A Preschool Christmas

Yesterday we hit a milestone in our family. Our first school performance! Parker's class had their Christmas program yesterday and it made us swell with pride to watch him happily sing Christmas songs and do cute finger plays. He really did a fantastic job, and if I was savvy with posting video, we would have his talents on display. While all ended up picture perfect, it sure didn't start out that way!

I somehow missed the memo (or maybe this is something subconsciously known to all mothers except myself), that all little kids dress up in their Sunday best for Christmas programs. I sent Parker off in his cute Christmas fireman shirt from Grandma, jeans, and sneakers. When we arrived at school I was mortified at the sight of frilly dresses, done-up ties and shiny black shoes! Not only that, but all moms were dressed to the nines themselves, as if they were attending the symphony. Eeek! Luckily, the performance was not until later into the day, so I had time to redeem myself and bring him clothes to change into beforehand. I was the classic crazy mom, dragging in the change of clothes, video camera, regular camera, baby brother and teacher Christmas gifts while trying not to break a sweat. I think I failed at that one, but we were so happy with the outcome and celebrated by getting Parker a Honey Dip sprinkle donut for his great performance!

This Song Makes Me SO HAPPY!!!

Wildlights at the Zoo

Okay, this is the last of all of my posting for the day! Last night for family night we did something a little unlike us and purposely messed up the boys' bedtime. We just couldn't pass up Wildlights at the Zoo. It was so beautiful, not too crowded, and only a little bit freezing. The boys, of course, loved seeing the light displays of the animals and even paid a visit to Santa.

But the attraction that really drew them in was the huge model train display. They had six or seven different trains, and little control stations for the kids to drive them themselves! Both boys were in heaven, making us stay to watch for nearly a half an hour. Then we watched the ice skaters on the rink and had a stroller race back to the car. It was one of those perfect family moments that you never want to end...unless it's to go home and drink hot chocolate!

p.s. This song came on the radio on our way home and Parker started cracking up! I guess Jewel's singing can be funny sometimes.

Ornaments

I was sad this year not to throw an ornament exchange party as I've done the past few years. It just wasn't in the cards. To compensate, I decided to put a little extra money into the ornaments that the boys pick out for themselves each year. I have always loved the Hallmark keepsake ornament collection, and this year we splurged a bit when we found these gems:

This one is Parker's. Can you tell what he wants for Christmas?

Here is Tyler's. He is obsessed with anything Mickey right now, and both boys think Donald Duck is hilarious.

Cozy Winter Morning

On Saturday we took the luxury of spending a morning in and making something other than cereal for breakfast. I found this recipe in my files and I don't remember where I got it! If you are looking for a delicious breakfast recipe to treat your family to this holiday season, look no further. This one is heavenly.

Molasses Ginger Waffles

2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, separated
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 c. milk
whipped cream - an awesome topping

Mix all dry ingredients, set aside. Beat egg whites until peaks form, set aside. Beat butter and brown sugar together - add egg yolks, molasses, and milk. Add dry ingredients. Then fold in egg whites. Cook in your waffle maker and enjoy!

For the Blurbarians...

I know that many of you are contemplating/in the works with publishing your blog or digital scrapbooking, and I just had to pass along that I got my Blurb book in the mail about a week ago and I absolutely love it! The pages turned out exactly as I had formatted them and the quality is superb. The only caution I would give is to remember to remove any of your hyperlinks from your blog posts as any words attached to them do not show up in the final printing! I had a couple of goofs that way. Have fun blurbing!

The First Snow

To our surprise, the weatherman was actually right for once and we got six inches of the white shroud today! We were so happy that we had put up our little Christmas lights the night before. Don't they look like something out of a disco room, shining through all of that snow?

Parker awoke and asked, "How can it snow when it's not Christmas yet?" I think he's seen one too many Christmas shows where snow is the integral part of Christmas day.

Luckily Peter survived his commute, and the boys and I had a fun time playing outside. Tyler was thrilled to wear mittens on his hands and grab at the snow, but didn't quite take to the taste of it. Parker and I made a "baby" snowman, as this snow was not conducive to sticking together (we miss the snow from the west)! It was way more of a workout than I was expecting today to bundle and de-bundle the kiddos and I three times over, and build a snowman to boot! I think I need to watch Rocky IV again and get some inspiration from those Russian training sessions!

