Playing Pirates

Tyler entertains me so much.
Tonite, he put on a rock show and "dance party"... he was just so hilarious. Picture Ty banging away on his drums, while Tim and I dance around like fools. We all are singing his made up song "dance party, dance party"... it has a nice groove. haha
Then we venture up to bed, and Tim of course brings the foam swords he got for his birthday from Uncle Jay and Aunt Leslie... Ty loves them... so we watch his little imagination go to work.
"Avast, Matey"... as he spins and swings his pirate sword around... "walk the plank"... Of course Daddy acts that part out, so well I might add... haha He scrunches up his little face, trying to make a mean face, and it is so cute. Then Ty wants to walk the plank... Its just so much fun around here.
We talk about the day... playing at Ben's house, Eleni having a new baby brother born today, and Conner has a new baby sister, playing with Lucy, riding the 4-wheeler...cuddles and kisses...
I then read him his new favorite book "I Love You Stinky Face" (gift from Jack).... He said, "I love you Mommy, have a good night sleep"... He is such a sweetheart.

Congratulations to the Fotis and Bartynski families on your new additions!

Happy Birthday TyTy!!!!!

Well Tyler is 3 (as Mommy stated below). I won't go into the details that Candace already went into, so I'll just say that Tyler repeatedly makes my day brighter. He knows so much and is just amazing. Last night he put on a performance for Nick, playing Run To The Hills and You Give Love A Bad Name. Old school metal, you go Ty!!! Anyway, Daddy is very proud of all your accomplishments. Thank you for being the most incredible little guy I've ever met. I love you!

I love you too Candace! Thank you for giving me the best gift in the world, Tyler.

Daddy T

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER

You are 3 years old! I cannot believe it!
We had a busy week! Tuesday we had a Playgroup Party with Ty's buddies. We painted pirate ships and swam in the pool.
Pizza and Pirate cake..good stuff! He got lots of good presents! Thomas, to golf, to bubbles...and a rocking pirate shirt! Thanks guys! Friday, Ty, Daddy and I went to Kobe to celebrate Ty's birthday. Ty was excited, but a little afraid of the fire... after a while, he loved it. The chef really made over Tyler. Ty wanted steak... so he got filet... Kids meal? Good Lord... the Chef hooked him up.. he had filet, chicken and shrimp. Too funny! We got him the birthday special where he gets a cute little mug. We picked the monkey holding its ears. It was perfect....If anyone has seen our Disney pictures, then you understand. haha They took a picture of us...it was cute.
Today we went out to Lunch with Ma Cheri after the yard sale in our neighborhood. Ty got a little haircut...we didn't lose the curls. After we said goodbye to MaCheri...we went home, swam a little and then went to ToysRUs to pick out a birthday present... Ty got a 4 wheeler and he just LOVES it! The batteries are charging...but he sat on it all night saying "Thank you so much....I LOVE THIS...ITs SuperCOOL!" He does not know, but we also got him a "bigger amp" for his guitar. The guitar he got for christmas had a little amp and he did not like it at all... haha He is gonna be so surprised! Then we get ready for his big Pirate Carnival Party!
So exciting!
I better get some rest...haha
Happy Birthday Tyler!!!
We love you...you bless our lives. You are coolest little dude. Our favorite person. Happy 3rd Birthday!
Love,
Daddy and Mommy (Lucy too)

Less than a week!!!

Tyler will be 3 in less than a week now. It has really snuck up on us!
Tim and Tyler are downstairs finishing the basement. Its pretty cute!
So many birthdays!
We went to Talia and Mara's party last week and had a nice time. Tim bounced in the bounce house with Talia and had yummy cake. Yesterday we went to Isabella's party across the street. Ty had a great time! Tomorrow we have Conner's 3rd Birthday at Chik Fil A... Whew!
Happy Birthday to everyone!!!

