My favorite New Year's Eve Remembered

Dec 31, 2003. Times Square. New York City.  

 Ball drop, Confetti and Happy New Year 2004 

The Boy From Oz earlier in the day. 

 Hugh Jackman in his boxers. (not shown) [wink]

And just for good measure. 

Hugh Jackman outside the stage door a few nights before. 

Grateful

I just sat with Kiefer and gave him his breathing treatment (while he slept peacefully. It is actually pretty nice being able to do it while he sleeps, because I rarely get to hold him like that. He's not a big snuggler.) 

I looked at his little face, covered with the mask, and I didn't think about what an inconvenience it was, or what I would rather be doing. I just thanked God that this is a temporary thing and we should be in the clear by the weekend at the latest. I thought about how truly lucky Donnie and I have been with our boys and their health. I can't complain about a little croup and respiratory viruses. There are parents that have to do these treatments every day, several times a day. There are children with much more serious problems than this. There are mothers sitting in hospitals right now with their children, praying for their health. 

As I think back, using a nebulizer is probably the most serious thing we've done with either of our children. (Not counting the difficulties of getting them to eat and digest as newborns, of course) Other than that, its been some medicine here, some drops there.  Not even a trip to the ER in their  2+ years. And to think we started it all with full-term twins, weighing a combined total of 13 pounds! Not a single worry from day one. We have been blessed with healthy babies from the beginning, and I am grateful. I am grateful to God for watching over them and protecting them each day. 

Now, I am also grateful that its Donnie's turn to get up at 3am for the breathing treatment because it was a killer when I couldn't go back to sleep last night for over 3 hours!!  

A little rest and some pictures

I don't know how it is in other homes, but when someone isn't feeling well here, there is a lot of whining. Which cause a lot of annoyance. Which causes a lot of frustration. Which causes a lot of exhaustion.  But whew... the little ones are in bed (and no coughing for 8 straight minutes!) and I am taking a break.  I haven't felt well all day, which is largely in part from waking at 3am to do Kiefer's breathing treatment and then not falling back asleep until it was almost time for Donnie to get up.  Man, I don't know why I can't fall asleep when I am so exhausted.   But that's a whole other topic. 

Here are some pictures I promised.  In random order. 

The little guys passing out presents to their cousins on Christmas morning. 

Playing with new puzzles from Great Grandpa Dorothy and Great Grandpa Willy

Opening presents on Christmas morning

Bathtime with cousins (Hannah, Kiefer, Olivia, Reagan)

Grandpa Willy blowing out 85 candles on Dec. 24th! (Love those two.)

I'm too tired

from unpacking, doing laundry, cleaning, spending 3 hours at the doctor's office and pharmacy, having dinner with friends, playing cards with same friends, and now... waiting until 11:00 so I can give Kiefer another breathing treatment. 

I'll put up Christmas pictures tomorrow. Probably. 

Here's a little peek of Reagan and Kiefer opening their Christmas jammies, in their post-bath nakedness on Christmas Eve. 

White Christmas

Remember my dream here?

Dreams come true. {wink}

Its a good thing I don't believe in Karma, cause I'd be wondering what the heck I did

So let me set it up for you. We were planning on traveling to Iowa for Christmas today, Tuesday. Last week, we notice there is snow and ice in the forecast for Tuesday. We watch diligently, each day, trying to decide if we should wait until Tuesday or leave a day early and beat the bad weather.  We didn't want to leave a day early. I was going to work a little bit, Donnie needed the extra day in the office, a friend was having a wedding reception (post-elopement)... I still needed to wrap presents, make puppy chow and chex mix, and I needed to deliver presents to church staff on Tuesday morning.  By Sunday night, still ice and snow in the Missouri and Iowa forecast.  So, we pack up (including the unwrapped presents and ingredients), cancel plans, and head out Monday afternoon. Of course, only after I spent an hour and a half waiting for my car to get checked out because my navigation and stereo shut down about 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave.  We couldn't risk there being an electrical problem, and also didn't want to bear the 8 hour trip with no Little Songs for Little Souls or the Backyardigans.  