A Ghost from My Christmas Past

Oh my. At thirteen, I remember highly anticipating this Arsenio Hall episode and recording it on VHS when it finally aired. I then watched it over and over again, using slow motion on any part with Jordan Knight. Have a funky, funky Christmas everyone.

The Ranch a la Christmas

Look at how much fun we had with nine bucks and a bunch of leftover Halloween candy! Thank you, Wilton! This year, we decided to make our gingerbread house into the Stewart family "ranch house." There are, of course, minute deviations from the actual establishment, but I think we did a pretty good job at turning the Ranch into Candyland!

The master builders hard at work.

Here we have our woodpile...

...and the fishing pond at the beaver dams! Good times!

Thanksgiving

I'm finally getting around to posting! We have had a whirlwind of activity the past few weeks, and an evil cold virus trying to thwart my posting plans!

First...Thanksgiving. We had my parents and brother, Mark, come out to celebrate with us. Lucky us! Mom came a few days early and kept the boys busy and having fun with her great Turkey Day crafts! So cute! Everyone helped out with the prep for the feast. Due to the immense amount of food and need for additional buffet-style service in the dining area, we moved the table into our tiny living room and cozily enjoyed dinner! Parker & Tyler opted out of the mainly foreign food offerings and watched a movie in the basement. Note their empty table in the slide show. For dessert, we decided on a "one pie-per-adult" ratio. Pie selections included the much-requested Mom apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, chocolate cream pie and a blueberry sour cream pie that Mom & I kind of invented ourselves. They were all deeelicious. We had leftovers for five days and froze the rest.

Second...the Christmas tree. Since the above-mentioned virus had attacked Tyler full-force, our original plans to visit Kirtland were canceled. We decided that with more male muscles around, we would follow last year's agenda and visit a local tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree. I found a farm that looked promising online, and we headed out sans Mom & a coughing T-bone. The place had a cute "nativity donkey & sheep" and a fun way to drag your kid...I mean tree, around on a sled. I was pretty disappointed with the selection, however - most of the trees were very short and although we were seeking something smaller than last year's "very fat tree," I was hoping for a little more than the Charlie Brown tree we ended up with. Oh well! After freezing for over an hour out there due to my pickiness, Parker being dragged all the way, we chopped one down and hauled it home. It was fun to watch Parker & Tyler's excitement as we decorated for Christmas.

Overall it was a very fun time to show my family around Columbus. We hit many of our favorite spots and I think my Mom & I literally shopped 'til we dropped. It was awesome. Parker in particular was very sad to see Grandma Brown go, but lucky us! We see them again and every other Stewart and Brown we know in two weeks at Christmas!

For Mothers Who Know

I came across this article and thought that it really epitomized what we, as young mothers especially, try and remind ourselves of each day. It was a great Thanksgiving reminder, and made me love my little guys even more!

A Parent's Thanksgiving List

by Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard

I’m grateful my children demand I talk to them when I don’t feel like talking, feed them when I’m not hungry, and change their diapers even when I’m all dressed up and ready to go somewhere special. I don’t think I’d discover the world outside my own needs without them.

I’m grateful my children haven’t learned how to hold back their tears when they’re sad, laughter when they’re happy, or screams when they’re frightened. They constantly remind me that emotions are for sharing.

I’m grateful my children have broken nearly everything in my home and used a crayon or ink marker on the rest. They’ve taught me that things aren’t important, but people are.

I’m grateful my children start out small and helpless so they don’t become aware of my incompetence until they’re teenagers. By then, we’ve both grown so accustomed to each other, we somehow manage to make it through the rest of life together.

I’m grateful my children get their pants dirty, pick their noses, burp without saying “excuse me,” and quarrel in public so I’ll never be able to get too arrogant, proper, or judgmental of other people’s children.

I’m grateful my children sometimes call me names like “weird” because sometimes I am “weird,” and it helps keep a person humble to be told they’re “weird” when they’re acting weird.

I’m grateful my children occasionally miss the bus at the precise moment I’ve stepped out of the shower, contemplating the well-planned, organized day ahead of me. Experiences like jumping into the car after throwing on whatever’s handy and racing to school have a tendency to loosen rigid plans into something better known as spontaneity.

I’m grateful my children always need new shoes, piano books, prescriptions, haircuts, fieldtrip money, tuition, food, toothpaste, and underwear. That way, I don’t have to waste my time thinking about a new sofa. It’s difficult to get wealthy and think about luxuries when you have to buy toilet paper and milk by the truckload each week.

