Baby's 1st Christmas

Here are a few pics of Cole attacking my tree!

Happy Holidays

Now that the Blizzard has passed-I decided I think I may want to work for the county to remove snow! I think I have a lot to offer. Okay I'm joking...Just wanted to wish Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And lets hope this area doesn't get any more snow.

Blizzard of 2009

Looking at the Condo across the parking lot




















I love Ju-Ju in this picture!















Josh and I took turns clearing off the two entrances, our cars and a few of our neighbors!

Every Picture

Happy B-day Brig!



Every Picture I have your Drink is Empty!!!

Wreaths Across America

Cole and I placing our wreath

A tag on the back of the wreath reads....

Multiple trucks like this have hundreds or boxes with wreathes!

Volunteers being briefed


Today we woke up and decided to Volunteer at Arlington Cemetery. It was so good to see so many people helping place the wreaths. My photos seem to be posted backwards but you get the idea. Several people gathered and waited for instructions. After listening to several speakers we lined up behind semi trucks; Josh went up to the truck and unloaded a box. We each placed a wreath and had Cole help us! Thank you Hero's!!!

Watch Out!

Cole is on the move. While we were visiting in WI Cole decided it was time to roam a bit. I have several pics of him crawling most of them he does not have clothes on! It's too hard to move about with slippery socks and tight pants...poor guy!

We are finally back home. I put the tree up and was looking forward to the baby admiring it-Yup, he couldn't care less about it. I did however leave the bottom a little sparse in case he takes an interest to it. Maybe that's why he's not into it.
We are back to the grind here. Josh is back in the office. At night he's working hard on his school work. Hopefully he will be finished around April or May time frame. I went down to the store and pulled for a project. And finally, I am back to working out again. I guess when I was in WI I was on a little break! It was a lot of fun being back in WI hanging out with friends and family. We did get a family picture. Todd didn't know why we were doing it, My dad was sweating like crazy, I just kept laughing, Gary was looking at the other camera every photo and poor Gregg had to put up with me behind him!!!

It's been awhile

We've been busy that's for sure! A few weeks back it all began with a road trip. Alana, Cole, Ju-Ju and myself drove from DC to WI. All went well-there was a few minor set backs. My speeding ticket in Ohio (the state I pay taxes to) I'm beginning to hate that state! Don't worry Alana took a picture so I'll be able to post that once I get it from her. Schmidt's Family restaurant. A suggested restaurant by a toll booth employee. It seems that Green Bean Casserole was the special and when we pulled up front they had a huge cow with veiny utters! Not sure what that was all about so I paid to get back on the interstate to eat at a food chain restaurant! On the positive side it seems that I know most of the words to several New Kids (On the Block) song's. Not sure if I should be proud of that or not. And finally, No I'm not smarter then a 5th grader!!!

We made it safe and sound. It has been great spending time with friends and family.

The first weekend was spent in Madison. Andi and Rey had a beautiful wedding. And after several days of drizzling rain the sun came out full force. I'm so happy they shared their special day with me. The day started with Andi, Sandy, and I picking out the flowers for the wedding at the local farmers Market. Andi and I got our hair done by an extremely funny hair dresser. Church was filled with several out of town guest. And the service was bilingual! It was a beautiful touch. After church the bride and groom, the best man and myself went on a horse carriage ride to the reception. We went around the lake down, State Street, past the Capital! The evening ended with dancing and pizza a brilliant idea by Andi's parent had. It was a perfect snack around 10 when you dance and drink the night away!

Josh completed his first Endurance Challenge. It seems that the hill in Kettle Marine kicked his butt. While we were out Cole spent the weekend with Uncle Todd, Aunt Lana, Uncle Gar and Auntie Brig. We got nothing but good reports on him. I guess his magic powers of rubbing the baby bug are over. I haven't heard any baby news!!! LOL

Ju-Ju hung out at Dan and Alana's. I'm pretty sure if Ju-Ju spends the night again they may need a bigger bed. Three spoiled dogs and two adults that are 6' makes a pretty cozy bed! Alana finally recovered from the nasty (H1N1) flu. Cole and I haven't spent too much time with her because we didn't want to get sick. Happy you are feeling better Alana!

I then attended my first "Ducks Unlimited Banquette" with my dad. I won two prints! Better next luck next time Bob!!!