Less than a month

Our little man will be 3 years old! I cannot believe it myself. He is just the greatest little person. I love him so much.
He is starting to say the funniest things. He has quite a sense of humor too. Ty is so independent. I want to freeze time and say, stop growing so fast! I am sure other parents can relate.
Some funnies
I asked him... "Ty, what do you want for breakfast?"
He exclaimed "COOKIES!"
I said, "Now Ty, we need to choose something a little more nutritious."
He says "Diet cookies?"
Um, yeah... I have no idea. haha
----
The other day we were getting in the car and I was buckling him in his seat. He likes to climb into his carseat "I can do it myself mommy"... sometimes he ventures into the drivers seat, which will require a 3 count and time out threat... but as I was buckling him in this time, he was kinda pleading his case. haha
"I am getting so big Mommy. I can pee standing up, ride a 2 wheeler, write letters, and drive a car..."
Too cute.
----
He is a mini rockstar. He loves his guitar, He makes the greatest rock faces. The other day he was standing on the coffee table like a stage and kept reaching for my hand. Then I realized, he is reaching for my hand like rockstars do reaching out to their fans.

---

We were at Tim's Dad's house when his brother Jerry was in town. He was petting Aunt Debbie and Uncle Eli's dog Ginger. Someone commented on the dogs bad breath and Ty said "We all can't be perfect."

His Aunt Debbie told us he said, "I like your bathroom Aunt Debbie, Its very pink." Later when I took him potty, he said, "Mommy, its a guurl bathroom, its ok, I can pee here." Very matter of fact.

---

Knock Knock jokes are his new thing...

He makes them up.

Knock Knock
Who's there
Percy
Percy who
Percy choo choo train

Knock Knock
Who's there
Doggy
Doggy who
Doggy poops on the floor

Here is the clever one...

Knock Knock
Who's There
Mommy
Mommy who?
Mommy, get me a cookie please???

---

All of Tyler's friends are getting new brothers or sisters already or very soon.
I asked him if he wanted a new brother or sister... He thinks about it and says...
"Hmmmm, probably not."

However, later, he told us of all the things he would teach a baby brother (no guuurls he said) haha
"I would teach them to read books, to play choo choo trains, to go potty, to ride a 2 wheeler, to play rolling (bowling) game (wii)," etc.
It was so sweet.
---

The other day he say a baby doll that I had in the closet and he said "Is that a doll?" I said "Yes, would you like to hold it?"
He said "No, thats for guuurls (girls), I'm a pirate!"

---

He loves to work at Poppy's office where he loves sitting next to Aunt Megs and "work".
He is very serious about his work. I asked him what he would like to drink, he told me.
"Not now mommy, I am working."

---

His previous favorite color of pink has been replaced by yellow.
He asked what my favorite color was... I told him to guess..
"Pink?"
"No"
"Green?"
"No"
"Purple"
"No"
Very frustrated, he asks "Well what is it then?"
"Blue"
"Blue?, very cool Mommy!"
haha
Glad he approves :)


Have a great day!

Candace

Happy Mother's Day to me

I am so blessed and lucky to be your Mommy Ty. You impress me everyday. I admire your tenacity and sweet spirit.
Your humor, and eagerness to learn new things. Your precious smile and sweet words at just the right time.
You are the light of my life... I love you little one.
God bless you my love.
Mommy

Holy Cow My Boy is Getting Big!!!

Today I took Ty's training wheels off his bike. He rode his 2 wheeler no problem at all. I didn't even have to run with him, he took off pedaling and rode around the field like a little BMX'er. He made his daddy very proud today.

I guess that little bike with no training wheels and no pedals that we got him at Target for $12 paid off. It is a wooden bike that was marked down from $50 and its supposed to teach balance. Well it worked...

I love you Ty. Congratulations! Time for a motorcycle!!! heh heh...

DaddyT

----
**Pictures have been updated in the picts/video section (Planting trees for Casey and Sebastian, Day out with Thomas... and the first time without training wheels pictures :) ... Candace

Its been a while...

