Big Big Big School

(We've been talking about his school since I got back) So, Owen just informed me he'll be fine at big school on his own. And when he goes to college he and his friend will have bunk beds in their room. And to think I am worried about kindergarten.

** he desperately wants bunk beds, it seems he has finally come to grips with the fact he will not have them in this house. we already have two perfectly nice twin beds that do not bunk :( looks like it may be part of his criteria for choosing a college.

Big School

Today I attended an Open House (for parents) at Owen's future elementary school. I think about him going to kindergarten this the fall on a daily basis. Probably more often b/c his preschool is right across the street. I am definitely going to be one of those crying moms. Which surprises me a little. I think I would be okay if it were only for half day. He will be at school from 7:45-2:05 five days a week. I know he'll love it and he wishes he could go tomorrow. It's just going to be a huge adjustment.
I was very impressed with the principal and all the faculty that spoke. The whole kindergarten class performed numerous songs about what they've learned and what they like about school. The school has a diverse student body, an excellent PTA and reputation. We are very fortunate!
I can hardly believe Owen will be on that stage a year from now. I am the parent of an kindergartner! How did this happen?

2 New Ones

I am loving this! Click here for more details and samples.

God is good

From a friends blog.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Big Day
Well, we will not delay the news. We have Walter,and he is wonderful. We woke Monday morning in Beijing very early. Our bus didn't leave for airport till 5:30 am, but we were both up much sooner than that. We arrived in Chongqing a little before noon, and we were able to go to our hotel to relax for about an hour. At 1:30 pm our guide Frank met us and we went to the ministry of adoption affairs. We walked into the lobby of the office not knowing what to expect, and there sitting on the sofa, with his nanny was Walt. We both recognized him at once, and his nanny brought him over to us. She held him and we started talking to him, and we were both trying not to cry. A few moments later, she put him in Bill's arms and they started to bond right away. Walt is a just a few days past his 1 year birthday, and he looks perfect. They did a wonderful job repairing his cleft lip, and he already has 4 teeth - two on the bottom and two on the top. He was dressed in a pair of red pants and a yellow jacket. We were able to feed him his first bottle while we were getting the paperwork signed, and then we were out the door. Walt went right to sleep on the ride back to the room, but once we got back to the room he let it be known that he was not happy.For a little guy, he has a loud set of pipes. He screamed loud and hard for about two hours. We finally settled him down, and then Walt found out what it meant to be American. We had brought some Gerbers Sweet Potatos with us from the states, and when Walt tasted his first Yam his demeanor did a complete flip. He ate the yams like the they were going out of style, and then he had a dinner of fried rice with ham and a fried egg. After that, he was pooped, and so were we. We all went to sleep about 9:00 pm, and Walt slept through till 4:30 when we all got up and started to play.This morning, Walt has had a bath, read a book, played with a truck, had two bottles and eaten breakfast with Mama and Daddy. We have several pictures of all of this to post, but we haven't been able to get to a computer to upload the images yet. Hopefully soon. What we would like everyone to know is that Walt is happy, healthy little boy is the apple of his parents eye. He is looking forward to meeting everybody when he gets home, and we thank everyone for everything. We will hopefully get the pictures posted soon.

Alex's Birthday

Today is my brother in-laws birthday. Last night my sister threw him a surprise party at a local brewery. He was totally surprised until the hostess asked if they were here for the birthday party :( Boo! Never the less he was thrilled and had a great time. Our boys had fun working the crowd!

Alex, you are a wonderful addition to our family. We hope you had a fantastic day!

Tiger Woods Watch Out

EJ's dad has decided he wants Owen to be the next Tiger Woods. He bought him this set for Christmas. I told him he would have to finance the pro and practice. We'll see. Right now his technique is a cross between hockey, golf and sweeping. Maybe he could make just as much money with the invention of a new sport!

21 months

Our parrot- he is trying to repeat most words we say. A lot with success which always catches us by surprise. He has just recently started saying Owen, sometimes its just O, but he can say the whole thing. He occasionally strings words together, for example, "want more juice"

He plays really well by himself. Often for more than an hour at a time. This seems crazy to me. We often find him among a pile of books, just reading to himself. He has a great attention span and will sit and color or play play-doh for as long as Owen.

