Like this really matters to anyone else. But this is what I'm living right now, hence this is what I have to blog about! ha!
We are currently on day #3 in the process. We ended day #1 with just about an even tie of successes on the potty and successes on the floor. Ahem. I was pretty pleased with the amount of successes for his very first day, AND I ended up with some freshly scrubbed floors, as well, so that was good.
Yesterday went VERY well considering Kev took both boys to breakfast and didn't have them home until 10:00, AND we went on a date in the evening. Usually, I do nothing but stay home for the first three days. However, we put a pull-up on him and he stayed completely dry in the morning, and he even peed on the potty for Grammy and Grampy at night. There were only two accidents during the whole day, AND he even pooped on the potty while I was half distracted talking on the phone! Not bad.
And today, as of naptime, he has had only two partial dribbles in his undies for accidents. He finished off dribble #2 on the potty, so I count that a half success! And, he is also understanding that when he has to go, to yell for me and we make it to the flush BEFORE he lets it become an ocean on our floor!
We are getting 'er DONE!
Jesse's Version......
I overheard Jesse singing these familiar tunes today...only with his own spin:
"Away in a Manger no crib for a bed
the little Lord Jesus stepped on His sweet head!"
Hmn.
And: "Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what your piggy toes are!"
Well, at least they rhyme!
"Away in a Manger no crib for a bed
the little Lord Jesus stepped on His sweet head!"
Hmn.
And: "Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what your piggy toes are!"
Well, at least they rhyme!
Let the Good Times Roll!
Well, today is the day that I have decided to bite the bullet and begin potty training Jesse. I woke up feeling up for a challenge, so we shall begin. I waited until Kaden was 2 1/2 and found that age to be quite successful, so now that the wildness of the holidays is tapering down, I have decided that we may as well give 'er a roll while I have a few days in succession to be home.
Everyone has their own method and their own way of doing this. To be honest, this was the one event that absolutely paralyzed me when it was time to teach Kaden. I wondered how in the world I would be able to communicate to this child that when he knew his bladder was full, and instead of going in his diaper, he needed to empty it in the potty instead.
I talked to a lot of seasoned moms until I found the method that I thought would work for me and my personality. I much prefer taking several days to focus soley and completely on that one task until it is somewhat conquered rather than go for weeks and weeks. I don't have the patience for that method.
I also decided to start the training with him sitting as opposed to standing. That way, if number 2 takes place while number 1 is getting accomplished, it will ALWAYS land in the toilet - not the floor or the undies. Standing comes later....along with the aiming at the Cheerioes and all that.
So, this is what we do:
Step one: Talk it up BIG for a couple of days before. Make it almost as exciting as Christmas! Seriously.
Step two: Buy lots of salty snacks and yummy fruit juices. The saying goes: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink," right? True. True. But you CAN salt his food! So, we eat lots of salty snacks to encourage the desire to drink! Plus, all of the yummy juices give good incentive, as well.
Step Three: First thing in the morning, he goes right into big boy undies. No pull-ups, and none of those fancy schmancy things that supposedly feel cold when you start to pee. I tried those with Kaden, and they felt too much like diapers. Peeing in those didn't bother him.
Step Four: Buy lots of little treats and have them in FULL view all day! (More incentive.)
Step Five: Roll up all rugs and things that will get peed on, and lay down the rules that no sitting on the couches or beds are allowed while we play today! Bring up the plastic camp chairs instead.
Step Six: Pray for boatloads of patience and stamina to keep up the excitement.
Step Seven: Prepare for many an ocean along with the few successes!
Step Eight: Set up a nice little reading station for them in the bathroom during their "sitting spells."
Step Nine: Set the timer for twenty minutes. And every twenty minutes ALL. DAY. LONG. give 'er a try when the buzzer rings.
Step Ten: Reward any and all successes with M&M's or gummy bears.
Step Eleven: Look on the bright side - all mistakes will give you cause to scrub your floor, which will mean, by days end - your floors will be REALLY clean!
Here's where we are at today as of naptime.
Let's just say that my kitchen floor, the boys' bedroom floor, and a certain area at the foot of our couch in the living room is now sparkly clean! But, on the other hand, we have also had five successes thus far.
Five out of eight. Not bad.
Everyone has their own method and their own way of doing this. To be honest, this was the one event that absolutely paralyzed me when it was time to teach Kaden. I wondered how in the world I would be able to communicate to this child that when he knew his bladder was full, and instead of going in his diaper, he needed to empty it in the potty instead.
I talked to a lot of seasoned moms until I found the method that I thought would work for me and my personality. I much prefer taking several days to focus soley and completely on that one task until it is somewhat conquered rather than go for weeks and weeks. I don't have the patience for that method.
I also decided to start the training with him sitting as opposed to standing. That way, if number 2 takes place while number 1 is getting accomplished, it will ALWAYS land in the toilet - not the floor or the undies. Standing comes later....along with the aiming at the Cheerioes and all that.
So, this is what we do:
Step one: Talk it up BIG for a couple of days before. Make it almost as exciting as Christmas! Seriously.
Step two: Buy lots of salty snacks and yummy fruit juices. The saying goes: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink," right? True. True. But you CAN salt his food! So, we eat lots of salty snacks to encourage the desire to drink! Plus, all of the yummy juices give good incentive, as well.
Step Three: First thing in the morning, he goes right into big boy undies. No pull-ups, and none of those fancy schmancy things that supposedly feel cold when you start to pee. I tried those with Kaden, and they felt too much like diapers. Peeing in those didn't bother him.
Step Four: Buy lots of little treats and have them in FULL view all day! (More incentive.)
Step Five: Roll up all rugs and things that will get peed on, and lay down the rules that no sitting on the couches or beds are allowed while we play today! Bring up the plastic camp chairs instead.
Step Six: Pray for boatloads of patience and stamina to keep up the excitement.
Step Seven: Prepare for many an ocean along with the few successes!
Step Eight: Set up a nice little reading station for them in the bathroom during their "sitting spells."
Step Nine: Set the timer for twenty minutes. And every twenty minutes ALL. DAY. LONG. give 'er a try when the buzzer rings.
Step Ten: Reward any and all successes with M&M's or gummy bears.