I know....
After our dear Sebastian passed... our lives began a roller coaster ride that landed us in a a confusing dark tunnel. We have another dog Casey. He was our first pup and we adopted him as a puppy right after Tim and I got married. He was 11. He has had diabetes for almost 3 years and was getting old and grouchy. He was depressed after Sebastian passed, but quickly took to being the only dog. However, he was still grouchy and getting worse. When he was around Tyler, we made sure to muzzle him. He started snapping here and there. One day, a couple weeks ago... Tyler and I were playing fetch. I was watching closely... and we were all having fun. I made sure Casey and Ty were not real close. Then it happened. Casey leapt for Tyler and bit him. He bit him in the mouth and it bled so bad. Luckily it was more inside and it has healed. I was so upset. First, taking care of my baby, incredible guilt and knowing that Casey would have to go away. My heart ached as I watched my little guy cuddled next to me, with the ice and fear in his eyes. I didn't protect him enough. It all happened so fast. So Tim and I called Dr. Luntz (vet) and called Dr. Feldman (Ty's Dr). We had to wait at least 10 days to put Casey down. It was killing us. As the days went by, Casey's health was failing. Some people relayed their stories and said that sometimes animals act out when they are getting sicker because they cannot really communicate. Casey was sad more than he was happy. He hated getting needles every day, 2x a day. He hated the same diabetic food everyday. He was sleeping more and more. We tried to find him a new home, we contacted shelters.... We tried everything. No one wants an old sick dog, that is aggressive and has attacked someone.
We decided that it was best to send him back home. He passed away on April 15th.
Casey deserves peace. He deserves a good meal cooked by Tim's dear Mom. He deserves to run free. All our loved ones that have passed will take care of him till we meet again. Casey and Sebastian are playing together once again in beautiful green fields with flowers everywhere...
We will miss Casey so much. He was the "trick" dog. He would sit, roll over, crawl, dance, high five, and sing (one old Another Lincoln song). He loved playing. Fetch was his favorite. He loved getting his back scratched and his ears rubbed. He loved when his Daddy would come home from work. He never needed a leash. He listened so well. He loved to hang out with his Daddy in the garage, or when Tim would build something new. They were buddies and he was my little boy. He loved to cuddle with me, and put his little head on my shoulder and sleep. Thats how I want to remember him. We are so grateful for the time we had with him. Every special moment is imprinted on my heart forever. Casey Maximillion Minnicks will never be forgotten.
(We love you Casey. We know you are happy now, wagging your little tail and getting lots of love.
We miss you so much it hurts. Give Sebby a couple kisses from us. We love you both.)
Love,
Tim, Candace and Ty

So...here we are...we have been in this dark tunnel for a while, however... Light finds its way. After Sebby passed, we didn't think we would get another dog for years. Plans change. We bought Ty a dog (the same day he was bit). It just kind of happened. We didn't want him to have a fear of dogs, we wanted a dog he could play with and grow up with. A puppy to distract him from Casey. I I think she distracted us from the journey we were about to take. We adopted a little girl Puggle (great with children) and named her "Lucy"... she is silly and funny... the name works. Looking up the name... it means "Light".
Lucy will never replace our dear dogs that have passed... she is here to remind us that life goes on.

Thank you to everyone for your love and support.
Candace

Thank you

Thank you to everyone for your love and support during this tough time. We lost our sweet dog Sebastian Easter morning. He had a tumor and was due for surgery Monday. He was so uncomfortable, especially all day Saturday, by Saturday evening, he was dying. My parents came over and Tim and I took Sebby to the pet ER, so that he could rest and run though the green grass in heaven. Our hearts are broken, but we know he is at peace and happy. Casey our other dog, misses him too. Sebastian was Tyler's little buddy. If Ty fell or was upset, Sebby would be right there. He was always a puppy, filled with energy and mischief even though he was 8 years old. He was an original, with one eye half blue half black, born with black eyeliner...haha He was super fast and could jump from the floor to the table. He could escape from everything...and squeeze through the smallest spaces. I think he just did it to drive Tim crazy, haha but I loved it. He was a special little dog. I am thankful for the time we were given. He really blessed our life.
Tyler took it very well. We explained that he was in heaven with all the angels. We asked if he understood...he said "Yes, Sebby is playing with all the snow angels..." So sweet. Later Easter evening, I was crying and Tyler asked what was wrong. I said that I just miss Sebastian. He put his precious arms around me and said, "It's ok Mommy, Sebby's with the angels.". He has mentioned him here and there, but I think that he has a direct link to heaven. I know Tim's Mom and sister, and my grandparents and cousins are all loving their new puppy in heaven.
We will miss our little guy. He will all be in our hearts forever.
We love you Sebastian.
Tyler, Daddy, Mommy and Casey

