Saturday, November 03, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
(Most) Characters Welcome
We don't usually go trick-or-treating. For one thing, I despise most Halloween decorations, and the kids are scared of them. I get tired of explaining that scary costumes are just costumes and the tombstones and dummies hanging from trees are fake. For another, do they really need candy? No.
So we have been going to Ft Bliss's Hallelujah Festival the last few years. Our Protestant Director of Religious Education works hard to make the evening a fun alternative to trick-or-treating. The kids play carnival games and get prizes--real prizes, not candy. Bouncy houses and slides are set up outside our chapel--right next to the food tent where supper is free.
What I dread, though, is taking all 4 kids some place where all 4 will want to do individual activities. Needless to say, I wasn't looking forward to taking them this year. But Syd & Bryce insisted, and I definitely didn't want to trick-or-treat, so we went.
The evening started off rough. Bryan had taken a nap, and of course, was quite cranky. "I NOT be Diego!" he screamed at me over and over. I dressed him anyway (mean mommy, I know) and told him he didn't have to be Diego. He could just be Bryan. He wasn't buying it (the kid's smart). So I offered to buy them small fries from McDonald's. Bryan stopped screaming long enough to say he wanted fries. All the McDonald's employees were dressed up, and the guy who gave us our food was in a purple striped suit with a matching hat & a few bracelets. "Who's he?" Bryce asked. I thought the guy looked like Elton John, but I wasn't sure. When he gave me our order, I asked him who he was dressed up as. He lowered his voice and said, "A pimp, ma'am." Allrighty, then. Never mind. He must've been embarassed a little--he found cookies to give the kids. Fortunately Bryce didn't ask about the costume again!
Cranky children fed, we headed to chapel.
The festival always starts with praise & worship geared toward kids. Brady screamed the entire time. When we broke for games, I found out (after wrestling with him outside while trying to watch the other 3 run through the crowd--not fun) that Miss Sara, Miss Wanda & Miss Raquel were in the nursery. I love these ladies--they are Watchcare providers (ministry partners, really) and work with me on Wednesday mornings at PWOC. As soon as Brady saw them, he stopped crying. I think Wanda & Raquel spoil him. "Ah, come here, my Brahhdy," Wanda always says. And Brady runs to her without question. Every time.
With Brady taken care of, the remaining 3 and I played a few games and ate supper. Then the kids discovered the bouncy houses and slide. We spent the rest of the evening there. Bryan had a blast! And bonus for Mom: they slept very well last night!
The festival always ends with praise & worship, too. This time the HOPE Chapel praise band led us in several upbeat, fun songs--like "Big House" and "Pharoah, Pharoah." Bryce & Syd just sat and played with their prizes. But Bryan, who earlier had been determined to not have fun, sang and bounced and clapped the whole time. He yelled "Whoo-hoo!" and even waved his arms--no one else was. It was so cute and made my night. As we left, each child received a bag of candy. Not too much, though--just the right amount.
Afterwards, we stopped at Wal-Mart. And the greeter was in costume. "He a monster, Mommy!" Bryan yelled. Again, we managed to embarass a well-meaning employee. He said, "Sorry, ma'am." I just told the kids he was pretending, but the looks they gave the guy successfully communicated they did not approve of his costume choice. This told me that we have done a good job handling Halloween. Costumes don't have to be scary, and dressing up is always fun. And the night isn't even about candy. For my kids, Halloween means they get to pick out new dress-up outfits (that they'll wear every day from now on until they're too small) and go play games with their friends.
So we had a great night. My only question is this: When is it too early to put up the Christmas tree? *
* This is a rhetorical question. :)
Our naked cowboy is much cuter than NYC's!
Brady wouldn't stand up because I was sitting on the floor. I stood up to get him to stand up, then squatted to take the picture. He sat down with me. Oh well.
When we take pictures, the kids insist they get to see the shots immediately. When Brady saw this one, he said, "Look! Baby go!"
Bryce was thrilled to be James this year. But everyone at chapel called him "Thomas." He was quite offended and proceeded to educate people: "NOO, I'm NOT THOMAS! Thomas is blue! I'm JAMES, see? James is red!"
Our characters sit still long enough for one picture: Hannah Montana, Cowboy BT, Diego, and James.
