Merry Christmas!

I failed to get Christmas cards around again this year. Must start earlier next year! So here is your virtual Christmas card. May you experience peace & joy this Christmas season. Enjoy your time with family & friends. Merry Christmas!!

Great day, not so great end to the day

Last Saturday was a great day. We woke up to about 3 inches or so of bright white snow. Andrew really wanted to go sledding but we don't really have a place for that. Last year there was a very large mound of dirt on a near by lot from when they dug our basement and our neighbor's. But now the dirt is gone and a house is in it's place. So I suggested we go out and have some time outdoors...me clearing the driveway and the boys "helping" & playing in the snow.

After that we got ready for the rest of our day. We had plans to go into Columbus for the day. There were a few more Christmas gifts we needed to get. We also told the boys we could go to Recreations Outlet for some play time, if they were good while shopping. The boys and I had been there one other time with our friends Renee & Emmett. Well we should have called first. Imagine two little boys who have done some shopping (who don't like shopping), who have been promised they could play, and then we are told that on Saturday & Sunday play time is for members only. What to do! The boys both had their shoes and coats off ready to run. So we became week and now have a membership at the Recreations Outlet! The time we were there with Renee & Emmett, it was "pay to play" time - we payed $4 a child to play as long as they wanted. They also have a free play time too. The boys had a great time! And now every time we go to Columbus we will be stopping at Recreations Outlet to make up for paying for this membership!

For supper we met Chad's parents at North Star Cafe. We had eaten at one of the two restaurants they have this past summer. This time we ate at the one north of campus. It is a great place to eat. I enjoy the atmosphere and love knowing that our food is good quality food. Be sure to read their philosophy. Here is the menu.

We had also thought about going to the zoo lights but decided it would be too cold and perhaps then not too much fun. On the way home we debated about driving through some Holiday Fantasy Lights at Alum Creek. But Carson fell asleep and since it cost $15 per car load, we decided we wanted to do that when both Andrew & Carson could enjoy it. We have driven through the Festival of Lights in the town I grew up in and they both loved it! Carson was amazed and said some great phrases like "Gracious!" and my Dad's quote "Hokey Dina!". But instead we headed home.

We were about 20 minutes from home when a large deer decided to cross the road. We didn't see it until it was right in front of us. There was a car coming from the opposite direction and not much for us to do, except hit the deer. We had to have the car towed, Chad thought the steering wasn't quite right and could smell coolant (I think that is what he said but maybe not). Thankfully we got a hold of a friend from church who was able to come get us and take us home. We found out yesterday the estimate on the car and that we won't get it back until Jan. 8th or the 11th. Chad had been hinting at hitting a deer but not with this car (our 2004 Volkswagen Passot wagon) - with his car (1997 Honda Accord) - which would give him a reason to get a different car. And thankfully we are all fine! We had a very kind police officer stumble upon us and help us out. He even drove me back to a gas station, after I swallowed my pride and asked him to, so that I could use the bathroom. I think Andrew was a bit jealous that I got to ride in a police car!

So this week, we have only had one car. It has been fine. Andrew didn't have preschool this week due to Christmas break. And the other activities the boys and I are in are on hold due to Christmas as well. I have run some errands in the evenings once Chad is home - which is actually really nice to do without the boys! And I'm OK with being home - it takes a lot for me to get stir crazy - but I might by Jan. 8th! Plus I've had enough to keep me busy!

Play equipment

Our basement is great. Especially with the cold weather we have been having. It is a great place for the boys to run around and play rough. Chad often throws football with Andrew down there. Just a great space.

For a while, I have been thinking how nice it would be to have a slide or some play equipment in the basement for the boys to climb on. I was searching on the Internet when I found this company, Cedar Works. Here is a photo of some of their indoor play sets.

I really love everything about it. I love the look. I love that you can choose from some of their pre-designed play sets or custom design your own. I love that it is made of wood, and a maintenance free wood - no staining or splintering of the wood. I did request a catalog and I'm thinking that the only thing I might not love about it is the price. There aren't any quotes on their website, and there might not be in the catalog either, we shall see.

So for now, the boys and I built our own little play set yesterday. It is made of cardboard and lots of tape. The main part, where Andrew is standing with the door, has been around for a few months. It needed some repair and then we added the other spaces. They are enjoying crawling around in it. We have told them to be a little more gentle with it or it may not be around for long! If it does make it, we can even add on to it!

