Below is the video for Alexis' Preschool Christmas (Holiday) program. I should have stopped recording between each class/set of songs, but if I had you also would have missed her announcement of her intentions for marriage to the little blond boy on the right in the second group of songs.
Preschool Performance 2011
Enjoy!
December 29, 2011
Christmas and Holiday Wrap Up
WHEW!
Well as my school was starting, Grant and Alexis were getting out for winter break. Alexis still went to preschool for playtime with her classmates a couple of days, but no uniform and not full time. She was excited to have her party and book exchange at which the teachers couldn't figure out how she and Skylar had each others names. We already have our first birthday invitation for the new year and she is wound up and excited for her first event of the new year.
But anyway, back to Christmas. As mentioned previously, we were keeping things pretty low key this year. As you already know, Andrew was not a fan of Santa when we went to get our pictures. I thought that Santa on the firetruck would be more fun, after all he loves trucks and it was from farther away. Santa had been rescheduled due to rain, so we hung out with our neighbors and roasted marshmallows. Santa didn't hang around as usual, but just did a drive by which turned out to be good for us because Andrew was fine and excited looking at the lights and truck as it pulled up but as soon as Santa waved and HOHOHO'd he broke out screaming in horror.
Friday, Alexis made a Gingerbread house and we went to look at Christmas lights. During a drive through the neighborhood earlier in the month, Alexis had been telling Andrew to look at all the different blow up characters..."look at the snowman, and Santa, and look there's a bear with a... um, box." So on this drive we got a picture of what we have come to call "Dreidel Bear". We also went to the house in Flower Mound that is choreographed to 15 minutes of music played on 107.3 FM. Grant turned off the radio when it played a portion of the Tech Fight Song.
Saturday, we had a laid back day. Grant took Alexis to the Valley Creek children's church program because Mr. Vic was playing! It was cool for Alexis to see the puppeteer/entertainer from her birthday party and preschool do a Christian show about letting your light for Jesus GLOW. During that time, our Elf was trying to start stuffing the stockings early but was caught quite literally with the first of Alexis' stocking stuffers still in his hands as he was balanced precariously with her stocking after getting Andrew's first stocking stuffer in his stocking. Andrew and I were at the store (still managing to forget an ingredient because I had not read the whole list of what was needed). Then later we went to the Lakeland Christmas Eve service. While the service without childcare started out well for us, it quickly went downhill as an anxious Andrew tried ripping Grant's hair clean out of his head while bouncing on Grant's shoulders while we were singing. Then he just wanted to run, so even though both kids were enjoying themselves, it became necessary to take Andrew out to the lobby where I joined and was joined by others that also had children that needed to be removed from the service. After the service, the kiddos continued to chase and wear each other out while we chatted, which worked out well for us to get Andrew to bed once we got home and Alexis stayed up to help make cookies and set up the cookie plate for Santa and his reindeer.
Once she was in bed, we got the call that Aunt Becca wasn't going to make it. Bummer and shame on you American Airlines for 2 trips in a row for my sister trying to get to Dallas for a short stay...at least this time she was able to come just a day later. But back to Christmas Eve, we got everything set up and I was very glad that we turned off the tree since Alexis came downstairs in the middle of the night! She didn't see her things and after Andrew fussing due to teeth and her chattering in the middle of night after being hyper all day and then flip flopping in our bed and then Sadie snoring, I gave up on sleeping in my own bed and went to Alexis'. Grant was sweet enough to keep her calm and in bed until Andrew was ready to get up and then she went looking for me before wanting to dive into gifts. After all of the excitement, Alexis' favorite gift was her "princess computer" (aka Leapster Explorer with Princess game) from Santa and Andrew loves his new toys, but his favorite Christmas treasure might actually be the memory foam bathmat that Grant and I received...he keeps laying down on it and cuddling with it. The day was spent playing with toys, eating Christmas dinner (beef tenderloin, sweet potatoes with gingersnap streusel, and rolls) and cookies. We were all worn out by the end, but it was a great day and luckily we got to extend our Christmas blessings and fun by one day when Aunt Becca got here. It may not have been quite the same as if she had been there on Christmas but at least we got to see her and Alexis enjoyed getting to show her everything and serve her tea. Next up: New Years!
Well as my school was starting, Grant and Alexis were getting out for winter break. Alexis still went to preschool for playtime with her classmates a couple of days, but no uniform and not full time. She was excited to have her party and book exchange at which the teachers couldn't figure out how she and Skylar had each others names. We already have our first birthday invitation for the new year and she is wound up and excited for her first event of the new year.
But anyway, back to Christmas. As mentioned previously, we were keeping things pretty low key this year. As you already know, Andrew was not a fan of Santa when we went to get our pictures. I thought that Santa on the firetruck would be more fun, after all he loves trucks and it was from farther away. Santa had been rescheduled due to rain, so we hung out with our neighbors and roasted marshmallows. Santa didn't hang around as usual, but just did a drive by which turned out to be good for us because Andrew was fine and excited looking at the lights and truck as it pulled up but as soon as Santa waved and HOHOHO'd he broke out screaming in horror.