Here is Hannah Montana minus the wig. Syd took the wig to Miss Wanda to put in Brady's backpack. Instead, Miss Wanda, a Latino, wore the wig and posed for a picture that Miss Sara took. Wanda showed me the picture, saying, "Don't I look like Britney Spears?" in her heavy Mexican accent. I wish I had a copy of it!
The Slippery Slope was Bryan's favorite activity. Miss Cindy had to help him up the rope ladder and catch him. She works in Bryce's PWOC class as a ministry partner and co-teaches Bryan's Sunday school class.
Miss Carrie, one of Bryce's Watchcare ministry partners (aka teachers), came as a grandma.
Miss Jennifer (another of Bryce's ministry partners) dressed up as a can of worms, name brand: Mischief.
So we have been going to Ft Bliss's Hallelujah Festival the last few years. Our Protestant Director of Religious Education works hard to make the evening a fun alternative to trick-or-treating. The kids play carnival games and get prizes--real prizes, not candy. Bouncy houses and slides are set up outside our chapel--right next to the food tent where supper is free.
What I dread, though, is taking all 4 kids some place where all 4 will want to do individual activities. Needless to say, I wasn't looking forward to taking them this year. But Syd & Bryce insisted, and I definitely didn't want to trick-or-treat, so we went.
The evening started off rough. Bryan had taken a nap, and of course, was quite cranky. "I NOT be Diego!" he screamed at me over and over. I dressed him anyway (mean mommy, I know) and told him he didn't have to be Diego. He could just be Bryan. He wasn't buying it (the kid's smart). So I offered to buy them small fries from McDonald's. Bryan stopped screaming long enough to say he wanted fries. All the McDonald's employees were dressed up, and the guy who gave us our food was in a purple striped suit with a matching hat & a few bracelets. "Who's he?" Bryce asked. I thought the guy looked like Elton John, but I wasn't sure. When he gave me our order, I asked him who he was dressed up as. He lowered his voice and said, "A pimp, ma'am." Allrighty, then. Never mind. He must've been embarassed a little--he found cookies to give the kids. Fortunately Bryce didn't ask about the costume again!
Cranky children fed, we headed to chapel.
The festival always starts with praise & worship geared toward kids. Brady screamed the entire time. When we broke for games, I found out (after wrestling with him outside while trying to watch the other 3 run through the crowd--not fun) that Miss Sara, Miss Wanda & Miss Raquel were in the nursery. I love these ladies--they are Watchcare providers (ministry partners, really) and work with me on Wednesday mornings at PWOC. As soon as Brady saw them, he stopped crying. I think Wanda & Raquel spoil him. "Ah, come here, my Brahhdy," Wanda always says. And Brady runs to her without question. Every time.
With Brady taken care of, the remaining 3 and I played a few games and ate supper. Then the kids discovered the bouncy houses and slide. We spent the rest of the evening there. Bryan had a blast! And bonus for Mom: they slept very well last night!
The festival always ends with praise & worship, too. This time the HOPE Chapel praise band led us in several upbeat, fun songs--like "Big House" and "Pharoah, Pharoah." Bryce & Syd just sat and played with their prizes. But Bryan, who earlier had been determined to not have fun, sang and bounced and clapped the whole time. He yelled "Whoo-hoo!" and even waved his arms--no one else was. It was so cute and made my night. As we left, each child received a bag of candy. Not too much, though--just the right amount.
Afterwards, we stopped at Wal-Mart. And the greeter was in costume. "He a monster, Mommy!" Bryan yelled. Again, we managed to embarass a well-meaning employee. He said, "Sorry, ma'am." I just told the kids he was pretending, but the looks they gave the guy successfully communicated they did not approve of his costume choice. This told me that we have done a good job handling Halloween. Costumes don't have to be scary, and dressing up is always fun. And the night isn't even about candy. For my kids, Halloween means they get to pick out new dress-up outfits (that they'll wear every day from now on until they're too small) and go play games with their friends.
So we had a great night. My only question is this: When is it too early to put up the Christmas tree? *
* This is a rhetorical question. :)
Our naked cowboy is much cuter than NYC's!
Brady wouldn't stand up because I was sitting on the floor. I stood up to get him to stand up, then squatted to take the picture. He sat down with me. Oh well.
When we take pictures, the kids insist they get to see the shots immediately. When Brady saw this one, he said, "Look! Baby go!"
Bryce was thrilled to be James this year. But everyone at chapel called him "Thomas." He was quite offended and proceeded to educate people: "NOO, I'm NOT THOMAS! Thomas is blue! I'm JAMES, see? James is red!"
