AUSTYN TURNS 11!

May 17,2000 at 6:30 a.m. I was admitted to the hospital and tried to prepare myself for the birth of my first baby. He wasn't supposed to be here until May 23rd, but I was excited to have him coming early, especially on the 17th, my lucky # and softball #. My labor wasn't really that long, or particularly hard (especially to what I would experience 10 years later! :) We didn't know if it was going to be a girl or boy, but I just had a feeling it would be a boy, and I was right! At 6:33 p.m. that night, Austyn Andrew Tabbert entered the world at 7 lbs, 4 oz and 19 1/4 inches long. He was so perfect. His head was filled with fuzzy black hair, and his 10 tiny toes and 10 tiny fingers were the smallest and cutest things I had ever seen.

From the time he was born, Austyn has always been an "easy" kid. He is fun loving, well mannered and polite, smart, thoughtful and kind and has a wonderful sense of humor and personality all around. He has given me challenges along the way, but what kid doesn't. But, I do have to say I am lucky and grateful to have had the honor to be the mother of such a wonderful kid. He is an all "A" student, has lots of friends, loves his family (especially his baby brother), very helpful, athletic (which I really love since I am too) and almost always makes a good impression upon meeting people. (he is an eleven year old boy after all, haha)

So, this year we didn't do a birthday party for him. I have given him a party EVERY year since his first one, and decided it was time to slow down on that. We told him last year that he could only have one every other year from now on. He was ok with that. I did make cupcakes for him to take to school on his birthday, and we also made a cake at home for him that night, in addition to his dinner of choice, spagetti. So, I still did my best to make it special, without going all out.

Here are some pictures of him opening his gifts in the morning. Of course, Hudson had to be a part of it too. Austyn didn't mind, and it was very cute. Enjoy. :)


A cool new shirt. Hudson is just noticing that something is going on over there.


Some more clothes...(I know, boring, mom!) I can't help it, his birthday is the perfect time to get him stocked up for summer clothes! Hudson also got more into it, and helped unwrap these last ones.


And, a video game. Finally! something cool. "Thanks mom"! haha. And then there's Hudson, confused that it was over so soon.
I love my boys, both of them. I can't believe it's been 11 years since I had my first "little" boy. They grow up SO fast. It's kind of sad. But it's been so fun watching him grow into a young man. And I am so proud of him, I couldn't have asked for better kids!

MAY 15TH.....

2 years ago today, Andrew and I were married at the Landmark Inn. It was a small ceremony with mostly family, and a few friends. It was perfect. The food was delicious, the ceremony was short and sweet, and the company was good. It was very pretty, nice and relaxed, and most of all, the first day of our new life together as husband and wife. :)
So, I decided to do a short (hopefully) blog about why I love my husband. And have included some pictures of us together.


I love Andrew because he is kind and thoughtful. He always does nice things for me, even if I don't ask him to, and doesn't ever complain about it. Even if it mean going out in the cold to put gas in my car (seriously, I think I can count on 1 hand how many times I have put gas in my own car since we've been together. :)) And that's just one small thing, I really don't have enough time or room on this blog to list all the nice things he does for me. Just trust me, he's awesome.


I love Andrew because he makes me laugh. Even when I don't want to laugh, even if I am very sad, or extremely mad, EVEN AT HIM, he can make me laugh or at least put a smile on my face. He has a silly side a lot like mine and likes to goof around, sometimes too much, but I love that about him. He doesn't let things get too serious.


I love Andrew because he knows me. He knows what I love, and what I hate, and pays attention to ME. Which is nice for obvious reasons, but it's also nice because he gets me the most perfect gifts!! :) The last 2 he got me seriously made me cry. They were SO thoughtful and beautiful. It was almost like he knew me better than I do. He knows when I need a nap (and takes care of Hudson and/or Austyn for me so I can take one), when I need help around the house (and does it without me asking), when I am hurting he gives me feet rubs and back rubs, gets take out when I am too busy or tired to cook... the list goes on and on. You get the idea I think.