I’m grateful my children know how to play. My five-year-old asked me to come downstairs so he could “teach me how to play” with his plastic animals. While Jacob demonstrated the subtle techniques for sinking a rhinoceros into couch cushions while pretending it was quicksand, I realized my young son was right. I really do need someone to “teach me how to play.”

I’m grateful my children question my every command and giggle when I get angry. It’s difficult to feel too powerful or self-righteous with kids around to remind you of how funny you look when you’re pointing your finger.

I’m grateful my children insist I hug, kiss, rock, or put my arms around them often. Otherwise, I think I’d forget how the sense of touch is so healing.

I’m grateful each of my children is unique when the same strange, inexperienced mother raised them. Somehow they don’t seem to let me ruin them much.

And lastly, I’m grateful for the gift of children in my life. God willing, I’d like to fill the rest of my days with those interesting people who call me Mom (yes, and sometimes “weird”) but eventually “weird grandma.”

And the Winner is....

Check out a preview here.

Click on "book preview," and then click on the little paper icon in the upper left-hand corner. Click on each thumbnail for a closer peek. It will only show you the first fifteen pages of our 90-page spread, but at least you get a taste of what it will look like! We'll let you know how it turns out when it comes in hard copy!

Name Our Book!

The last few days have been spent cramming to get my "family yearbook 2006" published by the holiday deadline. I can't seem to remember if I've mentioned it or not, but I am publishing my blog, plus additional pictures and commentary through Blurb. I plan to do it each Christmas, hoping it will be worthy to take the place of scrapbooking and will be like our family yearbook each year. I will order one copy of the book for Peter and I and a book for each of the children.

That said, I was planning on naming our yearbook "Three Men and a Lady," after our blog title. But the more I got to thinking, that name may not always fit our family situation! I would like to pick a timeless title...one that is unique to our family, yet works across the years. Peter and I brainstormed the other night until we were blue in the face and came up with only a few suggestions, none of which we really agree on.

So I thought I would leave it up to you! You only have until tomorrow night at midnight, eastern time, to get your vote in. I've listed our options so far in a poll on the right. However, we are open to new suggestions! Let the voting begin!

A.M. photo shoot

Tyler really misses Parker while he is at preschool.

Oh, it's so early.

Ho, hum.

Neener, neener, Mom.

Is he back from school yet?

Gratitude

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share this quote that came through my email today. It's dedicated to all of my very grateful friends & family out there who have brightened my days!

"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them.They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily," Ensign, Sept. 2001, 8

Can We Fix It?

Last night Peter & I had a realization - today would be the first Saturday in a loooong time that we were going to be together, just our family, without a plan, project, or major to-do hanging over our heads! We sat there, stunned, with smiles spread across our faces. What, oh what to do?

I should probably intervene here and report that this week has been somewhat of a beastly entrance back into post-vacation life. Monday, Monday. On top of normal catch up stuff (budget checks - ugh, bill pay, etc.), Parker had his first barfing experience at preschool. On the same day Tyler had a well check in which he had two shots and basically had to be recircumsized. NOT a pretty picture. To top it off, he also got a cold. Poor little guy! After a week of sleepless nights and very cranky days, we are finally getting back to normal.

Of course, this meant that we were going to have fun today. We decided that since Peter had never experienced COSI, Columbus's very awesome science center/children's museum, that we should go. It was so fun, and so nice to have him there to play with the boys. COSI has a traveling Bob the Builder exhibit on display until January, and although these pictures were taken the first time we went (a while ago), the boys loved discovering it all over again. They also have a really great children's play area that is totally closed off, so you don't spend your whole time trying to corral the toddler escape artists.

Then we headed off to North Market - a fabulous place to sample every ethnicity of food you can imagine, plus enjoy their open-air farmer's market and other local wares. It reminded me so much of Pike's Place Market in Seattle, sans the sea air and flying fish. The boys gobbled up popcorn balls from Pam's Market Popcorn while Peter and I shared a dark cocoa gelato with smoked almonds from Jeni's Fresh Ice Creams. Divine. I can't wait to take my parents there when they come for Thanksgiving - they're gonna freak.

We're having a great time playing tourists in this part of the country we live in for a year. Now Peter is at priesthood session of stake conference and here I am, blogging away while the kiddies color. I should probably do something more productive after so much fun, but why spoil the day?

