Boys will be boys...

I didn't think that Aiden would so quickly find this piece of his anatomy. He did find it and it has now become a nightly toy during his bath time. He also has a small place on his chest from his constant drooling. The interesting thing about it, is that Aaron had one in the exact same place. I went through old photos because I thought I was a little crazy.

By the way, look at this hair he now has! I tried to capture his troll doll look, but no luck.

Santa's other gift...

Dear Santa,
Despereaux was dropped off at our house the night of your visit. He's so small and cute. I really don't want to seem unappreciative, but he's the only gift I would like to return! Please come back to get him. He hides underneath the refrigerator and runs through the kitchen. Duke won't even attempt to kill, oops, I mean play, with him. Please, please, PLEASE, come back for him! I would hate to hurt Despereaux by beating him to death with the broom...
Love,
Sandi

Christmas Day

Aaron and Ali decorated the tree long before Christmas Day. Shh, don't tell them I redecorated to add the pine cone garland. They would be so sad and ANGRY;)


This morning we are in our matchy, matchy pjs (new tradition). They didn't have any in Aiden's size, but he's in his Christmas shirt and Santa hat.


We had Ali read the Christmas story this year. It's really important for us to reread it each year to understand that in the grand scheme of life it's not all about us. That's why I had Ali and Aaron take a few of our neighbors a little something. I want them to know about altruistic values and selfless giving.


We were lucky enough to have Erik's younger brother, Carl, come to our house to celebrate. His mother and grandmother were also here. We had the children open gifts. I am so happy that they all get along so well, now. They're each just about a year apart: 11, 12, & 13.



Look at the enormous table. We put all 3 leaves in the table, hoping that all of our invited guests would show. We were minus 4 guests, but we wouldn't have minded unexpected visitors. I had Erik google napkin decorations and he found this little lily to make. I forgot to take a picture of our food spread. It was very traditional and the green bean casserole was a little undercooked. It seemed that everyone was happy, even cranky Aiden.


I believe Aiden is teething. I can't imagine! He won't even roll over, but he's biting, chewing, and drooling on everything. He's sitting with assistance from the Boppy pillow. He had so much fun opening his gifts. He was really interested in the paper and toys. I am so thankful for him. This time last year...extreme morning (all day) sickness took over. I was actually very terrified about having a new little life to care for. Now, I wake and want to kiss his squishy cheeks and hear his amazing giggle! His fat, squishy legs have so many rolls, that it's hard to clean them. He's wonderful!

I feel really blessed today as I reflect (and drink my real eggnog). I am so happy to be loved and cherished by my wonderful husband and children and my extended family. I have been praying for my friends and their families and know that prayer is how best I can help them. Life can change in a moment, so, each moment is precious and welcomed! It's so nice to hear my family laughing in the next room. They are happy! Now, hearing guitar hero, is a different story...

I hope that everyone has a blessed day and New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone! I thought that the daily Founder's Quote was a good one to ponder!

"Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness."

--Samuel Adams, letter to John Trumbull, 16 October 1778

I hope and wish that everyone's Christmas day is full of happiness!

The Hogan Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I Am The Champion!

I bowled a 300 on the Wii!!!!!!!!! Probably will never happen again, but for now I am enjoying watching Erik try to beat the champion!

Thank you Karen!!!

Thank you so very, very much for the sweetest gift! I love my incredibly large picture and frame! You're wonderful!

Beyond Tired

The Mom Song from Northland Video on Vimeo.

As I am making a scrumptious peanut butter treat for school, I remember this little video and song that my MIL (Karen) sent me:-)

Enjoy

Stress in pictures!

I really wanted a certain person to take our family photos, but it just didn't work out. It's very expensive to have a pictures made. So, we ended up going to JCPenneys. We set aside a budget and Erik sweated bullets waiting to see if I stuck to it;)!!! He knows how I get about pictures! We had our appointment time and showed up 10 minutes early. Almost an hour later, with one sleeping infant, two whiny tweens, and a mother who asked to reschedule...we took our first photo as a family of five.

I decided that I'm too fat, too old, and way too picky! Everyone had something negative about every pose, but we had to get a couple for the family. It was quite an experience. I hope the next time we do this, it goes smoother!!!

Guess how much our photos cost...way UNDER budget!!!!! I almost always stick to the budget we set!

