Stoop'n in the Pleasant Mountains

Look what I got...

2011-03-09T13:57:00.001-06:00

From the sweetest husband and boys ever!!!! Thank you...you always know how to brighten my day!!

Omaha Children's Museum

2011-02-19T07:17:00.004-06:00

We were able to get to go to Omaha for a few days to see Regan's parents new house and hang out in Omaha before I got too huge to travel! We had a great time - the boys really enjoyed the Children's Museum..here are a few pics!!

Blizzard 2011

2011-02-05T07:54:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-18T15:11:00.006-06:00

Well, it has been quite a year for our family. I'll start at the beginning and work our way through...We started the year out with Regan's second round of thyroid cancer surgery -it had moved to his lymph nodes. The surgery went great and after a radioactive iodine treatment in August, he is now cancer free! We are thankful for wonderful doctors and surgeons at the University of Iowa Hospitals, and we feel he is very well looked after and taken care of. The rest of winter was filled with trips to Iowa City for check ups and healing for Regan.
Springtime was a much welcomed change from the cold and filled with many, many hours spent in the backyard playing baseball with the boys, walking downtown, and going to parks with friends!! Our biggest news during the Spring was the arrival of our new puppy Chloe!! We really enjoy having a puppy and she quickly became a member of our family.
Our biggest summer news would have to be a big trip to Wichita for Regan's brother Ryan's wedding! It was a beautiful day, great to see family and friends, and probably to everyone's surprise...seeing Carson and Jack (the cutest ring bearers ever!) actually walk/run down the isle!! It was a special day and we love our new sister-in-law!!
I guess August is technically summer, so maybe this is our biggest summer news...we found out we were expecting another baby in April, another baby boy (I am living that old show "My Three Sons"), but we are very excited and thankful for this baby! I have been feeling really, really great!! I have been so thankful for how I have been feeling since I have two little guys keeping me pretty busy!! The end of our August was pretty fun too - to celebrate Carson's 4th birthday we took a special friend and his family on a train trip to Burlington - he (and Jack) loved it!!!
In the Fall our first baby boy started preschool...where has the time gone?! He loves school and we could not ask for a better preschool for him to be a part of. He goes three afternoons a week (which pregnant mommy is thankful for because that means she gets a nap after she lays Jack down!). We just attended his Holiday Program, which he would not perform in (he sat on my lap), but we are patiently waiting for him to break through his shell. Until then we will let him do what he needs to do to be comfortable!! As you can tell, Carson is a little shy, but he is also very thoughtful, creative, intelligent, a great big brother, and can hold his own on any field or court!! We are very proud of him and love watching him grow and change everyday!!
Also, in October Jack turned 2!!! He is almost as big as his big brother, now sleeps in the bottom of the bunk beds, and thinks he's 4 most of the time. He has really started talking, definitely has a personality all his own, wants to be with and do everything his big brother is doing, and he is starting to figure out this whole "new baby" thing!! He loves to kiss my tummy and say "my baby" - he's going to be a great big brother! He is such a sweetheart and we are so thankful to have Jack keeping us on our toes!!!!
Well, I guess that about sums up our year in a few (maybe more than a few!) words!! We have been blessed beyond belief this year and thank God everyday for all He does for us! We look forward to a new year, a new baby, and the new adventures it will hold!!!! We'll do our best to keep up the blog and keep you updated on our lives!!

Family Photos!

2010-12-11T19:54:00.003-06:00

A friend of ours came and took some (well, she took 1,130 or so) family pictures for us - we love them. Here are just a few, maybe more later!!!!!

Hayden Jacob Stoops!

2010-12-07T15:13:00.002-06:00

Here he is...well, in my belly anyway!! We finally picked a name and are so excited to meet our newest baby boy!! We are 21 weeks and 6 days. He's perfect, growing everyday!!!!

We're back...finally and have something special to show you!!!!

2010-12-02T20:56:00.002-06:00

Here is Baby Boy #3...haven't decided on a name yet, but he is growing perfectly and looks very healthy! We are anxious for his arrival around April 14th!!! Sorry for the very, very, very long delay in posts, but I will try to be batter!! Lots of things going on at our house that we'd love to share with you!!

Wow...I am sorry, It's been so long...

2010-06-09T19:32:00.004-05:00

Regan even has Carson trained...we had to hang the KU flag on the garage door and he HAD to touch it each time he rode by...we've created a monster!!!Carson is such a great helper!!! Rosy cheeks and all!!This is Jack's idea of helping...Time for t-ball!

Cleanest tires in Mt. Pleasant!!!
Sorry...I'll try to be better!! Not sure what's gotten into me!

Our little Ring Bearers!!

2010-05-14T08:02:00.004-05:00

This summer Ryan and Jenny are getting married!!!! Here are the cutest Ring Bearers you will ever see!!!! Now lets just hope they actually walk down the aisle, without tears, running, fighting, you know - all the silly things little boys do!!!!

What's been going on...

2010-05-08T08:04:00.004-05:00

Jack's first finger painting experience: on paper...and in hair!!!!!Carson's Train Show! Carson set up this "train show" on the desk in the kitchen. It was there for days and he would stand on that chair for hours playing with those trains! We talked him into moving it down to the basement...now the "drum room" is the "train show room"!!! He sure knows how to play with his trains!
Chloe!!!

