Polar Express 2008

The weekend before T-Day, we took the kids to the Polar Express again. It is turning into a great tradition for the next few years, until Owen is too big (in my opinion about the age of 7 give or take a year or so). We had a fabulous time and enjoyed the company we were with. This year, as opposed to last year, we went up the day before. We checked into our hotel, which I will absolutely stay there again. We let the kids run around for a little bit, then headed to dinner. All of the kids did a great job at dinner - it did help that a party of 7 canceled ahead of us and the "greeter" bumped us up to the head of the line with our party of 8. When we got back to the hotel and while Adam was bathing the kids, I realized I forgot to back Owen's pj's. Pregnant brain really is effecting me these days, I swear!) I had to make a quick trip to the local Target, thank heavens it was just down the street, and buy Onie some new pj's. Count that towards his Christmas presents. So, when all was said and done for the night, the kids slept really well that despite Cari not falling asleep 'til around 10:30.

We took our time getting up and ready on Saturday. Adam and I decided to take the kids to see Bolt at a matinee showing. They loved that movie and, frankly, so did I! Got the kids down for their nap. When Owen woke up from his nap, he had a horrible seal bark of a cough and was wheezing too. I honestly debated whether or not to even take him up to the train because I didn't want the cold air to make his cough worse. (I sympathized with the kids because of my asthma and the cold air just kills me.) I quick call to my Dad to see what I could give him to help with the cough and wheezing. A quick trip to the local Walgreens and we were on our way to dinner. Finished up with dinner then on to look at all of the lights while waiting for the Polar Express.

Both Owen and Caroline were awe struck with all of the lights. They loved to look at them and kept saying "more lights! More lights!" I love that my kids get so excited at the simplest of things. Although I do admit that I love the lights this time of year, just as much as they do.

Once we boarded the train, the story was read, the lights were gazed upon at the "North Pole" and then Santa boarded the train. That is when the drama for Owen began. He was okay with Santa being a few feet away from him. As soon as Santa went to hand Owen his bell, he freaked out. I mean freaked out - screaming, crying, curling into Adam, etc. Adam took the bell for Owen and after Santa was a few rows behind us, Owen was fine once again.

Saturday night when we got back to the hotel was night a fun experience. Owen woke up around 1:30 with a horrible coughing fit which, of course, meant that I was up. Finally, at 2:30 I brought him into bed with Adam and I so I could listen to his breathing. Somewhere around 3:30 I dozed off for about 2 hours. At 5:30 he (I) woke up again. I laid in bed listen there for another hour. Finally, I decided to get in the shower, run out to the car to fetch the medicine I had left in the car (pregnant brain...again!), and then back up to the hotel. Another call to my Dad to tell him about the night we just had. We hurried to eat breakfast, loaded the car and then were on our way. When we got home, fed the kids lunch and then I went with Owen to Urgent Care where we were for about 2 hours or so. One dose of Decadron, and a $50 co-pay later and we were finally home.

We had a fabulous time and can't wait to do it again next year. (Although, I think we might try and do a Friday night 6:30 train next year so we can go to the observatory on Saturday and look at all of the stars that are so clear and visible...we'll see.)

**Note: We've had to reformat the hard drive on the computer. Not everything has been reinstalled yet and it has to pass the muster of the "administrator" in order to get reloaded. No pictures will be posted, until the administrator has given his approval.

*****UPDATE: With the approval of the "administrator" here are the pictures from the Polar Express trip! Enjoy

Make a Smilebox slideshow

B-Y-WHO?!

Number 6 in the BCS, baby. Who's the real BCS buster this year...GO UTES!!!!!!

2 + 1 = 5

My first thoughts were "Are you kidding me?!" "Holy s@#%!" "I don't know if I can do this." But as those reactions went through my head, I quickly found myself giddy with excitement, fear of the unknown, wondering how I am going to handle it all, and mostly completely overwhelmed. I ran through all of these emotions because I had just found out I am pregnant....again. I'll admit, I am not the easiest pregnant person to be around, let alone live with. I get extremely sick, tired, and grumpy. Unfortunately, I tend to take this out on my family the most.

Now that I'm 14 weeks and counting, I still not able to comprehend that I am having baby number 3. Owen will turn 3 in January, Caroline will be 2 in April, and the new little one will arrive in May. It will be a whole lot of changes, but we're excited to welcome this new baby into our home.

