It has been a cozy week-end in the Booker household.
As I type, ALL of the boys are downstairs sitting around the stove in their camp chairs cleaning their guns while Ransom looks on. The boys' guns are obviously toys, but Daddy is already teaching them how to clean, what not to shoot, that HIS is NOT a toy etc. etc. It's fun to watch.
Ransom slept for the very first night in his own crib in his own room last night. He has stayed in our room the longest of all of my boys. I mainly kept him up with us, because in this house he will be on a completely different floor than us which is not really my favorite; but even more than that, the big boys' room is right through a paper thin wall, and they wake up at the crack 'o dawn. So, realistically, now he will probably start waking up an hour earlier than he did upstairs, but then we'll all just adjust to the new rhythm and routine. He's on a pretty good schedule now and does fairly well even on the days that I work and Sundays, at church. He truly is our easiest and most mellow baby, hands DOWN.
In the competetive Booker household, our newest game of choice is this silly thing called "Bop It Extreme." It's a reaction game where you have to do what it says - either hit it, twist it, spin it, or flick it, and it's completely addictive. All of us love it - even Jesse. When we first got it, we were only able to get a high score of 10 or 15. Then one day, Kaden was on a roll and killed us all with a high score of 35! Then I got the high score of 62. And that's when the competition became fierce. Kev played until he walked away with 85....on the SAME DAY. He wouldn't even let me revel in my victory for ONE day. So, last night after supper, we had a Booker Bop It competition. And yours truly has walked away with the victory at a high score of 93. That's right.......
On a MUCH more important note, we are currently at 73% with our support raising. Pretty amazing. God is just really affirming to us that this is what we are supposed to be doing. Starting next week, we are taking our deacons and their wives through the training, so it will be a fairly intensive two weeks for us - but so much fun! And it will be cool to be working with so many teams - both the pastor and his deacons, and also each man and his wife.
Okay. I guess that's all for now. Ransom and I have a baby shower to throw for a friend at church, so we must be off. It's boy #2 for this lady, so I'm having a boy themed shower with older women in the church who have only boys sharing stories, a fun poopy diaper game - which I hope doesn't offend the more genteel of the ladies, a sentimental book to read, and some DELISH food to eat! Good times!
Happy week-end, All! Stay warm......
On Staying in Love.......
Hands down, my absolute MOST favorite blog that I read is found here. Every single time I read her, I am quieted, stilled, refocused, and more in love with my Savior, my life, and my family. She's good.
Here's a snippet of what she wrote about a few days ago:
Fall in Love in Four Minutes A Day
It only takes four minutes a day to move into a deeper heart place. It only takes four minutes a day to connect in soul intimacy; to breathe in oxygen for the other half of my heart. Don’t and I too begin to suffocate, the death heave. I wish someone had told me in the beginning.
Four Fixations
Four times a day think on love. When I leave the marriage bed, leave the front door, when I return to front door, return to marriage bed. These are the four critical archways of time in our day. Touch or whisper a sweet nothing when passing through these gate points, and we walk into hours of closeness. Forever love fixates like fresh love.
Four Embraces
Four times a day, wrap up in husband. Embrace fully and hold each other’s eyes. That’s all. Repeat four times daily. The one flesh breathes best when the skin pores are close; connected.
Four Affirmations
Four times during the day, thank him. For working faithfully to provide, for hanging up his towel, for putting gas in the van, for making this heart skip a wild beat. Look for the ways to thank him and watch how he moves closer.
So good. so SO good.
Here's a snippet of what she wrote about a few days ago:
Fall in Love in Four Minutes A Day
It only takes four minutes a day to move into a deeper heart place. It only takes four minutes a day to connect in soul intimacy; to breathe in oxygen for the other half of my heart. Don’t and I too begin to suffocate, the death heave. I wish someone had told me in the beginning.
Four Fixations
Four times a day think on love. When I leave the marriage bed, leave the front door, when I return to front door, return to marriage bed. These are the four critical archways of time in our day. Touch or whisper a sweet nothing when passing through these gate points, and we walk into hours of closeness. Forever love fixates like fresh love.