Maraca!! Our missionary, Nzunga, came to Mt. Pleasant a couple of weeks ago and Carson loved him and he loved Carson! He sent this maraca, made in Haiti, to Carson - it's awesome that Carson gets to meet such amazing people!!!!
Carson was giving daddy and Jack a piggy back ride!!!
Last week we went to Carson's preschool registration night - crazy, I know!!! We are very excited and he already talks about preschool every day!!! He will be going to Grasshopper Green 3 afternoons a week - he is growing up so fast!!!!

A morning with Mommy!

2010-04-21T13:31:00.004-05:00

The boys and I went to the park this morning and had a blast! Just us hanging out, doing whatever we wanted - we needed a mommy/boys day - it was great!!!!Peek!!!
Jack loved doing this, but these bars scar me - how are these supposed to keep kids safe when they can fit right though?!!!

Not the greatest picture, but if you can see Carson he is climbing ON TOP of the tunnel slide...where did he learn this? Ask Regan...(who told Regan to stop because he was not being a great example? I give you one guess!)
Love this!!!!
"Brother?"
On our picnic...

Carson wanted me to video him climbing...

Chloe!

2010-04-11T21:59:00.003-05:00

We got a puppy this weekend! Darryl, Hollie, Taylor, and Payton delivered her to us from Missouri! We love her and can't thank them enough for bringing her to us!!! I'll get more pictures and videos up soon...time for bed, we have a "baby" in the house again!!!!

Soccer Camp!

2010-04-05T20:23:00.002-05:00

Tonight we took Carson to his first ever camp!! Soccer is not his favorite sport and we don't know much about it. It was for 3-5 year olds, so we thought a great way to make new friends and a great way to learn more about soccer!! A few tears were shed, but overall I think he had a good time and is looking forward to next week!!

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

SURPRISE!!! We hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend celebrating our Risen Savior and spending time with family!!! We started off our weekend with an Easter Egg Hunt at church!

Carson and Regan making his "basket" for the Easter Egg Hunt at church.Jack found an egg, immediately popped it open and wanting the wrapper off of the Tootsie Roll - smart kid!!
Jack was bending down to get an egg and Sophia swooped in and grabbed it. Jack was not very happy...
But Sophia is a sweet little girl and gave it back to him!
Jack checking out what's inside as Sophia moved on a found more eggs!!
Carson getting into his candy!!
Carson with Levi, a youth at church, Carson favorite buddy and mommy and daddy's greatest helper!! Thanks for your help Levi (as always!)
Regan reading the real Easter story to the kids, with Carson right by his side, asking questions on every page!!!!
Time to dye our eggs!! Carson was writing his name on this egg!!Regan and Jack enjoying a cracked egg in the background!!
"Dying Easter eggs is fun!!"
"Yeah!!!!"

Our first picnic on the deck, under the gazebo, and on our "new" table!
Who's this super star at our church on Easter morning?!!
Carson "hid" the eggs for me!!! It was a tough hunt...

Closing his eyes while I hid the eggs for him.

Peeling a cracked egg...
Eating the egg - I am very surprised he even tried this, but he ended up eating quite a few eggs! Just like daddy!!
Carson was blowing bubbles for Jack...
Peek...

Sand table!!! Jack just flung sand in his face!

Catching up...

2010-03-13T10:17:00.006-06:00

Building super tall towers!"Look it's almost as tall as me!" - CarsonPlaying together....

Look out! Jack's looking a little ornery in this picture!
Getting so big and coordinated!!
Robot face and Jack!!

It's Spiderman!!! Is it Carson or Jack? Can you tell by the eyes?
Big hint: Spiderman and his puppy!!!
(It's Jack!)

Sorry for the delay. Our camera is getting really bad. I am going to use my birthday money to get a new camera so I can keep you all up on what happening in the Land of Stoops! Plus Spring is coming and the perfect time to take lots of beautiful pictures as we play outside. Thanks for your patience - keep checking, I'll do my best with our silly camera that likes to make all pictures blurry!!

Finally...a little catch up with the Stoops' Boys!!!

2010-02-02T10:33:00.006-06:00

Jack in the box!!!Having fun on the airplane. This picture was taken after we talked Carson into pushing Jack after "little brother" pushed Carson for about 20 minutes!!!
Who's bigger?
Angel Baby!
How cute is this picture?!!!
Blowing everyone a kiss!!!
Jack was ready for pictures this time...
Carson not so much - he was busy!
Fixing his hair! Jodi are you proud?!!!!!
Fixing brothers hair!!
Here's Carson being cheesy!!!
This picture was taken forever ago - Carson and I made a city with tunnel around his train track!!
These were also taken forever ago. Carson got a limbo game for Christmas and we played it one afternoon...by we I mean Regan and the boys!!

Jack's got the right idea!
Jack wanted to move the poles...Carson did not want to move the poles...

Retaliation...Look who won!!!
The face of innocence!!!!
Carson wearing his new Snuggie Grandma Tori made him!! He loves it!! Thanks Mom!

Sorry for the broken promise - it's been a little crazy around here!!!! Will work hard to keep the pictures coming!!!! We are working on a "new camera fund", so they will be better and more fun to take!!!!

I promise...

2010-01-26T08:36:00.002-06:00

I will try to take new pics of the boys and get them up here soon. I know you all love to see Regan's incision, but Carson and Jack are much cuter than that!!!!! Sorry I've been a blog slacker lately...a little busy being wife, mommy, nurse, house cleaner, cook (although not until lately, thanks to our wonderful church family), playmate, bath giver, and van driver!! I am not complaining! God has really blessed us these past few weeks and gotten me through lots of trials - the boys are giving me sleeping trouble and our strong willed 3-year-old is testing me a little everyday! I wouldn't have it any other way right now (I guess!), but I am looking forward to Regan feeling better, not just for me and the boy's sake, but for his - keep praying for his recovery and healing of his incision! Thanks - the boys will be back on here soon!!!!!

