Our Little Van Gogh

So, while I have several pictures of the festivities this past week, and numerous stories to go with them...I just couldn't resist posting this first.

Kallen got some fun bathtub crayons in his stocking this year, and although I was a little unsure of the mess they would create...I was pleasantly surprised. He loves the fact that he gets to draw all over the tub, and...the clean up is a snap! Yeah for Crayola!





Oh, and this is our little angel with her first biter biscuit...just so she doesn't feel left out!

Getting in the Spirit!

I recieved this email (as I'm sure some of you have) a few days ago, and thought I would share it with you all. A simple, yet powerful reminder as we share and experience the next couple of days!

Will the Christ Child Come?

Written by Gaye Willis

One Christmas we had an interesting experience that I would like to share. Halfway through December we were doing the regular evening things when there was a knock at the door. We opened it to find a small package with a beautiful ceramic lamb inside. We looked at the calendar and realized that the 12 days of Christmas were beginning! We waited excitedly for the next night's surprise and only then, with the gift of a matching shepherd, did we realize that the lamb was part of a nativity set. Each night we grew more excited to see what piece we would receive. Each was exquisitely beautiful. The kids kept trying to catch the givers as we slowly built the scene at the manger and began to focus on Christ's birth. On Christmas Eve, all the pieces were in place, all but the Baby Jesus. My 12-year-old son really wanted to catch our benefactors and began to devise all kinds of ways to trap them. He ate dinner in the minivan, watching and waiting, but no one came. Finally, we called him in to go through our family's Christmas Eve traditions. But before the kids went to bed, we checked the front step - - no Baby Jesus! We began to worry that my son had scared them off. My husband suggested that maybe they dropped the Jesus and there wouldn't be anything coming.

Somehow, something was missing that Christmas Eve. There was a feeling that things weren't complete. The kids went to bed and before I went to bed, I again checked to see if the Jesus had come - - no, the doorstep was empty. In our family, the kids can open their stockings when they want to, but they have to wait to open any presents until Dad wakes up. So one by one they woke up very early and I also woke up to watch them. Even before they opened their stockings, each child checked to see if perhaps during the night the Baby Jesus had come. Missing that piece of the set seemed to have an odd effect. At least it changed my focus. I knew there were presents under the tree for me and I was excited to watch the children open their gifts, but first on my mind was the feeling of waiting for the ceramic Christ Child. We had opened just about all of the presents when one of the children found one more for me buried deep beneath the limbs of the tree. He handed me a small package from my former visiting teaching companion. This sister was somewhat less-active in the church. I had been her visiting teacher for a couple of years and then, when she was asked to be a visiting teacher, she requested to go with me. I had learned over time they didn't have much for Christmas, so that their focus was on the children. It sounded like she didn't get many gifts to open, so I had always given her a small package -- new dish towels, the next year's Relief Society lesson manual -- not much, but something for her to open. I was touched when at church on the day before Christmas, she had given me this small package, saying it was just a token of her love and appreciation. As I took off the bow, I remembered my friendship with her and was filled with gratitude forknowing her and for her kindness and sacrifice in this giving me a gift. But as the paper fell away, I began to tremble and cry. There in the small brown box was the Baby Jesus! He had come! I realized on that Christmas Day, that Christ will come into our lives in ways that we don't expect. The spirit of Christ comes into our hearts as we serve one another. We had waited and watched for Him to come, expecting the dramatic "knock at the door and scurrying of feet" but He came in a small, simple package that represented service, friendship, gratitude and love. This experience taught me that the beginning of the true spirit of Christmas comes as we open our hearts and actively focus on the Savior. But we will most likely find Him in the small and simple acts of love, friendship and service that we give to each other.

This Christmas I want to feel again the joy of knowing that Christis in our home. I want to focus on loving and serving. More than that, I want to open my heart to Him all year that I may see Him again.

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."Matthew 1:21 NIV

May the spirit of Christ be with you and yours this Christmas and always!

A Routine of Sorts!

