We had so much fun tonight! Sylvan Lake had their annual Santa Claus parade and we had fun watching it with some friends in our ward. We didn't attend last year because it was -20 plus the windchill...but this year it was the PERFECT weather!! AND one of our friends is a volunteer fire fighter here in Sylvan and offered to let Zane and Rhett ride in the one of the fire trucks at in the parade! Zane was soooo excited! Rhett bailed but Zane went and had a great time. The parade started about a block away from the fire station where we were all sitting so he got to watch all of the parade pass by and then the trucks joined in. I wish I would have taken my camera! Cliff got a shot on his phone but it's not a great one. He was seriously vibrating by the time the route was done and he met back up with us at our friend's house. It's so fun to see him experience things like this and for him to big enough to do things like this without one of us there....other adults supervising, of course, but not necessarily us. A couple of years ago I would have laughed in your face if you had told me Zane would do something like this. He's grown up so much!
After the parade - which was great by the way....good floats, lots of lights, Santa Claus and candy galore....we headed down to the lake to watch fireworks. We got there just in time to back in and sit in our nice warm van and watch the fireworks over the lake. So pretty and fun! They didn't last very long but they were fun to watch and the kids thought it was fantastic!
With fireworks done we all headed to the Tim Hortons for hot chocolate and donuts! Yum Yum Yum. Rhett didn't want anything to do with the Tim Bits or milk we got him - he just wanted a sucker. Luckily Cliff still had parade candy in his pockets and had a sucker. He sat there the whole time just licking away at it and was happy as could be! Zane's whole face was shining and I'm pretty sure this is one night he won't be forgetting for awhile!
In other happenings in our world....Rhett has discovered some of our Christmas books....one is a "Can you See What I See...the Night Before Christmas" - which is basically a bunch of Christmas pictures based on the popular story and you have to find certain things within the picture. In this book there is a little wooden puppet who appears in each picture and one of the challenges is to find him....Rhett calls him his robot and can find him on every page. There's some pages that have stuffed pandas on them and he knows where they all are as well. And he LOVES to sit there and do this book with you. As soon as he's done he's ready to do it again. We also have 2 books that we borrowed from Auntie Lishie...a find Frosty and a find Santa. These are his next favorite books and he enjoys finding things in them....they have pictures on the side of the pages of stuff to find and he was amazing me last night with how many he was finding without help. Did I mention that he was up until 11:00 last night? He fell asleep at 4:30 and we couldn't wake him up. He woke up are around 7:30 and that explains the 11:00 bedtime.
Zane had a great day at school today...he got hot lunch which was pizza and milk (I forgot that it was today and packed him a lunch - silly mom), he got to do show and tell and took his Kung Fu Panda action figure, AND he got to watch a movie and eat popcorn in the gym with the rest of the kindergartens, grade 1 and 2s. It's part of the a reward program the school has started in order to emphasize and teach the kids polite and courteous behaviors. The movie was Alvin and the Chipmunks which he hasn't seen before and he was just brimming with the excitement when he got home. He also informed me that he thinks we should name our baby Jarrin. I told him that I really like the name Brock, and he just shook his head and said he thought it should be Jarrin and would I please add it to the list. I agreed and told him we would see what the baby looks like when he gets here. I'm really hoping he's not going to remember in 10 weeks or so when this babe arrives because he's NOT going to be named Jarrin. Brock is the front runner right now and we'll see what happens!
And we are finally healthy in our house again. We all got a some sort of flu, starting with Zane Saturday night....but Cliff and I got it the worse. And got it at the same time. He came home early on Wednesday with the intentions of taking care of me and the kids and instead went straight to bed and basically stayed there or the couch or the chair for the past 2 days. But at least we're good now!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
10 Things....
Yesterday I took the time to move pictures and my blog onto memory sticks again. It's something that I have been meaning to do for a while and just decided to do it. As I was moving blogs into word I came across my last 10 Things blog and realized that it's been a little over 3 months since I last did it. So....here we go!
10 Things I want to Remember about.....
RHETT:
1. He loves to imitate Zane in everything but he still keeps his own independence and is starting to exert it more and more in their play
2. He thinks it's hilarious to pretend to be a cat or a dog - licking and mewing included. I sternly tell him he's not a cat or a dog and ask him what he is. He giggles as he says "I'm a Rhett...a little boy!" And then laughs and giggles like it's the funniest thing ever.
3. His love of everything Christmas! Everywhere we drive he points out decorations with the exclamation: Christmas!
4. He's learning to recognize numbers and letters...and points them out quite often
5. He made his very first pattern out of blocks today all by himself. 2 reds, a green, 2 reds, a green and 2 reds. I was watching him really close without him knowing because I was curious if he was consciously doing it or just by chance....but he was taking them out of Lego that was pushed together and actually arranging them to make that pattern. Wow. It's so fun to see them do something for the very first time
6. His love and enthusiasm for life! This kid loves to live everything to the fullest and is always up for "going" somewhere and "doing" something
7. His vocab has just exploded lately. It's so fun to listen to him try new words and the see the pride on his face when he gets it right
8. He is so excited every day when Daddy gets home. Runs to the door for a quick hug, a chatter of something and then is off again
9. As soon as Zane gets out of his classroom he almost tackles him with a hug and Zane just wraps him up and plants a kiss on his head. Seriously soooo sweet!
