Saturday, December 26, 2009
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
Today is a very special day in our family. I imagine many people who celebrate their birthdays right around the holiday get "jipped." But not my hubby! Happy birthday to the most wonderful husband and daddy any family could ask for. We love you so much and hope that today is a memorable one for you. Thanks for all you do!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Our home arose earlier than normal this morning to see what the fat man had brought. I heard two little voices (let's just say they really weren't that little) coming from the family room declaring that they were rather pleased with their Christmas surprises. Joshua found a Wii game that he had been wanting for quite some time, and Dominic received a boy baby doll.....Santa also left a G I Joe doll just in case. Said voices became louder as they ventured down the hall in an attempt to awaken mommy and Matthew. Neither of us were having that. 30 minutes later the two of us emerged to continue the festivities. Let's just say that Santa was really good to us this year!
As I sit here and look at my three sons playing with their new toys, it brings back so many memories of when I was their age. Although I have forged on and am creating new traditions with my young family, I would be remiss if the memories of Christmas past were not included somewhere in here. I can still remember Christmas Eve at my grandparents house; a big meal, "stocking stuffers," piles of presents with each family members names on them, camera flashes, and the ever popular declaration from my grandfather that "Christmas is over, let's turn off the lights." This most wonderful man was never much into the Christmas thing, but he was certainly into the family time and watching the love and joy that was spread around the Burke living room on this very special night. And then there was grandma all decked out in her Christmas best which included some sort of Christmassy shirt. I can still see her standing in the kitchen window as she worked on the feast and then watching with stars in her eyes as all of us opened our gifts. How happy I am that my grandparents spent their last Christmas together with their first Great-Grandson. I know Joshua doesn't remember that day but I certainly do. I thank God every day that we all have those memories. Oh how they both were looking forward to many more holidays with their brood of great grandchildren. Unfortunately that was not to be.
Today, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I am thankful for all the blessings in my life and for the two angels that watch over me every day that I am on this earth. How lucky I was to have such great grandparents and how blessed they both are today as they celebrate their first Christmas together in heaven. I love you grandma and grandpa and thank you for sharing in my Christmas memories.
As I sit here and look at my three sons playing with their new toys, it brings back so many memories of when I was their age. Although I have forged on and am creating new traditions with my young family, I would be remiss if the memories of Christmas past were not included somewhere in here. I can still remember Christmas Eve at my grandparents house; a big meal, "stocking stuffers," piles of presents with each family members names on them, camera flashes, and the ever popular declaration from my grandfather that "Christmas is over, let's turn off the lights." This most wonderful man was never much into the Christmas thing, but he was certainly into the family time and watching the love and joy that was spread around the Burke living room on this very special night. And then there was grandma all decked out in her Christmas best which included some sort of Christmassy shirt. I can still see her standing in the kitchen window as she worked on the feast and then watching with stars in her eyes as all of us opened our gifts. How happy I am that my grandparents spent their last Christmas together with their first Great-Grandson. I know Joshua doesn't remember that day but I certainly do. I thank God every day that we all have those memories. Oh how they both were looking forward to many more holidays with their brood of great grandchildren. Unfortunately that was not to be.
Today, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I am thankful for all the blessings in my life and for the two angels that watch over me every day that I am on this earth. How lucky I was to have such great grandparents and how blessed they both are today as they celebrate their first Christmas together in heaven. I love you grandma and grandpa and thank you for sharing in my Christmas memories.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tooth Fairy Makes a Killin'
No this isn't a picture of a Hillbilly, rather Joshua with a few less teeth. In a matter of 24 hours he managed to yank out not one, but TWO teeth right in the front. Mommy is a bit concerned since there is no sight of any permanent teeth to replace the five he is currently missing. They don't seem to be affecting his eating habits, but his smile is a bit awkward. Unfortunately the tooth fairy was delayed a day so he got an extra $1 for the wait. Hopefully the remaining teeth will take their own sweet time making their departure so that Joshua has something to chew with!
Matty Moose Gets a Moose Taggie
A great big thank you goes out to my dear friend Kara for making these! They are so VERY cute and Matthew absolutely loves them. He calls them his "babies." We have juggled with three smaller taggies for the past year and half; making sure there was one for daycare, one for home and an extra "just in case." With the addition of these two bigger ones, Matthew is all set!
These were supposed to be a Christmas gift for my little guy, but I just couldn't resist an early delivery! If you like her work, please check out Kara's website at www.kinderhausblankets.com.
These were supposed to be a Christmas gift for my little guy, but I just couldn't resist an early delivery! If you like her work, please check out Kara's website at www.kinderhausblankets.com.