Happy St. Pat the Bunny Day

Personalized Glitter Graphics

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2 hrs early

Hello Hello!
We had a wonderful weekend. Tim and I celebrated our anniversary (11 years) yesterday and we had a blast!
Tim had been away all last week and Tyler and I missed him so much. Having him back was so wonderful! So Friday, we went and looked at some cars and ordered pizza and relaxed. Saturday morning, we woke up to a wonderful Easter Egg hunt that our neighborhood put together. It was so nice and Ty got a lot of candy and eggs... We decided to head to the Zoo for the Easter Egg hunt there too! It was chilly at first, but it warmed up to a nice cool, comfy temp. We did the little egg hunt, visited the polar bears and had lunch. We saw an old friend from Mommy's Chili's days, Christy. She has 2 adorable little ones. It was great to see her again. We went over to the carousel and polar bear ride. We then ventured over to visited the new Giraffe feeding station, the elephants (2 new ones and one on the way)... One of the elephants was showing a bit too much if you know what I'm saying. If not, I will email you a picture... we did our rounds, got a good workout and headed home. We rested a little and packed Ty up for his big overnight with Poppy, Ma Cheri and Auntie. We pulled up and a cute little bike was sitting outside. Ty hopped on it right away, it still needs training wheels, so I held the bike and tried to keep up. haha We went inside and saw Poppy putting together the new bed that they got for him. It was a cute little cars bed. He just LOVED it! It was time for Tim and I to head our, and Ty started to get a little upset. Luckily, I brought a lot of fun distractions, so we said our goodbyes, and headed out. He went to church with them for Palm Sunday and informed us later "But I don't want to go to church." Oh no. We talked to him a little later, and he said, "But Mommy, I want you with me" It was so sweet, but I know it is good for him and good for Tim and I to have some alone time. Tim and I went to dinner and had a really nice time. We went to bed early and woke up early too. I guess the internal Mommy/Daddy clock was still on. It was so great to see our little man and we were very grateful for the time we spent and for Ty getting such special treatment. He had a great time!
My dad said he was a little angel. No trouble at all. It made me feel good, and I know that my dad meant it. I love to see how much Tyler is loved. Warms my heart.
So...Happy Anniversary Timmy! Heres to many more. I love you with all my heart!
Sorry, had to get a little mushy :)
Mwah!
Love to all!
Here is Tyler in his new Cars bed at my parents house :)
(More pictures are up on the videos link)

Ty at the Zoo

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Videos link...pictures added

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

I have been keeping up with adding pictures to Ty's dropshots site...(the videos link)

Tyler and I had a busy day!
We had playgroup... some shopping, visited the pet store to look at the fish... went to the gym, Ty decided he does not like the gym and I was able to do 1/2 the warm up... but thats ok. I don't want my little boy upset. We had a picnic when we got home and read a lot of books. Tyler LOVES books now and I could not be any happier about that. We had a mini photo shoot... he was such a little ham. His head is healing so quickly! Mederma for kids! It has been a little over a week...7 stitches and now you can barely tell. Ty just started the inquisitive stage... "Why? Why? Why? " haha He knows his shapes really well... esp the difference between a rectangle and square. Ty can write the letter T. We have little T's all over the place. "Across and Down:" I can hear him practice. So cute. He has become quite independent! "Mommy, I can do it myself." Whether dressing himself, getting in the car seat, etc... After he jumped into the car seat he said "See Mommy, I told you I could do it myself!" Right you are my little man. Growing way too quickly for me. I love him so much.

