First Preschool Christmas Program

Keaton had his first Christmas program at Preschool and it was absolutely adorable. Keaton said his line without any trouble and they sang lots of Christmas songs and did little skits. As you can see Keaton has lots of ladies to choose from as he is one of 4 boys out of 15. Good odds hugh!

Yummy, yummy

I am behind on my updates but will try and catch up this week. The Sat. before Christmas we had a Christmas cookie party and boy was it a good time. We made Sugar cookies, Chocolate Candie Cane cookies, and Peanut Butter Kiss cookies. Lots of fun was had and yes, many cookies consumed before they made it to the plate but the kids and us adults had a great time and it really put us into the Christmas spirit!! Check out the pics to see some of our work.

Health is everything!

There is alot to be said about ones health. To be be healthy is everything. I had the stomach bug for 8 dreadful days. I finally went to the doctor who said NO solid foods for the next few days so on the liquid diet I went and to my relief it helped as later that night I felt a bit better and by morning I felt alot better. I still am eating very little as I am scared to death to start the whole debacle over. Trying to find the bright spot in all of my misery I found I lost some weight as all my pants are big and I fit into a pair that I hadn't since Ryan was born!! This is nice and all but I would never want to experince it again no matter how much weight I lost!!

On a more important note, I would like all of you to pray for my Aunt Vicki. She undergoing a liver and kidney transpant as I write this and she and family could use all the prayers she can get. It's a big operation and recovery. By the grace of god she recieved a liver and kidney from a donor, It is a true Christmas miracle and blessing from god.

Down and Out!

This past week has been a painful one and I hope to not repeat it EVER! I ended up with the stomach flu and have been down and out since last Wed. and I still am not 100%. I am able to eat a little and keep things down so I am delighted. Poor Ryan has now caught the bug so I am watching him closely. Everything in comes out so I am worried about him getting dehydrated. Ben has been queasy and tired but so far so good overall and Keaton hasn't had any problems as yet so I am crossing my fingers. All this sickness as put me behind on Christmas shopping, housework and everything else. I have alot to do over the next few days so I hope Santa brings me a new body!! This one is worn out!! I hope all of you are healthy!!

Winter is finally here in Colorado!

For awhile it has not felt like winter as it's been in the 70's forever but the table has turned and it finally feels like December. This past Fri. was a white out, it was so foggy we couldn't see the neighbors house across the street, then mid day it began sleeting and then the snow began and it kept coming off and on until last night. Thankfully we braved the weather Friday night and got our Christmas tree. It was our snowed in weekend activity and it really made it feel like Christmas. I haven't had a real Christmas tree in years and I can say it smells sooooo good and it's beautiful. Decorating this year was pretty funny as Keaton was great at it and Ryan was a maniac. He stuffed the ornaments into the tree or hurled them as hard as he could. I think we lost quit a few in the tree somewhere. It was comically yet a little frustrating to be truthful. Our tree looks a little funny as the lower half of the tree has only lights and very few ornaments as Ryan has removed or I have so he couldn't. Keaton loves to turn the tree on the first thing in the morning and circles around it telling me we only have one box under the tree. Yes, one box!!! I cant put much else out as yet as Ryan thinks ripping paper is fun so any gift under the tree that is wrapped is a goner. I am going to slowly put some out and hope he grows tired of the activity but I doubt it! It really does feel like Christmas now with all the snow. It's absolutely beautiful outside, and everyone is in the spirit with lights on their homes and their yards decked out. I am hoping we get to see Santa Clause this weekend that is if the next snow storm doesn't keep us home.

Santa is watching!

Keaton is really into Santa this year and we have been known to use this to our advantage when he is acting naughty. We tell him Santa is watching to see if your bad or good, so you better be good for goodness sakes! Well he showed us how smart he is by asking if we could shut the blinds. When we asked him why he stated " I want to hit Ryan but I don't want Santa to see me!" Hmmm..... I think we are in trouble!! Ben and I thought this was pretty funny, however we did not shut the blinds and he had to restrain himself from hitting his brother. What will we do once Christmas is over?

Incredible Sunset!

