Kat, Alan, Madison, and Austin: 11.09

11.30.2009

Getting in Trouble

Apparently I am slacking on the grocery shopping because I got in trouble...twice.

1) Mom, you forgot to buy the gummy worms. You said you were going to buy them this time.

2) (looking in the refrigerator) Dad, it just doesn't make sense that Mom would only buy 2 flavors of yogurt. That is not a very good selection.

Um, she's 4?

11.28.2009

Priceless Moments

1. decorating the tree
Each year, the holiday rituals get better and better. Madison's art in decorating the tree was a delight to watch. Just ask the grandparents who skype us during the process.

2. hot chocolate
How do you drink your hot chocolate?

3. picture taking
taking pictures with a 12 week old and a 4 year old are truly challenging.

it gets even better when the 12 week old likes to show off his throw up style.

it is topped with the best 4 year old expression.

If the camera settings were correct, these pictures would have definitely been our annual holiday card. Oh well.

The Little Fir Tree

As the old cliche goes, I can't believe that it is the holidays again. Where did the year go? To kick off the season, we headed to the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Spring to pick out the little fir tree in 70 degree weather. We received our measuring stick and saw to begin the adventure.

The only decent family shot taken.

This one might have made it if Madison wasn't so concern with telling the picture-taker about the tree we are getting and Austin seeing how hard he can wrinkle his brow.

The perfect tree was selected and the cut was made.

I call the next few pictures "Bravery." As you may recall, Madison has had a fear of slides. She has slowly adapted to enjoy this fun past time, but generally speaking, slides especially large ones are not her forte. Today, the girl had some bravery and went down the medium size bouncy slide. It was then followed by the large one. She even did the jump-bounce-slide combo. This is huge! Perhaps going to our next birthday party at one of those inflatable places may be enjoyable.

I was suppose to take a few pictures of Alan and Austin together. Opps...got side tracked with the cuteness of this boy.

Additional highlights:

11.26.2009

Thankfulness

Gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. This holiday season, there seems to be so many things for us to be grateful for. Technology that allows our loved ones to stay connected while fighting for our freedom. The simple pleasure of facebook and blogging to keep up with friends and family even though most live in the same city. The health of our children and the doctors that bring our loved ones home just in time for the holidays. Thankfulness for the chance to spend precious time with my son and daughter before returning to work. Gratefulness for a husband that has a flexible job and an understanding boss. Gratitude for the friends I have made over the years and the love they have for our family. Thankfulness for really good chocolate and great coffee. The list could go on and on. Today, there were more things to be grateful for.

I am grateful for Aunt Jenna who always plays along with Madison's imagination. And, I mean always.

I am grateful for Mimi who can make Austin & Erza smile with delight.

I am thankful for baby expressions and double chins.

I am grateful for the family table Alan built for the garden.

I am thankful for a plentiful garden that provided an amazing Thanksgiving feast. Every dish that I made used items that were harvested from our garden. I had so much fun preparing the meal this year. I took my time while enjoying the art of the flavors blending together. From butternut squash to fresh herbs and from green beans to sweet potatoes, I am grateful for a family who is always up to tasting my creations and loves food as much as I do. The dishes prepared by my Mom and Mother-In-Law were a great accompaniment. I am truly grateful for nursing Austin and burning the calories when others have to suffer.

I appreciate the result of gluttony and the ritual of napping.

Madison is grateful for flowers. Ah yes, let's not forget about the flowers. Without those we would not have had the many bees that joined us for lunch and the quick departure of Pawpaw due to the fear of being stung because he is highly allergic.

11.21.2009

Things That Aren't Quite Right

I love this little guy more than life itself. I love how his eyes light up and beam with laughter and happiness. I love how he holds my finger tight. I love how he grabs my neck. I love his peach fuzz hair. I love his coo and concept of conversation. I love how he can react to our voice and make us feel so good. I love watching the exploration of life.

But, Austin, my son, there are some things that aren't quite right. I don't think that it is cool that you wear 6 month clothes at 12 weeks of age or that you are sitting in an exersaucer or that your head is that strong or that you enjoy watching a movie with your big sister and act like you know what is going. These things are a bit crazy for me. Bittersweet, perhaps, but just not ready. You already seem so much older than you should be. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are not going to be "the baby" for very long. Slow down little guy.

More Turkey Songs

Madison's class decorated vest, hats and necklaces in honor of the Indians/Native Americans/Original People for Thanksgiving. (Did I cover the bases to be PC?) The other pre-k class were the pilgrims. Super cute luncheon at school where the parents received an impromptu recital. It is kinda painful to watch (I think they were putting up the tables during the songs) but worth seeing the kid fall down and to hear the vegetarian song, which is awesome, even though they messed it up.

5 Fat Turkeys | Mr. Turkey is Coming to Town | Albuquerque Turkey

The Vest

The Bow & Arrow Gang

Recital

11.17.2009

School Picture 2009-2010

"No...no....oh please no....I don't want to....please don't make me....oh, it hurts...I don't want to smile..." "Oh, ok...but I'm not going to like it."

The school gang:

11.12.2009

Art

Madison's art has become a little more refined, with shorter lines versus the toddler scribble and generally has a pretty good story. So, when she brought home these art pieces from school (they are called art pieces since she did them in art class) I was a bit curious of the story. Once heard, I knew it needed to be document.

She calls this one: Monster in the Hurricane

That is one crazy and disturbed monster.

This is story: I call it Bunny Turned Wolf

the parents were gone and the bunny rabbit came and hopped in the soup. it was burning him and then he didn't have anywhere to live. days and days he had to stay in the soup. he didn't like that so he had to live in a closet. he didn't like the closet and hopped away and was then lost in the woods. and then he didn't like the woods and ran away and became a wolf

the end

Several hours later she asked if I wanted to hear Part II

the letters were lost in the woods all by themselves and no one to take care of them because the wolves already ate them.

11.10.2009

The Little Socialite

The weekend started out with a Friday night dinner at Ann Marie's. Saturday was ballet, Oak Forest fall festival, Emily's birthday bash at the Pink Polka dot followed by a gathering of friends at the family bar, the Petrol. Sunday was Greyson & Asher's birthday at Wonder Wild and the day concluded with dinner at the Schafer's where Jacob found his true love. To say the least, I am not for that many activities in a weekend, but Madison held up perfectly as any socialite would. There was a mild breakdown on Sunday night a she literally crawled into bed and clasped. For me personally, I couldn't wait for Monday.

Happy 4th Birthday Emily!