A week before Christmas the kids, Diane and I went to the Children's Museum. It was one of the best trips I have ever had to our Children's Museum. For starters we went late in the afternoon and there were very few kids there, which means when all 3 of my kids go in different directions it is much easier to keep track of them. We ended up staying until right before closing!
The museum had recently updated a few exhibits and they did a fantastic job! There was a whole section on how things are made. It was really neat looking, but we went through the exhibit at Joel and Cecilia pace and it is going to take a few more trips until we get to see all of the exhibit. I think Brad would love the exhibit, we just have to get him convinced to go sometime with us.
Vincent was happy because he finally got to go in the exhibit where you can build things with real tools. You need a parent to go in the exhibit and help and when it is me and the kids I can't make it happen. Diane and Vincent went in the exhibit and built something while Joel, Cecilia and I went and played. The thing he made was a piece of wood with a plastic bottle top nailed to it. When Vincent showed it to me he said "Mommy, look what I made. Do you know what it is?"
The kids got a little wet at the water table so before we left we headed to the bathroom to change everyone. The family bathroom was being used so we went to the women's restroom. Thank God we were the only ones in there. Joel checked out several of the stalls. Vincent was complaining about being in a girl bathroom. Cecilia was being a wiggle worm and making it nearly impossible to change her diaper. Overall it felt like we were herding cats!
I managed to forget my camera and I left my phone in the car so I have no pictures!
About Me
- Kelli
- I am married to a wonderful man who is my best friend. I have 3 wonderful boys and a little girl who make me laugh everyday. I love my life, even if it is a little crazy from time to time.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Underwear on My Head
A week or so ago Vincent was running around in his underwear and socks, not really unusual for our household. For some reason he thought it would be a great idea to put his underwear on his head and dance around in his socks wearing only underwear on his head. When Brad and I got done laughing at him we managed to convince him that getting clean underwear for his head and putting his underwear back on where they belonged was a good idea. Vincent kept talking about how he wanted to dance around and have an underwear on our head dance party. Brad quickly went on YouTube and found a song about wearing underwear on your head. I gave in and told Vincent to go get underwear for the rest of us to wear. He ran upstairs and got my underwear, Brad's underwear and some of his own undies to share with Joel.
The 4 of us danced around with our underwear on our heads and Cecilia probably thought we were all nuts! The boys watched the youtube video on tv and danced around playing their guitars and having a blast. The video was actually pretty good and you can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l-ddBcduRQ
If you have never danced with underwear on your head I suggest you try it! We all had a lot of fun being silly and dancing around the house. Definitely something I will never forget.
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| Vincent: Undies and soccer socks! |
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| Brad and his undies |
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| Joel with undies on his head and a guitar |
The 4 of us danced around with our underwear on our heads and Cecilia probably thought we were all nuts! The boys watched the youtube video on tv and danced around playing their guitars and having a blast. The video was actually pretty good and you can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l-ddBcduRQ
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| Brad, Cecilia and undies |
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| Joel and undies |
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| Vincent in his undies and playing guitar |
If you have never danced with underwear on your head I suggest you try it! We all had a lot of fun being silly and dancing around the house. Definitely something I will never forget.
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| Vincent, Mommy and Cecilia |
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| Brad and the boys with their undies on their heads |
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| Me and my undies! |
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Sleep Hat
****Warning! There is a gross picture below****
Joel has had a wound on his head for about 10 weeks. I am not even exaggerating. I took him to the doctor on October 24th and it started about 1 week prior to that. Unfortunately I don't have an exciting explanation for what happened. One day he started itching the top of his head and he just couldn't stop and eventually it was the size of a half dollar. He scratched at it during the day and at night no matter what I put on top of his head to stop him. It looked like a hot spot on a dog and I wished so badly that I could just put an e-collar on him, but that isn't realistic. I actually shaved a square on top of his head really short and tried to get a band-aid to stick. It worked for all of a couple hours.
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| Notice the shaved spot on top of his head with ointment smeared all over |
Joel ended up being on oral antibiotics and a topical antibiotics, which both helped a great deal but he still was scratching a little bit at nap time and bedtime. He would go days without touching it, I would comment how great it looked and next thing I knew he had scratched his head open again. Talk about frustrating! On a mom's forum I am part of on Facebook I asked for creative ideas to keep Joel from scratching. There were a wide range of ideas but the idea that I thought would work the best was to use a swim cap.
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| What it looked like when it was at its worst. Literally the size of a half dollar here. |
Finding a swim cap in December didn't seem very easy, then I went on the internet and found a ton of swim caps for little kids. I found a blue one with fish and a boat on it. We told Joel it was his sleep hat. He was excited and even more excited when Vincent had a fit because he wanted a sleep hat. The one problem with the sleep hat is Joel wakes up sweating, so we try to avoid footie pajamas and if he does wear them to bed we don't zip them up all the way. I tried cutting very tiny slits in the swim cap, but two days later it ripped and fell apart, so I won't be doing that anymore.