Friday, Alexis made a Gingerbread house and we went to look at Christmas lights. During a drive through the neighborhood earlier in the month, Alexis had been telling Andrew to look at all the different blow up characters..."look at the snowman, and Santa, and look there's a bear with a... um, box." So on this drive we got a picture of what we have come to call "Dreidel Bear". We also went to the house in Flower Mound that is choreographed to 15 minutes of music played on 107.3 FM. Grant turned off the radio when it played a portion of the Tech Fight Song.
 |
| Dreidel Bear |
 |
| falling asleep 5 minutes into the drive despite shouting that she wasn't tired then telling us she was tired and wanted to go home when we tried to wake her up to see the one that was set to music. |
Saturday, we had a laid back day. Grant took Alexis to the Valley Creek children's church program because Mr. Vic was playing! It was cool for Alexis to see the puppeteer/entertainer from her birthday party and preschool do a Christian show about letting your light for Jesus GLOW. During that time, our Elf was trying to start stuffing the stockings early but was caught quite literally with the first of Alexis' stocking stuffers still in his hands as he was balanced precariously with her stocking after getting Andrew's first stocking stuffer in his stocking. Andrew and I were at the store (still managing to forget an ingredient because I had not read the whole list of what was needed). Then later we went to the Lakeland Christmas Eve service. While the service without childcare started out well for us, it quickly went downhill as an anxious Andrew tried ripping Grant's hair clean out of his head while bouncing on Grant's shoulders while we were singing. Then he just wanted to run, so even though both kids were enjoying themselves, it became necessary to take Andrew out to the lobby where I joined and was joined by others that also had children that needed to be removed from the service. After the service, the kiddos continued to chase and wear each other out while we chatted, which worked out well for us to get Andrew to bed once we got home and Alexis stayed up to help make cookies and set up the cookie plate for Santa and his reindeer.
Once she was in bed, we got the call that Aunt Becca wasn't going to make it. Bummer and shame on you American Airlines for 2 trips in a row for my sister trying to get to Dallas for a short stay...at least this time she was able to come just a day later. But back to Christmas Eve, we got everything set up and I was very glad that we turned off the tree since Alexis came downstairs in the middle of the night! She didn't see her things and after Andrew fussing due to teeth and her chattering in the middle of night after being hyper all day and then flip flopping in our bed and then Sadie snoring, I gave up on sleeping in my own bed and went to Alexis'. Grant was sweet enough to keep her calm and in bed until Andrew was ready to get up and then she went looking for me before wanting to dive into gifts. After all of the excitement, Alexis' favorite gift was her "princess computer" (aka Leapster Explorer with Princess game) from Santa and Andrew loves his new toys, but his favorite Christmas treasure might actually be the memory foam bathmat that Grant and I received...he keeps laying down on it and cuddling with it. The day was spent playing with toys, eating Christmas dinner (beef tenderloin, sweet potatoes with gingersnap streusel, and rolls) and cookies. We were all worn out by the end, but it was a great day and luckily we got to extend our Christmas blessings and fun by one day when Aunt Becca got here. It may not have been quite the same as if she had been there on Christmas but at least we got to see her and Alexis enjoyed getting to show her everything and serve her tea. Next up: New Years!
Catching Up
So I was not sure that I was going to blog about this, but here goes:
A few months ago, my former company made some large changes and several of us found ourselves packing a box and leaving that afternoon for the last time or with notice that it would happen soon thereafter.
I have gone through a wide range of emotions and thoughts and battles within myself regarding this.
For a few years I had debated whether I had chosen the correct field of study and if I would be able to make a major change. I could never figure out the time and finances to go back for additional schooling and just kept at work hoping that I would like the next thing better and decided gaining the experience would help me in the long run. I decided to use the time I was given when I was RIF'd to go back to school in order to break into the medical field.
So for now, I am in school for my medical assistant certification. I will probably opt to also get my phlebotomy and EKG certs as well though, I must admit, I am less excited about phlebotomy. After that I plan to work and network and then go to school for nursing. So this is a big change, but I think that catches everyone up since a few people had seen some status updates from me about reading and homework etc and wondering what was going on. Currently, I am scheduled to finish around July 30th depending on externship schedule and if we get any snow or ice days.
And that's my career change declaration.
A few months ago, my former company made some large changes and several of us found ourselves packing a box and leaving that afternoon for the last time or with notice that it would happen soon thereafter.
I have gone through a wide range of emotions and thoughts and battles within myself regarding this.
For a few years I had debated whether I had chosen the correct field of study and if I would be able to make a major change. I could never figure out the time and finances to go back for additional schooling and just kept at work hoping that I would like the next thing better and decided gaining the experience would help me in the long run. I decided to use the time I was given when I was RIF'd to go back to school in order to break into the medical field.
So for now, I am in school for my medical assistant certification. I will probably opt to also get my phlebotomy and EKG certs as well though, I must admit, I am less excited about phlebotomy. After that I plan to work and network and then go to school for nursing. So this is a big change, but I think that catches everyone up since a few people had seen some status updates from me about reading and homework etc and wondering what was going on. Currently, I am scheduled to finish around July 30th depending on externship schedule and if we get any snow or ice days.
And that's my career change declaration.
