Beardmore Family BlogSpot

It's been a while-

2010-12-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

I think I just plum forgot about the family blogspot for a while. It's that old time saying, "no news is good news." The same is true for us. Not a lot changing except the usual day to day productions.

Cooper is in his 2nd year of preschool and loving every bit of this exposure to people, new things and activities. He started soccer this fall and takes swimming lessons twice a week as well.

Chase is almost 2 1/2 and continues to mimick his older brother... literally, monkey see monkey do!

I'm still at Beaches working what was meant to be part time :) But all in all things are where they should be.

Ryan is plugging along with his gig day in and day out. So ultimately we have nothing to report.

Happy Holidays and a safe New Year! Enjoy some updated pics.
CHEERS-

AMBER

Ice cream makes EVERYTHING better!

2010-02-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

WHAM! And down he went! Cooper & Chase were playing outside (and as nimble as he is) Chase fell off the deck and onto the pavement. The pictures don't quite illustrate the massive goose egg on his upper right eye... but man oh man! What a black and blue scrape... YIKES! Turns out, nothing a nice fudge ice cream bar can't fix up just right!

Cooper continues to be obsessed with the garbage/recycle man and bins. He's even made friends with our garbage man so that when they come around they honk at him and even let him come down to the curb and see them smash up the garbage... ah to be satisfied with such simple things! Wouldn't that be nice?

Ryan continues to plug along at his responsibilities with the business, but dreams of his 'food van'... don't ask!

I'm keeping plenty busy with work and family things. I'm sure any 'free' time I have will soon go the way of the dodo as Cooper starts swimming lessons in the spring and soccer in the summer. Should be exciting!

Just wanted to drop a line and let you know we're keeping our heads above water and doing just fine... with the help of some ice cream that is :)

Hope this finds you well!

CHEERS!

-AMBER

Christmas card edition- 2009

2009-12-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone... the saying is true: Time flies! This year has been crazy and calm all in the same breath.

Ryan is doing well with his independent financial consulting firm, keeping busy enough for his wants. He had the opportunity recently to restructure his responsibilities and now only works Monday thru Thursday. Needless to say he is LOVING having a 3 day weekend every single week. I really enjoy having him around more as well, and the kids are already used to it like it's always been that way.

I decided to go back to Beaches this last month. What a blessing that I could call and get my job back. I'm happy to have an outlet and some adult conversation again. I was starved for some different demands for sure. And hey, the extra money isn't bad either :).

Cooper started preschool this year and while it was a rough start, he is in full swing of things. He has learned almost all the alphabet, he counts up to 20 and knows all his colors and shapes. He loves his teacher Mrs. Laura so much. I got very lucky to get into such a great preschool here in town. He also does a once weekly 'athletic' class that he calls 'football'. Really, it's just dodgeball and red rover and other physical activities he can do with his peers to get the wiggles out. It also helps develop his gross motor skills and social interaction with others. It's weird how 2 1/2 hours seems way too short, but if it were just an extra 1/2 hour, it would make all the difference in the world... hmmm...what do you do though eh?

Chase is doing wonderfully. He is growing right on target; and while he seems sawed off at the middle, I just think he's growing more in the torso for now... hopefully his legs will catch up. Until then, it does make for some humorous scampering across the kitchen floor with his squatty little stride.

Christmas is sure to be a hit with Cooper this season. So far he has really been able to learn about Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus and it's been so cute to watch him grown and learn in the things that really are the most important! Chase may not quite catch on to it all just yet, oh but he will! We plan to leave cookies and milk for Santa and oats and grass for his reindeer... maybe that'll make Cooper be extra quiet and go to bed right away for fear that Santa will have to pass him up ... doubtful!

All in all, we have nothing but happiness and good tidings to pass on. We're blessed and are thankful for the friends and family we get to count in our lives. Hopefully, you have a wonderful holiday season and may it bleed into the new year and make for a wonderful year to come for you and yours. All our love!

THE BEARDMORES-

The Naked Cowboy-

2009-11-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of "The Naked Cowboy"... the one who roams around New York in his tightie whities, boots and cowboy hat? Well, I've never been there... but who needs New York? I've got my own Naked Cowboy right here in Vancouver... and mines better lookin'! :)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

This year, Cooper was "Patch" from 101 Dalmatians... atleast that's what I was going for. Chase was a mischievious lil' monkey; cuz that's what he is. And yes, there is makeup on Chases face, everyone thinks I gave him a big ol' smooch and it was just transfered shmeg... but no, he's got his own muddied mug!

I dressed up as a logger- for all you Belfair folk, this was a true tribute eh?

Anyway, wanted to post the festivities... hope this finds you doing well.

-ENJOY-

-AMBER

Carving out a lil' Kitty-

2009-10-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

While I can't hold a candle to Erika and Andrew (although I suspect the use of stencils...CHEATING :)~ Here is the pumpkin I carved tonight with the boys. I tried taking a picture without the flash so that you could see it lit up, as it looks the best that way, but I couldn't figure out how to turn the flash off on my camera. Probably better that way, cuz then I'd never figure out how to turn it back on ;)

Chase liked watching me gut it, but then the carving was far too mundane and he was off playing with much more exciting things like sharp carving knives...true story. Cooper gutted his own lil' version, but alas was only allowed to use markers. It's a bit soon to give him free reign with a sharp utensil.

I asked Cooper if he wanted me to make him a cat and he said yes, so that's what we've got here. Our very own Halloween cat! Happy haunting everyone!

A visit to the 'soggy' pumpkin patch-2009 edition

2009-10-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Not that anyone could be surprised... but we were rained out! We still got in the good stuff, but it started to pour buckets after about 10 minutes of our visit to Joe's Farms to pick out pumpkins. We were able to make our selections and get them into the wheel barrow... but once we weighed them and went in to pay... the downpour ensued! Regardless, the hay ride was still on tap for the day, and there was no way we were getting outta there without a hay ride. Luckily they were covered wagons which made the ride perfectly enjoyable. We got fresh juicy apples from the orachard to crunch on while we took our ride around the corn fields. Cooper loved his apple and Chase really 'soaked' up the scenery ;) I do love the holidays, and this is just the beginning!

Hope this finds you doing well. Enjoy the pics-

-AMBER

2009-10-13T21:06:00.001-07:00

Today was open house night... or 'open door' as Cooper kept calling it. We got to see a bit into what his day is like when he is at Preschool. Mrs. Laura went through a fast forward version of a day in the life... and Cooper was... animated to say the least. I'm pretty sure most of it was showing off for his Nana and Bapa who came to support us tonight.

We did get to see Cooper hold the american flag upright while they recited what they had learned so far of the pledge of allegiance. Although, Mrs. Laura had to keep tilting it up and away from the ground as Cooper threatened to use it as a weapon on the nearest innocent by stander. It's funny now, but at the time, pretty embarrassing.

Cooper's pictures came back... and I do have to say he just looks so mature... and HANDSOME! I mean really.... can one kid be any more good looking? Oh wait, I have a son Chase who is equally has Handsome ;) LUCKY ME! Anyhoo... I tried to take a snap of it so I could post it on here for all of you to see.

I recently had a nice surprise... for my 30th, my parents drove down from Belfair. If that wasn't enough, moments after I caught my breath from their arrival, my lil' sis Erika and my nephew Keegan come walking around the corner! NO SMALL FEAT! They live in Kentucky... so the fact that they were here for me was so emotional for me I can't even put it into words. I was sad to see them all go and miss them terribly. If that weren't enough, Ryan threw me a surprise b-day party on Saturday night. My friends showed up, and Rex drove down with his boys and Brandie came to join the party with Lauren and Marshall; so for me, my WHOLE family was here and that was truly the best gift anyone could ever ever get me. I LOVED IT and felt so loved. Thank you so much family, really... thank you!

Til' next time- Hope this finds you doing well.