Step Eleven: Look on the bright side - all mistakes will give you cause to scrub your floor, which will mean, by days end - your floors will be REALLY clean!
Here's where we are at today as of naptime.
Let's just say that my kitchen floor, the boys' bedroom floor, and a certain area at the foot of our couch in the living room is now sparkly clean! But, on the other hand, we have also had five successes thus far.
Five out of eight. Not bad.
Merry Days.....
Well, we are home from celebrating Christmas #2 with my family up in the County. It was a bit of a whirlwind visit - they usually are - with us getting up the evening before Christmas Eve day and leaving the afternoon after Christmas, but it was lovely nonetheless.
Mom spread out the gift giving by giving the kids little gifts all throughout the days rather than having them unwrap everything in one fell swoop on Christmas morning. I liked this way a lot better, and I think the kids were able to savor and enjoy each gift a little more, as well.
We just had a really great time visiting with whoever stopped by, watching Christmas movies, playing with our new toys, and the highlight for all of us was tying a sled on behind the four-wheeler and doing laps around our driveways. It was QUITE hilarious watching the kids taking tumbles from Daddy whipping around a corner a little too quickly! Good times! Can't wait till they get older and then we'll really be able to fly!
Neither of my brothers were here this Christmas. This was the very first Christmas that it was JUST our little family there. It felt kind of weird and much more quiet, but we still had a really great time. And the cool thing is that my brothers were actually able to celebrate together in Texas as they are both in the Border Patrol down there. So, family was able to be together all the way around - just not under the same roof.
And now we are settling back in at home. I'm slowly taking my trimmings down and getting reorganized. The kids want the tree up for a few more days, so it shall stay for a little longer. And this week we shall just be simple and still - savoring our new prizes and enjoying being in our cozy little home.
Here's hoping your Christmas was merry!
Mom spread out the gift giving by giving the kids little gifts all throughout the days rather than having them unwrap everything in one fell swoop on Christmas morning. I liked this way a lot better, and I think the kids were able to savor and enjoy each gift a little more, as well.
We just had a really great time visiting with whoever stopped by, watching Christmas movies, playing with our new toys, and the highlight for all of us was tying a sled on behind the four-wheeler and doing laps around our driveways. It was QUITE hilarious watching the kids taking tumbles from Daddy whipping around a corner a little too quickly! Good times! Can't wait till they get older and then we'll really be able to fly!
Neither of my brothers were here this Christmas. This was the very first Christmas that it was JUST our little family there. It felt kind of weird and much more quiet, but we still had a really great time. And the cool thing is that my brothers were actually able to celebrate together in Texas as they are both in the Border Patrol down there. So, family was able to be together all the way around - just not under the same roof.
And now we are settling back in at home. I'm slowly taking my trimmings down and getting reorganized. The kids want the tree up for a few more days, so it shall stay for a little longer. And this week we shall just be simple and still - savoring our new prizes and enjoying being in our cozy little home.
Here's hoping your Christmas was merry!
I Kept My Word......
I have always said that - as far as memory making things go - what I do for one of my kids I will do for the others. And I must say, that now that Number 3 is here, I understand why each successive child gets a skinnier baby book, fewer pics in the albums - let alone a picture ALONE all by themselves, and a far less strict Mommy when it comes to such things as - oh shall we say - no junk food the first year of life, no hot dogs or processed food. Period., no t.v. the first year of life....etc. etc. etc. - all of those things.
I don't think Kaden had a hot dog the first TWO years of his life. And I KNOW that he didn't have any junk food until a little cupcake on his first birthday. I am embarassed to admit to you today that - although neither boy gets them very often - if you ask them what their fave food is, it will be - hands down - hot dogs. Ah well. Can't win em all.
As far as little Rancey Pants goes, he is on a strict Mama's milk diet, but everything else might be a little slacking. He sure as heck isn't getting the amount of baths that his brothers did in a week. I like to console myself by saying he's a winter baby and the house is cold. But there are many other areas, as well, where I'm just a whole lot more chill about this time around. I still like a rhythm and routine - I am a schedule person - but it's a little more loose this time. If the boys wake him up from a nap, not a huge deal. I'm not impressed, but on the grand scale of life, it's no biggy. If he doesn't sleep through the night consistently for a couple more months, I don't care. And if he needs to eat before the three hour mark, not a huge deal.
I'm relaxing. A bit, anyway. :0) And I am thoroughly enjoying him. He doesn't scream like my others.......
My biggest stresser in this little guy's life thus far has been my lack of getting out a baby announcement for him. I could really give a flying flip this time around, nor do we have the time or money to do so, but I made a solemn vow to myself that I would be fair across the board.
So. It's done folks. It's definitely not top notch, it looks quite unprofessional, and I got his length wrong on the stats. But it's done. The hospital gave me a program that would give me some free announcements, so that's what we did. Both Kev and I are convinced the program was possessed, but we got 'er done.
Dear friends, please don't be offended if you do not receive one of these beauties. You are NOT missing out. We didn't get many done and they are mostly going out to immediate family, but at least he will have a little announcement to place on the front page of his very own - non-existent-at-the-moment - baby album.
I don't think Kaden had a hot dog the first TWO years of his life. And I KNOW that he didn't have any junk food until a little cupcake on his first birthday. I am embarassed to admit to you today that - although neither boy gets them very often - if you ask them what their fave food is, it will be - hands down - hot dogs. Ah well. Can't win em all.
As far as little Rancey Pants goes, he is on a strict Mama's milk diet, but everything else might be a little slacking. He sure as heck isn't getting the amount of baths that his brothers did in a week. I like to console myself by saying he's a winter baby and the house is cold. But there are many other areas, as well, where I'm just a whole lot more chill about this time around. I still like a rhythm and routine - I am a schedule person - but it's a little more loose this time. If the boys wake him up from a nap, not a huge deal. I'm not impressed, but on the grand scale of life, it's no biggy. If he doesn't sleep through the night consistently for a couple more months, I don't care. And if he needs to eat before the three hour mark, not a huge deal.
I'm relaxing. A bit, anyway. :0) And I am thoroughly enjoying him. He doesn't scream like my others.......