Just wanted to share the beautiful sunset the kids and I witnessed this evening. More pics to enjoy in our photo collection site. Will write more later if I ever have more than a second of free time.

A night alone

Well as many of you know Ben and I have had little time alone without the kids but this past Sat. was an exception and it was delightful to say the least. To start of I want to say that we love the kids more than life its self but we haven't had a night together alone without the kids since Keaton was born so the night was needed and enjoyed! Thanks to grandma and grandpa De Young as they decided to have a all grandchild sleepover which provided this well deserved and appreciated night off.

Ben and I went to a Sushi place, ate and drank in peace and didn't worry one bit that it was taking awhile to get our food as we had no reason to rush. No children to start squirming or screaming, no food being thrown (Ryan's favorite thing to do when he is done sitting in his chair). We ate to much and drank a little and then headed to do some Christmas shopping, hit the liquor store came home made some drinks and watched a great movie. If you haven't seen Knocked up you have to rent it. It's hilarious. (FYI:Not to be viewed with children around!) All in all a wonderful relaxing evening with my honey which just reminds me even more why I love him so much!

Alarming!!!

Yesterday was a very chilly day here we even had some snow early on which we enjoyed watching as we ate breakfast. So outside playtime was not an option. So I made a call to the neighbor up the street and we decided to head to story time at the library! Keaton and Ryan both were enjoying their library time but it was time to go as lunch time was drawing near and I couldn't take chasing Ryan one more minute around the library!!! Kate and I decided to kill a little more time at Mc Donalds play land and than get lunch. That should wear the kids out, take care of lunch and head home for nap time. We started to get ready to leave the library as I had Keaton get his coat on and I told him we are leaving now to go to Mc Donald's. Well I guess he was excited as he headed unbenounced to me for the door that was right behind me with the sign that read Fire emergency exit only -Alarm will sound!!!!!!! I was putting on Ryan's coat when the ungodly, load alarm went off and I turned around to see my little Keaton like a deer in headlights. He was scared to death and on the verge of tears. I was mortified myself as I couldn't believe he had set off the alarm. Thank god the man sprinted back in seconds and shut it off and stated that it happens all the time in the kids area and not to worry about it. He didn't seem like anything had even happened. Kate was laughing as that had happened to her before with 2 of her kids!!! Yikes! Needless to say I don't think Keaton will ever touch a door with anything red on it ever again. Lesson learned the heard way (I hope)!

Big boy!

OK, Ryan is growing up way to fast these days and I just had to share what the little tike has added to the list of his accomplishment at 17months. He has been chatty but now is communicating more of his needs which is nice. My favorite of his new words is juice for wanting anything to drink. I'll take it as at least I know he is thirsty and wants to drink. He is also starting to take a liking to dinosaurs and trains. He now plays trains with Keaton without destroying the track and having his big brother want to kick him out of the room and as he plays he has started to say "CHOO CHOO"!! He of course adores his big brother and has really taken a liking to dinosaurs recently. He loves carrying them around and saying dino sa (dinosaur). I couldn't believe the little guy could say the word, and not only does he say it but growls afterwards. Pretty darn cute. He has really come into his own lately and he has such a great personality. He still has the serious look he always has but boy once you get him going he is a hoot. Another accomplishment is that he walked down the stairs standing up yesterday by himself (I was right there of course just in case he needed me), which scares me to death. He use to be so laid back and now is a fearless go getter! Yikes!

Now for the big one! I know this was probably a fluke but it made me happy none the less. He pooped on the potty today!! Yes, you read that right. I noticed he was making a funny face and said "Do you need to go potty?" and he walked into the bathroom and put up the toilet lid so I went with it and took the diaper off and sat him on there and to my amazement HE POOPED!!! It probably wont happen again until he's three but I was excited that it happened and it was one less poppy diaper I had to change!!!

I don't know if Keaton is so big now that I forget how old he was when he did all these first but for some reason seeing my youngest baby do them amazes me and saddens me a little as my boys are growing up to fast.