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| Joel and the sleep hat |
Joel's eyes literally light up when he sees his sleep hat. He loves the thing! Which is wonderful because even though his head is healing, it is going slow (it is only the size of a pea now!) and he probably will be wearing his sleep hat for a couple more weeks. I know it is strange, but it works!
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| the sleep hat |
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Poor Timing
Monday morning Brad, the kids and I all loaded up into the truck to bring Vincent to school. Brad needed a ride to the farm and Cecilia had a doctor's appointment close by at 8:30am. We were running late (the door was just about to be locked) and I grabbed Vincent out of his carseat and put him down on the side walk and quickly walked into the school.
As we walked into the classroom his teachers said good morning to him and he said "My shoe fell off in the car when Mommy got me out" as he lifted his foot to show them. Great time to tell me! The little stinker walked outside in only 1 shoe and never said a word to me. Ugh! Its not like it was warm out.
I didn't have my phone on me to call Brad to have him drive up to the door so I could easily get Vincent's shoe. I ran back out to the parking lot dreading the long walk to the main office and back to Vincent's classroom. Luckily another mom was kind enough to open the door close to the classroom when I returned from the parking lot.
Who walks outside with only 1 shoe and doesn't say something right away? Silly kid!
As we walked into the classroom his teachers said good morning to him and he said "My shoe fell off in the car when Mommy got me out" as he lifted his foot to show them. Great time to tell me! The little stinker walked outside in only 1 shoe and never said a word to me. Ugh! Its not like it was warm out.
I didn't have my phone on me to call Brad to have him drive up to the door so I could easily get Vincent's shoe. I ran back out to the parking lot dreading the long walk to the main office and back to Vincent's classroom. Luckily another mom was kind enough to open the door close to the classroom when I returned from the parking lot.
Who walks outside with only 1 shoe and doesn't say something right away? Silly kid!
Zoo Lights
Sunday after the Christmas programs we drove to the zoo and met up with my mom, Dave, Alyse, her friend Joe, Jill, Kasi, Kennidy, Bianca and Willy (Kennidy's friend). We weren't planning on going originally, but we changed our minds and then decided to keep it a secret from my mom. Somewhere along the way I forgot we were surprising my mom, so when we met up and she acted so surprised I thought it was a little odd for a brief second. Then I remembered that she was the only one that didn't know we were coming!
We didn't see very many animals while we were at the zoo but the kids loved it! They did have some very neat light displays. We even got to see some reindeer and get our pictures taken with the reindeer. Somehow it turned into a very late night, but it was fun to see everyone and meet Joe and Willy.
As an early Christmas gift we were given a 1 year member membership to the zoo and I am so excited to take the kids there over the next year!
On the way home from the zoo Vincent wanted to sing Jingle Bells, so we did. After we got done singing Joel started singing Jingle Bells and doing a great job! Brad and I were so surprised and proud of him.
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| Vincent, Cecilia, Joel and a reindeer |
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| Joel saying hello to the reindeer |
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| The kids and the reindeer |
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| Alyse, Mom, Kasi, Cecilia, Me and Vincent, Kennidy, Joel, Jill and Bianca |
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| Aunt Alyse and Cecilia |
We didn't see very many animals while we were at the zoo but the kids loved it! They did have some very neat light displays. We even got to see some reindeer and get our pictures taken with the reindeer. Somehow it turned into a very late night, but it was fun to see everyone and meet Joe and Willy.
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| Group Photo...Thanks to Bianca for the picture |
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| Joel |
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| Joel, Brad, Kasi, Cecilia, Vincent and Jill |
As an early Christmas gift we were given a 1 year member membership to the zoo and I am so excited to take the kids there over the next year!
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| Aunt Alyse, Vincent and Aunt Jill |
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| Aunt Kasi and Cecilia |
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| Joel and Brad in the monkey exhibit |
On the way home from the zoo Vincent wanted to sing Jingle Bells, so we did. After we got done singing Joel started singing Jingle Bells and doing a great job! Brad and I were so surprised and proud of him.
A Christmas Program and Mr. Popular
Sunday afternoon Vincent had his school Christmas program. It was just for preschoolers and kindergartners. They sang several songs and many of the kindergartners had lines they said, some as a group and some individually. They did a really great job!
Vincent was very into the hand motions of the songs and was cracking me up! I am told he even bowed at the end. I missed it because I was in the back of the gym trying to entertain Joel and Cecilia who were really tired of having to sit through Christmas programs. They love their brother but sitting still all day is not something they really enjoy.
While I was in the back of the gym a girl asked me if I was Vincent Craig Stewart's mom. I said yes and she told me that Joel looked a lot like Vincent and that she was one of Karoline's friends. It turns out a lot of kids in the school, that aren't related to Vincent, know who he is. Some are his cousins' friends and somehow he ended up with a whole fan club of 8th graders. My niece, who is a freshman in high school, went to the same school Vincent attends. She went there from preschool thru 8th grade. She was back at the school for something and an 8th grader asked her if she is related to Vincent. I think she was hoping after so many years at the school she would be known for something other than being related to a preschooler! Although she loves him and I am sure she doesn't actually mind.