We needed to make a quick trip down to the post office this afternoon, so I could put some invitations to a baby shower I'm hosting in January, in the mail. Well, even though the plan is for a "quick" trip, it always seems like such a production. I run around and make sure the diaper bag is loaded with diapers and a change of clothes for Kynz (for the ever so random "blow out"), a change of clothes for Kallen (in case of an unexpected accident), a few trucks and cars (to keep Kallen busy if need be), some juice for the little man, a snack of sorts, and most importantly my wallet, cell phone and keys. I always change Kynlee right before we leave, and have Kallen use the bathroom too. The various Christmas lights spread throughout the house have to be turned off, the dog bowl filled with water, and all the doors locked. I tend to use the bathroom myself, and pull a jacket and pair of shoes out of the closet for Kallen and I. Then Kynz gets put in her carrier and moved to the front door while Kallen takes a moment to put on his shoes and coat. Then we're "clear" and we can head out the door.

Well during my little "routine" this afternoon, I was constantly talking to Kallen and giving him instructions while I moved throughout the house. Every once in a while he acknowledged me saying "okay mommy" while staying out of my line of travel. Final lights were shut off, Kynlee in my arms ready for her carrier, and this is what I found:

"I ready go bye bye mommy" says Kal.

I was laughing too hard to get mad at the fact, that not only were his socks and shoes not on, but his mouth was full of chocolate chips.

Too bad the kid basically still fits in the thing!

Just as I Predicted

As I've mentioned before, Kevin and I started Potty Training Kallen a little over a month ago. We have a little potty chair, and because of that he's become quite independent with the whole bathroom "business". We've taught him to sit, so if he needs to go, he runs on into the bathroom and goes. He doesn't have to come get me to help him on the pot, and I'm not afraid of "over spray". His little chair has a little shield...for the boys! Anyways...there is little assistance needed on my part.

Well, that's how it works when we're home, but small little toilets out in public...I think not. Therefor he needs a little help to go when we're out and about. Also, when he's got to go, he can only hold it for so long...hence the little Travel pot I got him. It, once again, has a little shield, and easily folds up and stores in the back of my car. If we're somewhere we can't get to a potty...I pull over, set up the pot (in like 2 seconds mind you) and there he goes.

Kevin wasn't sure why we needed to have a "port-a-potty", when Kallen could simply "water a tree" when we can't get to a bathroom. I informed my darling husband, that the little man wasn't quite ready to be "watering trees" outside, simply because I wasn't sure that my entertainment center, or the walls (not to mention the current tree that we actually have standing in our living room), wouldn't become a "tree" also. He informed me that Kallen would definitely understand the difference between outside and inside, and that it would be no problem.

Well...this weekend Kallen "watered" his first tree outside, and thought it was the funniest thing ever. He kept giggling and saying "like daddy". Oh great...He's seen daddy going at home, and now he's doing the same thing...what happens next you ask.

Sure enough...I found Kallen this morning, standing in front of his potty chair saying "ook mommy, I wa'er tees". You can imagine what the walls, floor, and cabinet looked like when he was done. At least it was in the bathroom and not the Christmas tree, right!!!

You Get What You Get

So, I tried taking a few pictures of the kiddos the other day...tried, being the operative word. They had both just got up from a nap...Kynlee was fed, and Kallen was in an unusually "chipper" mood. Perfect...picture time will be great!

First things first...I laid out a sheet simply to see if the lighting would work, not intending to take the pictures just yet. Well...Kallen thought it was funny that there was a sheet hanging in the living room, and wouldn't get off of it. Kynlee decided she wasn't diggin' the teeth that are trying to make their way into her mouth and screamed anytime I put her down, and the phone wouldn't stop ringing. "Okay, maybe now won't work" I thought! Well, too bad. I had everything set up, both kids there in my sight...It was now or never.

Here's a little of how things went during our "photo shoot"!

Kallen: "Sissy sad mommy"
Me: "She is sad...here, come sit by mommy and let's try to get her to smile"


Kallen: "Sissy need binki mommy" (something she normally wont even take, FYI)
Me: "no honey...I think she's okay...thank you though"


Kallen: "See"


Kallen: "iss okay sissy...all better"


All is well...now time for more pics!

