Date Night...

I did it, I forgot my camera. Jake and I went to the Roadhouse and he scarfed down a burger and fries. We had a great dinner together! Then we went to swimming. He did well, but you can tell he needed to get back in to swimming. He needs a refresher and hopefully will be back to swimming well in no time. I plan on keeping in him lessons for the rest of the spring and summer! After swim we took a huge load of yard sale stuff over to the Charltons! I feel so good cleaning out the closets, drawers, etc... Lee knows...it is my natural "high" I guess! It was a great night!

Taking Care of Monkey

I am not sure if Jake has started doing this because of Lindsey or not, but either way, it is really cute. He has a monkey Lee made with him at Build-a-Bear, and Lee recorded a message in him to Jacob. Jacob loves the monkey and recently has been taking care of him like he is a baby. He rocks him to sleep, covers him up on a little bed, etc. This morning he woke Monkey up, put his slippers on him, and asked if he could put Monkey in the swing. Then before he left for school, he put Monkey in the exersaucer until he came home. I think it is super cute and maybe it makes him feel good to be taking care of Monkey like I take care of Lindsey. Super cute!

Story Time with Friends

This past Wednesday we joined Jen and Amanda for story time at the library. I am usually busy on Wednesdays and don't have a chance to get there. I forgot how cute it is! I used to take Jake all the time! Lindsey really loved it, she loved watching the kids and listening to them sing too! Then we had lunch here with Jen Voss, Maya and Noelle. It was a great day!

Shout Outs of the Week

I decided that I am going to try to do some weekly shout outs! I have so many blessings to be thankful for in my life--I am such a lucky person! Never in a million years did I imagine my life to be this way, but I love it, every minute of it! Here goes:

Shout out to my parents--for their babysitting and visits-we love you Nana and Papa!

Shout out to the Charltons--thanks for sharing dinner with us!

Shout out to my cousin Bonnie--we hope you are recovering quickly, remember your hip precautions!

Shout out to Grandma Loretta-we are glad the surgery went well and hope you heal quickly!

Shout out to Lisa--thanks for always listening to me vent!

Shout out to Lee--we miss you!!

Shout out to Kim and Mike in North Carolina--can you send the warm weather back up here?

I think that is all for now! Thanks everyone for reading our blog! We hope you enjoy it!

Answer to the Question

Here you go--this is why people up here are sick!
Yesterday was 65 degrees and sunny! It was beautiful, we spent as much time as we could outside!
I knew today was supposed to be rainy--but SNOW! Come on!! Enough of this white stuff!! See the pictures for proof--and it was still snowing after I took these! The deck was totally covered in white!

Just Another Manic (but warm and sunny) Monday

Yesterday Jake had his recheck--he is doing 99% better, ears and chest are just about clear. However, I asked them to check out Lindsey-just listen to her. She has been a bit wheezy and stuffy. Her lungs were clear--thank God--but when she looked in her ears---another ear infection in her right ear! So back on medicine for her now. She has been so pleasant and happy, you would never know!
After the doctor we ran on a bunch of errands and the kids were really well behaved. Jacob got to use one of his Target gift cards and bought a microphone and another soccer set/net for the screen porch.
When they woke up from their naps it was still warm and sunny out so we went for walk and played outside a bit. After Lindsey went to bed last night, Jacob wanted to go back outside and play Tag! No need for the gym--just run up and down my gigantic yard about 20 times chasing a 4 year old!
So after waking up today, Tuesday, I have an answer to why my children have been sick! Do you know the answer? If not, see my previous post!

I can't wait...

For my kids to both feel better and the house to be free of germs..

For short sleeve shirts and sunscreen...

For more long walks in warm weather...

For Abigail's 1st Holy Communion...

For dinner with Friends this week...

For lunch with friends this week...

For 25 more links...Lee will be home on break...

For Jacob's Garden Party at school...

For Lindsey to be able to sit-up unsupported safely...she is almost there!

For NYC!

For a visit from my in-laws...

For late night chats with Lee and web cams...

For Lee to pin on Major...

For my summer trips...

For my family to be complete again...