-AMBER

Bathroom: Before & After

2009-09-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

The unveiling has arrived! Finally I can share the completed project with my fans ;)... no seriously though... this took longer than I anticipated... for a few reasons. 1. The countertop had to be ordered and took twice as long as predicted; 2. I decided to wait for Tim to be in town to help with the tiling since I was a tile virgin. Good call on my part... I learned so much watching him and helping where I could... those rooms are so small, it's almost a one man job... I'm pretty lucky to have a friend who is willing to come over and tile my bathroom and laundry in exchange for dinner. For those of you who are unfamiliar or unsure, the before is the red coca-cola theme and the after is the monochromatic tiled finish.

Anyway, it's done now and I can say VOILA! I did this, with a bit of help here and there, but I did this! The toughest part was that damned drain! Seriously with the plumbing... I think they purposefully make directions greek! All in all, what a great experience. It was not only satisfying to do it and do it without professional help, but really empowering to see what I'm capable if I put my mind to it... ... ... ... ... ... ... now on to the kitchen! Heh-heh!

Let me know watcha think!

AMBER

2009-09-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Back in July we had some pictures taken at the Water Resource Center here in Vancouver... I really love the setting of outdoors and woods. I think they turned out great. Cooper was so fussy and completely disinterested in getting his picture taken. We'll try again another dayI'm sure.

Just wanted to post some of the snaps we had taken to share them with everyone.

As an update on the fam... well Chase is walking around like a drunkard... he either holds his hands up by his shoulders or palms to his bellly, just so satisfied with himself that he is walking now... and man does he walk everywhere! Just yesterday I caught him with a small trail of TP on his ankle... only to discover he had unrolled the entire roll and stuffed it into the toilet and proceeded to flush... I suppose it could be worse, it could've been a dirty toilet right? SO luckily it was all clean TP and fresh water... but funny nonetheless to see him scamper around the house with the evidence attached to his leg ;)

Cooper is doing MUCH better at preschool. He does still have a small amount of ambivalence to get revved up to go, but once he's there, he really likes his teacher Mrs. Laura. She is so great and calm and just perfect for him. He's had the opportunity to meet new friends and try new craft projects out. I just know it is the perfect place for him and he's going to do splendidly. A perfect example was yesterdays experience of tears and whooping up the crying of how he can't go and he HAD to stay with Chase and Mommy. But then when I picked him up... he literally skipped to the car and blew kisses to Mrs. Laura, telling her he'd see her on Monday. What a drama queen!

Anyway, that's all for us these days, same stuff, different day. Hope this finds you doing well.

CHEERS-
AMBER

Cooper's First day of PRESCHOOL!

2009-08-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the report... we made it! We were excited on the drive over; talking about his new teacher Mrs. Laura, wearing our new man bag-which he indeed selected (my mother is witness to how much he loved his new 'purse' as he calls it). He hopped through the parking lot and sauntered over to the yellow classroom of fellow Gumdrops. That's his age groups class name, the gumdrops. We found the hook for his bag and he was happy to hang it next to his classmates' bags. Then came the look of 'mommy... you're not actually leaving are you?' -See attached photo at the top of this post.

I stayed on site for the whole 'shortened' first day. I got all kinds of updates from the incredible staff. Letting me know he was calming in and out of his episodes, checking in with me to see if I was okay (they know what's up). While I wasn't a wreck outwardly... I was certainly willing my tears to not fall down my cheek. Note: I was successful, thank you very much!

Cooper cried nearly the whole 1 1/2 hour class time. :(

He was relieved to see me in the line of cars picking up kiddos. He outstretched his arms and started to wail 'don't leave me'... how sad right? Only to then hop in his carseat exhausted and say... "I need to go back". And I asked him, "Cooper did you like preschool today?" And he answered "Yes, I did!" emphatically. So... tomorrow is another day of full time (that'd be 2 1/2 hours) preschool, he goes Mon & Tues afternoons. It's just going to take some time of adjustment. It's a new place, a new routine and challenges his comfort level. He's going to do great though. I'm confident that we picked just the right preschool and am ever thankful that George had some 'pull' to wriggle him into a slot there at Circle of Friends.

I'll keep you posted as to tomorrows 'mood' after the fact. Til' next time!

Ciao for now-

AMBER

Grandpa's company picnic

2009-08-23T20:01:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we made a trip up to Mimi and Grandpa's house. (That'd be my parents in Belfair-) It was my Dad's company picinic on Friday so amongst all the other plans we made, we made it a point to hit the park for the festivities, food and fun. Cooper got his face painted and Chase did what he could to wriggle free from his stroller. We had some cotton candy and played at the park. It was a great visit and always nice to see my family!

Before that was a lil' concert I got to go to with some of my girlfriends... we had a good time. This upcoming weekend is Ryan's FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT... that's right folks, I will become a football widow. As I do every year around this time until February... who am I kidding, then it's spring training and I lose him to Fantasy Baseball too... we all know I'll take March Madness... I think that's one sports arena I trump him at... probably the only one though.

Hope this finds you well. Posted are some random pics of the fam- and yes, that is Ryan's ceremonial picture representing his 'diaper changing headdress' ;).

Lazy Saturday morning-

2009-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy is out golfin' with Bapa this morning... so the boys and I are just hanging around the house. It's going to beautiful day today (and week for that matter) so we decided to fill up the pool and get it warmed up for some swim time.

Cooper is getting so independent! And with that comes willful disobedience :( We're working with him constantly (and when I say we, I mean me!) It seems like the only way to get him to listen is bribes or solitary confinement... which the latter is not specifically a favorite of mine.

Chase is a gigantic baby... he is so so needy. He's become this lil' puppy dog that follows me EVERYWHERE around the house. Once he's discoverd I'm in another room and not 'holding' him, he jacks up onto his knees and holds his hands out squeezing his fists and whining for 'ma-ma'... it's kinda cute... for two seconds :)

Anyway, hope this finds you doing well. Til' next time!

CHEERS-

-AMBER

Tragedy strikes!

2009-06-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

In the interest of 'clearing' up what happened with Cooper yesterday (for those who already know and then again for those who have no idea what I'm talking about) I'll recap with a picture. Yesterday I was changing Chase's diaper and came out to the hall to a bloodied Cooper. He had blood dripping from his mouth, down his neck and soaking his shirt. Keep in mind head wounds bleed much worse than they really are, especially mouth cuts- Of course I was caught very much off guard and started to put pressure on the 'owie'. I realized he had cut his thumb as well and all he kept saying was "sharp, owie, it was sharp". I thought he'd hit his head on the counter, because we call that sharp corners. Full expecting to find blood on the countertop, it was clean. I looked and looked all around at what he could have possibly hurt himself on. I examined the garbage in his bathroom where we were tending to the cut-nothing, just tissues and such. I hadn't heard a thump, or clunk- no toys in the way, I was baffled at this point. Just trying to stay calm and get him calm as well.

After about 15 minutes of bleeding- man it felt like FOREVER! I finally got the bleeding to stop, only to then see the exact shape of the cut. A perfect pair of slices across his bottom lip, a razor blade. He had fished out an old razor blade from my bathroom and was "shaving like Daddy". Sadly, he learned the hard way that razors are ONLY for mommies and daddies... not for kids and now has the slices on his lip and a fileted thumb to show for it. He's fine today and I'm sure he won't be messing with razors anytime soon- he spent the whole day last night reminding me, it wasn't for kids. I usually lock our bedroom door so that he can't get into any kind of mischief, but shoot, I WAS RIGHT THERE!

Goes to show you, kids will be kids, they will hurt themselves no matter what, no matter how hard we try to keep them safe, or if we're even standing 10 feet away. I'm sure it won't be the last time. I just felt the need to clarify that he is indeed, just fine. Sadly, during the whole sha-bang, I had put Chase in the bathtub (a sort of make-shift crib) to keep him wrangled while I tended to his brother. All the whooping and whaling by Cooper got him so worked up that he lunged head first out of the tub to get to his brother, only to bonk his head on the bathroom floor. He too is fine, but it was an... interesting... 15 minutes for all of us. Looking back now, it's almost comical... almost.