A Regan Update:

2010-01-20T16:38:00.007-06:00

Last Thursday Regan had surgery on his neck to remove the thyroid cancer from his lymph nodes. It was a long day that started at 3:30 in the morning (surgery was at 7:15 am) and for those of us who came home, we didn't arrive back home until around 9. The surgery lasted 5 1/2 hours and went just the way the surgeon wanted it to go and they were able to get out all the lymph nodes they wanted to get!! Robin, Jake, and I waited to see Regan until 3:00 in the afternoon...ugh! I went and picked him up Saturday morning to bring him home with the drain still in, so that meant that I got to empty that and measure the amount of "fluid" that was coming out...not as gross as it sounds!! And I still am cleaning his incision 3 times a day...Nurse Katie is my new name!! Robin, Kathy, Regan, the boys, and I had a "relaxing" weekend at home to let the healing process begin!! I took him Tuesday morning back to Iowa City to get the drain out - he felt 100% better after they took it out!!! Tomorrow morning we go to our doctor here in town to get his stitches out! In a month Regan will go back to meet with the surgeon for a check up and talk about what the next step is for him in this process! We thank you all for the prayers and look forward to getting this whole process over with, but are truly thankful for our family and our church family!! Our church family has been bringing meals for almost a week and let me tell you, they are delicious!!!!

Sledding in Norfolk aka "The Arctic"!!

2010-01-11T20:34:00.003-06:00

At the beginning of the month we went to Norfolk to Regan's parents to celebrate Christmas. The boys got an early present - sleds, so we had to try them out!! Little did we know that it was like 8 degrees, until we got outside. Jack and I left shortly after we got to the "sledding sight" and the rest of the boys followed shortly!! But I was able to get a few shots!

That tiny black and red speck is Carson and the line a little in front on him is a 10 foot drop off into a little creep, needless to say I was panicking just a little as he just kept going and going on his new "rocket sled"!!!

Here is Jack in his very own toddler sled with a seat and buckle to keep him safely inside - he went super fast too, so daddy had to chase him down!!

Quite a hill to go back up...luckily Regan is strong and can pull Jack back up. Carson had no problem climbing back up, he just walked on top of all the snow, the rest of us sank down to about our knees!!
Rosy cheeked little boy!!!

"We love gift cards!"

2009-12-28T17:39:00.001-06:00

Carson and Jack got gift cards to Walmart from their Grandma Great (Phyllis) - Carson loves to spend his money...he got a couple new trains and Jack got his very own drum set...

Almost forgot...

2009-12-28T16:46:00.002-06:00

Here is Jesus' birthday cake from Friday - it was yummy and didn't lack any sprinkles!!!! Carson said he thought Jesus' really loved sprinkles!!!

And the boys also got a new basketball hoop for Christmas...here's Jack dunking on it!!!

Sledding with the Willham's!

2009-12-28T16:11:00.004-06:00

Saturday we went sledding with the Willham's - for Robyn's first time ever sledding experience! We all had a great time!!

Jack, just hanging out - thinking that sledding just isn't that fun for him, you just wait!!!!Carson on his tummy!!!
Go Grant Go!
Here comes Jack all by himself! The Willham's have a toddler sled that Jack got to try out - hopefully he'll be getting one for Christmas;)!!!!
Robyn's first sledding experience!!!!! Looks like she's having fun!!!
Safe at the bottom - she loved it!!!!
Grand and Carson side by side!
Carson tackling Grant - luckily the landing zone was soft!!!
Robyn enjoying herself again, rolling down the hill after the boys did!!!
Now making a snow angel, while Carson tackles Grant yet again!!!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T17:00:00.006-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas morning here at home...it began at 6:15am and lasted all day, playing with new toys and instruments!!!
Carson got a drum set (which was wanted really bad!!) and loves it!!!!!!Jack got a Musical Sit 'n Spin - he loves to dance to the music and once he figures out how to spin himself he will really enjoy it!! He does like to stand on it and "wiggle"!!!!!"It's my turn now!" - Carson
Singing his ABC's while playing the drums!!
Jack's new dinosaur!!!
Stockings!!!!!!! My mom made these for the boys - we love them - thanks mom!!!!!!
New binoculars!!!
Dr. Stoops...that has a nice ring to it!!!!
New dinosaurs and dinosaur books - didn't realize everything Jack got was dinosaurs, but he loves them, so that's okay!!!!
A new basketball hoop!!!
"I want a turn!" - Jack
Now he's a happy boy!!!
The drums in "their room"!!!!! In the basement...they don't even annoy us or wake Jack up - perfect!!!!!!
Ear protection for all!!!!!
We had such a great day with our boys - hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas too!!!!!!!

Christmas Eve!

2009-12-26T16:56:00.003-06:00

After the Christmas Eve service we came home and let the boys open their "traditional" Christmas Eve gift...new jammies!!!!!!It took two shots to get a smile and actually looking at the camera...
Jack opening his jammies...he was into unwrapping this year!!

Baby Jesus' Birthday Cake!

2009-12-24T11:23:00.004-06:00

This morning we made baby Jesus' birthday cake! You will see the finished product later or tomorrow when we eat during our birthday celebration!!!! Carson wants to make Jesus a "train crossing sign" cake, but we're talking him into baby Jesus loving a rectangle cake with sprinkles!!!!! We wish you a very Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Carson Claus!

