Christmas and December 2013

These two love getting spun in the computer chair, but what kid doesn't like that?

Decorating Christmas Cookies

A warm Dec 24th and these two found some big puddles to play in.

Christmas Eve we went to a coworker of Corey's an Santa came. Ben wouldn't go anywhere near him, and this is as close as Kennesy would get.

Christmas morning the kids had a lot of fun opening their gifts. For dinner, we had Corey's mom and sister and her family over. Corey cooked his first turkey. And we did s'mores over the fire pit-new Christmas tradition maybe? So far, the most loved toys have been a tool set, play dough, and a toy stroller.

Hanging out with dad

Some fun at the park, another warm winter day

Kashuba Family Photos. The New and Improved

Here are some of our favorite pictures from our family photo shoot in November. I am so proud of Corey, he looks amazing and has lost 100 pounds since March when he got the lap band. I have lost 28 pounds since I changed my eating habits in March, as well. For me to drop the weight, I started off by doing a vegan diet for 3 months. I also cut out all refined/white carbs and white sugar. After 3 months, I went back to eating meat but still do my best to stay away from eggs, dairy, sugar and white bread as much as I can. I didn't starve myself. I just ate more frequently and changed what I was eating. My saving grace has been black beans and garbanzo bean desserts that use honey/applesauce/dates/bananas as the sweeteners. I have always exercised regularly and still do, my exercise of choice is mostly jogging on the treadmill. 

Benjamin and Kennedy are so adorable in these pics. Ben is starting to look more and more like a little boy. He is always on the go! And Kennedy has such cute, blonde hair and a lot of personality.

November 2013

November flew by! I am now running my own side business selling Treasure Scents products and making custom wooden art. Kennedy is talking up a storm. She can say "mine" "my phone" "blankie" I wa wa wa" (I want water), "doggie" "food" "outside" "bottle" and more. She is one smart cookie. Ben is a great big brother. For the most part he is very thoughtful about his sister. He will get her a sippy cup and share his food with her. He loves trains, trucks, play doh, coloring and painting. Benjamin will be starting preschool some time in December to help improve his speech. He drops a lot of ending and middle consonant sounds in words, which makes it hard to understand him. Corey is down 100 pounds and I am down 25 pounds. Woot woot! I'll post new family pics soon! We spent Thanksgiving in Utah with my family and had a lot of fun and ate some delicious food! The worst part of our trip was Kennedy throwing up in the car with 4 hours left in our drive to Utah. Corey had to strip Kennedy down in the dark in 20 degree weather. Not fun. But, once we got there the kids had a great time playing with cousins and  I got to spend time with my family. Always great to see my sisters and mom! We also saw Hunger Games 2 and went to the indoor water park in Provo. 

Ben in a helmet explaining to me that people got in football.

Enjoying some special brownie batter. (Black bean brownies with no eggs)

A scarf I crocheted for myself!

Ben and Corey coloring

The kids all ready to enjoy some Thanksgving food!

Happy Halloween!

Yesterday was Halloween and this past week we have had a lot of fun doing Halloween stuff. First, we went to our church's Halloween activity for some chili and trick or treating. Then, we did story time at the library with their costumes on and they got to trick or treat a little bit too. Last night, we went trick or treating with some friends. The kids had a blast. Ben loved getting to ring people's doorbells and Kennedy thought it was awesome too. She was so giggly and excited while she walked up to people's doors. Ben was a fireman and Kennedy was a Dalmatian, the firehouse mascot. I had to tell Ben last night that there would be no more "trick or treating" for a while. 

Lately the kids have loVed taking apart the couch and playing with the cushions. 

Today Ben rode the cushions like a cowboy, his inspiration was Woody from Toy Story. 

Hard Times

It has been a hard week for our family. Coreys dad is in critical condition in the hospital with lung and heart issues. I cannot imagine what he is going through, being unable to talk to him and let him know he is there. Praying for him, but feeling helpless too since we are so far away. 

It is so easy to get caught up in all the STUFF that is a part of life. But, I know my family is the most important thing I will ever be a part of. I hope I can do a better job of showing them what they mean to me. I love you Corey, Ben and Kennedy.