Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sweet Peter
Well, please keep our nephew Peter & his family in your thoughts & prayers. They've had a rough few weeks since he had an accident at home and badly injured 2 fingers. It happened 3 weeks ago, but today he got his cast off his arm & it was a lot to handle for the family. He's only 2 1/2 and is doing well, but still has healing to do. We love all of them & hope each day gets easier for them. If you want to know more on what happened you can click to their blog here then the update here or at my link on the side "The Grahams."
Christmas: lots of fun, few pictures
Well, to be honest, we did get some of Christmas recorded on video, but very few photographs were taken. I think things went very quickly and Patrick & I pretty much had our hands full with someone at all times, so we didn't really have a hand for the camera. So, unfortunately, not too many good pics to post from the big day. We did the "elfyourself" (click the link here or below) thing, though, so you can watch that little video with the kids on it: http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1456985371
ENJOY!
For Christmas this year we were with Patrick's family here in the Kansas City area. On Sat., we went to his parents for a visit with his Uncle Chuck & Aunt Marla who were in from Texas. We had a great visit and spent most of the day there. On Christmas Eve, we were with his family at his parents. We went to to overcrowded 4pm mass at our church and then headed over. I might add that the whole mass thing worked out well. You know how you have to be there like an hour early on these days? Well, we knew we wouldn't last that long, so we planned on being there about 25 minutes early. However, as usually happens, it's hard to actually get out of the house on time. So, we actually got to church about 3:55pm. OBVIOUSLY, we knew we would not have a seat. We were in the back in the lobby. The kids did great, though. Leyton & Nathaniel sat quietly on the floor & Patrick held Jacob, I held Leah. I was pleased with the results. We actually stood next to Scott & Bridget Davis, who we knew from college & previous jobs. I talked to Bridget & she told me they got there at 3:20pm. Ha, my response immediately was how glad I was we didn't get there sooner as we would have been in the same spot! Lucky us. I guess they probably didn't feel the same. I think their 2 girls were doing well, but ready to go.
The Christmas Eve party was a lot of fun and all of Patrick's family was there. We also had a few other extended family members there, so it was probably on the order of 35 people or so. We opened gifts after snacks and finally got home around 11:00pm or so.
The kids opened their presents on Christmas morning. I think this is our last year to kind of sleep in before the crack of dawn mornings begin. They didn't really know to go look under the tree. We enjoyed it while it lasted. They noticed the gifts around 8:30am & probably by 8:32am, it seemed we were finished. (Maybe that's a big exaggerated, but not much)
I think some of the favorite gifts were: golf clubs, Thomas trains, dump trucks, legos. Another thing they got were little band kits with about 7-10 instruments - they are enjoying making their own Jim Cosgrove bands. Leah was laid back & we went light on her. She did get lots of clothes this year, though. I laughed in anticipation of how things will change under the tree in a couple more years! We spent the whole day at home and enjoyed it very much. The kids were in bed early & got good rest to get back to normal the next day when Patrick was back to work.
On 12/26, my parents arrived in KS for a few days with us & my sister Beth. We always love their visits. They of course brought some more gifts for the kids to open from them & my brother Ben & sister-in-law Rachel: art easel w/ art supplies, lego table that Grandpa made, more trucks, trains, toy vacuum, etc.
We really had a nice Christmas. Such busy times, though. I feel it's just been so busy. Next items on the agenda: 1/3 is Patrick & I's 10 year anniversary! time flies. Then 1/7 is Leyton & Nathaniel's 4th birthday. Need to keep planning & keep shopping a few more weeks!
I must say we had a great Christmas.
ENJOY!