Me: "wait Kal, don't try to squeeze in...you're going to sit on her"

Me: "okay Kal...wait, hands out of your mouth...smile for mommy...oh wait...shoot, the camera is "busy"...try again...smile...come on buddy...just one good picture!"

Me: "Hey Kallen, let's take a good picture for Ellie (his bestest friend...the little girl next door)

Kallen: "Nooooooooooooooo, Elllllliiiiiiieeeee....I play with Ellie"

Me: "okay, maybe...just one good one...oh no, now Kynz is crying...hold on Kal...Kynlee, it's okay baby...it's okay" Fine...I give up!

All in all I got some cute pictures of the kids...not the ones I was hoping for, but picturs non the less! What do you do...right?

Look What I Learned...

When my sister was in college, she took a couple of different Photoshop classes, and in turn, gave me a few unofficial "lessons". I knew how to do some basic things, and even a little here or there that wasn't so basic. I have been by no means taking full advantage of all the program has to offer.

Well, now that I've got my new camera, I decided that a little doctoring of the pictures might be fun too...I got online and looked at a few tutorials, and look what I learned how to do!

From this...

...to this

and this...

...to this

I know, I know...all you camera savvy, and Photoshop professionals have been doing this for ages, but it's all new to me, and I am so thrilled. I'm even taking a class of my own here in a couple of weeks. "The possibilities are endless!!!"

All Smiles These Days!

Yesterday, our little lady was 5 months old! Wow...has it been that long already? It's hard to imagine not having her in our lives, yet it just seems like a few days ago that we were in the hospital welcoming her into our family. Gee, that makes sense...anyways, she's 5 months old regardless and we're having so much fun with her. She's got quite the personality and is as easy going as they come!

Her bottom two teeth are in, so she's been a little on edge the past few days. Nothing too bad though, and she definitely still finds time to smile! She's nearly sitting on her own now...though every once in a while she throws herself backwards like a flopping fish...and there's nothing better than her big brother! If he's around...she's happy!

Kynlee

Kallen

A New Week!

Well here it is Sunday, and I am most definitely ready to begin a new week...hopefully a much slower week. Jodi, over at West Coast Wagners, wrote a post about "Slowing Down", and everything she had to say, was exactly how I was feeling! The hustle and bustle of the season has definitely found it's place in our lives, and while I try to not get stressed, "stressed" was my middle name last week!

Our lives were filled to the brim with miscellaneous happenings, and I barely had enough time to check the mail, let alone sit down and spend time on the computer. Here I am, finally taking a moment to breathe...hot tea in hand, Christmas lights sparkling, the background noise of Sunday night football (though it's not much of a game), and kids settling down for bed...ohhhhh, so nice!

Instead of rambling about our week however...I thought I'd share some pictures!

Kynlee's new favorite place to be...the excersaucer!

I'm constantly finding Kallen and Kynlee like this. He can't get enough of her, so why not lay on her and truly be as close as he possibly can!

With all the Christmas decorations, I decided to get a few out that Kallen can play with. As soon as he saw Santa, he said..."I need Noah, sit by me"! Yes...it's not Santa, it's Noah!

While trying to set up the camera and timer for Christmas pictures...this is what I captured! Did you find anything good in there Kallen?

While giving Kynz a bath in the sink, Kallen saw what was happening, and needed to be a part of the action as well. He quickly began removing his clothes and trying to climb up the counter.

Then being in separate parts of the sink wasn't good enough!

Kynlee only lasted a few minutes in her little Christmas dress before she was ready for some sweats and a T-Shirt...dresses just arn't her thing.

and finally...In an attempt to get some pictures of the kiddos together, I first got a scowl...

...then a mug shot!

Model of the Month

A few months back, the kids and I were out and about, and stopped to shop at the local "Kid Shop". While in the store, the nice friendly clerk suggested that I enter Kallen into the "Model of the Month" drawing. Not thinking anything of it, I filled out the little card, continued my shopping, and we went on our merry way.