Whenever Vincent introduces himself he always says "Hi, I am Vincent Craig Stewart." According to my nieces and nephew the other kids that are older than Vincent will then introduce themselves with their full name. I think that is how they all remember him! Actually Friday when I was walking him to his classroom we walked past a group of 7th or 8th grade girls and one of them said "Vincent Craig!" and gave him a high five. It cracks all of us up and he thinks nothing of it that he has all these older girls (mostly) that think he is so cool. I think it has something to do with having so many aunts and older girl cousins.
Vincent was very into the hand motions of the songs and was cracking me up! I am told he even bowed at the end. I missed it because I was in the back of the gym trying to entertain Joel and Cecilia who were really tired of having to sit through Christmas programs. They love their brother but sitting still all day is not something they really enjoy.
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| Vincent's school Christmas program |
While I was in the back of the gym a girl asked me if I was Vincent Craig Stewart's mom. I said yes and she told me that Joel looked a lot like Vincent and that she was one of Karoline's friends. It turns out a lot of kids in the school, that aren't related to Vincent, know who he is. Some are his cousins' friends and somehow he ended up with a whole fan club of 8th graders. My niece, who is a freshman in high school, went to the same school Vincent attends. She went there from preschool thru 8th grade. She was back at the school for something and an 8th grader asked her if she is related to Vincent. I think she was hoping after so many years at the school she would be known for something other than being related to a preschooler! Although she loves him and I am sure she doesn't actually mind.
Whenever Vincent introduces himself he always says "Hi, I am Vincent Craig Stewart." According to my nieces and nephew the other kids that are older than Vincent will then introduce themselves with their full name. I think that is how they all remember him! Actually Friday when I was walking him to his classroom we walked past a group of 7th or 8th grade girls and one of them said "Vincent Craig!" and gave him a high five. It cracks all of us up and he thinks nothing of it that he has all these older girls (mostly) that think he is so cool. I think it has something to do with having so many aunts and older girl cousins.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Church Christmas Program
Sunday at church the Sunday School kids along with their wonderful director, Diana, put on a Christmas program that they had been working on for several weeks. Vincent was in it and he was a sheep. They sang several songs and then during a game show portion of the program Vincent and the other sheep were buzzers and had to "baa" when someone pushed on their heads. Cecilia was also in the program. She was baby Jesus! She was a little big for a new born baby, but she is bald so it works. Although at one point she clapped for herself and I am thinking Jesus didn't do that the night he was born. Keith, Karoline and Kristine were also in the play. Karoline was Mary, Keith was a shepherd (he pushed on Vincent's head so he would baa), and Kristine was something. I didn't get to watch the program very much so I am not sure what part she had exactly but they all seemed to do a wonderful job.
Because we were having the Christmas program my mom, Dave, my dad, Azra, Jill, Kasi, Kennidy, Bianca, Jill, Grandma Pat and Papa all came in addition to the family members that already attend our church. I was supposed to be in the nursery on Sunday, but I wanted to see the play. There are generally only 3 kids in the nursery: Joel, Cecilia and Maggie. Maggie is our babysitter Amy's
daughter. Amy and I brought the kids up to the balcony and my plan was that they would play and walk around, watch the play if they wanted to and for the most part have fun.
As you are probably guessing that isn't exactly how it went. Maggie almost fell of a step on top of Cecilia and I caught her, sort of. Cecilia fell backwards under a pew and started crying. Joel had my iPhone and the idea was he would watch Mickey Mouse very quietly on it and be happy. He is always stealing my phone to do that and I thought it would entertain him. On Sunday he decided he didn't want my phone and he would rather lean over the balcony and say "Hello, down there" repeatedly. I tried to keep him quiet but I was secretly very excited that he was putting a 3 word sentence together without just mimicking someone. Finally my dad and Jill waved to him and he stopped for awhile.
Toward the end I had to bring Cecilia downstairs for her part. Then Vincent saw me downstairs and wanted to sit by me, then Joel noticed I wasn't with him upstairs and started yelling for me. Joel won and I ran back upstairs to get him. He was barefooted by then and wanted to go to the nursery, so I let him. I went and turned the light on for him and spent the last 5-10 minutes of the program up and down the stairs checking on him in the nursery and Cecilia in front of the church. When the program was pretty much over my sister Kasi went to the nursery to watch Joel until church was officially over.
I anticipated not being able to enjoy the program on Sunday, so Brad used the video camera to record the play and when I finally watch it then I will know what part Kristine had in the program!
Because we were having the Christmas program my mom, Dave, my dad, Azra, Jill, Kasi, Kennidy, Bianca, Jill, Grandma Pat and Papa all came in addition to the family members that already attend our church. I was supposed to be in the nursery on Sunday, but I wanted to see the play. There are generally only 3 kids in the nursery: Joel, Cecilia and Maggie. Maggie is our babysitter Amy's
daughter. Amy and I brought the kids up to the balcony and my plan was that they would play and walk around, watch the play if they wanted to and for the most part have fun.
