Random Christmas confessions...
- I love Christmas, and I am getting excited as I prepare for all of the celebrations.
- Today, I pulled all of the Christmas mugs out. These are one of my favorite decorations, perhaps because they are useful too!
- Sometimes, as the holiday approaches, I long for a space to decorate nicely and host fun things. I get irritated when I hear complaints of people having to host, when I would love this more than anything (although I do realize it is not every one's gifting!). Maybe someday...
- Every year, I deliberate on whether or not to string popcorn. It looks quaint, but then it gets stale and stinks up the house (and my three-year-old would probably try to eat it all off the tree).
-Wheaton's store is one of my favorite places to be while Christmas shopping...the country Christmas decorations, all of the candle smells, lights, fudge...
- It is hard for me not to spoil my kids (and everyone else I know) at Christmas, even though I know I shouldn't, don't have the money, and realize that gifts are only a small part of Christmas. I just LOVE thinking of people and buying fun gifts.
- Personally, I am looking forward to Josiah's new toys...I am soooo bored of the ones he has now!
- I miss making Christmas decorations...a part of my past that seems to have gotten lost in the busyness of having small children (and a heart problem).
- One of my traditions has been an advent calendar, where I store Bible verses to be read each day, and sometimes other surprises such as treats, small gifts, crafts to be completed, games to be played, books to be read, movies to be watched, giving missions to be completed, etc... This is one of the things I look forward to most.
- I miss teaching, and getting two weeks off at Christmas. All that is in me anticipates a greatly deserved break that won't happen.
- I enjoy watching Christmas movies, as well as all of the Anne of Green Gables movies (this was easier before I had kids as it can take a while!).
- I bought the Doug and Melissa wooden nativity set for the boys this year, and I am looking forward to setting it up and retelling the Christmas story.
- There are a few people on my list who seem challenging to buy for, and they always seem to be the last gifts I purchase. I vow every year that I will find the perfect gift...and I don't think I ever have!
- I secretly listen to Christmas music because Chris doesn't like it played too early, only this year, he found out (and he was also listening early!).
- I am finding the Santa dilemma hard. Josiah called him the Christmas man- too cute! It is difficult when older people ask him who is coming, or if Santa will bring him presents. It plants ideas in his head that I'm not sure how to correct. I don't want him to be a 'spoiler' for other kids who believe this way, but I don't want him believing in this either. Seems too complicated for a three-year-old to sort out.
- I am excited for Elwin's first Christmas!
- I am feeling sad for some who are heading into this holiday with heavy losses on their hearts.
- I used to be great at sending Christmas cards and pictures...now I really have good intentions, but my list has grown shorter every year. I love this tradition and feel that it is dying out a little from when I was a kid, when Christmas cards would fill mantles and wrap around doorways.
- Although Chris thinks I am a snooper, I have only ever peeked at one Christmas gift. When I was a kid, and I saw the wrapping paper peeling at one end (after vigourously shaking and investigation- I am not claiming total innocence on this one!), I looked in and saw IQ2000 (the board game of the year!). It was quite disappointing on Christmas morning, and I had to pretend to be excited, and I'm not a good liar. But every year, Chris hides my present (usually away from our house!) because he thinks I'll peek.
- This year, we are going to my childhood home for Christmas, and I am so excited about this! I love being there, and visiting with family members I don't get to see often enough.
- In the midst of housework and dirty diapers, shopping and baking, planning and running, I am looking forward to stealing away quiet moments to reflect and give thanks for everything this holiday means to us.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Five Months
Today, Elwin is five months old. We have greatly enjoyed getting to know him and watching him grow. He is calm and sweet. His dimples pop and his eyes sparkle when you take the time to talk to him.
Here are a few recent pictures:
His lopsided grin...
His great interest in everything we do...
His total disdain for getting dressed to go...
His love of sitting in the double stroller with Josiah...
His obsessive thumb sucking...
His painful teething bouts...
His tumbles from his big brother's arms...
His monkey-toed PJ's...
His celery 'snacks'...
His first snow...
His love of stories...
His sheer joy at being naked...
His willingness to play 'Baby Moses' in a drama created by Josiah...
(just one step away from the pond!)
Elwin has filled our home with new joy. Even Josiah calls him 'sweet baby' because there is just no better way to describe him.
