
-Mini chocolate Chips

Now what do these ingredients make?
Follow along.

Coulter and Owen

Can you tell what Coulter made??

I finished off the rest of the NutterButters. Now can you tell?
*
*
*
*
*
LOOK CLOSE!
*
*
*
*
*
*
CLOSER!
*
*
*
*
*
*
BOO!

2008-10-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Just Like Daddy
Here is a little snipit of what I see almost every morning!

This first video was taken this last weekend when Steph was here. You can hear her hair-dryer in the background.

Most everyday on N.u.M.e.R.O.u.S!! occasions Coulter will sign "work" to me. I will ask, " who?" and he'll tell me, "Daddy". It's pretty cute and you can see it in the end of this next video. We have also added "paint" to our sign language vocabulary because Daddy also has been painting the new house after work. (as is my MIL!) He's such a smart little bug, I must say. I haven't figured out how to sign or teach Coulter about "wiring" what Gpa Thone and Daddy are doing too! Any suggestions?!

2008-10-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Photo Shoot!

Check it out!

Steph (as you know) came down for the weekend. And being the wonderful sister and inspiring photographer she is, she captured little Thone moments of our family. Check it out! She's great isn't she!!

2008-10-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Me (staring at photo): "NO COMMENT!"

Update: Ok steph was dead on. ONLY BECAUSE SHE WAS PRESENT! Here is why this photo looks as is does. Jason, Sara, Tom, Steph, Coy and & I ate out Saturday night at Chilis. (A GREAT (NOT!) place to do call ahead seating) Well, it's great that you get to sit down right away but that's it!) Sara called ahead--7pm was our dining time. Perfect, we were getting a few things picked up from the local SF hardware store and made it just in time for our dinner plans with our friends. Well, time passed. Lots of time. We got our drinks. Lots more time passes. We placed our order. Many many minutes ticked by...finally our food arrived at the table about 1hr20mins later. It tasted great no-lie! But come on!! So when the manager came by to ask how things were we have it all planned out what to say. Tom did the speaking. (We knew he'd stop b/c we watched him stop at other tables) Ok, so after my hubby kindly shared out thoughts we were offered FREE dessert. Sweet. We ordered 2. One for Tom, Steph, (Coy) and I. And one for Jason and Sara. The only thing was time was nearing the 9 o'clock hour and Tom need some more hardware supplies from a store that closed at 9. SO Tom and Jason headed out to get the stuff. Dessert came. WE INDULGED without the guys. Oops. WE then proceeded to tell our server we needed another for the men. SO that is why Jason and Tom are enjoying the white chocolate molten lava cake together!! It was oh-so-scrumptious!

Any guesses what is going on here?
I mean, come on, really?!

2008-10-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's coming along just fine!
We had a very fun and special visitor this weekend, my sister Steph!
We really just have a kick-back weekend with a little work. It was great to have her down!
Thanks for coming. Just next time---SLOW DOWN!

Steph helped paint the house Saturday morning with I was home with the boys while they napped!
Tom hunted pheasant in the morning and joined us at the house to paint a little too!!

Coulter got his paint on! Back and forth, nice even strokes!

The family.

2008-10-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Lessons from Daddy

1. Find stool.

2. Start Climbing.

3. Brace yourself to a stance.

4. Express how proud you are of accomplishing first climb on stool alone--to reach the very high magnets on the fridge.

Mommy (out of fear): "Oh great, now look what he can do.ALL.BY.HIMSELF!"
Daddy: "I'm just helping him be independent."

2008-10-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

She's Hot!

She's NEW!

She's MY sister!

And she's LOVING her new business!

CHECK IT OUT!

(new and updated!)

Did I mention she is SINGLE?!?

Just wondering!!

2008-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

My Little Artist!

Coulter created this at school yesterday! Way to go buddy!
His favorite were the pumpkins!

2008-10-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

A Quarter a Day...
doesn't get us very far!!

From the washer to the dryer!
Coulter deep in thought, Wait, what are these doing in here?

