Ringing in 2010

Friends are coming to town tomorrow to help us and the Ayers (we'll miss the Young family) ring in the new year. It's our turn to host the 3rd annual celebration. The boys are so excited. They keep chanting "we want Joshua." With 6 kids among us we opted to stay home, but with such great friends we've got no complaints! Besides the 20 and 30 temps are enough to keep me inside until March :(

Roommates

On Saturday our baby moved in with his big brother and the empty nursery will soon have a crib again! As if I didn't have enough emotions going on, with our big Christmas present and the post Christmas Day blues. But they were so excited. What a blessing. The novelty still has not worn off, but I am sure it will hit sooner than later.
Owen's door has this "nameplate" on it, made by Courtney from a beach trip long before Mason was even born. And so Owen insisted that Mason has one too. He made it all by himself. So cute!
The boys each got bed tents for Christmas. Thanks Mim! They love them. It makes reading bed time stories a little challenging ;)
They are doing great so far. Naps are the trickiest, but once Owen goes back to school it won't really matter. They were awake and chatting this morning around 6. I hope that ends soon!
Next on the list, potty training! UGH!

Our reaction

Yes, we opened the card in front of all our family. It was the first present opened by an adult.

I have been pondering for 3 days how much to say about my reaction, but I know you are all wondering and some of you possibly avoiding me for this very reason :)

I'd love to say it was one of super excitement. As much as we assumed the baby was a boy, evidently a big part of us (EJ and me) was still holding out for a girl.

It's not that we are sad for another boy, I actually haven't begun to process what that will be like! Boys are so fun and I am happy to have another one for lots of reasons. I pray they will be the best of friends! It's actually just sadness that we won't have a daughter. (Yes, folks this is it. My body is done. Don't ask me how women have 12+ children, or 4 for that matter, but my body can not.)

Anyway, in my disappointment I have come to some great realizations and have learned a lot about myself. The experiences a mother assumes she will have with a daughter (tea parties, prom dress shopping, wedding, 1st baby, weekly phone calls, late night chats etc.) are not promised to us just because we have a girl. A daughter might not choose to do any of those things, or may choose not to involve her mother anyway. There is also no guarantee for that perfect mother and daughter relationship (which doesn't exist anyway). It's easy to glamorize what we don't have! And from what I've heard the hair curling, tights and bows and extra tears aren't so fun ;)

And so in our disappointment, which EJ and I have dealt very little with together (God is gracious), we consider ourselves blessed to be having another child. There are so many people longing for children of their own, how can we be disappointed!

We look forward to meeting this little guy and can't wait to see what he looks like and what his personality will be like.

You can bet, I will be praying for awesome nieces, daughter -in laws and granddaughters and for grown sons who call home and visit a lot!

And on a lighter note the difference between EJ and I...
he is excited he won't have to make preparations (nusery, etc) and I am sad:) No planning? What will we do while we wait? (the master bath, which he suggested, is definitely out of the question!)

Christmas Morning

Christmas Day seemed to go by so fast, but yet we took it slow and enjoyed ourselves. Even preparing breakfast and dinner was a breeze with so many people to help.
Owen was most excited to see what was in his stocking. He was definitely the fastest at unwrapping presents. Mason on the other hand enjoyed unwrapping, opening each toy and actually playing with them before moving on to the next one.

I didn't get many good pictures, most were blurry from excitement, but here are some that turned out okay.

Breakfast

Mason and Sir

Sand art with Mim

Mom got a Wii and Wii Fit.
That kept us entertained the rest of the afternoon.

Mom playing Wii fit with both boys.Just had to take a picture before it was all over.

I was sad to see it all end. I still am for that matter.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We had a wonderful day. I can't believe it's all over.

Christmas Eve

We had a lovely Christmas Eve. EJ was home from work early!!! My parents arrived around 2:30. We went to church at 4 and then to my sister's house for dinner with her husband's family.

Mason was too busy playing with this Little People Christmas set to stop and eat dinner.It's usually at my parent's house, but since we didn't go this year she brought it for Christmas Eve.

Then back to our house for "The Night Before Christmas" and a little adult hang out time.

Get Ready for the...

Oh, Boy! It's a Boy!

Merry Christmas!
Love the Fogartys

The Jefferson

Mim arrived yesterday after sitting in lots of traffic :( With her came a ton of presents and so now the Christmas crazies are in full effect. I can't imagine what tomorrow will be like. (I have kept all the presents in the basement so far b/c I didn't want them to be a constant temptation.)
We took Mim to The Jefferson Hotel today for "Music at Midday" in the Rotunda. I wasn't sure if the music would be appropriate, we mostly went to check out the annual Gingerbread creation and Christmas decorations. This year they had an enormous sandcastle. My pictures turned out horrible, but you get the point. Mim's hair looks ridicuously high, but its actually part of the sandcastle in the background.
The music was lovely, but the boys only lasted through 3 songs. We had a great spot in the balcony that was far enough away that I wasn't constantly worried about our noises etc. They did great.

