Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Are you listening?

A cute video. Jim and I have been doing a lot of praying for guidance and help in returning our household into a functional environment.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Every little kid wants a horse....


Here's Tyler enjoying a ride on his Christmas pony from Grandma. It makes a really cute horsie noise when you pull his ear. Despite the sour puss face on Tyler, he really did enjoy the ride.
(Yes, that is a foot of snow on our deck and grill out the back window. I'm so ready for spring.)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Lotsa games and movies lately!





It looks like Kung Fu Panda is beating out McQueen this week! We even watched it before school this morning since Tyler woke up at 3:30 a.m. Ouch. Wanna take bets on who will be Oscar the grouch tonight? (Color me green;)
Planning to regroup this weekend. Really gonna try to focus on some resolutions that I didn't have time for week 1 of 2009. Really going to try to focus on spirituality and hoping that will help balance the physical and emotional self.
Had some fun making valentine cards this weekend with Ryan. I bought some stamps last year and am just getting around to using them. Having fun coloring with chalk and markers. We've also been making story boards. Last night we started an ABC book made with Cricut characters. Fun. Will try to share copies of my very simple cards but first I want to put them in the mail.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A Good Evening

Jim and I have been frustrated for several weeks now. Ryan is a very stubborn and determined little boy who hasn't been using this energy in a positive way lately. That's part of the reason I have been a bad blogger, but I'm writing this truth to "keep it real."

The past 2 days have truly been better. We have taken away all signs of video games and have been playing more board games, puzzles, and art projects when Ryan is being cooperative. At the first sign of meanness or name calling or just bad behavior, Jim and I refuse to play and often send Ryan to time out.

It is so frustrating because all we want is a fun and playful life and we constantly provide this type of environment...and I'm not talking about material items. We truly pay alot of attention to the boys learning and playing and we just can't understand where this mean streak has come from. One thing is for sure...it's time for it to go! Hopefully, we are on the road to better behavior.

On a lighter note, Tyler is really developing a sense of humor and is starting to understand a little more, although he is still not talking. He wants to communicate and is often singing and talking to the tune of a recognizeable song or pointing to something he wants. We are encouraging him to say the words rather than just giving into his request immediately. We're playing alot of chase me around the kitchen these days and there are a lot of giggles and a sweet little guy looking over his shoulder to make sure we are following;) Ryan still loves this game too...especially when Lightning passes Thunder.

Last thought...Pray for our President. So neat to be a part of history.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Brrr!

Just trying to warm up this morning. The Tahoe's temp. showed -15 degrees this morning and I don't have any heat in my office besides a portable heater sitting 6 inches or so from my side. Looking forward to the weekend and definately intend to stay bundled up inside!

We haven't been up to much. We've spent quite a bit of time watching family home videos. So neat to see the family grow. We've been Wii-free for several days because Ryan can't seem to get it together. Tonight will be an interesting night because I promised it's return for the weekend. Let's see if the little one is more cooperative and less grumpy, otherwise, the games might go to e-bay!

Have a great weekend. I haven't picked up my camera since December and I'm going to try to get some shots soon. We did get Ryan's 4-year-old pictures back and they are really cute.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Good Night

I'm having a good morning thanks to a good nights sleep. This is the first night in 6 that Tyler slept through the night. Yeah!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Haven't quite found a New Year groove yet

I've been taking a little break this week from my blog. Keeping up daily last month was quite a challenge. Mostly b/c we've been couped up at home due to the dreary winter. I am so pleased with my December Daily album and it wouldn't have been possible without this handy tool of a blog.

I'm back to work this week. The kids are back to school. It was really nice to have such a great vacation, but there is alot to be said for routine. The kids are all smiles in the mornings and Tyler cannot turn his head fast enough to look for Mrs. Char to open her door and arms to him each morning. Ryan is glad to be back with his friends. He is learning the Naitonal Anthem so he can sing at the Michigan and Tiger games.

I'm crazy busy at work. I'm crazy busy working for the Village too since year end is here and tax statements due. I'm working Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week and have hardly seen the family. Jimmy is taking good care of the kidlets and I am grateful for his help.

Tyler has been a little off since Christmas and we're pretty sure its teething since his cheeks are swolen and chapped. He is waking up crying 1-3 times each night. I've tried the pat the back, dash, and let him settle himself routine but the kid is really stubborn and will continue to cry until I come back. When I get too tired to pat anymore, I've been laying him down in the twin bed in his room and lay next to him. He is instantly soothed and falls asleep. I try to sneak back to my room but the squeaky floor ofen reveals my retreat. Gosh, sure hope this is a temporary phase. I don't have room in bed for 2 kids!

That's all for now.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year




Hope you have a great year in 2009.

December Daily 31 Wednesday

Happy Birthday Ryan! It's hard to believe that our little guy is already 4 years old. Grandma's and Grandpa's came over for cake and ice cream and we had a Wii Bowling Tournament. A good time was had by all.

Around 8:00 p.m. we shifted gears and spent a couple of hours at some friends house and played a fun game and drank some yummy spirits. Happy New Year to all of our loved ones.

December Daily 30 Tuesday