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| They are all so adorable! |
As you are probably guessing that isn't exactly how it went. Maggie almost fell of a step on top of Cecilia and I caught her, sort of. Cecilia fell backwards under a pew and started crying. Joel had my iPhone and the idea was he would watch Mickey Mouse very quietly on it and be happy. He is always stealing my phone to do that and I thought it would entertain him. On Sunday he decided he didn't want my phone and he would rather lean over the balcony and say "Hello, down there" repeatedly. I tried to keep him quiet but I was secretly very excited that he was putting a 3 word sentence together without just mimicking someone. Finally my dad and Jill waved to him and he stopped for awhile.
Toward the end I had to bring Cecilia downstairs for her part. Then Vincent saw me downstairs and wanted to sit by me, then Joel noticed I wasn't with him upstairs and started yelling for me. Joel won and I ran back upstairs to get him. He was barefooted by then and wanted to go to the nursery, so I let him. I went and turned the light on for him and spent the last 5-10 minutes of the program up and down the stairs checking on him in the nursery and Cecilia in front of the church. When the program was pretty much over my sister Kasi went to the nursery to watch Joel until church was officially over.
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| Grandma Dawn, Vincent, and Aunt Jill |
I anticipated not being able to enjoy the program on Sunday, so Brad used the video camera to record the play and when I finally watch it then I will know what part Kristine had in the program!
Bouncetown
Last week I picked up Vince from school. I mentioned that I might take him to the Children's Museum. Well, we stopped at the farm to see Brad. Then we stuck around for lunch, then it was getting to be nap time, so I told the kids we were going home. I promised we would go to the Children's Museum another day with Grandma Diane and Bouncetown the next day. The kid didn't even realize what a great deal it was. Bouncetown is a very large facility filled with inflated bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, etc.
The next day we went to Bounce Town and met up with a friend that I went to high school with and was in 4-H with, who has 3 boys the same age as my 3 kids and lives nearby. When we got to Bouncetown they were already there and my boys took off running. We never had a chance to introduce the kids. It turns out it didn't matter because Vincent was already running around with his "new friend" who was my friend's oldest son. They had fun together and Vincent wants to make sure we invite them to his birthday party. His birthday isn't until July but he is already planning it. He keeps telling me that when he turns 5 that his voice is going to get low. He always says "low" in a low voice. It cracks me up! I tell him I don't want him to grow up and then he tells me "That is how God made it. We all get older until we die. Don't worry I will always be your baby."
Joel loved it at Bouncetown too! He did a great job taking turns, standing in line, and playing with the other kids. I was very proud of him. Cecilia is at an age where she wants to get down, crawl and do everything her brothers do. We went on a few of the inflatable bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses. She loved it!
I am sure we will go again sometime this winter!
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| The blur is Joel! |
The next day we went to Bounce Town and met up with a friend that I went to high school with and was in 4-H with, who has 3 boys the same age as my 3 kids and lives nearby. When we got to Bouncetown they were already there and my boys took off running. We never had a chance to introduce the kids. It turns out it didn't matter because Vincent was already running around with his "new friend" who was my friend's oldest son. They had fun together and Vincent wants to make sure we invite them to his birthday party. His birthday isn't until July but he is already planning it. He keeps telling me that when he turns 5 that his voice is going to get low. He always says "low" in a low voice. It cracks me up! I tell him I don't want him to grow up and then he tells me "That is how God made it. We all get older until we die. Don't worry I will always be your baby."
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| This blur is Vincent. Just take my word for it. My phone camera isn't good for action shots. |
Joel loved it at Bouncetown too! He did a great job taking turns, standing in line, and playing with the other kids. I was very proud of him. Cecilia is at an age where she wants to get down, crawl and do everything her brothers do. We went on a few of the inflatable bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses. She loved it!
I am sure we will go again sometime this winter!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Dogs in a Sink
A little over a week ago Brad was complaining that the dogs smelled and told Bristol she should ask her mom for a bath. This was in the evening right around dinner time. I complained that I was always the one that gave the dogs baths, with the help of 2-3 children, and if it was left to me she wasn't going to get a bath for awhile.
Brad said he would give her a bath but it was going to be in the kitchen sink. The place where all reasonable people wash their 70lbs dogs. We have a very deep kitchen sink, I can bath Vince and Joel in it at the same time if they sit with their legs crossed, but a large dog? I didn't think it was going to work. I was wrong!
Brad ended up washing both Bristol and Maisy and their collars. They were upset that they were tricked into getting a bath. At least when they get locked in the upstairs bathroom they know they are getting a bath. Brad took them by surprise in the kitchen! He was very proud of himself. I don't know if this is going to mean more baths for the dogs, but it is nice not to have stinky dogs for a few days.
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| Vincent couldn't believe what he was seeing...Bristol in the sink |
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| Bristol in the sink...Brad must have been moving because this is the best picture I have. |
Brad said he would give her a bath but it was going to be in the kitchen sink. The place where all reasonable people wash their 70lbs dogs. We have a very deep kitchen sink, I can bath Vince and Joel in it at the same time if they sit with their legs crossed, but a large dog? I didn't think it was going to work. I was wrong!
