Slocum's Spot

Fall Fun

2009-11-07T12:42:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Party

2009-10-22T11:18:00.001-04:00

We had a pumpkin carving party at our house last night with Ben and Beth. It was so much fun. Gideon loved watching the pumpkins. He even helped scoop out some seeds (with a spoon). He did not like the goop. He especially loved blowing out the candles inside the pumpkin. Here are some pictures of our night.

Up North

2009-10-22T11:14:00.002-04:00

We went up north a few weekends ago to spend some time with Steve's family. We had a great time visiting with family.

Party Time

2009-08-19T08:32:00.003-04:00

We had a retirement party for my dad in Lake City last weekend so we got a chance to celebrate his 31 years of teaching and all the hard work he has done for our family. It was a great day (all accept when a storm blew through) We had lots of friends and family stop by. It was good to see everyone and lots of thanks to those that came. Here are some pics from the party.

Gid enjoying some snacks.

Dad opening his presents.

Gid riding on Aunt Susie's cool bike.

Dad and Grandma D.

We also had time to go to the beach. Gideon loves the water and especially spending time with Daddy.

Gid and Daddy

Splashing fun.

My happy baby!

Beach fun

2009-08-12T10:10:00.004-04:00

We went up to visit with Grammy and Grandpa last weekend and got a chance to go to the beach for an afternoon. Gideon absolutly loved going to the beach and exploring. It was the first time I was able to just sit back and watch him explore a little on his own. He is becoming such a big boy. We had so much fun. Hope you enjoy the pics. Thanks mom for sending them to me ( I forgot to bring my camera, ha, ha) what a novice mom.

Mommy and Gid

So serious

Playing in the sand, my favorite thing:)

Look mommy, water.

Don't get mommy wet

Look at that belly

What?

Look what I found.

Playing with a friend

Trip to the park

2009-07-28T15:30:00.004-04:00

Steve, Gid, Akira and I went to Fitzgerald park on Sunday. It was a perfect day to go, not too hot and not too cold. We started by going down to the river to check out the dam and show Gideon the river. He thought it was so cool and loved looking at all the things floating in the river. We also walked around the park and ended up at the playground. Gideon loved the slide (of course) and playing in the sand. We had a good time and Gideon was such a good boy. We are so lucky to have a wonderful park and lots of things to do in our town.

Gideon on a big pile of rocks. He found lots of spiders on them. :) What a boy.

Pictures of the dam.

Gideon looking wide eyed at the river. It is so big and loud from the dam he was in awe.

Gideon taking a minute to smile at the camera. Even though he didn't want to miss a thing on the river, hence the reluctant smile.

Zoo days

2009-07-22T21:57:00.003-04:00

Last week mom stayed with us to help watch Gideon while I was teaching summer school. We had a chance to go to Potter Park Zoo and we had a good time. Gideon of course did not want to stay in the 'beep-beep' (aka stroller) so we had a day of holding hands, chasing and worry with lots of people around. It was so much fun and Gideon really loved seeing the animals that were being social that day. I enjoyed spending time with both Gideon and my mom. I really miss having her near. I am glad that she is so willing to come and spend time here. Here are some pics of our day.Some chips in the beep-beep. Yummy.

Looking at the monkeys. His favorite thing to watch. I wonder why? :) lol

My little monkey!

At the lion exhibit. We couldn't really see them; they were being anti-social.

Gid and Grammy (or me as Gid calls her).

Greetings

2009-06-09T21:34:00.001-04:00

Gideon wanted to say hello to his Grammy and Grandpa that he hasn't seen in a long time. Hope this makes you smile. I still can't believe he has so much to say at his young age but of course I love it. Miss you mom and dad.

Recent Events

2009-06-03T21:39:00.005-04:00

Ok so I haven't posted in a long time. Here are some recent pics of things we have been doing lately.

Easter time at Grandpa and Grandma Slocum's
The cousins.

Running around in the yard.

Easter Sunday new outfit (thanks Grammy)

Trip to the park with mommyPlaying baseball with daddy.