He is super sweet and lovable to almost everyone even strangers. But he can also throw a good tantrum and produce crocodile tears within seconds. He is really strong for his size and I already struggle to buckle him in his seat if he is not willing.

Owen's words this morning "Mason loves eggs, dogs and praying" How great would it be to be Mason :) He does love to pray and reminds us as soon as we are all seated. His version of praying is holding hands, bowing his head and mumbling some unrecognizable words.

He seldom just walks, it is more like a horse gallop.

His 2 year birthday will be here before we know it. I forgot how much patience toddlers require. A different kind of patience, and I am not doing it well. It has only just begun!

Logo

I created this logo several months ago for the women's minstry at our church. I have recently been doing more print products using the logo. My brain loves the challenge. The t2 is for Titus 2.

Meeting Walt

Friends of mine are traveling to China today to meet their son Walt and bring him home! They will be returning in early March. This has been a long wait and the Lord is gracious. Praise Him and pray for them!

Playing Baby

Mason has played so hard this morning. I love watching him play when he is on his own. He loves it. He won't even stop for a snack. I had to capture him saying "baby" on video. The word is usually so drawn out. He actually says it a lot b/c that is what he calls his special blanket. This morning, however, he is referring to our cabbage patch doll. Owen has claimed the boy doll the past 2 days so Mason is thoroughly enjoying having him all to himself. (playing with dolls occurs occasionally, evidently this is the week). As a mom of 2 boys, I consider this a treat! I am sure it wouldn't be if I did it everyday;)
I am thankful for slow mornings like this when I can enjoy just one of my babies.

For all you moms out there who get tired of putting your kids shoes on. It still probably doesn't take this much effort:) (He says baby at the end)

Heart to Heart

Last night at the boy's bedtime I choose to read to Owen (EJ and I each do one boy) because I really felt crummy for our day and thought he really just needed some extra attention from me. We cuddled on his bed, read from a library book and then discussed Col 3:12-13.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

I mention this b/c he actually seemed receptive. I talked about how I had not done those things today and that he had not done those things towards his brother. Then we repeated part of it together and I prayed. He actually looked like he was listening (this is not usually the case).
During part of our conversation he confessed he was fighting with Mason b/c he was bored. So we both agreed I would do a better job keeping him busy. I am so proud of him for articulating his feelings and so far today has gone much more smoothly.

After his quiet time we are going to make a menu for his restaurant. He has been a chef like the one we watched at the Japanese Steakhouse. He has been flipping plastic food all over the house. I plan to sneak "school" into the making of the menu :)

After putting the kids to bed last night, EJ and I had a good heart to heart about my upcoming Dr. appointment concerning my jaw. It was so nice to lay it all out there. I felt much better.

To be Mason

I was not feeling good (neck/jaw) this morning, well, all day to be exact. This cute boy gave me a much needed laugh. Sadly, the boys have argued almost all day long. I don't know if they are worse than normal or if it is just because I have felt awful. They did not get the best of me today.

While I am complaining :) Making Dr. appts and scheduling child care stinks! I feel like I always give the longest pause when trying to set up an appt. Maybe my second business should be babysitting during the day for people who have Dr. appts. I am afraid I've exceeded the generosity of my usual friends.

Valentine's Day

EJ and I had a wonderful weekend together. It's nice to "get away" as a couple, but I think its even nicer to be alone in your own home. (But I think it made us miss the boys more too. Seeing all their empty rooms, toys etc.) They had a great time at my parents. My mom even brought them back today. We are spoiled!