My biggest stresser in this little guy's life thus far has been my lack of getting out a baby announcement for him. I could really give a flying flip this time around, nor do we have the time or money to do so, but I made a solemn vow to myself that I would be fair across the board.
So. It's done folks. It's definitely not top notch, it looks quite unprofessional, and I got his length wrong on the stats. But it's done. The hospital gave me a program that would give me some free announcements, so that's what we did. Both Kev and I are convinced the program was possessed, but we got 'er done.
Dear friends, please don't be offended if you do not receive one of these beauties. You are NOT missing out. We didn't get many done and they are mostly going out to immediate family, but at least he will have a little announcement to place on the front page of his very own - non-existent-at-the-moment - baby album.
Our Little Celebration
We had our little family Christmas this week-end. And it was SO much fun! At about 6:30 in the morning, Jesse crawled into Kev's side of the bed and whispered: "Please, Daddy. We have Christmas now?"
We all went downstairs together and snuggled up on the floor while Kev read the Christmas story out of the kid's Bible. And then we just took our time unwrapping all morning. If the kids wanted to stop and play with anything, we let them; and we just waited until they were ready to move on. They didn't even get anything huge or overly amazing - but that's what's so much fun about this age! You can get some very fun things very cheaply!
Then we had a yummy breakfast of pancakes, their very own individual applesauces, strawberries and bananas, and "pink milk."
And we just stayed in our p.j.'s all morning and played. So much fun.
A Booker Christmas
It's been a busy week at the Booker household.
Sunday night we had our Christmas program at church, and both Kaden and Jesse had a part to play. They were so super adorable, and we were so proud of them. During every practice, Jesse was THE loudest bell ringer and belter of the songs, but when he got up on stage in the evening, he got a little gun shy looking out over the crowd. He didn't sing one word, but he rang his little bells, and he looked SO STINKIN' CUTE! And Kaden sang a couple of his songs with his class, as well. Such a difference from last year's program and this one. Last year, he cried during the practices, and he hid behind a friend during the evening program. This year, he marched right up on stage, caught our eyes first thing and gave us a silly grin, shoved his hands into his pockets, and sang every word! We were so proud!
I had my whole family here from Monday until yesterday. Dad came down to get his pacemaker replaced, so they stayed with us during that whole procedure. Hopefully, this new two-lead line to his heart will greatly improve his quality of life. That's what we're praying for, anyway. And then, my big bro Clay flew in from the Border Patrol Academy for a couple of days. I haven't seen him since super early on in my pregnancy, and I probably won't see him again until Ransom is over a year old, so those few hours were precious.
And NOW - onto our Booker family Christmas!!!
We always have our own little family celebration apart from the ones we do with the Grampy's and Grammy's. We really want to establish our own family traditions that the kids look forward to each year. And we like to draw it out - just doing simple things, but making it LAST.
So, last night we got pizza for supper and played Pin the Nose on the Snowman:
None of us were so great at it, but it was fun!
Then, we gave the boys a little Christmas movie and camped out on the floor together to watch it. This morning, Daddy made us a big breakfast, and then the boys opened one "together gift." It was a big wooden fire truck that they had to put together using screws and screwdrivers - things they love to do. They thought that was pretty rockin' and it took them all morning to do.
After that, we thought it would be fun to go to the dump and run out of gas and have Grampy come and rescue us. That wasn't really part of our plan for today, but you know, things happen.......
Tonight, we're going to do a fun Nativity story that's very interactive (a gift that Mom gave us for Christmas last year, and I LOVE IT. It's called "What God Wants for Christmas" - and has all these little boxes for them to open), and we're going to let them open matching dinosaur p.j.'s. Then, if I'm feeling brave and not feeling the need for much sleep tonight, we might all camp out in our bedroom together for the night. I'll let you know how that goes......
And tomorrow, we'll read the Christmas story, have another fun, big breakfast, do all the rest of our little gifts, and just lounge around in our p.j.s and play, play, play all day!
This is totally my most favorite Christmas celebration of them all. It's simple. It's fun. It's quality time. It's laid back. It's not excessive. And I love, love, love it.
Sunday night we had our Christmas program at church, and both Kaden and Jesse had a part to play. They were so super adorable, and we were so proud of them. During every practice, Jesse was THE loudest bell ringer and belter of the songs, but when he got up on stage in the evening, he got a little gun shy looking out over the crowd. He didn't sing one word, but he rang his little bells, and he looked SO STINKIN' CUTE! And Kaden sang a couple of his songs with his class, as well. Such a difference from last year's program and this one. Last year, he cried during the practices, and he hid behind a friend during the evening program. This year, he marched right up on stage, caught our eyes first thing and gave us a silly grin, shoved his hands into his pockets, and sang every word! We were so proud!
I had my whole family here from Monday until yesterday. Dad came down to get his pacemaker replaced, so they stayed with us during that whole procedure. Hopefully, this new two-lead line to his heart will greatly improve his quality of life. That's what we're praying for, anyway. And then, my big bro Clay flew in from the Border Patrol Academy for a couple of days. I haven't seen him since super early on in my pregnancy, and I probably won't see him again until Ransom is over a year old, so those few hours were precious.
And NOW - onto our Booker family Christmas!!!
We always have our own little family celebration apart from the ones we do with the Grampy's and Grammy's. We really want to establish our own family traditions that the kids look forward to each year. And we like to draw it out - just doing simple things, but making it LAST.
So, last night we got pizza for supper and played Pin the Nose on the Snowman:
None of us were so great at it, but it was fun!
Then, we gave the boys a little Christmas movie and camped out on the floor together to watch it. This morning, Daddy made us a big breakfast, and then the boys opened one "together gift." It was a big wooden fire truck that they had to put together using screws and screwdrivers - things they love to do. They thought that was pretty rockin' and it took them all morning to do.
After that, we thought it would be fun to go to the dump and run out of gas and have Grampy come and rescue us. That wasn't really part of our plan for today, but you know, things happen.......
Tonight, we're going to do a fun Nativity story that's very interactive (a gift that Mom gave us for Christmas last year, and I LOVE IT. It's called "What God Wants for Christmas" - and has all these little boxes for them to open), and we're going to let them open matching dinosaur p.j.'s. Then, if I'm feeling brave and not feeling the need for much sleep tonight, we might all camp out in our bedroom together for the night. I'll let you know how that goes......