In goes the money.

One quarter at a time.

Time to push START and wait for the shake!

I love my little laundry helper!!

Remember the days of laundry? The ones where you could do 4 loads at a time?
That is one great thing about apartment living.

2008-10-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Back in Action!
and sooo much change...Since I last posted picture of the house so much progress has been made. Here is where I will pick up and post current pictures. I know these are just exterior pictures. The inside looks great too. Currently, the house is being wired so no drywall is up yet. We are pretty excited about our house!

Front of the house. What curb appeal, right?

Back of the house

The driveway was poured today. I know this because it wasn't there yesterday!!

Coulter and Daddy in the skidloader??

Now what do you think??

2008-10-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Famous Yet?

Coy (& I) have had so much fun in our babies class that we made the paper this week! Yup, the Star Herald captured little Coy gazing into a mirror toy.
Even at the young age of 6-8 weeks Coy has been very alert at our classes! Enjoying every minute!

To view the picture go to:
Star-Herald
Click in Photo on the right hand bar
Then, click on Oct.2 album. (Coy and my photos will be the first one and the last in the album.)

*Note: I would have set it as a link but you would have to sign-in than. Sorry.

2008-10-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

a twist on my boys...

C- Classes have started. Coulter and I attend a one's and two's ECFE class once a week. Little bro comes along and gets extra special one-on-one attention from a sweet sweet lady.

O- Once again, I can still find my little almost 20 month old buck-naked in the morning. I walked in this morning to a bare-butt boy. No messed though. Just a few goose bumps.

U- Unless Coulter's sleeping you will always see a HUGE smile on his face!

L- Loving is he. Coulter is such a loving big bro. I know I have commented before on his kissing habits. But, seriously, even the slightest wimper from Coy and Coulter will be there with his lips ready. And always on the head.

T- The talking has started. He has a extra wide vocabulary that we understand. Although most of his words are still the one syllable-first letter sounds, he is making them like crazy!

E- Expressive. Have you seen all the looks Coulter has? Man, he is full of them. You can really tell that the wheels are turning in his little head when you are talking with him, teaching him, playing with him, or whatever. AND others notice it too...we get comments all the time on this boy! He's a charmer.

R- Reading books are Coulter's favorite! It is rare lately that you won't see a book near my big boy. He loves reading about cars, dump trucks, bugs and if there is a book with a moon in it--he will be the one to find it first. Balloons too!

AND

C- Classes have started! Have I said that already? Coy can go to school with mommy too! ECFE Babies class started a few weeks ago for us. Big brother goes along too and gets the same special one-on-one attention from the same sweet sweet lady! How could he not love it!

O- Out and about, we are always on the go...for the most part. Either walking. Riding. Walking or walking. Being that Luverne is a small town we walk to get our groceries, to school for ECFE classes, to visit the new house, the list could go on...

Y- Yes, Coy will be 8 weeks old on Friday! He's growing fast. He's a super good baby. Eats great. Plays great. Sleeps awesome! He did a 7 hour stretch last night. 2 more hours than usual...good BOY! What a blessing.

2008-10-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

I've been absent.
No real reason why.
But I am still here.
Still running around after my busy boy Coulter.
Still tending to my sweet sweet baby boy Coy.
Still loving my wonderful husband Thomas.
Doing it all without my own camera.
No pictures posted today.

BUT...maybe tomorrow.
("What?" you say, "Tomorrow?")

It's not Christmas today. Nor is it tomorrow. Or yesterday for that matter.

BUT WAIT! Guess what got dropped off at my doorstep?

2008-09-21T12:23:00.001-07:00

What is on your Christmas List?

It's official!
My warrenty agreesment is lost. I even headed out to our storage unit this week to dig.dig.dig around for it. No luck. But, even if I did have it, the 5-year warrenty is not for accidents. I starting to think...was it really an accident?!

The answer keeps ringing in my ears... um, yes. Complete accident.