Four Embraces
Four times a day, wrap up in husband. Embrace fully and hold each other’s eyes. That’s all. Repeat four times daily. The one flesh breathes best when the skin pores are close; connected.
Four Affirmations
Four times during the day, thank him. For working faithfully to provide, for hanging up his towel, for putting gas in the van, for making this heart skip a wild beat. Look for the ways to thank him and watch how he moves closer.
So good. so SO good.
The Week-end is Upon Us!
It has been a lovely week-end, besides the fact that Jesse woke up with a yucky cold on Friday. Hence, he and I and the wee one are staying home from church this morning and chillaxing. Can't seem to win - Jesse was bummed he had to stay home with Mommy; he wanted Daddy, and Kaden was bummed that he had to go to church with Daddy; he wanted Mommy. Ah well.......
Other than the snotting and coughing, though, it's been my kind of a week-end. A good balance of play and getting stuff accomplished. Because Sunday is our biggest work day, Friday is our family day - our true day off, and Saturday is more like an errand/get things done day - with our family still together. Sunday, we run around like chickens with our heads cut off and are typically home for only about 3 hours the entire day......
On Friday, we decided to kick it to Portland for the day. Both Kev and I are able to "play" much better when we're AWAY. Not sure why that really is, except the we don't see all of the projects and work staring us in the face. It's been awhile since we did a full blown day trip, so this was really fun. We ate at the Macaroni Grill, the boys played at Cabella's, I checked out the Christmas Tree Shoppe, and we even walked the mall for a bit. We haven't been to the mall for ages. So, that was a really fun day. We had no agenda, we just did whatever we felt like doing.
And then yesterday, we stayed around the house and puttered. I was able to catch up on mountains of laundry, I moved all of Ransom's 0-3 month stuff downstairs and brought up all of his 3-6 month stuff; (Hard to believe he's already out of that age bracket of clothing. Kind of sad), and I was just able to check off a bunch of little things on my lists that I've been wanting to tackle.
Kev and the boys made a fire in the firepit outside and we had hotdogs and hamburgers over the open fire, the kids played outside for a long time, we watched some home videos, and we made smores in the toaster oven when we came inside! It was just a really nice day. And now today, it's kind of a surprise relaxing day for me. I'm bummed that Jesse's not on the top of his game, but it's been cozy with just me and the two littles this morning.
Here's to another week!
Have a wonderful remainder of your weekend, friends!
Other than the snotting and coughing, though, it's been my kind of a week-end. A good balance of play and getting stuff accomplished. Because Sunday is our biggest work day, Friday is our family day - our true day off, and Saturday is more like an errand/get things done day - with our family still together. Sunday, we run around like chickens with our heads cut off and are typically home for only about 3 hours the entire day......
On Friday, we decided to kick it to Portland for the day. Both Kev and I are able to "play" much better when we're AWAY. Not sure why that really is, except the we don't see all of the projects and work staring us in the face. It's been awhile since we did a full blown day trip, so this was really fun. We ate at the Macaroni Grill, the boys played at Cabella's, I checked out the Christmas Tree Shoppe, and we even walked the mall for a bit. We haven't been to the mall for ages. So, that was a really fun day. We had no agenda, we just did whatever we felt like doing.
And then yesterday, we stayed around the house and puttered. I was able to catch up on mountains of laundry, I moved all of Ransom's 0-3 month stuff downstairs and brought up all of his 3-6 month stuff; (Hard to believe he's already out of that age bracket of clothing. Kind of sad), and I was just able to check off a bunch of little things on my lists that I've been wanting to tackle.
Kev and the boys made a fire in the firepit outside and we had hotdogs and hamburgers over the open fire, the kids played outside for a long time, we watched some home videos, and we made smores in the toaster oven when we came inside! It was just a really nice day. And now today, it's kind of a surprise relaxing day for me. I'm bummed that Jesse's not on the top of his game, but it's been cozy with just me and the two littles this morning.
Here's to another week!
Have a wonderful remainder of your weekend, friends!