So we are on the road, feeling relieved that we will be hunkered down in my parents' very warm house before any of the nasty weather starts. 

Cut to us getting back in the car after gas and dinner in Kansas City.  What's this? A little precipitation? A little further north... what's all this snow blowing in front of the car? Why can't I see a single thing in front of me?  OH YEAH. BECAUSE THE STUPID STORM CAME EARLY AND WE ARE STUCK RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. And I'll be honest. Its sucked. Its been a long time since I've been nervous behind the wheel like that. Thankfully I was the driver because I don't think Donnie would have made it (he'll admit it).  There was a 30 minute chunk where I couldn't go over 25 miles per hour. The traffic was heavy and congested, and I swore inside more than once as semi after semi flew by us, totally clouding all visibility. Apparently there were some urgent deliveries to be made.  And for all those people that think Iowa is flat... tell that to the steep drop-offs on the other side of the icy and snow covered shoulder!

The thing is, as our friend at the dealership told me right before we left, we were really in the safest vehicle out there for those conditions. My car has a setting specifically for snow and ice. But that's just not very comforting as I glance back and see two sleeping beauties in my back seat. The only comforting thing was putting the car in park in my mom's driveway.

And speaking of my sleeping beauties... a lot of the stress of going 25 miles per hour came from thinking that they would hit a breaking point after being in the car for 8, then 9 hours. And well after bedtime. And especially considering we gave them a long enough break to eat some chicken nuggets and chase Daddy around the empty fast food joint for 3 minutes while I cleaned up. But let me tell you, I think God leaned down and whispered in their ears, "Mommy and Daddy need to concentrate and stay calm right now, so why don't you just close your beautiful blue eyes and go night-night." Because that's exactly what they did. Not a peep. Not a complaint. Not a single "why have we been in these seats all day long with no playing or running or snuggling?!"  They couldn't have been better. 

So here we are. Unfortunately the house is quiet. My mom took Wayne to a follow up appointment and no one else has made it here yet.  They better hurry before the storm comes!!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa, 

I guess I'm not quite old enough to understand just who you are supposed to be. To me, you seem like a big, hairy man, dressed in a really silly outfit. It is quite frightening, actually. I keep hearing about you and how you are a jolly fellow that brings joy. All the other kids seem so excited to see you. Well, we've met three times now, and I'm just not getting it.  

The first time, I was way too young, but I know Mommy wanted a picture of me and brother on your lap. This year, Mommy just set me on your lap and expected me to be happy. (I did enjoy the cookie, though. Thank you.) Now I'll have two pictures for Mommy to show until I'm 18, of me screaming on your lap. And yesterday, you just showed up at my preschool, in the middle of our Christmas party! Good thing Miss Jennifer let me hold her tight until you were outta there!

The weirdest part is my brother seems to like you now. He was standing in line with all the other kids, waiting to see you. (At least that's what my teacher told Mommy. I couldn't see him since I had my head buried in Miss Jennifer's chest.)  Oh well. 

I heard a song say that you were coming to town. I have to confess that I have cried and pouted a lot this year. And I've been naughty. But I've been nice a whole lot, too.  We'll be at Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Wayne's house on Christmas Eve, in case you can't find us. (Just please make sure I am nestled all snug in my bed before you come in. I am trying to like you, but maybe we should wait to try again next year.)  My Grandma makes really good cookies, so we'll leave some of those.

I don't need anything special. I'm sure Mommy and Daddy got us some warm Christmas jammies. My grandparents and aunts and uncles get us all kinds of fun stuff, too. Maybe... you could help my brother be a little less naughty next year. :) 

Thanks Santa.  God bless you. 

Your (maybe some day) friend, 

Reagan Andrew 

Parade of Lights: Christmas, Take Two: Playing Santa

On Saturday night, we went to the Parade of Lights in downtown Tulsa. The forecast was 60 and clear for the day.  But then take into account the Wind Advisory we were under all day, and you get hats and gloves and blankets for the parade. (It was still 57 degrees by 7pm, but we were bundled!) 