10. He's been going to nursery consistently now for almost 3 months....and Zane drops him off almost every Sunday. As soon as Sacrament meeting is over Zane grabs his hand, I get a quick kiss and he's off like every other big kid...he's in heaven and it's so fun to watch this new "big" kid that has entered our world. Every day he gets further and further from the baby he was.
ZANE....
1. His LOVE for school. His favorites are of course recess and gym class but he loves computer, library and everything he does. He's not very forth coming with details which drives me bonkers sometimes but he learns so many fun things that manifest themselves through life here at home
2. His incredible LOVE for his brother. Although Rhett is probably one of the biggest frustrations in his life he is also one of the most important people in his life as well. He is kind, thoughtful and inclusive to Rhett. Truly a fabulous role model for Rhett of what a big brother should be and I couldn't be prouder of him
3. His new favorite phrase "Oh, by the way...." and then continues on with a story or comment or even a question. He hasn't really quite got the logistics of how and when to use it but it's just so stinkin' cute to hear such a grown up phrase come out of his mouth
4. His creativity. He is constantly making something out of something else. Lego into complex ships or guns, guitars out of hockey sticks, ships out of cards....everything can be used for something other than it's real purpose. And he usually makes sure that he finds something for Rhett to be included in the re-purposing or building of the latest creation
5. His growing independence. It's amazing to watch the things that he can do and wants to do for himself....washing his own hair, pouring his own drinks, changing movies, plugging in the Christmas lights, winding the music box on the snow globe....lots of things that show just how grown up he's really getting
6. He LOVES to talk on the phone and if in the right mood will talk your ear off. As soon as he hears "Grandma's" ring he is demanding to talk to her. And if it's been a couple of days he's asking to call her. He seems to enjoy talking to both grandmas and aunties alike. He just rambles and pulls out odd facts and things going on in his life. He'll finish a thought and then stalls with "so..." while he gets his thoughts in order and then moves on. It's a lot of fun to listen to but can drive me nuts when I'm actually trying to talk to mom or someone and he's there demanding his own time.
7. His new appreciation for fashion. For the past 3 years he has shunned any shirt with a collar or buttons. Every Sunday was a struggle to get him dressed....he is actually ASKING to wear his church shirts or a polo shirt....and conceded to letting us gel his hair. He still prefers sweats to jeans...but who doesn't?
8. His imagination is unbelievable! The games and schemes he comes up with for him and Rhett and their friends are just awe inspiring sometimes. I hope he never loses that. In fact, the other day he asked me "mom, do you know what my imagination is?" "What is it?" I asked. "It's in my mind where things come to me and then I know what to do". "I'm glad you have such a good imagination" "Yeah, me too"
9. His music talent! yeah!!! I know I'm biased because I am his mom and his piano teacher and I really shouldn't compare him to anyone else....but out of all my beginners he is the one who is 'getting' it the best and most naturally. Hopefully we'll be able to keep nurturing it!
10. His general curiosity about things in life. He is always trying to figure something new out - time, how the weeks and months work, time in relation to other things - like Christmas, birthdays, when the baby comes in relation to everything else in his world. I just know that his mind is always going from the questions he comes up with!
CLIFF.....
1. His excitement to see his boys as soon as he gets in the door
2. The wrestling/tickling matches that occur on an almost nightly basis between him and the boys
3. His quiet leadership in our home...I really appreciate it!
4. His thought fullness towards me...especially as this baby gets bigger and bigger and I get slower and more awkward
5. His fun and teasing....always keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh. We've been married for 7.5 years and he still makes me laugh every day!
6. How HARD he works so I can stay home with the boys. I think I write this down every time but it really is true and I hope it never changes. I try to let him know how much I appreciate him and his time and effort.
7. His love for sports. He is passing it on to our boys and its fun to watch him pass on the love and knowledge that I'm sure he learned from his dad and uncles and grandpas. A great family tradition
8. Watching him play with the kids. Lately I've caught them playing hockey and soccer in the hallway, shooting jedi guns and having sword fights. All little boys could count themselves lucky to have a daddy like Cliff
9. I got a phone call last night on my home from a baby shower...Rhett was sleeping with Zane and Zane had woken up and puked all over the bed, himself and Rhett....he wanted to know how long I would be. When I got home both boys were bathed, new jammies, new bedding and back in bed sleeping. AND everything that was covered in puke was already in the washer. That right there made me fall in love with him all over again.