Ransom's Room
Well, except for a couple of pics that the boy's painted for their baby brother, Ransom's nursery is just about completed. Lest you forgot what his room looked like when we first moved in, here's a little reminder:
Mmmm. I'm really going to miss those colors. Not.
And here it is now.
Very simple.
Today is very overcast and snowy, and I by no means am a camera expert, so these pics don't show how bright and cozy this room normally is. It gets the most sun and has the best views of any room in the house. The walls are a really light lineny coffee color. Very soft and peaceful.
At some point, I may throw a little rug down on the floor and put a rocking chair in there for the two of us, but for now, it's simple and cozy.
Ransom approves.
Mmmm. I'm really going to miss those colors. Not.
And here it is now.
Very simple.
Today is very overcast and snowy, and I by no means am a camera expert, so these pics don't show how bright and cozy this room normally is. It gets the most sun and has the best views of any room in the house. The walls are a really light lineny coffee color. Very soft and peaceful.
At some point, I may throw a little rug down on the floor and put a rocking chair in there for the two of us, but for now, it's simple and cozy.
Ransom approves.
And the Days Blend On.....
Man - I seem to be becoming a horrible blog updater. I used to do it every couple of days, but if I can get to the computer weekly, I'm doing good lately.
Lots of just normal life stuff going on around here these days. Nothing overly amazing or exciting, yet the days seem to blur by at lightning speed. The nursery is almost completed, so Ransom will probably be moving in sometime this week. That always makes me kind of sad - one more chapter complete - one more sign that he's already getting bigger and bigger. This baby is just a doll and a total delight. He is really quite easy, super happy, and very mellow. What a gift! We are all just savoring him; he is truly a well loved baby around here!
The other night, we went to see a brand new baby of a couple of "kids" who used to be in our youth group. That was kind of bizarre - to now be in the same stage of life as these guys! It still didn't make me feel all that old - it was just pretty surreal.
And Kevy and I got to go on a spontaneous date - just the two of us over the week-end, as well. The days have seemed crazy lately, and life has seemed a little weird, so it was just a really special and needed time for the two of us to just "be" and talk about our life and family. We are constantly assessing and reassessing where we are at, where we are going, what's happening with loved ones in our lives, how are we doing at this whole parenting of three thing, etc. etc. etc.
It's really been hitting me kind of hard lately that this could possibly be my last year in this specific chapter of life that we are in right now should we choose to go the Christian school route for Kaden next year. This could very well be my very last year to have ALL of my kids home with me. I don't really like change anyway, and I don't know if "greiving" is too strong of a word, but it has just been hitting me kind of hard lately.
In sharing with Kev on our date, we both got all choked up and teary just talking about it! We're still wrestling with and praying about what direction the Lord wants us to take with our kids. There seems to be so many pros and cons to any decision, really. And every family is so different - different values, different convictions, different goals for what they want their lives to look like - so we can talk to people and get wisdom and advice, but ultimately it'll be something that we'll need to decide between us and the Lord.
I still have several months to go, but it's just another reminder to savor these days and THESE moments that we are living in RIGHT NOW. The days may be long sometimes, but the years truly ARE fleeting......
Lots of just normal life stuff going on around here these days. Nothing overly amazing or exciting, yet the days seem to blur by at lightning speed. The nursery is almost completed, so Ransom will probably be moving in sometime this week. That always makes me kind of sad - one more chapter complete - one more sign that he's already getting bigger and bigger. This baby is just a doll and a total delight. He is really quite easy, super happy, and very mellow. What a gift! We are all just savoring him; he is truly a well loved baby around here!
The other night, we went to see a brand new baby of a couple of "kids" who used to be in our youth group. That was kind of bizarre - to now be in the same stage of life as these guys! It still didn't make me feel all that old - it was just pretty surreal.
And Kevy and I got to go on a spontaneous date - just the two of us over the week-end, as well. The days have seemed crazy lately, and life has seemed a little weird, so it was just a really special and needed time for the two of us to just "be" and talk about our life and family. We are constantly assessing and reassessing where we are at, where we are going, what's happening with loved ones in our lives, how are we doing at this whole parenting of three thing, etc. etc. etc.
