life lately

I'm sick of winter...like really really sick of winter. I need warm sunshine, Tulip Time, Silver Lake, bike rides and playing with the boys in the backyard. I have a serious case of Cabin Fever.

Luckily, February was actually a pretty busy month at work and I hosted a Premier Jewelry party at our house at the end of the month. (I did pretty good and earned $260 of FREE jewelry!!) This month I'm participating in a Weight Loss Challenge with some friends and we are going to run a 5K together in June at the end of the 12 weeks. I'm doing whatever I can to keep my mind focused and not let the winter blues get the best of me. The Challenge only started a week ago, but it's already helped me get motivated to go back to the gym and I'm more aware of mindless snacking. I'm also "trying" to control my portions at mealtime. Plus, I'm always up for anything competitive, so bring it on!

Here's how we've spent most Sat. mornings in Jan.-Feb.,

watching our little basketball obsessed boy hoop it up.

This past summer, Sam started taking an interest in b-ball and now he can't get enough of it. He loves to watch college b-ball on TV with his daddy and sat intently through an entire Hope College Women's game last weekend and asked lots of questions while cheering and chanting, "Let's Go Hope!"

Morning of Donuts with Dad

Some little 6 year old boy was so excited for his daddy to take him to school for a special morning of donuts and chocolate milk with his dad that he was up and dressed by 6:30 a.m.!! Mommy was not nearly as excited about the early wake up call.

Hi, I'm Carter Jacob (this is what I call myself).

I like to watch cartoons in "my chair"

or in "my box"

Our boys are such great brothers. Carter consistently calls Samuel, "Sammy Brudder" and they love to do everything together. Of course, they fight plenty too, but overall they adore each other. Their new favorite activity is laying in Sam's bed and reading books. This picture is from last night and they read for over an HOUR! I was able to do laundry, dishes, and grade papers all while they entertained themselves...fabulous! When I finally went in to tell them it was time for bed, Carter responded, "No mommy! Get outta here! We're weeding!"

At bedtime tonight, Sam asked if he could color for a little bit before going to sleep. We said "sure" and this is the picture he proudly created...a Thomas the Train drawing for his brother. So sweet.

This weekend we are heading to a big train show in Holland.

Our train obsessed boys are super excited!

More pics to come. (maybe) :)