You looking' at me?!

I'm finally getting around to posting about our Christmas season! It was our best family Christmas so far (maybe because of the addition of Reid). We didn't bake as much as we usually do, in fact, I didn't bake any sugar cookies. Gasp! I know but in all fairness I was too busy playing and working. We did make some delicious peanut butter stuffed pretzels dipped in milk chocolate. Our family spent more time doing activities together this year and that really made the holidays feel special. One such activity was a family Christmas Tree. The tree was painted with Reid's feet, Allison's hands, and Jason and I's fingerprints.

Finished Project

Christmas Reindeer

We also put up our Christmas tree together. Usually I do this but our tree is so large that it's overwhelming. In addition, my OCD kicks in and I obsess about every branch being "just perfect." So it was nice that Jason and Allison put the tree up and Allison and I decorated it. Reid watched us with a look that asked, "What in the world are you doing?" and "I wonder what will happen if I tug on the tree?" Here's a picture of the kiddos in front of the finished project. If you're wondering why the stockings were hung on the end table with care, it's because I didn't have any other place for them!  When I look at this picture my eye is automatically drawn to the window. It looks very dreary and cold. This was a day we actually got a light snow dusting! That's saying something since it only snowed twice this year. Compared to last year and the numerous snow days, it felt like we moved to another region!

For the holidays, we went to my sister in laws home in Mulvane, KS. She was due to have a baby any time so we all thought it best to go to her! She crocheted Allison a beautiful red scarf and gave Reid an OSU hat & mittens. The kids also received several fun toys and lots of candy.

Reid and Papa Dennis

Opening presents

That same day, we traveled onto Sawyer, KS to have Christmas dinner with my family. Once again the kids received plenty of great toys, clothes, and had a blast playing with cousins. I had to laugh because Allison was so dainty at her aunt's house. She wore her dress and nicely played with all the girl cousins. (At this time, there weren't any boy cousins.) But once she got to my sister's house she was all tom-boy! Off went the dress and on went the jeans and t-shirt. She was running wild with all the boys. (Here there aren't any girl cousins.)

     I really love that my kids adore each other. Allison will stop doing whatever she's doing if Reid wants to play with her and she's the first person Reid wants to see in the mornings.  Both my kiddos love books which is a major bonus since I love reading. Allison has found that she enjoys snuggling up with Reid on her little couch and reading books to him.  I just love the picture of the kids snuggled up reading. I had been folding laundry and afterwards went looking for kids when I stumbled upon this beautiful site!












During the Christmas holiday, we were a bit overstimulated! I was trying to pack the car and do a million and one things while Allison played like a crazy girl and Reid decided it was nap time and became fussy. Before I could get to him, Allison stopped what she was doing to go hold her little bro'. She started singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to him and patting his back. In a few short moments the cutie pie was asleep! (Won't she be the best Mama someday?!)

Besides snugglin' and reading they do play well together! Reid loves to swing and Alli acts like a monkey all over the swingset! Since this winter has been especially warm, I've had lots of opportunities to spend outdoors playing with the kids. They both loved to be pulled in their little red wagon, we go for long walks on the road, and examine every little bit of nature that we find of interest.

     

     My hopes for Reid is that he will grow into the kind of man that sets his own standards, far exceeding than those around him. That he will look injustice in the eyes and battle until he conquers. That he will love with his whole being and be a good man that leads by example. A man that isn't ashamed to ask for help and one that admits when he's wrong. But above all else, a man of faith. 

1. Faith. Someday he will be afraid, nervous, heartbroken, lost, or just need you, and you won't be able to be there. Give him something to turn to when it feels like he is alone, so that he knows he will never be alone.

2. Chivalry: A woman may be as capable as a man, but she is, in fact, a lady. Brave the elements, walk on the outside of the sidewalk, hold the door, introduce her to people, This shows you’re paying attention to a lady’s feelings and your willing to go out of your way for her. Simply put, that’s class!

3. Gentleness: like with babies, crops, animals, and people's feelings.

4. Philanthropy: Give him the opportunity to help others and volunteer. Encourage him to “save the world.” Be a role model for this showing how to help without the need for recognition.
   

5. Let him lose. Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say, "You're a winner because you tried," don't.  He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed.  And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard we try to make it not suck for our kids. Teach him to never give up.

6. Role Model: Make sure he has examples of powerful men and women. Examples of men with big muscles and women who are beautiful will surround him from birth. Make sure he also knows about people for their intelligence (Benjamin Franklin, Marie Curie), their pen (Gary Paulsen, Charlotte Bronte), their determination (Cesar Chavez, Susan B. Anthony), and ideas (The Wright Brothers, Florence Nightingale), their integrity (George Washington, Harriet Tubman), and fearlessness (Neil Armstrong, Nelly Bly). Most importantly, MOM and DAD. Be who you want him to be.
   

7. Let his dad teach him… without telling him how to do it the “right way.” Someday in his grown-up man heart and mind, he will believe that his dad knows all the answers. This will be how you stay connected to what is happening in your son’s life when he’s too busy to chat with you. Because he will call his dad for answers, and his dad will secretly come and ask you.

8. Teach him how to do laundry… And load the dishwasher, iron, and cook. He may not always choose to do it. He may not ever have to do it. But someday his wife will thank you and he’ll be a better man for it.

9. Love:  In the bible, God commands a man to love his wife. This won’t come easy, may not feel natural but it’s key to a happy marriage happy life. When she says, “nothing’s wrong” keep asking! If you accidentally make her cry, hold her; NEVER NEVER leave her alone. Tell her she’s beautiful when she’s not dolled up, listen to her and hear her words, care enough to get to know her (she won’t stay the person you married forever), forgive her when she makes mistakes. Make a choice to be there.
   