Twick or Tweet

Well after long days on Tuesday and Wednesday which if you don't know about I'll get to later Halloween night finally arrived. Trick or Treating has been highly anticipated around our house for the last week so as soon as the sun went down Keaton began to bounce off the walls. Cousins Skyler and Cadence came over to join in the fun so lots of energy was in our house to say the least. Keaton couldn't wait to get into his Kangaroo costume, I only wish he would be so eager to get dressed like that every morning. Life would be SO easy!! We made it up our street, down the next street and back up the other side of our street and called it a night. Keaton scored so much loot his bag was so heavy he had to take Ryan's bag to finish trick or treating. He loved ringing the door bell and say Trick or Treat. So much that he REFUSED to skip a house that had a light on. It was freezing out but he was toasty in his costume so he didn't care and was bound and determined to score as much candy as possible. Ryan was indifferent to the whole thing. He looked adorable and just rode in the wagon and would get out and lumber up the sidewalks to the door and stand there and smile or look confused. I do have to say by the end he started holding his treat bag and carrying it to the doors. The best part (this is my opinion) was when we got home grandma had made hot Chocolate with marshmallows. Yummy.... Overall a very fun night, now what to do with all this candy. YIKES!

Hot and Cold!!!

We'll last Sunday it snowed for the entire day, Keaton loved it and personally I thought it was beautiful to watch. It was a great day to just curl up in a blanket and drink a cup of hot cocoa. Keaton however from the moment he woke up thought we should be out running around in it. We held him off till about 10am and we ventured out. It wasn't alot but it was enough to push with his trucks and make snow balls so who's being picky right. The boys played until their fingers were about to fall off. Poor Ryan wouldn't keep gloves on so his fingers were frozen. We finally got them in amongst lots of protest, got dry clothes and a cup of hot chocolate to warm everyone up. The snow stuck around the entire day, until around 5:30pm when the clouds cleared, the sun came out and with in the hour most of the snow was gone. The next day 76 degrees!!!! Yes, you read that correctly. No wonder we have been sick around here. One minute it's snowing and the next it's warm enough to wear short!!! The rest of the past week was very warm in the high 70's so go figure. I never know what to dress the boys like anymore. I am finding layering means all of us having 4 or more different types of new coats. I find this crazy but necessary. I am not complaining even though it sounds like I am. It's great to have a beautiful snow grace us and then move out as quick as it came and be beautiful once again. Our bodies however don't understand the logic and continue to leave us with a runny nose to show their confusion.

Boo at the Zoo!

Last weekend was one of those weekends that you'd wish would never end but of course all good things come to a end but we had alot of fun while we could. Sat was a gorgeous day and we spent most of the day outside at the park and then we headed to the zoo. We became members of the zoo when we moved here and the kids just love the place which is not unexpected. For the next two weekends they have something called Boo at the Zoo (http://www.cmzoo.org/BATZ.html ). For those of you who are not familiar it is a wonderful things for kids of all ages to get in the Halloween spirit. It starts at sundown and the entire zoo is lite with lights. The animal exhibits are open and kids come in costumes ready to see their favorite animals and do some treat or treating if they want to. At each animal exhibit there is a treat station where someone is dressed up and handing out candy. They get candy, see animals what more could you ask for. What is also great is the animals are really active at night for the most part. Keaton's favorite was the hippo's, lioness and her two cubs and the kamodoo dragon. The boys looked so cute in there costumes and behaved wonderfully. Keaton walked the entire zoo and didn't complain one bit (amazing)!!!!!! Ben and I even had a wonderful time. We got great exercise, and really enjoyed the warm night and all the lights. The zoo sits on the side of a mountain so it looks over Colorado Springs so looking out at all the lights for as far as you could see was amazing and worth the trip in it's self. I have some pics of the boys and some animals in out photo collection so check them out. The boys are looking forward to Halloween next week. Keaton's class is having a party on Tues. and I am helping that day so it should be alot of crazy fun. Hope you are all getting into the spirit to and look forward to seeing some pics of all the little ones in costume.

New Pics

Not alot of time to write even though I have alot to write about but will get to that later. Just wanted to make sure you check out the new pics if you havent already. Some really cute ones of the boys.