It's really been hitting me kind of hard lately that this could possibly be my last year in this specific chapter of life that we are in right now should we choose to go the Christian school route for Kaden next year. This could very well be my very last year to have ALL of my kids home with me. I don't really like change anyway, and I don't know if "greiving" is too strong of a word, but it has just been hitting me kind of hard lately.
In sharing with Kev on our date, we both got all choked up and teary just talking about it! We're still wrestling with and praying about what direction the Lord wants us to take with our kids. There seems to be so many pros and cons to any decision, really. And every family is so different - different values, different convictions, different goals for what they want their lives to look like - so we can talk to people and get wisdom and advice, but ultimately it'll be something that we'll need to decide between us and the Lord.
I still have several months to go, but it's just another reminder to savor these days and THESE moments that we are living in RIGHT NOW. The days may be long sometimes, but the years truly ARE fleeting......
Week-end Wonderings and Wanderings......
I woke up with a headcold today - right out of the blue, so this will be short (for me at least), and then I'm off to just "be" while my three boys are sleeping.
Haven't updated for awhile, but it's been a good couple of days. Although we have had a couple of setbacks around here. One of our little goldfishies bit the dust over the week-end. Kaden would have been devastated had it been his fish, but after making sure it was Jesse's, he just shrugged his shoulders and glanced over at his brother to make sure he was okay. I assured Jesse that we can get another sometime, and after a brief fishy funeral, all was well.
Three days ago, I would have said with confidence that Jesse was completely potty trained, but I think I put too much confidence in him too soon and (a). stopped reminding him to use the potty, and (b). went all over God's creation too soon without more regular consistency. So, after getting both peed and pooped on and feeling like I have a little puppy living here, we are back on track with keeping things consistent and simple for the child.
The horrid black and lime green nursery is now a soft lineny coffee color - with just a FEW traces of the previous colors. But five coats of paint later, I'm ready to call it a day in that room! Looking forward to getting it all set up now. Hopefully, Ransom will be in his own little room before the week's end.
We took the kids to Camden on Friday for our family day. Our most fave coffee shop is down there, along with this little hiking/skiing trail by Mt. Battie that we hike up until we "feel the burn" and then pop the kids onto a couple of sleds and wind 'er back down the hill! It's super fun. I drove the two older boys, and Kev plopped Ransom in his carseat right in front of him - as he is the MUCH better steerer than I - and away they went, as well. Ransom was napping on the walk up. However, he was VERY wide awake once they reached the bottom. All smiles, though! The last time we did that, I was very newly pregnant with him. This year, he got to play, too.
Okay. Well, that's all for now. My head feels about the size of China, and I hear Ransom stirring for his mid-afternoon snacky-doo....
Have I mentioned lately just how delicious this child is???
Haven't updated for awhile, but it's been a good couple of days. Although we have had a couple of setbacks around here. One of our little goldfishies bit the dust over the week-end. Kaden would have been devastated had it been his fish, but after making sure it was Jesse's, he just shrugged his shoulders and glanced over at his brother to make sure he was okay. I assured Jesse that we can get another sometime, and after a brief fishy funeral, all was well.
Three days ago, I would have said with confidence that Jesse was completely potty trained, but I think I put too much confidence in him too soon and (a). stopped reminding him to use the potty, and (b). went all over God's creation too soon without more regular consistency. So, after getting both peed and pooped on and feeling like I have a little puppy living here, we are back on track with keeping things consistent and simple for the child.
The horrid black and lime green nursery is now a soft lineny coffee color - with just a FEW traces of the previous colors. But five coats of paint later, I'm ready to call it a day in that room! Looking forward to getting it all set up now. Hopefully, Ransom will be in his own little room before the week's end.
We took the kids to Camden on Friday for our family day. Our most fave coffee shop is down there, along with this little hiking/skiing trail by Mt. Battie that we hike up until we "feel the burn" and then pop the kids onto a couple of sleds and wind 'er back down the hill! It's super fun. I drove the two older boys, and Kev plopped Ransom in his carseat right in front of him - as he is the MUCH better steerer than I - and away they went, as well. Ransom was napping on the walk up. However, he was VERY wide awake once they reached the bottom. All smiles, though! The last time we did that, I was very newly pregnant with him. This year, he got to play, too.
