Wow, I have visions of printing this blog someday and it being a cherished record of great stories of our family's adventures. I think of it at least weekly, why I can't get more posts done, who knows. Maybe I'm making it too hard, I'm letting go that it has to be perfect and all inclusive. Just a few thoughts as the year ends...
We had an amazing Christmas. Matt's folks as well as Uncle Geoff and Aunt Shannon were here with us. We had a great time, also spending Christmas day with my family and the day after at Grandpa Walt's. Many memories were made. I love taking the kids to the dollar store, they pick out gifts for each other and for us with their own allowance money. It is precious how they spend time thinking what the other would love best. We had fun with the count down this year...Nathan had a really cool Lego advent calendar and of course our nativity calendar adds excitement too. I really think both kids totally understood Jesus' birthday being the reason for celebrating but Nathan continually asked how old he was turning, it led to some great conversations/teaching opportunities. Whitney loved the cartoon version of the Grinch, she couldn't get enough of it. Whitney was nothing shy of horrified when it came to Santa. Nathan told Santa what she wanted for her...a hair doll. Matt told her to get to bed Christmas eve because Santa was on his way and made ho ho ho noises while hiding behind Geoff. She blasted down the hallway, we thought she was running to bed but turns out she was scared to death that Santa might be there...sad but funny. Nathan wanted a GeoTrax train that was 'retired'. Thank goodness for ebay and my friend Jill who sent the little man that goes with it. Whitney told everyone to close their eyes every time she opened a present and would repeat, "don't look, close your eyes" over and over. Christmas morning was so awesome, I wish I could bottle that kind of wonder and excitement.
Matt finished his year of adding a push-up per day...365 today!!! He had transformed his body and been very commited. He is trying to figure out what he'll do tomorrow, maybe add some sit ups? The best story is how he was bet $20 at a wedding this summer that he couldn't do 40 push-ups, well of course he could, cha ching.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
update
Nathan: Loving Preschool Partners, he only goes 2 afternoons per week but it's pretty intense and he is learning so much. He is reading more than I thought a preschooler could and Mrs Sailor says he is the one raising his hand with the answer most of the time. Matt and I are very impressed with the teaching philosophies and are leaning toward sending our kiddos to the Classical Academy. We will finalize our decision soon. Nato is still enjoying Kid's Music Playground. He is thriving, can play many songs on piano (using both hands) and his knowledge surpasses mine easily. Matt takes him so I'm usually lost, maybe I will take Whitney when she is old enough.
Whitney: Moments of terrible two's show up daily but at the same time, I love this age. She is learning her letters and loves visiting Nathan's school, always a big hug for his teachers. She will definitely be ready for preschool next fall. Whitney takes ballet while Nathan is at music class. She absolutely loves going and loves her teacher, Miss Tina. She is such a good listener and tries so hard, I am so proud of her. She was awarded 'dancer of the month' for November, very special. She got out of diapers at exactly 2&1/2 but this month, we've been dealing with more #2 accidents than I would like to. This too shall pass. She is not my picky one, eating spicy foods and always wanting some of what daddy has. She loves hummus which cracks me up, but it's fabulous.
I'm on Moms at Twilight ministry team this year so us 3 head to the church every Wed night. Nathan is in choir and Whitney always looks forward to playing in the toddler room. It means a late night but well worth it. Mom still watches the kids on Thursday afternoons while I work and Jessica helps out every other Tuesday. We've had a lot of different people babysitting on the other Tuesdays, but the kids never mind, I guess they are used to it by now. We need to figure out something new when Jess has her baby in March. Need to start thinking about how it all looks next fall too. It's been kind of strange talking about kindergarten next year, I can't believe they are growing so fast!!!!
Whitney: Moments of terrible two's show up daily but at the same time, I love this age. She is learning her letters and loves visiting Nathan's school, always a big hug for his teachers. She will definitely be ready for preschool next fall. Whitney takes ballet while Nathan is at music class. She absolutely loves going and loves her teacher, Miss Tina. She is such a good listener and tries so hard, I am so proud of her. She was awarded 'dancer of the month' for November, very special. She got out of diapers at exactly 2&1/2 but this month, we've been dealing with more #2 accidents than I would like to. This too shall pass. She is not my picky one, eating spicy foods and always wanting some of what daddy has. She loves hummus which cracks me up, but it's fabulous.