Trip to the park with mommy and daddy.Love the slideWhat a big boy.

Picture Day

2009-02-28T16:12:00.004-05:00

Here are some of Gideon's pictures he had taken today. He did such a great job smiling. It was really hard to pick our few favorite ones.

First Steps

2009-02-24T20:25:00.004-05:00

Gideon has finally taken his first steps all by himself and he is so proud! (okay, okay I am too). He has been wanting to take them for so long and now I know he will be everywhere and getting into everything. He is getting to be such a big boy. Ben and Beth don't have to worry anymore he surly will be walking by the wedding. :)

Wii Fun

2009-01-25T20:49:00.002-05:00

This weekend we had the opportunity to have Rachel and Jordan (our niece and nephew) over. We had a great time on Saturday going out to lunch and then coming home to play some Wii. Rachel helped Gideon swing the bat and throw the ball. He had so much fun and was so impressed with himself because everyone was cheering for him. We really enjoyed having them over and Gideon enjoyed spending time with his cousins.

Daddy throwing Gideon into the air.

Jordan looking very professional at bat.

Giggles from Gideon as he helps Rachel play baseball.

The two teams versus each other.

Rachel and Gideon swinging the remote. She is so sweet with him.

Christmas Presents

2008-12-30T21:05:00.002-05:00

Gideon enjoyed opening Christmas presents at both grandparents houses and our house. He is really good at ripping paper apart. He got so many great gifts and now our house is full of toys that of course all make lots of noise.

Christmas morning. Opening his present from mommy and daddy.

Enjoying one of his presents even if it is still in the box.

Cuddling with one of his outfits from Grammy.

He even helped Daddy open his gifts.

Gideon's B-Day Celebration #2

2008-12-30T20:50:00.002-05:00

Gideon celebrated his birthday with his other grandpa and grandma too. He had a wonderful cake shaped like a dumptruck, even with edible rocks. We had cake and icrcream and then opened presents. He got so many cool things. It was nice to be able to have both our families celebrate with him on his big day.

Gideon playing with one of his presents.

Liberty (mom and dad's dog) joining in the celebration.

Oooohhhh all those presents.

More yummy cake.

Uncle Ben had to blow out the candle for Gideon. He was mesmerized by the smoke.

Gideon TurnsOne

2008-12-30T20:30:00.003-05:00

Gideon turned one! I can hardly believe it has been one year since he came into our lives. We celebrated with both families and he had such a blast.

Gideon's first cake. A cute cuddly teddy bear good enough to eat.

Gideon with Grandpa in his b-day hat.
Opening presents with mommy.
The oh so yummy cake. It was the first time he really had anything sweet and he did a little sugar shiver when he tasted the frosting.

All finished with the cake. Over all he didn't get too messy.

New Pictures

2008-11-29T16:18:00.005-05:00

Here are some more recent pictures. It seems like Gideon is getting bigger every day. I will try to keep up on my posts more often.

Gideon and Aunt Penny having fun.

Messy, messy, messy. A face only a mother could love.

Proud momma with her baby boy.

Cuddle time with momma and baby.

1st hair cut!

2008-11-29T16:11:00.005-05:00

Gideon got his first hair cut recently. He was such a good boy and sat really still! He didn't even cry. :) I am so proud of my little man. He looks so cute with his hair all cleaned up.

Very serious face. Don't want to mess up the hair.

Cheesy grin. He really liked the penguins on the cape.

He sat up like a big boy in the salon chair. Another cheezy grin for momma.

Fall Pics

2008-11-29T16:00:00.002-05:00

Gideon and I took an opportunity to go take some fall pictures before the snow came. He really likes playing in the leaves. It took a lot to get a shot without leaves in the mouth. Yummy.

Halloween

2008-11-04T17:13:00.003-05:00

We had a fun time celebrating Linda's birthday and Halloween. The kids dressed up in their costumes and were really cute. Gideon loved his scarecrow costume and since it was his first Halloween he was the center of attention. Here are some pictures of our day.

Gideon in his cute costume at home. I bet he could really scare some crows away.