Anway, hope you're doing well and staying clear of old razor blades :)
Til' next time-

AMBER

Pool time!

2009-05-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our pool today! It was a delightful 89 degrees outside and we soaked it up. Nana & Bapa bought this pool for Cooper for his birthday and it is fabulous; two-tiered and has a bench up top for mama and a slide to the bottom tier built in... again FABULOUS. I'm sure there will be many pictures of it to follow in the coming summer months.

Hope this finds you well!

Industrious efforts-

2009-05-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

For any 'non-believers' out there... here is some proof of Cooper's obsession with the garbage. Luckily for us, we got knew recycle bins and we've been very mindful to rinse out all our recyclables so I have to say, we have the cleanest garbage bin ever! As the pictures will depict, I caught Cooper literally swimming in the recycle bin... he can't get enough of it. At first it was weird, but what-ev, it makes him happy and I know exactly what's in that bin... nothing dangerous or sharp or contaminated for that matter! Mostly just empty cardboard boxes and rinsed out milk jugs. It's still funny to see that he'd rather play with garbage than his own toys... had to share.

In other news... I started the potty training efforts again yesterday. We've had more successes than failures, although there has been plenty of both. I'm optimistic for several reasons but mostly because he doesn't seem to be kicking and screaming at the chore of a trip to the potty every 20-30 minutes. I took some good advice from my friend Amber to concentrate more on him being dry when he's off the toilet and that seems to be doing the trick. Anyone who's ever had a toddler knows they are the sharpest pencil in the box, so the rewarding of candy when he peed in the potty only resulted in him running to the bathroom every 2 minutes only to come back and ask for candy. (What a booger eh?) Anyhoo... we'll keep at it over the long weekend with no real plans to intrude our efforts.

Hopefully your weekend is restful and fulfilling! Take care and check back later.

CHEERS-

AMBER

A lil' under the weather-

2009-04-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

It seems like Ryan CANNOT catch a break! I swear he has been sick more times in the last 6 months than our entire 11 year relationship! (That's right... 11!) I digress... he has had cold after flu after virus after ache and pain and now he's suffering from some kind of ear ache or whatever... poor guy... that being said- He's very 'vocal' with his ailments... kinda like my 9 month old infant :) Who am I kidding though- I very much like taking care of them. It's my job, I mean really- I'm 'the mama' that's what we mama's do... can I get an AMEN?

I had to snap some cute photos of the kids today. First of Chase getting overly excited over the telephone. (What is it with babies and phones? I swear they like them more than straight sugar!) And then secondly, Cooper had his own game of "chubby bunny" with some grapes after his nap. - I know shocking... he did in fact fall asleep today for the first time in a LONG time! Kinda nice for me I must say. Believe it or not... the pic of him looking 'constipated' he was actually saying "cheese" with a mouth full of grapes. Ah... good times. Made me smile for sure!

Anyway, here are some cute lil' snaps of the boys. Hope this finds you well!

Take care and til' next time-

CHEERS- Amber

Chase's first haircut- & other fine details...

2009-04-13T19:24:00.001-07:00

It occured to me today how little I blog these days. Anyone who knows me should know it is not from lack of things to chat about ;) Regardless, I will do my best to be more diligent in keeping up with the 'happenings' of the Beardmores.

Chase got his first haircut this morning. I'll say it wasn't what I wanted to do, but I've been prompted by Bapa, friends and many other peanut gallery commentors. Alas, the spiking in his lil' eyeballs was really bothering him. So in his honor I'm posting before and after shots... Ryan says he can't tell the difference between them. Probably because in the before I swiped his hair to the side and in the after it's not swiped, but much shorter... so i'll give him that, it does look pretty much the same. I can attest that it is indeed shorter and no longer stabbing him in the eyeballs. His pics look a little strange because he's grinding his teeth... I know, terrible terrible terrible... but what can I do? Cooper did it too... it's just a very new realization to the teeth in his mouth I guess. This too shall pass, right? (The top photo is after and the bottom is the before, just in case you too needed prompting as to which is which-)

Chase never really took to full on 'stereotypical' crawling. Still with the army crawl and knee scooting. What-ever! He certainly does get into everything, pulls himself up on the mixer, the tupperware drawer, the coffee table and just about anything he can get leverage on. Next up... the stairs... Aaaaggggghhhh! Baby gate time!

We've been enjoying a few nice days here and there. Cooper is so hypnotized with mowing the lawn, watering the flowers and tools it's unbelievable! You almost have to see his transformation from indoor Cooper to outdoor Cooper; it's like yin and yang I swear it. Chase also likes to get some fresh air. I have to laugh when the sliding glass door is left ajar, it'll take about 2 seconds for him to realize it and we have ourselves an escaped infant... see pictures for details.

Cooper is getting to be such a big boy. He is very ... sharp. In the interest of not getting in trouble, if he knows he's on the verge, he'll just bat his lil' eyes and say "Mommy's a pretty girl..." and then wait for my reaction. Inevitably, he is no longer in trouble, i'm thoroughly worked over and kissing his cute and precious lil' head. Then 5 seconds later, he's back to challenging me, repeating what I say like "don't tell me no" and this pretty mommy is having the upper hand! Regardless, I've enjoyed our power struggles, play time on the carpet and fort building on the couch. Brushing teeth has become interesting since he wants to purse his lips together like he's whistling once the toothbrush is in his mouth- kinda tough to really scrub those teeth like that...again... What-ever!

Some how, I was able to schedule something (unintentionally I might add) almost everyday in the month of April. I have to look back on each week and remind myself that I did in fact complete all my tasks and 'to-do' lists. I feel like Cooper is getting the short end of that stick because we had been working on potty training briefly and had to kind of give up the diligence because I ran out of time to commit to it. Come May, it is full speed ahead for us in that endeavor... wish us luck.

Hope all is well with you and your camp. Enjoy the pics!

Ciao for now-

AMBER

Cooper turned 3!

2009-03-22T10:29:00.001-07:00

Yes... let that be the first correction. I made comment last time that Chase was going to be 3 and alas... it is COOPER in fact who is now 3 (well Tuesday he will 'officially' be 3), his party was yesterday. We had a puppet show and friends over. All had a great time with snacks and a show! Here are a coupla pics from the main event!

Hope all is well with you and yours-

'Til next time-

ENJOY!

Amber

It's been a while-

2009-03-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Wow... I didn't realize I hadn't blogged for over a month! Here are a few updated pics of the boys. Seems like a lot, but nothing has happened over the last month.

Chase turns 3 on the 24th of this month... I can't hardly believe we have a 3-year-old! It goes fast some days and oh so slow others ;) All in all, he's so good. We've started going to the gym daycare. If anyone knows his history with that, it wasn't a good one. He used to bellow like he was just being shot! Now, he begs to go...all the time. I guess if there was going to be any place I had to be sequestered, the gym is a very productive place to be stuck eh? We have the usual power struggles of who's in charge, and when we'll do what... but it gets better. Potty training is still in the works, again some successes and some failures. It's a work in progress.

Chase is 8 months old now and crawls EVERYWHERE! It's an army crawl mind you, but mobile nonetheless. I mean really, if I put him down one place, he'll be in the next room in 2.3 seconds. So as far as any mom would be concerned, he's crawling! He does rock on his knees and it almost looks like he's trying to stand up. We like to call it baby yoga, a little downward dog. (For those of you who are not familiar with yoga, that position is : on all fours, butt straight to the ceiling). His appointment for his eyes is mid-month, he's going to see a geneticist up at OHSU. So for now, still now word on his situation. I'm trying not to worry about the unknown & really that's not the hardest part, it's just WAITING! Have I ever told you i'm impatient :)

Anyway, hope this finds you well. I think that having joined on facebook has seemed to take the place of regular posts. I certainly don't intend to ostricize those of you not participating in this global social expirement that is facebook. Much love! Til' next time-

AMBER

Clownin' around!