I love Andrew because he is smart and determined. He is always working very hard at work (and at home), and doesn't complain when there is MORE to do. He is very ambitious and tries his best to do the best he can for us. Even if he works late or had an especially rough day at the office, he still comes home and helps Austyn with his homework, does the dishes or other housework, and helps with Hudson, and DOESN'T complain. He might pass out on the couch shortly after that, but can you blame him? :)


I love Andrew because he is a wonderful father and stepfather. He is so good with Austyn, it's almost like he has always been a part of his life. He helps with his homework and cubscouts stuff. If Austyn has a sporting even, Andrew helps him practice and is always at the game to watch and cheer him on. He is always very supportive of Austyn. When I was in the hospital and right after I got home and was busy with the baby, he made sure Austyn still got to football and got rides to his friends' house to hang out. He took him to the movies and out to eat, and made sure he was getting attention and not getting too bored when I wasn't able to do those things. While I was pregnant, he did all the things I couldn't, even if it sucked or wasn't really his thing...(cleaning the bathroom, laundry, grocery shopping...) He made sure I was taken care of and as comfortable as possible. When I came home with the baby, I slept on the couch, with Hudson in the pack-n-play, because it was easier than getting in and out of my bed after a c-section, and Andrew slept on the floor or on the loveseat in the living room with us. It was soooo sweet. He did ALL the running around, cleaning, and cooking (aka getting takeout, but he tried :). I just can't express enough how much that meant to me.
These are just a FEW reasons why I love this man so much, and why I love him more and more every day. He gives me a new reason every day and I cannot wait to see what the rest of our lives together brings.

Hooray for May!

YAY! Spring is FINALLY here!! Although this winter seemed shorter and more mild than the previous years, the last little bit seemed to drag out and was very close to torture. But, it's over now, and the nicer weather is here, and I am looking forward to days at the beach, picnics, bbq's, having the windows open, flowers, sunshine and sunkissed skin. :)
In the meantime, we have been spending time outdoors when we can, even if it means still wearing a jacket. At least it's not layers and layers! May is a busy month here in our home, and this May even more so. On top of Mother's Day, Austyn's birthday (17th) and mine and Andrew's anniversary (15th), my mom, sister and I did the Mother's Day craft show at NMU. It went well for it being our first time, it was kinda slow, but not too bad. I guess in years past it has been MUCH busier (according to the other crafters who have been there before). So, we will go again next year I'm sure, and hope for a better turn out. It was fun though and I am looking forward to the Christmas craft show in December.


So, as I said before, we have been spending more and more time outdoors, weather permitting, and really enjoying it. Hudson, especially seems to be very fond of the outdoors. We usually go for a walk or over to the park for at least a little bit everyday. As soon as we step outside he is all smiles. He is very curious about the outside, as you can see from the picture above, where he found a leaf. He is just too cute. I love to watch him explore everything around him.






Austyn is signed up for football this year. And this time, it's not flag, it's tackle, the real deal. :) He is pretty excited about it, and actually, I am too. So, he is trying to be prepared, somewhat, and decided that when we go to the park, he needs to bring a football to practice. Not a bad idea. I admire his ambition and drive for the things he really loves to do. (I just wish he had that much ambition for his chores! haha) So, he and Andrew threw the ball around for a bit.



This is me (and my mom in the background) and my boys on Mother's Day. I just LOVE both of them soooo much. As I said, I did the craft show with my mom, so it was awesome that I got to spend Mother's Day with her. She is, hands down, the best mom ever. I could not have asked for a better mother. She is my best friend, my support system, my advice giver, listener, teacher and SO MUCH MORE! So I was glad she was here for the extended weekend. The show went well, Andrew and Austyn were VERY helpful with the house and Hudson, they came to visit us at the show so I didn't miss them too much, and they even got me a really great gift from a vendor there that I absolutely L.O.V.E.! We walked down to Aubree's Pizza for dinner, then down to Lower Harbor park for a bit, then back home to relax. I could not have asked for a better Mother's Day. I am so lucky to have 3 wonderful guys in my life. They mean the world to me.


And lastly, Austyn's art was featured in the DeVos art museum during the Children's exhibit. I was so excited for him and so proud of him. This is the second time his art has been chosen to be in it. Last time was a painting, this time it's a sculpture. He is very talented and seems to really enjoy art. I think it may be time to get him into some art classes. I want to encourage him to continue with his creative side. So, the picture is him with his art. His was a little embarrassed because, well, he is just at that age now where it's embarrassing to go places with your parents, especially when they want to take pictures. Haha. He will just have to get used to it, these are the kinds of things I want to always remember.
So, I hope you all had as wonderful of a Mother's Day as I did. I can't wait for next years. There aren't many days that are just for me around here, so I really cherish them. :)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all had as wonderful of a day as we did. We woke up this morning to a smiling happy baby, and the day just seemed to get better and better. We all got up and got ready for church and headed out. After church, it was back home for me to hide Austyn's eggs for him. This was the first year in many that he actually wanted to color eggs. I think he forgot how fun it was, because when we finished 12, he said..."that's it"? haha. We had a lot of fun together. So, Andrew dropped me off after church so I could get them hidden. Austyn is aware of the Easter Bunny situation, but he still has fun looking for eggs, and presents!