2 Little Boys

Okay, so you all know that I got a new kitty for my birthday and as if the pictures previously posted weren't cute enough, I'm posting a couple of more pictures. Right now, it's easy to tell where one kitty starts and the other ends, because of their size. But when Chevy is full grown, it'll be a little more difficult to tell with all of the stripes, dots and patterns in their fur coat. Chevy is just too cute for words. He and Lincoln have gotten along fabulously and were playing, wrestling, running, and wreaking havoc 24 hours after being together. Baxter tolerates Chevy and the kids just adore him. Chevy, too, loves to play and play and play with the kids. It is a transition that really could not have gone smoother and is a gift that just keeps on giving. Thanks, Love, for this great birthday present that just keeps on giving. I love you!





Lincoln (top) Chevy (bottom)

Gentle Giant Breakfast

Having a zoo pass has it's benefits and privileges. One such privilege is to be able to be notified when special events are occurring. One of those event was to have breakfast with the giraffes at the zoo. I got Owen up extra early to go to the zoo to have breakfast. It was really nice to be able to go and spend time with just Owen. He said he had a lot of fun. Before going to see the giraffes, we did different crafts and activities that were all associated with giraffes. Owen had the most fun with making his tongue purple like a giraffe's tongue. (Who wouldn't when you dipped a stick into water, then into grape Kool-Aid and finally onto your tongue. He wanted to do this several times, but I put a halt to it at 3.)

We were allowed into the giraffe barn and ALL of the giraffes were in there. (We were told that is very unusual to have all of the giraffes still in the barn. Usually there's only 1 or 2 still in there.)We learned that giraffes are extreme creatures of habit, very timid and skittish. The barn has to be cleaned with the same cleaners and the same way each time. The giraffes have to be taken out of the barn in the same order everyday and then put back in the same order everyday. If even the slightest thing is amiss, they will refuse to go in the barn. Go figure!

Before the giraffes went out into their habitat, we got a chance to feed these amazing creatures pieces of apples. Owen was a little scared so I held up the apple and got slimed by the long purple tongues of Jamburu and Makope. These animals are absolutely gorgeous. They are so cute and are truly "gentle giants."

After the breakfast, we were able to go to the giraffe lookout and watch for them to come out of the barn. Next, we went for a carousel ride (which almost made me barf from going around and around and around!). Owen chose the tiger to ride on. Finally, we went and played in the treehouse. Owen had a great morning at the zoo. I had an even better time with just my little boy. That is definitely a memory I will cherish forever. Can't wait for the next time!

Making my tongue purple like a giraffe's!

The Great Pumpkin

Adam and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch to search for the "perfect pumpkin." We got a couple of smallish ones and then one that was a little bigger for carving. Owen and Caroline had a blast running around the patch trying to find their pumpkin.

A couple of days later, Adam and the kids carved up the pumpkins just in time for Halloween. Owen had so much fun scooping out the "guts" of the pumpkins and then helping Adam take out each little piece that had been carved away. The highlight to Owen's night was when he helped Adam actually carve the pumpkins. What is it with boys and knives, sharp instruments, and/or tools, that causes their testosterone to surge?! I can't figure that one out.

I guess the important thing is that each of the kids had a great time at the patch and carving the pumpkins. Oh how my life is truly blessed.......

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Parade + Halloween Party = FUN!!

Owen got to wear his fireman costume to school today. He was happy to wear it. He had the "complete" costume on, but then made himself sick from breakfast and we had to change into shorts. (Another story for another time.) There were pirates, princesses, witches, another fireman, and a wide variety of costumes at school that day. They did a great job in running around the suspended track and then going back to class to gorge themselves on all of the junk brought in by the kids. I seriously have never seen that much junk food for 2-3 year old in my life. I could hear the cavities forming as each bit was taken.



One of the best parts of the morning was when Caroline felt she was entitled to have everything that the "big" kids were having at their class party. She literally climbed up to the table, sat down and waited for her portion of everything passed out to come her way. And some of you may still wonder why her nickname is "Biggi." It is all about the big attitude that she carries with her, NOT because she is a "big girl." She thinks that she is "big enough" to do whatever the other kids are doing. Fortunately, Ms. Debra, Owen's teacher, thought she was cute and indulged her behavior so the rest of the class time we didn't have to hear her screaming and carrying on because she didn't get any treats. I swear!

Caroline waiting for her share!

Owen loves Ms. Debra and I'm kind of sad that he doesn't have her again for this next session of preschool classes. He does, however, have Ms. Stephanie, who is also fabulous with the kids and loves Owen (and Caroline) too. Ms. Stephanie is excited to have Owen in her class and Ms. Debra is both sad and jealous that Owen will not be in her class this next session. I feel so lucky to have such great teachers who not only love little kids, but who love my kids and can't wait to have them in their classes. What a blessing!