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| Drying Bristol off |
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| Maisy getting ready for her bath |
Brad ended up washing both Bristol and Maisy and their collars. They were upset that they were tricked into getting a bath. At least when they get locked in the upstairs bathroom they know they are getting a bath. Brad took them by surprise in the kitchen! He was very proud of himself. I don't know if this is going to mean more baths for the dogs, but it is nice not to have stinky dogs for a few days.
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| Maisy getting dried off |
Monday, December 17, 2012
Experimenting with Underwear
Vincent is at an age where he normally gets dressed by himself while I get the other two kids ready. I usually pick out Vincent's clothes (sometimes he doesn't like my shirt choices and picks out his own shirt or he makes requests) hand them to him and he gets dressed. He is easily distracted so I have to monitor his progress and keep him on task.
The other day we were going grocery shopping and it was pretty cold out. As he was standing next to the truck waiting for me to get Joel and Cecilia out of the truck he says "My dingus is really cold." I ask him if he forgot to zip up his pants this morning and he says no. Then he says "I don't have any underwear on." I had them all set out for him, but he was distracted by the cartoons (that were helping keep Joel still) and he forgot about his underwear.
A couple nights ago Brad took Vincent to the bathroom before we went to bed. Our way to avoid wet beds. Brad was laughing as he came back to our bedroom. I guess Vincent decided to wear 2 pairs of underwear all day and we had no idea. He had a pair of briefs under a pair of boxer briefs. He must have been trying to make up for the day he forgot to wear underwear!
The other day we were going grocery shopping and it was pretty cold out. As he was standing next to the truck waiting for me to get Joel and Cecilia out of the truck he says "My dingus is really cold." I ask him if he forgot to zip up his pants this morning and he says no. Then he says "I don't have any underwear on." I had them all set out for him, but he was distracted by the cartoons (that were helping keep Joel still) and he forgot about his underwear.
A couple nights ago Brad took Vincent to the bathroom before we went to bed. Our way to avoid wet beds. Brad was laughing as he came back to our bedroom. I guess Vincent decided to wear 2 pairs of underwear all day and we had no idea. He had a pair of briefs under a pair of boxer briefs. He must have been trying to make up for the day he forgot to wear underwear!
A Cure for a Cold
Vincent has a cold. Thursday he was feeling pretty sorry for himself and told the babysitter at one point that he just needed to rest on the couch. After I got home from work, and right before bedtime, he informed me that he had a cold and "I need some hot eggs and hot turkey because I have a cold." I informed him that I didn't have turkey. I explained to him that sometimes when people are sick they have soup or tea. He then went on to tell me how he had a sip of tea at Grandma Diane's house and how gross it was, complete with hand gestures.
We compromised with scrambled eggs and hot chocolate. He was sure it was going to make it so his nose was no longer runny. You may be surprised when I tell you that it didn't make a difference! Oh well, he seemed to enjoy his second dinner. Plus he managed to push back his bedtime a bit.
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| Eggs and Hot Chocolate |
We compromised with scrambled eggs and hot chocolate. He was sure it was going to make it so his nose was no longer runny. You may be surprised when I tell you that it didn't make a difference! Oh well, he seemed to enjoy his second dinner. Plus he managed to push back his bedtime a bit.
Friday, December 14, 2012
A Double Date
For a few weeks Heather and I have been planning a double date of sorts. The plan was that they would come to our house with their kids. I would find a babysitter and the adults would all go shopping and out to lunch. I was excited to have some fun with friends and get a little Christmas shopping done.
Kellen was our babysitter and she had a big job in front of her. She was in charge of 4 very busy children, friends who hadn't seen each other in a couple months, 2 two year olds, a 4 year old and a 5 year old. The original plan was Cecilia would stay at home with them, but I value Kellen's sanity, so Cecilia joined us on our shopping trip.
We were able to have a nice lunch and we were able to visit several stores that I couldn't normally get through with all my helpers. During our shopping trip Cecilia turned into a pterodactyl and was squawking and saying "hi" to everyone. She was a little out of control. It was fun just spending time with her without her brothers around.
At two different stores that we went to we saw people shopping with their dogs. We were not at pet stores. In one store they were carrying a couple puppies. I am not sure why no one stopped them, but it isn't my business. In the last store we went to I had Cecilia in her pouch and she was napping. As I turned the corner I saw a guy wearing a pouch, except there wasn't a kid in it, there was a dog! I tried to not act shocked and casually looked at Heather and by the look on her face I could tell she saw the same thing I did. We went over to our husbands and pointed out the man and his dog. They were a little less quiet with their opinions, but still quiet enough that the man and his dog didn't hear them. My first question is Why? My second question is did no one see him walk in the store wearing a dog and think to stop him? I love dogs, but being at Wal-Mart and shopping with your dog seems a bit much.