Cole has been snuggling with Joan, Willy, and Mary. My Dad's neighbors are the best neighbors. They help you out, they laugh with you, and occasionally they cry but it's usually because they are laughing so hard at you!!! We always miss them!

Cole and I went Trick-or Treating with Gracey and Catey! Cole was a football player this year. He even got to wear his snow suit over his costume. Gotta love Wisconsin!!! I also found out that my niece Gracey was given the wrong name. Her really name is "Stacey" Poor Girl. She's been going around 5yrs with the wrong name or maybe she's been going around with a sassy dad that loves to pick on her. You decide!!!

Now Cole and I are in Colorado visiting Josh at work! Josh brought us to the Academy and showed us his favorite running trail! We went to the Garden of the Gods and a few cities that surround Colorado Springs and of course we went shopping. We were lucky enough to meet up with the Hemphill Family. We want to wish Jon and Jess of Colorado good luck with the baby in December! Can't wait to meet the little lady! Since we've been here Coach Dan was at State with the Kaukauna Girls Volleyball Team. They ended up with 2nd place! Great Job!!!

Sooner then later we will be back home. I have a camera full of pictures I need to post and a house that needs a lot of attention...Sorry it's been awhile~

Here we go again!

One dog, One baby, One husband and way too much laundry!!! That's my thought for the day~
Here we go again. Cole and I are excited for Alana to get to our house, once she's here our road trip will begin. I've spent the day washing blankets and getting ready for the trip. I can't wait to see my friends and family. And I really can't wait to celebrate Andi's wedding. Hopefully this will be the happy baby that travels with me. C-ya soon!

Monuments

Today started off crisp and cool! But as the day went on it was so nice out we decided to take Cole to see the Monuments! We had a great time.

We took several pictures to put in his baby book. We were afraid there wouldn't be too many warm days out this year and next year who knows how long we will be here!

I know everyone is wondering were is Cole's Buckeye clothes-trust me that was the first thing Josh asked when he got up-"Why isn't Cole wearing his Ohio clothes?" Darn Badgers I hate when they lose!!! We had a great weekend even if our home states played one another. They can't both win....

Next weekend I start my road trip with"Louise!" I'm driving back to WI for Andi's Wedding! Yes it here already!!! I will be sure to take several pics at her wedding in Madison too. I may be a "slacker" at posting the Blog. Grandpa Bob doesn't have Internet-Hell, he doesn't even have cable! So bare with me a few weeks.

Birthday Boys!!!

ZANE

TODD

If you see Todd or Zane today make sure to wish them a Happy Birthday! Todd and Lana, Gary and Brig are also celebrating there wedding anniversary! Sounds like a weekend with lots of yummy cake!!! Miss you all~

X's and O's

You Say It's Your Birthday....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALANA!!!

Thank You For Dan

Preparing to mow the grass

Happy Birthday Big Papa!

Happy Birthday Josh

Any who...

Our house is slowly getting back in order. We have a mom, dad, baby, and dog all living together. Josh has been in Tampa Florida (TDY) living the life near the beach and having a maid. Hopefully he remembers the maid service is over! I'm a part time single mom! Soon he will be in Colorado. Cole and I may have to visit him a few days while he is there. Josh lived there for several years while he went to school. At one point he never wanted to go back but I think it was to the Academy not Colorado Springs!

This past weekend I found a dress for Andi's wedding. She let me pick out my own dress. I just had to find something that I felt was a fall color. I was putting it off until now because in the summer there are so many vibrant colors or pastels. And I wanted to drop a few baby pounds. But I completely forgot about Homecoming and was shopping with a bunch of flatted chested tiny girls! Get out of my way I have a bridesmaid dress to buy! Josh and Cole helped me pick one out after three stores. Not Bad! You'll have to wait until the end of Oct. for a picture.

We had a good laugh at lunch. Josh ordered a beer while we watched the Red Skins lose. He picked up the glass and the bottom of the glass just came apart. He didn't even take drink and the bottom came out! I laughed for 5 minutes straight-it was so weird. I have no idea what happened or why. All I know is there was beer all over our table. The glass wasn't sharp-it was just weird. Out loud I explain "It was badly blown" Something I don't think you should say out loud at TGI Fridays during a football game! Opps-

This morning Cole had his 4month check up. I know several had bets on where he would be on the chart....Are you ready? He's 50% for height and weight! We may have to chose a new career path for him-when he was 15% we thought we would get him interested in horses so he could be a jockey however now he may be too big for the horse! I'll keep you posted.