TaVaci

Andrew is in a local singing & performing group called TaVaci. This is the first year he is in it and he is really enjoying it. They had their Christmas concert this past Saturday evening. Children ages 4-13 are in TaVaci. Their practices are at different times, based on ages. The concert was for all the children. I was really surprised how many kids are in this. Some of the songs were sung by all the children and then they did separate songs with each class. It was really cute. They do choreography too. I did order a DVD of the performance - thought Andrew might enjoy watching it.

Here he is all decked out before their morning dress rehearsal.

Believe it or not, I suggested this pose. He is too much!

After his dress rehearsal, we ran into Kroger for a few things. Andrew got warm and took off his coat. So many people gave him compliments regarding his outfit. Too cute.

Cozy

Last Friday morning we woke up to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. It was still falling and quite windy. I plugged in the Christmas tree and lights....

Andrew asked to watch a show. As I was getting it ready, Carson got up and came out to the living room. Carson asked for a blanket and snuggled up in his chair. During this time Andrew went to the bathroom. I had the show playing and went back to our room to do a few things. When I came back out, this is what I saw....

I love moments like this. It was around 7am and still a little dark. The only light in the room was the soft glow from the Christmas tree (and the TV). Outside the snow was gently falling. And these precious little boys were sitting in the same chair, cuddling under the blanket. So sweet. So Cozy.

Side note. Carson loves "cozy jammies" aka fleece pjs. Andrew does not - he is a hot body; so therefore we only had one pair of fleece pjs. This pair is size 24 months. Thankfully they are two piece pjs and Carson can still wear them but the sleeve and pant length are getting a little short. Carson would get upset at night when this pair was not clean. We would pull out the numerous thin cotton pjs we had for him and he would say "NO these cozy jammies!" My parents searched all over for fleece pjs for Carson's birthday. They would find pjs - the sleepers with feet attached but weren't sure Carson would like them. Or the pjs with a collar and button down tops and again weren't sure he would like that. They did manage to find a pair that is 2 piece with the top more like a t-shirt. Carson is thrilled to have two pairs of cozy jammies now. He will cuddle up to you and say "so cozy!"

Pictures

A couple of weeks ago we took the boys to get their pictures taken. I like to have their pictures taken around their birthdays. I had thought that we would have family pictures taken outside this year in the beautiful fall leaves, but it never happened. Maybe next fall. We like going to J.C. Penney for pictures. I think they do a good job and you can't beat the price!

The only thing I don't like about it is that you order your pictures right after they are taken. One of their employees is standing at a computer screen with you, looking through your pictures. Your children are there in the waiting area with you. You are trying to view the photos, decide what you want and make sure your children are behaving. It's a little stressful. I would like more time to decide what I want to order. I think one time they gave us 24 hours to make changes to our order, or maybe that was Target. There are things I would have changed about what we ordered but over all, we were pretty happy with how they turned out. We think they are pretty stinkin' cute. :)

Carson saying "cheese"

Classic Carson smile - I think I actually can see some teeth!

Sooo sweet!

Love this one!

Our little buckeyes

GO BUCKS!!

Andrew's senior picture pose #1

Senior picture pose #2

Love his grin

Andrew & Carson's Birthday Party

This past Saturday we had a joint birthday party for the boys with our families. We were celebrating Carson's 3rd birthday (Nov. 1st) and Andrew's 5th birthday (Nov. 16th). This may be the last year for this joint party - this is the third year we have done this. This year Andrew started asking about having his own party and inviting friends....so we shall see.

We had a fire truck themed party. Cake decorating does not come easy to me. I found a video on the internet showing how to make this fire truck cake. I thought it turned out pretty good and the boys liked it - and that is what matters most.

Above you will find a collage of pictures from the day (click on it to make it larger).... the decorations (which seemed to be pretty important to one little boy inparticular this year), the cake, snuggling and watching TV with Uncle Justin prior to party time, the wild present opening, Carson's bashful/snuggle moment with Mom, the candle blowing, eating cake, family and playing with all the new toys.

After events like this, I find myself wishing I had taken more pictures. There wasn't a single picture of Chad or many of the other family that was here. I just don't like snapping pictures all the time but then end up wishing I had. Plus much of the time I was doing something (preparing food, helping unwrap gifts, getting the cake ready, washing dishes - you get the idea)

We all had a great time! Thanks for making the boys' Birthday special and so much fun!!!

What do you do with this space?