Our Dancing Cowboy
Dominic's annual Christmas program was last week at a local elementary school. We look forward to this annual event as it's always fun to see which songs we will be serenaded with. This year boasted a western theme, and Dominic fit right in. He insisted on wearing his cowboy get-up and added the trenchcoat as a last minute accessory. Might I say he was the most handsome 4 year old in the bunch.
Due to the late hour, we opted to leave pre-Santa so that we could get the boys into bed at a decent hour. We did, however, make a special trip to the grocery store for some holiday cookies at Dominic's request. We look forward to seeing Matthew next year in his first program.
Due to the late hour, we opted to leave pre-Santa so that we could get the boys into bed at a decent hour. We did, however, make a special trip to the grocery store for some holiday cookies at Dominic's request. We look forward to seeing Matthew next year in his first program.
Matthew and "Nana" Ella - she is the owner of the daycare and these two are inseparable. Matthew has her wrapped around his little finger.
A Christmas Decoration Saga: The Second Year
For those of you who have been reading my blog over the past year and a half, you will remember the multitude of posts highlighting the trials and tribulations of our outdoor holiday decorations last year. I can count on two hands the number of mornings I ventured out in my jammies to determine where the issue was with the faulty lights.
It's a new year, and a new configuration, one that was sure to give us no trouble, right? Wrong! Althought the lights have functioned more nights than not, I discovered last week with the rain that we still had not worked out all the bugs. I suspect that my husband used an indoor extension cord somewhere in the mix since the only days the lights don't work are the days when moisture has filled the air. I supposed we will try it again in 2010 and I will keep my fingers crossed that we have 100% participation from all lights and inflatables on the 3rd try.
It's a new year, and a new configuration, one that was sure to give us no trouble, right? Wrong! Althought the lights have functioned more nights than not, I discovered last week with the rain that we still had not worked out all the bugs. I suspect that my husband used an indoor extension cord somewhere in the mix since the only days the lights don't work are the days when moisture has filled the air. I supposed we will try it again in 2010 and I will keep my fingers crossed that we have 100% participation from all lights and inflatables on the 3rd try.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
"Happiest" Memories at Christmas
Christmas at Disneyland. It surely is one of the most beautifully decorated places this time of year. Lights in all the trees, snow capped roofs on buildings, and festive characters up and down every street. This year we decided to share our holiday visit with our friend (and babysitter) Cynthia and her son Daniel. She had not visited the park since she was a young child, and I knew I could use the extra set of eyes with my three active boys. What fun we had.
We arrived under sun filled skies on Sunday to our "regular" venue, the Paradise Pier, and were treated to an upgraded Family Suite thanks to my friend Donny. He was also kind enough to leave a bouquet of balloons in the room for the kids which quickly entertained all four for at least an hour. It was nice to have the extra room and the DVD player to which we quickly added the Mickey Christmas DVD we brough along. We loaded everyone into the stroller and headed to Downtown Disney for some fresh air. Joshua, Dominic, and Matthew enjoyed dancing along to a group called Kids Imagine Nation who were playing in front of the Disneyland Hotel. After dinner at the hotel, Cynthia graciously offered to watch her son Daniel and Matthew so that I could take Josh and Dominic to the park for a few hours. We enjoyed a jaunt on Pirates, Thunder Mountain, and the Matterhorn before I challenged them to Space Mountain. After 10 minutes of harrassing them, they both agreed to "try it." We anxiously waited in line and made it all the way to the boarding area before Dominic declared that he had to sit with me (up until then I convinced the two of them to sit together). Although reluctant, Joshua finally agreed to ride solo.....and we were off. I waited for crying or a declaration of fear from them and was shocked to find smiles and excitement when we made the last turn into the light. They both LOVED it and wanted to go again! I explained to them that mommy couldn't make it a second time and that we really needed to get back to the hotel for some sleep. Matthew and I cuddled on the couch and let Joshua and Dominic share the bed. I absolutely love the couch in the Family Suite and wish I could have one in my house.
We planned to attend the character breakfast yesterday morning but were disappointed to find that the Lilo and Stich buffet was replaced with the Mickey and Friends buffet; exciting under normal situations, but along with the shift came an increase in price ($30 for adults and $16 for kids) and a requirement that guests are not permitted to order off the regular breakfast menu. I could hardly see paying nearly $100 for breakfast so we opted for breakfast from the lounge. I threw my hair up and ventured downstairs in my Christmas jammies with Dominic for coffee and food. We ordered Mickey waffles and a Flatbread breakfast pizza - so YUMMY!! After breakfast we packed up and headed over to the park.