Right now he's taking a cat nap! It was a pretty big morning. Like any doctors office it was super cold; and he managed to pee on the exam table when his bare back laid on that piece of paper! Brrrrrr! Then I had to bring him in for his shots after his exam. So my little man is wore out!

Poor Guy.

Lately our friends and family have been having lots of Birthdays. Hopefully everyone is enjoying there special day. I know Monte-was waiting for cake when we spoke with him on Saturday! So if I forgot anyone-it's just a busy time of year for B-days! (Uncle Rob, Drew, Ethan, Pam...and a lot more the first part of October) Like always, save a piece of cake for me! Yum!!!

My Rant of the month-Comcast our phone, Internet and cable service. They Stink! Our house phone hasn't had great service in months it reminds me of a cell phone-like it's dropping a call. I can hear you but you can't hear me! It's so annoying. Of course Josh is out of town so having a conversation is a nightmare when he has to keep asking-Are you there? Can you hear me?

So I have the tech come check it out several times. Now not only my phone doesn't work either does the cable. While you watch t.v. it's like a scratched dvd. It's all pixillated. Agh! Is it going to end? The sad thing is the tech that checks the phone has to request the service people to check the outside box. So the circle continues....

Happy B-Day "E"

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Rumor has it Ethan is having his first "Birthday Sleepover Party" What's a few more boys at the Granger house hold?

I can't wait to hear all about it. Happy Birthday and Miss You Much!

AF Marathon 2010

Congratulations Racers!

Racer's are you ready?

Cole is no stranger to hogging the bed!

I just packed up the Pack n' Play! I will not have this little guy hogging the bed again. Just wanted to wish the racers good luck-We will see you all soon!

Run So Far-Run So Fast!

Drew

Drew has a B-Day this weekend.

Don't party too hard! And save some cake for me!

Happy Birthday Drew!

Sorry Josh

The past few years Ju-Ju gets in between mine and Josh's battles. Ti's the season for college football and whatever team wins is the collar Ju-Ju wears for the week. Well, as you can see Cole is in on it too! Good thing both Ju-Ju and Cole love "Bucky the Badger" over "Brutus the Buckeye"....GO BADGERS!!!

I have to give a thanks to Drew for picking out this outfit for Cole-I know he will get a lot of use out of it! Hee Hee!!!

We are getting ready for our Annual trip to the Air Force Marathon. Okay maybe I'm not getting ready yet but I hope the racers are!!! Everyday has something planned for us. It will be a quick and fast trip-we just have too many people to see in too short of time.

Last week I did a little outlet shopping! I found some cute things. I can tell you already Cole is good on clothes until he gets in the toddler section-I've been putting things aside when I find a good buy! Now I just need a bigger closet to store it all in-Maybe this Condo is a blessing!!! I need to control myself.

Well, our little man is quickly approaching 4 months. I need to set up his wellness appointment. I know you are all making bets to see what percentage he will be for height this time!
He is getting big so fast. He's been rolling over for awhile. At first it was out of anger! And only once in awhile. Now he's getting the hang of it!!! And rolls over all the time.

I hope all the kids are getting the swing of school-And getting good grades! I'll be asking your parents soon! Be good and behave!

She Misses Me!

Here's Bella Jean...I know she misses me!

Are you kidding me?

I need some help before I lose my mind. Let me rewind a little bit. My neighbor has been having some issues holding a job. He's had more the past year or so then I have had my hole life including the radom babysitting jobs I had when I was a kid!
First there was an "Alfa Dog" in the office-His words, Not mine. Then there was the "military guy" that they didn't see eye to eye. Then there was they "young guy" and the "women" in the office. So needless to say he has issue with everyone except for other 60 yr old males.
Now that he is bored and home and collecting unemployment he has been watering the plants in front of the condo. Okay, he's not only watering the plants he sprays my windows every time. I want to scream. Josh's suggestion is for me to get the hose and water the plants and spray up to his windows!
I know I wanted to pound on the window and give him the cut throat gesture like my dad would. But Cole was sleeping. So he lucked out. And it's not the first time. I just keep thinking-"Are you kidding me?" To give you a full picture we have a lawn service that the condo association supplies. So he's just bored!!! Help! how can I tell him to stop and not rub my neighbor the wrong way? Any suggestions?