Pictures!

Check out new pictures, uploaded more frequently on the 'video' link that takes you to our drop shots.
We have some of Ty's artwork from today up :)
Have a great day!

A new cool scar...

Yes, you read correctly. Tyler had a little unfortunate meeting with the end of a table and well... 7 stitches later, we are healing.
Tim was on his way to Alexis' (my sister) play and I ordered a pizza for TyTy and I to have a picnic. He was so excited when the doorbell rang...I grabbed the money and he slipped off the couch into the table. I thought he just bumped it, and answered the door with a screaming toddler in my arms. I said the the "pizza guy" ... we just had a little accident...and he was looking at me rather strangely... thinking maybe he didn't speak English well or something...haha I shut the door, only to see Ty's right side of his face covered in blood. We got the cool compress, held tight and called Tim right away and told him to come home. He flew home and we went to St. Joe's. We were in and out in a little over an hour. He got one stitch inside and 6 on the outside. Our brave little gent will get his stitches out on Thursday. Ty and I are fighting a cold and trying to mend as best as we can.
Lots of cuddles.

Today we made some Butternut Squash Soup together. I thought for sure, Tyler helping me cook would ensure him trying it. Another sneaky way to get veggies into my growing boy. Did he try it? Nope. I am gonna try tomorrow.

We also had our last Terrific Tots last week. Ty starts preschool in the fall. I cannot believe how fast he is growing up!


Ty and Sebastian (one of our dogs) adore each other. When Ty gets hurt or is upset, Sebby is right there...although there are times where he has had enough our this cute toddler love. This looks like one of those times...haha Sebby has a wonky eye, but this picture, it is more prominent. haha Puppy cuddles!

Adventures in Painting

WOW, I know it has been a while since we have updated. Keeping up with Tyler, and life...
I love it.
So Valentine's Day was real nice. Daddy took off work and surprised us. We let Daddy sleep in and Tyler and I made Daddy cookies. Ty had a blast putting all the ingredients in a bowl. Daddy and Tyler gave Mommy a necklace...not just any necklace. haha When we were in Disney, I wanted to do the "pick a pearl" thing where you take and oyster and open it and get a pearl. Tim sent away and got one for me. So sweet. I loved it! We had a nice morning and decided to go to ikea and buy Tyler an easel for Valentine's Day. He loves doing art projects. After that, we went to the most romantic place. Chuck E Cheese. Tyler loves Chuck E Cheese. haha Daddy and Mommy also like to compete for the high score in skee ball. haha Mommy won this time. Whoot! When we got home, we set up Tyler's easel. He used to chalk board and loved it. He loved to paint. His first painting, he told he it was a rainbow. His second one he painted today, he said they were fireworks with a wheel. Creative little gent.
Its is amazing to watch him create and learn. I love him so much.



Ty's second painting



Belly painting...


TaDA showing off his work


Tyler's playroom is almost finished! Daddy did such a great job building it! We are getting the carpet tomorrow and here is the one for on top of it. Tyler loves it!



And our poor Sebby is having surgery today...please say a prayer.


I hope everyone had a Happy Heart Day!

So cool...

Ty has been in his big boy bed a lot now with naps and everything and he falls right to sleep (knock on wood). Mommy did this great thing where she pulls the rocker up to his bed and reads him a couple books before bed (I think she posted that) and then when she leaves he falls right to sleep. how awesome!?

On another note, we signed Ty up for preschool today. He starts in September for a couple hours a day (by himself), which is gonna probably be harder on us than him. He is riding his "motorcycle" with his feet raised and has amazing balance and is such a daredevil. He is getting so big and is just the funnest little guy I know.