I'm on Moms at Twilight ministry team this year so us 3 head to the church every Wed night. Nathan is in choir and Whitney always looks forward to playing in the toddler room. It means a late night but well worth it. Mom still watches the kids on Thursday afternoons while I work and Jessica helps out every other Tuesday. We've had a lot of different people babysitting on the other Tuesdays, but the kids never mind, I guess they are used to it by now. We need to figure out something new when Jess has her baby in March. Need to start thinking about how it all looks next fall too. It's been kind of strange talking about kindergarten next year, I can't believe they are growing so fast!!!!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Updates
Some of my favorite pictures from the last month. Summer is going fast, we've been really busy. Nathan completed 4 weeks of swimming lessons, he's becoming a little fish. He is diving down to retrieve things from the bottom of the pool, better than mommy already. He is also on a t-ball/coach pitch team at the Y. He is not yet passionate about baseball (passion is still trains) but he does enjoy it and is doing well. He is also loving riding his bike, still training wheels, but can go all over. I was so proud of him the other night at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Though a cautious little boy, he did the prelim round of 'Mutton Bustin'. He was trampled but didn't cry and is up for a re-ride. Not sure if he was actually on the sheep as it left the gate; he had a tear in his jeans so maybe he got hung up on the gate. The video is terrible because I forgot about the camera to see with my own eyes if he was okay, but here it is.
Whitney loves being outside. She enjoys riding on the seat that sits on the handle bars of my bike. She thinks swimming is a lot of fun and loves flailing around the kiddie pool and jumping to us in the big pool; even off the diving board as she is pretty fearless. Sad to report that we are still potty training. She has the potty mastered but the other is yet to happen very often. As of right now, I'm pretty sure one of her passions is singing. I asked her if she was going to be a singer like Grandma and she sung back her response 'I'm gonna be a singer like Grandma'. She still blows us away with her advanced vocabulary. She is starting to give up nap time a couple times per week. Not in a big girl bed but loves to sleep in Nathan's bed, maybe she'll get her own soon.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Whitney's comment in front of church
Today during children's sermon, Matt Holtzman was leading into the sermon and asked the kids for examples of two things that work together, rephrased a few times, such as two things that come together to create a better thing. Several kids had clever responses such as a battery/flashlight, TV/Remote, and Nathan's comment of two workers/building a building. Matt went on and I noticed Nathan raising Whitney's hand to be goofy. Matt noticed and said, 'Whitney did you have something?". She was put on the spot and the first thing out of her mouth was "BABIES". The audience exploded. It was pretty hilarious, I just hope people realized that baby dolls are her favorite thing and not that we are teaching our two year old the birds and the bees. :)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Nathan can't be 5 already, can he?
With Great Grandpa on the 4th!
Nathan's favorite day of the year is finally upon us. He had a fun birthday. We went out to Kiowa for the 4th of July and spent a while at the Elbert County Museum's BBQ and then mom cooked a nice dinner to celebrate Nathan's birthday early. It was a rainy 4th so fireworks weren't ideal but we had a fun day.
Nathan's birthday was a Wednesday this year, we were going to have a pool party but a chillier day led to us bringing to the house. Lego theme this year so I made a Lego cake and his friends all put together Lego cars to take home. We had a nice lunch and they all had a blast playing inside and out. T-ball was canceled that night so we took his baseball cupcakes to Matt's work instead. He had a special day and was just glowing all day with excitement. He is so proud to be 5! I'm glad we are waiting until 6 to start Kindergarten or this whole thing might be a bit emotional.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day
We had a fun Father's Day. Matt had the chance to do what he loves, play his game. Matt helped to organize a baseball game between some younger guys in the church and Pastor Jim's senior league team. Josh was recruited as well so we got to spend the day with the Schneiders too. Didn't get to see my dad, it was their 34th Anniversary so they were off celebrating. Happy Father's Day Matty!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Songs to reflect upon
Trace Atkins, You're Gonna Miss This
She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you
-Chorus-
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby, just slow down
Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but ...
Darius Rucker, It Won't Be Like This For Long
He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all night
Layin’ there in bed listenin’
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK
It won’t be like this for long
One day we'll look back laughin’
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
‘Cause it won't be like this for long
Four years later ‘bout 4:30
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This’ll only last a week or two
It won’t be like this for long
One day soon you'll drop her off
And she won’t even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It won’t be like this for long
Some day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times he'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle
And he'll raise her veil
But right now she's up and cryin’
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
‘Til her eyes are finally closed
And just watchin’ her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It won’t be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by
So, he's tryin’ to hold on
‘Cause it won’t be like this for long
She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you
-Chorus-
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby, just slow down
Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but ...
