christmas day

We wishfully instructed our kids to sleep in until 6:30. 5:45 rolled around, and I was wide awake. Not so much with anticipation as it was tending to 'business' and knowing the kids would be up soon. Each year they are anxious, but unusually patient about staying in our room as I get dressed, turn on the lights downstairs, and ready the cameras. I was very surprised to be gifted a video camera this year on Christmas Eve (thanks, babe) and tried to alternate cameras - which resulted in few great pics from either one.

Surely Taylor and Paige's favorites from Santa were the new socks and underwear (ya, we get that Santa). Gabriel was just happy to see himself on the new video camera, and threw several awesome fits when not the subject in view.

This year we had the traditional pancake breakfast at Dad's, played with new items, and prepared our house for Christmas dinner. It was nice and wintery with drizzly rain all day. It was a nice day packed with fun and family.

christmas eve

Began with our annual family photo with the Cederstrom and Yancey families. Last minute, slightly dark, but we had unheard of cooperation by everyone. Yeah!

We ate our traditional Mexican feast. Delicioso! as usual. The younger kids played endlessly in the backyard raking and playing in the leaves. As also per tradition, we exchanged and opened gifts. It was wonderful chaos, full of anticipation. Our group is growing in numbers and in noise levels, but I love when we all get together. Each of the kids has a playmate or two (or three) and always look forward to Grandma and Grandpa's. An added treat this year, was to have Great-Grandma Cederstrom with us as well.

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Once we called it a night at the Yancey's, we headed to my grandma's house to open jammies with her and my mom. Their pajama bottoms were craftily hand-made my their mother (that would be me). My very first sewing project. With the exception of Taylor's being about an inch too short (stop growing already!), they were quite darling (if I do say so myself).

They loved being there to show their Nana and Grandma and got to open gifts from Grandma, too.

The kids were anxious to get to sleep so Santa could come. Out went the cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer (which Gabriel found on the back porch and devoured Christmas morning - mmmm).

merry christmas

pre-school christmas

Gabriel's pre-school had a little Christmas program. He was sooo excited with his red Rudolph nose, hand print antlers and jingle bells seated at the front of the crowd with his classmates. The program was darling and perfectly brief with a couple songs and a presentation of gifts. Gabriel's excitement was a bit much to contain, however, and midway through did several impressions of a bucking bronco. Eventually, he enjoyed the remainder of the program from mommy's lap.

celebration time

It's been some time since we had a complete girls' night out. Celebrating my grandma's birthday seemed to be a perfect time to get the gang together. My grandma, mom, 3 sisters and I made a Christmas-y night of it. We started off with a little Joe's B-b-q. I provided the cake (meaning: I bought it from Joe's bbq) and we sang a quiet happy birthday to both Grandma and Mara, who celebrate just days apart. Even minus candles, the cake was yummy.

From there we went to see A Christmas Carol. I thought it was very un-procrastinating of me to think ahead and get us great seats. Turns out I was really thinking ahead. To December of 2009. When I got to will-call and my tickets weren't there for me, it was discovered I purchased them for the wrong year! Who knew they sold tickets for shows so far in advance? I don't know what I'm doing next week, let alone next year! Lucky for us, they fit us in to some house seats that they reserve for emergencies. {Saved my embarrassed behind.}

Outside, they had [small] faux snow machine. Sara and I shoved our way through the children already playing in it for a photo op via Faith's iphone. Good times are had when you revert back to being 12 years old and stop all traffic coming out of the theater when the iphone fails to be a quick alternative to a camera. It was 'snowing', baby!

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera (gasp!) and didn't get any shots of the birthday girls. But it was a giggly-gossipy good time and helped bring some Christmas cheer to the season. I look forward to the next girls' night out.

full cheer

I'm officially de-grinched and in full cheer mode. There have been lots of holiday preparations with much still left to do. The weather has even cooperated and brought a little rain and cooler temps. But there have been lots of activities I hope to share soon.

But in helping me with de-grinching, my mom came to town for a visit and promptly got to work completing all my incomplete Christmas decor. Hallelujah! [It may have never gotten done.] I think she's hired as my annual decorator from now on. The banister is cheery, the Christmas village is up, the train is choo-chooing around the tree, the kids' trees are up and decorated by the kids, furniture is re-arranged, and it might feel a little like Christmas. Thanks Mom!

de-grinching - part 3

How could I forget this? Gabriel's cute pre-school class went to visit Santa at the mall. Here they are patiently waiting in the Santa line. See? I told you. Cute. You can see why this helps my Grinch heart to grow a bit.