At his check-up last week, he weighed 19 lbs. 11 oz., and was 28 1/4 inches long. He is in 9-12 month clothing, and on his last box of size 3 diapers before we get size four. He is growing strong, and learning to do lots of new things.
He can easily grab and hold toys (and hair!). He tries to get his socks and shoes off, and then sucks on them, or on his toes. Elwin also is trying to pull himself up to a sitting position. Although he can roll over, he doesn't seem to enjoy this motion, so it doesn't happen very often! When held, Elwin jumps like crazy.
Elwin is curious about food, and likes to gnaw on raw vegetables to help with his teething pain. He hates taking medicine, and comes up with new strategies all the time for how to spit it out. Oh, and he is blowing raspberries!
His love of music shines through every day. Yesterday, he sang along in church...so cute!
And that is a peek at our boy at five months!
Here are a few recent pictures:
His lopsided grin...
His great interest in everything we do...
His total disdain for getting dressed to go...
His love of sitting in the double stroller with Josiah...
His obsessive thumb sucking...
His painful teething bouts...
His tumbles from his big brother's arms...
His monkey-toed PJ's...
His celery 'snacks'...
His first snow...
His love of stories...
His sheer joy at being naked...
His willingness to play 'Baby Moses' in a drama created by Josiah...
(just one step away from the pond!)
Elwin has filled our home with new joy. Even Josiah calls him 'sweet baby' because there is just no better way to describe him.
At his check-up last week, he weighed 19 lbs. 11 oz., and was 28 1/4 inches long. He is in 9-12 month clothing, and on his last box of size 3 diapers before we get size four. He is growing strong, and learning to do lots of new things.
He can easily grab and hold toys (and hair!). He tries to get his socks and shoes off, and then sucks on them, or on his toes. Elwin also is trying to pull himself up to a sitting position. Although he can roll over, he doesn't seem to enjoy this motion, so it doesn't happen very often! When held, Elwin jumps like crazy.
Elwin is curious about food, and likes to gnaw on raw vegetables to help with his teething pain. He hates taking medicine, and comes up with new strategies all the time for how to spit it out. Oh, and he is blowing raspberries!
His love of music shines through every day. Yesterday, he sang along in church...so cute!
And that is a peek at our boy at five months!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I'm not sure about you, but I find myself less inclined to buy new things these days. A lot of stuff seems to break very quickly.
For example, I am on my third whisk this year. They have ranged from $1.00-$10 each, and the quality hasn't seemed to vary much. They have all broken within three months. This constant waste of money and uncertainty of what to buy has prompted me to start sharing some of the things I buy that I am happy with.
Here is one that I am loving:
It is the Wilton muffin/cake carrying case. You can use it to store baked goods or take them with you to potlucks, etc... The muffin tray come out and I have even put veggie platters in it to take out. It also holds a 9x13 cake perfectly. I love how it locks and has handles to carry- makes it easy to take along with car seat, purse, diaper bag, etc...
Because I have only had it for a few months, I can't tell how long it will last. But is seems to be made really well, and hasn't been compromised yet.
It retails for $29.99 at Michael's, but I got it for $18 with a printable online coupon. Great value!
For example, I am on my third whisk this year. They have ranged from $1.00-$10 each, and the quality hasn't seemed to vary much. They have all broken within three months. This constant waste of money and uncertainty of what to buy has prompted me to start sharing some of the things I buy that I am happy with.
Here is one that I am loving:
It is the Wilton muffin/cake carrying case. You can use it to store baked goods or take them with you to potlucks, etc... The muffin tray come out and I have even put veggie platters in it to take out. It also holds a 9x13 cake perfectly. I love how it locks and has handles to carry- makes it easy to take along with car seat, purse, diaper bag, etc...
Because I have only had it for a few months, I can't tell how long it will last. But is seems to be made really well, and hasn't been compromised yet.
It retails for $29.99 at Michael's, but I got it for $18 with a printable online coupon. Great value!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
This week has been rough. The boys both ended up getting sick last week, and then it seemed to clear up. Then, on Sunday, Josiah started burning up again and saying his throat hurt. I took him to an after hours clinic, where he threw up all over the examination room. The doctor lacked professionalism in so many ways, that I will be sure to ask if he is working before I book any more appointments there. He was much more concerned with gossip and family business than my sick kid, so I'm not sure how much stock to put into his diagnosis, but he thinks Josiah has a throat infection. I am more inclined to believe he has tonsillitis, but I may be wrong.