When we got all done with that, it was time to start my first attempt at a "formal" Easter dinner. I have mastered Thanksgiving, but had never done Easter. I have never cooked a ham. And I know, they are already cooked, but you still gotta "season" it and throw it in the oven. I am not a huge fan of ham, but Andrew is, so that is why I cooked it to begin with, and I wanted it to turn out good. And..... it was DELICIOUS! A success! I am quite pleased to say that I am turning into quite the good cook. :) Along with the ham, we had... redskin potatoes with butter, garlic and herbs (YUMMY!!), corn and biscuits. It all turned out very good, and was done right on time. I also made an "Easter basket cake". Which, 1. I forgot to take a picture of, and 2. not that sad that I didn't get a picture because, of course, it didn't turn out quite as pretty as the picture in the recipe. But, isn't that always the case? Not really a cake decorator either, not really my thing I guess. Oh well, it tasted good, and that's all that matters, right? (it wasn't THAT bad, I just am not satisfied with my work unless it's PERFECT, that's just me, though.)

We had our neighbors over for dinner. So, there was 8 of us total. Hudson slept right through dinner, which was actually kinda nice, especially since he gets around pretty good now. I was able to eat all of my dinner at once, while it was warm. :) Jen, our neighbor, brought me a beautiful Easter Lily, pictured below, and I loved it! I used to buy my mom an Easter Lily every year at Easter, but have never gotten one myself, so it was really nice, and kind of extra special for me since it brought back the memories of Easter with my mom that I have missed out on since I moved up here.

After dinner, Jen went home along with her oldest son, and Andrew and I took her two youngest kids on a walk with our family. Hudson absolutely loves to be outside, he just can't get enough. He smiles and screeches and coos, it's so cute! We walked up to the school and let the kids play at the park for a while, then did a little loop back around to our house. The day was gorgeous, the food was delicious, the kids were so well behaved, I really could not have asked for a better day. So, again, I hope you all enjoyed your holiday as much as us. Please enjoy a little taste of our wonderful day with the pictures below. :)




My beautiful Easter Lily. It smells wonderful too!!



Hudson in his Easter outfit. Too cute for words really!




Our family photo before church this morning. Thank goodness for self timers!

Spring break, vacation and a half birthday...

Wow, spring break has come and gone. It kinda snuck up on me this year. I guess we have been pretty busy, between working full time, getting settled into a new house and taking care of a new baby, things go by pretty fast I guess. It's all been great though, and I have no complaints. Most people I have talked to say that the winter dragged on and was too long. I usually feel the same, but this year it seemed to be very mild compared to most winters, and it seemed to go by fast. Here we are, into spring, heading towards summer, and I am EXCITED!

First things first, AUSTYN GOT ALL A'S ON HIS REPORT CARD!!! We are so proud of him. He always does well in school, but ALL A's?!?! I rewarded him with $5, and I was thinking I should take him to get a book or see a movie also. I really want to encourage good grades, studying and working hard at school. It's important to me that he understands how important it is to do well in school.

We went downstate for spring break, which seems to be our "thing" the last few years. The weather wasn't great, but not that bad either. It was what was to be expected for the first week of April in Northern Michigan I guess. I don't mind at all though. I get to see my family, for a whole week, which I love. It's really tough living so far away from them. I have always been very close to my mom, so my week at their house for spring break, no matter what the weather, is very important to me. We didn't really do anything to specatular or exciting, but it was fun in any case. My mom, sister and I did some crafts. (to prepare for the craft show we will be a part of in May at the Superior Dome.) We did some shopping, I got a lot of great deals at second hand stores for Hudson's summer wardrobe. My brother came over just about every day to hang out too, which was awesome. We all just hung out, grilled out and chatted. It was a really good time.

