Nicki And Adam's Family Blog

I forgot to take my camera to Madison to capture the festivities. But, I am pretty sure I can illustrate a decent picture in your minds just by my story: We headed to Madison on Wednesday evening despite Adam's cough and fever. Enough drugs can make anyone enjoyable. We took Maggie Mae with us as well and had dinner in Beaver Dam. She did a fabulous job of entertaining Charlie in the back seat. A normal Wednesday evening was experienced by all. In fact, a normal Thursday was experienced by all....until Russ (my brother) came over. For the past 4 years, we have "themed" out Christmas. Instead of picking names, or buying for everyone, we come up with a theme and create or buy a gift associated with that theme. Past themes have included "the year you were born," "colors," "create the gift around your favorite book," etc...It has been a blast seeing our creative juices put to the test. This year, another element, was thrown in. Bob and Gene...

I don't think I truly understood the joy of Thanksgiving until I became a mother. Sure, I LOVED the food, the football pool, Dan and Russ "picking" on each other and of course the card games. But, what was I ever "thankful" for? This year, I have a list that may make up for my other years of "not getting it." I am thankful for (in no particular order): -A healthy and beautiful baby boy who has turned my life upside down and made it the BEST it can possibly be. I never knew what LOVE was, until I had a child. I get it now! -An amazing husband who works so hard for our family and provides so well. Who treats Charlie like a million dollars everyday. -An awesome god-daughter, Jackie, who found out that she will have Urachal Cyst Surgery done and will now be PAIN FREE!  -Charlie's "best friend forever"-Maggie, who makes Charlie laugh unlike any other (she makes me laugh a lot too!) -Amazing Grandparents on both sides of the family. -Supportiv...

I made some pumpkin cookies to get in the spirit of the Thanksgiving Holiday. These are INCREDIBLE. Mmmmmmm.... 2.5 Cups Flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground clover 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 Cup Butter 1 1/2 Cup Sugar 1 Can pumpkin 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla Glaze for top of cookies: 2 Cups Powdered Sugar 3 Tblsp Milk 1 Tblsp Butter 1 tsp vanilla Mix all together (not glaze of course) and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

My friend Ann challenged us (being anyone who reads her blog) to a food challenge. This is NOT a diet, nor a supposed "fad" to help you loose weight. Adam and I don't care about that one bit. It is simply about eating a diet that is less "processed" than what you ate before.  Each week is suppose to build upon the previous week. To be honest, I am not sure we will be able to do that. However, we will give a valiant attempt at weeks one through nine. Of course, the weeks of Christmas and Thanksgiving are off....let's not be ridiculous.  As I have mentioned, we are going to stop at week 9, or do a modified week 9.  So far, we have done weeks 1 and 2. I LOVED week 1 and week 2 was absolutely NOT a challenge for me whatsoever. Making sure that 6 veggies/fruits are in a day is a great thing. Talk about flavor and feeling wonderful. Week 2-I don't drink much besides water and an occasional juice in the morning. Soda is almost NEVER a part of my diet (ma...

Charlie was a tiger this year. We "trick or treated" around the neighborhood. He was nervous at first, but about 3 houses in, he was "into" it. We worked on practicing our manners of "trick or treat" and "thank you." I know, we are lame parents.... Yup, that is all the help we got out of him. Just sitting there. We carved the pumpkin (daddy and mommy). Always fun to get pictures with the cousins. Kinda drunk? Samantha and her boyfriend Zach. I must have done something wrong, I could never get my HS boyfriends to wear an outfit like that! And the most fun, was just playing with all the candy on the floor!

We had a wonderful time on our vacation to Oregon. Here a few pictures of the highlights: Mommy and Charlie on the beach. Charlie had a blast throwing rocks and wandering around the ocean.  Grandma and Papa Sayre were vacationing out there as well. We all went through the tunnel to the other side where there was more ocean and rocks! During high tide, you cannot get to the other side unless by this tunnel. Momma and the baby and the Dada. Cliff, Charlie, and Adam, with the beautiful rocks in the background. Charlie "spelunking" in a cave with Daddy (not sure where he is...). Charlie playing ball with Brooks (the Jack Russell). Uncle Gene, Charlie and Uncle Bob posing at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Driving peacefully down the road. And then Charlie "steered" them off course....Charlie doesn't like going "straight." Hanging out in the sun at the Ocean House! Thanks Uncle Bob and Uncle Gene for hosting us for the week! We had a great time. Apparently...