When we got home Kellen said the kids were pretty good. There were a few instances were she had to get after the kids but it sounded like Kellen had things under control! It was a great day and we all got to spend time with our friends.
Maybe this is a new Christmas time tradition?
Kellen was our babysitter and she had a big job in front of her. She was in charge of 4 very busy children, friends who hadn't seen each other in a couple months, 2 two year olds, a 4 year old and a 5 year old. The original plan was Cecilia would stay at home with them, but I value Kellen's sanity, so Cecilia joined us on our shopping trip.
We were able to have a nice lunch and we were able to visit several stores that I couldn't normally get through with all my helpers. During our shopping trip Cecilia turned into a pterodactyl and was squawking and saying "hi" to everyone. She was a little out of control. It was fun just spending time with her without her brothers around.
At two different stores that we went to we saw people shopping with their dogs. We were not at pet stores. In one store they were carrying a couple puppies. I am not sure why no one stopped them, but it isn't my business. In the last store we went to I had Cecilia in her pouch and she was napping. As I turned the corner I saw a guy wearing a pouch, except there wasn't a kid in it, there was a dog! I tried to not act shocked and casually looked at Heather and by the look on her face I could tell she saw the same thing I did. We went over to our husbands and pointed out the man and his dog. They were a little less quiet with their opinions, but still quiet enough that the man and his dog didn't hear them. My first question is Why? My second question is did no one see him walk in the store wearing a dog and think to stop him? I love dogs, but being at Wal-Mart and shopping with your dog seems a bit much.
When we got home Kellen said the kids were pretty good. There were a few instances were she had to get after the kids but it sounded like Kellen had things under control! It was a great day and we all got to spend time with our friends.
Maybe this is a new Christmas time tradition?
Strange events
On Monday December 3rd we had a little more excitement on our road than I care for. Our road has 4 houses on it. It is a gravel road and we don't see a lot of traffic. On this Monday my brother in laws company was hauling sludge to a field on our road. Around 9:30 AM I heard the sound of metal crashing. I had just started the washing machine and I was pretty sure that our washing machine had fallen apart upstairs. I quickly knew that wasn't the case and saw that a semi was on its side in the ditch across the street from our front door. (side note, our dogs were sitting near the front porch and never even barked or moved when the semi crashed).
Luckily Joel's therapist was at our house (she usually is there on Thursdays) and I was able to leave her with the kids and run to the truck. I quickly called my brother in law told him he had a truck turned over and to call 911. It turns out it was not one of my brother in laws trucks, but someone he had contracted because he needed help. I didn't know if the driver needed help and I figured my time was better spent helping the driver than giving 911 my address.
As I crossed over the road and headed toward the truck I saw a man that I later learned was 75 years old and his name was Leroy. He was hurt, scared, and having trouble breathing. He was pretty sure he was going to die. When I got to him he was on the ground outside the truck laying in sludge, bleeding from his forehead and missing a shoe. Fluid was leaking out of the engine and I was scared to stay by it so I dragged Leroy out of the sludge and away from the truck. By the time I did that one of my brother in laws employees got there and talked to Leroy. We prayed for him and then I ran in the house and got him blankets.
Then I went back to the house because that is where my kids were and the therapist that was there was not there to babysit my kids. Although she did volunteer to stay long enough for me to take a shower because I was covered in sludge and I looked and smelled bad.
It seemed like forever before the ambulance and police arrived to take Leroy to the hospital. Leroy is healing and doing well last I heard. According to my brother in law they think he went through the windshield. The steering wheel was in the seat and he is lucky he came out of the truck.
Afterwards I worried that maybe moving him wasn't a good idea, but the liquids leaking out of the truck worried me and I didn't want to leave him laying there. Hind sight is always 20/20 and we probably would have been fine staying by the truck. The good news is that Leroy is recovering and doing well. I talked to Leroy about a week after the accident and he was already home and told me he was praying for my family. Praying for me? He was the injured one! I thanked him and told him we had been praying for him.
About 45 minutes after I got back in the house Joel, Cecilia and I headed to pick Vincent up from school. On the way I was returning a phone call to my sister in law about Christmas gifts and Brad called me 4 different times in about 2 minutes. Finally after the 4th time I switched over to his phone call worried that something was wrong. It turns out that someone had sent him a text and asked him if everything was ok at our house. Of course Brad got really worried and even more worried as I didn't answer. I told Brad that we were fine and told him about the accident. I think it took several hours for both our heart rates to return to normal. We were both happy when the day was over!
Luckily Joel's therapist was at our house (she usually is there on Thursdays) and I was able to leave her with the kids and run to the truck. I quickly called my brother in law told him he had a truck turned over and to call 911. It turns out it was not one of my brother in laws trucks, but someone he had contracted because he needed help. I didn't know if the driver needed help and I figured my time was better spent helping the driver than giving 911 my address.