Austyn got to take his BB gun and get some target shooting in, which he was excited about. My mom has chickens and ducks, so Austyn was in charge of collecting the eggs in the morning and evenings for her. I think he liked it, it made him feel helpful. :) Which he was. After the first day, he asked if we could get some chickens. I don't think we really live in an area that is, uh, chicken friendly. haha. But, if we ever move to a farm, I will keep that in mind. Hudson was quite interested in the chickens and ducks as well. We took him out to see them, and he would just stare and stare, not really knowing what to think. It's fun to see him check out all the new sights and sounds.

On our way home, we stopped in St. Ignace to stay the night in a hotel with Dewey and Susan. The boys got to play in the pool. Which, this was Hudson's first time, obviously. He didn't really know what to think at first, but then he seemed to be enjoying himself quite a bit. His little legs were just kickin' away under the water. It was cute. :)



The stay at the hotel was pretty nice, it broke the long drive up nicely. We came home on Sunday, early afternoon, and that was convenient. We had time to get everything unpacked and put away, and get all of our laundry done. Then, since it was so nice out, we decided to take a little stroll. Austyn was finally able to get his bike out from the winter storage, which he has been dying to do, and Hudson got to relax in his little stroller while daddy pushed him along. He was having a good time. We walked up 7th, and through the cemetary. I really love the location of our house, it is soooo convenient. We are both so close to work, Austyn's school, the park and the beach. We have all kinds of "routes" to take for family walks. I LOVE it!!

As the title mentions, Hudson is 6 months old now!!! Time is just flying by! I can't believe how fast the first 6 months have gone by, maybe a little too fast. He is getting so big, it's just crazy. He hasn't had his 6 months check up yet (that's tomorrow), but when he was sick a few weeks ago we took him to the doctor, and he was almost 20 lbs! He is a big boy. He is trying to crawl now, he can get up on his hands and knees and rock back and forth, but so far, no forward moment to speak of. He can scoot backwards, but it usually just makes him mad because he is getting further away from his goal. It's cute though. He is still such a good baby. He giggles and smiles all the time and it just melts my heart. He seems to be interested in everything now. He grabs at things, and looks at everything so intently. We all just love him so much, he really is a wonderful baby and a joy to have in our lives. I am the luckiest mom ever to have the 2 most handsome and smart guys for my boys! :)

These are a few of my favorite pictures from spring break. The one on the top is Hudson checking out the chickens. haha. You can tell he doesn't know what to think of them. (p.s. that is the hat my mom made for him and its absolutely ADORABLE!) And the one on the bottom is, well, just perfect! What a great smile. So.So.Cute!

Mid-Winter Fun

We are about half way through the winter, and I think everyone is getting a little cabin fever. This last week was VERY cold, the coldest days of the winter so far, but it warmed up nicely for the weekend. It was a nice change.

Hudson had his 4 month check up on Monday, and shots :( , but did well. He is a healthy 15 lbs, 10 oz and 25 1/2" tall. He has over doubled his birth size. The doctor was very pleased with his growth and development, and so are we. He is so fun, and such a good baby. He sleeps through the night now, for about 10-12 hours at a time, and that is awesome!! We are so lucky to have such a healthy, happy baby. Not to mention how absolutely adorable he is! ;) I think the picture above is hilarious, his face is so funny. He is full of expressions, all of them so fun and cute, there are just too many pictures to take and share.

So, on Saturday, I was in the kitchen doing stuff, and I heard Hudson start to fuss a bit. So I went into the living room to get him and he wasn't on the floor where I had left him. I looked at Austyn in the chair and was about to ask where the heck Hudson was, and saw this perfect moment. Austyn has picked him up and put him in the chair with him to watch some you tube videos. It was so cute. Hudson is always amazed with Austyn and loves to watch him all the time. If Austyn is in the room, Hudson stares and stares at him, distracting him from anything else he is doing. I love it.


Since the weather was so nice this weekend, we decided to get out of the house for a bit, and enjoy it. We figured it was even warm enough to take Hudson out to see the sights of winter. It was his first winter outing, other than the occassional trip from the house to the car for trips to the store and such. I am not sure how he felt about it, he just looked around. I think we had him bundled up pretty good, so I don't think he was cold. He didn't like the wind in his face though. He just hung out with daddy, watching Austyn sled down the hill at the park next to our house.

His little face is so cute, all chubby and packed into his snowsuit.