Hallowashington

The boys and I have been back since Saturday night, but life sure does get crazy fast when you're trying to catch up after a 9 day vacation! We were so happy to get back to the good ol' PNW for some fun Halloween traditions with family. Poor Peter had to stay and work, so I braved this one alone. Luckily, I had the help of my parents, Uncle Mark, Auntie Mollie & crew, and Great Grandma Joan, who came up from So-Cal to see (and meet!) some of her great grandkiddies.

Let's see...we did the pumpkin patch (check out Mt. Rainier in the background...awesome), Meconi's, my Uncle Cory's famous barn Halloween Bash (you have no idea of the magnitude of this event...it rivals Christmas), a ladies' El Sarape lunch and trip to Thompson's, Percival Landing, Kennedi's primary program and Dinner in a Pumpkin, halloween pancake making, sugar cookie decorating, caramel apple making, pumpkin carving, Kennedi's birthday party, Auntie Mollie's ward trunk or treat/carnival, a side trip to Portland to visit Grandma & Grandpa Stewart, John's Mountain Home donuts, ladies' escape to the holiday craft fair, guitar lessons from Uncle Mark, and lest we forget, Chuck E. Cheese. We also had lots of traditional Grandma & Grandpa fun with storybooks, blanket fort building, hide n' seek, and chasing the cats. Phew!

Thanks, family, for such a fun and faBOOlous Halloween! Love you!

Happy Halloween!

I'm away with the boys visiting family in Washington, but I wanted to wish my fellow pumpkin lovers a Happy Halloween! If you haven't had the chance to carve your pumpkin yet (or gave up on the idea all together), here is a fun site to create your own online. Have a spooky day!

Pumpkin Time!

We have been spoiled again by having a few of our best friends from Kansas come hang out with us! Matt, Camie, Lydia & Clayton came to stay for Friday and Saturday, and we learned that you can squeeze a lot of fun into just over 24 hours. Highlights included a trip to Graeter's (yes, another one), brown poop (don't ask), a lot of Parker & Lydia mischief, guys' and girls' temple sessions and even a trip to the quilt shop for the girls (by divine intervention).

We also hit the Circleville Pumpkin Show on Saturday. For as famous as it claims to be, it was not exactly a highlight of our weekend. Aside from a slew of pumpkin food booths and carnival rides, they did boast....

The World's Greatest Pumpkin Pie! To create this baby you need 96 pounds of cooked pumpkin and 36 pounds of pie dough, among vast amounts of other ingredients.

A Great Pumpkin Contest...I think the winning pumpkin weighed a little over 1500 pounds. I thought this one was cute.

A shot of the fam.

Matt, Peter & kiddos. I am bummed that I never got pictures with either Debbi or Camie during our visits! Guess that's the price you pay being the photographers.

We hit a pumpkin patch on the way home. You paid $15 for as many pumpkins as one person could carry in their arms from a distance of about 50 feet. There were so many cute pics that I had to do them in this mini slide show. Good times!

Sporties for Shorties

This fall Parker has been enrolled in a "Sporties for Shorties" class through Parks & Rec, and it has been so fun for him. He's one of about twenty kids and the goal of the class is to introduce them to different kinds of sports. So far they've practiced soccer, basketball and hockey. I've gone to watch twice and I've been so impressed by his excitement and eagerness to learn something that formerly hasn't interested him much. He loves that Daddy goes with him and is one of the only daddies that actually plays with him! Tyler was a little sad to be left out of the fun. Parker's favorite part of each class is playing "Red light, Green light" at the end. Maybe he'll be a track star! Go, Parker!

Hello Thayns, Goodbye Pains!

We just spent a fun-filled week with our great friends from Kansas, the Thayns! Jon, Debbi, Mary & Lucy found those killer $10 tickets on Skybus and trekked out here to Ohio. Friends like the Thayns make us think of the saying, "Friends are the family we choose for ourselves," since they have been like family to us since we've known them. We are so glad they came!

Even in the lowly physical state of the women involved (Debbi is pregnant with twin boys, and you know my saga), we did a lot of exploring. Our travels included a trip to Kirtland and a jaunt through Hocking Hills State Park. We also hit Graeter's Ice cream, City BBQ, a local pet shop, the outlets, and the mall. Although Tyler and Lucy didn't love each other the whole time, Parker and Mary were very happy to be reunited and had the greatest time getting into mischief together. The adults had a fab time, especially when the kiddos were happily off playing or snoozing and we could actually talk!

It was a great week and we got some fabulous shots - double click on our Flickr badge at the right to check them out (when the new window pops up, be sure to click on the slideshow projector icon at the right to see all of the photos as a slideshow).