So, guess what is on my Christmas List?

A CAMERA.

In the mean time my FIL is borrowing me his. I asked him, "Do you really trust me?" I'm not sure if I really got answer, but I got a camera. ANd I better be careful. If you know me, I don't have luck with cameras. :(

If I had a camera yesterday here is what I would have captured to share...
*Our Saturaday family outing to All American Gymnastics Academy for Little All Star playtime.
*Big C jumping around on the many trampolines at AAGA.
* Our family trip to Country Apple Orchard.
* Big C rode the apple barrel train all by himself, we had to peel him out of it when his turn was up, all the while little C was snug in my Moby.
*Our hayride to the apple trees where we picked a bag full, testing all the apple varieties along the way. Big C loved the mucky ones on the ground, little C still snug in my Moby.
*Our house with all the shingles on!!

So really, what is on your Christmas List?

2008-09-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

What do you do when...

*your 19 month old son (for.the.first.time) greets you in his birthday suit and a smile when you come to greet him in the morning. Footy pj's and dirty diaper on the floor--ugh...

*your 19 month old son (for.the.second.time) greets you, yet again, this time in diaper only... (no problem, right?)...

Do I chalk these one up as zipper experiments??

So, what do you do when...

*your camera, lens out to it's fullest, is flung into the air by little hands--which will remain nameless--when you were working on a project around Church for the youth... (now camera is no longer actively being used)...

*you come to find your camera, which was a gift, has a five-year extended warrenty BUT you "misplaced your important paperwork" in the move...

*you can't capture all the cute, priceless moments of your adorable busy children...
-playing with sidewalk chalk getting more on their face and clothes then the sidewalk itself
-big bro C pushing little C in the stroller--his favorite activity lately
-big C's park playing abilities--our fearless little bear
-little C's growth--he'll be 6 weeks on FRIDAY! Ohmy.

Do I cry? Wish it was all a dream?

2008-09-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

Coulter

Coy

(These first two picture were taken by the hospital for their "craddle roll")

Coulter

Coy

So what do you think! Do they look alike?

2008-09-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

SURPRISE
Q: What happens when your husband forgets to take of the trash??

A: He sends flowers!

Well, at least that is what he did today!

Ya see, our smelly garbage fills up so fast here and Tom takes it out with a smile everytime--no complaining--and sometime with a littler helper (Coulter)! BUT to back up a bit...We have established that while living in our apartment the "trash taking out" chore is Tom's. I don't even know where the dumpster is yet, and I don't care to. It has become routine that my sweet husband forgets when I remind him the garbage it full. He says, "I'll take it out in the morning." Perfect I think...at least I don't have to do it. When morning comes I notice a full smelly garbage, no big deal, not like I haven't see it before (LOVE YOU HONEY), it will get taken out sooner than later, right?!

Well after another episode of that last night, again I awoke to a full garbage.
Tom calls me and says, "I forgot to take out the garbage."
I said, "I know."
He then proceeds to change the subject and tell me our builder, Jason, is stopping by this morning to drop off some documents. Later this morning. ( I thought okay, whatever.) Oh and that he will buzz the door in the entry way.

Well, sure enough, the phone rings and someone is at the door. I thought is was Jason. BUT is was the Luverne flower shop with something for ME!!!

I get back upstairs and call Tom.

Me: "Hi hon."
Tom: "Hi."
Me: "What time was Jason going to stop because we are going to run to the store?"
Tom: "He said earlier this..."
Me: (interupting Tom) Or did you mean the Flower Shop??!!

Thanks Honey!! You can forget the trash anyday!!!

2008-09-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know...this is our *home* for the next few months. I know many of you have been asking to see where we are living NOW. Well this is the exterior--the old school! Our apartment is the top far left. Of the 7 window grouping on the 3rd floor ours are the left 3 groupings. Interior pictures to come. Only problem is my camera battery JUST died and my spare battery and charger are charging in the Cities at my parents. Ugh!

2008-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

What we did today...