Steve torturing his niece Lauren (who is dressed up as a bag of jelly bellys)

Zorro, I mean Jordan looking very dangerous.

My pumpkin I carved this year. Just cause it looked so cute. (Do you detect a theme?)

Happy Halloween Continued

2008-11-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

Here are some more pictures of Gideon in his costume.Posing for all the cameras at Grandpa Chuck's house.

My happy scarecrow.

See my cool hat.

Wave to the camera and say cheese.

New Pics

2008-10-24T19:57:00.003-04:00

It has been a long time since I have been able to put new pictures of Gideon on the blog. I have been so busy with my new job, class and family. Hopefully I will be able to get more pictures soon. I got a new camera and I have been enjoying taking pictures of Gideon and the family.

Gideon at the park on a sunny fall day.

The leaves were really interesting to him. It was hard to keep them out of his mouth.

What a little ham.

Even sillier!

Cheese!

Say Cheese

2008-08-13T21:01:00.003-04:00

Gideon had his first professional pictures taken on Tuesday and he did so good. He wouldn't crack a smile but the photographer got some good pictures. She is a friend of ours and was willing to take Gid's pictures for us. Here is a link to her website if you want to check out some of the pictures she put up. I can't wait to get the proofs back to see them all. I, of course, think they are all amazing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelafreed/

Thank you to Angela, you take great pictures!

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-09T12:51:00.002-04:00

On August 2nd Steve and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it has been six years since we walked down the aisle and said "I Do". Steve has been such a wonderful husband, provider, best friend, comedian, comforter, supporter, hard worker, father and so many more things I can't write them all. I am so blessed to have a husband that cares for me and helps me grow in so many ways. I an so glad that God knew what he was doing when Steve and my paths crossed. I know we will have many more wonderful years together and I look forward to growing old with him. Thank you to everyone who sent warm wishes on our anniversary. Here are some pictures of the two of us in years past.

Us in Vegas at the Rainforest Cafe

Us at a friend's wedding.

When we first got our digital camera we had to try it out on ourselves.

Us at my 24th birthday party.

Bad Boys Whacha Gonna Do

2008-08-05T18:31:00.002-04:00

Okay so Steve thought it would be great to spike up Gideon's hair in a mohawk to make him look like a tough guy and my mom was in on it with him. Here are some pics of the crazy haired boy.

Front view.

What a face. Try as he might he still looks cute.

Okay Mom enough with the pictures already.

Wedding Days Remembered

2008-08-05T18:16:00.004-04:00

On July 20th it was Chuck and Linda's 45th wedding anniversary and we celebrated together at their house. God has blessed them with so many wonderful years together and their commitment to each other is inspiring. We love you both and wish you many more cherished years. Here are some pictures of the big day.

Chuck and Linda 45 years after the big wedding day.

Chuck and Linda with the Shaulis family.

The Slocums and the Slocums.

Grandpa shared his anniversary present with Gideon. (Don't worry he didn't actually eat the Reece's Peanut butter Cup. It was safe inside the wrapper.)

Play Date

2008-08-05T18:10:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago Gideon had his first play date with my friends son Anthony. We went to the park and the boys laid on the blanket together. It was so cute to see them together. Gideon was trying to touch Anthony's head to touch his dark hair. We had a great day!

Gideon relaxing on the blanket.

Gideon trying to reach for Anthony.

Water Baby

2008-07-08T21:53:00.002-04:00

On Saturday we went to the beach and had such a fun day. Gideon wasn't quite sure about the water at first but once he was in he loved it. The day was beautiful and we all enjoyed relaxing and playing at the beach. We even got to see some friends of ours, the Starr family too.

Gideon and Uncle Corey playing in the inner tube.

Gideon and his buddy Gabe swimming it up.

Gideon, Steve and I enjoying the cold water, well maybe not Steve. He said it was too cold.

Grandpa and Grandma keeping Gideon entertained in the water.

Grandpa and Gideon going for a swim.