There are so many things I can't wait to do this spring and summer. First, I can't wait for my kids to start feeling better so we can look forward to our many trips this month. We have a jam packed May but I can't wait!

Pictures from the Weekend!

Jacob had lots of fun with Nana and Papa even though he wasn't feeling quite himself yet. Papa took him to the driving range on Friday and for ice cream on Friday night. Jacob started weeding with Nana, made gnocchi, and really loves riding around the yard in his Power Wheels. They had a great few days together and we are looking forward to their next visit!


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Nana and Lindsey!

Jacob being silly!

The kids with Nana and Papa!

Linds snuggling on Papa--she is Papa's girl!
Jacob and Linds hanging out!

6 months old

Lindsey at 1 month old!

This is a picture of Lindsey at 6 months old!


This past Monday Lindsey celebrated her 6 month birthday. She is starting to sit up more on her own, with an occasional tumble forward or to the side. She grabs for everything including toys, food, faces, hair, etc.. and wants to put everything in her mouth. She still blows raspberries all the time and burps--what a girly girl I have! She loves to chase Jacob around the house, go for walks, go for rides in the car, play in her exersaucer and jumparoo, and watch Baby Einstein (when Mom needs to cook dinner)! She is getting so big! She goes for her 6 months check-up on Monday. I am guessing she is close to 20lbs, I can feel it when I carry her in that car seat! She is a very happy baby, loves to eat, and smiles from ear to ear! I love her blue eyes and crazy hair! She is the best addition to our family I could have ever wanted and we all love her to pieces! Happy 6 Months Lindsey!

Catching Up...

Yes, I know, I have slacked in the Blogging this week but it was another crazy week for the Castana house. We started the week off with Jacob being sick and ended the week on the road to recovery but still taking medicine. Tuesday Jacob stayed home from school and we spent another day inside, but no fever. That night he woke up screaming in ear pain. Wednesday morning he was feeling fine, I am sure Nana and Papa coming to visit helped perk him up! I had a luncheon to attend that day so Jake went to daycare for 2 hours and Nana picked him up. Lindsey came with me for a girls day out and she was an angel. Wednesday night I had my 15 minutes of fame on TV when I had to auction off a community chest for the local PBS station! It was fun and I signed up to answer the phones for them tonight!
Thursday was running around--Jake went to school, then to the doctor for a recheck. He was still wheezy and had a severe ear infection in both ears! Poor kid! He is now on new antibiotics and steroids and more neb treatments! Germs go away! Friday was my doctor's appointment and all is well.
Jacob was thrilled to get to play with Nana and Papa. He really is a great kid but it seems whenever we have visitors he acts up a bit more. Showing off, getting mouthy, he is a different kid and one I don't like to be around. Not kidding, as soon as my parents left, he was back to normal, being the awesome good kid he always is with me. I know some of the behavior has to do with Lee being gone and just needing attention but I guess some of it is being 4 years old too. I know other kids that have behaviors a lot worse than his, so I am thankful he is as good as he is. OK So on to some pictures--that aren't too many since we were mostly sick but there are a few!
Enjoy!

Mum Mums

Tonight I gave Lindsey her first Mum Mum. They are made of rice and look like mini surf boards and just melt in her mouth. She loved them and it occupied her time while we finished dinner. I will try to upload a video of her eating in just a bit!

Crime Scene Photos--Mickey and Minnie DOA

It was approximately 11am in the basement at 26139 E Gotham Road when Jacob and Mommy went down in the basement and found Mickey and Minnie DOA. In all seriousness, I was grossed out but sucked it up and shoveled them up with Jacob at my side. We said good-bye to them as we tossed them in to the woods. Maybe their friends will take the hint!

Sick Sick Sick...