Okay. Well, that's all for now. My head feels about the size of China, and I hear Ransom stirring for his mid-afternoon snacky-doo....
Have I mentioned lately just how delicious this child is???
Three Things.....
My dear friend, Esther-la-Vista, just had a glorious idea for one of her posts that she gleaned from her super smart sister, so I am going to copy this idea, and anyone who reads either of our blogs - please do the same!
Share with the world three things that you are proud of that you accomplished in 2009, three things that you could have done better or maybe would change if you could, and three things that you hope to accomplish in 2010. Heavens, there are so many for me, I'm not sure where to begin. But, here they are in no particular order.
Three things that I am proud of:
(1). I LOVE being a wife and mother. I know that I'm not the best that there is out there, but I really do just love this stage of life that I am in right now. I'm proud of Kev's and my relationship - that we have stayed best friends, that we are continuing to grow in our love and friendship despite the crazyness of life, and that we are a team. I love being a Mommy to my three boys, and I am so thankful and feel so honored that God has entrusted each one to me.
(2). These past four years have really been a crazy journey of faith for our little family, and I am thankful than we obeyed and listened to the leading of the Lord in our lives. I think that a lot of people have probably thought that we were/are crazy, but I am proud to have a husband who cares more about what his Heavenly Father thinks than that of what others think and say. So, I am happy and content where we are at, and I have also learned - and am continuing to learn - to hold things loosely and really and truly be willing to go, and be, and do whatever God calls us to do.
(3). My two NEW gifts of "last" year - sweet Ransom Malachi and our new home. Two amazing gifts that are "above and beyond all that I could have ever hoped for or imagined." So so very thankful.....
Three things that I wish I had done better:
Oh Heavens....where to begin?
(1). I agree with Esther: Comparison destroys contentment. I worry far more about what others think than I should. Maybe it's just me - or maybe it's the plague of all women, but in many cases, I wish I had worried far less about other's opinions and ideas and cared only about the Lord's. Pride is an awful thing.
(2). I wish I had savored my kids more. I have a motto on my wall that is really more of a prayer: "Lord, help me to SLOW and see the sacred in the chaos." I have such a hard time being STILL and fully embracing life and just playing with my kids with no other agenda when there are things to be done. But the truth of the matter is that there will ALWAYS be things to be done, but I will not have my kids forever. This is a daily battle for me.
(3). I would have been more intentional in both my spiritual and physical health. Both tend to be sporatic for me - good spells and bad spells. But again - life will always be busy, and it will only get busier, so I need to be intentional about making time regardless.
Three things that I want to accomplish for this next year:
(1). I want to really savor my children and fully embrace all that comes with this season of life. I don't want to have any regrets. I want to learn each one of them as an individual better - what makes them tick, their love language, what makes them frustrated, etc. etc., and then, I want to be intentional about helping him grow and learn and love better. I want to be less mindful of all of the things that need to get done and more mindful of the things that are lasting and eternal.
(2). We need to make a decision about schooling for Kaden, so I want to really give homeschooling a serious shot and not be so concerned about failing, but really dive into it for at least a trial run and just focus on having fun with it.
(3). I want to be intentional about all areas of my health - physical, emotional, and spiritual - and use my free time wisely...consistent devos, exercise regime, and healthy meals and snacks.
(4). More random acts of kindness. I know - we were only supposed to do three, but this is my post! :0) I want to do more little things for people - like making random meals, giving random gifts, planning little teas for my young mommy friends, etc. etc. - making those that I love (and those that I even don't know, I guess) feel loved, appreciated, and special.
(5). Eternal things: Be still more, snuggle more, say "yes" more than I say "no" to my kids, not worry so much about my to-do lists, make memories, spend time with those I love, seek to be an encouragement to others, listen more than I speak.....