2009-12-21T08:17:00.000-06:00

First Christmas of the Season...

2009-12-21T08:06:00.003-06:00

This weekend my parents and nephew, Trent, and niece, Olivia came to help the boys celebrate Christmas! It took a little persuading to get Carson to open the gifts, he kept saying, "It's not Jesus' birthday yet!" - he's so cute and hopefully figuring out what this time of year is all about! We had a great weekend celebrating and making goodies!! Thanks for making this weekend so special mom and dad and Trent and Olivia!!!

Time to open...Time to play with new toys!Carson got a 28 piece train puzzle that once we got put together he thought he needed to drive all over the house...

Regan and Trent made some chocolate covered peanut butter balls!!! Regan was getting fancy "drizzling" chocolate over the top!
Carson and Olivia made a gingerbread house! (With a little help from Grandma too!)

Spaghetti anyone?!!!

2009-12-21T08:05:00.001-06:00

Snowman - mini style!!

2009-12-12T21:17:00.004-06:00

Friday afternoon Regan and the boys and the neighbor kids built a snowman - or tried at least! The snow wasn't quite sticky enough, but they did a great job and made a very cute snowman!

Jack was not too sure about sitting in the snow again, but he was a pretty good sport - as long as Regan was holding him!!!!
The Crew!
Isn't he cute?!!!! Robyn, Jeff, Grant, and Lauryn gave us a snowman making kit for Christmas last year and didn't ever get to use it, so we are starting early this year!!!!! Thanks Willham's for helping make our snowman so cute!!!!?

Family Sledding!

2009-12-12T20:16:00.007-06:00

Friday morning we went to church to sled down the hill behind the garage. We got there and Carson immediately jumped on the sled and Regan gave him a push......and away he went!!!!
Jack's turn!
On his tummy...

Seriously Regan...did you really think this would work?!
So cute!

Walking on the frozen creek!

Click on them to see the excitement in Carson's face - he loves sledding!!!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

2009-12-09T16:45:00.008-06:00

Monday morning when we woke up we had just enough snow to play in...
All bundled up and ready to go!!!!
Making a snow angel!
Admiring his snow angel!
For some reason Carson thought it was really fun to "clean" the bushes...not sure where he gets this compulsion to clean!
Our neighbor and her grandkids came out to play in the snow...and SLED!!!! Carson got to sled for the first time!!! He loved it - even on the tiny, tiny "hill" between our houses!!

Back for more!

My gloved hands somehow got this border on this picture and I can't take it off...but I still love this picture...I guess the heart is appropriate!!
"Snowball fight!!!"
There's a crocodile in this picture...can you find it?!!
The kids wanted to play hide and go seek, so here is Carson hiding...
Carson's turn to count!
Jack woke up and got to come out too!!
Our cute little eskimo!!!
Carson was eating and eating the snow...and also trying to share with his brother, who was not too appreciative of the sharing this time - Jack just looked at me and screamed as if to say "it's too cold!"

I have two videos to put up of Carson sledding and playing in the snow, but it won't let me. I'll try again later - sorry!

The Polar Express!

2009-12-05T16:24:00.006-06:00

Here we are getting ready to board the train to the North Pole!!Carson in front of our car - The Reindeer!
Love this one!!!

This is our complimentary picture from the North Pole...not too bad!!! Carson enjoying his hot cocoa!!
Carson making a stocking ornament!
Jack "the dust ball" - he was covered, eventually we just gave up and let him play in the dirt...he'll wash!!!
Santa's Caboose!!

Jack "on", more like leaping off, Santa's lap...Carson didn't get get close!! Anyone surprised?
Our steam engine! How awesome is it we have this in our town!!!! We couldn't live in a better place for a little boy (and probably two little boys) who loves trains!!
Once again we will never cease to be amazed at the wonderful people of our church. First, one couple was able to get us tickets (this trip books up in like October, I now know, I tried to call in November when they said you could make reservations - none - talk about feeling like a terrible mother, Carson has been talking about going on Polar Express all year!) because they work on the train and found 4 spots "just for us"!!! Second, our wonderful Larry and Carolyn bought the tickets for us, they said we had more important things to use our money on...wow...we are so blessed by so many people!!!!! Larry even met us there to take our family picture before we left (the first pic on this post) - seriously, so blessed!!!!!!!!

Getting ready for Christmas...

2009-12-05T16:10:00.004-06:00

Tuesday night we were able to put up our Christmas tree together as a family! Here is Carson helping decorate the tree!Here is how Jack decided to help...by climbing on the tree box, then trying to climb up the back of the recliner!
The Star...we still use the star Jake made for us 8 years ago - we love it! It will always be a part of our Christmas!!Carson got to put it on the tree this year!!!
The boys enjoying some reindeer cookies by the tree!
Jack really enjoyed the cookies!!
Carson thought he needed to dunk it in milk - who can blame him?!!!!
Carson took this "of the tree" - this is actually the portion he (and Jack) decorated and can touch, so not a bad shot!!!
The boys are really making the holiday season fun this year - we can't wait for Christmas to be here!!!

Thanksgiving in Kansas City!

2009-12-05T08:37:00.014-06:00

We had beautiful weather while in KC, so we took advantage of it and went to a great park! The boys had so much fun - lots of fun equipment!

Good catch Grandpa!!
Yep, that's a goat - some people found him and took him in as their pet, they were giving him a walk on a beautiful Fall day!
"I want to touch those geese!" - Jack
Jack attack on the goose!!