December 21, 2011
Throwing
Andrew has started throwing fits. Over tiny things and over big things. He stomps his feet, he lays on the ground, he gets big crocodile tears. He sometimes does it like the kid in the old Americas Funniest Videos video where he stops once he realizes your not looking at him, walks to where you can see and throw the fit again. Luckily, they are short lived and easy to re-direct, but still I really have trouble not laughing. You see, Andrew also likes to throw away trash, so sometimes to stop the fit, I walk over, hand him a trash item and tell him. "trash, throw it away" and he happily runs off to throw it away.
Today (12/8), he has also thrown folded clothes all over the living room.
He also put water in a cup by himself and threw it on the floor.
Throwing ornaments while waiting to see Santa.
I started this post a couple of weeks ago and kind of forgot about it.
So just to add one more development to his throwing fits...if he is in the high chair or strapped down anywhere really, he throws his head against the back of the seat to get attention and then just starts babbling in tearful baby jibberish that is quite adorable and just makes him seem so pathetic that sometimes you just can't help but give him what he wants.
:-) I guess the terrible twos are fast approaching.
Today (12/8), he has also thrown folded clothes all over the living room.
He also put water in a cup by himself and threw it on the floor.
Throwing ornaments while waiting to see Santa.
I started this post a couple of weeks ago and kind of forgot about it.
So just to add one more development to his throwing fits...if he is in the high chair or strapped down anywhere really, he throws his head against the back of the seat to get attention and then just starts babbling in tearful baby jibberish that is quite adorable and just makes him seem so pathetic that sometimes you just can't help but give him what he wants.
:-) I guess the terrible twos are fast approaching.
December 13, 2011
Christmas Program Performance 1
Like last year, Alexis is singing twice for the holidays.
The first performance is with the church preschool choir seen here. Enjoy (and yes I know her bangs need a trim and you can't see all the up and down movement of her eyebrows). Last year, she stood by herself on the stage, so this year she stood with all the kids and just enjoyed getting to sing "in big church."
Stay tuned for her preschool performance next week!
The first performance is with the church preschool choir seen here. Enjoy (and yes I know her bangs need a trim and you can't see all the up and down movement of her eyebrows). Last year, she stood by herself on the stage, so this year she stood with all the kids and just enjoyed getting to sing "in big church."
Stay tuned for her preschool performance next week!
December 11, 2011
A little something EXTRA
Every Bride knows you must have Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue...well, I recently got the chance to be an Extra on a taping of TLC's new show Randy to the Rescue. (click the link for a brief introductory clip)
It was a fun experience and neat to do something different from the regular every day. Thanks to Amy Y. for sending the info about the opportunity to Grant. Thanks to Grant for suggesting I do it and getting the kids all ready for church solo. And thanks to Julie M for participating with me.
There are definitely some things I would do a little differently if I could do it over again, mostly in regards to what I wore and carried with me on set, but I would definitely do it again if given the chance.
Some funny things about the day:
The term "Business Casual" was used in telling us how to dress...let's just say that term was interpreted in many ways. In my case and those that I was with, it was interpreted similarly to the dress code for offices in which we have worked. In some people's cases it appeared to be about the same as a Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (pre-shopping with Bridget), an ultra-trendy socialite or someone famous for being famous, and in one guy's case I think he was inspired by Michael Jackson in the late 80's.
If you think when they are pulling up a truck/bus etc with someone famous in it that it gets done in one take, well then you're crazy.
Even though everyone was supposed to be ready...one guy was shaving in between our practice cheering and our real cheering for the camera. Like outside on the grass in the middle of our crowd using the compact mirror of the girl next to him shaving his face...he was trying to get that 5 o'clock shadow look I think but to me it just looked like a bad shave job.
Those that were actresses/models trying to get their Big Break were pretty obvious to the rest of us and they were vocal about being "in the business" or "professionals".
Several of the Extras were filmed just as much as those that had a different color wristband...though we didn't stay as long. The camera definitely got me while I was getting food from the Wedding Cake vendor...those ultra-skinny model people weren't near the cake!
There were fake brides and real brides and those of us that were just told to browse...the vendors didn't know the difference. We overheard some people getting in to the whole experience and going along with the premise that they were a bride or with a bride. Julie and I flat out told them that we were extras because they were still just as happy to show us their product (or give us cake). So we got to register to win a honeymoon (or in our cases a 10 yr anniversary trip) as well.
Randy Fenoli was really fun and energetic and great to work with....okay, so I didn't work directly with him, but he spoke to us as a group several times, Julie and I got a high five from him as he was heading toward the hotel from the truck and he didn't mind people taking pictures even though there was a specific note in our instructions not to take pictures or request autographs. Did you know that Randy also came from southern Illinois?
Anyway, it was a fun day and when I find out when the Dallas Episode is going to air, I'm going to set my DVR and see if amongst all the editing we make it on the show. We weren't really supposed to be taking pictures, that's why I don't have more pictures of some of the more (ahem) interesting outfits I saw, but when everyone was taking pictures, I figured it wouldn't hurt if I took one of Randy too...too bad I found out later that if we had hung out an hour or so longer, we could have gotten him with some down time to get an individual shot, but oh well.
oh and remember "we are all beautiful!"
It was a fun experience and neat to do something different from the regular every day. Thanks to Amy Y. for sending the info about the opportunity to Grant. Thanks to Grant for suggesting I do it and getting the kids all ready for church solo. And thanks to Julie M for participating with me.