Daddy T

BIG BOY BED

Well, Tyler is a big boy...well he slept like one for the first time last night. We went shopping the other day and Tyler picked out Thomas Train bed set for his BIG BOY BED. He was so excited. So Daddy and I planned for yesterday to be the BIG day. We talked about it all day yesterday, that it was the BIG DAY and Tyler was so excited. He was ready. When Daddy got home, they got all the tools together. Daddy took the big side down (convertible crib) and Mommy assisted. It is the cutest little bed. I will have to get a picture soon. Tyler and I took his new bedset to the laundry room and Tyler put it in the washing machine. He was so excited to wash his own sheets. I think Daddy and I were a little nervous, not knowing what it would be like. The BIG transition. We read a story, said our prayers and Mommy sang 'Somewhere over the Rainbow" and kisses goodnight. He cried a little, and we checked on him...as I am sure it was scary. I sang once more and said goodnight. I cried of course. I would never take my baby boy out of his crib ever again. Maybe I am the one having a tough time with the transition. Anyway... I was well rested and ready for it to be a LONG night, but it was not. He was so good and proud. When he woke up, he called for us. He understood that he was not to get out of bed. So cute. When Tim went in, he climbed out. What a GOOD boy, huh?!

Potty training is going really well too! He tinkles on the potty. He is a little afraid to poo right now. No pressure. When he is ready. We talk about it all the time, but we don't want to force the issue. I will take tinkles for now. We have a sticker reward chart. He is so proud to put his sticker up. He gets one for going, for flushing, for washing his hands, cleaning his toys, sitting at the table to eat, etc... His little reward chart is full. haha

He is learning so much. Talking so much. Growing too fast.

This week is triangles, the color yellow and the letter A
So cute!

So much has happened since Christmas. As some of you may know...the 3 of us were really sick. I think my WHOLE family was. Anyways, Ty started off with croup and he has allergies... Mommy too. I am so worried about Tyler getting asthma too (like me). We had 3 cats. My allergies have gotten worse and I could not even pet them without a glove. I loved them so much. We found them 3 really nice homes. They even get to sleep with the new owners. I am so happy they are happy. I miss them very much as we all do. We have 2 little doggies. Casey, who is diabetic and Sebastian. Tyler loves them. He was just talking to Sebastian (Sebby) and said "Come here Sebby, He's my cute little boy" It this cute little voice. Such a sweetie. Sebastian is warming up to Tyler.., Casey still runs away. haha

We have gotten out and caught up with family and friends. We saw Aunt Dawn and Baby Joey. We did our Christmas and went to lunch. It was so nice to see them. Joey is growing up so fast! He is 7 months old already! Time flies. We also go to see our cousins Aunt Stacey and Baby Owen, who is almost not a baby anymore. He looks so grown up! He is a year old and took his first steps...practically walking, he crawls SO fast. Owen and Tyler are gonna grow up to be good buddies. So cute.
We still have some christmas to catch up on... We have to see Aunt Erin, Uncle Pat, Ellie and Adam, Uncle Jay, Aunt Leslie and Ty's new cousin who will be born real soon...Aunt Sheryl, Noah and Michaela, Aunt Diane, Aunt Deb...the holidays were rough. Hopefully we can see everyone before Easter!

Congratulations to our friends Irene, Kevin and Ty's good buddy Gus as they just welcomed their little girl Anthipi Irene! They are going to call her Anne, but i just love Anthipi...very original. She is named after Irene's Mom and Mom in law. Welcome little one! We cannot wait to meet you!

Here is a picture of Ty...The big snow day! He helped Mommy shovel!

More coming soon!

Sitting here

...waiting for the ball to drop. Ty is fast asleep in his bed. We all have pretty bad colds and Ty and Mommy have ear infections. Poor things. The house is full of loud coughs and hacks and things that go sneeze in the night. uggghh...

Ty and Can are both on antibiotics and hopefully they will get some relief in a day or so. TyTy is being such a trooper. You'd never know he was sick. Me and Can on the other hand...

Well anyway, here's to an awesome 2008 (with hopefully another trip to DeeDee World)...

Daddy T