Christmas at Skipstone

We had four adults and seven children go to Christmas at Skipstone. We had fun looking at things to purchase, lights and decorations, entertainment, and neat things to do. Kayla purchased the purse that she wanted for Christmas. Brett really got the elf with the paintball gun. Ali and her friend went down the zip line (across the lake). Aaron and his friend enjoyed the reindeer games. They even roasted marshmallows! Then, everyone had funnel cake. It was ~cold~ but loads of fun...until Aiden became cranky again. So, we called it a night and went home to play video games;). Love that Wii!

I'll post pics later.

A Christmas get together

Ms. Ashley had a get together for the children and their families. It was fun. I saw a few people I knew and met the other parents. She had so many goodies that it was difficult to chose from. We even saw Santa. This was a lot of fun for all. We opened our wonderful gifts. They are so precious! It was really wonderful! Thank you Ms. Ashley!!!!

Aiden was cranky, even after a long nap. So, after we left, he fell asleep again.

Carl's baptism

Erik's younger brother, Carl was baptised at his church's Wednesday service. It was great! This was the best picture.

Dinner Party

Erik and I went to his new company's Christmas dinner party. It was enjoyable. I always feel out of place going to these things. I knew two people: men who had already had a few cocktails. The food was a little over the top, but good.

I got to meet Erik's new boss, Jenks. He was not as I imagined. The only person who was as I imagined, was his supervisor.

I talked to Erik's supervisor's wife. She taught middle school for 8 years and is now a stay at home mom (I'm so envious of her)! I really wish I could stay at home! I was informed that I could not stick to Erik and only talk to him. I tend to be shy until I feel people out. It made me nervous.

We didn't get home until 11:30 and I was tired. Thank you Kayla for watching the big kids and thank you to Ashley for watching the little one! I wish I could say more, but I don't know who watches my blogs and "loose lips sink ships" ;) We had a good time!

A Happy 5 Months

Baby Aiden is five months old today! He is so much fun! Time is flying by so very quickly! It really is work to go to school and work all day! I just want to play with him!!!



Aiden is having so much fun with his big Christmas gift! We decided to give it to him early. He tries so hard to get the frog in his mouth! Then he gets mad and the little veins on his forehead begin to poke out. Erik and I had so much fun watching him play with this!

Dose of Cuteness

It's so difficult to leave this baby with Ms. Ashley during the week! I miss him so much while I'm at work!

Look at how squishy (aka chunky) he looks!

Update: Aiden has not even tried to roll over. He wants to be held constantly and screams when I place him on his tummy. He's now holding onto the bottle or bra when eating. He enjoys pancakes over bananas (shame on mommy for feeding him pancakes) and is interested in what we eat and drink. He loves going for sushi to see Echo and the ladies! He is always really gassy, especially when we tried to do our Christmas shopping this weekend! He still HATES his carseat, but LOVES bathtime! He is not sleeping through the night ... wah, wah, wah =( He wakes once to nurse and come to bed with us. He has cankles =)! Love it! He has three strands of hair that is 2-3 inches long. Those strands usually stick straight up in the air! Love that too! Right now he's especially cranky and wanting his bath, His little lip is poking out and he looks so cute!

Aiden's first gunshow

****Warning...long post with pc out the window****

There were so many things that are going through my mind about the gun show. First, I did enjoy it, except for the people constantly playing with tasers! Second, don't you think that after 4-5 times of them announcing to hold your gun so that it points up, that these people would finally do it. I say these people, because they are in their own world. Erik is part of the group too.

Before even getting into the show, I almost make Erik leave. Stupid parking...stupid people! I'm still mad, but Erik fixed everything and made it better. Smoking! Blah, yuck, ewwwwww! How can they do that?!!! WE walked through too much smoke from cigarettes! Wait in line (without Erik but with Aiden) with people holding rifles, hand guns, AR 15s, dead stuffed squirrels, etc. My nerves begin to fray! Finally Erik comes back and fixes it again making it all better.

We finally get in and OMG...1300 tables! No, I'm not kidding-there were supposed to be 2000 tables. People of various sizes, genders, and ages all drawn like flies to meat at these tables. I saw thugs, gays, straights, and children all looking at the items like Ralphie looked at his Red Ryder BB gun! Some were not knowledgeable and purchased $150-200 cheap guns. We were on a task...furniture for Erik's new AR 15. Thank you dear father-in-law! You made Erik so happy! Furniture, for the non-gun folks, means the grip, stock, and the front end. We were looking for olive drab (od) green. We found some pieces, but didn't purchase them.