It started on Thursday night with a bit of a cough, but by Friday Jacob was in full cough and fever mode. As of tonight he still has a high fever and a terrible cold--my guess-bronchitis! Yuck--my poor little guy! I have not been feeling well either, self diagnosed sinus infection and lucky for me, I found an antiobiotic in the cabinet and started taking it today. So off to the doctor for Jacob tomorrow. I hope he feels better soon. Needless to say, we spent the last 3 days inside in PJs, minus a trip to the woods today--you can read about that in the next blog! We got through lots of cabinets and drawers for our yard sale and cleaned aruond the house. My buddy Jacob was a big help, I couldn't do it without him! I apologize--I have tried a million times to get the pictures to rotate and they just won't budge tonight! urgghh--computers

First Ice Cream of the Season

I have been promising Jacob that as soon as the weather got nice I would take him for ice cream. It wasn't long before he noticed Cowlicks had their picnic tables out and the open sign hanging! Last night I took the kids for ice cream. Jacob's new flavor, twist with chocolate sprinkles and he ate every last bite. He did ask if Lindsey could have ice cream. I told him not yet, and he said, well maybe she could order cereal! He is always thinking of her, very sweet.

A Day at the Zoo with Friends

Today we met up with friends at the zoo. We had a great time, the moms chatted and the kids played, it was perfect. All the kids were well behaved, they explored the zoo, had a picnic lunch and then played in the grassy area to run off some energy. It was a great day, even the babies got some fresh air!

Another Fab Day with the Kiddos!

We had another absolutely great day today! The weather was perfect for Spring and we headed back outside. First stop, the Post Office, where we sent Lee 2 packages! Jacob colored one more picture to stick in the box this morning. Then we walked for 2 miles (Jacob rode his bike) on the Black River Trail. We came home, had lunch and naps, then headed for our first trip to the playground at Knickerbocker School this year. I put Lindsey in the Bjorn and she loved it and I was able to help Jacob out on the monkey bars! We played about 45mins then came home and had dinner. Lindsey only slept about 1 hour so how she made it till 7pm was beyond me. After she went to bed, Jacob and I headed outside to play with the dogs and for our nightly game of soccer. Tomorrow we head to the zoo and possibly a trip for ice cream if all goes well!


Today I gave Lindsey chicken and veggies for the first time, she loved it of course. And while eating, she blew some raspberries and sneezed, covering herself and me in food! But I love her to pieces, I could just squeeze her!

Let the Jumping Begin

Today I decided to get out my Jumparoo. Lindsey loved it. She isn't quite jumping yet, but she loves being upright and bouncing a bit. She is sitting up pretty well, but not safe enough to sit up alone yet. However, I don't think it will be long before she is!

Slave Driver

My sister always tells me I am a slave driver. But on nights like this, I think sometimes it pays off. I don't slave drive my kids, but I want them to know if they live in this house they can take part in the chores. Especially with Lee gone, it is a huge help to me when Jacob pitches in. Tonight he was really scoring points with me. He didn't have a nap yesterday because of the party and was a bit mouthy last night. Fortunately, today was an awesome day. He was such a good boy today! After having a good play date, he took a nap and woke up ready to go back outside. I know it is hard for him to understand that I have Lindsey to take care of too and can't just drop everything to play with him. So we stayed in, I gave Lindsey a bottle and made dinner. I told him that if we eat early, we can go back outside. He ate a great dinner and afterwards said, "Mom, I really want to help clean-up." What mother doesn't love to hear that!! He cleared the entire table while I started to load the dishwasher. Then we went for a walk and after I put Lindsey to bed while he ate an ice cream sundae (a special treat for all his hard work). After Lindsey was asleep, Jacob and I went for a walk, picked up trash and sticks and then played soccer. We finished the night with a new game of UNO and then bed. What a great day! He said to me, "I had a good time with you mom." He makes me cry...I love him so much!
To top off being a slave driver...Lindsey is now starting to hold her own bottles. I do give her a bottle most of the time, but if is around the same time she is in her highchair, I lean back her seat and let her hold her bottle! She is holding it really well, sometimes she drops it, but honestly, does great! My other savior right now is Baby Einstein. It is like a drug to her. If I have to make dinner and she is fussy, I slip in a DVD and she is in the zone! She is really a great baby--thank God! So yes, I may be a slave driver at times, but I also reward my kids and cherish all their help!

Maya's 4th Birthday

On Sunday we celebrated Maya's 4th birthday with her, she had a swim party. Jacob was super excited to get in the pool. I just signed him back up for swim after doing Kidnastics in the winter. He is so excited to get started but a little disappointed we couldn't get in the same class as Seth. I think we will be able to next time. Thanks to Jen for a great party and a delish cake--I am requesting that for the next barbeque! Happy Birthday Maya!