(6). And not-so-eternal things: paint and set-up the nursery, get Ransom's baby album started and brought up to date, grow a garden, have a compost pile, not get poison ivy this year, lose ten pounds, keep clutter at bay, run two miles a day, plan an anniversary party for my parents, go camping a lot, learn new things, be open to change and new ideas, make a difference............
whew. I'm exhausted.
Share with the world three things that you are proud of that you accomplished in 2009, three things that you could have done better or maybe would change if you could, and three things that you hope to accomplish in 2010. Heavens, there are so many for me, I'm not sure where to begin. But, here they are in no particular order.
Three things that I am proud of:
(1). I LOVE being a wife and mother. I know that I'm not the best that there is out there, but I really do just love this stage of life that I am in right now. I'm proud of Kev's and my relationship - that we have stayed best friends, that we are continuing to grow in our love and friendship despite the crazyness of life, and that we are a team. I love being a Mommy to my three boys, and I am so thankful and feel so honored that God has entrusted each one to me.
(2). These past four years have really been a crazy journey of faith for our little family, and I am thankful than we obeyed and listened to the leading of the Lord in our lives. I think that a lot of people have probably thought that we were/are crazy, but I am proud to have a husband who cares more about what his Heavenly Father thinks than that of what others think and say. So, I am happy and content where we are at, and I have also learned - and am continuing to learn - to hold things loosely and really and truly be willing to go, and be, and do whatever God calls us to do.
(3). My two NEW gifts of "last" year - sweet Ransom Malachi and our new home. Two amazing gifts that are "above and beyond all that I could have ever hoped for or imagined." So so very thankful.....
Three things that I wish I had done better:
Oh Heavens....where to begin?
(1). I agree with Esther: Comparison destroys contentment. I worry far more about what others think than I should. Maybe it's just me - or maybe it's the plague of all women, but in many cases, I wish I had worried far less about other's opinions and ideas and cared only about the Lord's. Pride is an awful thing.
(2). I wish I had savored my kids more. I have a motto on my wall that is really more of a prayer: "Lord, help me to SLOW and see the sacred in the chaos." I have such a hard time being STILL and fully embracing life and just playing with my kids with no other agenda when there are things to be done. But the truth of the matter is that there will ALWAYS be things to be done, but I will not have my kids forever. This is a daily battle for me.
(3). I would have been more intentional in both my spiritual and physical health. Both tend to be sporatic for me - good spells and bad spells. But again - life will always be busy, and it will only get busier, so I need to be intentional about making time regardless.
Three things that I want to accomplish for this next year:
(1). I want to really savor my children and fully embrace all that comes with this season of life. I don't want to have any regrets. I want to learn each one of them as an individual better - what makes them tick, their love language, what makes them frustrated, etc. etc., and then, I want to be intentional about helping him grow and learn and love better. I want to be less mindful of all of the things that need to get done and more mindful of the things that are lasting and eternal.
(2). We need to make a decision about schooling for Kaden, so I want to really give homeschooling a serious shot and not be so concerned about failing, but really dive into it for at least a trial run and just focus on having fun with it.
(3). I want to be intentional about all areas of my health - physical, emotional, and spiritual - and use my free time wisely...consistent devos, exercise regime, and healthy meals and snacks.
(4). More random acts of kindness. I know - we were only supposed to do three, but this is my post! :0) I want to do more little things for people - like making random meals, giving random gifts, planning little teas for my young mommy friends, etc. etc. - making those that I love (and those that I even don't know, I guess) feel loved, appreciated, and special.
(5). Eternal things: Be still more, snuggle more, say "yes" more than I say "no" to my kids, not worry so much about my to-do lists, make memories, spend time with those I love, seek to be an encouragement to others, listen more than I speak.....
(6). And not-so-eternal things: paint and set-up the nursery, get Ransom's baby album started and brought up to date, grow a garden, have a compost pile, not get poison ivy this year, lose ten pounds, keep clutter at bay, run two miles a day, plan an anniversary party for my parents, go camping a lot, learn new things, be open to change and new ideas, make a difference............
whew. I'm exhausted.
Potty Training Update
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!
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!
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