Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope that you are enjoying your day! Here are a few pictures of yesterday (Ryan and Cooper boxing & Miss Kennedy sticking her tongue out) and a few from this morning (Ryan got his Banshee and Battle Palace!)!

Ho Ho Ho

Landon has been saying, "Ho Ho Ho" for a few days now. I of course think it is absolutely adorable! (Make sure you go down to the bottom of the blog and turn the sound off - on the playlist- then listen)!

Christmas Eve

Ryan and Landon are ready for Santa to come tomorrow morning. Ryan woke up and ran to the Christmas tree this morning to see if Santa had come, he was disappointed. He looked at me and said, "Tomorrow-I Know!" He was upset for a minute but then smiled and ran off to the advent calendar. Today we are going to have Christmas with Fred's Dad and Cindy. Nani, Kevin, Trish and the kids, Paulette, Gordy and the kids and Jeff and Shery and Kait and Chelsey too will join the festivities. Tonight we are off to my parents house. Tomorrow we open presents and have breakfast at our house then go to my parents for the day. The day after Christmas we have Christmas at our house with Fred's Mom, Kevin, Trish, Connor, Kennedy, Cooper, Nicole & Dave (Just got engaged at beginning of December) and Markie. We are having brunch. It is a Christmas three day event! It will be fun! Well.... Happy Christmas Eve to all!

P.S. Ryan says - Don't forget to read Twas the Night Before Christmas tonight!

Winter Wonderland

It has been snowing here on and off since 8:11am Friday morning. I actually had a snow day on Friday and now I have two weeks off for the holidays. With all this snow it actually feels like winter has hit, and it has now hit hard. Before the snow started falling on Friday we have had days that it has snowed lightly and then melted. Now, snow is just piling up with no end in sight. I would guess that we have a foot and a half outside and it is coming down an inch per hour. It might stop snowing tomorrow but who knows, it could continue well into spring. I am sure those living in the warmer states are not envious at all. However, those living where it snows can at least make snowmen and snow angels, sled and have snow fights! Enjoy the pictures!

Tagged

I am "tagged" by my cousin Jackie. I have to post a picture on my blog - the fourth picture from my fourth album on my computer. So here it is. This picture was taken on November 25, 2006, ironically one year to the date before Landon was born. Ryan was 19 months old here, and we were playing at a park right up the street from us. It happened to be a warm day and I had just taken a bunch of pictures of him in the leaves. (Actually one of my most favorite pictures of him was taken that day! (I will post it below). He asked to go to the park and because it was so nice we went and played. He loved the purple dinosaur, it does nothing but sit there, but he liked to climb all over it. He disliked the swings and was afraid to climb up the stairs on the jungle gym so this is what he liked at the park. We had a great deal of fun that day! This seems so long ago, it makes you say, "Wow, time does fly!"

Ryan is ready for Christmas

We have had our Christmas tree up since the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Ryan couldn't wait for us to put the Thanksgiving decorations away so that we could put up the Christmas decorations. He wanted to put every decoration we had up around the house as quickly as he could. He ran from room to room placing decorations where he wanted them to go. He did a great job, even hung a decorations off the light switch in the kitchen but was mad when he turned off the light switch and the decoration fell. He found another spot for it right away though. What fun he had!!!

I let him decorate the Christmas tree all by himself, it was funny and cute. He could only reach the bottom half of the tree and really wanted to decorate the tree all by himself. So needless to say all of the ornaments were on the bottom half of the tree and basically on the same branches. When he was finished, he turned and looked at me and said, "Mama, isn't it beautiful?" I of course agreed and then said that we needed to move some of the ornaments up so that Landon wouldn't pull them off. He thought that was a great idea and actullay started handing me the more fragile ornaments to put up higher. He is a smart cookie! We have been making ornaments to put on our tree and to give away. It has been a blast. Today we made snowmen.