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

What a fun night! Grandma De Young is having a birthday on Sunday the 14th (we wont share how old she is as ladies don't seem to like that so much) and boy did we have a fun family party! Grandma will be out of town on her actually birthday so we partied early. This was the first birthday I've shared with my mom since I was 18 or 19 and the first for the boys ever so we really enjoyed ourselves. Brandon's family, Trish and Joe were there.So lots of play partners for the boys. We had lots of yummy food, the boys played outside till dark, and to my dismay somehow grandmas presents started to become unwrapped before she got to them. Best of all there was chocolate cake and from what you'll see in the pics in our photo collections Ryan had a repeat of his first birthday!! It's not a party till there's cake everywhere RIGHT!

A bunch of Sickies! Achoo!

Since moving to Colorado not quit 4 months ago we have been sick a total of 4times. Colds have just been a normal part of our lives lately and I have to say I am tired of blowing, wiping, medicating and tolerating cranky, sick kids,husband and self. Everyone says it's our bodies adjusting to the new attitude and climate and being exposed to new germs that Keaton is bringing home from preschool. Whatever it is I pray we get it together and get back to normal. We were sick I believe 2 times last year and so far this year we have surpassed that by far. Not proud of that statistic.

Danger, Danger

OK, I guess I totally blocked out the memories of Keaton at Ryan's age. For good reason however!! To put it simply Ryan is just a plain danger to himself. I know it is part of his age but for gods sake I am going to be gray or back in school to get a doctors or nursing degree so I can take care of him from day to day. The child is hurting himself every time I turn around. He could be right in front of me or across the room and before I know it there is blood coming from somewhere. Lately the mouth has taken a beating. From falling while walking with a toy in his mouth to whacking his mouth on the windowsill to taking nose dives on concrete Ryan is just in need of a plastic bubble!! Last night after we took a delightful walk around the neighborhood and played outside for 45minutes it was time to go in and wouldn't you know it as we are walking into the garage Ryan tries to run so he wouldn't have to go in and whack!! He trips over his own feet and takes a chin dive onto the concrete. Chin met cement and cement won the battle! Boy did that one bleed and bleed and bleed. Not to mention the spot where he bit his tongue on the inside of his mouth. Blood was everywhere and I was cover, he was not so happy (lots of crying on this one folks) and poor Keaton wasn't sure what was going on. I hadn't seen a bleeder like that yet in my motherhood career. I manage to get the bleeding to stop, got us cleaned up and surveyed the damaged and boy it's not pretty. He looks ..... pitiful with a big bloody,bruised chin and I feel awful. I know I couldn't have done anything as it was a accidental fall but for the love of god, why do I feel like a lousy parent. I just pray that we can avoid all other accidents for as long as possible. I dont think I can take anymore this week.

The above picture of Ryan is his war wound. Not the greatest picture as he is not cooperative when taking pictures these days!

Where does time go?

Sorry time has flown by, and I haven't posted in a very long time. Sept. flew by and we are into the first fall season here in Colorado. I was expecting the weather to be cold by now but I was sorely mistaken. It's been beautiful here! It's been in the high 70's and low 80's. I am still wearing shorts, I couldn't ask for better weather. I know this will change but that isn't stopping me from loving every minute of the beautiful days.
Lots of growing up is going on here these days. Keaton loves preschool and is making friends and learning allot. I too have met some really nice people so preschool has been a blessing for both of us. Keaton is also really into using his imagination. He loves being a zoo keeper, Doctor, Dinosaur, chef, ect... I now get to be a partner in using his imagination which is fun for the first little while but when you have played a dinosaur who can only crawl on your hands and knees for 20minutes it starts to become more than any grown woman can take!! It's been so cute to watch him come into his own. I am finding that he uses alot of sayings that I use and hearing them come out of his little mouth cracks me up. My favorites are " You scared me to death!" "You need to make a choice, is it going to be a good choice or a not so good choice, Hugh!" "I don't have the time or patients for this, mom!" Those are just a few of his delightful sayings. He also has gotten a few from Ben such as the one he used yesterday. I have to say I am not so proud of this but it is kind of funny (as long as he never says the word again till he is grown!!). "Look mom, another damn fly is in the house. I hate those damn flies!!!" Yes folks that is what he said. I almost fell over. I kept a straight face and proceeded to as where he had heard this about flies and he said " Daddy always says it when he sees a fly!" Hmmmmm..... I think he better keep his feelings about flies to himself.
Also everything is about the right or the left. Ben and I have always made a point to use right or left with him while doing shoes, getting dressed and whatever else and now it has finally paid off. He seems to have mastered knowing his right from his left. He points this out now all the time. While I am driving he points out what things are on the right and left. He randomly will share what hand he is using or what foot his shoe is on. I find this fascinating as I know adults who don't know their right from their left. Time is also something that he is working on. We have use time references since he was a toddler to let him know when we were leaving or how much time he has left before we move on to something else . Well know he is giving us the time. My favorite, " No mommy, I have 10 more minutes not 5!"
Not so sure I like him using time!