Well...Just last week I got a phone call that they had drawn Kallen's name. He won!!! Okay, so it's luck of the draw, but I'm pretty sure he was just too darn cute to pass up, and his "charm" sent vibes to whomever was drawing the names!!! Anyways, the store picks out an outfit that they want the winner to wear for their ad, and sends them to a near by photo gallery for a complementary photo shoot. He also won a $20.00 gift certificate to "The Kid Shop". Now his picture is going to be displayed in the store for the month of December, and featured in the local "Valley Parent" magazine. They also liked him so much that they asked if they could take a few other pictures in a different outfit to use in future adds


I snuck in a picture of Kynlee too, but after an hour or so of pictures, when they decided one with Kynlee and Kallen might be fun...the little guy had had enough...so, no pictures of the two of them. Oh well...I'll take what I can get!!!

Awaiting My "Retreat"!

Well, today is my birthday...I know...Happy Birthday to me! Anyways, due to a hometown basketball game tonight, and a much anticipated "Civil War" football game on Saturday, we celebrated last night with the family! I made a big pot of stew, warmed up some good ol' fashioned garlic bread, and had some good times hangin' out with the fam!

As you know, with birthdays, come presents...so in summary...I'll be baking a stew in my new roasting pan, while wearing my new sweater and Moroccan shoes, before heading out to spend my $25.00 and enjoying a day of "refreshment" at the Retreat Day Spa here in town! Yes, while I got many wonderful things from the fam...the best, and most rewarding thing was a gift certificate from Kevin. I am supposed to "prepare to be refreshed", with a manicure, pedicure, hair wash, cut and style, and a 1 hour massage! I may just add a facial to that too!!! He said he may even watch the kids for me (joking of course...he's most definitely watching the kiddos!!!) I've got the phone number right here, and I'm making my appointment as we speak! I can't wait!

A Little Added 'Bling'

Being that Kynlee is a girl...I get to do all kinds of "girly" things with her! Now, I'm not one of those moms who is going to force Ballet, Dolls and Beauty Pageants on my daughter, but...I couldn't resist the ears!


Every girl loves Diamonds (or fake diamonds as the case may be), right!!! Arn't they precious!

As am I son...As am I

Yesterday was obviously Thanksgiving...so Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Since my family is overseas currently, we celebrated the Holiday with Kevin's family this year.

As a tradition in his family (as I'm sure many other families) we all go around the table and say what we're thankful for. There are affirmations of gratitude towards our loved ones, friends and family, The Lord for blessing us throughout the year, and a few odd thanks from the kiddos, etc. etc.

Well, this year when it came to Kallen's turn, he proclaimed (unprompted mind you) that he was thankful for ma'ma (grandma) and "shotting tarts" (shopping carts)!!! Are you laughing as hard as I was? Now...he most likely said that because the day before he and I had gone shopping at the local grocery store in town, where they have mini shopping carts for the kids. Every time we go in there (which isn't often because of the small town prices) he gets his own cart, and gets to fill it full of the groceries we need! He loves it! Although the "shotting tart" was fresh on his mind...it's so true. I too am thankful for shopping carts. Leave it to kids to think of the things we all take for granted!

The Verdict

Kynlee had her follow up eye appointment with the pediatric opthamologist yesterday, and it seems she is a-okay! He said she had beautiful eyes, and he doesn't think she actually has a ptosis, like they originally thought.

Instead, he thinks her eye sockets are different depths causing one of the lids to cover more. Basically the right eye sits further back into her skull than her left eye does and therefore has less surface area to be covered. As she grows, her eyes and eye lids will grow, shift and adjust accordingly and sooner than later we may never even be able to tell there was ever a difference!

Needless to say, it was GREAT news.

Slowing Down a Bit

I forgot to post this on Friday, so I'm doing it now!

Kynlee turned 4 months on Friday and everything looks great...especially in the weight department! She may still look like she could miss a few meals, but the scale is finally slowing down! She was 15 lbs this time, which means she only gained 1 pound in the last 2 months, as opposed to the 6ish pounds she gained the first 2 months! Not that I was worried or anything!!!

