Caleb singing "Jesus Loves Me"

Sorry Dad, it got cut off right before he said, "I love you Grandpa!"

A little Christmas miracle!

I wanted to share with you my recent excitment over two employment opportunities that God has provided our family this Holiday Season. The first one is pictured above. I will be watching this sweet little girl starting in January for two days a week. Not only will this provide some monetary benefits but it will also provide Caleb with some social development. Not to mention, that Alli is so darn sweet!! I foresee a great friendship between the two of them! Thank you Jesus!
The second employment opportunity that the Lord has given us is the Nestle "Bake Love This Season" event. Simon Malls partnered with Nestle to deliver 1 million free cookies to people shopping the Malls this Holiday Season. So I was hired to work for three days [~8 hours each day] for $15/hr to HAND OUT COOKIES!! That's right..an ideal job!! Today I just finished day one of three and let's just say it's as magical as it sounds!! I LOVED IT!! Now, if I could only make this my profession! :) I will say it again and again, "THank you Jesus!" You truly are our Provider!

Wedding

My friend Derren got married this weekend and Caleb was my date to the event!!
After a few hours on the dance floor...rosy cheeks!

Making new friends.."Shall we dance?"

Off to find some ladies...

Trying to unwind after a busy night!

The older Caleb gets the funnier he becomes. I know that all parents find their kids to be hilarious but Caleb's mannerisms and demeanor keep us laughing from sunrise til sunset. He is very animated and entertaining. I attempted to capture some footage of him on the dance floor but it was too dark.

Yesterday I told Caleb that one day you will ride a bus and go to school when he is bigger. He put his little hands on his head and exclaimed "OH MY GOODNESS" in his little munchkin voice! Apparently this concept floored his mind! Then all day he talked about the day he would ride the bus...it will be an amazing day!

Micah continues to amaze us with his courageous steps. He so desperately wants to keep up with his bubby! I love watching them interact!

Micah is walking!

Here's the man of the hour!! My little baby took his first steps this past weekend. Each day he grows more confident in himself and his abilities. His little legs are wobbly and small but somehow he manages to move! He is just shy of 11 months...right on schedule with his big brother! Micah loves the Christmas tree. All of the ornaments on the bottom half of the tree are baby-proof for that reason!
Brothers by the tree

Taflinger Kids

Taflinger Family [look at Micah's sweet face!]

Caleb and his sweet cousin Landen playing with their trains.

We have so much to be Thankful for this Holiday Season!
I wanted to include this article I read on being Grateful:

Christian parents are called to cultivate character traits such as thankfulness, generosity and self-sacrifice. The Bible commands us, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Jesus warns us, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). And Paul describes greedy people as idolaters who will not inherit the kingdom of God
(Ephesians 5:5).
One of the most effective ways to combat the cultural mind-set is by modeling a grateful attitude. Verbally thank God on a regular basis, even for simple things like a roof over your head and food.
Also, do your best to model gratitude in your other relationships: friends, relatives and co-workers — and not only when they do something special for you. Let others know how much you appreciate them simply for who they are. Express that kind of unconditional gratitude to your spouse and children as well.

This article first appeared in the December, 2006 issue of Focus on the Family magazine.

Lord- help me model a Thankful heart to my children! We love you!

~Taflingers

So much to be thankful for!

Caleb during the Candycane hunt at the Monon Center. Not too impressed with Santa/Grandpa!
One of the ONLY kids unable to stop crying while on Santa's lap...he even knew it was Grandpa! I think he was upset because on the ride to the Monon Center I explained to Caleb that Santa "is simply a man playing dress-up and that the REAL reason for the Season is Jesus." I further explained that he can watch the DVD Faith Lessons: The True Christmas Story [from Focus on the Family] when we get home to better understand the real meaning of Christmas. haha :) That's for you mom!

In the car, ready to find some Candycanes!!



Caleb had a busy morning

Precious!

My aunt gave this trampoline to us after her children out grew it! Here is Caleb attempting it for the first time!

Home for the Holidays!

Downtown for the lighting of Cleveland!
So fun!

The Paolone Sistassss

Caleb reading on the potty- he makes us laugh!

Chef Caleb getting ready to assist Papa and Grammy with dinner!

We look forward to the Holidays so much and this year did not disappoint...The boys are becoming better travellers so the five hour car ride to Ohio is becoming more bearable. From the moment we arrive until our departure in Cleveland we are usually running from event to event. This trip was no different. I went to bed each night completely exhausted but filled with joy. The cousins play so nice together and it is a riot watching them interact.

Caleb continued his potty training at Grammy's house and did a great job considering all of the distractions!

We have a family tradition that involves going around the table and thanking God for a PHYSICAL, MATERIAL, and SPIRITUAL aspect of the year [PMS].

Physical- A healthy pregnancy/delivery of Micah John!