Ryan is growing by leaps and bounds too. He is really chatty and into everything. He follows Keaton around trying to do whatever he does. He has become very playful. Making animal noises when he sees animals and my favorite is growling when he sees dinosaurs. I wonder where he gets that!!! He has figured out that he can climb about anything. He loves getting up and down off the couch, chairs and all the things he shouldn't!! He at least is more careful than Keaton was at this age. Keaton use to hurl himself from the tallest point where Ryan does have some sense and is cautious most of the time. He is really using words now and lots of gibber jabber that I cant understand but it sure is cute. Here are a few of his latest things he is saying right now are MILK ( this is great as I know when he was a drink),juice, some, more, down and done. He is using a spoon and fork really well and is a great eater but a very, very messy eater. He is doing pretty well with his cup but would prefer the boob if he had the choice. Weaning is going well, only nurses at night and sometimes in the morning. Before long things will dry up and he will want the cup only as he wont be getting much as the well will be dry. Everyone has been amazed that I have nursed this long and I am also but it just worked out this way and he is pretty much weaning himself so I am going with it.

Well there is the update on our little tykes, I'll try to stay more current.

Just a Mommy!

Well as many of you moms out there already know motherhood is life changing but I had no idea I would also have my status as a female changed. I no longer am a girl according to Keaton. I am just A MOMMY! In a conversation with my grown man at the age of three about who is a boy and who is a girl and so forth we get to the question of what is mommy? The answer is "OHHH, your just a mommy that's all"! I ask, " Is mommy a girl?" Response. " No silly mommy, your just a mommy, not a girl!!!" So there you have it, it explains it all! I guess it could be worse, I could have been a monster or something.

Keaton's Officially a Big Boy!

Well many of you who have kids will appreciate this and those of you who don't well just skip reading this altogether. The topic potty training and I can officially state that Keaton is 100% potty trained. He's been doing great since December but there were accidents and i was needed at every call of nature. Today it hit me.... My son no longer needs me to go potty! If I try and assist I am sent away as he states "Leave mommy, I need my privacy!" He just goes all by himself. I find out after the fact as he shares the wonderful experience with such enthusiasm. We have finally overcome the potty training hurdle. For those who have gone down this road you know and appreciate why this is so exciting and for those of you who have not forge this road as yet, well..... Good luck and just remember to have alot of patience as it's all about them and you can do NOTHING about it. I just hold out hope now that Ryan will want to be like Keaton and pick it up quick. Yeah right! One can only hope. For now I will just be thankful I only have one in diapers.

I also am please to report Keaton is back to being his normal agreeable self. For a while there I was ready to string him by his toes. He was driving me nuts. Testing every limit put in front of him and he was just plain infuriating at times. I guess it had alot to do with all the changes that took place with moving and not having a routine, a home of our own and ect.... We are finally settled and he is now so wonderful to be around again, even without the nap. That nap is now a thing of the past, but he seems to be doing pretty well without it. Some days by 4pm he's a bear but for the most part he's doing well. Thank goodness Ryan is still napping great. I need the two hours to clean up and rest from all the mayhem he has caused around the house. He is quit the go getter.