2009-02-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

I got some great snaps of Chase sitting up all on his own. Don't get me wrong, he's still a lil' wobbly, but overall is sitting up nice'n'tall like the big boy he is. Cooper had to find his way into the pack'n'play and "smoosh" into a photo as well... can't say I minded.

Hope this finds you doing well.

ENJOY!
AMBER

Backyardigans (Beardmore style-)

2009-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

So... while it may not be summer, here in the great northwest, you hafta take the dry days when you can. We had a hay day in the backyard. We were mowing the lawn, playing soccer and fetch of course! Chase mostly rolled around on the blanket and Cooper was back and forth fifty times just so excited to be outside! Later we went to the dog park and 'walked the loop' as we like to call it and played on the swings. Since the east wind had died down, it really was quite nice maybe 45 degrees or so. Hey... that's alot more tolerable than 40 degrees with a 10 degree wind gust every 3 seconds! Anyway, enjoy the snaps-

AMBER

Get in line!

2009-01-15T09:41:00.001-08:00

So really... not only does mom come after Chase has been nursed, after Cooper has been fed, after Ripley has been let out to pee and after Daddy has his lunch packed in the morning- but now I don't even get to use my own bathroom on queue. Apparently I am now 5th in line for those kinds of luxuries, Tobi has taken his cut in line!

SHEESH!

LOL!

Ripley "keep away"

2009-01-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Cooper tucked himself into this cubby of pillows, blankets and the boppy to avoid any snatching by Ripley. Inevitably, Ripley will eat Coopy's food before he does ... but really that is sometimes a product of Coopy feeding the dog on purpose!

Anyway, it was a nice fort he built himself into.

ENJOY! Hope these posts find you well!

All in the Family-

2009-01-09T08:47:00.001-08:00

For those of you who know us well, know that we enjoy some "lite" cooking (and I don't mean calorically...)

Anyway, this morning I was making some brownies from scratch, so while it took some time, the kids seemed to enjoy the process, really getting into it... Literally :)

Mommy's boots-

2009-01-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

Good thing I got the "short" version of the UGG boots, Coopy likes em' almost more than mommy, but the tall ones would never have fit on his wee legs!

I LOVE IT!

Bathtime for da' boys-

2009-01-05T21:55:00.001-08:00

Splish-Splash we're just taking our bath... all about a monday night!

Could I get any luckier?

2009-01-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

Just look what I have to enjoy every day of my life... :)

AMBER

A Happy New Year shout out-

2008-12-31T18:09:00.000-08:00

Just kickin' it at the house tonight, playin' it safe. My lil' thug Chase wants to wish everyone a happy and safe new year! Lots of love-

CHEERS-

The Beardmores

Christmas in Belfair

2008-12-31T17:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day is our day to drive north to Belfair and see my mom and dad and family... this year we got an extra special present... new babies & 900 feet of snow! That's right, not just my baby Chasers... but Erika's baby Keegan too! He is SOOOOO cute! I always love getting to see my family and it makes me realize how very far away they actually live... (Kentucky...wah-wah!) 2ndly, we actually didn't make the drive up until the 26th because of the tremendous down pour of snow we had. Quite nice actually and even nicer, how quickly it all melted! I know I'm probably one of the few who loved it, some not so much, but hey- what are you gonna do? Can't control the weather eh?

Anyway, it was a very nice drive up and only a sprinkle of snow; to add to the foot and a half already on the ground. Great company and yummy food- I was so excited to give my mom her present I made her. I had been working on it since May and spent just over 70 hours creating it. It was a homemade calendar of all her kids, kids' spouses & grandkids with all their birthdays, the age they would be or anniversaries and the year to be celebrated in 2009. Rather than just print it out, I snapped pictures of all respective celebrators and pasted it on their special day. Hence the upwards of 70 hours... but so worth it. I think she loves it as much as I loved making it for her! This year I also finally got my dad a present he was excited to receive... cuz he is hard to shop for, so it was nice to see him like his lil' gift.

All in all- great year... great holiday and a great family I have! I feel very blessed. Hopefully the new year rings in great things for you and yours for all of 2009.

CHEERS!

Amber

Christmas in Vancouver

2008-12-31T17:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas night is time with Nana & Bapa. We had a great time... yummy honey baked ham (who doesn' t love honey baked ham?) And it came with some dynamite honey turkey too, again... YUMMY! My Thanksgiving tradition of homemade mac-n-cheese (this year was the first year) was shifted to Christmas dinner, as there are already so many things to eat at the Thanksgiving feast, we pushed it back a few weeks.

Coopy got a basketball hoop that he loved, and continues to play with, but the show stopper was his garbage truck... which he proceeded to break not even 24 hours into ownership. What's he goin' to do with his first car when he's 16? Better get him a pinto :)

Hope your holiday was as happy and fulfilled as ours!

Much love-

AMBER

Christmas Eve MORNING-

2008-12-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

Since tonight is Christmas with Nana & Bapa, tomorrow is hopefully (weather permitting) christmas with Grammie & Grandpa, we thought this morning would be a little festive with ourselves. We let the kids (ryan included :) Open stockings.

And yes... I know our stockings hung up spell "CRAC"... and accident I promise, but funny nonetheless.

Cooper got rainbow licorice, new shoes, triangle crayons, a lightning icepack and those magic foam capsule toys... you know the ones that you drop in water and they expand into a lil' sponge toys. Sadly, they were lame and didn't work, but the other items were a hit, especially the licorice.

Chase got a nice new sweater that he'll wear in his 6 month pictures next week. He also got new pants & sweatshirts. ( I know, the glamour of being 6 months old at Christmas... I mean really it's the only time I can get away with giving practical things as a gift right?)

Anyway, more to follow- Enjoy your holidays with one another too!

CHEERS-
Amber

Who needs the gym?

2008-12-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

Welp... if you can't get yourself to the gym, bring the gym to you! I decided that if lifting weights was out of the question, I'd lift snow- and proceeded to shovel the driveway... oh yes all 16'' of it (of course, only 1/2 of it... what am I... superwoman?)

Anyway... I'm so proud of my cleared concrete I had to share. I'm sure my abs and back will be screamin' at me in the morning. I'll keep you posted- no pun intended... get it ... posted.. posting it on the blog... okay, i'm officially bored!

Ciao!

2008-12-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Snow anyone?

2008-12-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

Think it might snow today? Hmmm... it turns out this is the most snow that we have seen since 1968. Currently we are at about 12'' and it is still snowing as I type. Although, I'm enjoying the gorgeousnous! I mean really, I can't control it anyway, so might as well soak it all in. I have to say the whole travel/airport situation is a bit irritating as my younger sis and her family (brand new baby in tow) have been stuck and trucked to BFE and back trying to get to Belfair for Christmas. I think they're on the right track now, but who knows what mother nature may throw into the mix at this point.

It all kinda makes me laugh... I went to college in a place that was like this ALL the time... I suppose they're prepared for it though right? Anyway, just the way the whole town shuts down over snow and ice- it's safe I know- just kinda funny.

All in all we got some good pics of Cooper eating ice, Ripley frolicing in the snow and Ryan striking a pose. Chase was napping while we galavanted in the backyard. Hope this finds you warm and well.
Much love-
AMBER

Chases first snow-

2008-12-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

Not only was this Chases first experience with snow, but it ended up being Cooper's first time to be able to actually PLAY in the snow. He was too young to play in it last time it snowed in Vancouver! Yeah snow!

Just the beginning-

2008-12-22T13:31:00.001-08:00

Welp... little did we know this was just the start of all the snowfall to come. (See more photos in additional posts...)

Hangin' out during the holiday-

2008-12-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

Had to post some cute pics of the boys- we were just kickin' it at home today (like every other day really) but this one we decided to catch on film... moving I know.

Anyway- hope the holidays are bringing you happiness!