I saw many signs, but the one that caught my attention: Pre-Obama Prices. That was funny, but probably true. We got the kids air soft m16 (play) guns. They had so much fun in WV with those. Yes, my children have been schooled on the rules and know more about gun safety than many of the adults I saw at the show. I did feel a little uneasy about how some people were holding their guns, but the announcements helped with that.

After, we went shopping in the "ghetto" and it was my idea! What peaked my interest was the filing cabinets lined up along an abandoned parking lot. They were surprised when a redhead got out and began asking them questions.

I didn't take any photos. I was a little too nervous at the gun show and "ghetto" parking lot. I did enjoy myself, but am glad that we don't go to every gun show. Afterwards, we went Christmas shopping and out to lunch and are almost done with everything! Whoo hooo!!! Stocking stuffers and little stuff are left.

Birthday Extravaganza

Aaron had his 13th birthday today. I am really having a difficult time with this. I can remember him as a baby and toddler. How very little sleep I got those years! His singing in the halls at school. I miss that so much. I scolded him daily about that. Now, I would love to hear his songs!

He wanted sushi for his birthday! We had a beautiful arrangement of rolls. He enjoyed the celebration!

Air and space

On our trip to West Virginia, we took time to take in some learning;)

We went to the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center after picking Erik's brother up from the airport.

Here are Carl, Aaron, Ali, and Erik in the simulators. I can still hear the squeals and laughter!

Here we are at the top of the observation tower. We had so much fun!

Thanksgiving trip

We had a wonderful week in West Virginia! The kids enjoyed seeing grandparents and great-grandparents. Aiden was baptised. We forgot to get a picture of this event. This was our only picture of everyone. We enjoyed our time together and a wonderful meal!

Aiden got to spend time with his grandparents and great-grandparents.

Aiden enjoyed Inga's kisses,oh, I mean licks:)

Grandpa was so funny and even warmed my feet!

Gramme kept me smiling! I have her wrapped around all of my fingers!

Scarecrows

What's with the scarecrows in Braselton Georgia? It was really creepy last night when we drove through that town. Flashbacks to Jeepers Creepers! Ohh, I think that I will never be able to see that movie again!

Great News!

Aaron made all As on his report card. He loves going to school and is a different person! He has never been this happy. Now if he would quit sneaking around at 3am to get on the computer...we'd be set.

Aiden's First Laugh on Video

Our little man has been feeling under the weather for the last couple of days. Tonight he was feeling tons better, and showing it too. You can hear the cough a few times, but so much better then it was. Here he is laughing until his heart is content, then at the end it went down hill. Hope you enjoy.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

4 month check up

Woohoo!!!!!! Aiden weighs 15lbs. 14oz. and is in 61st percentile! He is 24 3/4" and is in the 44th percentile for height. That is better than the 20%tile he was before!!!! He was such a trooper and laughed into the first of four shots. It did take him about 3-4 minutes to calm down, but then he slept through lunch at Slices...mmmmm! Guess what we can start because he is starving...rice cereal and veggies. But wait...he's already had some banana and cereal...bad mommy>:( So, he'll get some cereal, sweet potato or carrots tonight. Can't wait for that diaper;)

A happy 4 months!

Aiden is 4 months old! It seems like a lifetime ago that his birth happened. He's now grasping objects and playing. He giggles and "talks" to us. He chews on everything, but the pacifier. He seems to be my little Linus (from Charlie Brown). He loves to have a blanket to chew. I am so amazed by the love he has for us. He was so happy to see Ali and Aaron this weekend! He wakes up cooing and smiling. Right now, he's looking at himself in the mirror.

:)

I couldn't resist these photos!!!! They were taken two nights ago. I love when he fake cries! He's upset because he can't watch t.v. and he's on his belly.

O'Reilly vs. Einstien:

You would think that a little one would love the little Einstien series of dvds. Nope, not Aiden. He show very little interest in them. He'd rather watch Bill O'Riley or Glenn Beck. Glenn is not on again until January, so, Bill will have to do;)

Hands, sleep, and chins

Just this week, Aiden has found out how to begin controlling his fat rolly polly hands. He is grabbing sister's hair and making her scream (she barely got away as he laughed:)! He's been so sweet playing with his activity mat, grabbing the firefly and butterfly. Now is the time to change one toy out.