Everyday he asks when Santa will be here. We look at our Advent calendar and count the days. He is so excited. We saw Santa and Mrs. Claus this past Saturday at Applebees for Ryan's preschool pancake breakfast. Ryan was a little intimidated by Santa but loved Mrs. Claus. He got two pictures taken with Mrs. Claus (One by himself and one with his girlfriend Ella from his preschool class) and one with Santa. Of course he wasn't shy about telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas. "I want the Battle Palace and the Banshee." He was such a good boy at breakfast and enjoyed seeing all of his classmates.

I have been discussing with Ryan that Christmas time isn't just about receiving presents but that it is a season for giving also. He doesn't fully understand the whole concept yet but does understand that there other people that do not have what he has. So... Ryan and I picked an angel off the tree and purchased pajamas, two outfits, two toys, a blanket and diapers for a little girl who hasn't even arrived yet. It was fun picking things for a little girl since I have two boys. There is a lot more girl stuff out there then there ever was for boys by the way..... But anyway... Ryan and I enjoyed doing this so much!

15 days by the way.... I need to finish my shopping! By this time last year the presents were wrapped under the tree and in the basement. I was much more organized last year, well I guess I had to be because I wasn't sure when Landon was going to arrive. Maybe I could shoot for the presents to be bought and wrapped by the end of November next year. Sounds like a good plan...

I am looking forward to Christmas break. We have two weeks off and I am going to have fun playing with the boys! Hopefully, we can get out to play in the snow, visit with some friends, watch a couple movies, go to the library and just snuggle and nap together. I definitely will enjoy my time off!

Landon Jeffrey

Landon's first birthday was a little over a week ago. He turned one. I can hardly believe that one year has come and gone. It is really amazing how time flew by. I really have enjoyed every day watching him grow and learn so much. He continues to amaze me everyday.
He says few words but they are very important to him and he loves being able to talk. His first word was boob, follwed by food and cracker. The boy loves to eat... He said Dada first then Mama. He says ball, balloon, Nana, Papa and I think he is saying Roxy which is our dog. He isn't walking yet but it is a matter of days before he does and then I think we are all in trouble. He gets into everything....
He is so different than Ryan was at this age. Ryan was happy to watch Baby Einstein and read 100 books a day. Landon won't sit still to read one page let alone watch a Baby Einstein video. He is constantly moving, if he wants something he crawls a hundred miles an hour over to it and gets it. If it is up high he will attempt to crawl up anything to retrieve it, including your leg. He constantly makes me laugh and he definitely has a little naughty side. When doing something that he isn't supposed to; he looks at you with this grin that says, "HaHa, look what I'm doing!" You tell him, "No!" and he looks at you and does this little evil laugh. He is quite the character. I love when he finally runs out of steam and wants to snuggle. He just hugs you and doesn't want to let go. And his kisses, although open mouth, are just perfect.
I can say that I am one lucky Mom to have not one awesome son but two little awesome sons. Just being able to watch them grow every day is a gift. One that unwraps itself everyday to reveal the magic of life.

What Are We Thankful For

I was thinking this morning what I am thankful for and have come up with a list of things. But before I write my list I will write what I am most thankful for. I am thankful for this life that I have been given and all the daily events that I take for granted everyday. So many people have nothing and I have so much. I guess even some of those people, that have nothing, still find the highlights everyday in life. That is remarkable, they make the best with what they have. More people should be like that and just be thankful with what they have. However, most people want more, more, and more. I know I am not that type of person, I am simple. I don't need the most expensive things or even what the in thing is to have. My husband often tells me that I think of others first and when asked what I need or want I would tell him something for someone else. I figure I have what I need, why should I ask for more. I don't even use what I have!!! Anyway.... here is my list...

1. My children, Ryan & Landon whom I absolutely adore.
2. My family and husband who are my support system.
3. My friends who have always been there for me.
4. My education and the job I have now because of it.
5. My home and those who have helped me to make it a wonderful place to live!
6. Health and wellness!