Long Weekend

I can't believe summer is over-What happened to it? It went by so fast. As much as I love summer, I always love the fall! When you can wear shorts and a hooded sweatshirt (one of my favorite outfits). The sun feels so warm. Ahhh... I love the fall! College football games start. The smell of burnt leaves... just too many things to list!

The past few days I have been puppy sitting Bella. She is spoiled rotten and is very needy. I wanted to kill her a few times. First her flaws: She does this ear flap thing-so loud she wakes up Cole. She barks/yaps and is snottie-pa-tootie. She is smothered with love and gets way too many dog treats and snorts because she is overweight...I could keep going but then it would sound like I don't love her. But after all that she has a super cute face and really all her flaws aren't her fault. She doesn't spend much time with people or any other dogs so it's sort of sad.

I worry about her the more active Cole gets. There's just not enough me to go around. Only a few more days and her owners will be back from Paris. Poor Bella or Poor Me???

To add to my Bella issues. She hates bikes, she's an awful walker, and isn't friendly at all to people or other dogs. So bringing her out around our house just doesn't really work! To top it off Ju-Ju pissed on her because she walked right it in. So Bella got a bath... Breath-only a few more days. I almost forgot, poor Ju-Ju has an ear infection.

Josh and I were able to grill out, run some errands, and managed to spend the day by the pool with Cole. I wish we had a few more long weekends. As this year comes to an end (fast) our calendar doesn't have much room. I have all these colored boxes. Josh will be in and out and Cole, Ju-Ju and I may hit the road again so we can visit him.

Hope everyone had fun this past long weekend!

Bring It Back

Last week Josh participated in "Bring it Back"

Since I new he was doing this I thought Cole should support him! The Air Force has a new uniform. It's digital light Camo!

Josh complains to me all the time about the new uniform. He says it's hot-or it feels like he's wearing a tent! My favorite is when he emails me and tells me he's melting! For some reason he misses this uniform. When he came home I snapped a picture of him and Cole in his old uniform (that he loves) before it goes back in the trunk in the bottom of his closet!

I'll miss you old Uniform! Love Josh

Quick Question

Too Cool!

Yesterday Ju-Ju went to get his haircut. He looks so cute and smells yummy! Every time he has to go he puts on a big show. First we ask him "Ju-Ju, wanna get a haircut?" and he's super excited. If you have a dog, you know if you say "you wanna____" anything he's usually super excited!

We get his paperwork ready and we go to the groomer. Again he is so excited to be in the car! We pull up he gets out and he's still so happy! I often think What's wrong with him. We walk thru the doors and enter the grooming area and it hits him like a ton of bricks. He starts shaking and grabbing his own leash with his mouth. He even shivers in the corner. Drama!!! And lots of it! Award Winning Drama!!! After I sign him in he starts to cry. His groomer Talana always talks "baby talk" to him and ask him what's wrong. After a few hours of pampering we pick him up and he's so cute!!! And he knows it. He struts his stuff! Prancing!!! Josh and I are almost embarrassed. It's just too cute.

Captain Adorable

Captain Adorable

is here to save the day!!!

OshKoshB'gosh

Thanks GB for the Bibs!

Little boys always look so cute in OshKoshB'gosh overalls. I think it's a must have and so did Grandpa Bob! Otherwise he's just keeping a good WI name alive!!! Not too much going on here. It's still humid out! Leaving just a little time in the morning or late in the evening to be outside with the baby and the dog! This weekend we will have family time together before everyone is off and running again! I hope it's not too hot outside. It sure would be nice to spend time outside during the day; and not have to race the sun!

Yikes!