The Excitment

This year will be my first ever Christmas Eve and Morning not at my parents house. In all my 31 years, amazing, right? I am so excited for everything to be at our house, but also a little sad we won't all wake up in the same house all together. My parents will be staying Christmas Eve with my sister and her husband.
So as part of the preparations we have been discussing just how early my poor family has to come over in order not to miss anything. I have been trying to formulate a plan to help delay their arrival time. (Owen is almost always up by 7)
I asked Owen if he thought he'd be too excited to watch a show Christmas morning before opening presents. I'd love to say that I said something religious sounding, like a Christmas devotional, but unfortunately I know that would not work in our house, not yet anyway. About the only thing that would work is a show. His response was so funny I had to write it down so I'd remember. He said...
"When I think about opening presents my heart starts beating really fast. But I think if I was watching a show it might distract me."
They love their morning shows. I think it might actually work!

Candyland

My mom found a cute gingerbread sleigh kit that makes 4 sleighs. We were suppose to make them with little friends on Saturday night, but the foot of snow got in our way. The boys have been eager to decorate them ever since.

Mason's tactic was to sneek as much candy as possible.

Owen took a more serious approach.

Snowy Hike

Today has been like old times. Owen is home from school until Jan 4. We started the morning out nice and slow. They have both played so nicely together, what a treat! We are getting ready for Mim's (EJ's mom) arrival tomorrow, assuming she can get out of PA.

I dragged them both to the hospital for my shot. They did great. Owen was very curious about the OB's room, I was so thankful there were no lovely diagrams of the female anatomy that needed explaining.

After the Dr appt. we convinced Mason to play in the snow, although he was not interested in sledding. So we ventured to a neighbors "mountain" (huge snowplow pile) and they climbed around for quite awhile.

Not sure why, but Owen was a mighty nice big brother this morning!

Difference of 3 years

What a difference 3 years makes!
Mason is totally content to stay inside.
Which is fine with his mama :)
I got the laundry room organized!

Owen was out all morning long.

This is just a snowboarding sled we bought at a yardsale.
His feet are not in bindings.
Definitely getting the hang of it. He says "easy peasy," whatever that means?

We are so thankful for our hill.

No snow angels for this kid:)

Day 1

Maybe he'll take after his snowboarder dad.

Or maybe his mom.

8+

We've got over 8 inches and its still coming down.

Wishing I had bought Owen some boots this year. It's always a gamble. We think neighbors will be coming to play. He is having a hard time waiting.

Sadly, Mason is sick. I am not sure how much he should be out today. He had a hard time sleeping last night with a cough and so much congestion.

Let it Snow!

It's really coming down! Just came inside. The boys are soooo excited!

All Wrapped Up

The results are in a card, in an envelope, in a box, under wrapping paper. And if that isn't enough, my mom supposedly hid it in our house somewhere. I left it on the kitchen counter when I went to Owen's holiday party and when I came home it was gone. I guess she can't trust me ;)

The baby looked good. We are so grateful! Keep praying he/she will stay put for a lot longer.

Let it snow! Let it snow! They are calling for 6-12 inches overnight! This could stop life for days around here:)

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day. Well, it would be if we weren't wrapping the results up in a box with a tight ribbon (or 2 or 3) and putting it under the tree for Christmas Day.

Yes, tomorrow is the BIG ultrasound. It's first thing in the morning and we are bringing Mason. I can't imagine what he'll think. He has recently (now that my tummy is big enough) started giving my tummy hugs, kisses and high 5's.

You'll still have to wait 1 week for the news. I sure hope I can make it. It will be like Christmas morning as a child. Fortunately, I have plenty to keep my busy and hopefully preoccupied. Although my sister will testify to the fact that I always went looking for my presents in our house growing up and was even known for trying to sneak a peek under the tape.

Perhaps the 1 present on Christmas Eve rule could apply ;)

Wow, how much more room will my brain have after Christmas and the gender news?

Little Man

I didn't think I'd be saying this during Mason's 2s, but he is a complete JOY. I know it could disappear any day now and be gone for who knows how long, but I will take it while I can. And I'll write them down in case I need a reminder :)

He almost always says, "Please and "Thank You." He even says, "You're Welcome." He is very quick to say, "I am sorry" and "Are you alright?"

He doesn't complain about cleaning up.

He is such a little helper. Owen even convinces him to help him set the table.

Today he sat happily through Target and the grocery store. Then helped carry in a ton of bags and put the groceries away! He even took soap upstairs to the bathroom.

And I must remember, he can not run without laughing. It's just not possible for him. His laugh is the cutest thing and I hate to think of it changing.

Oh, little man, you are bringing such joy to my days!

Table Bling

As I have mentioned before we are hosting Christmas Day. So that includes breakfast and dinner for 9. Lunch for 7, if aren't too full from breakfast.
I was hunting for a decorative Christmas table cloth that could endure children's spills and eventually gave up. I chose a plain red one instead that we can use for any occasion.
So in order to make the table setting a little more exciting the boys and I made these place-cards/coasters/glass identifiers. It's super easy and super cheap.