I asked Ryan what he was most thankful for and he tells me that he is thankful for Mommy, Daddy & Landon. Oh, and his grandparents too. He also said he is thankful for Thanksgiving and Kung Fu Panda. But hey at least he said Mom and Dad first! Ryan says that Landon is thankful for food. He is probably right, Landon loves to eat. Well, with all of this said.....

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that they find what they are most thankful for! Have a great day!

P.S. I thought I lost this post when my computer froze, thanks to the automatic save, I didn't!! While I was a little upset and kind of scolding the computer, Ryan walked in and said to me, "Big deal Mom, you will just have to write it again, I know you can do it." You are right Ryan, thanks, I love you!

Just Breathe

I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now. I have so much going on it is making my head spin....I know, I know I did say that now that gymnastics is over I would have more time with my two angels but I am wrong. I am in all the committees at school just about because they have to have a representative from all departments, I am the only girl and the three guys I work with will not go nor do they really care to go. If we aren't represented at the meetings we get into trouble so I guess I get to represent. So anyway.... here I am superwoman trying to juggle all sorts of things that are happening over the weekend and on Tuesday. To start there is the schools craft show that the hockey and gymnastics team are running as a fundraiser. I really have not done that much work but I will be in the gym and cafeteria at the school Friday night setting up for like 3 hours and then on Saturday I will live at the high school from 7:30 until 6:00 making sure everything is going smoothly. I hope everything goes well..... Tuesday the History department and the Physical Education department are pairing up to do their mandatory breakfast for all faculty. We have a new principal who is wonderful, but we had to read this book, The Fish Book (which was a good read), and out of it we were told that each department would be hosting a breakfast. I have volunteered to bring a french toast casserole and those little gummy swedish fish for gifts to faculty. Our theme is a military one, kinda like that show, Mash. We are going to be set up like Mash and everyone is wearing camouflauge attire. It will be really neat I guess but I wanted to find camouflage ribbon to tie around the swedish fish packets and haven't found it yet. I going to look at Michael's tomorrow. Also that same day we bring in our departments Thanksgiving basket that we donate to the Salvation Army every year. I get all of the stuff that goes in the basket every year and then collect money from them. I have yet to get our turkey, my Mom volunteered my Dad into getting it for me. Way to go Mom!!!! That is a really fun thing that we do together for the needy families in our town. Two other committees have things going as well the week of Thanksgiving but I am not going to keep boring you....because I am guessing you get the point of my rambling...
Okay, so that doesn't necessarily sound so bad when I write it all down but I am leaving out one of the most exciting and awesome events that happens on Tuesday. Landon turns 1. We are having a party on Friday so I am trying to get out invitations and make a card and get a gift and everything that goes into having a party. Because I am a perfectionist I just want everything to go as planned and with no problems. I just need to take a deep breath and let everything fall into place. Okay, here is my deep breath and then I am going to go work on some of the things I have here at home that I can do.

Landon's 1st Birthday

People keep asking me what they should get Landon for his 1st birthday. The problem is that I have no idea myself. We have toys galore for boys, movies, books, and tons of clothes. We even have a membership to the zoo. He needs nothing, really. I took really good care of Ryan's clothes and my sister did the same with Coopers clothes, everything is in wonderful shape. I have almost too many clothes. I guess if someone really wanted to get him something they could get him diapers or just put money in his bank account for college ;). Anybody have any suggestions? The poor kid.....and Christmas is right around the corner....

Wow - Time

I have only been done with gymnastics since this past Thursday but I am enjoying the extra time with the boys. I have been missing them a great deal because of the many hours coaching high school gymnastics takes up. All my meets this year were on the weekends except two and then Sundays were the days that we ended up doing our fundraising (carwash, chicken barbeque, cartwheel-a-thon, etc....). So I have been a busy woman and my boys (Roxy: our dog included) have felt neglected. I do feel bad and it makes me think about giving up coaching. I don't feel that I am ready because gymnastics has been in my life forever and it is the only hobby I have. Okay... so I probably could find another hobby but then it would be costing money instead of me earning money. Anyway....a desicion that has to be made one way or another. I'm guessing I will still do it another year but we shall see....