Much love-

AMBER

Family photo-

2008-12-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well, we don't get the opportunity to have a family photo that includes all four of us. So I thought I'd post it for everyone to see an updated pic. I know it's got Cooper looking off to the side and I'm pretty sure Chase blinked... and Ryan and I... well... it's a picture regardless. Hopefully we'll have more organized and focused family pics to share in the near future.

Hope this finds you and your families doing well and enjoying the holidays so far this season. I know how blessed we are to have the friends and family in our lives that we do, and we certainly wouldn't have the fulfillment and happiness without you in our lives.

Cheers to you and Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

All of us; Ryan, Amber, Cooper & Chase

Double Fisted!

2008-12-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

This morning, Cooper and I had the luxury of having our own one one one time. We stopped by a friends house quickly, then put Chase down for his morning nap and headed to a local donut shop. Now, I can't say I was thrilled with the donuts (or their price)... but the 'experience' for Cooper was... enjoyable. See for yourself.

Tis' the season to be jolly!

2008-12-02T14:22:00.001-08:00

Santa come early at our house ;)~

Family time!

2008-12-02T14:18:00.001-08:00

We were so lucky to have my Aunt, Uncle & Cousins from California come and visit last weekend... and not even for the holiday! How lucky am I? Anyway, my cousin Mary is scoping out colleges and since they took a peek at U of O they made the extra trek up to Vancouver! YAHOO! We hadn't seen each other in far too long, so it was very nice to see and be seen. Here are few pics of our visit!

ENJOY-

Da Boys-

2008-11-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

Things are going swimmingly here at the Beardmore household. The boys all get along nicely- especially Cooper and Ripley.

Chase is developing and getting so much personality in his face and actions. He has rolled over from belly to back and discovered his hands; all kinds of exciting things for him to keep busy with.

Cooper is a little rough at times, but he's learning to be gentle with his younger brother, instead he beats on the dog; although I'm not sure Ripley 'hates' it per se.

Ryan is keeping busy with work and has managed to catch Cooper's sniffle. Every time I take Cooper to playtime, he seems to catch some bug from another kiddo- apparently Daddy gets to reap the bugs of our visits too! He'll live... though he'd like you to believe he needs all kind of sympathy and 'wait staff'... yah right! Cuz' I have so much time to wait on him too :)

Hope this finds you doing well and enjoying the best season of the year... the HOLIDAY season.

CHEERS-

Amber

Rice Cereal

2008-11-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

Finally time to start introducing some solids for lil' Chasers... I'm not sure he's a big fan just yet- He'll get there though.

Baby steps-

Garbage Day!!!

2008-11-03T12:48:00.001-08:00

I think we've figured out what Cooper's chores will consist of... collecting garbage, putting it out and bringing in the empty bins- I'm not sure which he enjoys more... seriously!

Helping daddy get the recycling and garbage together is like the highlight of the week! Then on Monday morning after it's all picked up, we collect the 'yucky buckets' and with such pep in his step too!

Anyway, had to show some of his handy work to all of you!

CHEERS-

Amber

Happy Hauntings!

2008-11-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hi All! This year Cooper was a firefighter and Chase was a Teddy Bear. It was a GREAT halloween. Chase was so content to just check out the local scene as he was just 'hybernating' in the baby pack I carried him in from door to door. Cooper was 'on fire' going door to door for about the first 5 or 6 houses; then a flock of 'older' kids kinda spooked him and he ran out of flames.

We were invited to our good friends the Rakoz' to trick or treat in their neighborhood. What a great place to gather candy, very festive porches and lots of foot traffic, which makes it nice to walk around in the dark. (especially for someone like me who is scared of that dark... yes me, and adult- I can admit it, I'm terrified of the dark!)

Although Cooper had a great time, Ryan was bummed he didn't score more candy... sad isn't it?

Anyway, hope you all had a good holiday and that this update finds you doing well.

ENJOY!-

Amber

P.S. Today is Chase's 4 month b-day- so big already eh?

Fall is here!

2008-10-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Alas, fall is in the air. The sun is out, the clouds are gone and that brisk wind is blowing lightly, but man is it COLD... Brrrr! What a perfect day to go out to the pumpkin patch.

Nana came with us to pick out our pumpkins, climb the hay pyramid, ride some small tractors... and some not so small tractors. We ground corn feed and fed chickens, had apple cider and wheelbarrowed our pumpkins; although we only had 3 pumpkin tickets, our wheelbarrow had a fourth? Hmmm... but it's a cute fourth pumpkin, (slightly more maintanence than the other tree)but i'll take it! I really thought Cooper would be more interested in the farm animals and hay maze... but those danged tractors just sucked him in!

Chase was an angel, just chillin' in his teddy bear outfit, soakin' up the sun! It was a bright sunny day and lots of fun was had by all. You'll soon be seeing the teddy bear outfit again, as it is Chase's halloween costume- gotta get some good use out of it! Besides, he looks so cuddly and squeezable in it, precisely the way a teddy bear should look.

Hope you're having a wonderful fall so far- til' next time!

CHEERS-

Amber

Black eyed blues-

2008-10-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

Sadly, I have to post Cooper's double black eye day... the first one was him tripping on the carpet upstairs and hitting the play chair in Chase's room. Then that afternoon, we went to the dog park with friends, and an overly friendly lil' boxer jumped on him and caught his other eye with his paw/claw.

I swear, there are witnesses... I don't beat my poor lil' child! The pictures make it look like I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill... (which I probably am, I'm allowed though, I'm the mama...) But his eyes don't normally swell downward like they are in the pics... sigh!

Til' next time, hope you're day is better than Cooper's.

CHEERS-

Amber

A quick trip to Belfair

2008-09-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics from our trip to Belfair to visit family & friends.

Woo-eee!

2008-09-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Aw shoot! It's been a hectic month- Sometimes I wonder how I keep afloat... it's got to be my ever helpful and industrious husband that really does SO much around the house. (Only slightly sarcastic eh? Too much?... whoopsie-) All in fun though-

Seriously, we've been busy with life. Cooper is officially 2 1/2... and acting it :) Sometimes I just get so frustrated because I feel like a bad mom because he will throw tantrums that are so earth shattering over NOTHING AT ALL! Then his screaming, which wakes the dead, makes me on edge and just ruins the morning for me. I mean really, I hate spending my morning disciplining... I'd much rather play trucks or color pictures... anything but that really! I guess that's a two year old for ya huh? This I can say, when he's content, he's so awesome to be around! The good far outweighs the rough and makes it all worth it for sure!

Chase is doing great. I'm not sure if you knew of his "brain tumor" scare or not. In short, because of an eye movement that was abnormal, is EX-pediatrician suggested it was a potential brain tumor. Only to find out there is 0% chance he has a brain tumor and the problem is.... drum roll please... he is near sighted, which very well may regulate itself in a few months or worse- he may wear glasses someday. I know, the two are very similar and I can see how he would consider the two diagnosis as benign as the other- YAH RIGHT!

Ryan and I are doing good, keeping busy with life and maintaining the yard, getting it ready for winter and moving on to indoor projects; although I'm not sure what those will be this year 'cuz I'm busted broke! Being a stay at home mom is the hardest job I've never made money for! Can I get an AMEN?

Hope you all are doing well and this lil' bit of update and pics finds you well. Much love-

AMBER

Just showing off my beautiful boys!

2008-08-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Just kickin' it around the house yesterday I got some really cute ones of the boys- ENJOY

Cooper 2 1/2

Chase 8 weeks

Here comes the Clown!!!

2008-08-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Cooper, Chase & I drove up to Belfair this weekend (8/23). Ryan had his buddies over for their live fantasy football draft and some golf, so I thought- what better time to get in a good visit with my family up north.

We went to my mom's work picnic out at a waterfront park in Bremerton. It was the perfect day, 80 degrees outside, the boys were in great moods and yummy food and fun all around! Cooper had his first experience with a clown too. I wasn't sure how he'd take it as he can be pretty apprehensive to normal every day people, so a clown may have sent him over the edge.... but he did GREAT!

