Ladder 13

Yesterday we got to visit the Indianapolis fire station - Ladder 13. It was really neat to get to see the trucks up close and see the firemen dressed in their full suits. They said that often times, during a fire, kids will run and hide from the firemen trying to save them because they are afraid of them in their full get-up. Elliot was pretty nervous at first, but did get brave enough to give him five and pose for a picture. Hopefully this will ease his fear of the firetruck sound that we sometimes hear at night.

The kids got to actually get in the truck. Elliot was in heaven. He didn't want to get out.

The kids in our Scrubmates club.

Scrubmates is a group organized to support the spouses of IU residents. They have tons of fun activities and get-togethers. What a sweet resource for all us lonely resident wives.

Thanks Scrubmates - the fire station was a hit!

Is it Halloween yet?

Just a little halloween rehearsal. What a cute chubby dragon.

Just how strong is your CURIOSITY?

1 hour? 2 hours? 3 hours even? Try a 3 1/2 hour wait in the blazing hot sun surrounded by a ghastly amount of people just as crazy as we were. If we would have realized sooner what we were in for we might have turned back, but our overpowering CURIOSITY to find out just what was inside the Disney train and figure out why whatever was in that train would drag so many people into the hot sun to wait in a line all evening long kept us there entertaining ourselves and making friends with people around us as the time slowly passed and the line crept on.

After it was all said and done...was it worth it? I have no problem admitting my curiosity's weakness - J.R. however was not so quick to admit defeat. He said he enjoyed it and thought it was time well spent. hummmm......I'll let you guys be the judge if you decide to wait it out like we did. Good luck with that :)

They had carolers trying to entertain the hot and tired crowd.

Sorry, they just can't compete with the Sun Valley carolers.

About half way and total worn out.

Poor Elliot got blisters on his sweaty feet so, off they went.

I was too hot and tired to care.

FINALLY. Just steps away from being inside.

A peek inside.

Getting ready for the 3D sneak peak of the movie.
It does look really good. We'll definitly find time to go see it.

Hess Fam

On yet another trip to Columbus to "deal" with our rental property we decided to make a quick stop at the Hess home. It was great to get to catch up on life after dental school, see their beautiful home and of course love on their sweet baby Jacob.
Thanks Mike & Beth for a nice visit! Miss you guys!

Brandon and his g.friend also stopped by at the same time.

Sleep Trouble

My 2 1/2 year old has started some new and not so pleasant sleep problems. I was hoping a mom out there might have had a similar situation and have a suggestion.

He has always been a very easy sleeper. Went down super super easy with our regular routine. But for the past couple weeks is having serious issues. He seems terrified to go to sleep by himself. I have to be lying next to his crib on the ground for him to settle and fall asleep. This is only at night. During naps he goes down with just a slight struggle, but eventually lets me talk him into sleeping by himself and does fine.
Because night time is the bigger problem, I've tried night lights, music, stuffed animals....I can't think what else to do to help him sleep alone again. I would be fine if it is just a phase, I am willing to sleep on the ground each night and ride it out, but I'm worried that I'm encouraging a bad habit. I want him to know he can trust me, but also know I sleep in my bed and he in his.
I think he's afraid of the sound of motorcycles, firetrucks or loud cars that occasionally are heard at night. Maybe a white noise maker to drown out those night time noises. But, do I continue to sleep on the floor while he adjusts? How long before it turns into a habit?
He also will wake in the middle of the night - probably after better woke by the loud car noises - then we have to start all over and it can sometimes take up to an hour for him to fall back asleep.

Any suggestions are welcome and encouraged.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Has anyone dealt with this? What should I do? Any good book suggestions on toddler sleep problems? I hate having bedtime be so traumatic and exhausting emotionally for both of us.

Food for thought

First Day

It was Elliot's first day of Pre-Preschool last week. I may be crazy for putting him in so early, but I'm looking forward to the 2 hours of free time and he's looking forward to the kids and change of scenery.

What a handsome fella!

STAMPIN UP PROMOTIONS

Hi girls!

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm placing a stampin' up order on Sept. 15. I will be able to get orders to people in Indiana & Ohio by the end of September and to people in Utah by the end of October (I'm coming home due to my brother's return from his mission) I'm doing a mass order this month because, thanks to the move and the issues with our house, I've neglected my demonstrator status and need to get the ball rolling again.

So,
Take a look at the cataloge online and think ahead to any Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas projects you may have in mind and send me your order.

Because it's been a while since we've all stamped and because alot of us are settling into new homes and jobs - I'm creating my own promotions this month as a house warming / I miss you CELEBRATION....

-Spend $50 or more and get 1 additional item at 20% off.
-Whoever spends the most will get all the hostest benefits
*Benefits include: *up to $35 in free product (amount depends on total sales)
*a level 1 &/or level 2 stamp set
*1 item from the holiday mini catalog for just $10 (if club order total is above $250)
-Schedule a date to host a stampin up party and get the 2009-2010 Idea book & catalog FREE.
(I am able to do parties long distance...I'll send you all the supplies for the project, you just send out invites & provide a location)

Don't forget to look through the new holiday mini catalog as well. There are very cute new "Simply Adorned Charms" that would be so cute as Christmas tree ornaments or gift toppers. Also a new ornament Punch that would make christmas cards a breeze.

If you're looking for home decor ideas or projects, look through the "Definitely Decorative" catalog for vinyl art and stenciling.

Let me know if I can help in your search for products.
Please have your orders emailed to me by Sept 15.
Thanks a bunch! Happy Stamping! www.stampinup.com
Chelsea
email: chelseahayniern@hotmail.com