And tomorrow, we'll read the Christmas story, have another fun, big breakfast, do all the rest of our little gifts, and just lounge around in our p.j.s and play, play, play all day!
This is totally my most favorite Christmas celebration of them all. It's simple. It's fun. It's quality time. It's laid back. It's not excessive. And I love, love, love it.
A Boy's World
These past couple of days, I have been looking at my home and my life through the eyes of someone who may not have any little boys underfoot in their lives. It's very loud. And chaotic at times. And almost always messy. And anything that I've tried to make "pretty" still manages to have some little boy flair to it.
For example, I glanced down at my centerpeice arrangement on my table - it's just a bowl of pinecones, dried oranges and pomegranates, and round twiggy balls - and right there, smack in the middle is a big plastic eyeball! Legos and k'nex peices have found their way into almost every nook and cranny of this place. Daily, I come across a half-eaten apple that's been left somewhere. And their teeny, super adorable nativity set that I would love to have be the ONLY thing that sits on their dresser - well, it's surrounded by about 20 plastic war jets, a huge k'nex helicopter, and two lego towers!
Everything they do is loud and intense - the laughter, the plane noises, the ideas of what might be fun....building a tower out of the couch cushions and flying onto them, or sudsing up their heads with hand lotion when they're supposed to be washing their hands for supper, or stripping naked and streaking through the house screaming like banshees before bathtime, or even their snuggles - they're rough and often end in a wrestling match!.... It's slightly nuts-o.
This morning over a cup of coffee (and the chaos that abounded) Jesse had come into our room twice to try and wake us to tell us that he was hungry....(he first brought up a bag of cheese and shoved it in my face followed by a carrot and the comment: "Mommy. I just HUNGRY!), Kev glanced over at me and commented: "Remember when it was just the two of us?"
I do. And I wouldn't change those five years for all the world.
But, nor would I change this chapter of my life either. It's FULL. Full of wildness and chaos, but also oh so full of LIFE, and LOVE, and childhood innocence, and play, and fun.
Last night in the car on the way home from some final Christmas shopping Kaden and I had a cute little conversation.
Me: Kaden, will you always love me - even when you grow up?
Kaden: Yup.
Me: But, will you still come home to visit me and have a cup of coffee - even when you're a grown man?
Kaden: Well, I'm probably still going to stay in the family.
Phew. He is so tender and sensitive. So wanting to please us and make us happy.
And Jesse - for all his clumsiness, and bull-in-a-china-shop-ishness, and the Many MANY messes that he makes for me to clean - he really just brings me so much joy. He LOVES me with this unconditional sweet abandon, that is just so precious and tender.
And sweet little Ransom...it's like he's always been here. He has just fit right in, and I am SAVORING him.
Life is FULL. Sometimes a little too full and we have to revamp schedules and priorities. But, despite the crazyness of it all - it really totally and completely rocks. I KNOW that I'll have a spotless house again someday with no toys to trip on, no rotten food to find, and no squabbles to referee. And I know I'll miss it. So, for now, I want to savor this adventure and drink it all in.
This chapter will be gone in the blink of an eye...........
For example, I glanced down at my centerpeice arrangement on my table - it's just a bowl of pinecones, dried oranges and pomegranates, and round twiggy balls - and right there, smack in the middle is a big plastic eyeball! Legos and k'nex peices have found their way into almost every nook and cranny of this place. Daily, I come across a half-eaten apple that's been left somewhere. And their teeny, super adorable nativity set that I would love to have be the ONLY thing that sits on their dresser - well, it's surrounded by about 20 plastic war jets, a huge k'nex helicopter, and two lego towers!
Everything they do is loud and intense - the laughter, the plane noises, the ideas of what might be fun....building a tower out of the couch cushions and flying onto them, or sudsing up their heads with hand lotion when they're supposed to be washing their hands for supper, or stripping naked and streaking through the house screaming like banshees before bathtime, or even their snuggles - they're rough and often end in a wrestling match!.... It's slightly nuts-o.
This morning over a cup of coffee (and the chaos that abounded) Jesse had come into our room twice to try and wake us to tell us that he was hungry....(he first brought up a bag of cheese and shoved it in my face followed by a carrot and the comment: "Mommy. I just HUNGRY!), Kev glanced over at me and commented: "Remember when it was just the two of us?"
I do. And I wouldn't change those five years for all the world.
But, nor would I change this chapter of my life either. It's FULL. Full of wildness and chaos, but also oh so full of LIFE, and LOVE, and childhood innocence, and play, and fun.
Last night in the car on the way home from some final Christmas shopping Kaden and I had a cute little conversation.
Me: Kaden, will you always love me - even when you grow up?
Kaden: Yup.
Me: But, will you still come home to visit me and have a cup of coffee - even when you're a grown man?
Kaden: Well, I'm probably still going to stay in the family.
Phew. He is so tender and sensitive. So wanting to please us and make us happy.
And Jesse - for all his clumsiness, and bull-in-a-china-shop-ishness, and the Many MANY messes that he makes for me to clean - he really just brings me so much joy. He LOVES me with this unconditional sweet abandon, that is just so precious and tender.
And sweet little Ransom...it's like he's always been here. He has just fit right in, and I am SAVORING him.
Life is FULL. Sometimes a little too full and we have to revamp schedules and priorities. But, despite the crazyness of it all - it really totally and completely rocks. I KNOW that I'll have a spotless house again someday with no toys to trip on, no rotten food to find, and no squabbles to referee. And I know I'll miss it. So, for now, I want to savor this adventure and drink it all in.
This chapter will be gone in the blink of an eye...........
Two-Year Old Theology
Jesse's breakfast prayer this morning:
Thank you God.
And Jesus.
Both happy.
Jesus fall down.
Daddy pick Jesus up.
Hmn?
Thank you God.
And Jesus.
Both happy.
Jesus fall down.
Daddy pick Jesus up.
Hmn?
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Whew! Life has felt a little nutty lately.