As I crossed over the road and headed toward the truck I saw a man that I later learned was 75 years old and his name was Leroy. He was hurt, scared, and having trouble breathing. He was pretty sure he was going to die. When I got to him he was on the ground outside the truck laying in sludge, bleeding from his forehead and missing a shoe. Fluid was leaking out of the engine and I was scared to stay by it so I dragged Leroy out of the sludge and away from the truck. By the time I did that one of my brother in laws employees got there and talked to Leroy. We prayed for him and then I ran in the house and got him blankets.
Then I went back to the house because that is where my kids were and the therapist that was there was not there to babysit my kids. Although she did volunteer to stay long enough for me to take a shower because I was covered in sludge and I looked and smelled bad.
It seemed like forever before the ambulance and police arrived to take Leroy to the hospital. Leroy is healing and doing well last I heard. According to my brother in law they think he went through the windshield. The steering wheel was in the seat and he is lucky he came out of the truck.
Afterwards I worried that maybe moving him wasn't a good idea, but the liquids leaking out of the truck worried me and I didn't want to leave him laying there. Hind sight is always 20/20 and we probably would have been fine staying by the truck. The good news is that Leroy is recovering and doing well. I talked to Leroy about a week after the accident and he was already home and told me he was praying for my family. Praying for me? He was the injured one! I thanked him and told him we had been praying for him.
About 45 minutes after I got back in the house Joel, Cecilia and I headed to pick Vincent up from school. On the way I was returning a phone call to my sister in law about Christmas gifts and Brad called me 4 different times in about 2 minutes. Finally after the 4th time I switched over to his phone call worried that something was wrong. It turns out that someone had sent him a text and asked him if everything was ok at our house. Of course Brad got really worried and even more worried as I didn't answer. I told Brad that we were fine and told him about the accident. I think it took several hours for both our heart rates to return to normal. We were both happy when the day was over!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Christmas Train
On Sunday December 2nd, after Christmas tree shopping and driving Ray we met up with my grandparents to go to the Christmas Train in Waterman. We have never been there before but you could ride a small train around and look at all the Christmas lights they have set up along the tracks. Afterwards you could go inside and get some popcorn and meet Santa. It was all very cute and FREE! The couple that runs the train does so because they want to and out of the goodness of their hearts.
When we arrived there was a very long line to ride the train. My grandfather can't stand for very long or walk very far. The owner of the Christmas train saw my grandparents pull into the handicap parking spot and told them to come to the front of the line whenever they were ready. They told him they were waiting for us and he said we could join them at the front of the line as well. Actually he said if we wanted another ride to just come back to the front of the line. We all piled in the train and off we went. It was fun and the kids loved it! They loved it so much they went back to the front of the line again to take a second ride with Grandpa Pat and Brad.
While we were there we thought we would have the kids get their picture with Santa. Then I would get to avoid the mall for yet another year! It wasn't pretty a couple years ago when I took Vincent and Joel to see Santa. Joel was just a baby and I stopped by the mall on the way home from the sitter's on a Friday night. It was so cold outside! We went into the mall and Vince had a huge fit because while we were standing in line a train (that you could ride on) was driving around and I told him we couldn't ride it. Well, a huge fit started. I was holding Joel and Vincent was alternating between throwing a fit on the ground and running out of the Santa line. After 5 minutes I decided it was ridiculous to put anyone through this and we left. It sounds easy but Vincent finally had to be picked up and carried though the mall and his coat wrestled back on him before we went back to the car. At one point I was carrying both kids. It was not pretty!
This visit to Santa was a little different. Vincent patiently waited in line and sat right next to Santa and told him what he wanted. Cecilia sat on Santa's lap and didn't cry. Joel talked about Santa and was happy right up until he had to sit near him. Santa was sitting on a bench and I put Joel as far away as possible, but it wasn't enough. I even sat with him to get a picture. Joel didn't care that I was sitting with him, he just wanted to get away from Santa. I didn't think it was going to go well in the first place, but I wanted to try anyway. Maybe next year or maybe never!
It was fun to see Grandma Pat and Papa! Thanks for inviting us along!
When we arrived there was a very long line to ride the train. My grandfather can't stand for very long or walk very far. The owner of the Christmas train saw my grandparents pull into the handicap parking spot and told them to come to the front of the line whenever they were ready. They told him they were waiting for us and he said we could join them at the front of the line as well. Actually he said if we wanted another ride to just come back to the front of the line. We all piled in the train and off we went. It was fun and the kids loved it! They loved it so much they went back to the front of the line again to take a second ride with Grandpa Pat and Brad.
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| Santa, Cecilia, Vincent and Joel (throwing a fit) |
While we were there we thought we would have the kids get their picture with Santa. Then I would get to avoid the mall for yet another year! It wasn't pretty a couple years ago when I took Vincent and Joel to see Santa. Joel was just a baby and I stopped by the mall on the way home from the sitter's on a Friday night. It was so cold outside! We went into the mall and Vince had a huge fit because while we were standing in line a train (that you could ride on) was driving around and I told him we couldn't ride it. Well, a huge fit started. I was holding Joel and Vincent was alternating between throwing a fit on the ground and running out of the Santa line. After 5 minutes I decided it was ridiculous to put anyone through this and we left. It sounds easy but Vincent finally had to be picked up and carried though the mall and his coat wrestled back on him before we went back to the car. At one point I was carrying both kids. It was not pretty!