Material- Due to some serious hail damage, we were forced to re-side our house this year. However, the Lord provided that our insurance covered the entire project due to a project mishap! We were then able to use our tax money towards a new fence so that the boys could play somewhere safe and confined.

Spiritual- My ladies biblestudy, not sure what I would have done without it this year! I have made some wonderful friendships and am blessed to study the Word with them.

...I thank the Lord everytime I remember you!

Family Picture at Bella's Baby Dedication...my how our family is growing! I love it!
Sweet Brothers getting ready for playdate!

I bribed Caleb with a raisin if he smiled for the picture....success!!

Well as I type this it is 10:03a.m and we are accident-free today!!! Although a small victory, I've learned that baby steps lead to larger accomplishments so we rejoice with each succes- no matter the size :) Caleb continues to do well in his Twin bed and stays in it without question. For those of you who know Caleb, you can understand our surprise! Micah currently has 4 teeth [2 top and 2 bottom] and is so joyful!
Thank you Jesus!

Micah John

Here we have Micah John exercising with his walker. What a big boy!! It was right before bed so he was growing weary of showing off his new skill.

Developmentally Micah is right on track [Thank you Jesus]. Such a joy!! He can climb to the top of the stairs just as fast as his bubby and is a great eater...not sure if I could handle another picky eater. Tonight he had turkey and avocado. I attempted offering the same to Caleb who would have none of it. I told Travis today that 9 months is such a magical age. They become more mobile, more verbal, never seem to cry and continue to warm our heart!!

Lord, may be be good stewards of these two precious lives that you have entrusted us with. May we seek you first with decisions re: discipline and guidance. Thank you for your grace and mercy! We love you so much!

*Pictures not intended for those with weak stomachs....*

I'll start off with something positive. Today Caleb had only ONE accident in his pants!! Thankfully, it was while we were at home and clean up was easy. In addition, we took our first outing in BIG BOY pants and it was a complete success.

However, last Thursday, this was how I found Caleb after a nap! He had taken his poopy diaper off [he can't stand to have poopy diapers on] and was playing in it. I wish I could say that this was an isolated event, alas, it is not. I am considering buying bulk in Clorox! What is one to do??? All you potty training moms...any suggestions?

"This too shall pass!" :)

Ohio cont

Ahhh matching jackets
Micah and Grammy...best buds

Micah and his name sake...

Church clothes

Love them!!

We had such an amazing time in Ohio-

Top Ten Moments:

1. Partini..need I say more?

2. Fall Festival/costume party!

3. Playing in the leaves

4. Apple-picking

5. Being able to see Bella Lynn dedicated to the Lord!

6. Catching up with friends

7. Rest and relaxation

8. Shopping

9. Sisters!!!

10. Being Home!

Ohio cont.

Micah playing with Grammy
Great pose

Okay, I can't help it- he's so irresistible!!

Caleb and Pa raking the leaves! Shortly after this picture Pa placed Caleb in the leaf bag...he wasn't a fan! :)

The four cuz's playing!! Bella's face sums it up!

O-Hi-O...or Hio as Caleb calls it!

Sis and niece Lia Joy enjoying some time at Grammy and Pa's house
Bella Lynn looking so sweet!!

While in Ohio we visited Preston Park...it was amazing!! There were numerous 'miniature' houses- there was a firehouse, a police station, a school etc.. Caleb loved it. Here he is in the Post Office and I think I heard him say, "Mom, I'd like to move here!!" :)

We were blessed with some beautiful Fall days while visiting the family. Caleb and Micah loved playing in the yard but Micah was not to fond of the leaves!

My parent's neighbors have two apple trees. It was the highlight of the trip to be able to go back there and pick some apples!!

A little Taste...

"I'm soo hungry I may just bust out of my highchair!"

Mommy at Micah's age...he's a Paolone!!!

Lesson Learned...Caleb can't be left alone for any period of time!!

Fall Boys...

Micah enjoying the weather on the porch....I just am in love with this face!
Playing in the leaves at Highland Park!!!



The Taflinger boys are loving Fall!!!

Bathroom Update

Old Bathroom
New Bathroom!

For those of you who know me....I love change!! So when Travis tells me that we will be living in our current home for FOREVER, I feel a bit shaky. However, I have managed to release some of that oppression by occasionally [okay, more than occasionally] rearranging the furniture, redecorating the walls and the like. Well the above project was a much needed update to cover over some rough spots on our walls where trim once hung. I couldn't find any textured wallpaper to get the job done so I cut up some bamboo shoots that I had on display in another room and this was the result! I love my little bamboo oasis!
The ribbons hide the staples...my father would have never aloud 'ribbons' in the bathroom but Travis doesn't care what I do as long as I don't spend any money! The total cost of this upgrade was ~ $15.00 but was waived because it was truly needed and not just a result of my fickle design style.