Even Jack went down the huge twisty slide!!!

The Finches!! Jack loves babies and really loved Morgan!
Carson, Kerstyn, and Corbin playing tackle football!
The Village - my parent's church has a very fun room called The Village with tons of little buildings just the right size for Carson and Jack. They are filled with toys - the boys had soon much fun!!
Playing the piano in the church - this was the first building they ran too - their second home I suppose!!
Carson sweeping the front walk at the Cafe!
Jack in the Zoo!!
Jack at the Race Track!
The boys taking care of the babies - so cute!! They were so caring and sweet! They are going to be great daddies someday...they have a great role model!!

On Thomas at the mall.
At the Train Show!!!!! We went to Union Station to see the train exhibit again this year - it was lots of fun!!

Jake joined the fun!!!

Oh yeah, my mom and I were there too!!!!!
"I dare you to get me..." - Jack
"Gotcha!" - Jake, Jack loves Jake!!!!

I spy with my little eye...Jack and Jake - do you?
We ate lunch at the Harvey House Diner in Union Station! Very fun, good food, and great atmosphere!!!

"The Scowl"
At Bass Pro!
Sumo wrestling?!!!
The Border War!!!!!! Carson was so excited when the Jayhawks ran out he started to cry!!!!
Waving the wheat! That means we got a touchdown!!

Touchdown!!!!!!!
Eating a pretzel!
Eating popcorn with Grandpa and Grandma Stoops!
Eating the rest of Grandpa Michael's nachos! No, he didn't just eat the whole game, but I guess that's what I chose to take pictures of!
One tired little boy (even though it's only 6:30 pm)!! The game didn't end like we'd hoped, but we still had a great time!!!!

Outside adventures...

2009-11-20T13:22:00.006-06:00

On this beautiful Fall day we spent the morning outside!! Hopeful to return after naps!!!
The boys and I went for a walk around the neighborhood while Regan mowed one last time. It was a perfect day for two little boys around here...a backhoe was digging...
and other machines were working on the train tracks!!! What more could we ask for!!
Jack was very excited to be able to walk around outside!!!
And he discovered the mower and wanted a ride...
how could I turn this face down!!!!!

He thought he needed to wear the headphones daddy wears (to listen to music) while mowing .
I'm free...
"I think I can, I think I can!!"
I had no doubt he could climb it!!
Discovered some water...time to get off...his hands were already a little cold!!
Jack was determined to get on the train...he got a little further, then removed from the area!! This kid is going to keep us on our toes...busy, busy, busy!!!!!
More exploring...

Carson went inside be he was "freezing".
"Brother?!"

This is what happened when we went inside...
Here we are back outside!!! Jack's not a baby any more...he is our newest "big boy"!!!!!
Daddy's biggest fan watching him change the oil! I got tired of chasing him around the garage because all he really wanted to do was get on Regan while he worked - not exactly helpful when trying to change the oil!!!
We are so thankful for such a beautiful day!!! Regan is really thankful it's so beautiful because he's got Freeze Out Friday with the youth tonight and will be spending the night in the church yard, sleeping in a box!! They are raising money for the homeless shelter here in town!!! He's got crazy ideas, but the youth love him!!!!!!

At the park with Mommy!

2009-11-07T17:13:00.009-06:00

This morning the boys and I went to East Lake and met up with some friends from church AND had a picnic lunch!! It was a great morning! The boys are being great, very fun - making the weekend alone go by quickly! We miss you Daddy and can't wait to see you!!!!

Carson finally "braved" the lily pads (that's what I call them) and walked across all of them with no problems many, many times today!!!

Jack was at the "finish line" to welcome his brother with a grin!!
Jack was "chatting" with Jon, must have really been enjoying their conversation!

"Pucker up!"
Jack loves to slide - I think he did this all by himself...he looks a little in shock!!
Carson was cleaning the steps - what? - it's cute!!! Obsessive compulsive people are great!!!!

Gotta throw sticks in the lake!
A picnic!!!!
"Oh mom, enough with the pictures. We're just eating!!!"
Carson decided it would be fun to ignore the camera and not let me take any more pictures of him. You will be able to tell in the rest of the pictures "of him" that we was keeping up with decision!

I love this! Sorry if your offended, but everything is covered and every kids needs a "potty at the park" picture, right?!!!!!
Told you...

Jack thinks he's big! He is going to love the park in the Spring!
Got one!!!! And I love it!!!
Jack loves Carter!! Carter had "crazy static hair" from the slide!

"Look, an airplane!!" - Jack

"Hi!"

Look at those big brown eyes!
"Not looking at the camera"...
Mother of the Year: One child is sitting under a slide eating a stick, the other is coming down the slide head first and on his back...they loved it!!!!!!
Reg, did you notice we were all sporting our KU gear even when you weren't home?!!!!! We love our Jayhawks even if they didn't win!! Did anyone else catch the cover of ESPN mag? Oh yeah, the Jayhawks are there and ready for the bball season to start!!!!!!!!!

On a Beautiful Fall Day...

2009-11-02T11:59:00.008-06:00

Where's Carson?!

Tackling in the leaves...
Burying daddy!
Carson completely covered Regan, the Regan popped out and "scared" him!!!
He had to "get" Jack too!
Daddy and Jack burying Carson!
No words for this picture...
Carson: The Front loader

1. Scoop

2. Lift

3. Carry

4. Unload

We used the boys to smash, smash, smash the leaves into the bag!!

Now he's an excavator...

Carson was actually a really great help because Jack wouldn't let Regan put him down, so Carson and I had to do all the work!!!!!