Owen and Ms. Debra on the last day of class.

Nobody's Fool

Adam may call our feline pets by the ever endearing nickname of "CAT!", but don't let him fool you. He loves the kitties, too. Just 2 days of being at home, I had to snap these pictures. It seems Chevy was able to wiggle his way right into the coziest spot he could find in the house.....Adam's lap. Adam was happy and content watching TV and Chevy made himself right at home. Chevy's purr is quite loud and does wake us up in the middle of the night; he does jump at every little thing; he does think that the cursor/pointer on the computer screen is a special toy just for him; but he is soooo cute that you just forget about all of the "annoying" things that come along with a kitten and figure he'll learn sooner or later.

Halloween Dress Rehersal

Tonight was our Ward's "trunk or treat". We had such a great time, despite my last minute preparations that had to be done.

This year, Owen went as a fireman and Caroline went as a ballerina. (Caroline's tutu was the last minute preparation that need to be done. In other words, I had to make the thing before we could go. Luckily, it didn't take too long to make and I whipped it out in about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.) Caroline screamed when I first put the tutu on her; I guess it didn't help that she had just woken up early from her nap and here I was bugging her with her tutu. I am pleased to say that she wore it the entire night and looked absolutely adorable, if I do say so myself.

We invited our neighbors (who aren't members but are great, great people) to go with us and they had a great time as well. They couldn't believe how many kids there were at this function. Their son, Alexander, turns 2 in about a month or so and the mom is due any day with their second child. Just in case she goes into labor and has this little baby early, I wanted her to have the chance to take their son trick or treating. Everyone had a great time.

When our neighbors drove over to the house, the husband, Edward, was driving the truck. Edward has a full beard. As we started to pull away from the house in our car, Owen says from the back of the car, "Mom, that's Jesus in the truck!" Adam and I died with laughter. Adam took Owen around to the different trunks and Edward took his son. Owen said he had "fun with Jesus".

There were lots of memories made tonight and the kids had a great time. Halloween night awaits us and it will be another year gone with the busy Holidays to await us.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Light My Fire - Part 2

My sis-in-law called me this morning to tell me that she had to call the police again regarding her "Yes on 8" sign. As it turns out, some thief came along last night and stole all of the "Yes on 8" signs throughout the neighborhood. She said the police officer who came out to take the report was more than annoyed about her wanting to make a report. C'mon, this is his job already. That is what her tax dollars are paying for. Not to mention that, at the very least, what the thief has done is violate the Federal Election Laws. Hello!

I wonder if the officer knew that he was actually taking a report on a federal crime, not just a sign being stolen. My bet is that the officer didn't even have a clue. The report took him no more than 3 minutes. Not that big of a deal in the scheme of things. However, if the situation escalates into a more serious form of vandalism, then everything will be well documented.

She did get more signs and will put another one either in her front room window, or will put it back again in her yard. You go girl!!!!

Sparring Partners

As per usual for a Saturday, Caroline and Owen were running amok in the house. They ran from Owen's room to the family room and back again. This went on for quite a while. Then, the noise was contained to Owen's room. Adam and I heard laughing and giggling. Everything was going well, or so we thought. It was at that precise moment that we heard the blood curdling scream of Caroline. When I went in to see what the problem was, I quickly deduced (that word is for you Mommy-ahh) that Caroline was trying to step from Owen's bed to his nightstand - which looks like a little step ladder - and fell in between the two of them. On her way down, he cracked the right side of her face, right below her right eye on the step ladder nightstand. Fortunately, she didn't injure the eye itself. She did, however, manage to get a nasty bruise and swollen cheek bone where she hit her eye.

On Sunday, Owen was playing with Adam and was going for "horsey rides" on Adam's legs. As if Caroline's injury to her eye wasn't bad enough, Owen tripped and his left eye met Adam's leg. Instantly, he had a "mouse" under his eye.

It looks like these two had gone a few rounds inside the UFC octagon, or took a sudden liking to MMA sports. I am pleased to say that their eyese are healing nicely and there should be no residual side effects from the incidents.

Overseeding

This year, Adam decided to over seed our grass in the backyard. I am so happy he decided to do this. The kids will be outside more and more this fall/winter and now they will have something to play on that won't hurt their little feeties like the dormant, dry Bermuda grass of last winter. Owen was a great helper for Adam in raking up "or dethatching" the scalped grass. Ever the helper in the family. Hopefully Caroline will follow suit quickly in wanting to help her mommy and daddy too.