10. His indulgence of my love/obsession of all things Christmas and his willingness to help me create memories for our boys through traditions that we've borrowed from our families and also the ones that we have started. Point in fact: Festival of Trees with 2 hyper kids, huge crowds and fun had by all of us.
I love you hon!
ME.....
1. I'm very anxious for this pregnancy to be over but as the weeks go by I remember more and more how this has to end and how much it hurts.
2. I'm stressed about not having any snow yet. I know, I know. Am I mental? I don't LIKE snow. BUT I'm stressed that it is all going to come in February and it's going to be hard to get to the hospital or something stupid like that. Sigh. I know, I stress too much
3. I feel as huge as a whale. (Are you sensing a theme here...so far all pregnancy related...)
4. I am trying really hard to enjoy my kids every day and not get caught up in everyday life
5. I LOVE to read to the boys...one cuddled up on each side and sharing my love of a good book with them. Sometimes we only get a couple of stories in but other days we do marathon reading and get almost an hour in. love it
6. You are going to laugh at this next one but I don't care. I miss my small boobs. (Sorry kids if you're reading this!) I have forgotten what it's like to have a chest this size and I'm really not enjoying it
7. I'm stressed over a name for this kiddo. Cliff doesn't like my favorite - Quaid - and although I like others I'm just not in love with any
8. I am really looking forward to Christmas although the decorating part is the only thing that is completed!
9. I feel like I have a lot of projects planned and on the go that I want to get done before this baby gets here....and I'm not sure if they're all going to get done
10. I miss my mom and my sisters a lot...thank goodness for phones and Internet!
OUR FAMILY...
1. We are all looking forward to the arrival of baby #3
2. I feel like we are making headway in traditions and habits - good things like prayers, scriptures, FHE, Christmas fun, fall traditions....
3. Is excited to go home for Christmas
4. love to laugh together
5. love to snuggle together
6. love to bake together...well daddy supervises and enjoys the fruits of our labors
7. really likes living in Sylvan Lake
8. is blessed with some of the best friends anyone could ask for
9. is NOT perfect...but we're working on it
10. LOVE each other
10 Things I want to Remember about.....
RHETT:
1. He loves to imitate Zane in everything but he still keeps his own independence and is starting to exert it more and more in their play
2. He thinks it's hilarious to pretend to be a cat or a dog - licking and mewing included. I sternly tell him he's not a cat or a dog and ask him what he is. He giggles as he says "I'm a Rhett...a little boy!" And then laughs and giggles like it's the funniest thing ever.
3. His love of everything Christmas! Everywhere we drive he points out decorations with the exclamation: Christmas!
4. He's learning to recognize numbers and letters...and points them out quite often
5. He made his very first pattern out of blocks today all by himself. 2 reds, a green, 2 reds, a green and 2 reds. I was watching him really close without him knowing because I was curious if he was consciously doing it or just by chance....but he was taking them out of Lego that was pushed together and actually arranging them to make that pattern. Wow. It's so fun to see them do something for the very first time
6. His love and enthusiasm for life! This kid loves to live everything to the fullest and is always up for "going" somewhere and "doing" something
7. His vocab has just exploded lately. It's so fun to listen to him try new words and the see the pride on his face when he gets it right
8. He is so excited every day when Daddy gets home. Runs to the door for a quick hug, a chatter of something and then is off again
9. As soon as Zane gets out of his classroom he almost tackles him with a hug and Zane just wraps him up and plants a kiss on his head. Seriously soooo sweet!
10. He's been going to nursery consistently now for almost 3 months....and Zane drops him off almost every Sunday. As soon as Sacrament meeting is over Zane grabs his hand, I get a quick kiss and he's off like every other big kid...he's in heaven and it's so fun to watch this new "big" kid that has entered our world. Every day he gets further and further from the baby he was.
ZANE....
1. His LOVE for school. His favorites are of course recess and gym class but he loves computer, library and everything he does. He's not very forth coming with details which drives me bonkers sometimes but he learns so many fun things that manifest themselves through life here at home
2. His incredible LOVE for his brother. Although Rhett is probably one of the biggest frustrations in his life he is also one of the most important people in his life as well. He is kind, thoughtful and inclusive to Rhett. Truly a fabulous role model for Rhett of what a big brother should be and I couldn't be prouder of him
3. His new favorite phrase "Oh, by the way...." and then continues on with a story or comment or even a question. He hasn't really quite got the logistics of how and when to use it but it's just so stinkin' cute to hear such a grown up phrase come out of his mouth
4. His creativity. He is constantly making something out of something else. Lego into complex ships or guns, guitars out of hockey sticks, ships out of cards....everything can be used for something other than it's real purpose. And he usually makes sure that he finds something for Rhett to be included in the re-purposing or building of the latest creation
5. His growing independence. It's amazing to watch the things that he can do and wants to do for himself....washing his own hair, pouring his own drinks, changing movies, plugging in the Christmas lights, winding the music box on the snow globe....lots of things that show just how grown up he's really getting
6. He LOVES to talk on the phone and if in the right mood will talk your ear off. As soon as he hears "Grandma's" ring he is demanding to talk to her. And if it's been a couple of days he's asking to call her. He seems to enjoy talking to both grandmas and aunties alike. He just rambles and pulls out odd facts and things going on in his life. He'll finish a thought and then stalls with "so..." while he gets his thoughts in order and then moves on. It's a lot of fun to listen to but can drive me nuts when I'm actually trying to talk to mom or someone and he's there demanding his own time.