My Buddy, My Buddy...

2009-11-02T07:57:00.004-06:00

...my Buddy and me!!!! This is about how far Regan can get from Jack these days. Jack is a total "daddy's boy" (still not sure how I feel about this, thankful for such a great daddy, but a little jealous, I'm not gonna lie!!). Mostly kidding - love watching the two of them together!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-10-31T21:04:00.004-05:00

Todd Reesing and his football hope you had a great Halloween!!!"Trick or treat!"

When we got to Larry and Carolyn's Carson thought it was time to play in their basement...so we did!!!!! He has not quite figured out this whole trick or treat thing yet...maybe next year!!!!
Jack and his little punkin' Lauryn!!!!
As you can see we spent most of our evening visiting friends and not so much "trick or treating", but we still had a great time!!!! And Reesing was too busy for pictures, so you just have to look at our cute, cute football!!!!! Check back tomorrow for pics of our "day of raking" that we had today, but too many to post tonight!!!! Hope you had a fun and safe Halloween!!!!

Our Little Todd Reesing

2009-10-29T09:32:00.001-05:00

New Doors!

2009-10-28T15:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterday "the guys" from church came to put in new doors where our sliding door used to be - the old one was allowing tons of cold air in and ice formed on the inside last year!! So we are very thankful for our new door and for all who helped put it in!!

Carson being a "big helper" to Larry!

Jack was "helping" too!!!

Carson "double fistin'" it with two hammers!!

Jack-o-lanterns!!!

2009-10-25T19:40:00.005-05:00

Carson enjoyed drawing on the face!!!
This is the face Carson made when he started to "dig out the goo" from our pumpkin...about 2 seconds later he had the dry heaves and was done helping with the pumpkins...
I found these super cute jack-o-lantern slice and bake cookies at Aldi - they are delicious and Carson thought they were pretty cool!!!!
Enjoying the yummy jack-o-lantern!!!!
I made cinnamon 'n salt toasted pumpkin seeds!!! They were pretty yummy and different then the normal pumpkin seeds.
Carson and Katie's "silly" jack-o-lantern and Regan's Jayhawk jack-o-lantern!!
All lit up...

Jack really was around and is part of the family, but not really much help in the jack-o-lantern making area...he did manage to pull the newspapers off the table once, so we put him in his high chair and gave him a little pumpkin to play with, but he was not too excited about that...as you can see...once Carson had his episode of heaving they both just went in the living room and played together. Regan and I had a fun time carving pumpkins all alone, just like the olden days!!!!

Giant Jenga!!!!

2009-10-19T20:42:00.006-05:00

Carson did great with this giant Jenga set!!! This is one of the highest towers I've seen done with this set!!! Carson is getting really into games lately, he also really into Hi-Ho-Cherry-O and he's lots of fun to play with!! It's crazy how much he's grown up in the last few weeks - well, I guess he is 3 now!!!!!! As you can see...I came out as the winner (Carson quit when it got too high for him to reach the blocks on top)!!!!!!

More birthday fun!!!

2009-10-18T17:30:00.007-05:00

This weekend my parents came to help celebrate Jack's birthday - Carson and Jack have both been a little sick, so not too much celebrating has happened, but...there were more presents!!!! On Friday Jack opened a present from Grandpa and Grandma because Carson couldn't wait!! (We were planning on a few friends coming over on Saturday, but we postponed the party because the boys were still not feeling well.)Saturday we let him open the rest of his loot...(Check out his cute KU outfit from Uncle Jake!)

Aunt Hollie, Uncle Darryl, Taylor, and Payton got Jack a barn with animal set - he loves it!!! Now we can practice making animal sounds!!!

Jack got a "Jack in Box" from Uncle Tim, Aunt Valerie, Trent, and Olivia!!! I was thinking that he needed one of these!!!! I love this picture of Regan and the look that Jack gives me thinking "what is up with daddy"!!!!!!!!
Jack got a shopping cart from Grandpa and Grandma Michael!!! He loves it and so does his brother!!!Grandpa and Grandma brought these silly glasses for the boys!!

Jack's big day...turning 1 was lots of fun!!!!

2009-10-14T20:00:00.009-05:00

Good Morning Birthday Boy...birthday waffles just for you!! Opening his gift from mommy, daddy, and Carson!!

A drum, tambourine, bells, and shaker...Carson was just as excited as Jack was...Regan and I aren't sure what we were thinking bringing very loud noise making toys into our house, but the boys love it, so I guess it's worth it!!! And they can always be put in the closet, right?!!!!!!

Not too sure about sharing, but he did it anyway...
After presents we wen to toddler gym. This is Jack's favorite thing at the gym!!
This picture was taken at 2:14ish - the exact time Jack was born - one year ago we both looked very different!!!!

After the gym, a nap, and lunch; Jack worked on his 1 year canvas...

This is basically what he did the entire time... and thought it was hilarious every time I said "we don't eat crayons"!!
Our minimalist! There really is a few marks on the canvas - made just by Jack!!!!

After a quick Breadeaux pizza dinner we had birthday cupcakes! I'm making a cake this weekend to celebrate Jack's birthday with my parents and a few friends! But he needed something to make a wish with on his actual birthday!!!
"I do what with this..."
"Oh, I get it now..."

"YUMMY!!!!"

Carson felt left out and needed his picture taken too!!!! We celebrate you too...

After a quick run to Worship practice these two had a birthday bath and Jack went to be early - he had a big day!!! We can't believe he's already 1 and have truly enjoyed every moment with him!!! We love you Jack (and Carson too)!!! The best boys any parents could ask for!!!!