I love pre-schoolers. They are genuinely happy to see each other. As soon as one is recognized they get excited and wave and say, 'Ooh! There's [insert name of any classmate]!' They are each like rock stars, that's how great it is to see them.

I realized that this may have been the only time I've taken Gabriel to see Santa. Bad mom! He was quite anxious to see St. Nick, and actually cut in line several times. It seems though, that he was mostly there for the photo op, since as soon as the camera flashed, he stiffened up and hopped down, waving goodbye. No need to drag things out.

We ended our field trip on the carousel. Not my favorite. But this wasn't about me and my issues with motion, it was about a boy, his hand picked tiger, and a goofy/giddy giggle.

(By the way, when Gabriel watches this video of himself, he exclaims "Happy!!" LOVE it.)

de-grinching - part 2

Over the weekend we tried to add some more Christmas cheer to this holiday season. Last year, I promised Paige that we would go see the Nutcracker ballet this year - and she did not forget all year.

Highlights from our day together are as follows:

• New boots for Miss P. - who doesn't feel all kinds of cheer in new footwear?
• Fine dining at the Red Robin - complete with art kit (crayons and menu)
• Fabulous ballerinas - kids even!! Paige had no idea the opportunities available to children. She declares her desire to be one of them - time to start lessons!
• Funny faces during picture time. Silly girl.

attempting to de-grinchify

I'm a procrastinator. This holiday season we've been tardy with the lights, the decorating, and it seems I've been procrastinating the holiday cheer. Really, I'm not completely scroogey. There just doesn't seem to be enough time to squeeze it in the schedule and enjoy it fully.

This past week, though, some cheer has managed to slip into our household anyway. Taylor has been busy. He joined the running club after school and is quite quick. He's been reading a ton and tells me the story almost in its entirety. Yappity-yap this kid lately. It must come in bursts. Nothing for weeks, until -BAM- we can't shut him up. (Not that we want to.) He also recently had his band performance - in which he was a great performer. Next up, his 6th grade play!

Paigey had another round of strep this past week. She opted to get the antibiotics in one dose with a shot. She's very tough, but may not go that route again. I know that doesn't sound too cheery, but she spent the next day home from school and shopping with her mommy. We had such a great time, I offered to let her stay home to hang out with mommy another day. She declined, stating that it "was more importantly that she go to school to learn".

Gabriel has been oh-so-busy. Not just with school and therapies, but also trying to find the new "it" way to make another mess. If it's not a dozen eggs oozing out of the carton onto his shirt and the floor on our way out the door, it's finding new escape routes and places to climb. He now climbs over the gate that guards his bedroom door, and onto the popup tent trailer in our backyard - often to strip down to his nothin's and dance.

Todd and I even managed a real date-night! Complete with real-live conversation and flowers from a quaint little specialty flower shop called Albertsons (must be said with french accent and pronounced Al-bear-sunz).

We've managed to also get most of the decorations up (we might get done by Christmas), most of the gift buying done, and the majority of the Christmas cards out (we only lack those with new addresses - phew!). Now, it's on to actually completing something...

independence day in december

Today Gabriel woke up feeling independent. He went to his drawer, picked out some clothes, removed his jammies and diaper, and got dressed. All by himself.

(He was in the mood for swimming) He managed to get all his limbs in the appropriate places and it was perfect. Perfectly backwards, but whatever.

My little guy is starting to show his independence a lot these days. Since he progresses at his own pace, we don't always notice. Then, I think back to this same time last year and think 'ahhh yeah, look at how far he's come!' It's enough to make a mama proud.

In addition to recognizing letters and numbers, counting, knowing his colors and shapes, he has some favored phrases:

"Stop it!" "No!" "Look!" and my personal fave "Quiet!" (accompanied by a stern look and a finger point). He's also very polite and always says "please" and "thank you" without prompting.

Hooray for progress!

Hooray for proud little boys!

a brief look at our thanksgiving

It began with this:

Completed the 10k. I had a never-experienced-before breathing problem that day and nearly died. Ok. I was nowhere near death, but I was near tears. Or giving up. But I didn't. Yeah for me.

Finishing justified this:

We had a lovely dinner at Mara's. By lovely, I mean, of course, chaotic.

There was:

a kiddie table

Mara's traditional thankful book

after dinner naps and ignoring dishes

time outand making up

an insane photo op with the cousins:

We did have a great Thanksgiving Day. I lacked the energy to take photos of our visit to Todd's side of the family, but be assured fun was had there as well. We have much to be grateful for, but our family is most important, and we were happy to spend the day together.

i am thankful

for getting called-out by my kids.