Their visit also came at a perfect time for me, as they were here to support me through being officially diagnosed with RA. My doctor was great and I felt very confident with her diagnosis and abilities. I am now on Prednisone and Plaquenil and after just a few days, I'm feeling fabulous! Hooray for drugs!

Mud Muncher and Mr. Mom

No, those are not Oreo crumbs on his mouth. Our little Tyler eats just about anything he can get in his mouth. Recent victims include chalk, crayons, markers, paper, stickers, sand, and yes, mud. A fellow preschool mom asked me yesterday if he gets enough iron. Apparently not! Everyday is a quest to stay on top of his ingestions. His word for everything right now is "ca-ca." I think it's because it's the word he hears most from me as I try and spare him from eating something disgusting.

So between dealing with joint pain (main culprit), Tyler's mud-munching and Parker's parkerisms, each day Peter wakes up/arrives home to see me looking and feeling like this:

Enter my Cowboy: Bless this handsome man! He has truly been Mr. Mom lately, taking on most of the boys' morning and evening routines. A HUGE task around here. Not to mention that he keeps the dirty dishes from taking over our house and makes sure we all have clean underwear. On top of all of that, he takes time to listen to me and love me and help me in any way he can. I married the best guy! He's amazing. Lucky for all of us, we've just recently discovered Aleve! Miracle drug for joint pain! Hopefully we can get this great guy off of the night shift here soon. Love you, babe!

I Like Black Frames and I Cannot Lie

I have a frame feddish. I love them. Here is but a sampling of my many, many black frames:

I refinished this little frame in black and created a picture for each month to fit inside.

This one I owe to my mother-in-law, who found it at Swiss Days. Its contents, also, rotate with the seasons.

This montage was last Saturday's project. This look would've cost me a fortune had I bought the framed prints outright, but I recreated them using plain wooden frames that I painted myself and scrapbook paper.

Parker Funnies

1. While reviewing with me a picture of Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane...

M: "What is Jesus doing?"

P: "He's praying."

M: "Do you remember where He is praying?"

P: "The Garden of Sesame."

2. On the drive home from preschool, upon seeing an Ohio State Buckeye flag...

P: "Go BUTT GUYS!"

3. After passing a rather large woman in a Michael's Store...

P (to himself): "She was a big lady. (pause) Yeah, that was a puffy one."

The Apples of My Eye

We picked apples today! Parker & Tyler both scarfed down apples while we picked. Tyler ate the entire apple, seeds and all. It was so cute to watch them enjoying themselves, and a beautiful day to be outside.

Peter got home early and brought me roses. Doesn't get better than that! Now we're off to enjoy our weekly "Family Friday Pizza Carpet Movie Picnic Night"....Papa Murphy's pizza + library movie + blanket. Happy Friday!

My RA Survival Kit

Yesterday I received a knock at the door and opened it to find this surprise package - as my friend Rachel puts it, GOOD MAIL!

It was from my amazingly clever sister-in-law, Katie, who upon hearing my arthritis news decided to send me a survival kit! She had done this once before for me, when I was pregnant with Parker. I know that I am totally embarrassing her by posting this, but everyone must know what a wonderful girl she is. What she did is a very fabulous and thoughtful gesture to help someone who is dealing with any kind of trial! It made me laugh and cry at the same time!

Attached to each item was a "prescription" for how the item will help. For example, the note tagged to the mask read "This mask is essential for those 'I feel way too crappy to put any make-up on' mornings." You can bet I'll be using that one (like every day). Another was a pack of Airhead sweetly sour belts candy. The prescription? "When you're feeling achy and the kids are too much, simply use these to tie them up. Wrists and ankles should do. Ear plugs not included."

One of my favorite parts of the kit were these "Positive Thought & Self-Affirmation" stickers. These are hangin' up on my fridge, baby! Love you, SIL!

Parkasso

As mentioned before, Parker is really enjoying his preschool experience. We've decided to copy my good friend Kathleen by exhibiting all of Parker's preschool art on our kitchen wall as shown above. As the line gets full, we'll replace the oldest picture with the newest. I've taken pictures of each work of art to preserve its memory, and will then discard most, saving the especially spectacular ones for his keepsakes. Here is a sampling of his first exhibit!

A Tornado

Self Portraits

That is a backbone in the first one, not a zipper (like I thought). I think he resembles Caillou.

Family Portrait