Our characters sit still long enough for one picture: Hannah Montana, Cowboy BT, Diego, and James.
Here is Hannah Montana minus the wig. Syd took the wig to Miss Wanda to put in Brady's backpack. Instead, Miss Wanda, a Latino, wore the wig and posed for a picture that Miss Sara took. Wanda showed me the picture, saying, "Don't I look like Britney Spears?" in her heavy Mexican accent. I wish I had a copy of it!
The Slippery Slope was Bryan's favorite activity. Miss Cindy had to help him up the rope ladder and catch him. She works in Bryce's PWOC class as a ministry partner and co-teaches Bryan's Sunday school class.
Miss Carrie, one of Bryce's Watchcare ministry partners (aka teachers), came as a grandma.
Miss Jennifer (another of Bryce's ministry partners) dressed up as a can of worms, name brand: Mischief.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Pumpkin Pancakes: The Power Food
These are so yummy! Scroll down a few posts to see Brady eating them if you don't believe me!
I don't remember where I got this recipe--somewhere online, so my apologies for not properly crediting the cook from whose kitchen this originated.
1 c sifted flour (I don't sift--I'm lazy)
1 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon (I recommend doubling; I actually use Pampered Chef's Cinnamon Plus.)
1 c milk
1/2 c canned pumpkin
2 beaten egg yolks
2 T melted butter
2 stiffly beaten egg whites
Sift (or vigorously whisk--an old baker's trick!) together dry ingredients. Combine with wet; fold in egg whites.
This makes 8 pancakes, so I have to double the recipe to feed all my kids. Two apiece just aren't enough.
If you don't have Pampered Chef's Cinnamon Plus, I'd use a pumpkin pie spice mix. Not too much, but with just cinnamon, the pancakes are kind of bland. Last year my mother-in-law bought us a dry mix that had finely chopped walnuts in it. Those panakes were incredible, so add walnuts to balance the carbs and add some protein!
We eat them plain (honestly!) or with butter and maple syrup.
My kids love pumpkin, and I'm not complaining. We've all heard about the benefits of eating pumpkin. As we enjoy other pumpkin recipes, I'll share them. But not my grandma's pumpkin pie. That's a guarded family secret!
I don't remember where I got this recipe--somewhere online, so my apologies for not properly crediting the cook from whose kitchen this originated.
1 c sifted flour (I don't sift--I'm lazy)
1 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon (I recommend doubling; I actually use Pampered Chef's Cinnamon Plus.)
1 c milk
1/2 c canned pumpkin
2 beaten egg yolks
2 T melted butter
2 stiffly beaten egg whites
Sift (or vigorously whisk--an old baker's trick!) together dry ingredients. Combine with wet; fold in egg whites.
This makes 8 pancakes, so I have to double the recipe to feed all my kids. Two apiece just aren't enough.
If you don't have Pampered Chef's Cinnamon Plus, I'd use a pumpkin pie spice mix. Not too much, but with just cinnamon, the pancakes are kind of bland. Last year my mother-in-law bought us a dry mix that had finely chopped walnuts in it. Those panakes were incredible, so add walnuts to balance the carbs and add some protein!
We eat them plain (honestly!) or with butter and maple syrup.
My kids love pumpkin, and I'm not complaining. We've all heard about the benefits of eating pumpkin. As we enjoy other pumpkin recipes, I'll share them. But not my grandma's pumpkin pie. That's a guarded family secret!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Let's Give a Warm Welcome To...
...my mom & dad!
They joined the blog world this month. You can view their blog by clicking on their link to the right. This will be a great way to see how their ministry in the Czech Republic is growing.
They joined the blog world this month. You can view their blog by clicking on their link to the right. This will be a great way to see how their ministry in the Czech Republic is growing.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Autumn...Sort of
It's no secret that the fall season pretty much evades us down here. Don't get me wrong--the temperature does drop from the mid to high nineties to the mid to low seventies. And the air dries out. But we don't have much fall foliage to enjoy, and the nearest pumpkin patch is an hour away (and costs $8 per person to get in--and that doesn't include your pumpkin!).
So every year we attempt to recreate the magic of the season. We burn pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon candles. We let the kids pick out pumpkins from the store and color them with markers. (Sometimes we carve them, but that's a daddy thing, and since daddy's not here, well, we settled for markers this year.) We always have to make caramel apples, and the kids discovered pumpkin pancakes last year. So that's a new tradition that they'd enjoy every day if Mommy felt up to making pancakes every day.