Last night, he was up for most of the night screaming, so I am feeling tired today, and he is too. We have been in the house a lot and have missed many outings and activities, and I know he is feeling stir-crazy, but I know he needs rest. I have taken him on a couple of walks for fresh air, but I don't know if that is helping either.
It's so hard to know what to do, or when to go for a second opinion. I am trying to be patient and see how tonight goes, because it will mark the 48 hours on antibiotics, so there should be some changes. In the meantime, I am taking a lot of oil of oregano, washing my hands, and trying to keep Josiah out of Elwin's face. Oh, and desperately hoping for more sleep tonight!
Last night, he was up for most of the night screaming, so I am feeling tired today, and he is too. We have been in the house a lot and have missed many outings and activities, and I know he is feeling stir-crazy, but I know he needs rest. I have taken him on a couple of walks for fresh air, but I don't know if that is helping either.
It's so hard to know what to do, or when to go for a second opinion. I am trying to be patient and see how tonight goes, because it will mark the 48 hours on antibiotics, so there should be some changes. In the meantime, I am taking a lot of oil of oregano, washing my hands, and trying to keep Josiah out of Elwin's face. Oh, and desperately hoping for more sleep tonight!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Lately,
I have been...
...dealing with sick people in my house.
...trying to figure out how to clean vomit out of Bo, Josiah's favorite stuffed animal. I have soaked, hand-washed, sprayed, scrubbed, sunned and 'dryered' him, and he still smells. I think I am gearing up for a total re-stuffing operation!
...reading a lot.
...waiting to hear about my heart surgery. Still no news or timeline.
...longing for simplicity.
...trying to take pictures of simple things that I never want to forget.
...starting to think about Christmas.
...gearing up for snow.
...doing poorly on my diet!
...very thankful to have attended a Robin Mark concert with Chris, and know that my kids were well taken care of by sweet friends. We have not gotten out much since Elwin was born because it is so hard for me to leave a newborn with teenagers.
...selling things on a local classified sight that we don't need. This has been a great way to de-clutter, except for all of the no-shows!
...doing a ton of laundry. I don't think this chore will get lighter anytime soon.
...finding it hard to talk on the phone or stay in touch, and wishing I had more time for this.
...realizing that I like being home more with two kids than I did with one. Even though it is a bit lonely, it is much easier.
...doing lots of crafts with Josiah.
...making Elwin laugh. It is so adorable!
...dealing with sick people in my house.
...trying to figure out how to clean vomit out of Bo, Josiah's favorite stuffed animal. I have soaked, hand-washed, sprayed, scrubbed, sunned and 'dryered' him, and he still smells. I think I am gearing up for a total re-stuffing operation!
...reading a lot.
...waiting to hear about my heart surgery. Still no news or timeline.
...longing for simplicity.
...trying to take pictures of simple things that I never want to forget.
...starting to think about Christmas.
...gearing up for snow.
...doing poorly on my diet!
...very thankful to have attended a Robin Mark concert with Chris, and know that my kids were well taken care of by sweet friends. We have not gotten out much since Elwin was born because it is so hard for me to leave a newborn with teenagers.
...selling things on a local classified sight that we don't need. This has been a great way to de-clutter, except for all of the no-shows!
...doing a ton of laundry. I don't think this chore will get lighter anytime soon.
...finding it hard to talk on the phone or stay in touch, and wishing I had more time for this.
...realizing that I like being home more with two kids than I did with one. Even though it is a bit lonely, it is much easier.
...doing lots of crafts with Josiah.
...making Elwin laugh. It is so adorable!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Costumes
Josiah had a costume party at his preschool, and the boys visited a couple of people on Halloween night in these outfits:
Josiah was not interested in wearing a costume at all, but he really wanted Elwin to go as a pig. I was talking to my cousin and she suggested making Josiah a farmer or rancher and he went for it! Although I was not able to find a manly pig costume for Elwin, he made a pretty sweet little cow!
Josiah was not interested in wearing a costume at all, but he really wanted Elwin to go as a pig. I was talking to my cousin and she suggested making Josiah a farmer or rancher and he went for it! Although I was not able to find a manly pig costume for Elwin, he made a pretty sweet little cow!
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