It was another fun-filled day of rides, food, and walking (oh, and a little whining too) and we all enjoyed ourselves. Cynthia accompanied Joshua and Dominic on Splash Mountain and Matthew was smitten with all the characters. We enjoyed Mickey Mouse Clubhouse live at California Adventure and Matthew attempted to jump the stage and dance with all the characters. What a ham this little guy is. We finished the evening with the Pixar parade and even scored front row seats.
We arrived home late last night and I think I crawled into bed somewhere around 12:30am. We've certainly enjoyed our annual passes this year and many memories of our favorite place on earth.
Matthew just wanted to hug and sit on them
Dominic poses outside the Lego store - we dare not go in
Joshua strikes a pose too
Kid Imagine Nation performs
....and all three boys get in the groove (that's Cynthia standing behind them)
My two jailbirds..... 
We received these treats in our hotel room on Sunday night - they were so good. Did I mention they had no calories or fat in them? (ha ha ha)
The boys were marching in Critter Country
Don't even try to take the popcorn from Matty - he wanted it all to himself
We arrived under sun filled skies on Sunday to our "regular" venue, the Paradise Pier, and were treated to an upgraded Family Suite thanks to my friend Donny. He was also kind enough to leave a bouquet of balloons in the room for the kids which quickly entertained all four for at least an hour. It was nice to have the extra room and the DVD player to which we quickly added the Mickey Christmas DVD we brough along. We loaded everyone into the stroller and headed to Downtown Disney for some fresh air. Joshua, Dominic, and Matthew enjoyed dancing along to a group called Kids Imagine Nation who were playing in front of the Disneyland Hotel. After dinner at the hotel, Cynthia graciously offered to watch her son Daniel and Matthew so that I could take Josh and Dominic to the park for a few hours. We enjoyed a jaunt on Pirates, Thunder Mountain, and the Matterhorn before I challenged them to Space Mountain. After 10 minutes of harrassing them, they both agreed to "try it." We anxiously waited in line and made it all the way to the boarding area before Dominic declared that he had to sit with me (up until then I convinced the two of them to sit together). Although reluctant, Joshua finally agreed to ride solo.....and we were off. I waited for crying or a declaration of fear from them and was shocked to find smiles and excitement when we made the last turn into the light. They both LOVED it and wanted to go again! I explained to them that mommy couldn't make it a second time and that we really needed to get back to the hotel for some sleep. Matthew and I cuddled on the couch and let Joshua and Dominic share the bed. I absolutely love the couch in the Family Suite and wish I could have one in my house.
We planned to attend the character breakfast yesterday morning but were disappointed to find that the Lilo and Stich buffet was replaced with the Mickey and Friends buffet; exciting under normal situations, but along with the shift came an increase in price ($30 for adults and $16 for kids) and a requirement that guests are not permitted to order off the regular breakfast menu. I could hardly see paying nearly $100 for breakfast so we opted for breakfast from the lounge. I threw my hair up and ventured downstairs in my Christmas jammies with Dominic for coffee and food. We ordered Mickey waffles and a Flatbread breakfast pizza - so YUMMY!! After breakfast we packed up and headed over to the park.
It was another fun-filled day of rides, food, and walking (oh, and a little whining too) and we all enjoyed ourselves. Cynthia accompanied Joshua and Dominic on Splash Mountain and Matthew was smitten with all the characters. We enjoyed Mickey Mouse Clubhouse live at California Adventure and Matthew attempted to jump the stage and dance with all the characters. What a ham this little guy is. We finished the evening with the Pixar parade and even scored front row seats.
We arrived home late last night and I think I crawled into bed somewhere around 12:30am. We've certainly enjoyed our annual passes this year and many memories of our favorite place on earth.
Dominic and Joshua chase balloons around the hotel room
Matthew just wanted to hug and sit on them
Dominic poses outside the Lego store - we dare not go in
Joshua strikes a pose too
Kid Imagine Nation performs
....and all three boys get in the groove (that's Cynthia standing behind them)
Santa even made a guest appearance at the Paradise Pier
My two jailbirds.....
We received these treats in our hotel room on Sunday night - they were so good. Did I mention they had no calories or fat in them? (ha ha ha)
The boys were marching in Critter Country
Don't even try to take the popcorn from Matty - he wanted it all to himself
Monday, December 7, 2009
I'm Behind
yes I am. I promise to add a post soon. Sorry for the delay but the holidays have been keeping me busy.
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