7. His new appreciation for fashion. For the past 3 years he has shunned any shirt with a collar or buttons. Every Sunday was a struggle to get him dressed....he is actually ASKING to wear his church shirts or a polo shirt....and conceded to letting us gel his hair. He still prefers sweats to jeans...but who doesn't?
8. His imagination is unbelievable! The games and schemes he comes up with for him and Rhett and their friends are just awe inspiring sometimes. I hope he never loses that. In fact, the other day he asked me "mom, do you know what my imagination is?" "What is it?" I asked. "It's in my mind where things come to me and then I know what to do". "I'm glad you have such a good imagination" "Yeah, me too"
9. His music talent! yeah!!! I know I'm biased because I am his mom and his piano teacher and I really shouldn't compare him to anyone else....but out of all my beginners he is the one who is 'getting' it the best and most naturally. Hopefully we'll be able to keep nurturing it!
10. His general curiosity about things in life. He is always trying to figure something new out - time, how the weeks and months work, time in relation to other things - like Christmas, birthdays, when the baby comes in relation to everything else in his world. I just know that his mind is always going from the questions he comes up with!
CLIFF.....
1. His excitement to see his boys as soon as he gets in the door
2. The wrestling/tickling matches that occur on an almost nightly basis between him and the boys
3. His quiet leadership in our home...I really appreciate it!
4. His thought fullness towards me...especially as this baby gets bigger and bigger and I get slower and more awkward
5. His fun and teasing....always keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh. We've been married for 7.5 years and he still makes me laugh every day!
6. How HARD he works so I can stay home with the boys. I think I write this down every time but it really is true and I hope it never changes. I try to let him know how much I appreciate him and his time and effort.
7. His love for sports. He is passing it on to our boys and its fun to watch him pass on the love and knowledge that I'm sure he learned from his dad and uncles and grandpas. A great family tradition
8. Watching him play with the kids. Lately I've caught them playing hockey and soccer in the hallway, shooting jedi guns and having sword fights. All little boys could count themselves lucky to have a daddy like Cliff
9. I got a phone call last night on my home from a baby shower...Rhett was sleeping with Zane and Zane had woken up and puked all over the bed, himself and Rhett....he wanted to know how long I would be. When I got home both boys were bathed, new jammies, new bedding and back in bed sleeping. AND everything that was covered in puke was already in the washer. That right there made me fall in love with him all over again.
10. His indulgence of my love/obsession of all things Christmas and his willingness to help me create memories for our boys through traditions that we've borrowed from our families and also the ones that we have started. Point in fact: Festival of Trees with 2 hyper kids, huge crowds and fun had by all of us.
I love you hon!
ME.....
1. I'm very anxious for this pregnancy to be over but as the weeks go by I remember more and more how this has to end and how much it hurts.
2. I'm stressed about not having any snow yet. I know, I know. Am I mental? I don't LIKE snow. BUT I'm stressed that it is all going to come in February and it's going to be hard to get to the hospital or something stupid like that. Sigh. I know, I stress too much
3. I feel as huge as a whale. (Are you sensing a theme here...so far all pregnancy related...)
4. I am trying really hard to enjoy my kids every day and not get caught up in everyday life
5. I LOVE to read to the boys...one cuddled up on each side and sharing my love of a good book with them. Sometimes we only get a couple of stories in but other days we do marathon reading and get almost an hour in. love it
6. You are going to laugh at this next one but I don't care. I miss my small boobs. (Sorry kids if you're reading this!) I have forgotten what it's like to have a chest this size and I'm really not enjoying it
7. I'm stressed over a name for this kiddo. Cliff doesn't like my favorite - Quaid - and although I like others I'm just not in love with any
8. I am really looking forward to Christmas although the decorating part is the only thing that is completed!
9. I feel like I have a lot of projects planned and on the go that I want to get done before this baby gets here....and I'm not sure if they're all going to get done
10. I miss my mom and my sisters a lot...thank goodness for phones and Internet!
OUR FAMILY...
1. We are all looking forward to the arrival of baby #3
2. I feel like we are making headway in traditions and habits - good things like prayers, scriptures, FHE, Christmas fun, fall traditions....