Beach Pictures

2008-07-08T21:45:00.003-04:00

Gideon's first time in the lake, at first he wasn't quite sure if he liked it.

Gideon relaxing on the beach.

Watching all the people playing and swimming.

Gideon absolutely loved sitting in his inner tube and did so good in the water.

He was a little fishy swimming in the big lake.

Independence Day

2008-07-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

On Friday we were in Lake City for the greatest fourth in the north and celebrated the holiday with my mom and dad, brothers and sister in law and lots of extended family. We always go to the parade and then to a family picnic. We had such a good day and everyone oood and awed over Gideon. Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Gideon in his fourth of July outfit Aunt Penny got him. Totally appropriate it says "little firecracker".

Gideon and Daddy relaxing before the parade starts.

Gideon & Mommy watching the parade.

Gideon and Grandpa getting some quality snuggle time.

My little nature lover. This is my new favorite picture.

4th of July Pictures

2008-07-08T21:31:00.003-04:00

Steve, Gideon and I at the parade.

Ben & Bethany at the family picnic.

The two cool uncles.

Mom and Dad smile for a pose.

Gideon relaxing with Aunt Beth.

Yankee Doodle Days

2008-07-04T21:03:00.002-04:00

A few weekends ago our town celebrated Yankee Doodle Days and Gideon, Mom and I went down to watch the parade, go to the duck race and see the sights around town. We had so much fun although it was a little rainy and we missed the duck race (they started without us, can you believe that?). Here are some pictures of our day.

A parachuter landed directly on the bridge, what accuracy!

Here he is getting help with his parachute.

Grandma and Gideon cheering at the parade. (Sorry mom I didn't know your eyes were closed when I took the picture).

The little bunny that lives in our yard even made an appearance. He is so cute!

Fathers Day!

2008-07-04T17:32:00.004-04:00

On Sunday we went to visit Grandpa Slocum and Gideon got to spend the day outside and relax together. Gideon and Grandpa swinging on the hammock.

Steve and Gideon on his first fathers day. He is such a good Daddy!

On Saturday we had a great Father's day at our house with the whole Dontje family. It was such a beautiful day and we were able to get outside to sit and relax.

Dad opening his electric grill cleaner. Tim Allen would be proud.

Grandpa playing with Gideon on the floor.

Fathers Day Pics

2008-07-04T17:16:00.003-04:00

Uncle Corey holding Gideon!

Uncle Ben & Gideon!

Aunt Beth and Gideon!

Uncle Ben the ferocious wasp hunter!
The itsy bitsy spider...or...the giant monster that lives under the porch. Aaaahhhh.
"I'm waiting for you Jeff" :)

Up North

2008-06-06T08:51:00.004-04:00

Last weekend we went up to Harbor Springs to visit our family and so Gideon could meet all of his Great Aunt's and cousins. Steve's aunt and uncle graciously let us stay at their house and we had a blast with them and Steve's cousins and their kids. Everyone said what a good boy Gideon is and he loved seeing everyone. We got a chance to go to Cross Village to visit with Steve's grandma and we even went shopping and sight seeing to Mackinaw City. It was such a fun weekend. One to definitely remember.

Gideon and Grandma Shull

Caleb standing in front of the big bear with Uncle Randy

Colin helping out in the kitchen making breakfast

Caleb washing dishes, what a big boy helper

Gideon and Randy taking a little snooze

Our Weekend

2008-05-29T19:09:00.005-04:00

This weekend we went on an adventure to the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids with the Shaulis Family. We spent the day on Sunday and had a fun time. There was so much to see and Gideon loved everything. Check out our pictures of the day.

Gideon and Steve looking at the aquarium

The Shaulis family touching sting rays

Gideon and Mommy taking a break

All the kids with big smiles

The Shaulis Family with the penguin statues (Jordan's favorite)

Weekend continued

2008-05-29T18:47:00.004-04:00

We also visited the Wall that Heals which is the traveling Vietnam War Memorial. It is a scaled representation of the actual one. It was pretty impressive and we were lucky enough to be able to see it at Jordan's school.Here are some pictures of our Memorial Day.