When we got home, Austyn and I decided that we hadn't had enough of the outdoors yet. We wanted to soak up all the "warm" weather we could while it was here. Besides, it was perfect snow for making a snowman. So, that's what we did. We didn't have carrots and coal for the "normal" snowman making, so we used pine cones and branches. And we decided instead of a hat, we would give him hair with the bare branches left over from his arms. After the picture taking of our wonderful snowman, Austyn decided to take him out. So, he was soon just a smashed up pile of snow and pine needles.

After the snowman, we decided we wanted to make the biggest snowball we could. So, here it is. That thing was so big, and heavy, it got to the point of being impossible to push anymore. This picture is of Austyn trying to give it one last push, to add as much to it as he could. After we got to that point, he told me that I should go in the house with Hudson, and send Andrew out to help him finish our massive snowball. Since Andrew's muscles are bigger. :) It was a lot of fun, and turned out to be quite impressive in my opinion. That is a huge snowball!!

All in all, it was a nice weekend, with lots of family fun. We enjoyed our time outside, but I think its safe to say we are all ready for winter to be over and springtime to get here. We can't wait to be able to spend more time outdoors, without the cold, wet and bundling involved in it now. Not much longer, hopefully. :)

Hello 2011

Well, 2010 has come and passed, and it was a very good year for us. New baby and a new house, we couldn't ask for more or be more grateful. We are so lucky to have such good things happening in our lives, and all of the great people that are a part of it as well, it really is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling. I am excited to see what the new year brings! :)

I didn't remember to have my camera out on NYE, which was a bummer. Although, Austyn was at a friend's house, and Hudson is too young to care, and wasn't even awake, I still wish I would have documented it with a nice little picture. Andrew and I stayed home with Hudson, and I made a few little snack trays for us to enjoy. The last of the holiday junk foods, then on to healthier eating for all of us.




This picture of Hudson was taken on New Year's Day. He is in his new snowsuit he got from his Aunt Richelle for Christmas. He already outgrew the other one from Uncle Chad and Aunt Libby. He is growing so fast. He is 3 months old exactly in this picture. His first picture, and first outing of the new year. We were on our way to Dewey and Susan's for New Year's Day lunch, which was a delightful assortment of chinese. Yummy!! I couldn't resist the picture, he is so darn cute in his reindeer suit. :)


The picture below is Hudson, in his baby's first Christmas outfit, on Grandma Hoxie's lap. He was having a great time, getting so much attention from everyone. He is such a smiley and happy baby, and I think this picture captures that perfectly.

Christmas for us was busy, eventful and fun. We did Christmas with Dewey and Susan on Thursday. We had dinner and exchanged gifts with everyone and just had a nice, low key evening. Very relaxing, just the way I like things.

On Friday, we went to my dad's house, and unfortunately, I wasn't feeling good. I didn't have my camera, and really was in no shape to be out and about or visiting with anyone. When I got home, I was bummed to still be sick, because my family was here to visit for the holidays as well, and I just went straight to bed. Austyn and Andrew were not too far behind, with both of them coming down with the flu late that night. I was feeling a little better Christmas morning, as was Austyn, but unfortunately, Andrew was not, and was laid up in bed until Sunday morning. :( Not many pictures were taken, again, because I was not feeling well and was pretty busy. So, it was not the greatest Christmas, but we were thankful to have family there to help, and that Hudson did not get it!!

The picture below was one I got of all the family that was here to visit, (besides Nick and Chicory), gathered around my table playing some cranium. I didn't play, I kept Hudson occupied and visited with Nick and Chicory, but they all had fun, and it was nice to have everyone here and having a good time. I wish we could do these things more often. We got a nice little surprise, 2 actually... My Aunt Tina and Uncle Jeff came up for the holiday, and we got to skype with my brother Chad on Christmas morning. So, despite the flu, I think everyone had a great time.



Ahhh, and lastly, Austyn, with his pride and joy Christmas gift. Aunt Richelle really nailed it this year, and I think his face gives it away. He loves his nerf gun, and is now planning on starting an entire arsenol. So, that should be fun! haha. My mom and sister also made us handmade stocking, and mittens. They are AWESOME!! Oh, I got a really cool apron too. They made really nice handmade gifts that I absolutely love. So crafty. I wish I had those skills.

All in all, I think everyone was happy and had a great time and wonderful holiday season. 2010 ended well for us, and 2011 started out just as good as 2010 ended. We are eager to see what the rest of the year brings for us and to start working towards our personal family goals for the new year. Happy New Year everyone!!!