There are definitely some things I would do a little differently if I could do it over again, mostly in regards to what I wore and carried with me on set, but I would definitely do it again if given the chance.
Some funny things about the day:
The term "Business Casual" was used in telling us how to dress...let's just say that term was interpreted in many ways. In my case and those that I was with, it was interpreted similarly to the dress code for offices in which we have worked. In some people's cases it appeared to be about the same as a Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (pre-shopping with Bridget), an ultra-trendy socialite or someone famous for being famous, and in one guy's case I think he was inspired by Michael Jackson in the late 80's.
If you think when they are pulling up a truck/bus etc with someone famous in it that it gets done in one take, well then you're crazy.
Even though everyone was supposed to be ready...one guy was shaving in between our practice cheering and our real cheering for the camera. Like outside on the grass in the middle of our crowd using the compact mirror of the girl next to him shaving his face...he was trying to get that 5 o'clock shadow look I think but to me it just looked like a bad shave job.
Those that were actresses/models trying to get their Big Break were pretty obvious to the rest of us and they were vocal about being "in the business" or "professionals".
Several of the Extras were filmed just as much as those that had a different color wristband...though we didn't stay as long. The camera definitely got me while I was getting food from the Wedding Cake vendor...those ultra-skinny model people weren't near the cake!
There were fake brides and real brides and those of us that were just told to browse...the vendors didn't know the difference. We overheard some people getting in to the whole experience and going along with the premise that they were a bride or with a bride. Julie and I flat out told them that we were extras because they were still just as happy to show us their product (or give us cake). So we got to register to win a honeymoon (or in our cases a 10 yr anniversary trip) as well.
Randy Fenoli was really fun and energetic and great to work with....okay, so I didn't work directly with him, but he spoke to us as a group several times, Julie and I got a high five from him as he was heading toward the hotel from the truck and he didn't mind people taking pictures even though there was a specific note in our instructions not to take pictures or request autographs. Did you know that Randy also came from southern Illinois?
oh and remember "we are all beautiful!"
December 8, 2011
Whirlwind week and cupcake
Last week we had several cute snippets of time, but now that the week is gone, I honestly can't even remember most of them, but here are the highlights:
Monday: We got a new roof. Still have some additional work to do on the trim, gutters, fence, etc, but we don't have to worry every time it rains. Nothing cute about it, just happy we got a new roof.
Wednesday: Alexis was supposed to wear blue. I helped at cubbies and got to personally hear the things my daughter does - She got to pray and in doing so asked God why her brother got in trouble by Daddy for throwing his fork to Sadie at dinner. The other kiddos had all sorts of things to say as well. It was a fun and crazy time.
On Thursday I took this video of Andrew feeding Sadie Animal Cookie Legs. Andrew had just eaten one thing after another and he saw me put the leftover cookie pieces into a container and when I walked in the other room, he went and got them and sat on the floor with them. So rather than have him with an open container I put some of them in the snack trap cup so he could walk around. I went to get a kleenex and started hearing giggling and when I came out, this is what he was doing. I only caught the end the whole scene was even funnier.
Saturday: We put our tree up. Our fake tree requires some fluffing each year and as Alexis watched me do the actual fluffing and she just kind of touched it and talked about it. I told her she was going to be an excellent tree fluffer to which she replied "Because I'm SMART, mommy. I really am." Too smart for her own good sometimes. She's one heck of a negotiator. When Grant got home, she smiled and just pointed sideways to the tree waiting for Daddy to see that we surprised him with a Santa Yoda tree topper. Our tree decorating this year is...um not one for the magazines, but since we have a boy that's 1-1/2 and was running at the tree full speed after just the first layer was up, it is only decorated where Alexis could reach from the tall step ladder. I'd like to add more, but I think Andrew will try to climb it or pull it down if it gets any "shinier" and I'd like to re-position some of what is on it, but I don't want Alexis to get upset that her handy work has been moved, so it's staying as is, bead garland clumps and all.
Before putting up the tree, we went to our former realtor's office to see Santa. I thought this would be better than waiting in line at the mall or Bass Pro. Andrew took an early nap that day and was not as mellow as I would have liked. He had 4 ornaments yanked off their hooks from the tree in a flash. While I was repairing the 1st 2, he dropped one of the others and it went crashing to the ground in a million pieces. All while Alexis is asking me how to spell what she is writing down to ask Santa. I held onto the squirmy little guy for the rest of the time in line very tightly while Alexis was remarkably good and then it was our turn. Andrew, already mad from being held and not allowed to run, took one look at Santa and was screaming and crying. Alexis sat sweetly as Santa tried to hold Andrew on his lap. I thought Andrew was going to wiggle out of his shirt to keep Santa from holding onto him. Then I took Andrew and we got a pic of Alexis with Santa and headed down the hall for juice and a small cupcake before heading on our way. And since I'm probably not going to get around to Christmas cards regardless of my want to: Here's our Santa picture.
Which brings us to the work cupcake. This past week, I made a chocolate orange breakfast cake which the kids have been lucky to eat. Andrew's new word as of Monday is Cupcake. He points to the cake container and says "Cupcake" which sounds a little more like "cucake" but it's unmistakeable. It's clearer than many of his other words. :-)
Monday: We got a new roof. Still have some additional work to do on the trim, gutters, fence, etc, but we don't have to worry every time it rains. Nothing cute about it, just happy we got a new roof.