The traveling Wall that Heals

Penny, Jordan and Rachel reading about the Vietnam Memorial.

Grandpa and Gideon looking good

Steve posing with Lauren

Grandpa and all the kids (Gideon just had to tug on Lauren's hair)

5 Months Ago Today

2008-05-20T20:36:00.003-04:00

Five months ago today... I was holding a new perfectly formed human being; I was thinking what a precious gift God had given me; I was worried about doing everything right; I was wondering what he would be like when he grows up and I prayed nothing bad would ever happen to him.

Happy five month birthday to Gideon! I can't believe it has been so long. It went by so quickly and we have enjoyed every minute of it. We also had another big milestone. On Sunday Gideon rolled over on to his tummy. It was so cute! We had been waiting for the big moment and he finally did it. Here are some pictures of his first time getting to his tummy on his own.

"Whoa! What happened?"

"Hey this is kinda cool!"

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-13T18:32:00.004-04:00

Gideon says Happy Mothers Day!

Mmmmmmm paper...
Okay so here is what it took to finally get a good picture. Two signs and about 10 pictures later.

We all had a good day on Sunday celebrating Mother's day. It was my first with Gideon (well in person anyway) and it was so special. We spent the day at Chuck and Linda's with the Shaulis family. Here are some pictures of our day.

Gideon & Grandma Linda!

My sweet baby boy

All the grandkids together

Puppy dog eyes

2008-05-09T19:29:00.003-04:00

Gideon's allergy tests came back and the only thing he is allergic to is dogs. So we had to give our dog, Akira to our friends Jeff, Lisa and their kids Ashley and John. They have graciously offered to take care of her and love her. We were totally heartbroken and miss her very much but we know she is in a great home with kids to play with and a big yard to run around in. We hope she will be a good dog for them and behaves herself. We will still be able to visit and have pictures when we miss her. Here are some of our favorite ones.

Posing with her new toy on our bed

Akira and Liberty at G'Pa & G'ma's house

Opening her present at Christmas time

The jail bird!

Wonder Woman!

Akira will always be our first baby and we will always love her no matter where she lives. Thanks again to Jeff and Lisa for making our loss a little easier!

Dun Dun Da Dun!!!!!

2008-05-03T19:38:00.001-04:00

Well Ben finally did it. He asked Bethany to marry him and she said yes! Well actually Gideon got to deliver the big question. It was so cute and she was so surprised. Congratulations to Ben and Beth. Here are some pictures of the big day.

Gideon's shirt says "Will you be my Aunt" with a big ring tied in a bow.

Bethany reads the shirt and is so surprised.

Then Ben askes her in the more traditional way!

Of course the big smooch after she says yes.

They take a moment to pose with the messenger.

Welcome to the family Beth. We will love to have you as a new sister and aunt. One of my favorite sayings is that marriage takes 3. It can only be strong when you include God. Here is a verse that I really enjoy and try to remember in the good times and the bad.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Corinthians 13:1-8

Dinner Time

2008-04-26T12:18:00.000-04:00

Another big first for Gideon. He is eating cereal now. What a big boy. You will have to excuse my baby talk in the background. It can't be helped you know :)

Also here are some more recent pictures. He had his 4 month check up and is almost 17 pounds. He had some really bad eczema but it is clearing up now with the help of some cortisone cream. We are having him tested for allergies. Hopefully it isn't doggy dander.

Number 1 Tigers Fan

Picking up a few pointers from the Tigers

Playing superman with Daddy

My two handsome men!

Thank God I'm a Country Boy

2008-04-12T11:02:00.000-04:00

Since it was about 70 degrees yesterday, Gideon decided to show his cute little or should I say big arms. With his overalls on he looks like he belongs down on the farm.

Welcome!

2008-04-06T20:37:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first post in our new blog. I am a novice at this so please excuse my lack of knowledge about blogging. This is our family blog to keep in touch with friends and family that we have all across the Michigan. Steve, Gideon and I encourage you to check back periodically to see new pictures and to keep up to date with what we are doing.