The boys and I have been spending the extra time playing with toys, reading lots of books and watching some movies. Ryan loves to be read to, we could sit down and read probably 50 in a row without him moving. He loves to be read the Disney books, his favorites being Toy Story 1 & 2 and the Cars. He is also into Kung Fu Panda. Fred took him to see it in July and he absolutely loves it. We now own the movie (have watched it 5 times) and all of the action figures. He says he wants the Battle Palace toy for Christmas. I guess I probably should look to see what that even is at this point. Speaking of Christmas, Ryan wants everything. You name it, he wants it, he sees it, he wants it.... It is healthy to want them I guess - I remember those days of looking at the Sears catalog and circling just about every toy in the book, did I get them all, heck no.

Back to Landon- he will barely sit through one book. He is a wild man. He is non stop, on the go. He gets mad when he can't do something, or when I tell him, "No." He already looks up at me at gives me that look that says, "I'm gonna do it anyway!" He is so cute though it is hard not to give in to him. Although his new thing is playing with the toilet, he won't stop. He loves the toilet and now I am afraid he will fall in and so I have to keep the bathroom door shut. He is also moving so fast, you set him down thinking you can go get something real fast and come right back and he will still be there, no- pretty much he is at your ankle the whole way. He walks behind his walker pretty fast but no steps solo just yet. I am okay with the no walking yet anyway.... He is saying "Mommy, Daddy, cracker, balloon, ball." He is a great eater, still likes to snuggle, has his own little personality and is a real handful. He will be one on the 25th, this whole year has really flown by. I am gonna miss the baby moments but I look forward to everyday and all the adventures we will have.

Halloween

Well, it has been a couple days since I last blogged but hey, here I am. Halloween has come and gone and the kids had an absolute blast. Ryan, Kennedy, Cooper and Landon had the Toy Story 2 theme going. We trick or treated around the block, Landon made it eight houses down the street and then he fell asleep in the stroller. Ryan made it half way around the block and said, "I'm tired." But we all had fun and I got a couple packages of Rollos, yum! Ryan says he is having a Halloween birthday party, which would be interesting. I better stock up on some supplies just in case he really decides in April to have a Halloween birthday party! But first... I need to think about Landon's 1st birthday party. I can hardly believe that he is going to be one already. This year has flown by. Ryan said that Landon should have a pirate birthday party so I think I am going to go with that. Anyway.... Ryan is stoked that Mommy only has 3 more days of high school gymnastics left until next year. He has let me know that he wants me to only work my "original" job as he calls it. Starting Friday I will be home with them earlier and hopefully we will get back in a routine of walks and going to the library and the store and whatever else life brings. I am looking forward to that....

Everyday Life

So.... my cousin Jackie inspired me to start this blog because as she says it is a good way to remember what happens day to day with life, kids, work, etc.... so here it is a blog of my own. I just hope that I will continue to write on a day to day basis, I don't promise anything because my life is so busy right now but I will give it a shot. So let's begin by saying our house is "contaminated." Contaminated meaning everyone has a cold right now. I am literally sick of being sick and I hate when the kids are sick it makes me feel helpless. I can't do anything but give them medicine and hope that they get well quickly. I feel like the boys have been sick for a month now, as soon as the get rid of one cold they get another. The doctor says, "'tis the season." By the way the season is getting colder and it snowed today and Ryan was just so excited. He can't wait to go outside and play in the snow. Last year he got so excited that I could barely get his winter attire on before he was going out the door. If I let him (never would) he would go out in the snow it is pajamas. He loves making snowmen and snow angels. It will be interesting to see how Landon likes the snow. Personally I could wait on the snow, pretty much if it snowed the day before and the day of Christmas and never snowed again I would be happy. That will never happen in New York though. The snow comes down and piles up, starts in October and ends sometime in April. Anyway, I choose to live here and I should stop complaining.....