Tuesday: We went to the Highland Village Tree lighting. It was our first year to do that and it was chilly, but not freezing. Alexis enjoyed it and we ran into some friends. We were in line to get face painting with our neighbors and then we ran into Margaret and Emery too.
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| She asked the lady "why does it tickle?" |
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| giggles and glee |
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| Alexis and Daddy next to the Tree |
After the tree lighting, we found that our Elf on the Shelf had returned. Alexis was very excited. The morning after she was begging to stay in bed, but the minute I mentioned that she had to get out of bed to look for the Elf, those eyes popped open and the covers were off. I have used it every morning that she has not wanted to get up since.
Wednesday: Alexis was supposed to wear blue. I helped at cubbies and got to personally hear the things my daughter does - She got to pray and in doing so asked God why her brother got in trouble by Daddy for throwing his fork to Sadie at dinner. The other kiddos had all sorts of things to say as well. It was a fun and crazy time.
On Thursday I took this video of Andrew feeding Sadie Animal Cookie Legs. Andrew had just eaten one thing after another and he saw me put the leftover cookie pieces into a container and when I walked in the other room, he went and got them and sat on the floor with them. So rather than have him with an open container I put some of them in the snack trap cup so he could walk around. I went to get a kleenex and started hearing giggling and when I came out, this is what he was doing. I only caught the end the whole scene was even funnier.
Saturday: We put our tree up. Our fake tree requires some fluffing each year and as Alexis watched me do the actual fluffing and she just kind of touched it and talked about it. I told her she was going to be an excellent tree fluffer to which she replied "Because I'm SMART, mommy. I really am." Too smart for her own good sometimes. She's one heck of a negotiator. When Grant got home, she smiled and just pointed sideways to the tree waiting for Daddy to see that we surprised him with a Santa Yoda tree topper. Our tree decorating this year is...um not one for the magazines, but since we have a boy that's 1-1/2 and was running at the tree full speed after just the first layer was up, it is only decorated where Alexis could reach from the tall step ladder. I'd like to add more, but I think Andrew will try to climb it or pull it down if it gets any "shinier" and I'd like to re-position some of what is on it, but I don't want Alexis to get upset that her handy work has been moved, so it's staying as is, bead garland clumps and all.
Before putting up the tree, we went to our former realtor's office to see Santa. I thought this would be better than waiting in line at the mall or Bass Pro. Andrew took an early nap that day and was not as mellow as I would have liked. He had 4 ornaments yanked off their hooks from the tree in a flash. While I was repairing the 1st 2, he dropped one of the others and it went crashing to the ground in a million pieces. All while Alexis is asking me how to spell what she is writing down to ask Santa. I held onto the squirmy little guy for the rest of the time in line very tightly while Alexis was remarkably good and then it was our turn. Andrew, already mad from being held and not allowed to run, took one look at Santa and was screaming and crying. Alexis sat sweetly as Santa tried to hold Andrew on his lap. I thought Andrew was going to wiggle out of his shirt to keep Santa from holding onto him. Then I took Andrew and we got a pic of Alexis with Santa and headed down the hall for juice and a small cupcake before heading on our way. And since I'm probably not going to get around to Christmas cards regardless of my want to: Here's our Santa picture.
Which brings us to the work cupcake. This past week, I made a chocolate orange breakfast cake which the kids have been lucky to eat. Andrew's new word as of Monday is Cupcake. He points to the cake container and says "Cupcake" which sounds a little more like "cucake" but it's unmistakeable. It's clearer than many of his other words. :-)
November 29, 2011
Turkey Day (and the days before and after)
So as my previous post mentioned, I had the kids at home while Grant was already in the Panhandle. They were soooo ready to see Daddy. I was just hoping for minimal stops and decent behavior on the drive. We left a little later than intended but not too bad. The DVD player was in the car and ready to go. I thought I would have the 1st movie on for both, 2nd one on for Alexis and then they would both sleep the rest of the trip... I was soooo wrong about them sleeping on the drive, but they were very very well behaved, so I was happy with how it turned out.
We started off with Finding Nemo. We drove until the Love's just before Wichita Falls like always, to top off the tank and for a potty break. Both kiddos did well...and considering Alexis' aversion to going when we tell her to go, I was impressed with her behavior. She definitely got a marble for that! She was very good about walking with me and not touching all of the goodies that this truck stop has to offer (seriously for those of you that haven't been there it has every thing from Subway to all the camo hunting gear you could want to candy to dolls and doll clothes - it's like bass pro shop, the american girl store backwoods version, Subway and typical convenience store all rolled into one) while I carried a shoeless footie pajamad Andrew. We got Rapunzel started while I took a few sips of energy drink, distributed a small car snack and got on our way. The only other stop was to change the movie later and when I thought I was going to turn off a movie because I thought they were sleeping. They perked up when the car stopped and we went on.
The most humerous moment of the trip was driving through Hedley, TX (home of one of those lovely smelling feedyards).
Alexis: Mom, I think I smell the bad robot from the movie's butt.
Me: Alexis are you supposed to say that word?