It's Hot!!! It's almost 9:30 at night and it's still 88 degrees out....agh! Not too much happened last week. Rumor has it my brother Gary and Todd have the "runners bug" and plan on doing the Fox Cities Marathon! I'm super excited for them. I can't be the only chubby one in the family so I hit it in high gear and recently am taking advantage the nights Josh is home. This way I can get a few extra miles in without Cole and Ju-Ju. They are both great company however the many stops of people wanting to see the baby, pet the dog, puppy potty spots, Cole spitting out his Nuk a mile walk can take several minutes and turns more into a stroll! But I love my time with the boys so I hit the pavement at night when both of them are wore out from the day and it's "Papa Time"



Josh will be doing the Air Force Marathon again. We are making plans for them right now. Hopefully we can pull everything together. April, Richard, and Ethan are going to join us this year. Bobbi and Virgil live in the local area so it will be a nice get together for all of us. Chris, Dan, Chuck and Deanna will be running too. There will be several people that we know this year. Making the short time that we have in Ohio go by super fast. The past few years Josh's family all bring the kids to the hotel and we go swimming hopefully they will be up for that again! I just hope Josh can stay a little longer he will be TDY in Floridia around that time. So the short trip may even be shorter! Time will tell.

Wait a minute...

Giving a shoot out to Good Ole Bob Ross!

Way too many people have been asking who does Cole look like-We have an answer Bob Ross!!!

Bumbo

Cole is hanging out in his Bumbo Chair! He looks so Big!!!
I think he going to drive stick! He's got his arm up and just chillin'.I don't want to chat only about Cole...but he's so cute.

Today was his 2 month check up. We found out that he is healthy and short! But Josh, Ju-Ju, and I decided we would keep him. Ha! Ha! Ha!

No free Baby today!

Please Vote

Should this be our 2009 Christmas card?

Yes_____ or No_____

When we hit the road with Ju-Ju once in awhile we run across areas that aren't too pet friendly. And when we don't make reservations ahead we get ourselves in a pickle. Let me explain...

We were on the road and needed a place to spend the night. We pull out our handy GPS (that we named Jill) and look for hotels in the area. We start by calling familiar hotels asking them if they are pet friendly. Then we ask the rate or deposit for pets and then we ask availability. Last Friday we didn't have much luck. We starting asking hotels if they knew of any places that were pet friendly...By the photo above you can tell we found a place! Our option was a Single King Smoking or a Jacuzzi Suite Non Smoking! So we went with the Jacuzzi suite and laughed until we started to cry! I'm sure many of movies have been made in this hotel room-however it may be the first Christmas card!

Here Fishy Fishy...

And Just think~One got away!!!

Bored

Is this baby bored?

Short Visit!

Todd was here! Last week Todd had an out of town job in Fredericksburg, VA. He flew into Reagan. I wish Josh was here to spend time with him but it was fun ordering out food just Cole, Todd and I! We didn't see too many sights-it was a quick trip but I was so happy to see him.

Thanks for visiting us! If you are working in this area make sure you hang out with us!

Ribbet!

Ribbet! I'm using my frog wash cloth...

It's getting a little chilly in here-I don't like it!!!

I covered all my parts with my wash cloth...PIG!

Who's Next?

How do babies always find the TAG?

Josh is taking on a new job! He currently moved into a new building and was finally placed. Cole and I are a little sad because he will travel a lot; weeks and maybe months at a time. He left already this week and is due back the 2nd week in July. Cole, Ju-Ju, and I may take a road trip to see him and some friends of ours that moved to Hershey Pennsylvania. If your gonna pack your bags you might as well go all out!

Hershey will be a win win for me! I will get to see my friends that I miss so much and I get to unload my maternity clothes to Farrah! Farrah and Jason are expecting!

Josh and I decided Cole is "contagious" Jess and John were here only a few days after Cole was born. Jess asked to hold him knowing I was worried about his little immune system! Josh asked her to wash her hands and warned her he is contagious! Josh then told a story-a true story...how I asked to hold a baby at a promotion party and wham we ended up pregnant and had Cole! Ta-da it's true! Jess and John will be expecting in February! We all know it comes in threes-Who's Next???

We still are pretty busy at this house. Josh continues to take online courses to finish his Masters. Hopefully he can pick up an extra class. If not he still has a goal he wants to be done by.

Ju-Ju and I are getting back into shape! We have been out on the trail-There's a small window durning the day Cole is just too little to be out with that sort of humidity and the pup isn't a fan either!

Lookin' Good!

Birthday Wishes!

Happy Birthday To You...

We Love You Lana!