He had his first snow cone, got his arm painted (his face was too busy being nose deep in flavored shaved ice), got a balloon hat from the clown, got to swing and slide at the park and watch the boats on the river with grammie. It truly was a very enjoyable afternoon!

Then to top it off, we got to spend dinner out on the patio with the rest of the family too! Spending time with our family is truly one of our favorite things to do!

Til' next time!

ENJOY!

Quality time with Bapa

2008-08-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Just a lil' R&R with Bapa on our Sunday morning visits-

Birthay fun!

2008-08-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Cooper got to go to his buddy Shay's birthday party a last weekend (8/16)... and his mommy put together some AWESOME goody bags for those in attendance. They were full of snacks and high bounce balls... and of course- these goofy teeth!

Eww... Gross!

Mommy & Me-

2008-08-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Am I not the luckiest mommy in the whole world- my two beautiful boys- Aw... tear! Had to share one of my new favorite pics-

Mochas & Muffins-

2008-08-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Finally I got to have my 'mochas & muffins' get together... for all of my friends who know, I've only been trying to have this girls morning for maybe A YEAR OR SO! Anyway, we had a great time with the kids and just relaxing for the morning. We'll have to do it again, (you know who you are) you're always welcome to come!

It truly makes me reflect on how lucky I am to have such great friends- I know... cheesy, but true!

Here are a few pics from the mornings 'festivities'.

ENJOY!

What a BIG brother-

2008-08-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

How precious for me to have Cooper ask to 'hold brother'... then when I asked to take him back, he says 'no, mama cook' and will hold Chase for almost 15 minutes while I make dinner! What a good big brother huh? (And babysitter in the making... heh heh)-

Bubbles... Bubbles everywhere!

2008-08-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

We went to the community library with some friends where they were having a bubble exhibit. The plastic cup was covered with cheese cloth and a rubber band. Then they drizzle dawn soap over the cloth and spray it with water. A small hole had been punched at the lip of the cup where a straw is inserted. When you blow on the straw it creates tons of bubbles up through the cheese cloth... of course, Cooper would only suck it and choke on the soap... that's my boy!

Garden/Flowers

2008-07-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Time to update everyone on the important stuff...THE YARD AND GARDEN!

Proud Papa-

2008-07-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have to stick in this proud lil' snap shot of Daddy and baby Chase- I still think he's not sure what to do with him, but is warming up to the idea of two boys - slowly.

I do think there is something different about mommy vs. daddy. I had carried and delivered baby; so by the time Chase is actually here for Ryan to enjoy, I've got more than a head start on him for sure. SO- I suppose I'm willing to give him a bit of time to make that attachment that I've had since day 1... literally.

Til' next posts- take care of you!

AMBER

An afternoon playdate with da' boys!

2008-07-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

Friday was a nice luxury for me... I got to see some of my best girlfriends. Lucky for me, they all have boys as well- So we had a little play date at my place, mowed lawns with bubble mowers, stacked blocks into towers and ate yummy hot dogs, blueberries & Capri sun's... my idea of a great day (seriously).

It was such a treat to hang with the girls, talk a bit and let the boys mingle. Good thing there was 3 of us though- how does one person ever have 6 kids? I mean I know they wouldn't be the same ages as our lil' ones, but still, 6 kids was a full house for sure!

It makes me chuckle, when the older boys were eating, Dylan (Nicoles youngest) was just chillin' in the baby swing- he is the happiest lil' guy and when he laughs ... OMG! It is so contagious!

Can't wait to do it again!

Just kickin' it!

2008-07-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Auntie Nicole let us borrow her baby swing (thank you very much Auntie) and Chase's first time in it was... well... see for yourself!

He looks pretty settled to me!

What an angel!

Misc. shots of Chase-

2008-07-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics to see how he's 'developed', as you know lil' ones look different almost daily!

What a good big brother-

2008-07-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Now if only I could teach him out to actually change the diaper- THAT would be helpful!

Cooper really is such a good big brother. He actually gets a little panicky when Chase & I leave without him. I had to go to the dentist last week and took Chase with me, and left Cooper at home with Nana. After about an hour, Cooper was chanting for mommy and questioning "baby?" "where's brother?"... so he's very protective and I'll say as a Mom, it's pretty dang cute to watch.

We went to Chases 2 week baby well visit and when it came time for his 2nd PKU blood draw in his heel, Cooper was yelling at the lab tech who was drawing his blood saying "that's my brother" & "no-NO!"... again pretty darn cute!

Anyway, hope you can enjoy these as much as i do... who am I kidding, no one enjoys these pics as much as I do!

CHEERS-

AMBER

Just like his Daddy!

2008-07-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

You can tell what Cooper does in the morning! (watch daddy get ready after his morning shower!)

Couldn't help but laugh out loud! Lucky enough to catch it on camera, and had to share. Hope this finds you well.

Enjoy!

AMBER

More snaps of Chase-

2008-07-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Our little angels... both of them :) Enjoy-

AMBER

Baby Chase has arrived!

2008-07-04T21:29:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics of Chase and the family- will write more later! ENJOY!

Amber-

Quick Update

2008-07-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, Chase decided to peak his head out today. Both he and Amber are doing well. She delivered him around 2:00 this afternoon (July 2nd). He was 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 22 inches long.

I left the camera at the hospital, so pictures will follow a bit later.

Ryan

Home Sick Today-

2008-06-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Not that we would've been headed off to work or anything, but today we were trapped inside because Coopy was sick. He finally caught the nasty cold that Mama had and has been going around for some time. His lil' cough was so dry and deep and his voice was so horse... so sad when your kiddos are sick because really what can I do? It stinks both ways.

Anyway, we tried to make the best of it and made some 'bean dip' with cheese and olives... by illustration may I present to you Cooper's favorite part of this snack.

Hope this finds you well- NO BABY YET!

Take care-

AMBER

Wedding Bells-

2008-06-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of my good friends got married on Friday night- I have to say I really didn't think I was going to get to go (given my current physical situation) but alas, it was meant to be and I was able to enjoy the occasion, festivities and friends.

Very few things compare to seeing two people who love each so so much get married and recognize their love in front of the whole world... I know, said like a true GIRL!

Anyway, here's a few pics-

AMBER

Play day at the park-

2008-06-21T13:55:00.001-07:00

By the advice of a very good friend, we were introduced to Jameson Square. It's a nearby fountain/pond in NW Portland. The fountain spews water for about 2 minutes and fills the pond below, then stops spraying to give the pond time to drain-then repeats. Cooper loves the water, the spray and the people. I love the grassy area where I can sit and relax and watch him and all the other Portland weirdo's! (I say that adoringly as I truly do love to people watch-)

We went on Friday to soak up some of that 86 degree weather we've been neglected of so far this summer! I got a little pink, but a little color never hurt anyone-

I hope Chase likes the water and playtime just as much as Cooper, then we can go next summer too! Enjoy the pics-

AMBER

As BIG as it gets!

2008-06-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

So a few requests have been made to see 'the circus freak'... AKA, my huge belly! Here it is, and truly this will be the last post I make of myself pregnant for two reasons- It can't get any bigger (so there's nothing left to gawk at!) and secondly, I've decided I'm having this baby right now if it means doing jumping jacks in the living room for an hour :) If it were only that simple...

anyway- enjoy!

AMBER

My favorite treat-

2008-06-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Chex Muddy Buddies- and if you've never had them- whoa boy are you missing out! Cooper just calls them 'buddies' but for the first few hours of having them around the house, he was confused and called them dirt... clearly he doesn't mind eating dirt!

Really, what is my favorite treat... the chex? Or this lil' powdered sugar covered angel? I'll take door #2!

CHEERS-

AMBER

Sunday morning coffee-

2008-06-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

We look forward to a weekly ritual- every Sunday morning is mochas with Bapa- Cooper wants to be just like him, so I make him a white chocolate hot cocoa and put it in a glass mug- they enjoy their 'coffee' together-

Such cool dudes!