Mostly we enjoyed catching up with each other and spending time in the peace and quiet. It allowed me to get all decked out for our party. Painting nails, toenails, curling my hair. It was fun. The Dance was lovely. A group of friends that meet weekly for a bible study came up with the idea and did an awesome job. They are already planning to make it an annual event. Neither of us really got into a dancing mode. No big surprise there :) But we did reminisce about past dances and dance parties at college. (Afterall, we must always mention the 625 floor breaking)

I wore the dress from my sister's wedding. I received lots of compliments. Many ladies commented that they wished they'd worn their long dressy dress. I don't know if they were complimenting me or trying to make me feel better for being too fancy. Oh, well! Yes, I am wearing a coursage and it was a big topic of conversation. When EJ gave it to me, he said, "you realize you'll be the only one wearing one." He was wrong. I had a coursage wearing buddy, Elizabeth, who looked stunning in a fancy long dress. Looks like we were on the same page :)

A Valentine's Day weekend to remember!

Boys and their Toys

After going out to a very delightful breakfast we went and picked up EJ's new mower. He is very excited. Can you tell he is so glad that I took his picture for the blog?

Nerna's birthday

We had a delicious dinner last night at a Japanese Steak House. It was funny watching the boy's reactions to the chef. The difference in their personalities really comes out. Owen doesn't look by phased by any of it and Mason was very curious.

We all had guesses for the very green ice cream Nerna received for her birthday freebie. Turned out it was Green Tea.

School Party

Working on his craft project. (See Mason in the back to the far left.)

Not what I had in mind

Well, the cookie baking, not so fun. Owen was not interested. The dough too sticky for cutting out into hearts and Mason woke up early from his nap. I almost threw the whole thing away, but am settling for round cookies with sprinkles. They'll still taste the same although I wasted way too much time.

Full van

It was fun looking back at 4 children in my van.

I overheard Owen tell his friend he was going to his grandma's house today. She said, "where does she live?" Owen said, "far away, I think Texas" thank goodness that is not true. They have such cute conversations.

Full of fun

Today and tomorrow are going to be so fun.

Mason and I will join Owen at school for his Valentine's day party.
Two friends are joining us for lunch. One is Owen's age the other Mason's age.
Owen and I will make heart cookies after his quiet time.
Then we are off for a birthday dinner for Nerna (95 years yesterday)
The boys will be spending two nights with my parents.
We'll have the place to ourselves most of the weekend and our only plans are going to a Valentine's Day dance tomorrow night. I am actually reusing a bridesmaid's dress (and they say it can't be done) I might be a bit too fancy, but who cares ;)

I am a tiny bit sad about not seeing the boys on Valentine's day, but I know they don't care. I am packing a little something for mom to give them tomorrow. They'll have way more fun with their grandparents anyway.

Seriously?

Is Mason's hand really that big? Will he really be 21 months old in a few short days? Please could he stop growing. He is now at the perfect size and age for giving the best hugs when I hold him. He fits perfectly and is old enough to wrap his arms and legs around tightly. AHH, the best!

You would think not eating his vegetables could keep him smaller. Doesn't seem to be the case with Mason.

My little cupid

Whose bright idea was it to give Mason a red marker? Hmm, clearly I was not thinking. He was in his high chair how much damage could he do? Not too much actually, although his hand got it good. My second mistake was discovering it was a non washable marker. Thank goodness he had on short sleeves so he couldn't put it up his sleeve. Oh well, at least he'll be festive for Valentine's Day and it could work for Friday the 13th too.

Blown around

I thought it would be a nice day to walk around one of our open-air malls. Too bad it was soooo windy. The 60 degrees didn't feel like 60. Oh well, I still got to use a gift card from Christmas and the boys had a picnic lunch at the food court with an Auntie Ann's pretzel treat!

This afternoon for "school" Owen practiced reading and writing his numbers outside with chalk. eleventeen (11) and twoteen (12) sounds good don't you think? I mean if 16 is sixteen and seventeen is 17 :) Can you tell we have Valentine's day on our minds?

Bare feet and shorts

Enjoying the nice weather!

I haven't felt very inspired in my blogging lately. I hope it comes back soon!

"I love...

....I love Eggs Eggs Eggs" This is the name of a song my little cousin wrote and use to sing all the time. I think of it so much b/c one of Mason's favorite foods in eggs. Yesterday, EJ let him help beat the eggs. EJ is much braver than me. And Mason did sneak a taste. Gross!