For Christmas this year we were with Patrick's family here in the Kansas City area. On Sat., we went to his parents for a visit with his Uncle Chuck & Aunt Marla who were in from Texas. We had a great visit and spent most of the day there. On Christmas Eve, we were with his family at his parents. We went to to overcrowded 4pm mass at our church and then headed over. I might add that the whole mass thing worked out well. You know how you have to be there like an hour early on these days? Well, we knew we wouldn't last that long, so we planned on being there about 25 minutes early. However, as usually happens, it's hard to actually get out of the house on time. So, we actually got to church about 3:55pm. OBVIOUSLY, we knew we would not have a seat. We were in the back in the lobby. The kids did great, though. Leyton & Nathaniel sat quietly on the floor & Patrick held Jacob, I held Leah. I was pleased with the results. We actually stood next to Scott & Bridget Davis, who we knew from college & previous jobs. I talked to Bridget & she told me they got there at 3:20pm. Ha, my response immediately was how glad I was we didn't get there sooner as we would have been in the same spot! Lucky us. I guess they probably didn't feel the same. I think their 2 girls were doing well, but ready to go.
The Christmas Eve party was a lot of fun and all of Patrick's family was there. We also had a few other extended family members there, so it was probably on the order of 35 people or so. We opened gifts after snacks and finally got home around 11:00pm or so.
The kids opened their presents on Christmas morning. I think this is our last year to kind of sleep in before the crack of dawn mornings begin. They didn't really know to go look under the tree. We enjoyed it while it lasted. They noticed the gifts around 8:30am & probably by 8:32am, it seemed we were finished. (Maybe that's a big exaggerated, but not much)
I think some of the favorite gifts were: golf clubs, Thomas trains, dump trucks, legos. Another thing they got were little band kits with about 7-10 instruments - they are enjoying making their own Jim Cosgrove bands. Leah was laid back & we went light on her. She did get lots of clothes this year, though. I laughed in anticipation of how things will change under the tree in a couple more years! We spent the whole day at home and enjoyed it very much. The kids were in bed early & got good rest to get back to normal the next day when Patrick was back to work.
On 12/26, my parents arrived in KS for a few days with us & my sister Beth. We always love their visits. They of course brought some more gifts for the kids to open from them & my brother Ben & sister-in-law Rachel: art easel w/ art supplies, lego table that Grandpa made, more trucks, trains, toy vacuum, etc.
We really had a nice Christmas. Such busy times, though. I feel it's just been so busy. Next items on the agenda: 1/3 is Patrick & I's 10 year anniversary! time flies. Then 1/7 is Leyton & Nathaniel's 4th birthday. Need to keep planning & keep shopping a few more weeks!
I must say we had a great Christmas.
Frosty the Snowman
The other day I was showing the boys some things on the computer. I found on YouTube a little 2-3 minute video about Frosty the Snowman. I was actually looking for the good old traditional Rudolph show with Burl Ives, but didn't find it. Anyway, they really enjoyed watching it. So much so that now every time I get on the computer, Jacob wants to watch something...that's been tricky. Anyway, we've never talked about Frosty, but it seems they really paid attention. A few days later, Nathaniel told me that he wanted a Frosty the Snowman for our house. He said, "I want a Frosty the Snowman for us. I want a snowman that walks around and runs." Wow, he was watching. I actually spent a good amount of time trying to explain to him that it was not possible for us to have a snowman that walked around. I told him that it was just pretend and that he didn't really walk around; that it was just a story. The response, "Well, he did it on the computer?! I want one that walks around." Well, long story short, we went a few more rounds of explanation-protest-explanation-protest and then the conversation died. I don't think he is content with the outcome, but wouldn't it be neat if you could really have a snowman that walked around with you?! If anyone finds one, let me know!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wonderful Gratitude
So last Friday I had an appointment with a dermatologist. I didn't have anyone lined up to watch the clan, so we took a field trip to KU Med. I was curious how this would pan out with all 4 of them at my 1:00pm appointment (perfectly in the time of Jacob's nap & usually Leah's). On the way there, we listened to their requests for music: Chatahootchie (spelling?) & Tall Tall Trees - Alan Jackson sings these - you can ask the boys & they know what he looks like. Anyway, amidst the music playing, Leyton & Nathaniel were talking a mile a minute & trying to fight for my attention & my answers...they needed a response with each comment to know I was listening, you know, like "Hey Mom?" or "OK, Mom?" or "What is... or Right Mom?". Anyway, I could barely keep up with trying to answer them or to even get through to them to talk one at a time as well as drive sanely. Anyway, I was thinking I was going to have to bow out, but then Leyton said, "Mom, don't I have a lot to say?" I stopped there & admired them & thought how much I love hearing them talk & knowing what they're thinking. I said, "Yes, Leyton, you have a lot of information and I really appreciate you sharing it with me." He said, "Mom, yeah, and curious is like figuring things out (we learn this from Curious George) - I'm curious." I couldn't agree more and am very happy they're curious.