3. Is excited to go home for Christmas
4. love to laugh together
5. love to snuggle together
6. love to bake together...well daddy supervises and enjoys the fruits of our labors
7. really likes living in Sylvan Lake
8. is blessed with some of the best friends anyone could ask for
9. is NOT perfect...but we're working on it
10. LOVE each other
Friday, November 21, 2008
Oh the Busy-ness of the day!
Wow. We got a lot done in one day today! And with very minimal fighting! Always a plus in my book.
We headed into Red Deer before 10:30, did some banking and headed to the church so I could meet up with one of my VT gals. The boys and daddy hung out in the van and watched a movie while I did a quick visit and then it was off to the mall to see Santa. We had to stand in line for about 15 minutes before we got to see him but both kids did great with the wait. Zane went right over to Santa and gave him the list he's been working on since July. This is what it looked like: Zane's Christmas List
1. Light Saber
2. Lego Indiana Jones Toy
3. Transformer - Megatron
4. Darth Vader Costume
Rhett was interested in the candy canes and we bribed him with one to sit with Zane and Santa for a picture. He was not impressed and the picture shows him sliding off Santa's lap as fast as he can! We got a couple of just Zane and Santa but the one we chose was the with the 2 of them. It was just too cute!
After lunch we headed to the Festival Of Trees and it was a lot of fun. It's a big charity event for the DTHR where they fill the pavilion in town with hundreds of decorated trees set up, decorations, items for auction and a winter carnival for the kids. It's all indoors but they have all these different booths set up with carnival games, crafts and fun stuff for the kids to do. You buy a bunch of tokens and away you go. The kids a blast, got lots of prizes, and I even got to linger at a few trees. Not as many as I would like, but I did get to oooh and awww over a few. A stop at Old Navy and one at Costco and we were finally headed home.
I have to go back into town for a choir practice tonight....and I'm already tired!
We headed into Red Deer before 10:30, did some banking and headed to the church so I could meet up with one of my VT gals. The boys and daddy hung out in the van and watched a movie while I did a quick visit and then it was off to the mall to see Santa. We had to stand in line for about 15 minutes before we got to see him but both kids did great with the wait. Zane went right over to Santa and gave him the list he's been working on since July. This is what it looked like: Zane's Christmas List
1. Light Saber
2. Lego Indiana Jones Toy
3. Transformer - Megatron
4. Darth Vader Costume
Rhett was interested in the candy canes and we bribed him with one to sit with Zane and Santa for a picture. He was not impressed and the picture shows him sliding off Santa's lap as fast as he can! We got a couple of just Zane and Santa but the one we chose was the with the 2 of them. It was just too cute!
After lunch we headed to the Festival Of Trees and it was a lot of fun. It's a big charity event for the DTHR where they fill the pavilion in town with hundreds of decorated trees set up, decorations, items for auction and a winter carnival for the kids. It's all indoors but they have all these different booths set up with carnival games, crafts and fun stuff for the kids to do. You buy a bunch of tokens and away you go. The kids a blast, got lots of prizes, and I even got to linger at a few trees. Not as many as I would like, but I did get to oooh and awww over a few. A stop at Old Navy and one at Costco and we were finally headed home.
I have to go back into town for a choir practice tonight....and I'm already tired!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Some stuff....
Just some fun stories and things my kids have done lately that I want to remember...and of course if I want to do that I need to write it down. So if you enjoy it to - great! But there's nothing earth shattering in this blog :)
- Zane has been trying to help Rhett learn to say his words properly. He breaks them up into small parts and gets Rhett to repeat after him then put the whole word together. It's really cute. Last night they were in the tub and Zane was teaching him how to say Cannon Ball. Their game was involving cannon balls for some reason. It just makes me smile to listen to them interact. I'm very blessed that Zane is such a great big brother!
- Rhett is convinced that snow = Christmas. Surprisingly we haven't had a lot of snow yet...but every time we do get a little skiff of snow Rhett just bounces at the window saying "Christmas, Christmas!" Yesterday when we left to go get Zane from school he walked outside and went "oh, no! Christmas!" The snow was melting and his little heart was just broken! He kept saying oh no, oh no for a few minutes before something else distracted him. He is so excited for Christmas. He doesn't really get the whole Santa thing but every time he sees any decorations, trees, lights etc he's very quick to exclaim "Christmas!"
- Zane is LOVING the Magic Tree House books. Mary Pope Osborne is the author and they are about a brother and sister and a magic tree house. They go different places, solve problems, and learn things. They all seem to be 10 chapters and we've been averaging about 3 days per book! It's great that he'll sit there and listen for that long at a time and I really hope that I'm passing on my love of reading to him and Rhett.
- Zane has started "reading" to Rhett. They made a book in school that he had memorized and the 2 of them would sit and Zane would "read" it to him. There's also some fun library books that he knows the general gist of the story and will sit and "read" it to Rhett. It's fun to see him develop this new skill. I hope it becomes a love for him!