He has also started sleeping through the night again. He goes through spurts of sleeping. So, just when my body adjusts it's milk supply to accommodate him, he sleeps through the night. I wake up and am extremely ready for him to eat. He was very surprised by the amount of milk spraying his face:)

As I was peering at his beautiful face while he was sleeping in my arms, I looked at his features. His lips and chin reminded me of daddy. I looked at daddy and low and behold: twins;) Same poofy lips that are slightly turning down at the corners. At any time with no warning, they turn up into a smile while he's sleeping. Also, the same deep crease right above his little chin that comes and goes as he smiles. I just wish that he had the same snuffleupagus lashes that his daddy possesses.

Chunky Monkey

He certainly is gaining weight! He's not a happy boy right now. He had a total of 40 minutes of sleep during the day. He was so excited to take a bath! His legs and arms were moving so fast and he was telling me something that he thought was very important! His noices were loud and forceful with many grunts.

I gave him a little bear and he put it to his mouth and started to eat him! It was so funny! Then he got tired of it and let go. Before we left school and came home, he tinkled out of his diaper and all over one of the other teacher's floor! He had on his huggies. I think we're going to have to stick with pampers.

The Vote is In

Today we left the house at 6:45 a.m. to vote at a small church in Milner. Whew, there was already a line forming. We made it a family affair and had the children in on this action! Loud mouth Ali might not get to come back the next time we visit the polls!!! With a smile and calm voice, I finally said "Feel free to shut up or get away from my screen!" Yes, I used an ugly word, but she was telling daddy Erik that our votes were not matching. I explained that we were on different screens.

After the nice gentleman offered to take this picture, he made a smart comment. Yes, whenever we go somewhere, I feel like we are the Herdman's from the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Just read the first couple chapters of this cute book and you'll get the drift! I don't know what it is, but my usually mellow voice rings loud and clear, then Ali's even louder and clearer. Poor Erik and Aiden my be a little embarassed.

Anyhow, we voted with me being the village idiot...name change. I had not changed me name 5 years ago when I got married. That took a few minutes and we were done by 7:20. How's that time?! I even made it to school with time to spare!

I am very excited! We'll find out who the new president will be soon and tonight was my final night for my gifted endorsement class! I am now certified in gifted education! Hooray! No increase in salary, but the school system paid for my classes and books! A free education is something that I could NOT refuse! Ali had a difficult time accepting the fact that I wanted to take these classes, but I think I will be a "student" whenever I can! I'm just so happy that I'm rambling now! I never had much growing up in a family with 7 children, so, I'll leave you with a thought that I truely believe...Your education can never be taken away from you.

Invasion!

The Hogan clan is invading Milner's little voting area. I wonder if we'll have any long lines where we wait for hours?

A Different Commercial Note about Voting

'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

' On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Halloween

I thought for sure he would hate being bundled up in this suit, but he loved it!

I know that I had given up on Halloween. I still feel uneasy about this holiday and something seems to always go wrong when we take the children to do any festivities, but Ali demanded that we celebrate. Even after we discussed the ER visits, she wanted to go with her friends. So here is Aiden's little costume. Yes, I did wait until there was a limited selection. Oh boy, Ali is going as a UGA fan. She wants me to fix her make-up and hair. In her hair, she wants me to use pipe cleaners to make it stand up. I'm so tired!!!!!! So is Erik!!!!!

This is what is on the bottom of his costume's feet.

Fall Cuteness!

I saw how cute one of my blogger friend's pictures turned out, so I took Aiden outside today in his outfit that Gme got for him. He's growing so quickly that it won't fit much longer. This is one of Daddy's favorite outfits!

He loves his fingers, but will NOT take a pacifier.

That scratch happened this morning when he got mad!

This is the extent of our tummy time. He stayed this way for about the length of time it took me to snap this photo.

We enjoyed the weather and had a wonderful time outside. I wish I had taken a photo of the crazy squirrel that was running around very close to us.

Learning Something New

When you're not expecting it, they learn something new. He loves to bicycle his legs all of the time! Well, I placed him in his crib to put away his clothes. When I do this, I turn on his musical aquarium. A moment later, the music stopped. I thought it needed new batteries. Nope, he had turned it off with his feet. He loves to do it now.

I had to take away mauch of his bedding because it is too fluffy and may play a factor in SIDS. I know, I'm a worry wart, but I'd rather be safe than sorry!

He looks so very different and much bigger than when he was born. It seems that time is swiftly moving and he's only a little over 3 months old!

Erik's little brother came by for a visit and stayed the weekend. All three children (pre-teens whatever!) had fun. I was getting a little worried that I had not heard from them and they were outside with their red riders. Well they were building this "fort" and having a blast!