I do not feel that I am a very good decorator. I really appreciate a well decorated home. I don't know how to place/hang items so that it looks just right in my own home. Do we have a certain style? I think it is more of a hodg-podg. I prefer simple, clean line designs without a lot of clutter.

So the space I'm wondering about is this....

the space above the kitchen cabinets and below the ceiling. What do you do with this space? The items that you see here in these pictures have been there the two and half years that we have lived in this house. When we were unpacking boxes and came across a certain item that I wasn't sure where to put it, we put it up there. And that is where it has sat for two and a half years!

That is until this past Friday night. I had enough of these randomly placed items and removed them all.

Aahh...that's better!!

Carson's funny comments

Carson, who still seems little to me, can let out these huge "man burps" - as I like to call them. You almost have to do a double take - did that really come out of you?? After one of these "man burps" he said "That was a big yawn!"

The other night after taking a bath, Carson said "I'm so shiney!"

Andrew's preschool poster

This is a poster that had been hanging in the hallway at Andrew's preschool. I think you can click on the picture to view it a little larger. I love all the little comments and his drawings. He doesn't do much drawing around home, he is enjoying coloring a little bit more but only for a few mintues. Let's face it, neither Chad nor I are great artists despite taking Drawing 101 in college - just to meet my requirement.

I didn't know he wanted to be a dentist. Usually he will say that he wants to work with his Dad.

"I wish I would grow up right now." I wonder what it was that he wanted to be able to do? I'm glad that wish didn't come true - let's take it one day at a time. He's already growing up so fast.

Sports Auction

Last Saturday, November 14th, Chad & I went to the Sports Auction. Some of our neighbors invited us to go with them. This event is put on by the Boosters. It is a formal event. In years past it has been a sit down meal; this year they served "heavy" Hors d'oeuvres and a dessert bar. Throughout the room they had silent auction items set up. We bid on a few of these items and came home with them (a massage for me, workout sessions, license plate renewals, session with accountant and a portrait session). These are all items that area businesses have donated for this event. There were also many live auction items. I was really surprised how much items were going for and the amount of money that was raised over all. (I don't really know that total but I'm sure it was an awful lot!) Everything that this auction brings in is given to the Boosters to support the different athletic teams.

It was a fun night out. The boys had a fun night with the babysitter (Chad's office manager's daughter). As we were getting ready for the night, (Chad commented - I feel like I'm going to prom.- we don't get all dressed up very often or get out much!) the boys saw Chad first and Carson said "Oooo you look like a prince Dad!" and then "you look like a princess Mommy!" Carson and I had been to one of Carson's little friend's birthday party that week that was very princessey. The evening of the party I went dress shopping and Carson was with me. He wanted me to try on this bright pink dress because "it looked like a princess dress". Not really what I had in mind.

This is something we probably would not have gone to just the two of us. But it was fun to go with our neighbors/friends. We don't know that many people in the community - in fact the people we went with were the only people we knew there - except we did run into one of Andrew's preschool teachers. I will admit that I don't do that well in situations like this. I do not mingle well with people I do not know. I just don't know what to say. I may be a bit of an introvert. And I am a bit out of practice.

I actually saw someone there that I went to high school with. She was a year older than me and I wouldn't say that we were exactly friends then but we were in some of the same sports and choir together. I debated about saying hello to her, but what would I say and how would she respond? And what would really become of it? (I tend to over think things as well!) At one point she walked past our table, she smiled and said hi but I don't think the recognition was there. She probably thought I was one of her student's mothers. I thought about it the next day and still couldn't decide if I should have approached her. Oh, well...opportunity lost. Sometimes I do wish that Iwas a bit more bold and confident.

Tuesdays are a busy day!!

Last night I felt very drained. It had been a long day of running two little boys around.

My day started around 7am when Andrew came in our room very excited about staying in his own bed all night. (see previous post) I got up to take a shower while he watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. When Chad came back in our room, he told Andrew "hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog!" for staying in his bed - that is from the Mickey Mouse show Andrew was watching.

I finished getting ready. Got the boys breakfast and dressed, teeth brushed, shoes and jackets on and off we went to Andrew's preschool at 8:25ish. We dropped Andrew off and headed back home around 8:40 for a few minutes. I needed to take the trash out to the curb and put a load of whites in the washer.

Then Carson and I left for MOPS (Mothers of PreschoolerS) at 9:00. I attend MOPS the first and third Tuesdays of each month. I enjoy this time of getting to know other women & fellow shipping with them. We have breakfast together and usually have a speaker or topic to discuss and a craft. Carson is in his Moppets class with the other children. MOPS is from 9:30-11:30 but I have to leave at 11 in order to pick Andrew up from preschool. So often I miss out on the craft portion of MOPS.