Happy Birthday "Eve" Jack!!!

2009-10-13T13:52:00.006-05:00

Opening presents is serious business!
Lucky Carson - he got a gift for Jack's birthday - a Spiderman kite!!!!
Jack loved the wrapping paper!!!
"Hurry up daddy!!!!"
A helicopter!!!! He loves it!!!

Jack even shared with Carson!!
Jack got an early birthday package today from Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Hendricks!!! He was really excited - I think he's figuring out that this birthday stuff is pretty fun - new toys!!! We are excited to celebrate a little tomorrow and having a little party for him this weekend!!

Thank you Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Hendricks for the gifts!!! The boys love them!! We love you!!

Stoops Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-12T22:02:00.003-05:00

Jack Walking...

2009-10-12T21:57:00.003-05:00

...to his favorite big brother!!! He's so close!!! (This was taken on Saturday...he's getting better everyday!!)

Jack's Photo Shoot!

2009-10-10T17:24:00.006-05:00

Don't forget you can click on them to make them bigger and to see his cuteness closer up!!!!!!

Tunnel Slide Fun!!!!

2009-10-10T11:31:00.006-05:00

Jack found his new love...(luckily Grandma was there to help, mommy isn't sure how she'll do the tunnel slide alone...)

He is really growing up fast...he's going to keep us on our toes, but we'll love every minute of it!!!

Early birthday presents for Jack!!!!

2009-10-06T19:03:00.005-05:00

Jack will be 1 next week, but Regan's parents are here this week and we went shopping for our little (well, he's pretty big) Jack...this is what we found...Jack's very own airplane!!!!!

Is there something wrong with this picture?
What a great little brother!!!!!!

Practicing his walking...almost there!!!

Uncle Ryan got Jack a very fun garage with cars - Jack love, love, loves it!!! He actually plays it the way he's supposed to!!!

Pumpkin Patch!!

2009-10-03T20:22:00.007-05:00

On our way home from Des Moines today we stopped at the Pumpkin Patch - not the best weather, but about our only chance and this one looked like lots of fun - and it was!!!!!!! The boys loved it and we may even make it an annual trip!!! I do think their favorite part was petting the goats and cows, but here we go picking pumpkins and petting lots of goats!!!!

On the wagon, ready to go pick our pumpkins!!!!

Gotta have the "self taken" family portrait!!

For some reason Jack thought the little pumpkins were a straw cup and kept trying to drink them...
"Do you want some?"

"Okay, more for me!!!"

Silence is not always golden...

2009-10-01T07:42:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I was folding laundry with Jack at my side playing trains, then all of the sudden he was gone and I heard nothing, never good, right! I walked past the bathroom and heard some squeals because he knows he is not supposed to be in the bathroom (especially standing at the toilet, it just grosses me out!), but this is what I saw..."Did I do that?"

"Anymore toilet paper?" You can't see his face but it is beaming with glee and squealing as he was spinning the empty tube!!!
He kept looking at me and reaching like I needed to put more paper on there for him - I don't think so Jackson!!!!!!
I figured I might as well take pictures because there was no way to salvage any of that toilet paper! We thought Carson was rascally, but this one is going to keep us on our toes!!!! Sorry the pics are a little blurry, we are trying to figure out what is up with our camera.

Nature Walk!

2009-09-30T13:34:00.004-05:00

This morning the boys and I went on a "nature walk" to find Fall leaves and pine cones to make a centerpiece for our dining room table. Here is Carson working on the centerpiece (for some reason I didn't take pics on the walk?!)
Kid art pieces are my favorite thing!!! He worked on this all by himself, except I did the glue gun, but he picked all the spots to put the leaves and pine cones!!!! I love it!!! He did a great job!!!

Early morning fun with Jack!!!

2009-09-25T09:52:00.007-05:00

A peek into Jack's personality...I love spending time with just him to watch him learn and play all on his own!! He's very busy and curious nowadays...so much fun to play with!!!! (Click on this one to see Jacks two bottom teeth!! They are cute!! He's getting one on top too...)

Carson woke up and the boys played trains together...

Carson helping Jack put his train back on the track!!

Apple Crisp!

2009-09-24T11:28:00.006-05:00

The other night Regan was at, yet another meeting, so the boys and I made apple crisp from apples from our apple tree!! Carson is always a great help in the kitchen (Jack now too!) - and the apple crisp was delicious!!

Getting ready...

Pouring in the oatmeal...

"Just one more apple..." - he said this about 17 times. I had to keep cutting more apples to refill the pan, luckily we have an endless supply of apples in our tree!!!

Packing down the brown sugar!

Jack got to cook too...with Cheerios!!!

Carson licking the sugar off of his hands...

Spreading out the topping!!!!

The finished apple crisp - ready for the oven... delicious!!!!!!

Build-a-Bear!!!

2009-09-18T15:32:00.008-05:00

Today we took Carson to Build-a-Bear workshop because he got a gift certificate for birthday from his friend, Grant!!! He had a great time!! Check out what he made...

"I want this bear..."

He got to step on the peddle to make the machine go round and round to fill up his bear with stuffing!

Checking the "cuddliness" to make sure he was full enough!
Putting in the heart!

Washing his bear in the "air bath"!!

Brushing his fur.

Shopping for an outfit!!!

He chose a football uniform - big surprise!! Here is Carson putting on the helmet!

Making sure the football was working properly!!

Daddy, Carson, and "bear" for now...
Making his bears birth certificate. Carson named him...Grant!!!