Now, this is not something I would usually be ecstatic about, but this one time I'll make an exception.

This year, we've had our share of tight pocketbooks. Really tight. While it is not much fun, we've learned to do without the excess we're accustomed to and simplify a bit. At times, it feels freeing to not want want want all the time, and realize that our real needs are still being met. We've talked to our kids about wants and needs and they've been very cooperative and matter of fact about it. They can be great. :)

We're now trying to get our Christmas shopping done. Todd and I split up for round 1 and he headed to Costco to take a look. As we were unloading the loot, Todd pulled out a few items not on the list that he knew I'd been eyeing for a while. Taylor observed as Todd was showing me the extra items. Taylor asked what Todd had bought them for. When Todd's response was, "Because Mommy has always wanted one," Taylor demanded "Is that a WANT or a NEED?"

Point taken. Items will be returned today. Thanks for the reminder.

field trippin'

Last week I got to go with my Paigey on a field trip. That makes 3 field trips in 2 months for this 1 mama. I've really enjoyed going with each of my children for some one on one time, but I might take a break from field trippin' for a bit.

Our latest venture hooked us up with some important people in history:

Abraham Lincoln, General Grant, George Washington & Theodore Roosevelt.

Mesa has yet to find November, and we walked around, learning our history in 88 degrees. I was feeling bad for myself, having worn jeans, until I saw poor George in his wool socks, jacket, wig and layers of clothing sweating profusely.

Our post-lunch activity was the Revolutionary War.

The kids thought perhaps it was a pep rally:

The British didn't have a chance.

Later still, was the Civil War.

The kids learned about school in the "olden days", got to sit in a real-live tee pee, ask the soldiers questions, and ignore my directions. For the boys, touching the weapons and using water bottles for swords was all the rage, while the girls were very studious, asking questions about making shoes and old medicines.

The first couple hours were enjoyable. And I DO love to be with Miss P, but I have never been so eager to get on a school bus. Field trips are great at helping us to appreciate the simple things. :)

shout out to uncle joe

My newest compromise:

Electronic.

Drums.

Thanks to Uncle Joe for letting his electronic drums gather dust and lending them to a grateful Taylor. Perhaps if Taylor likes them, he can take them off Joe's hands permanently with a little of the cash from his drum savings fund.

I know I'm already a fan - they come with earphones.

child labor and team work

Taylor has been trying to save up for a new drum set. We've promised to pay for half if he could come up with the other half. I haven't a clue where we'll put a real drum set in our house. I've been trying to encourage Taylor to spend his money on donuts and soda pop and other frivolous items, so that his goal of $150 is never actually attained. Sounds a little conniving, I know. But until we're able to build a sound-proof drum room, I'm not sure I can be gung ho for a drum SET. The current drumming of the sticks on every surface in the house is enough to test me for now. However, if he does reach $150, we will honor our promise, he really loves the drums.

He came to us asking for a job to earn some dollars. It was great timing because last week our neighbors offered their landscaping bricks to us for free if we would just move them out of their yard. I've been wanting a garden for years now and thought this might be the motivation I needed to get started next season. These bricks are not the tiny building bricks, they're huge and heavy. We struck a fair deal and Taylor enlisted his cousin, Austin, to help with the labor and share in the wealth.

They spent a couple hours one evening and got about half way done. A cracked wheelbarrow and a couple headaches didn't even stop them. I almost felt bad as I watched them heave the heavy bricks into the wheelbarrow and struggle to get them re-stacked in our yard.

They resumed their work early the next morning. As luck would have it, the neighbor boy next door came along and offered his help. How embarrassing. J, the neighbor, is their same age, only like He-Man. He's taller than me and apparently has super human strength. The bricks that the boys had been struggling to lift together, he picked up on his own and walked over to our yard, sans wheelbarrow.

Taylor and Austin actually were NOT embarrassed at all. Rather, they were in jaw-dropping awe and thrilled to have their work done in half the time. Even better, J refused payment.

Good work boys! Go spend that cash!! {wink wink}

how to lose weight fast

Eat very little because it hurts too dang much to swallow.

I should be at my goal weight by the end of next week. (Here's to a slow recovery)

(I just thought this pic was funny)

halloween

I know, it's been over a week since I've updated. I, too, am sick of looking at pics of our jack-o-lanterns. No matter how creative or fabulously sculpted they are, no one wants to see them for a week straight.

I'm pretty much writing this out of a feeling of obligation and for posterity's sake, since it feels like a year has passed since Halloween. We've had germ after germ invading our house for more than 10 days now. Gabriel missed all of his Halloween festivities at school, and Taylor and Paige both missed two days this week due to strep. Good times for their mom. Then, just because I was recently bragging that I rarely catch my kids' illnesses, I've been down the last 2 days myself. Hopefully, we'll all be back to our fun selves soon.