We picked Andrew up from preschool at 11:30, had a little playtime in the courtyard with friends and headed home. We had a quick lunch and a little down time - a few minutes anyway. I intended to put the load of whites in the dryer but it didn't happen. And off we went to the library for Andrew's story time.

Story time is roughly from 1-1:30. Andrew & Carson enjoy the stories, rhymes and crafts they do at story time. (Carson goes to a story time on Thursday mornings.) We usually hang around the library for a while. The boys like to play in the toy room there and look for books & DVDs.

After that we headed to the children's toy store in town. We needed to pick out a birthday present for a friend. The boys both wanted to pick out something and use their birthday money they had received. This toy store has a Thomas train table set up and a table with playmobil items. They both really enjoy playing there. They did have a little trouble picking out an item with the money they had, $10 each. So many neat items there! Not always inexpensive though.

I think it was around 3:00 when we got back home. The boys wanted to watch one of the DVDs that they picked out at the library. I did a few things around the house; emptied the dishwasher, put away some more dishes, finally put that load of whites in the dryer and then just needed to sit and read a bit and have a little computer time.

Andrew is in a singing group called TaVaci that meets on Tuesdays. They meet from 5-5:45. So we were off again before I knew it. During this time, Carson and I walk around downtown. Visit some of the stores - if they are still open. And we listen to Andrew's practice, but 45 minutes is usually too long for Carson to be in the little waiting area the entire time. Andrew is enjoying this group. He loves to sing and can be pretty dramatic. The group does some choreography as well. They are having a Christmas program on Dec. 12th. Andrew will wear black pants, a white dress shirt and red sequence bow tie and suspenders! CUTE! :) The children were given a CD with their songs on it to practice for this program. The songs are cute (one turns into this sort of rapping section - not so sure about that) Chad wondered why they couldn't just sing Christmas carols. :)

We got home a little after 6:00. I think we were all a little tired and hungry - not a good combination for any of us. I try to have a crock pot meal on these evenings or something simple planned. Last night we had ham, turkey and cheese tortilla wraps and fruits and veggies.

After eating, all the boys head downstairs for some playtime before bed. They have so much fun down there with Chad! And I get a little alone time to clean up the house or simply sit and relax.

Then it was bed time for the boys. After they were in bed, I chose to sit and get caught up on some of the TV shows I had recorded but hadn't had a chance to watch yet.

I love all these activities that we have but it really does wear me out. The in and out of the car so many times with small children is tiring enough at times let alone the activities we go to! When I am running in and out of the house all day, I really don't feel like I get anything accomplished at home. That load of whites is still in the dryer to be honest! This probably says something about my personality as well. I really enjoy being with other people, usually more small groups but I defiantly need my alone time - something I realize more now than ever before because lets face it - when am I ever alone??

He Did IT!!!!

well kind of....

Andrew came in our bedroom around 7am yesterday morning, the day after turning 5. He was beaming! "Mom! I stayed in my bed all night!" I responded "Yes, I am so proud of you. Great job!"

Andrew did not realize that I had trouble sleeping that night and was awake when I heard his feet making there way across the hard wood floors in our kitchen. He entered our room and made his way around our bed to my side of the bed around 12:45. This is where he would normally plop down on the floor in the sleeping bag and go back to sleep. But this time his sleeping bag wasn't there.

He quietly turned around and went back to his room. Never said a word.

He did this again about an hour later.

I didn't really mind. I thought the important thing was that he realized the sleeping bag wasn't there anymore and that he wasn't supposed to be in our room. That he quietly went back to his room on his own.

At supper last night we talked about it some more. I asked him if he came to our room. He said he didn't. We told him that we would want him to tell us the truth. He responded "oh, ok. I did come to your room." We told him we were glad that he realized he wasn't supposed to be in there and that he went back to his room on his own.

Last night he came into our room and asked me something about launching this rocket we got him for a birthday present. I very sleepily responded and he went back to his bed. I know Chad got up at some point during the night - I think because Carson was crying, not sure if he had to visit Andrew as well or not.

This year and a half long habit of coming to our room every night may take a little time to break. I'm just glad he agreed with putting the sleeping bag away and isn't protesting the idea of heading back to his room alone.