I so badly want to soak in and savor the season, but it seems to be flying by so quickly I can barely catch my breath. We went up for the week-end to attend a "Quint Family Christmas Party." That was something. It was fun, slightly uncouth and off-color - as we're all hoodlums, but really nice to see the extended family. We also went to a really nice Christmas concert and took the kids for a really fun four-wheeler ride, as there was no snow yet. That made for a crazy week-end, though, and it makes me feel behind going into this week.
So, because of feeling this way - I cancelled two appointments that I had this week that can just wait until the start of next year. And already I feel better. :0)
I've never had a newborn during the holiday season, either. So, that makes things a wee bit busier. It also makes me sloooow down and focus on the things that are really important. For that, I am thankful. And he is just a delicious little bundle of joy. He really is. I can almost say with confidence - not yet, because Kaden's screams came later in his infancy - but I can almost believe that he is going to be a fairly mellow baby. Or mellow-"er," at least. I'll take mellow-er. He still isn't a fantastic napper during the day, but he does awesome most nights. He usually only wakes up once in the night, and last night - for the first time - he gave me an eight hour stretch! Wow - didn't that feel like Heaven. I'm not holding my breath on that one, either. We'll see if it stays consistent.
Anyway, back to the title of my post.
We always head up North for Christmas day, so our little family celebrates our own Christmas with just us sometime before then. As of yesterday, our Christmas was 12 days away. Each of these days, heading to our countdown, I want to do something fun with the boys to get us in the Christmas spirit. Some things will be really simple, some more elaborate, but the whole point being just to have fun with the kids and make memories together.
Yesterday, being day 12, we went to a family's house and made wreaths with a whole whack of people. The boys had fun - which was my goal - but it was a little hairy for me. A lot of chaos, a lot of pitch, a fussy baby, a huge poo explosion - you know the drill. I was wiped for the rest of the day! But, we got a rockin' wreath that Kaden and I made together, so that's cool.
Today, Daddy took the boys to breakfast, and when they return we're going to make a gingerbread train together. I like to decorate them and have them sit out and be admired for a few days. But, I know how this is going to go down. We're going make it, admire it for .2 seconds, and then the begging to eat it will begin! That's okay, I guess.
So, we'll see what the rest of the days hold for us. Happy holiday season, friends!
I so badly want to soak in and savor the season, but it seems to be flying by so quickly I can barely catch my breath. We went up for the week-end to attend a "Quint Family Christmas Party." That was something. It was fun, slightly uncouth and off-color - as we're all hoodlums, but really nice to see the extended family. We also went to a really nice Christmas concert and took the kids for a really fun four-wheeler ride, as there was no snow yet. That made for a crazy week-end, though, and it makes me feel behind going into this week.
So, because of feeling this way - I cancelled two appointments that I had this week that can just wait until the start of next year. And already I feel better. :0)
I've never had a newborn during the holiday season, either. So, that makes things a wee bit busier. It also makes me sloooow down and focus on the things that are really important. For that, I am thankful. And he is just a delicious little bundle of joy. He really is. I can almost say with confidence - not yet, because Kaden's screams came later in his infancy - but I can almost believe that he is going to be a fairly mellow baby. Or mellow-"er," at least. I'll take mellow-er. He still isn't a fantastic napper during the day, but he does awesome most nights. He usually only wakes up once in the night, and last night - for the first time - he gave me an eight hour stretch! Wow - didn't that feel like Heaven. I'm not holding my breath on that one, either. We'll see if it stays consistent.
Anyway, back to the title of my post.
We always head up North for Christmas day, so our little family celebrates our own Christmas with just us sometime before then. As of yesterday, our Christmas was 12 days away. Each of these days, heading to our countdown, I want to do something fun with the boys to get us in the Christmas spirit. Some things will be really simple, some more elaborate, but the whole point being just to have fun with the kids and make memories together.
Yesterday, being day 12, we went to a family's house and made wreaths with a whole whack of people. The boys had fun - which was my goal - but it was a little hairy for me. A lot of chaos, a lot of pitch, a fussy baby, a huge poo explosion - you know the drill. I was wiped for the rest of the day! But, we got a rockin' wreath that Kaden and I made together, so that's cool.
Today, Daddy took the boys to breakfast, and when they return we're going to make a gingerbread train together. I like to decorate them and have them sit out and be admired for a few days. But, I know how this is going to go down. We're going make it, admire it for .2 seconds, and then the begging to eat it will begin! That's okay, I guess.
So, we'll see what the rest of the days hold for us. Happy holiday season, friends!
Well - despite the somewhat crazyness of our morning with Ransom crying more often than not, and Jesse taking a massive tumble down our entire flight of THIRTEEN stairs, the end of our day turned out to be quite nice! I declared this afternoon to be family naptime, and by the time this evening rolled around, the day was looking much brighter!
When Kev got home from work, we had a quick supper and then decorated our tree and our house for Christmas! Very fun. Here's a whack of pictures to document our evening. Jesse only broke two ornaments - I was planning for at least five - so we're golden!
Documentation. He's like a puppy.
We have just a wee little tree this year. She's super cute, and the boys did it ALL! I sat in the chair and fed Ransom the whole time! :0)
Kev put the Nativity set that his Mom gave him in the fireplace.
This is what it looks like up close. This spot also keeps little bull-in-a-china-shop-hands away from touching and holding!
Here's a few other little corners of our home:
Okay. I got this little "roaring fire" C.D. in the Target dollar aisle. People make fun of me - especially on our ginormous t.v. screen, but I tell you what - it is SO cozy! And these are my little Kaden, Jesse, & Ransom snowmen.
This is above my kitchen sink. The plant on the far right is a bog cranberry. A lady from my church gave it to me, and it is rockin'! We own some swampy land to the left of us, and in the spring, I'm going to try to plant it. We shall see......
This is just a little spot above the kid's craft cupboard.
Okay. I always forget to flip my pictures, but it's 10:00p.m., and I'm too lazy. Just turn your head sideways, and you'll get the idea! :0)
And our third child, who is often just as much work for me!
Until the "newness" wears off, she's being relegated to the basement at night, or else I just KNOW the tree will be on its side come morning.
I'll almost bet my life that it won't remain standing for 25 more days, anyway. We shall see..... Anyway. We're decorated. Let the festivities begin!