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| Santa, Cecilia, Vincent, Mommy and Joel (he is super happy) |
This visit to Santa was a little different. Vincent patiently waited in line and sat right next to Santa and told him what he wanted. Cecilia sat on Santa's lap and didn't cry. Joel talked about Santa and was happy right up until he had to sit near him. Santa was sitting on a bench and I put Joel as far away as possible, but it wasn't enough. I even sat with him to get a picture. Joel didn't care that I was sitting with him, he just wanted to get away from Santa. I didn't think it was going to go well in the first place, but I wanted to try anyway. Maybe next year or maybe never!
It was fun to see Grandma Pat and Papa! Thanks for inviting us along!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Christmas Tree Time
Sunday December 2nd we went Christmas tree shopping. It was 68 degrees out! It was the best weather I have ever had for getting a Christmas tree. It was kind of like we were in Florida or something. Brad even commented "is global warming all that bad?" I am not going to lie it was a little bizarre thinking about Christmas when it was so warm out but I really enjoyed not freezing while shopping for the tree. Last year we just picked out the first half way decent tree we could find. This year we were able to shop around a little bit without anyone freezing.
On Monday night Brad put the lights on the tree and Tuesday the kids and I put the ornaments on the tree. The kids (especially Vincent) are so excited for Christmas. He wants to make ornaments, open presents, make cookies, decorate and do everything Christmas related in a span of about 5 hours. I keep trying to explain that we need to do a little bit every day, and he is slowly starting to be ok with that.
Since last year Vincent has been asking for a train around the Christmas tree. I have always thought that would be cool, but the thought of having to fix it for the kids every five minutes isn't appealing. So on December 1st after a long sad day around our house Brad and I agreed that it would be a fun idea to let the kids have the small Christmas tree in their room and to put the ride-on battery operated train from the yucky barn in Vincent's room. His room is huge and we always play in there anyway.
It took some cleaning on Brad's part to get the train ready but it looks so cute and all three kids love it. It has become part of our bed time routine. Everyone gets to go around 2 times before bed. Plus, it is helping them learn to take turns. Joel and Vince do a great job of taking turns but Cecilia gets mad when I take her off of the train. When it isn't her turn she crawls onto the track so no one can use the train and squawks like a pterodactyl. She is really out of control!
Joel is adorable when he rides on the train and says "All aboard choo train!" Which is 4 words strung together that he came up with on his own and that is a big deal in our house!
I am really looking forward to Christmas this year. On Sunday morning I asked Vincent if he knew why we celebrated Christmas and he said "it is Jesus's birthday!" Then I asked "what kind of gift could we give Jesus for his birthday?" Vincent said "We can be nice to other people!" So happy that he really gets what it is about. Don't get me wrong he is still really concerned about what presents he is getting, but at least he understands there is more to it.
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| Joel and Brad on our way to get a tree |
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| Vincent, me and Cecilia |
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| Joel, Brad and Vincent walking to find a tree |
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| The first tree the boys picked, we convinced them to keep looking. |
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| Joel, Vincent and Brad |
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| Joel, me, Cecilia (arching her back and trying to escape) and Vincent |
Since last year Vincent has been asking for a train around the Christmas tree. I have always thought that would be cool, but the thought of having to fix it for the kids every five minutes isn't appealing. So on December 1st after a long sad day around our house Brad and I agreed that it would be a fun idea to let the kids have the small Christmas tree in their room and to put the ride-on battery operated train from the yucky barn in Vincent's room. His room is huge and we always play in there anyway.
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| Brad cleaning the train. So many spiders! |
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| Joel checking out the tree in Vincent's room |
It took some cleaning on Brad's part to get the train ready but it looks so cute and all three kids love it. It has become part of our bed time routine. Everyone gets to go around 2 times before bed. Plus, it is helping them learn to take turns. Joel and Vince do a great job of taking turns but Cecilia gets mad when I take her off of the train. When it isn't her turn she crawls onto the track so no one can use the train and squawks like a pterodactyl. She is really out of control!
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| Cecilia wearing her Christmas hat |
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| Cecilia checking out the nativity |
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| Cecilia removing a button from Joel's stocking |
Joel is adorable when he rides on the train and says "All aboard choo train!" Which is 4 words strung together that he came up with on his own and that is a big deal in our house!
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| The kid's tree before ornaments. Joel riding the train. |
I am really looking forward to Christmas this year. On Sunday morning I asked Vincent if he knew why we celebrated Christmas and he said "it is Jesus's birthday!" Then I asked "what kind of gift could we give Jesus for his birthday?" Vincent said "We can be nice to other people!" So happy that he really gets what it is about. Don't get me wrong he is still really concerned about what presents he is getting, but at least he understands there is more to it.
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| Joel and a Christmas hat. Blurry! |
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| Joel, Brad and Vincent unpacking Christmas decorations |
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