Here are some pictures of the kids playing fall. So don't feel sorry for us--we're pretty creative people!
Syd stirred the melting caramels while Brady was afraid he was being left out.
Bryce poses with the finished product, mainly to make sure no one could steal his.
I really couldn't tell how Brady felt about his snack...
Syd enjoyed eating the results of her hard work.
Bryce snuck his apple into the toy room. He claims he ate all of it and threw the stick away. We'll see...
Bryan isn't about to share his caramel apple. Or mine. He licked all the caramel off my apple!
Bryce wants you to see his pumpkin. He's already dropped & cracked it, but he attempted to fix it with masking tape. Everyone's pumpkin is starting to rot--and we just bought them Sunday! It's a sad, sad situation.
Brady's working so hard to get that pumpkin pancake on his fork.
Success tastes good!
For Barry: Here's proof that I don't kill EVERY plant in my care! These are Syd's radish seeds, sprouting tap roots and root hairs. Today we'll transfer some of them to potting soil.
And my window sill is a radish nursery of sorts!
So every year we attempt to recreate the magic of the season. We burn pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon candles. We let the kids pick out pumpkins from the store and color them with markers. (Sometimes we carve them, but that's a daddy thing, and since daddy's not here, well, we settled for markers this year.) We always have to make caramel apples, and the kids discovered pumpkin pancakes last year. So that's a new tradition that they'd enjoy every day if Mommy felt up to making pancakes every day.
Here are some pictures of the kids playing fall. So don't feel sorry for us--we're pretty creative people!
Syd stirred the melting caramels while Brady was afraid he was being left out.
Bryce poses with the finished product, mainly to make sure no one could steal his.
I really couldn't tell how Brady felt about his snack...
Syd enjoyed eating the results of her hard work.
Bryce snuck his apple into the toy room. He claims he ate all of it and threw the stick away. We'll see...
Bryan isn't about to share his caramel apple. Or mine. He licked all the caramel off my apple!
Bryce wants you to see his pumpkin. He's already dropped & cracked it, but he attempted to fix it with masking tape. Everyone's pumpkin is starting to rot--and we just bought them Sunday! It's a sad, sad situation.
Brady's working so hard to get that pumpkin pancake on his fork.
Success tastes good!
For Barry: Here's proof that I don't kill EVERY plant in my care! These are Syd's radish seeds, sprouting tap roots and root hairs. Today we'll transfer some of them to potting soil.
And my window sill is a radish nursery of sorts!
Friday, October 19, 2007
October 15, Part 1
As promised, here are more photos of our last day with Barry before he deployed. Along with finishing yard work, removing A/Cs from windows, and eating his favorite foods, Barry helped the kids complete a few projects. Brady & Bryan made plaster handprints (it took both of us to accomplish that!), then the kids made posters with their handprints next to Daddy's. If they feel like they need to hold his hand over this next year, they'll be able to. Sort of. We're mailing one to him so he can hold theirs. :)
Barry has updated his website (see his link to the right). He'll post thoughts & pictures from Korea for your reading and viewing pleasure.
Thanks again for your support, prayers, and encouragement!
"Dad, I need a haircut! " So Barry played barber Monday afternoon. How could he resist? It was Bryce's final request.
Bryce poses with Daddy after the haircut.
Brady's enjoying the paint on his hands a little too much!
Sydney's adding her handprint to the posterboards.
MWR had bandanas for the kids to color while waiting for the soldiers to arrive at the gym.
Brady loves the view from Daddy's shoulders!
Barry has updated his website (see his link to the right). He'll post thoughts & pictures from Korea for your reading and viewing pleasure.
Thanks again for your support, prayers, and encouragement!
"Dad, I need a haircut! " So Barry played barber Monday afternoon. How could he resist? It was Bryce's final request.
Bryce poses with Daddy after the haircut.
Brady's enjoying the paint on his hands a little too much!
Sydney's adding her handprint to the posterboards.
MWR had bandanas for the kids to color while waiting for the soldiers to arrive at the gym.
Brady loves the view from Daddy's shoulders!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
My Dream House
Magic Magnate's Manor
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Build YOUR Dream Home! |
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
October 15, Part 2
This post is entitled "Part 2" because Blogger's not cooperating right now. This is one of the last photos we took yesterday. It's from our family time at Stout Gym at the very unfamily hour of 11 p.m. I'll post the other pictures we took (October 15, Part 1) later when the website's more cooperative!