She's rolling over both ways, and enjoying time on her tummy more and more! Sleeping 10-12 hours a night and taking at least 3 naps a day is a big plus, and gives us lots of time to spend one-on-one with Kallen! She's definitely found her voice, and enjoys periodically screaming a "happy scream"at the top of her lungs, just because she can. To say we're having so much fun as a family of four is an understatement!

Kynlee

Kallen

Bite your tongue

Popcorn, soda and a little orange and black, to support the team, makes for a fun outing with the family...right??? Right...until the black looming cloud (the fans to our right) came "reigning" down!

Instead of finding a babysitter for this afternoons basketball game, Kevin and I decided to take the kids with us! We had a bag full of goodies, toys, popcorn to go around and were ready to cheer on our Beavers!

We sat down, Kynlee in the front pack, Kallen on Kevin's lap and the game began! The kids were happy, content, and not making a sound. Beavers have the ball, down the court, they shoot, they score!

Kallen: Clap, clap, clap "yeah, Beavers"
Rude, unhappy lady two seats to our right, talking to her equally rude husband: "Great...we're sitting by kids" sigh, glare, "hopefully they'll leave at halftime" sigh, "who in their right minds brings their kids to a game?" glare, shake the head, glare "well, what can you do?" more head shaking!
Kallen remains sitting quietly eating popcorn, while Kynlee is nearly asleep in the front pack!

Excuse me??? I can hear you. I didn't know this was a library! Pretty sure my son's clapping, and oh so quiet "yeah Beavers" is no louder or more distracting than any of the other fans around us! Isn't basketball a family sport?

I began to get angry, and wanted to call this woman out on her rude and inconsiderate assumptions of how the game would play out with children by her side, but thought better of it. What would yelling at this woman prove, and what would that teach my children who had no idea anything had transpired. I prayed that the Lord help me move past this, and that I "grow thick skin" as my dad always says, and enjoy the game. Moments later the seats in between us, and said fans, were about to be filled. While walking in front of us, and taking their seats, a different woman and her husband turned to me and said "you have such beautiful and well behaved children...what a lovely family!" Thank you Lord for helping me bite my tongue!

A New Arrival!

* Here's a little update...Joeys says he was more like 7 lbs, 14 oz and definitely 21 inches! This is big brother Josiah seeing Benson for the first time!

Okay...so I'm a little unclear of all the details since I got the phone call at 3 am this morning, and was only half awake, but.....My sister Danielle, hubby Joey and big brother Josiah, welcomed...

Benson Ezekiel at about 12:20 am our time!

He was 3.5 kilograms (that's how they weight the little guys in that part of the globe), so about 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and I think 55 cm (this is the part I'm a little unclear of, not sure if he was 55 or 53cm), anyways, something like 21 inches.

Momma and baby are doing Great!

Happy Birthday Benson, and we can't wait to meet you!

Already???

Sob sob, tear tear..................excuse me while I wipe my eyes!

Today is my little man's birthday and I still can't believe he's already two! It wasn't that long ago that he lay helpless in ones arms, cooing and babbling as his only means of communication. Now he's running around, saying, and often yelling, any and everything that comes to his mind! We're even potty training...potty training for goodness sakes! That was the true point when he moved from my little baby to my little boy...the moment we first put on the unds and got rid of the diapers!

He has changed so much in the last year and I'd love to tell you all about it, but with my ability to ramble I could write pages and pages. Instead, I thought I'd spare you all the reading and simply say I love this little boy more than I could ever express, and thank the Lord each and every day for blessing us with him!

Happy Birthday Kallen!!!

One of my favorites (7 months)

Picture Me

I was tagged by Amy to do this fun little meme! I'm supposed to post a picture of myself, then write about it...so here it goes:



This is a picture of Kevin and I on our "second honeymoon" to Cancun! When we got married, we were both still in school, and finances were a little tight. It was the middle of January, so we simply went for a fun weekend away in the snow!


In December of '04, Kevin and I decided to take the honeymoon we never had, a trip to Cancun, and this was us on the first night we arrived! We had a great time just being us! It was also on this trip that we decided when God was ready for us to be parents, we were ready too! I was pregnant with Kallen a month and a half later! Good times!


Now I tag Dani, Kim, Jessica and anyone else who wants to participate!!!