I bought cardboard coasters at Michael's 6 for $1.00. Drew circles in Publisher and typed each name in one and printed them on fun paper. Owen glued the paper to the coasters and then they both helped me add the glitter rings. It was our first time with glitter, it wasn't too disastrous.

Now everyone will know where to sit and if they want to place them somewhere else with their drink (again not ideal with small children, but in my head it sounds good) they will know which one is theirs.

What more can I do with my Christmas paper? I still have 10 more days until Christmas :)

Star Struck

We think Owen may have his first Hollywood crush. I rented the movie Nim's Island, from our library, I recognized it b/c he and I read the book this summer. It's a cute story but wildly unrealistic (kid's don't analyze as much). The movie was great too, full of adventure and well, evidently a really cute girl. The film stars Abigail Breslin who was just recently in My Sister's Keeper. I can't say I blame him, she is super cute. I have found him looking at the DVD cover several times with a blushing grin. Is this even possible? He also wanted to know how long we could keep it, b/c he wants Joshua to see it over New Years. On his defense, Nim, is a super cool girl who isn't afraid of much, repels down a volcano, saves a grown-up from drowning in the ocean and lives in a tree house. If I was a 5 year old boy, I'd think she rocks too!

Project 320

Check this out! Project 320. This week only. An awesome and fun way to donate money to build a water well.

Busy Elves

For as long as I can remember, I LOVED making lists and I LOVED checking things off. I get this from my dad. We even write additional things after the fact, if we've done something extra that wasn't already on the list. Sick, I know!
Well, this time of year requires a lot of lists. Especially since I am hosting Christmas Day.
I have the gift list, card list, food list, cookie list, cleaning list, Dr. appt. list, school schedule list. The only list I don't need is a packing list, this is my most favorite list to write. BUT we aren't going anywhere, hooray! So instead I need a get-my-house-ready list :)

Get the picture? I also tend to do things super early and then somehow find extra work at the end. When I was growing up, I would pack for a trip days in advance, then I'd end up packing my sister and groceries, etc. (EJ still packs for himself, I haven't quite got that figured out)

Well, tonight EJ and I checked off another one. We put together one of Owen's Christmas presents. A Lego City Corner. I don't know why, but I assumed it would take him several evenings but I decided to join in the fun. I put the bus and bus stop together. The pieces they create are amazing! I was so impressed with myself, but then quickly remembered the box says 6-11 years old. Guess I should be able to do it after all. EJ's dad use to build the sets before giving it to him, so EJ wanted to do the same.
Legos are awesome, but the hundreds of tiny pieces?!?! I am finding them everywhere. Mason seems to be okay, but what happens when the next one starts crawling around :(

1 on 1

I am afraid Owen doesn't usually get the best of me. By the time he gets home from school, I am tired from the morning and usually wish I could be doing my own thing or catching up with whatever I didn't accomplish on my to-do list. Plus, he isn't always in the mood to hang out. Our afternoons still feel a little strange. He doesn't really "play" anymore. He watches some t.v., has a snack, does homework and most days does some sort of art project. Can't imagine where he gets that from.
Well, today I decided he and I should do something special just the 2 of us. So we made our first batch of Christmas cookies. It was so nice not to have another set of smaller hands to work around.

I even got a "Thank You" which he does not generously offer.

Not an Errand

Poor Mason has been my little elf for the past few weeks. I know he is even more tired of the endless errands than I am. The lines will only get longer and the traffic heavier, so I am going full speed. I hope to be done or close to it by the end of the weekend.

But today we had something else planned. A holiday puppet show. A free show put on by our Parks and Rec. This is my 3rd year. It would be nice if they changed it a little, but the kids certainly don't remember. Mason was extremely nervous and sat in my lap the whole time. But by the final act he warmed up and started clapping. Now he is asking to go again.

I did manage to get Christmas stamps and go to the library, but he didn't seem to mind.
Oh and I sent EJ out on his lunch break. I know he is thrilled!

More Decor

Because I have so much time on my hands!

I love to make changes to our house and decor. I would love to have a winter look and a summer look, but I realize that would be ridiculous. So I try and come up with inexpensive ways to adjust with the seasons.

I know a mirror would look best over our buffet in the dinning room. That would be the traditional way of doing things. But I wanted something I could change as often as I wanted. So I finally settled on these 4, 12x12 black frames. I think we spaced them too far apart. Live and learn. Perhaps if we ever repaint we can adjust them.

Obviously these are for Christmas. I totally intended on a more sophisticated look, but in the end thought this was much more fun. Seeing as I have small children, I figured now was the time to be fun.

Each one is like a scrapbook page. With special cutout pieces attached.

I hope to make a generic winter, spring, summer and fall set. Plus a few holidays in between. I'm crazy I know. Any excuse to buy scrapbook paper is good for me!