This is probably the best group picture we've gotten in a long time! But then, these kids love their daddy!
This is probably the best group picture we've gotten in a long time! But then, these kids love their daddy!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Finally: An Update
The last couple of months have been hectic for us. Barry was working 18-hr days, so when his leave started, we took full advantage of it. We spent 3 days in Ruidoso & Lincoln County, NM. We'd planned to spend a few extra nights camping, but Brady decided to catch croup. During our mini vacation, we visited Cloudcroft (in the Lincoln National Forest), San Patricio (where NC Wyeth's daughter & son-in-law Henriette & Paul Hurd lived--we saw several $100,000 paintings--without a chaperone!), Three Rivers Petroglyphs Site, Smokey the Bear's museum, and Lincoln County (Billy the Kid's territory).
When we arrived back to El Paso, we took the kids to the Amigo Airsho on Biggs Field. We spent the rest of his leave doing things together, simple things like eating at McD's and going to the park. We also marked this time by saying farewell to Nigel, our faithful yet moody English shepherd. (Sam's enjoying being in charge, by the way.)
My sister and brother-in-law flew out to visit last weekend, and we went to White Sands to sled down the sand dunes. Sydney wanted to have a birthday party before Barry left, so Erin & Dax helped us with the early celebration. Sydney received 2 pretty bracelets from Aunt Erin and a High School Musical game from us (yes, everyone had to play!). Brady's early gift was a TMX Elmo from Nana & Papaw. I think the adults liked watching Elmo's acrobatics as much as Brady did.
Then Barry gave each child an early Christmas gift. They love what he chose!
So we've tried to make the most of our time. Barry leaves tomorrow (Monday) for a year. I'll spend the next six months planning his mid-tour leave. And chances are, this blog will be updated more often since hopefully he'll logon to catch up with what his kids are doing!
What did Daddy buy Bryce? A skateboard!
Sydney said her Giga Pet was the best gift ever. :)
Bryan & Brady received remote-controlled Caterpillar vehicles.
Barry wasn't sure Brady would be able to figure his out, but he shouldn't have worried.
We visited the birthplace and gravesite of Smokey the Bear. Syd's upset because we wouldn't buy her a stuffed Smokey. :(
Bryan's our airplane boy, but this was Brady's expression the entire time we were at the Airsho.
We visited the Three Rivers Petroglyphs site. Funny that the NM Bureau of Land Management thinks these carvings are only a few hundred years old.
And here we are at the petroglyphs.
When we arrived back to El Paso, we took the kids to the Amigo Airsho on Biggs Field. We spent the rest of his leave doing things together, simple things like eating at McD's and going to the park. We also marked this time by saying farewell to Nigel, our faithful yet moody English shepherd. (Sam's enjoying being in charge, by the way.)
My sister and brother-in-law flew out to visit last weekend, and we went to White Sands to sled down the sand dunes. Sydney wanted to have a birthday party before Barry left, so Erin & Dax helped us with the early celebration. Sydney received 2 pretty bracelets from Aunt Erin and a High School Musical game from us (yes, everyone had to play!). Brady's early gift was a TMX Elmo from Nana & Papaw. I think the adults liked watching Elmo's acrobatics as much as Brady did.
Then Barry gave each child an early Christmas gift. They love what he chose!
So we've tried to make the most of our time. Barry leaves tomorrow (Monday) for a year. I'll spend the next six months planning his mid-tour leave. And chances are, this blog will be updated more often since hopefully he'll logon to catch up with what his kids are doing!
What did Daddy buy Bryce? A skateboard!
Sydney said her Giga Pet was the best gift ever. :)
Bryan & Brady received remote-controlled Caterpillar vehicles.
Barry wasn't sure Brady would be able to figure his out, but he shouldn't have worried.
We visited the birthplace and gravesite of Smokey the Bear. Syd's upset because we wouldn't buy her a stuffed Smokey. :(
Bryan's our airplane boy, but this was Brady's expression the entire time we were at the Airsho.
We visited the Three Rivers Petroglyphs site. Funny that the NM Bureau of Land Management thinks these carvings are only a few hundred years old.