Alexis: No, but he's a bad robot and it stinks in here.
Me: Alexis, it's just because where we are driving is a smelly town.
It's quiet for a little while
Alexis: Mom, I smell Andrew, he stinks and it's a really bad diaper.
Me: Alexis, it's not Andrew either. Just wait a few minutes and we'll be through the town.
Alexis: making a frustrated noise. This is gross.
So we arrived with awake children that we convinced to go to sleep. Wednesday was supposed to be cooking day for me, but it also took a different turn.
Wednesday, Andrew's schedule was all out of whackk (hmm). So he took multiple naps. Alexis played with Riley, the neighbor's granddaughter whom she met this past summer while I was in Mexico. Then she went to cousin Sarah's basketball game, we took Andrew to the game about the time Sarah's big sis, Rachel, was bringing Alexis back which we found out after we got there. Andrew wanted the basketballs more than anything so we left after he tried to climb through the railing and went back and the kids (Alexis, Andrew and Becca) played for a while. Then after lunch and a short nap, we took Andrew to get his first haircut with Sherry Winegeart (she did my hair for our wedding)while Alexis was napping with Daddy. All in all he did pretty well, though a little wiggly. Then we had more play time with the neighbors. Riley's little brother came over to our place to play for a little bit and then when she was ready she came over and we went back to their place so that they could play with dress up clothes and trains. Then it was time for dinner, chilling out and bed for them and cooking for me.
I decided the cookies would be first. I gave the Avacado Green 1973 Sunbeam stand mixer the appreciation it desired after being tucked away under it's cover in a cabinet for quite a long time. It enjoyed every second of it's glass bowl spinning with the sweet smell of Spice cake mix mixing with egg, ginger and orange marmalade.
Then I started the first Orange Tree...I realized quickly that it was a good thing that I bought two sizes of the foam cones because I didn't have enough oranges to use the big ones. So I got the Oranges attached to the first one, finished the cookies and called it a night.
The next morning we were up fairly early. I added cloves and tulle to the first orange tree. Then we had some kid-wrangling to do before we sent them with Aunt Nancy and Uncle Windy over to the Urbanzcyk's to play with the cousins. I worked on the Sweet Potatoes, second Orange tree and odds and ends. Thanksgiving lunch was great. The kids ran off the food while the adults rested in their food comas throughout the day. Becca, Alexis, Brooklyn, Leisl, and Afton had a slumber party in the Urbanczyk basement with Lori braving it as their chaperone.
Friday the boys went shooting for a little while, the kids ran around playing and we packed to leave. We left right before the birthday fajitas for Rachel and Chan.
The ride home involved a few more stops. We stopped for gas, then for a snack, then because a little one REALLY REALLY needed to go, and later for another snack (though the kids could reach the cooler, they couldn't open it) and so on, but we made it home. They slept more on the way home too and Saturday was a very low key day of collecting Sadie and relaxing at home.
We started off with Finding Nemo. We drove until the Love's just before Wichita Falls like always, to top off the tank and for a potty break. Both kiddos did well...and considering Alexis' aversion to going when we tell her to go, I was impressed with her behavior. She definitely got a marble for that! She was very good about walking with me and not touching all of the goodies that this truck stop has to offer (seriously for those of you that haven't been there it has every thing from Subway to all the camo hunting gear you could want to candy to dolls and doll clothes - it's like bass pro shop, the american girl store backwoods version, Subway and typical convenience store all rolled into one) while I carried a shoeless footie pajamad Andrew. We got Rapunzel started while I took a few sips of energy drink, distributed a small car snack and got on our way. The only other stop was to change the movie later and when I thought I was going to turn off a movie because I thought they were sleeping. They perked up when the car stopped and we went on.
The most humerous moment of the trip was driving through Hedley, TX (home of one of those lovely smelling feedyards).
Alexis: Mom, I think I smell the bad robot from the movie's butt.
Me: Alexis are you supposed to say that word?
Alexis: No, but he's a bad robot and it stinks in here.
Me: Alexis, it's just because where we are driving is a smelly town.
It's quiet for a little while
Alexis: Mom, I smell Andrew, he stinks and it's a really bad diaper.
Me: Alexis, it's not Andrew either. Just wait a few minutes and we'll be through the town.
Alexis: making a frustrated noise. This is gross.
So we arrived with awake children that we convinced to go to sleep. Wednesday was supposed to be cooking day for me, but it also took a different turn.
Wednesday, Andrew's schedule was all out of whackk (hmm). So he took multiple naps. Alexis played with Riley, the neighbor's granddaughter whom she met this past summer while I was in Mexico. Then she went to cousin Sarah's basketball game, we took Andrew to the game about the time Sarah's big sis, Rachel, was bringing Alexis back which we found out after we got there. Andrew wanted the basketballs more than anything so we left after he tried to climb through the railing and went back and the kids (Alexis, Andrew and Becca) played for a while. Then after lunch and a short nap, we took Andrew to get his first haircut with Sherry Winegeart (she did my hair for our wedding)while Alexis was napping with Daddy. All in all he did pretty well, though a little wiggly. Then we had more play time with the neighbors. Riley's little brother came over to our place to play for a little bit and then when she was ready she came over and we went back to their place so that they could play with dress up clothes and trains. Then it was time for dinner, chilling out and bed for them and cooking for me.