Birthday Boy

Today was Andrew's fifth birthday. I had planned on celebrating his birthday with the four of us here at home. We have a joint birthday party planned for both boys for next Saturday with both Chad & I's families. We have done this joint birthday party for the past three years now. It works out well since the boys' birthdays are only 2 weeks apart and all of our family members have anywhere from 2 hours to 16 hours to get here!

This year, Andrew began asking if he could have his own birthday party and if he could have friends come too. So I decided to ask Andrew's new and very dear friend Tommy to come spend some time with us today. His mom, Karina and sister Anna came to help celebrate as well. We all enjoy spending time together so much and are very thankful for this new friendship.

I intended to keep it pretty low key; just some play time, lunch, cupcakes.... But then Andrew asked about decorations and what his cake was going to be. Decorating cakes does not come easy to me and therefore I do not really enjoy it all that much. I tried explaining that we would have decorations next weekend when our families were here and a neat cake. But I think he was feeling like this just wasn't special enough.

So I said I could put the first letter of every one's name on their individual cupcake. He liked this, so I went with it! I asked him what color he wanting the frosting to be for their initials and he said "chocolate". I asked again what color and offered some suggestions; red, blue, green, black.... "Black! I want black." Two weeks ago at the MOPS meeting I attend, we were given tips on cake decorating. I remember her saying that a true black color in icing can be difficult. Today it turned out a bit more purplish/grayish/black.

Tommy & Andrew as we sang Happy Birthday to Andrew

The birthday boy & I

Andrew's preschool teacher suggested bringing the mini cupcakes for Andrew's birthday treat. She said so many kids will just eat the icing off the regular cupcakes and so much cake is wasted. So I made enough mini ones for his class and then regular ones for us. Aren't they cute?! I have always liked mini things.

Andrew opening gifts with us this evening.

I think he had a pretty fun day. He really is such a joy (even though he and I tend to butt heads more than I care to admit-I do think it is getting better). I love how excited he gets about things like this - his birthday. Or seeing his friends. Or preschool Or going to story time at the library. Or an outing to the park. Or some tussle time in the basement with Dad. I love that when he and Carson are playing, he calls him "Bud" -even if he is upset with him, his tone just changes. He's a great little boy.

He has been telling us that when he turns 5 he will stay in his bed all night. (for the past year and a half he will start out the night in his room and at some point during the night come to our room and sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag) He told our friends today that now he can sleep in his bed all night! Before I tucked him in tonight, we went and got the sleeping bag out of Chad & I's room and put it away in his room. He seems happy about this, determined. So we shall see what the night brings!

Happy Birthday Andrew!!

First, we have to get all the sillies out before getting a nice picture

Our firstborn turned 5 today. I really can't believe it! We have a Kindergarten Round up scheduled for this Thursday. I don't think I am ready for him to go to school. Good thing I have til next August to get used to the idea!

Here are some pictures of Andrew through the years.....

a few weeks old

one year old

two years old

three years old
(he is really excited about what he found inside his new backpack!)

nearly 4 years old

I had fun looking through these pictures tonight. He is really becoming a little boy and losing all that infant & toddler chub. This little guy is full of spunk! As I tucked him into bed tonight, he told me some made up, one of a kind, Andrew jokes....

"Why did the helicopter go in the nose?"
????
"To get the buggers!"

Backyard Football Game

I think there will be many more backyard football games like this one in years to come. They will just become more intense!

Love all the leaves!! Chad raked them up this evening, shouldn't be too many more fall. The trees are looking pretty bare. I wish the colorful leaves could hang out in the trees a few more weeks before falling to the ground!

Happy Third Birthday Carson!!

November 1, 2006

Day 1

November 1, 2007

1 year old

November 1, 2008

2 years old

November 1, 2009

3 years old!!!

I can not believe that our little guy is 3 already. He is growing up! I asked him if he wanted a chocolate or white cake a few days ago. He said white. Well then later he saw a picture of a chocolate cake and said he wanted that. Then I figured out that he wanted a chocolate cake with white frosting! (we will have a more "fun" cake in a few weeks at the boys joint birthday party)

I took this picture of him after church today. Such a little man.

For Carson's birthday we had a somewhat low key day. We went to church in the morning, came home for lunch. Chad played outside with the boys (it was a beautiful fall day!!) while I made the cake. We enjoyed cake and Carson opened a few gifts. He was very excited and animated about the gifts he received. So fun!!

Last night as I was tucking Andrew into bed he said "How come Carson doesn't look a different age than he did yesterday?"