- I can't remember if I've blogged about this next one or not and I'm too lazy to go back and see. Rhett has started pretending that he is a kitty or a puppy quite frequently during the day. He does the whiny pant, the licking, the rubbing his head against your leg...the whole bit. The problem is he doesn't know when to stop. So lately I've been telling him he's not a kitty or a puppy, but a Rhett. He agrees that he is a Rhett and usually goes on his merry way. The other night he climbed up on my lap and started in on the kitty thing and we again had the conversation. He agreed that he was Rhett and then reached for my face with his 2 little hands and pulled me in for what I thought was a kiss. Nope. A big 'ole lick right across my mouth! Eww Gross! I was so surprised that I burst out laughing and couldn't stop as I tried to tell him that was gross and not to do it again. Discipline just doesn't come across very good when you're laughing.
And I forgot, I wanted to ask everyone a favor! This pregnancy is clipping along and we're having quite the time coming up with a final name list. Normally we're able to narrow it down to 2 quite easily. Right now we have 8....and I like them all...I'm just not sure that we've got the RIGHT one on the list. So, I was wondering if you would send me some ideas? We're looking for something that is one syllable like Zane and Rhett, and something that's not too common but not completely out there. His middle name is going to be Dooley for my Grandpa and for my dad - my kids know my dad as Grandpa Dooley and everyone knew my Grandpa as Dooley even though that wasn't his actual name. (And if you're family reading this I am aware that Jeff and Kathy's Tyson is Tyson Dooley...but we're using it again anyways). The other 2 boys have Johnson family names for middle names and this one is getting a Robinson middle name. So that's my favor. If you have any great names and would like to share them please feel free. Thanks!
- Zane has been trying to help Rhett learn to say his words properly. He breaks them up into small parts and gets Rhett to repeat after him then put the whole word together. It's really cute. Last night they were in the tub and Zane was teaching him how to say Cannon Ball. Their game was involving cannon balls for some reason. It just makes me smile to listen to them interact. I'm very blessed that Zane is such a great big brother!
- Rhett is convinced that snow = Christmas. Surprisingly we haven't had a lot of snow yet...but every time we do get a little skiff of snow Rhett just bounces at the window saying "Christmas, Christmas!" Yesterday when we left to go get Zane from school he walked outside and went "oh, no! Christmas!" The snow was melting and his little heart was just broken! He kept saying oh no, oh no for a few minutes before something else distracted him. He is so excited for Christmas. He doesn't really get the whole Santa thing but every time he sees any decorations, trees, lights etc he's very quick to exclaim "Christmas!"
- Zane is LOVING the Magic Tree House books. Mary Pope Osborne is the author and they are about a brother and sister and a magic tree house. They go different places, solve problems, and learn things. They all seem to be 10 chapters and we've been averaging about 3 days per book! It's great that he'll sit there and listen for that long at a time and I really hope that I'm passing on my love of reading to him and Rhett.
- Zane has started "reading" to Rhett. They made a book in school that he had memorized and the 2 of them would sit and Zane would "read" it to him. There's also some fun library books that he knows the general gist of the story and will sit and "read" it to Rhett. It's fun to see him develop this new skill. I hope it becomes a love for him!
- I can't remember if I've blogged about this next one or not and I'm too lazy to go back and see. Rhett has started pretending that he is a kitty or a puppy quite frequently during the day. He does the whiny pant, the licking, the rubbing his head against your leg...the whole bit. The problem is he doesn't know when to stop. So lately I've been telling him he's not a kitty or a puppy, but a Rhett. He agrees that he is a Rhett and usually goes on his merry way. The other night he climbed up on my lap and started in on the kitty thing and we again had the conversation. He agreed that he was Rhett and then reached for my face with his 2 little hands and pulled me in for what I thought was a kiss. Nope. A big 'ole lick right across my mouth! Eww Gross! I was so surprised that I burst out laughing and couldn't stop as I tried to tell him that was gross and not to do it again. Discipline just doesn't come across very good when you're laughing.
And I forgot, I wanted to ask everyone a favor! This pregnancy is clipping along and we're having quite the time coming up with a final name list. Normally we're able to narrow it down to 2 quite easily. Right now we have 8....and I like them all...I'm just not sure that we've got the RIGHT one on the list. So, I was wondering if you would send me some ideas? We're looking for something that is one syllable like Zane and Rhett, and something that's not too common but not completely out there. His middle name is going to be Dooley for my Grandpa and for my dad - my kids know my dad as Grandpa Dooley and everyone knew my Grandpa as Dooley even though that wasn't his actual name. (And if you're family reading this I am aware that Jeff and Kathy's Tyson is Tyson Dooley...but we're using it again anyways). The other 2 boys have Johnson family names for middle names and this one is getting a Robinson middle name. So that's my favor. If you have any great names and would like to share them please feel free. Thanks!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
"Tis the Season!