P.S. that 2nd photo is when I asked Cooper to smile... that's what I got (some smile eh?)

Where's Tobi?

2008-06-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Tobi, our cat, has found a nice cozy spot under Cooper's new bunk bed... until Cooper finds him of course! We were able to snap a quick "facial expression" of Tobi's... doesn't he look so happy to see him?

Jogging stroller with matching carseat- $200

Additional base for snap-in ease- $75

Revisiting old baby goods- PRICELESS (read on)

As for the too small car seat, we're getting things ready for Chase and the car seat is part of all the goodies we're pulling from the closet. Cooper thinks it's his own personal rocking chair, he'll snuggle into it and ask you to "rock Cooper" and then when you do, he'll quietly smile and say "weeee..." Just another perfect lil' moment with Cooper.

Sigh-

Enjoy the pics-

AMBER

Who needs a pool?

2008-05-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

We teetered with the idea of getting a lil' kiddy pool for Cooper when it's hot out- but those days are rare anyway, besides the bugs just pile up and the dog uses it as his own personal (gigantic) water dish. So still in thought about the situation, we've discovered there is no need... we have a big 19 gallon tub that we filled with water and truly it serves as a personal Coopy pool- Who needs a kiddy pool?

Not this kiddy-

ENJOY-

Amber

Lookin' Good-

2008-05-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

Ryan's gardening is really starting to pay off. We've all done our part each summer since we moved in... Ryan mostly... but things have finally taken shape, now it's just the hurry up and wait game. Wait for things to mature, wait for things to bloom... just wait. I do have to give him credit for being so diligent though and really having a vision for it all, because I know I enjoy it all and think it looks very very nice!

These are all preliminary pics, we'll post some more again when things are mature and in bloom- hopefully you can enjoy it all a bit as well.

Take care-

AMBER

Cool Rider!

2008-05-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies & gentlemen... we've got a cool rider on our hands! Cooper's newest rage is to drive... all he can do is scream "I drive... I drive" which really sounds like 'I Brive' and he truly will not let up until you give him a good 10-15 minutes of drive time. He prefers Ryans truck to my car anytime, and will quickly dismiss you as he enjoys a leisurely drive all by his lonesome... as long as you're near by anyway.

What a stud!

AMBER

Puppy Love-

2008-05-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

As illustrated previously, Ripley is quite content... as long as he's doing HIS own thing- In this case, namely playing in the backyard while we all yard work-

Dealing with his mood swings are... taxing. (I'm sure Ryan can relate to how taxing dealing with moodiness can be ... LOL!)

AMBER

All kind of Goodies!

2008-05-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

In an effort to welcome baby Beardmore #2... AKA... Chase Foster... My friends had a lil' get together for brunch! Much to my surprise and enjoyment, they showered me with some great bootie! It made me feel very important and special. So THANK YOU! Thank you for being such good friends and showering Chase with some yummies he will be sure to enjoy-

Especially all those diapers- I hate having to spend my money on them, so it's nice when someone else pays for them... NO HINTS INTENDED... seriously-

Here are some pics of the fun time I had and hopefully had by all who attended as well!

Thanks again ladies-

CHEERS TO YOU!

Amber

DAMN YOU PEOPLE!!

2008-05-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

No comments about Cooper playing golf? THOSE ARE THE BEST PICTURES!!! Screw the dog!

YOU ARE ALL DEAD TO ME!

Ryan

Dozer Days

2008-05-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today was Dozer days. It's an event put on by various sponsors in the community that lets kids play on big rigs, tractors, trailers and bulldozers. There were all kinds of food vendors and games to play but of course, Cooper was only interested in one dump truck and a pile of sand. I think it's safe to say he'll enjoy it more next year.

Although he did have a good time, it was very 'busy' and really with the hot weather, took it out of him- he came home and crashed hard! We'll see how long his nap is today- It's already 90 and climbing, set to be a scorcher again today... but if it were up to me, it'd always be this warm!

GOD BLESS A/C!

Dog Park Jubilee!

2008-05-17T12:52:00.001-07:00

Cooper, Ripley and I took a trip to the dog park... yet a literal example and portrayal of how happy Ripley is when he's doing what he wants to do (sniffing butts!)

The only thing that really worries me about letting Cooper roam free around the dog park is that he only has experience with nice dogs. Ripley is pretty big (about 105 lbs) and no matter what Cooper does to him- rip on his ears, poke him in the eyes, beat him with a golf club- you name it, Ripley is mellow and calm. I just worry that Cooper is totally fearless to ALL dogs. Which is a double edged sword, because we all know not all dogs are nice, especially the small yappy ones, they're moody as a pregnant lady- and I should know. Heh-heh.

The other dog, the german shepherd, was Coopers favorite to follow around and yes i'm pretty sure he sniffed his butt, sad times to admit, but true.

Puppy Prozac-

2008-05-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

I'm convinced Ripley suffers from bi-polar disorder... seriously he is so excited to do what HE wants to do, but otherwise mopes around the house and truly seems depressed... any suggestions?

My next step will be to medicate his hairiness! Don't they make anti-depressants for canines? Shoot... if they make tutu's for dogs, they best make prozac too!

Putt-putt with Bapa-

2008-05-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

For all those unversed in toddler talk, Bapa, is Grandpa. George invited us to breakfast down at the golf club and afterwards, Cooper 'borrowed' someones putter and balls so he could hit a few- we've got the next Phil Mickelson in the makings-... minus the rumored attitude though.

Really though, what can't he do? ... Cooper that is!

Pudding Pirate-

2008-05-17T12:45:00.001-07:00

As Cooper gets older, and a little more able he does things all by his lonesome... to include feeding himself.

Even though it makes for a disasterous mess for Mommy to clean up, it sure does make for an adorable picture eh?

Hope this finds you well-

Amber

A wonderful weekend-

2008-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was the family get together- which is rare for my family because we don't live by each other. (Except for Brandie and I). Anyway, my brother-in-law Andrew was in town on business, so Erika was able to come over for the weekend to join us! Since they traveled the furthest (Kentucky) everyone else congregated at our place this weekend. Janene, Rex & Edmund (My brother, sis-in-law & nephew) were here Friday night, which was a treat for Cooper because we all know, there is something about babies loving other babies. While Cooper is still learning to be a better sharer... it was nice for them to play together.

Mom & Dad came down as well for a family BBQ at our place along with Auntie Brandie, & Cousins Lauren & Marshall. I tellya what though- when it's full house- IT'S A FULL HOUSE! And we were even down one because Jason had to work... but we caught up with him the next night. Anyway- a good time was had by all and it was very nice to catch up, relax and just see family for a few days. Who knows when the next time will be... oh probably Christmas right?

Hopefully we all get the opportunity to enjoy our families every once and a while for everything they are and just soak it all in... then say g'bye. LOL!

Hope this finds you well-

AMBER

A few pics to share-

2008-04-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I had wanted to publish, but was having some problems... hopefully this attempt works!

I had put this outfit on Cooper to go pick up Auntie Erika from the airport, and I decided he looked so cute, that it needed to be captured on film... so I said C'mere Cooper, let's take your picture... and this is the cheesey, totally staged smile I got from him... awe, what a ham! Just a lil' show off- like his mommy :) Heh-heh-

CHEERS-

Amber

It's been too long-

2008-04-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lapse in posts... truly I've had some difficulty with 'blogger', but mostly I've just been really really busy.

I'm officially just a stay at home mom now! My last day working was Sunday, April 13th. It's funny how people will ask me what I"m going to do with myself now... umm, they must not have kids! SHEESH! They think I just sit at home all day stuffing my face with bon-bons and painting my nails... yah right, have you seen my nail beds? YIKES!

Anyways, Cooper's outfit this morning was picture worthy, so I said to him "Cooper, let's go take a picture of you;" and these are the facial expressions I got upon requesting a smile from him for the camera. ENJOY... I know I do!