Darius Rucker, It Won't Be Like This For Long
He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all night
Layin’ there in bed listenin’
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK
It won’t be like this for long
One day we'll look back laughin’
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
‘Cause it won't be like this for long
Four years later ‘bout 4:30
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This’ll only last a week or two
It won’t be like this for long
One day soon you'll drop her off
And she won’t even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It won’t be like this for long
Some day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times he'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle
And he'll raise her veil
But right now she's up and cryin’
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
‘Til her eyes are finally closed
And just watchin’ her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It won’t be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by
So, he's tryin’ to hold on
‘Cause it won’t be like this for long
updates
Little Miss Whitney:
Well, I have to report that my previous post about potty training going so well was only wishful thinking. She has lost interest for the most part. If I bribe her a lot, we can get some potty out but will only try pooping for a really big bribe (eg. sparkly shoes) and then I worry she'll get hemorrhoids. She's a goofy girl, still copying everything Nathan does of course. We are going to sign her up for dance class in the fall. She love wearing her leotards, especially at Art Sports (the jumping place) open gym. She still is obsessed with shoes and it's getting harder and harder to pick out her outfit for her. She can almost count to 29, skipping only a few numbers. She loves to sing and is starting to enjoy audio CD's. What a big girl she is quickly becoming.
Sir Nato Meister:
Star Soccer at church starts tomorrow. He is really excited. T-ball at the YMCA in mid June and maybe a basketball clinic. He is loving sports and one of his favorite things right now is blocking mommy's shots. We got him a few hermit crabs last week (Diego, Dora and Swiper) and he is loving that responsibility. They have one in his preschool class, they're pretty easy which is good. He is reading now, pretty well actually. He blows me away, very impressive!
Dentist yesterday, both kids look great. He warns us to start saving for orthodontics now...for both of them. Oh boy!
Well, I have to report that my previous post about potty training going so well was only wishful thinking. She has lost interest for the most part. If I bribe her a lot, we can get some potty out but will only try pooping for a really big bribe (eg. sparkly shoes) and then I worry she'll get hemorrhoids. She's a goofy girl, still copying everything Nathan does of course. We are going to sign her up for dance class in the fall. She love wearing her leotards, especially at Art Sports (the jumping place) open gym. She still is obsessed with shoes and it's getting harder and harder to pick out her outfit for her. She can almost count to 29, skipping only a few numbers. She loves to sing and is starting to enjoy audio CD's. What a big girl she is quickly becoming.
Sir Nato Meister:
Star Soccer at church starts tomorrow. He is really excited. T-ball at the YMCA in mid June and maybe a basketball clinic. He is loving sports and one of his favorite things right now is blocking mommy's shots. We got him a few hermit crabs last week (Diego, Dora and Swiper) and he is loving that responsibility. They have one in his preschool class, they're pretty easy which is good. He is reading now, pretty well actually. He blows me away, very impressive!
Dentist yesterday, both kids look great. He warns us to start saving for orthodontics now...for both of them. Oh boy!
Nathan's first year to ski
Feb 13th.
We went up to Loveland today along 3 other families. Matt and I took turns skiing while the other one watched Whitney. Nathan took his first lesson and LOVED it. He did just a half day since we were late (traffic!!!) but it was a perfect first experience. When it was over, he asked his instructor if he could buy his skis. He had a great time. If asked his least favorite thing, he responded that it was hard to make his way over to the magic carpet and that sometimes he slid back while riding up it. But if asked his favorite thing, "going fast down the mountain". I think he'll be beating us down the hill in a couple years.
Whitney had fun hanging out and being pulled on the sled. It snowed all day but the cold didn't seem to bother the kids.
Oh,and one of the best parts, Matt was able to get all the passes and lesson for FREE!!
March 29th.
We had an amazing opportunity to take a little vaca to Durango. Matt had a connection who hooked us up with an amazing ski in/ski out condo. It was really nice, we enjoyed the game room, hot tub, outdoor heated pool and just some R&R. Nathan had one full day lesson and thought it was great fun. A long drive, but it was nice to be in that area, for our first time ever!
April 10th.