When Kev got home from work, we had a quick supper and then decorated our tree and our house for Christmas! Very fun. Here's a whack of pictures to document our evening. Jesse only broke two ornaments - I was planning for at least five - so we're golden!
Documentation. He's like a puppy.
We have just a wee little tree this year. She's super cute, and the boys did it ALL! I sat in the chair and fed Ransom the whole time! :0)
Kev put the Nativity set that his Mom gave him in the fireplace.
This is what it looks like up close. This spot also keeps little bull-in-a-china-shop-hands away from touching and holding!
Here's a few other little corners of our home:
Okay. I got this little "roaring fire" C.D. in the Target dollar aisle. People make fun of me - especially on our ginormous t.v. screen, but I tell you what - it is SO cozy! And these are my little Kaden, Jesse, & Ransom snowmen.
This is above my kitchen sink. The plant on the far right is a bog cranberry. A lady from my church gave it to me, and it is rockin'! We own some swampy land to the left of us, and in the spring, I'm going to try to plant it. We shall see......
This is just a little spot above the kid's craft cupboard.
Okay. I always forget to flip my pictures, but it's 10:00p.m., and I'm too lazy. Just turn your head sideways, and you'll get the idea! :0)
And our third child, who is often just as much work for me!
Until the "newness" wears off, she's being relegated to the basement at night, or else I just KNOW the tree will be on its side come morning.
I'll almost bet my life that it won't remain standing for 25 more days, anyway. We shall see..... Anyway. We're decorated. Let the festivities begin!
Thanksgiving
It has been a really nice holiday week-end, despite the yucky weather. We hosted Thanksgiving this year. Kind of last minute, but it was still really really fun to be able to host in MY OWN home! Kev's Mom and Bruce and Grammy came over; I also ran next door and spur of the moment invited our new neighbor who is a widower, but he was hosting a party for six, himself! Kinda cute.
The kids worked really hard on making some fun place cards
and yummy party favors. The favors were supposed to be candy turkeys, but I didn't have the right candy for the job, so we improvised. People were still able to tell that they at least semi resembled turkeys!
Then, yesterday we really spur of the moment decided to go to our most fave place - Piper Mountain and get our tree. We've got a couple of crazy weeks ahead of us - especially the week-ends - so we decided to at least get it and bring it back home. Now it's sitting in a bucket of water in our garage and ready for decorating whenever we are.
The most hilarious thing happend while we were getting our tree. It was cold and drizzly to begin with, so we kind of rushed in choosing our tree so that we could get back inside to the hot apple cider and homemade donuts. We were all standing around watching Daddy chop down the tree, and when the thing toppled over, it konked Jesse square in the head and COMPLETELY took him OUT! It was absolutely hysterical, and Kaden and I died laughing. I couldn't do anything about it, either, because I had Ransom in a Snugli and was holding an umbrella over us so that he wouldn't get wet. Jesse was SO unimpressed, and I really did feel badly, but I just had to document the whole thing. So, I got a snapshot of him crumpled on the ground and then one of him with Daddy comforting him! Priceless.
On our walk back to the barn he said: "I happy now. I cry when dat tree knock me down, but I a little bit happy now." So cute. Nothing that a yummy donut couldn't remedy!
And now today we're just chillaxing. Daddy's going for one last attempt at the big old buck, and I'm cooking up a bunch of food to use up all of our leftover turkey. Baths and a movie tonight before a full day at church tomorrow. And then we enter the next holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, all!
The kids worked really hard on making some fun place cards
and yummy party favors. The favors were supposed to be candy turkeys, but I didn't have the right candy for the job, so we improvised. People were still able to tell that they at least semi resembled turkeys!
Then, yesterday we really spur of the moment decided to go to our most fave place - Piper Mountain and get our tree. We've got a couple of crazy weeks ahead of us - especially the week-ends - so we decided to at least get it and bring it back home. Now it's sitting in a bucket of water in our garage and ready for decorating whenever we are.
The most hilarious thing happend while we were getting our tree. It was cold and drizzly to begin with, so we kind of rushed in choosing our tree so that we could get back inside to the hot apple cider and homemade donuts. We were all standing around watching Daddy chop down the tree, and when the thing toppled over, it konked Jesse square in the head and COMPLETELY took him OUT! It was absolutely hysterical, and Kaden and I died laughing. I couldn't do anything about it, either, because I had Ransom in a Snugli and was holding an umbrella over us so that he wouldn't get wet. Jesse was SO unimpressed, and I really did feel badly, but I just had to document the whole thing. So, I got a snapshot of him crumpled on the ground and then one of him with Daddy comforting him! Priceless.
On our walk back to the barn he said: "I happy now. I cry when dat tree knock me down, but I a little bit happy now." So cute. Nothing that a yummy donut couldn't remedy!
And now today we're just chillaxing. Daddy's going for one last attempt at the big old buck, and I'm cooking up a bunch of food to use up all of our leftover turkey. Baths and a movie tonight before a full day at church tomorrow. And then we enter the next holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, all!
Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats
Thanksgiving Crafting - Day #2
Today's craft is super yummy, super cute, and - if your kid is like my Jesse - quite messy. But, if your kid is like my Kaden - the mess is kept to a delish minimum.
I forgot to say yesterday, that all of these ideas come from family fun magazine. You can get tons of fun ideas at www.familyfun.com. Or, just look on my sidebar and click onto a link that I have there.
Okay. Here goes:
Ingredients:
* 24 chocolate-striped shortbread cookies
* 12-oz. package of chocolate chips
* 24 marshmallows
* tube of yellow decorator's frosting - or just make your own and tint it yellow.
Instructions:
1. Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripes down on a wax paper-covered tray, spacing them well apart.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
3. One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie.
4. Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick.
5. Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorator's frosting buckle on the front of each hat.
Voila!
And share, share, share! And eat, eat, eat.......
A Week of Crafting
Thanksgiving is by and large one of my MOST favorite holidays. It isn't really commercialized too horribly, there are no gifts involved, and it really focuses on the simple and important things in life: remembering what we are thankful for, spending time with family and loved ones, and the biggy - FOOD! Ha!
But seriously, I really really love Thanksgiving.