And here we are at the petroglyphs.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Applying Metaphor
One of Syd's 'to-do' items in grammar this year is mastering the metaphor. Specifically, she's been working on similes. (For those of you who don't remember, a simile is a metaphor that uses 'like' or 'as.') She's been, well, uncreative in her attempts at writing similes. I've run out of ideas, teaching methods, examples.
And then came yesterday.
We were walking through Wal-Mart because, to be honest, I was bored. Barry's been working 18-hour days, and yesteday he didn't come home at all. I desperately needed to get out! So we found our way to Wal-Mart.
While searching for sympathy and birthday cards, Syd blurted out, "Mom, Jesus is like my white blood cells."
I'm sure you can imagine my facial expression. I stopped the cart, and tilted my head to one side. "What?"
"You know, white blood cells."
"Yes, Syd. I know what white blood cells are."
By this time, she's exasperated. "You told me my mosquito bites got swollen because my white blood cells were fighting the germs."
"OK..."
"Mom! Jesus fights the bad stuff in me, too--just like the white blood cells!"
So there you have it. Jesus is like the body's immune system.
And don't get me wrong: I'm thankful she understands that Jesus saves us from ourselves. But I'm equally as impressed that she remembered what white blood cells do. Only the overactive mind of an eight year old could connect the two. Using simile, nonetheless.
Now, how can we connect Jesus to math?
And then came yesterday.
We were walking through Wal-Mart because, to be honest, I was bored. Barry's been working 18-hour days, and yesteday he didn't come home at all. I desperately needed to get out! So we found our way to Wal-Mart.
While searching for sympathy and birthday cards, Syd blurted out, "Mom, Jesus is like my white blood cells."
I'm sure you can imagine my facial expression. I stopped the cart, and tilted my head to one side. "What?"
"You know, white blood cells."
"Yes, Syd. I know what white blood cells are."
By this time, she's exasperated. "You told me my mosquito bites got swollen because my white blood cells were fighting the germs."
"OK..."
"Mom! Jesus fights the bad stuff in me, too--just like the white blood cells!"
So there you have it. Jesus is like the body's immune system.
And don't get me wrong: I'm thankful she understands that Jesus saves us from ourselves. But I'm equally as impressed that she remembered what white blood cells do. Only the overactive mind of an eight year old could connect the two. Using simile, nonetheless.
Now, how can we connect Jesus to math?
Friday, August 17, 2007
God's Little Smiles
I don't have any scriptures to back this up. No deep thoughts. At least nothing that's not already been said. Blooming where you're planted is so cliche. But if I must, then this is the flower I want to be. When all seems dead and bleak, these gorgeous yellow blossoms dot the sand promising hope. And rewarding all for suriving the storms.
Mexican poppies cover the landscape, climbing the mountains and blanketing the desert after the rainy season. God's little smiles.
So if I have to be a desert flower, this is what I'd like to be.
[Disclaimer: I did not take this picture. I stole it from Webshots--I googled "Mexican poppies" and this shot of the poppies on the Franklin Mountains came up. By the way, we live under the Franklins. Thanks, Mr. (or Ms.) Poppy-Photo-Taker. If I remember to take my camera to Barry's motor pool, I'll take a picture of my own to post.]
Friday, July 27, 2007
Birthday Boys!
We celebrated two birthdays this month! Bryce turned 5 on the 17th, and Bryan turned 3 on the 24th. We're still amazed by how quickly the kids are growing up. Bryan says new words every day--a huge blessing since he didn't even try to speak for so long. Of course now he just tells everyone like it is. :)
For Bryce's birthday, we had homemade waffles and syrup for breakfast. Later, Barry took him go-carting and picked up Bryce's supper pick, pizza, of course. He wanted Thomas birthday cake, so I used the train cake pan to make an engine and two coaches. Bryce closely supervised the coloring of the icing. "Perfect!" he exclaimed when I finally got it right. He said he had a great birthday. We had fun, too, making the day special for him.
On Bryan's birthday, we visited the fire station a few blocks from our house. I'd called ahead to make arrangements and to let them know it was his birthday. Bryan's hero is Fireman Sam, so we thought a visit to some real firemen would be appropriate. After our visit, we went to McDonald's so the kids could run and slide, then back home for cake and presents. Bryan had a good day, and everyone enjoyed the fire staton trip.
Here are the boys' days in pictures. I'm also including a few non-birthday photos because, well, my kids are cute and do the funniest things. :)
Brady and Sam are buddies. Actually, Sam is friends with anyone who has food. Brady decided Sam needed to be fork-fed the rest of my tuna salad. And Sam loved the attention.