Tackling Church without Lee...

On Sunday I took the kids to church. I have been so used to having Lee there just in case but the kids were awesome. Thank God for our child's prayer downstairs, that Jacob loves to go to and has no problem going on his own. Lindsey was ready for a bottle and fell asleep for a bit. Only to wake up before communion and make a huge poop. I felt a bit bad walking to communion knowing she was leaving a stink trail behind me. I immediately went downstairs to change her. Then we had muffin morning, Jacob's favorite and he had a big sprinkle Boston Creme. They were really great, and I didn't mean to dress them both in blue, it just happened.

Blessed

Tonight I went out for dinner with Jen, Lisa and one of Lisa's friends (Jen as well). We had a blast, it was total girl talk and laughter and yummy food. I really needed that after the week I had! Thanks girls!!
Well, the only reason I was able to go out tonight was because I "borrowed" one of Jen's sitters. My sitter is out of town so Taylor said she would babysit. After telling Jacob she babysat for Seth, he was cool with it and I totally trust Jen, so I was too!
Jacob was super excited after he woke up from his nap for Taylor to get here. Can you tell he needed a break from me too? He was a really good boy tonight. Taylor told me that while they were playing Wii (which he was so thrilled to do with her) that he turned to her and said, "thank you for babysitting me Miss Taylor." He is so sweet! And to top it off--my mom called right before I got home. She and my dad went to a fundraiser at the race track (horse racing). She said she had 2 horses, one named Lindsey and one named Jacob. She had called earlier today to tell Jacob about it. Well, she called tonight and told me that Jacob's horse finished 8th and she won $50 and to make sure I tell him. So when I got home, I took him upstairs (I told him he could wait up for me) and tucked him in bed. After we read a book, I told him I had a suprise. I told him that his horse won the race and that he won $50! He was all smiles but said,"what about Lindsey's horse?" And I said her horse didn't win. He was very concerned and didn't understand why. I told him about the money and asked him what he will do with $50? He said, "I am going to give Lindsey some since she didn't win any." I about wanted to squeeze him to pieces. He is so super sweet. It is in those moments when all the naughty times fade away. He really is a great kid and I love him more than anything! Lee and I have 2 wonderful kids, we really are blessed!

A few more pics...

This is what they look like all huddled on a C-17. They fly commercial overseas but they take C-17s once they are there.
Bunks, not sure where at though.
This is a picture of a camp, but I am not sure where at. I will ask Lee when he looks at them.

Easter Sunrise Service

More pictures, these are from Afghan...

This was their first stop in Manas.
This was their 2nd stop. Marmal, Afghan with no heat or electricity in those tents! And it was very cold outside!
Waiting on choppers!

Welcome to Mazar-e-sharif. This is where Lee is at.

Photos from Afghan and more...

I recently went on facebook, which I hardly ever do, but I decided to start checking more often because our Batallion has a facebook page. When I went on to their page the other night, I saw lots of pictures that had been taken from 1BSTB. Some of Bravo Co from Fort Drum, and some from over there. I would love to share them with you! Here you go! I will try to give a brief description of each one.

/> The Bravo Company Command Team. 1SGt Martino, CPT Castana, LT Sampang

Lee hard at work in his office at Drum.



Murphy is Lee's soldier, his gunner actually and he is Jacob's favorite soldier!

Missing you...

Lee--if you are reading this, I just want to let you know how much we love and miss you! We think about you all the time and pray for your safety! We can't wait to see you!

Monday--

Thanks to the Charltons for inviting us over for dinner on Monday. I drove home with the 2 kids, unpacked the car and thought..what in the world will we eat for dinner? I didn't have much of anything in the fridge! Thanks for having us over and thanks to Aunt Dana for another great haircut! I love the summer cut--and so does Jacob!

Happy Easter!!!!

Sunday we all went to church and then had lunch together before having to say Good-bye. We will all get to see each other in June when all of my sisters, my parents and us meet up at Donna's house for some fun! Until then--thanks for a great Easter weekend!