Halloween was fun. We had some of Todd's family over for home-made chicken noodle soup. It was yummy, even if it was a bit warm outside for hot soup. The kids got prettied up and our friends and family met us for trick-or-treating. We doped Gabriel up with some Benadryl and off we went. We even let Taylor and Austin go off with friends on their own this year (that's a big step for me). The kids had fun running from door to door. Some of the houses were a bit spooky and might have scarred a few kids for life (I still remember which houses I thought were scary as a kid). Once they collected enough candy for their sugar overdose, we set up a spooky Halloween movie in the backyard. The girls stayed hidden under their blankets for much of the time.

[Gabriel as a vampire, Paige - the devil (with Hannah M), Taylor as some sort of hobo]

happy haunting!!

hide 'n seek

If I were a frantic mother, looking for a M.I.A. toddler, where would I look after I'd checked:

• the front door (locked)
• the garage door (locked)
• the playroom (empty)
• the back door (locked and backyard empty)
• office (empty)
• kids' rooms (empty)
• garage again (empty)
• front yard (in case he managed to somehow get out AND lock the door behind him)

???????

Of course.... the shower, while fully clothed. Having the best time ever. He's taking full advantage of the whole "I'm growing taller every day, and can reach knobs I couldn't reach yesterday". (He's been missing the pool)

bonding

I was reminded of this fact today:
Nothing brings two feuding siblings together faster than a laugh at their crazed mother's expense.


(...and that's okay with me)

busy weekend

After a week without the daddy at home, we were all excited to spend a full day with him. After the Buddy Walk and a long nap, we decided to venture out again. The kids insist on continuing to grow, and were in need of some Sunday shoes and attire. So out we went. We dined, shopped and then hit a movie.

Are you jealous? Paige was SUPER excited to become reacquainted with Troy. Taylor refused to act like he enjoyed the movie. Gabriel was ecstatic as long as popcorn was involved.

My favorites of the movie:

Taylor looking every direction but the screen each and every time it looked as though a kiss might occur. (He was watching with his parents, after all.)

Paige's observation that Sharpay is bossy. Then adding, "...but she's pretty". We want to have our priorities in line.

Todd watching Troy Bolton's 3 biggest fans in the row in front of us more than the movie itself. The girls were worked up every time Troy arrived on the screen. Todd got a kick out of their giddiness. As a bonus, they also had the soundtrack memorized. That's dedication.

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The kids also had their Primary Program at church on Sunday. They each had a part they memorized. This was Taylor's last program before he graduates. He went out with a bang and lip-synced the heck out of those primary songs - he also nailed his speaking part. Paige went with her written part about her mommy even though her daddy tried to bribe her with $20 to tack on "my dad is awesome" at the end. (Phew.) She "wasn't even nervous" and did a great job. As for Gabriel's....hmmm. I decided that it was Daddy's turn to help with his talk. Gabriel's been working on the signs to say "I am a child of God" for a couple weeks now. He learned quickly and he's pretty great at it. Well, Todd was given 2 specific instructions: 1) put Gabriel high enough so that people could actually see the signs and 2) keep him away from the microphone. Unfortunately, there was really nowhere other than behind the podium for Gabriel to stand, so most of us couldn't really see the signs. Then, as he finished up, he took the microphone by both hands, pressed his mouth against the microphone and yelled "BWWWAAAAAA!!!!" (My apologies to the congregation.) (I still love you Todd.)

buddy walk '08

This year's Buddy Walk went well in spite of a teething Gabriel. Usually a patient boy, he cried when he didn't get his way, cried again when getting knocked down in the bounce house, and yet again when it was time to eat. (So much for the myth that individuals with Down syndrome are happy all the time.) I'm sure people were entertained at the sight of me climbing into the small opening of the bounce house to retrieve Gabriel in meltdown mode - then trying to get us both back out through said opening.

Everyone did have fun, though. We allowed the kids to stay with a buddy and do their own thing this year, so we didn't see much of them until 'check-in' time. We bought our littlest boy a monkey backpack (aka leash) to keep him close, and he happily walked the whole time. His friend, Emma, enjoyed taking control of the monkey tail, therefore Gabriel, for a time. Gabriel had his fill of high five's and ice cream and the girls even got their faces painted.

Thank you to all of our friends and family that came out on a warm October day to celebrate with us. Even though we were not able to visit with all of you as much as we would have liked, your presence was noted and very much appreciated.