So the kids aren't allowed to eat strawberries anywhere in the house except the table, right? Well, Bryan, in his little defiant attitude, decided that wasn't OK. He stole the whole quart of strawberries out of the fridge and invited Brady to join him outside. I found them sitting under the tree eating "bawberries." We now have a chain lock on the top of the back door, and I'm trying to find a fridge lock that Bryan can't figure out. But at least he chose a healthy item to swipe, even if I didn't get my strawberry shortcake.
From Bryce's birthday:
Finally! The much-coveted collapsing Sodor suspension bridge! Bryce had been begging for this for over a year. He was so excited to finally have it!
Bryce had to set up his new destinations immediately. Toby's windmill (from Nana & Papaw) and the collapsing Sodor suspension bridge were first. He added the new oil depot and barrel loader later (from GranMary & Papa Rod). And his new trains, Ben & Bill and the fog cars, enjoyed the improved track design.
Even clothes are a great gift when they're Thomas-inspired! Thanks, GranMary & Papa Rod!
Bryce loved his Thomas cake!
From Bryan's birthday:
Brady followed the other kids into the cab, circus peanut in hand.
At first, Bryan didn't want to get in the truck or look at the helmets. But once he got in and tried on a helmet, we couldn't get him out. He played with the visor and situated the heavy headgear so it sat comfortably. It took us a good 10 minutes to get him out! He even tried to buckle himself in!
Bryan wanted to touch everything. The chief commented that if the equipment hadn't been bolted down, Bryan would've pulled it out. Amazing how he knew our kids so well. :) Later he told us that Bryan reminded him of his son, now grown and following in his dad's footsteps. He'd just joined the department. Bryan could choose a worse vocation. :)
"Look, Mama! A hose!" Bryan pulled and pulled but couldn't get the hose to budge. Eventually he gave up.
The chief on duty gave each of the kids a plastic fireman hat with their name on it.
All the kids loved the fire station. Sydney made the firemen open all the storage doors, and she pointed out what things were. "That's the jaws of life, just like Fireman Sam has! That's...." Bryce, though, was more of a critic. He looked at the engine and said, "Are you sure you shined this? It's not shiny enough." Poor firemen! One said, "Well, we shine the engine every morning. It's evening now." The other said, "Ah, a critic." Our Thomas knowledge is showing itself in new ways every day. Brady climbed in the truck (or tried to) and found everything fascinating. Of course anything with buttons and lights is cool to him. We were, for the record, invited to come back any time we wanted. Bryan said all night, "I don' wan' 'o go home. I wan' go 'ire 'tashun!" We think he would've moved in had he been invited.
Bryan loves his Fireman Sam doll! Thanks, Nana & Papaw! (They had a friend pick up the gifts in the UK.) He loves the book, Fireman Sam to the Rescue, too. In the book, Bella, the Italian restraunt owner, says, "Mama mia!" Bryan says that now, too, when he gets frustrated. I wish I could record it for you to hear.
Fireman Sam toys and Jay Jay buildings were Bryan's dream presents. GrandMary & Papa Rod ordered the Fireman Sam toys from the UK. He plays with them all day long. Every day. And no one else is allowed to play with Fireman Sam and his truck (named Jupiter)--they have to play with Nurse Flood and the ambulance. Tom and the helicopter and Penny, Fireman Sam's firefighter friend, are off limits, too. We'll be ordering more toys from that UK site for Christmas since Fireman Sam isn't the 'thing' in the US. He also liked getting the Big Hanger for Jay Jay's big plane friends. Jay Jay's control tower talks. Bryan kept turning the crank, saying, "Benda Boo!" I think Brenda Blue is his first crush. Hannah Montana is his second, but that's another post.
Bryan loved how his fire truck birthday cake looked. But he's not much of a cake eater--more of a cake admirer. The other kids ate some for him, though.
For Bryce's birthday, we had homemade waffles and syrup for breakfast. Later, Barry took him go-carting and picked up Bryce's supper pick, pizza, of course. He wanted Thomas birthday cake, so I used the train cake pan to make an engine and two coaches. Bryce closely supervised the coloring of the icing. "Perfect!" he exclaimed when I finally got it right. He said he had a great birthday. We had fun, too, making the day special for him.