Anyway, we made it to KU, parked in the garage & walked everyone in. I skipped the stroller because I figured the appt. room would be small anyway. So luckily they appt. was pretty much on time. In the room, the doctor pointed to Jacob & asked how old my youngest was. I pointed to Leah who he didn't see & said 2 months. Anyway, I figured they weren't looking forward to having us all in the small room. HOWEVER, the kids were perfect. There was no screaming, no touching everything, no hanging on me, etc. They just sat & watched and didn't make a peep. I just couldn't believe it. I was very grateful.
After that, we went down to the pharmacy to say hi to my coworkers. Everyone was glad to see us. The boys wouldn't say a word. But, we did get some chocolate, so that made them happy. We then went to the satellite pharmacy in the heart hospital where I sometimes staff as well, which is a decent walk for all of us. Anyway, they gladly walked there & then we headed back out to the car. I was just so pleased with how the day went considering in all, we were dealing with the appointment in some fashion & the visit for about 3 hours.
After we were driving home, they boys said (& have also said several times since Friday), "Mom, thank you for taking me to your appointment at Jayhawk Hospital with you. Thank you , Mommy." It was all so special since I had no idea they would feel so privileged to be on this routine type trip with me. It made me feel good that they thought it was so neat to go.
Since Friday, we did an angel craft project at home. Then that night of the project, they told me, "Thank you Mommy for doing the angel project and for taking me with you to Jayhawk Hospital with you. Thank you Mommy." Then yesterday was their "Happy Birthday, Jesus" party at school. They wanted me to come for the party. I hadn't planned on it as Jacob & Leah & I were going to run some errands. But, they asked me to come, so I figured I would. It seemed they were so happy we came. I got some more, "Thank you Mommy for coming to my party at my school" with a big hug multiple times yesterday. Seems it really meant a lot to them - and to me. All these times, it is said with such genuine sincerity I can't help but smile.
They've been very grateful lately and it just makes my heart melt when they make the sweet comments...I'll take them anytime, but sometimes they're really when you need to hear them most.
Anyway, we made it to KU, parked in the garage & walked everyone in. I skipped the stroller because I figured the appt. room would be small anyway. So luckily they appt. was pretty much on time. In the room, the doctor pointed to Jacob & asked how old my youngest was. I pointed to Leah who he didn't see & said 2 months. Anyway, I figured they weren't looking forward to having us all in the small room. HOWEVER, the kids were perfect. There was no screaming, no touching everything, no hanging on me, etc. They just sat & watched and didn't make a peep. I just couldn't believe it. I was very grateful.
After that, we went down to the pharmacy to say hi to my coworkers. Everyone was glad to see us. The boys wouldn't say a word. But, we did get some chocolate, so that made them happy. We then went to the satellite pharmacy in the heart hospital where I sometimes staff as well, which is a decent walk for all of us. Anyway, they gladly walked there & then we headed back out to the car. I was just so pleased with how the day went considering in all, we were dealing with the appointment in some fashion & the visit for about 3 hours.
After we were driving home, they boys said (& have also said several times since Friday), "Mom, thank you for taking me to your appointment at Jayhawk Hospital with you. Thank you , Mommy." It was all so special since I had no idea they would feel so privileged to be on this routine type trip with me. It made me feel good that they thought it was so neat to go.
