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.
 |
| She asked the lady "why does it tickle?" |
 |
| giggles and glee |
 |
| 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. :-)
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