On Bryan's birthday, we visited the fire station a few blocks from our house. I'd called ahead to make arrangements and to let them know it was his birthday. Bryan's hero is Fireman Sam, so we thought a visit to some real firemen would be appropriate. After our visit, we went to McDonald's so the kids could run and slide, then back home for cake and presents. Bryan had a good day, and everyone enjoyed the fire staton trip.
Here are the boys' days in pictures. I'm also including a few non-birthday photos because, well, my kids are cute and do the funniest things. :)
Brady and Sam are buddies. Actually, Sam is friends with anyone who has food. Brady decided Sam needed to be fork-fed the rest of my tuna salad. And Sam loved the attention.
So the kids aren't allowed to eat strawberries anywhere in the house except the table, right? Well, Bryan, in his little defiant attitude, decided that wasn't OK. He stole the whole quart of strawberries out of the fridge and invited Brady to join him outside. I found them sitting under the tree eating "bawberries." We now have a chain lock on the top of the back door, and I'm trying to find a fridge lock that Bryan can't figure out. But at least he chose a healthy item to swipe, even if I didn't get my strawberry shortcake.
From Bryce's birthday:
Finally! The much-coveted collapsing Sodor suspension bridge! Bryce had been begging for this for over a year. He was so excited to finally have it!
Bryce had to set up his new destinations immediately. Toby's windmill (from Nana & Papaw) and the collapsing Sodor suspension bridge were first. He added the new oil depot and barrel loader later (from GranMary & Papa Rod). And his new trains, Ben & Bill and the fog cars, enjoyed the improved track design.
Even clothes are a great gift when they're Thomas-inspired! Thanks, GranMary & Papa Rod!
Bryce loved his Thomas cake!
From Bryan's birthday:
Brady followed the other kids into the cab, circus peanut in hand.
At first, Bryan didn't want to get in the truck or look at the helmets. But once he got in and tried on a helmet, we couldn't get him out. He played with the visor and situated the heavy headgear so it sat comfortably. It took us a good 10 minutes to get him out! He even tried to buckle himself in!
Bryan wanted to touch everything. The chief commented that if the equipment hadn't been bolted down, Bryan would've pulled it out. Amazing how he knew our kids so well. :) Later he told us that Bryan reminded him of his son, now grown and following in his dad's footsteps. He'd just joined the department. Bryan could choose a worse vocation. :)
"Look, Mama! A hose!" Bryan pulled and pulled but couldn't get the hose to budge. Eventually he gave up.
The chief on duty gave each of the kids a plastic fireman hat with their name on it.
All the kids loved the fire station. Sydney made the firemen open all the storage doors, and she pointed out what things were. "That's the jaws of life, just like Fireman Sam has! That's...." Bryce, though, was more of a critic. He looked at the engine and said, "Are you sure you shined this? It's not shiny enough." Poor firemen! One said, "Well, we shine the engine every morning. It's evening now." The other said, "Ah, a critic." Our Thomas knowledge is showing itself in new ways every day. Brady climbed in the truck (or tried to) and found everything fascinating. Of course anything with buttons and lights is cool to him. We were, for the record, invited to come back any time we wanted. Bryan said all night, "I don' wan' 'o go home. I wan' go 'ire 'tashun!" We think he would've moved in had he been invited.
Bryan loves his Fireman Sam doll! Thanks, Nana & Papaw! (They had a friend pick up the gifts in the UK.) He loves the book, Fireman Sam to the Rescue, too. In the book, Bella, the Italian restraunt owner, says, "Mama mia!" Bryan says that now, too, when he gets frustrated. I wish I could record it for you to hear.
Fireman Sam toys and Jay Jay buildings were Bryan's dream presents. GrandMary & Papa Rod ordered the Fireman Sam toys from the UK. He plays with them all day long. Every day. And no one else is allowed to play with Fireman Sam and his truck (named Jupiter)--they have to play with Nurse Flood and the ambulance. Tom and the helicopter and Penny, Fireman Sam's firefighter friend, are off limits, too. We'll be ordering more toys from that UK site for Christmas since Fireman Sam isn't the 'thing' in the US. He also liked getting the Big Hanger for Jay Jay's big plane friends. Jay Jay's control tower talks. Bryan kept turning the crank, saying, "Benda Boo!" I think Brenda Blue is his first crush. Hannah Montana is his second, but that's another post.
Bryan loved how his fire truck birthday cake looked. But he's not much of a cake eater--more of a cake admirer. The other kids ate some for him, though.
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