New pictures

I had to use the outtake from our recent family photo session for a new header for our family website. It really just sums up our family right now. Mike and I are playing referee trying to help them and avoid them hurting each other. Nathan being protective. Laura trying to be mothering in her overbearing 2 year old way. And poor Noah just stuck in between all of this. This is just living in the every day lives of family Lacerda, which is what I want to capture with my little online journal.

Thank you so much to my dear friend Dusti for taking pictures of our family. I really wouldn't have any family photos if it weren't for her. She is so generous and caring and wonderful to give me this special gift. Her photos are wonderful and I will be sharing more soon - I am just trying to get our Christmas card done. She is right about the outtakes being the best shots! Thanks Dusti for being such a loving friend.

It's a flying saucer!

So, I got the famous exersaucer out for Noah to give the poor child a change of pace from the floor and bouncy seat. So, he is only three months old and should be four. So, he can't really hold himself up without the extra support of the blankets. So, he just looks so darn cute. Nathan and Laura loved this thing as babies and I have to say I loved being able to put them in something that allowed me to cook dinner. I just laughed when Laura dubbed it a 'flying saucer'! Nathan caught on and now moves the thing around the kitchen just like a flying saucer. Oh well, I wanted entertainment right?!?

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

Every year the city of Roseville has a little neighborhood Santa tour at night. Usually Santa is escorted by a firetruck and tosses candy canes to kids in the street, but this year he got a POLICE escort. The kids really think this is neat to hear sirens and run outside to see what is happening. We live in a great area that is always doing things for the kids. It is something Mike and I look forward to each and every year.

that is a snow mobile you see...

Waiting for Santa to do a 'drive-by'

rubbing cold noses!

The girl has a sweet tooth!

Yes, my daughter has the biggest sweet tooth. This morning I caught her scooping the remaining syrup up with her hands and shoveling it into her mouth. It is not enough to simply use the syrup for her mini pancakes, no, she needs to get every last morsel. Yes, she did use the banana slices to further slop up any remains of syrupy goodness left. I yelled at her in shock and then had to crack a smile and pick up my camera because I am a scrapbooker after all and isn't this the kind of childhood memory that matters?!

A 'little' angel

Okay, is there anything better or more angelic than a sleeping baby?!? I say "little" because my sweet baby boy is almost three months old now and has been mistaken more than once for the likes of a SIX month old. Eiyiyi!!! I know he is bigger than Nathan and Laura were but he just melts my heart with his chubby little legs and cheeks. He is really smiling and giggling now and I just can't imagine our family without him!

Have a good checkpoint Daddy!

This is a popular saying at our house from the mind and mouth of little Laura. It came about because we try to wish Daddy to have a good appointment upon leaving the house and when he returns he taught Nathan to ask if he got a check. Laura has interpreted this now when he leaves to say 'Have a good checkpoint Daddy'! It just makes us all laugh!

My lonely corn cobs

I saw this cute little project in Family Fun magazine and wanted to give it a try with the kids for a Thanksgiving favor/table decoration. My idea was to have Nathan and Laura work on these while we were preparing the feast at my parents to keep them busy while we cooked but the plan didn't go as planned. My poor mom and dad ended up making these and I think they did a great job. My second plan was to bring them along to the Dobies when we were scheduled to have a feast with them on Saturday but since sickness ran through our house we had to cancel on them. So here they are, lonely little corn cobs filled with candy with no Thanksgiving feast to be a part of. I guess I will just have to have a little late night feast of my own to enjoy them!

Cute little t-shirt

My very good, sweet friend Donna made this adorable shirt for Noah. I just laughed out loud when she told me about it. I think it is a hoot and Nathan and Laura have been totally cracking up about it too. She made another really cute one that I don't have a picture of yet but will soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been really sentimental about Nathan's first Thanksgiving back in Nov of 2003, look at us now! What once was old is new again...what a diffence 5 years makes!
We celebrated Thanksgiving this year on black Friday. My brother, his fiance, her son and her parents came to dinner at my mom and dad's house. It was a long day but the food was yummy and the company was good. My dad's mom and dad were there also to enjoy the day. I was very sentimental about Noah's first Thanksgiving - it totally took me back to the first one with Nathan. I had to put this really cute outfit on Noah. I am just surprised that my littlest one is the biggest one! Nathan was 4 months old in Nov of 2003 and Noah sits about 2 1/2 months in Nov 2008 but looks even bigger than Nathan did. I am amazed at how much I have aged as well - shocking what 5 years and 3 kids will do to your face - ugh!

The undershirt

Oh my darling daughter! I recently purchased undershirts for both Nathan and Laura explaining that they will help keep their chest nice and warm during this cold weather. Every time Laura puts one on or changes clothes, it is announced 'Look Mommy, this is my undershirt, it keeps my boobies warm!' I have to really hide the smile and laughter.

Little Mommy Cuddle and Coo Dolly

So yesterday I was at Wal-Mart doing some grocery and misc shopping and Laura happened upon this doll with my mom. This doll cries and coos and moves and gurgles and you get the point. You put the pacifier or bottle in the mouth to soothe it. Laura decides she has to have this doll and I am like no way, maybe for Christmas but not today. So I cave and at least let her carry the thing around the store. She is up and down the aisles of the store talking and being mommy to this thing and making everyone, including me and my mom laugh out loud.

Laura says: 'It's okay, it's okay, I'm here.....I know, I know, I know it's hard but I am here to take care of you.....I am a good mommy......Noah, Noah, Noah (singing)......Mommy, my baby has to take a nap, she has to take a nap right now so be quiet!.......I love this baby

Needless to say, my mom is buying the doll for her for Christmas, but to actually hear some of the things she was saying had everyone around us in stitches. One lady even commented that if we didn't buy the thing for her she would! My only concern is all of the things she seems to be repeating that she hears me say - and I promise I don't go around saying 'I am a good mommy' out loud to my children. Oh my sweet daughter!