Chase is growing nicely, he keeps me up at night with his circling and whirling around in that belly of mine- I'm excited to meet him, it feels like these last few weeks are taking forever and I just can't wait to see his face and meet him.

I'm looking forward to a nice visit with my ENTIRE family this weekend- very rare for the Landaker side of the family, especially since Erika lives in KY and the rest of us are kinda scattered all over SW WA. I'll post pics of the event later- unless of course they're of my house burning down due to some family craziness... heh-heh... LOL.

Til' next time-
CHEERS-
AMBER
P.S. Will post pictures shortly... having technical difficulties- Thank you for your patience-

FAME! I wanna live forev-uh!

2008-04-02T14:48:00.001-07:00

If this doesn't make you think of disco dancin', fancy pants... full on "I'm a maniac"... well then nothing really does!

Cooper is the kind of kid who just doesn't like to be dirty. So when his pajama bottoms got dirty he took them off and replaced them with Daddy's athletic socks, which let's be honest... look like leg warmers! My little metrosexual... Either way I think he's adorable, but then again, don't I always?

ENJOY-

AMBER

A family visit!

2008-03-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Cooper and I got the opportunity to have dinner with Uncle Andrew while he was in town on business. We grilled him heatedly on when he and Erika would be moving to the greater Portland metro area... I don't think they have any plans for it any time soon... wah wah wah! (Although I'll never give up and never stop trying!)

It was nice to see family and I know Cooper enjoyed saying "oo-doo and-00h" for the rest of the evening and into the next morning... which really is an impressive memory for a two year old! Then again, everything Cooper does is impressive to me, I'm his mommy!

Lastly, attached is a photo of my ever blossoming baby belly- I've received some tongue lashings about not posting pics of myself... so here it is, no more griping from the peanut gallery!

Enjoy-

AMBER

Cooper's Birthday Pool Party!

2008-03-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Cooper doesn't actually turn "2" until Monday, the 24th... but today was his lil' birthday soiree. We decided to get together at the local community center for a pool party and then head back to our place for singing and cupcakes afterwards. We had lots of friends come to swim along with family who watched and waited too.

Cooper's most exciting gift had to be his helmet from Bapa and Nana, but a close second is his shopping equipment (from Grammie & Papa) to go along with his indoor/outdoor kitchen-grill that Mom & Dad got him.

Not that I was shocked, but while we were out swimming, Ripley (our yellow lab) helped himself to the bottom stack of cupcakes. Luckily they were set out on a 3 tiered type platter and only the bottom plate was a fatality! NAUGHTY DOG!

Anyway, it was much fun had by all, and Cooper would like to extend a big thank you for all his presents and all his friends and family coming to play with him for his birthday celebration... THANK YOU!

Talk to you soon-

Amber, Ryan & Cooper

Cafe Sip-n-play

2008-03-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday Coop & I pack up and head over to a little 'kid' coffee shop called Cafe Sip-n-play. They have a completely fenced in play area with toys, blocks, a slide, a kitchen etc. At 10am on Thursdays is the puppet show we go to. Although, Cooper doesn't like to sit and listen to it, he is more interested in playing king of the slide. He monitors who does and does not slide down... very playfull mind you, no bossing around is allowed.

As some of these picture depict, my son likes to strip- first the socks, then he'll try and hide behind something and strip away his pants! (See 2nd picture...) My lil' exhibitionist! Awe...

Hope this finds you well and you're geared up for a great Easter!

Take Care-

CHEERS-

Amber

Welcome Back!

2008-03-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

To the land of the living that is! No pics to present, and very few stories; except for those laced with mucus and near death choking episodes. Sadly, Cooper and I both have been pretty darn sick the last week! (And I mean all day every day for a whole friggin' week!) He seems to be on the mend and his spirits have been good for some time now, so that's really what counts. As for me, I'm happy to report I finally got my voice back this weekend- yah, me... no talking! WHAT HELL!

Anyway, I hope this is the last of things for me for a while. Seriously, I think during this pregnancy I have been more sick than I have been in my entire life combined... what's up with that? Kids are already sucking the life out of me... LOL!

We did get a lot done this weekend though- Ryan put together Cooper's big boy bunk bed, we ordered the firetrucks quilt to go atop, put together the outdoor wrought iron clock and pillar for climbing vines and set up our new dinner table. So alas, even though we were trapped indoors, it didn't stop us from finishing up some odd jobs and tidying up tasks.

Will post pics next time- Hope this finds you well-
AMBER

The joy of potty training-

2008-03-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd give Cooper some 'privacy' while we worked on going potty in the big potty. All was well as I left the bathroom to give him his space. I mean truly, he may be two, but give the guy some space already!

Anyway... alas this is what I returned to, no potty but still a mess just the same. Which by the way, Cooper thought was too funny! Is this how it's supposed to go?... Chuckles-

ENJOY!

Concrete-crunchtime!

2008-03-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

After a grueling 6 weeks for sale :), we've decided to take our home off the market! Instead we are going to just stay put and do a few upgrades that we've been wanting to do and enjoy the home we now have. A good friend gave some great advice, to just make a choice and run with it, but either way do not live in a state of indecision. PERFECT ADVICE! So, having said that we're decided on this route atleast until Chase is 2 or older. So we have a while at this here address!

As you can see, our first order of business was to pour an additional parking area to the left of our home. It's still wet and can't be parked on for a whole month (due to the time of year), but it looks so pretty I just had to share! Parking seems to be at a premium around our neighborhood (especially with our new neighbors having between 5 and 11 cars parked out front at any given time)- we've been wanting to do it for a while and there is no time like the present. We really lucked out on the weather as the nice warm sun will help it cure much nicer than if it were to rain!

I have to say I thought it would take a few days or even a week... but man oh man, I called to set the date on Tuesday morning, they were johnny on the spot to survey it in about 2 hours and the next morning they banged it out! Talk about crunchtime- I'm not complaining!

That's all for now- more to come!

CHEERS-

AMBER

Don't you just love lunch time?

2008-02-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Chicken Noodle anyone?... 'nuf said!

AMBER

Rules of Commentation!

2008-02-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

Apparently the whole business of leaving a comment has gotten way out of hand. Please for the love of everything that is holy, if you read the blog... FRIGGIN' COMMENT! Otherwise, Ryan goes insane and abuses me.

2ndly, if you do comment, and choose to do so 'anonymously' so that you don't have to sign into gmail or what not, please sign your comment with your name or else we don't know who is saying what and therefore cannot get credit for you commentation and Ryan abuses me still! LOL!

Lastly- who told Ryan to read "deathstalker"? Is that even a book or are you sending a subliminal message? Hmm...

Please respond, much appreciated!

AMBER

Lurker Question

2008-02-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

This question goes out to a lurker in Kansas. I believe you had mentioned last summer you were starting to read Sue Grafton's Kinsey Malone books. My questions to you are:

1. Have you started them?
2. How many have you gotten through?
3. Are they any good, meaning do they get better.

I started the first one and am having a tough time with it since it was written in 1982 or so. I need to know if it's worth investing my time. On one hand I'm excited because there are so many potential books to read. On the other hand, I need to know it gets better!

HELP!

Ryan

A bit of "Clarification"-

2008-02-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

There seems to be 'some' confusion as to what will truly go down with our house situation. For now, it is hurting nothing to leave it on the market. I mean really, if we got a full price offer tomorrow, things would just work themselves out. I think mostly I am trying to express my concern to Ryan specifically, that staying at this address is not the punishment he's made it into. Since when did we live in a cardboard box out on the outskirts of the ghetto?

For now, our house remains on the market (as I don't mind keeping up with the cleaning chores... for now) and truly we don't have to accept ANYTHING we don't want to. The ball is entirely in our court. I just want to make sure Ryan will live happily ever after at this address currently, as apposed to revisiting moving/relisting our home every 6 months until some bozo buys it for $3.05... oh wait, my Dad already offered me "305", I guess I shouldn't categorize that person as a bozo then eh? LOL.

Love to all-
AMBER