I am thrilled to be decorated for Christmas! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get everything out that I wanted to because I've added to my collection by quite a bit and I have one less shelf in the house this year than last. So I sacrificed one of my nativities and it's creche. It's really big and I was worried that it would fall off the top of my piano if I set it up there - no wall to lean against just in case. But I discovered a few new places this year that weren't an option last year...mostly because Rhett is a year older this time around!
The kids helped me put out the house decorations on Thursday and last night after supper we set the tree up. I mean, Cliff set the tree up. Zane got to help with the light this year and he was THRILLED beyond belief. We bought all new LED light this year so Rhett and I were in charge of taking them out of the box, untangling them, and plugging them in to make sure they worked. As soon as I got a string plugged in he would pick up the nearest light and put it right up to his eye - better to examine it I guess? At least it wasn't up his nose - that's where he's been putting everything lately - fingers, walkie talkie antennas, Lego guns (thank goodness we only have big Lego). Anyways, back to Christmas. Letting the kids help decorate the tree is always really hard for me because I am fussy and want it just so. And most of my decorations are glass. So, the deal is that mom gets to do the really really breakable glass stuff and the boys are supposed to be gentle and slow. Right. Zane did a pretty good job of placing balls on the tree while Rhett's main objective was to see how many balls he could carry at once and hand to me and then be back with the next batch. We got it done though and I'm really happy with how it turned out!
And now of course, the pictures. I promised Leslie that I would post them today so she could show everyone how Christmas crazy I am and get her own Christmas fix without having to pull her stuff out!
Rhett and Zane's Christmas crafts we did last Saturday. We painted the cardboard pieces and then they picked out the foam pieces they wanted and I glue gunned them on. Then I glued the four pieces together into a box and glued the yarn on. And there you have it. Zane was very impressed and Rhett had fun when he wanted to help. 
I LOVE my magnet board and am so glad that I bought it last Christmas. I leave it up all year round and it was the perfect place for all of these little things that mom gave me last year!
I couldn't leave this plate in the store...the words were just so appropriate!And for some reason I can't write under this picture....but I bought the BELIEVE this year and the rest is all wonderful stuff my mom has made for me. I'm so lucky to have such a talented mom!
My hutch is full of different trinkets and stuff...the JINGLE is one of the crafts I did at Super Saturday. It's hard to tell in the picture but it has wire wrapped around each letter with bells attached. And the snow globe is the definite favorite with the boys. It's also a music box and they love to take turns holding it and listening to it play Silent Night.
I thought my new sign went well with some of my nativity scenes. I LOVE my Willow Tree Nativity. I cranked the Christmas music and cried as I put it out. I do every time I put the nativity out. It just is so nice to have the physical reminder of what Christmas really is. And I try to teach the kids about it too - not sure how much sunk in this year. 
And my tree! The picture really doesn't do it justice but it's hard to get a good picture with it all lit up!Friday, November 14, 2008
Our recent happenings....
It feels like we have been running all week long...even with Cliff home an extra day on Remembrance day.
Monday I accomplished laundry and taking a really long nap with Rhett. I was just beat all day long. Zane was home from school as well because it was a PD day. So really we didn't do much.
Tuesday I spent the majority of the day working on a quilt. I put the pictures here on my quilt blog.
Wednesday Zane had school (hurray!) and Rhett and I got a lot done around the house, read some books and generally had a great day.
Yesterday my wonderful hubby brought in all the Christmas stuff minus the tree and the kids had a lot of fun helping me decorate. I had a few panic moments as they were "helping" to unpack....I have some breakables that made me nervous but we all survived and the house looks great! Zane also finally finally let me pull his loose tooth! It just popped right out and after a moment of freaking out he thought it was pretty cool! The tooth fairy brought him a loony and he was so excited to buy a "Wonka Bar" (his term for chocolate bars since reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" I didn't take a picture with him and his tooth, but I did take a picture of him this morning with his prize and his toothier grin! And we noticed in the picture that you can already see the other tooth coming in!
Today we have been busy busy. Grocery shopping took a big portion of the morning and some of the afternoon. Everywhere is just getting crazy busy with Christmas and I just don't move very quickly at the moment! And this afternoon we've just been busy getting things settled - Cliff did a bunch of little honey-do things around the house, I got the groceries all put away and after we're done supper tonight we are putting up the tree! Yeah! Then I'll be all done decorating. I've already promised Leslie a blog with pictures of my Christmas house so that may or may not happen later tonight. We'll see how frazzled I am after letting the kids "help" and how long it takes me to re-decorate the tree the way I want it. I know, I know. I have kids. But I still want my tree to look the way I want it to look. They get to help, and I just do some adjusting later. I think I'll probably save my really breakable stuff for after they're in bed!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Some Stuff
- I asked Zane yesterday why he had to wear Red to school...."Mrs. Cocks didn't tell us" is the answer I got. So, the mystery will remain
- Zane was literally bouncing out of his classroom yesterday. He was quivering with excitement as he proclaimed to me and the rest of the hallway "MOM! I have 2 loose tooths!"