So, in honor of this being Thanksgiving week, the kidlets and I are going to (try to) do one type of cooking or crafting project each day that revolves around Thanksgiving. And I'm going to share the ideas here because I think they're super cute - and I can't take any credit for them; they did not come from my own noggin' - and then maybe you can do some with your kidlets too!
The project that we did over the week-end was fingerprint Turkey cards. Very simple, only slightly messy (unless you're Jesse, and then you somehow manage to get the ink from head to toe!), minimal materials, and the craft takes mere minutes.
Here's what you need:
* card stock paper folded in half to make a card (duh)
* preferably a brown ink pad (I only had black, hence we have black turkeys)
* colored pencils or crayons
* fingers and thumbs willing to get inked!
Stamp your thumb for the body, your pointer finger for his head, and your pinky finger to make a fan of big ole tail feathers. Use colored pencils to draw in feet, his beak, eyes, and the gobbly thing that hangs down his neck (what's that called again?).
Easy sneezy, and super cute.
Then, make tons and tons to give to all the people you love!
Here's some pics of our masterpeices:
Kinda fun!
And they only have to remotely resemble turkeys!
These Past Few Days......
Let's see here....
It's been awhile since I've posted. Our little family of five is getting our groove on. We're finding our rhythm more and more, and so far Ransom is still pretty chill. I'm still holding my breath, and I'm giving him until Christmas to become a freak out child. If he's still like "this" by then, I will declare us to have our very first relaxed baby. That would be nice!
He had his five week check-up on Tuesday. He's in the 90% for length at 23 inches, and the 75% for weight - almost 13 1/2 pounds. He's growing fast!
On Monday, my dearest childhood friend, Amber came for a visit with her little ones. Almost every memory I have of my growing up years involves her in some way or another! It was pretty special to watch OUR little kids play together and make some of their own memories! And her little girl can hold her own with my Jesse, so that works out pretty well! :0)
Tonight marked another first for me: I went out for a few hours with a friend COMPLETELY CHILDLESS! Kevy offered to stay home with all three so that I could have a little break, and it was so much fun! We did some antiquing, caught up on life, and just had a really really nice evening together. It was glorious!
And now the week-end awaits......aaaahhhhh....it's all good!
It's been awhile since I've posted. Our little family of five is getting our groove on. We're finding our rhythm more and more, and so far Ransom is still pretty chill. I'm still holding my breath, and I'm giving him until Christmas to become a freak out child. If he's still like "this" by then, I will declare us to have our very first relaxed baby. That would be nice!
He had his five week check-up on Tuesday. He's in the 90% for length at 23 inches, and the 75% for weight - almost 13 1/2 pounds. He's growing fast!
On Monday, my dearest childhood friend, Amber came for a visit with her little ones. Almost every memory I have of my growing up years involves her in some way or another! It was pretty special to watch OUR little kids play together and make some of their own memories! And her little girl can hold her own with my Jesse, so that works out pretty well! :0)
Tonight marked another first for me: I went out for a few hours with a friend COMPLETELY CHILDLESS! Kevy offered to stay home with all three so that I could have a little break, and it was so much fun! We did some antiquing, caught up on life, and just had a really really nice evening together. It was glorious!
And now the week-end awaits......aaaahhhhh....it's all good!
A New Spin on Turkey
I found a funky way to cook a bird online and gave it a whirl the other day. It actually turned out pretty good, and I'm going to tweak it just a bit and try it again soon.
I bought a 20+ pound bird and brined it in one of our coolers for 6-8 hours with tons of ice, 2 cups of kosher salt, and a cup of brown suger.
Then, I rinsed it off; salted it inside and out; put some garlic, onion, and an apple inside the cavity; brushed the top with olive oil; and stuck it in the oven at 500 degrees (500!!!) for two hours.
Easy Sneezy. I guess the whole idea of the brining and super hot temps is to get you a really moist and juicy bird.
Next time I'm going to brine it all night long. But it was really yummy - the outside was brown and crispy, and the inside really was very juicey and flavorful.
The next day I made a honking soup and Kev smoked some in his smoker. And I still have some left over for quesadillas. Delish.
Just thought I'd share......
P.S. Turkey's on sale for 40 cents a pound at Wal-Mart!
I bought a 20+ pound bird and brined it in one of our coolers for 6-8 hours with tons of ice, 2 cups of kosher salt, and a cup of brown suger.
Then, I rinsed it off; salted it inside and out; put some garlic, onion, and an apple inside the cavity; brushed the top with olive oil; and stuck it in the oven at 500 degrees (500!!!) for two hours.
Easy Sneezy. I guess the whole idea of the brining and super hot temps is to get you a really moist and juicy bird.
Next time I'm going to brine it all night long. But it was really yummy - the outside was brown and crispy, and the inside really was very juicey and flavorful.
The next day I made a honking soup and Kev smoked some in his smoker. And I still have some left over for quesadillas. Delish.
Just thought I'd share......
P.S. Turkey's on sale for 40 cents a pound at Wal-Mart!
One of THOSE Days......
Today has been a somewhat "frazzle-y" day.
It all started when Jesse put the stopper in the bathroom sink and proceeded to fill it to overflowing. Kaden came running to tell us, and by the time we got there it had spilled out onto the floor, it was running into the living room - almost over to the fireplace, and it was leaking into our basement! Jesse looked at us with a sheepish laugh and said: "Dat funny?" Not so much.
I have also had to tell this child multiple times today to not sit on the kitten or his baby brother! Is this normal???
Ransom has hurled mass quantities of guck on me twice today, and he has also been having a rough day of sleep, so much crying has ensued. As I type, he is crying upstairs and Jesse is sitting on his bed for writing all over his body with markers after I specifically told him that markers were ONLY for paper.
Yeesh.
The other thing I'm trying to psych myself up for is Kev and Kaden bringing back a barn full of stuff that friends have stored for us since we sold our house four years ago. I HATE stuff. It stresses me to no end. And seriously, people....if we haven't used it for four years, do we REALLY need it? So, within moments, I am going to be bombarded with a boatload of cr*p.
Happy for you, though, Shannie - that you have your barn back. Sorry it took so long.....and thank you SO much for letting us store stuff up there. Bless you.