Carson and Grant!

Carson showing Grant his new home!!
Thanks for a great gift Grant - Carson loved going to Build-a-Bear!!!!

Practice makes perfect!

2009-09-16T17:37:00.002-05:00

Family Fun!!!

2009-09-07T15:53:00.010-05:00

This morning we went to a park we were introduced to by some friends and it is amazing and in the middle of nowhere!!! It has the most equipment we have ever seen and the boys love it!! We packed a picnic lunch and just had a relaxing morning at the park!!!

Jack wants to be big so badly...we can wait, but can he?!!!!

Picnic!!

Mommy having a little fun at the park too!!!

Two of my cute boys!!

Jack riding all by himself!!

One of our little climbers!!

He held on the whole time, but wouldn't do it again so we could video it!!

Can you spot Carson in all the equipment?!!!

Watching big brother climb a little faster then he can go, only in time...Jack loves to climb and is getting really fast - we are always watching!!

Carson's been practicing "pumping" his legs so he can swing on the "big boy swing", since he is 3 now you know!!!!

Those cheeks are too kissable, we can't resist kissing them anytime he's close!!

"You want me to crawl through there? Don't think so!!!"

Carson thought it would be funny to use his shoes as buckets...

I wonder why my boys like to climb?!!!!

Jack wasn't too sure about this idea...Silly daddy...

Regan, they are watching your every move!!! So be good... Carson "being" Spiderman!!! But...

Like father, like son...

More climbing/hanging...

Wanting so badly to climb the rock wall...
Can you spot Regan and Carson...

A little picture story of Jack and the Sand! (See his tooth!)
Fun on the "swinging bridge"!!!
Good try Regan...

Old Threshers!!

2009-09-06T20:45:00.012-05:00

Saturday we made our way out to Old Threshers. It was actually lots of fun and we were able to do lots of fun, new things!!!

Carson got to drive a tractor (and it was free!)!!

On the trolley on the way to the Log Village.

Mom and dad on the trolley - aren't they cute!!!
Mommy and Carson in the Inn at the Log Village.

Carson and Grant playing tic-tac-toe in the Log Village!

Carson - the Calf Whisperer!! Right when Carson started petting the calf it laid down and relaxed!!

Jack's turn...not so sure about petting the calf!
"Come here goat, come here!!!" Carson loves animals and isn't really afraid of them or hesitant - that's good and bad, but really fun to watch him with all the different animals!!

Jack intensely enjoying the trolley ride back to Old Threshers!
Carson and Regan riding the steam-powered carousal - it's one of only six steam powered carousals in the world!! It was neat the horses rocked instead of going up and down!!

Excitedly waiting for the train to pick us up and take us to the other side of the park!!

All of us on the train! Jack's behind the hat!!!

The family (and Jack's tummy) on the train!!!

After the train ride Regan and I took the boys home for naps then went back later that afternoon...here is Carson watching the train as we were getting ready to take another ride on it!! How lucky we are to live in a town with it's own set of antique steam engines!!!

Finally on the train...one excited little boy!!
Jack and mommy's turn on the carousal!!! When Carson was riding Jack was about to leap out of my arms wanting to get on the carousal...so we let him have his turn too!! He loved it and by the end he was trying to make the "neigh and yee haw" sounds!!

Then Carson got to ride a real pony...
This is what Jack thought of that!!!

Funnel cakes at the fair...well, funnel cakes at home!! Thanks Grandma for the yummy (free) funnel cakes!!!!
Just some silly shots of the boys playing before they went to take a bath...Jack thought it was hilarious that he was inside and we were outside, he squealed and banged on the doors!!

The birthday continues...

2009-09-06T20:11:00.008-05:00

Thursday night my parents came up to visit and give Carson more presents!!

First up...a plasma car from my brother and his family!!! Very cool and lots of fun!!! You just wiggle the handle bars back and forth and it goes...easy and fun!!!

Next...a real guitar, just for Carson!!!

And a Percy!!

Jack really liked the plasma car!!! Poor guy wants to be "big" so bad...soon enough Jack!!

Daddy giving the plasma car a "test ride"!! (It can hold up to 220 lbs. - not saying Regan is anything near that, just for your information!)

Mommy had to give it a try too!!!

The Stoops Boys Family band!!!

Fun in the Fort!!

2009-09-06T20:00:00.004-05:00

The other day Carson, Jack, and I had a snack in the swing set fort!!! It was lots of fun!!! Carson had some apple slices from our apple tree in our backyard!! They were very tart (they aren't quite ready yet!), but Carson loved them and ate two!! Jack had some chedder puff, made just for babies!!

Their faces make me laugh in this picture - but they are enjoying their snack!!

A big smacker...

More presents!!!

2009-09-06T19:47:00.006-05:00

On Monday Carson received more packages in the mail - one from the Brown's and one from Grandpa and Grandma Stoops!!! The Brown's sent two Thomas movies with two new train engines for his wooden train set!!! Thank you for the great gifts - Carson loves them!!!

He got a backhoe from Grandpa and Grandma Stoops (and half of his bike)!!! He really was excited, but had just woken up from his nap!!

Playing with his new backhoe in the "dig site"!

"Backhoe!"

Jack got a present too - the dump truck to go with Carson's backhoe!! And knew exactly what to do...

Carson's officially 3!!!

2009-09-06T17:05:00.003-05:00

Sunday when we got home from church Carson thought we needed to put his train crossing sign in the yard for everyone to know it was his birthday and he needed a picture!