Happy Easter

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

'He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit' Titus 3:5

Asher is 3!

Asher's 3rd birthday has come and gone and I am just now getting around to posting. The past month has been difficult for our family and you can follow along here as we journey with Michael's Dad through his recent diagnosis. http://blog.pusaterifamily.com/ We appreciate all of your prayers! We celebrated our precious three-year-old bundle of energy with a family dinner at one of our favorite pizza restaurants. Asher chose a construction theme and we had loads of fun. I just can't believe our little guy is three!

Asher checking out his special present from Mommy & Daddy

He is a pro driving this thing! It has two speeds and Michael has already opened up the higher speed for him since he has done so well. Foreman Asher reporting for his shift

Mimi & Pappy with their personalized hard hats"Dirt cookie" favors

Shopper

We recently transformed Asher's room into a 'big boy' room with a train theme. I decided I was going to hit the March First Monday Trade Days in Canton to search for vintage train signs or rustic train decor. Since we just recently returned from our trip I wasn't too interested in leaving him for a day, so I decided to brave it with him. Luckily my Mom and sister decided to join us, which helped a ton! He was a trooper! He even napped for about 45 minutes in the stroller, something he hasn't done since he was 8 months old. It was a fun day, but we don't think we'll be able to talk him into going again any time soon.

his shirt says 'Big Slice' it is NOT one of those 'Big Brother' shirts :o)

I think I accomplished my goal (the light)!

I knew the trip would 'cost' me because I wasn't about to spend my time dealing with fits. So, Asher knew he could pick something out and he was successful too.

Getaway

Michael and I were able to get away for a few days in February for some much needed R&R...for him anyway. The end of 2010 was pretty rough for him at work with a huge software rollout, so we were thrilled to have some time together with uninterrupted conversation! We flew to San Francisco to spend a little time with Pete & Michelle before making our way to the wine country for a few days. We enjoyed two incredible meals with them that set the bar high for the remainder of our trip.

We chose a 5 room Inn in Yountville. We are not typically B&B fans, but it was the perfect combination of a B&B and full service resort. We can't say enough about this place and can't wait to return, although it was a little eery to return from dinner in the evenings after the staff had gone for the day.

The view from our balcony...

Wind chimes at our favorite winery, Tudal.

Couldn't resist a picture for Asher

Watched the hot air balloons each morning over coffee

One of our new favorites, Fantesca

We had an awesome driver, David, who was also our paparazzi

Drinking and 'forking', as Asher would say one might do on a forklift

We are extremely grateful to our parents for loving on Asher for a few days so we could get away. Looks like he didn't miss us TOO much!

February Pictures

L.O.V.E this kid More fun in the snow

Sledding 'Texas style'

Some serious snow/ice/COLD

A snow day project...the day my almost 3 year old learned about ganache and

won't soon forget Yum!

At Zach's super fun Star Wars party, guess who found the broom?!?

A garbage truck for Valentines Day...nothing says 'I Love You' like a garbage truck.

Snow Days

Add a breathing treatment mask every 3 hours and this picture pretty much sums up the last few days around here. Asher actually feels pretty good, he just sounds like a seal so we're working hard to keep those lungs clear! A short blast of 17 degree weather out the front door does wonders too.

Family Fun

Michael has been traveling the past two weeks, so we decided to celebrate him being home with a fun family night! The games were largely too 'old' for Asher but he had a great time anyway.

Mini Bowling Whack-a-mole is difficult for an easily distracted little guy

Brave boy 'hopped' right on this ride. I am merely holding his hand in this picture of our first ascent, but 2 seconds later I am fully embracing him to avoid screaming, vomiting, panic, etc. He did it, but wouldn't step foot back on it.

Driving was his favorite, as long as Daddy kept his hands OFF the wheel
The big winner...an orange soccer wrist band and an orange whoopee cushion. He wore the wrist band to church today

Independent Play

Asher has turned a corner in the past month or so, and plays independently some every day. I have been unsuccessfully encouraging him to play by himself some for several months. I think the combination of more age-approriate toys for Christmas, being back in a routine after the holidays, and his age have helped. Funny how we work and work to help our kids reach a milestone and then it is bittersweet when they do. I am starting to miss my little shadow, but its so fun to listen to him rambling on about his trucks and construction sites. What an imagination!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year