One last ski trip. We went up to Monarch for the day. We took Zak while Sam watched Whitney for us. Nathan and Zak both got 2&1/2 hour private lessons!!! Matt and I had a great time skiing together on some super fast demo skis. The snow wasn't great but always fun to ski somewhere you've never skied before. Nathan went on the lift to the bunny slope for the first time at the end of his lesson. Then we were able to take him up several times and help him down. He's doing really well; too bad we have a huge break now until he goes again. It's really awesome watching him learn a new skill and especially to see his excitement! (and Whitney loved her day playing with Vanden)
We went up to Loveland today along 3 other families. Matt and I took turns skiing while the other one watched Whitney. Nathan took his first lesson and LOVED it. He did just a half day since we were late (traffic!!!) but it was a perfect first experience. When it was over, he asked his instructor if he could buy his skis. He had a great time. If asked his least favorite thing, he responded that it was hard to make his way over to the magic carpet and that sometimes he slid back while riding up it. But if asked his favorite thing, "going fast down the mountain". I think he'll be beating us down the hill in a couple years.
Whitney had fun hanging out and being pulled on the sled. It snowed all day but the cold didn't seem to bother the kids.
Oh,and one of the best parts, Matt was able to get all the passes and lesson for FREE!!
March 29th.
We had an amazing opportunity to take a little vaca to Durango. Matt had a connection who hooked us up with an amazing ski in/ski out condo. It was really nice, we enjoyed the game room, hot tub, outdoor heated pool and just some R&R. Nathan had one full day lesson and thought it was great fun. A long drive, but it was nice to be in that area, for our first time ever!
April 10th.
One last ski trip. We went up to Monarch for the day. We took Zak while Sam watched Whitney for us. Nathan and Zak both got 2&1/2 hour private lessons!!! Matt and I had a great time skiing together on some super fast demo skis. The snow wasn't great but always fun to ski somewhere you've never skied before. Nathan went on the lift to the bunny slope for the first time at the end of his lesson. Then we were able to take him up several times and help him down. He's doing really well; too bad we have a huge break now until he goes again. It's really awesome watching him learn a new skill and especially to see his excitement! (and Whitney loved her day playing with Vanden)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Whitney turns 2
I can't believe my little girl is two already. She is so grown up and ready to take on the world. Grammy, Poppy and Granny Lu came for a visit the weekend before her birthday so we had her party on the 31st. I think she felt pretty special and got some really wonderful things to wear and play with. She was excited about her pink purse cake and is still talking about it. (I made the cake Saturday and it fell over later that night so I had to redo it on Sunday; practice was not intended) On her actual birthday, I had to work, but Matt and Nathan took her to Chick-Fil-A and she enjoyed the afternoon playing with her girlfriend Jaclyn since Jess was babysitting that day. I brought home cupcakes and we sang Happy Birthday multiple times. Finally she can have nuts and we can stop buying whole milk. The binky is gone and potty training is going pretty well ('potty only'). So overall my girl isn't a baby anymore but she is still so darn cute. I'm looking forward to her 3rd year of life!
update: Whitney's 2 year check up on 2/17/10 - 26.7 lbs (50%) and 35" (>75%)
update: Whitney's 2 year check up on 2/17/10 - 26.7 lbs (50%) and 35" (>75%)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Seattle Trip
Steph and Zak have always said we should come for a visit. Last fall a great deal from Southwest came across my inbox and we picked a weekend in January to go. I am so glad we did. What a fun time we had, great people and a great city. Beach, Pike Market, seafood, family (saw the Alaska Rose's too), girl's spa night, boy's beer night, coffee, the locks, and more. Nathan thought we were going to 'Attle'- we were going to 'see Attle' right? We stayed with the Taylor's, they were such great hosts. Whitney slept pretty awful so we were all tired since we slept in the same room as her but she never got too grouchy. The kids had a wonderful time with Grace and Isaac. Nathan wonders when we get to go back and see the movie 'Dumbo' (only Grace has it, right?) Just today, Whitney was saying "OK, easy there". Nathan had to translate, they said Gracie taught them that, too funny.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Whitney's Potty Training Miracle
Whitney has show a lot of interest in potty training over the last 2 weeks. She is doing so well. Mom got her some big girl underwear last Thursday and she loves them. She has very few accidents, we even went to a playdate today without a pull-up and no problems. She says "I wanna go potty" when she's ready. (#2 once on potty last week but typically goes before getting up in morning or at nap time so it may take a while for that) She actually woke up this a.m really early at 6:15 wanting to go potty. I thought it was a scam to get up but to my amazement, her diaper was completely dry and she pottied a ton. Wow! I guess girls are easier than boys. Sure will save us some bucks on diapers!
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