Good Ol' Boys

We borrowed a friend's pickup truck on Saturday. The family lives a good drive away, so the boys thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Mason's first ride in a truck :)

Tricks up his sleeve

We might have a magician on our hands. Every time Owen colors and the kitchen counter, Mason wants to join him. He really is too young, but he is happy in his high chair and that is fine with me. He colors for about a minute and then sticks the crayons up his sleeve. He can fit quite a few up there and he thinks its pretty funny. It doesn't take much.

Changing?

You don't have to spend too much time with me before realizing how much I enjoy my sleep. Ironically I am the best sleeper of my family (parents and sister). I really shouldn't ever complain to them. And it has also been mentioned too many times on this blog. Well, I am embarrassed to write all the variables I changed last night with Mason in an effort to get good sleep. Who knows if any were the real reason he slept all night. Fortunately my husband is so gracious to my obsession and just rolls with it. I am sure it will effect my children somehow and it will be mentioned in counseling when they are older :) But EJ was sweet to say I am better than I use to be. I don't take this compliment lightly. This is a good thing. I know it to be true because after a full nights sleep last night, I woke up realizing I got a lot less praying done and actually missed my extra time with the Lord. Hopefully this will encourage me to do more praying throughout my days! (Baby steps)

Good Ending

A nice way to end the day. Reading a bedtime story by the fire.

(I couldn't figure out how to keep the photo dark, so it looks as warm and cozy as the room really does, but bright enough to see) Just use your imagination!

Tripping over my feet

We were on survival mode today. Last night topped the charts on the least amount of sleep since children. There probably have been worse but my brain is no good today. Thankfully EJ took the day off so we could take turns catching up a bit. I managed a 1 and 2 hour nap today which for my napping habits is great.
We were up mostly with Mason and then Owen graced us with his presence b/c of a stomach ache and some dry heaving. (sorry) Fortunately neither appear to have a stomach bug! Mason only has a cold according to the Dr. and an unidentifiable rash. The Dr. said he we shouldn't worry about the rash unless it appears uncomfortable. hmm. Could that be the cause of Mason's 5 minute naps per hour last night?
I can't wait for what tonight holds for us. I have given into the fact that Mason doesn't sleep with congestion. Much like an adult, but we just do a better job of pretending to sleep :) You would think he'd just be exhausted enough. Let's hope!
On the positive side, it was so nice having EJ around! Owen appears totally fine. They are both outside in the 30 degrees burning off some of his steam.

Thankful

The weather today was just what the Dr. ordered. With 6 more weeks of winter predicted, I am thrilled for this special treat. We all needed some fresh warm air.
Owen was home from school today b/c of a public school teacher workday. We meet EJ at the playground for a picnic lunch. My camera battery died so I only got a few shots.

Then this afternoon we went for a walk/bike ride. Owen is finally riding his bigger bike. I thought the day would never come.

A little T-ball anyone?
Mason all about making tough faces and noises, hoping no one will notice he is 3 years younger :)

Tomorrow's forecast is looking grim. So we made the most of it.

Drummer Boy

Does anyone remember the opening scene in Mary Poppins? The character Bert (Dick Van Dyke), is playing a crazy drum/every kind of instrument thing in the park. Well, this reminded me of that movie and thought it was funny. (our new drum, just in case we didn't have enough)

Time with Family

Yesterday we had the memorial service and burial for my grandfather. Our family felt very loved by all who came to pay their respects and for those who helped with the reception following. The funeral home did an amazing job. They made this awesome collage as well as a slide show/dvd for my grandmother to keep.

We had family and friends travel as far as Tennessee. Plus in attendance was at least 3 of PawPaw's caretakers that helped my parents and grandmother through such a difficult time.

I obviously didn't get many pictures, but those these 2 were worth posting.


Mason kept everyone entertained. One of my mom's cousins brought some toys that her kids used to play with. Fortunately she didn't break out the loud toys until most of the guests left.

My most favorite men, EJ, Alex (brother in-law)and Dad.