10. Treasure the time and drink it in: The amazing day comes and he’s born, then you blink and he’s 5. Don’t get caught up in having perfect meals, perfect homes, or doing the “one more thing” before you and he get to snuggle or play together. These things will always be there, he won’t. Too soon he’ll feel confident enough to live on his own, generous enough to share his love with a wife, and loving enough to be there for his own children. 

You'll never be too old for kisses!

I've neglected my blog so thoroughly that at this point I actually feel guilt about it! I did seek comfort from other teachers though and realized that they too are in the same position as I. It's funny how all of our blogs have stopped at the end of August. I love my job, what's not to love, but it does take it's toll on my time. So needless to say, it's Christmas Break and I'm finding that I have a bit more time to indulge in my own interests.
My "monster" is standing now, babbling like mad, and being an all around big boy! He's 8 months now! Oh, and he's in 12 month sometimes 18 month clothing! He's so big that when you look at him you immediately think he's 1. He has this smile that can knock your socks off and is always happy. If I'm not spoiling him, Allison takes over to get the job done. She is the best big sis ever! Always dropping whatever she's doing to shower Reid with love and play. And the nicknames this cutie has is unreal! Here's the list: Bud-ro, Speedo, Reido, and Bubbalicious. Alli gets a bit upset if anyone but her calls him Bubbalicious because that's her brother.
Allison is beginning to read. She's always loved books and it's great to finally hear her reading some of the words on the pages. Her teacher is constantly telling me how good she is at school. (Have you ever wondered why they aren't the same at home...?!) She's also the best little helper. Daddy decided to be more independent (maybe with a little push from me) and instead of always asking me where things are or how to do something, he's figuring it out all by himself. Or, so I thought! Reality, he traded me for Allison! She gets the job done just as well but unlike me, she doesn't lecture him about having to do it! Maybe I need to give her lessons on raising independent Daddies!!!
I have a feeling break is going to fly by especially since I have a 100 things I want to do with my kiddos. The first being, painting Christmas Trees! I've decided that Reid's feet will be the trunk, his and Alli's hands the tree, and Jason and I will use our fingerprints as decorations. I'll post pics later!

Humongous Whale

Alli loves school. She loves the singing, learning, playing, her teachers, and all the kids. Everyday when she gets home, she's so excited to tell us everything she did; including what she had for lunch. Her most favorite thing at school though is music. This song, "Humongous Whale" is so funny and adorable. My favorite part is at the end when she burps and says in a deep voice, "Pardon me!" Watch out American Idol, Alli's comin' your way!

The Wonderful World of Food!

I took Reid to his 4-month check up on Friday. He weighed 18.4lbs and was 27 inches long! My baby is growing like a wild sunflower in July heat! He received two shots in his legs and didn't even cry. He's my brave big boy! Oh, his facial expressions! They are to die for! Every thought he has can be read right there on his face. I just love him! He's definitely a mama's boy. It doesn't matter who's holding him, he's looking for me. I can honestly say that I love that about him. :) But really, that's just fair since Allison is such a daddy's girl! Those two together are so beautiful to watch. Just today while I was folding laundry, Reid became upset and started to cry. Allison goes over and kisses him then she starts to sing to him. He calmed right down and was good to go. Watching my children interact like that makes my heart so full!
For about a month now, we've been giving Reid rice and oatmeal cereals. A couple of weeks ago we started on vegetables. So far, he has loved everything he's tried except peas. Now green peas are my favorite vegetable. I rarely serve them at meals though because both Jason and Allison dislike them. I was hoping Reid would be like me and devour them all up but....well, let's just say I'm going to keep working at him! Here's a cute little video of him "enjoying" peas.

Homesick for My Kitchen

     I really miss my kitchen. I miss the way it smells, looks, and makes me feel. My family has been so busy with harvest, working ground, and hay season that I haven't had much time for my favorite thing: cooking. This is probably why I have lost all my baby weight plus an additional 3lbs! Kudos for this accomplishment! But truth be told, if I had time to make homemade pumpkin pancakes slathered with real butter and maple syrup, I would gladly pack those 3lbs back on! Alas, due to heat and time homemade anything isn't happin' much around here. However, during my "dairy" sessions I get 15 full minutes all to myself and I spend them on the computer working on my cookbook. I ran across some recipes that I love. Love. Love. Love! One in particular is Cube Steak Parmesan. I mean look at this baby, isn't she beautiful?! Such a hardy meal too. You have your cube steak breaded with one of my favorite ingredients, Panko, lots of glorious cheese, homemade spaghetti sauce, and pasta.

Cube Steak Parmesan

Last time we had this meal, Alli made Mascarpone stuffed strawberries to go with it.  Anytime you can add Mascarpone cheese to fruit you have a winner, at least in my opinion. Allison is proudly showing off the strawberries that she stuffed herself. Isn't she too cute?!

Proud Chef

She's my chef in training. At 4 years old she can make her own sandwiches, cupcakes from a cake mix (I do the oven part), fruit salads, and is a big help doing numerous other jobs. She's so eager to learn that she's wearing out all of our butter knifes (and using all the cheese) practicing her cutting skills. I'm amazed how much math she's learning too. She can measure ingredients to the 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 cup by herself! I think the Bernstein Bear cooking game she plays on PBS Kids helped with this too. I'm thrilled that she shares my love for the kitchen. I have a feeling that as she gets older, we'll make the perfect team. I love to cook but not so much bake, while Alli seems to prefer baking recipes to cooking. I look forward to the great memories we're going to create from our time together in our kitchen.