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| Becca, Nana, Andrew & Alexis |
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| Fairy Alexis and Rapunzel Riley |
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| Pre-haircut: Andrew took a nap on a very fuzzy blanket and the dry air caused a very staticy bed head. |
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| haircut |
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| Thanks, Sherry, for making me look like a boy again.
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Then I started the first Orange Tree...I realized quickly that it was a good thing that I bought two sizes of the foam cones because I didn't have enough oranges to use the big ones. So I got the Oranges attached to the first one, finished the cookies and called it a night.
The next morning we were up fairly early. I added cloves and tulle to the first orange tree. Then we had some kid-wrangling to do before we sent them with Aunt Nancy and Uncle Windy over to the Urbanzcyk's to play with the cousins. I worked on the Sweet Potatoes, second Orange tree and odds and ends. Thanksgiving lunch was great. The kids ran off the food while the adults rested in their food comas throughout the day. Becca, Alexis, Brooklyn, Leisl, and Afton had a slumber party in the Urbanczyk basement with Lori braving it as their chaperone.
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| Orange "tree" |
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| Mark the Pony with Brooklyn, Leisl & Alexis |
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| Garett, aka Dad in training, with Brooklyn, Alexis and Leisl |
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| Alexis finally eating after all of the other kids have left the kids' table |
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| Back Row: Jerry, Carolyn, Sheri, Mark, Byron, Bradley, Chandler, Windy, Nancy Ruth, Garett, Stephanie, Lori, Grant, Andrew, Luke 2nd Row: Marvin, Rachel, Ivana, Madeleine, Shawn, Nana, Ronda, Me 3rd Row: Alek, Mason, Emerson, Becca, Jocelin, Leisl 4 yr olds in front: Afton, Brooklyn, Alexis |
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| The girls had their picture done in the tutu's Nana gave them for Christmas last year...I think Shawn got a better pic. |
The ride home involved a few more stops. We stopped for gas, then for a snack, then because a little one REALLY REALLY needed to go, and later for another snack (though the kids could reach the cooler, they couldn't open it) and so on, but we made it home. They slept more on the way home too and Saturday was a very low key day of collecting Sadie and relaxing at home.
Pre-Thanksgiving
Grant left for Thanksgiving the Friday before in order to help out and assess things since the hostess broke her leg and we knew we would just need to line up a few things before the kids arrived and made the house crazy.
In the meantime, that means I had the kiddos for the weekend at home without Daddy.
Friday night we dropped him off after a hurried haircut and dinner. We got home and Andrew and Alexis played for a little while before Andrew started his tired roaming...he has a tendency to grab lovey and roam around the house stopping to lay down or fuss every couple of minutes. He usually won't go to sleep if we try to put him down before reaching this stage. So I plopped him in bed, and started Alexis' routine and then she got to stay up and watch Cinderella which we didn't start until her regular bedtime.
This was a great plan until Saturday morning when well-rested Andrew woke up 45 minutes earlier than normal. Despite my efforts to keep him quiet, I believe his yelling to get him out of his wooden restraints after he threw all of his toys and blankets out had already started Alexis stirring. So Saturday, we were up and at 'em early with a trip to Walmart and a promise for donuts if they were good. So, I benefitted as well with a double chocolate donut from Dunkin. Then it was on to the park while still in PJ's in order to take an edge of the sugar high. So after some climbing, sliding and swinging, we headed back home so the kids could get dressed (now that they had wood chips and dirt on their PJ's) and for Andrew's nap. The rest of the day was a typical play day at our house with a little refereeing, but the behavior was a little better with the promise to play with friends as long as someone took a nap. Surprisingly, not only did we have decent naps that day but also quiet play time while I was cooking. I rewarded this with recording Tinkerbelle and the Great Fairy Rescue and Tinkerbelle and the Pixie Hollow Games. It really is rare to get both, quiet play and nap time, out of them, so Alexis earned a couple of marbles too.
We headed to visit some friends as we had a Sunday School class reunion with the Masons. We stayed late visiting and chatting and seeing the kids be crazy with the Spider Man mask. All in all it was a great night. We stayed a little later than the kids were used to and Andrew couldn't keep his eyes open while I put him in his pajamas. He couldn't even sit up when I was trying to adjust them. I haven't seen him in ragdoll state in a long time. I finally got Alexis settled down since she was still bouncing from seeing Emery, Marcella and Zoey and in bed and by that time I was tired.
Sunday, once again everyone was up early. We were ready to leave for church 30 minutes earlier than we needed to yet still managed to leave so that we got there just in time. Mema came over in the afternoon and we let the kids run around. That night because Alexis had been good all weekend, she got to sleep in the big bed. So we picked out the stuffed animals that got to come with. I unfortunately did not get as good a night's sleep as she did, but that was due to our dog who gets really bent out of shape when something is going on out of the ordinary...or when she starts seeing suitcases come out of the closet.
In the meantime, that means I had the kiddos for the weekend at home without Daddy.