Anyhoo, I'm preparing for a super large cull/chuck/give away/heave ho/ prepare-for-the-world's-most-ginormous-yard-sale fest!!! Good times. Good times.
Okay. I'm off to tend to my boys. Thankful that tomorrow is family day. We're kicking it to Porland for a few hours to see what we can see.
Good night from the Funny Farm!
It all started when Jesse put the stopper in the bathroom sink and proceeded to fill it to overflowing. Kaden came running to tell us, and by the time we got there it had spilled out onto the floor, it was running into the living room - almost over to the fireplace, and it was leaking into our basement! Jesse looked at us with a sheepish laugh and said: "Dat funny?" Not so much.
I have also had to tell this child multiple times today to not sit on the kitten or his baby brother! Is this normal???
Ransom has hurled mass quantities of guck on me twice today, and he has also been having a rough day of sleep, so much crying has ensued. As I type, he is crying upstairs and Jesse is sitting on his bed for writing all over his body with markers after I specifically told him that markers were ONLY for paper.
Yeesh.
The other thing I'm trying to psych myself up for is Kev and Kaden bringing back a barn full of stuff that friends have stored for us since we sold our house four years ago. I HATE stuff. It stresses me to no end. And seriously, people....if we haven't used it for four years, do we REALLY need it? So, within moments, I am going to be bombarded with a boatload of cr*p.
Happy for you, though, Shannie - that you have your barn back. Sorry it took so long.....and thank you SO much for letting us store stuff up there. Bless you.
Anyhoo, I'm preparing for a super large cull/chuck/give away/heave ho/ prepare-for-the-world's-most-ginormous-yard-sale fest!!! Good times. Good times.
Okay. I'm off to tend to my boys. Thankful that tomorrow is family day. We're kicking it to Porland for a few hours to see what we can see.
Good night from the Funny Farm!
Sunday Firsts
Ransom has been to church for the past three Sundays, and so far - each Sunday has held a pretty big "first" for him. On the very first week we went - he was just a little over two weeks old, and his little belly button scabby fell off. His brothers say, "Now he's a REAL little boy!"
Last week, I pumped and gave him his very first bottle because the mornings were too crazy to get the boys ready and him fed in time to be there at 7:30. I knew it probably wasn't the wisest time to pick for his very first introducation, but after a mild freak out, he took it quite nicely. We have to practice our songs as soon as we get to church, so I can't really feed him on stage - even with a nursing cover. So, this option worked out quite well. I sat on a stool and practiced our songs for the service with him laying across my lap. Both boys thought that this was equally as cool as his belly button falling off and each wanted a turn "milking the baby!"
But by and far - the very best first in this little guy's life happened in church yesterday. We were all alone in the nursery while I was feeding him. After I burped him, I just put him really close to my face and was kissing him and talking to him; and he gave me his very first "no doubt about it" smile just for ME! Oh - melt my heart, I just about ate him right up! We've been wondering if he's been doing it for the past couple of days, but yesterday there was no doubt in my mind.
Mercy. The deliciousness of it all!
I wonder what's in store for next week. A poo explosion all over Mama? That could be exciting......
Last week, I pumped and gave him his very first bottle because the mornings were too crazy to get the boys ready and him fed in time to be there at 7:30. I knew it probably wasn't the wisest time to pick for his very first introducation, but after a mild freak out, he took it quite nicely. We have to practice our songs as soon as we get to church, so I can't really feed him on stage - even with a nursing cover. So, this option worked out quite well. I sat on a stool and practiced our songs for the service with him laying across my lap. Both boys thought that this was equally as cool as his belly button falling off and each wanted a turn "milking the baby!"
But by and far - the very best first in this little guy's life happened in church yesterday. We were all alone in the nursery while I was feeding him. After I burped him, I just put him really close to my face and was kissing him and talking to him; and he gave me his very first "no doubt about it" smile just for ME! Oh - melt my heart, I just about ate him right up! We've been wondering if he's been doing it for the past couple of days, but yesterday there was no doubt in my mind.
Mercy. The deliciousness of it all!
I wonder what's in store for next week. A poo explosion all over Mama? That could be exciting......
Baby Names.....
I knew when we named this little guy "Ransom" that there would be some comments. I almost chickened out and went with an ever faithful old standby, but just a couple of days before he was born Kev said: "We're naming him Ransom. We've liked that name for a long time, and we're not going to pick another name just because we're worried about what other people think!" That's the main reason why we've never told people our name choices before the kids are born. Because once our kids are here and we proudly declare the name, people keep their comments to themselves on whether they like it or not!
Anyway, I digress.
The whole point of this post is the nicknames that take place in this house. I have purposely (and hypocritcally so) given all three of my boys names that don't come with easy nicknames. I want my kids to be what I've named them. I'm the world's biggest hypocrite, though, in the fact that I have a nickname for everyone and their dog! (Sometimes several.....)
So, a few people have asked us "what are you going to call him?" To clear up any further questions, the answer is.........wait for it..........RANSOM.
I know. Crazy.
He will NOT be a "Randy" or a "Ran." He will be Ransom.
However.....
Behind the four walls of this house you may hear:
"RANCID" - During poo explosions
"Ransey" - From his big brother
(I wonder where he got those nicknaming skills?)
And occasionally, to get a reaction out of my teasing friends:
"Ransey-Dancey Doo."
Other than that, the rest of the world may call him Ransom.
Anyway, I digress.
The whole point of this post is the nicknames that take place in this house. I have purposely (and hypocritcally so) given all three of my boys names that don't come with easy nicknames. I want my kids to be what I've named them. I'm the world's biggest hypocrite, though, in the fact that I have a nickname for everyone and their dog! (Sometimes several.....)
So, a few people have asked us "what are you going to call him?" To clear up any further questions, the answer is.........wait for it..........RANSOM.
I know. Crazy.
He will NOT be a "Randy" or a "Ran." He will be Ransom.
However.....
Behind the four walls of this house you may hear:
"RANCID" - During poo explosions
"Ransey" - From his big brother
(I wonder where he got those nicknaming skills?)
And occasionally, to get a reaction out of my teasing friends:
"Ransey-Dancey Doo."
Other than that, the rest of the world may call him Ransom.
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