Since Friday, we did an angel craft project at home. Then that night of the project, they told me, "Thank you Mommy for doing the angel project and for taking me with you to Jayhawk Hospital with you. Thank you Mommy." Then yesterday was their "Happy Birthday, Jesus" party at school. They wanted me to come for the party. I hadn't planned on it as Jacob & Leah & I were going to run some errands. But, they asked me to come, so I figured I would. It seemed they were so happy we came. I got some more, "Thank you Mommy for coming to my party at my school" with a big hug multiple times yesterday. Seems it really meant a lot to them - and to me. All these times, it is said with such genuine sincerity I can't help but smile.
They've been very grateful lately and it just makes my heart melt when they make the sweet comments...I'll take them anytime, but sometimes they're really when you need to hear them most.
Happy Birthday, Jacob! (12/12)
Last Wednesday, our little guy turned 2. It's like a big time of reflection, I think. Not that you don't watch you child each and every day and realize what they do, how they talk, etc., and even though you know the birthday is coming, it's just different after it actually gets here. So he's 2. He's a sweetheart with a strong personality and a vocabulary that's growing each day. He seems like a little boy now, not a baby or much of a toddler. I'm amazed lately at how he picks up on more and more songs & repeats a lot of what others say. He's been singing Jingle Bells, and Put Down the Binkie (Jim Cosgrove) and he actually sings a good number of words in a little spurt. I really love that he does it and then once he realizes you're watching, he becomes more shy about it and just grins. He's so cute. He's also really developing his thought processes and knows that certain events have certain outcomes, etc., or can relate things without having them literally in front of him. I'm having trouble with an example of that right now, but I know that when he does it, I just think, wow, he's really thinking. Another big thing is that he's lately been asking to sit on the potty. No progress yet, but he'll ask to sit there, which is a good start. I guess one other thing about him is he's been kind of a clean clean guy! He has been taking at least one shower in the morning (just because he wants to) & then loves his bath at night. So cute. He likes bringing Leah her "fire" (pacifier), gives the big boys their blankies, & will tell everyone goodnight. We love him so much and have enjoyed the celebration of his birthday.
He loved the gifts he got. One of the current faves is the trash truck which has a wonderful beeping sound, you know like when a truck is in reverse?! Well, the catch is that he can push the lever down and it starts beeping...it doesn't stop! Yep, no automatic shutoff on that one. He'll leave the room for a while to do something else & you can try to be sneaky & shut it off. Sometimes, though, you get caught & he turns it back on just for the sake of having it on. Oh well, he's just having so much fun. He also got tools, books, some aquadoodle coloring mats, Thomas the train pieces, legos, & some other trucks. Lots of fun. We had Elmo cake & celebrated at home.
He loved the gifts he got. One of the current faves is the trash truck which has a wonderful beeping sound, you know like when a truck is in reverse?! Well, the catch is that he can push the lever down and it starts beeping...it doesn't stop! Yep, no automatic shutoff on that one. He'll leave the room for a while to do something else & you can try to be sneaky & shut it off. Sometimes, though, you get caught & he turns it back on just for the sake of having it on. Oh well, he's just having so much fun. He also got tools, books, some aquadoodle coloring mats, Thomas the train pieces, legos, & some other trucks. Lots of fun. We had Elmo cake & celebrated at home.
A few vocabulary terms...
Here are a couple things I've heard at home lately:
Stunk: a black and white animal that smells bad (maybe you know it as a skunk)
Lyrics to Rudolph..."and if you ever saw it, you would even say it GROWS."
Items hanging on the tree..."my dad calls them ornaments, but I call them decorations."
Fire: a small device used (often shoved by others) into baby Leah's mouth to calm her (Jacob's term for pacifier - no we don't really put flaming objects near her at all)
Stunk: a black and white animal that smells bad (maybe you know it as a skunk)
Lyrics to Rudolph..."and if you ever saw it, you would even say it GROWS."
Items hanging on the tree..."my dad calls them ornaments, but I call them decorations."
Fire: a small device used (often shoved by others) into baby Leah's mouth to calm her (Jacob's term for pacifier - no we don't really put flaming objects near her at all)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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