Friday night we dropped him off after a hurried haircut and dinner. We got home and Andrew and Alexis played for a little while before Andrew started his tired roaming...he has a tendency to grab lovey and roam around the house stopping to lay down or fuss every couple of minutes. He usually won't go to sleep if we try to put him down before reaching this stage. So I plopped him in bed, and started Alexis' routine and then she got to stay up and watch Cinderella which we didn't start until her regular bedtime.
This was a great plan until Saturday morning when well-rested Andrew woke up 45 minutes earlier than normal. Despite my efforts to keep him quiet, I believe his yelling to get him out of his wooden restraints after he threw all of his toys and blankets out had already started Alexis stirring. So Saturday, we were up and at 'em early with a trip to Walmart and a promise for donuts if they were good. So, I benefitted as well with a double chocolate donut from Dunkin. Then it was on to the park while still in PJ's in order to take an edge of the sugar high. So after some climbing, sliding and swinging, we headed back home so the kids could get dressed (now that they had wood chips and dirt on their PJ's) and for Andrew's nap. The rest of the day was a typical play day at our house with a little refereeing, but the behavior was a little better with the promise to play with friends as long as someone took a nap. Surprisingly, not only did we have decent naps that day but also quiet play time while I was cooking. I rewarded this with recording Tinkerbelle and the Great Fairy Rescue and Tinkerbelle and the Pixie Hollow Games. It really is rare to get both, quiet play and nap time, out of them, so Alexis earned a couple of marbles too.
We headed to visit some friends as we had a Sunday School class reunion with the Masons. We stayed late visiting and chatting and seeing the kids be crazy with the Spider Man mask. All in all it was a great night. We stayed a little later than the kids were used to and Andrew couldn't keep his eyes open while I put him in his pajamas. He couldn't even sit up when I was trying to adjust them. I haven't seen him in ragdoll state in a long time. I finally got Alexis settled down since she was still bouncing from seeing Emery, Marcella and Zoey and in bed and by that time I was tired.
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| This was as still as I could get them |
Monday and Tuesday were typical trip prep days plus I bought the kids and I new shoes...it's a good thing I did. Alexis got boots and she LOVES them because they are soft and fuzzy and easy to get on and off. I took Andrew's to Panhandle just to show them because they have guitars all over them and since I left his other shoes on the floor at home when I put him in the car to travel, it was nice to have a pair even if they were a little big. The trip with the kids will be in the next post.
November 17, 2011
Tired
So, when Alexis gets tired, she refuses to admit it, but see this video for yourself of what becomes of her when she's tired. I know some of you have already seen this from when I posted it on FB.
We had just finished The Art of Marriage conference and were heading home...Alexis knew this as "special church play day". She had gone to bed late the night before because we had our first sessions the night before and she had begged to sleep in Andrew's room (she even offered to just sleep on his floor) so we moved her mattress in his room and let her try it. They were both so exhausted by sometime after 10 they slept fine but woke up just as they would a normal day. It was a long, but great weekend for us and exhausting for the kids.
P.S. We have yet to buy more socks.
We had just finished The Art of Marriage conference and were heading home...Alexis knew this as "special church play day". She had gone to bed late the night before because we had our first sessions the night before and she had begged to sleep in Andrew's room (she even offered to just sleep on his floor) so we moved her mattress in his room and let her try it. They were both so exhausted by sometime after 10 they slept fine but woke up just as they would a normal day. It was a long, but great weekend for us and exhausting for the kids.
P.S. We have yet to buy more socks.
A day with Alexis
Alexis and I planned to have a fun day together.
Started the day with watching Strawberry Shortcake.
We moved on to the park to play.
Then we went to Color Me Mine.
Then we met Mema at Steak n' Shake for lunch. We ate way too much and got yummy milkshake treats.
Then Alexis went to Mema's for a while in the afternoon.
After all of that, Mema met us at church for play time for the kids while Grant and I attended a conference. After the first night of the conference, Alexis and Andrew got to have a slumber party in Andrew's room.
Started the day with watching Strawberry Shortcake.
We moved on to the park to play.
Then we went to Color Me Mine.
Then we met Mema at Steak n' Shake for lunch. We ate way too much and got yummy milkshake treats.
Then Alexis went to Mema's for a while in the afternoon.
After all of that, Mema met us at church for play time for the kids while Grant and I attended a conference. After the first night of the conference, Alexis and Andrew got to have a slumber party in Andrew's room.
Andrew at 18 months
Favorites:
Food: Chocolate - M & M's, brownies, Oreos
Toys: Balls, cars
Activities: Jumping, climbing
Here's a video of me wanting brownies for breakfast...stopped crying after mommy walked away.
Least favorites:
Food: Meat
Toys: nothing, he likes them all
Activities: getting clean
Stats:
Height: 32 in (50%)
Weight: 25 lbs (40%)
Head Circumference: 47.5 cm (50%)
General:
I'm cute and I like to laugh and run and climb and dance.
Food: Chocolate - M & M's, brownies, Oreos
Toys: Balls, cars
Activities: Jumping, climbing
Here's a video of me wanting brownies for breakfast...stopped crying after mommy walked away.
Least favorites:
Food: Meat
Toys: nothing, he likes them all
Activities: getting clean
Stats:
Height: 32 in (50%)
Weight: 25 lbs (40%)
Head Circumference: 47.5 cm (50%)
General:
I'm cute and I like to laugh and run and climb and dance.
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