- And indeed, his bottom front 2 teeth are loose. One more than the other. He is wiggling ferociously and keeps insisting that I check to see if it's ready. He's just dying to take it for show and tell on Friday...we'll see
- Cliff felt our little nudger kick last night. And it was a pretty good one - moved his hand and everything. This is always one of my very favorite firsts. Of course he only did it once and wouldn't kick again until he moved his hand
- I had a fabulous check up with Dr Mark yesterday - I DON'T HAVE DIABETES THIS TIME! and it looks like my heart is A-OK. It is beating a couple of extra beats occasionally but nothing to be overly concerned about
- And he told me that I'm actually 3 days further along than I thought. That helped make my day even though most people just think big deal
- Friday we get another peak at this babe and I'm excited for that
- I am in the mood to bake today and so far have made muffins and cookies and plans for cinnamon buns and waffles for supper. Yum Yum Yummy!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Halloween
The boys ready for trunk or treat Tuesday night...so much fun doing all the fun games and getting TONS of candy. Rhett was right into it this year. I didn't take my camera to the church because I knew I'd end up carrying the basketball and the bags for all the centers....which I did. Cliff got roped into running one of the centers so I was on my own. But the weather was gorgeous and we had lots of fun.
Zane ready to go to school dressed as Sinbad.....he decided that morning that he didn't want to be a pirate or the basketball player...so I pulled a long piece of material out, wrapped it around him, pinned it in a couple of places, gave him a sword and Presto - he's Sinbad! I tried to convince him to let me do a beard and moustache but he wouldn't go for it. Oh well, he was thrilled!
Ready to go trick or treating...the boys had lots of fun minus the jerky guy who wore the creepy mask and laughed when Zane was scared to death of him! The momma bear in me was ready to punch the guy. I mean, seriously, you scared my kid - do you really need to come out of your house, stand on the porch, and laugh while I try to convince him to open his eyes so he can walk down your stairs without breaking his neck? It took us a couple of houses to get Zane calmed down and after that he was done....his tummy hurt, his feet hurt, he had to pee....you get the picture. Rhett was hilarious to watch this year. He really 'got' the whole trick-or-treating thing and just vibrated the whole time we were out. So it was fun even though Zane didn't really enjoy the whole night.
Zane ready to go to school dressed as Sinbad.....he decided that morning that he didn't want to be a pirate or the basketball player...so I pulled a long piece of material out, wrapped it around him, pinned it in a couple of places, gave him a sword and Presto - he's Sinbad! I tried to convince him to let me do a beard and moustache but he wouldn't go for it. Oh well, he was thrilled!Ready to go trick or treating...the boys had lots of fun minus the jerky guy who wore the creepy mask and laughed when Zane was scared to death of him! The momma bear in me was ready to punch the guy. I mean, seriously, you scared my kid - do you really need to come out of your house, stand on the porch, and laugh while I try to convince him to open his eyes so he can walk down your stairs without breaking his neck? It took us a couple of houses to get Zane calmed down and after that he was done....his tummy hurt, his feet hurt, he had to pee....you get the picture. Rhett was hilarious to watch this year. He really 'got' the whole trick-or-treating thing and just vibrated the whole time we were out. So it was fun even though Zane didn't really enjoy the whole night.
And showing off their spoils...both of their buckets were this full plus a grocery bag full of chips! Wow. They can each pick a few things to keep tomorrow and the rest is going to work with Daddy!
Yesterday was our ward's super Saturday. Lots of fun and I finished both of my crafts. I was very impressed with myself and with all the super organization that went into make it such a great day for all of us. And I forgot to re-set my clocks last night. I thought about it yesterday morning....but then it kinda didn't stick in my head. Oops. The result meant that I was ready to go to choir a whole hour earlier today then I needed to be. At least Jennie was too! She called me 'cause she was supposed to be picking me up and asked if I made the same mistake. We had a good laugh at ourselves!
Yesterday was our ward's super Saturday. Lots of fun and I finished both of my crafts. I was very impressed with myself and with all the super organization that went into make it such a great day for all of us. And I forgot to re-set my clocks last night. I thought about it yesterday morning....but then it kinda didn't stick in my head. Oops. The result meant that I was ready to go to choir a whole hour earlier today then I needed to be. At least Jennie was too! She called me 'cause she was supposed to be picking me up and asked if I made the same mistake. We had a good laugh at ourselves!
Tomorrow Zane is supposed to wear red to school...and we don't know why. He's just DYING to find out. Any guesses? Oh, and anyone want to guess what day my Christmas stuff is going up? The day is set and Zane and I are on the count down!
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