Family Traditions

Every Christmas Eve we spend with my family in Ohio. The night is filled with Polka's, carols, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, gifts, good food, and wonderful memories. This year was no different except that Caleb was involved in much of the festivities!! Here is a video of Caleb dancing the night away and my Uncle Ron showing him some of his moves!!

Christmas 2008 cont.

Caleb with "Grandma She She"
Grandma P teaching Caleb how to cook!

My wonderful work friends @ Tara's House!!

My amazing Cleveland friends at Esther's House!

My sister and I with our prego bellies!

Ohio Christmas 2008

Christmas at Grandma's
We took Caleb and Lia to a Candyland exhibit....he was very curious!
"Mom, I'm pretty sure this stuff is fake!"

Little Lia enjoying the display!

Caleb trying to figure out how they got all this cotton candy in here.... :)

Caleb Jay Loves Christmas!!!

Taflinger Christmas 2008!!

This past weekend was Christmas with the Taflinger Family since we will be heading home to Ohio for the Paolone Christmas this week. Here is Caleb in his diaper [are you surprised?] helping Aunt BZ open her gifts!!
Sweet Landen in his Santa outfit from Aunt Dawn!


Cousins playing together!

The Taflinger Family at the grand opening of Kokomo First Church of God!

One sock on, one sock off....look at the face- a bit mischievous!

We had a wonderful weekend with the Taflingers. Each year Travis' mom composes a Blessing Letter. This letter lists the many blessings of 2008! Some of those include:

-Brooke moving back to Indiana

-The birth of Landen and good test results

-The announcement of a third grandson...Micah John

-Trips to CO and FL as a family

-Brooke's new job

and many others!

It was so wonderful to be able to reflect upon the many blessings that God has given us!

Bridges Outreach!

Our friend Jon, Caleb and Grandma Taf at Donkey Ball!

These last two pictures were taken at the Bridges Outreach Fundraiser this week. Bridges Outreach hosted an event called "Donkey Ball" in hopes of raising money for their after-school program. The event went well and there was a great turn out...PRAISE YOU JESUS! Bridges Outreach was given a check from the Indiana Youth Institute due to their community involvement, educational excellence, and overall success with their program. God has been so faithful in blessing this ministry! Travis, Casey and Michelle are pictured above with the Mayor and our Congressman! Thank you to all who support Bridges Outreach, we couldn't run this program without you!

The Holidays

Caleb playing with Buster....he loves him!
Mama and Caleb at Taflinger Thanksgiving

Taflinger Children

Look at those lips!

Wearing his Christmas sweater from Aunt Dawn!

So smart!

Here's a video of Caleb laughing at dad [as usual] and then showing off some of his moves!! You can't see it very well but Caleb signed 'water' and is working on his animal sounds! Such a big boy!

33 Weeks

Here I am with my 33 week belly...I can't believe there is only ~7 more weeks until we are able to meet and hold Micah! Today as I was bathing Caleb I was overwhelmed with gratitude!! I cherish our moments together and have even valued them more knowing that once Micah is born, our attention will be divided between the two boys.

It seems that Caleb is doing more and more each day. Today he has mimicked my every move!! As most babies, Caleb enjoys pots and pans. But Caleb has taken that love to a whole new level....he empties my cabinets and sets up his own 'little stove' on the piano bench. He'll take his spoon and stir his pots as he chatters on and on- Oh I could just eat him up!! He then neatly removes all pots from his stove and puts them on the couch to begin another meal. He is taking after his Grandpa P with his love for cooking!

Blowing Kisses

Caleb and Lia playing...notice at the end Caleb blows Kissess!!!!

Thanksgiving Cont.

I think that Caleb snatched Lia's pill box filled with goldfish away from her....still working on sharing!

Aunt/Doula getting ready to take Caleb out in the snow!

Thanksgiving 2008

Caleb at the Play Zone....hiding from Daddy!
What a snuggle bunny!!

Papa P just gave a cranberry...SOUR!

What a silly face

Uncle Mike holding up Caleb by his pants.... :)

For the past TEN days, Caleb and I were in blessed to spend some time in Ohio [Travis joined us for the later half due to work]!!! As predicted we had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends! I think Caleb is going through withdrawal today because he woke up and looked around for Grandma and Grandpa P!

This holiday season the Taflinger has so much to be Thankful for...here are our top five:
1. Our church home

2. Our precious boys Caleb and Micah

3. Wonderful Family and Friends

4. God's continued provisions for Bridges Outreach

5. The ability for me to be a stay-at-home mom for a Season!!

Thank You Jesus

We Love you!