Enjoying their 2nd Parade of Lights 

Cheesing. 

And excited about the firetrucks and the horses and the dogs and especially the bands. 

You can't tell by the pictures, but Kiefer did enjoy the parade. He would sit and watch each float/band/group in front of us, and then as soon as they passed, he would say "more, more." (with tears in his eyes from the stinking wind)

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 We celebrated Abi's birthday on Sunday, so she gave presents to the boys (and me!) since we won't be here for Christmas. I didn't get any pictures, but they got lots and play food and dishes for their new kitchen that Santa said they are getting this year. Shhh!

Rachel and Kirsten came last night to exchange gifts, also.  Reagan and Kiefer are definitely getting used to this present-opening-thing. Now, if Donnie can just get used to the trying-to-open-a-single-toy-that-is-connected-to-the-box-by-27-plastic-ties-thing, we'll be all set. 

Helping daddy open his new cologne. 

Educational and noisy toys from the aunts! :)

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I head up the Pastoral Care at our church, and this year it is my duty privilege to buy gifts for the staff, their spouses and their children. Only 30 people. No big deal.  I mean, between taking care of the boys, working, cleaning the house in 10 minute increments, and my own shopping and preparing for the holidays, I have plenty of time for this. I am making time, and I'm actually enjoying it.  I got the ladies and girls (mostly) done today and it was a lot of fun. I could have done gift cards and been done in an hour, but it will be fun for them to open actual presents. And its fun for me to play Santa with someone else's money (while still on a budget, of course!!) and bless others with thoughtful and fun gifts. 

This will be the boys' 3rd Christmas. THIRD CHRISTMAS. How is that possible?  And although I know its true, I can't believe these are from two years ago. Their first Christmas.

 

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas 
Just like the ones I used to know 
Where the treetops glisten, 
and children listen 
To hear sleigh bells in the snow 

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas 
With every Christmas card I write 
May your days be merry and bright 
And may all your Christmases be white 

Wordless Wednesday

Its always sad to put away what I love so much. 

But this is nice, too. 

Hmmm. A good story.

A year ago, we woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of silence. No fan. No heater.  No electricity.  No big deal, right? 

Cut to about 8:00 in the morning when we listen to the PSO recording saying it may be until Wednesday (it was Monday) before we get power back. What?! 3 days? With two one year olds? Are these people crazy?   

We tried to build a fire (with no fire wood) and realized we wouldn't be able to get the boys to sit still in front of whatever fire we do build, so we better just get out of here.  We made plans to go stay at Troy and Erica's.  But first, we thought we'd get some Christmas shopping done at the mall.  Along with the rest of midtown Tulsa.  While shopping merrily at Gap, thinking worst case scenario was staying in Erica's guest room for 3 days, she calls. No power. Crap.  

So we start calling hotels. 3 days in a hotel might be kinda nice, right?  No hotels available in the Tulsa metro area. Everyone beat us to that one. 

So after driving around like crazy people, trying to decide what to do, we head to Donnie's hometown a skip and a jump down the highway. All the power is on at his parent's house.  (Meanwhile, there's one turn around to grab something we forgot. Then another turn around to grab the dog because Rachel was going to take him home but then she lost power too and was heading somewhere else)  WHEW.  

So we spent two nights in Glenpool and then moved on to Bekah's in Claremore. She only lost power for one night I think.  We thought we could let the boys play with Katie, and Bekah has an extra pack n play so no more fighting in bed for the boys.  Besides, what's one night?   Or two? Or three?  What is going on??? 

Troy and Erica (now with power) were heading out of town, so we packed up and headed to Broken Arrow.  We were so gracious for another warm and powered place to stay. For one or two nights, right?  Oh, come on. 

With almost daily promises of "this will be the day" but still daily "dark drive-bys" of the house, we were feeling a little twilight zone-ish.  When was I going to finish my shopping? How was I going to enjoy my own decorations that I worked hard to put up? How much longer could I keep Reagan and Kiefer out of Erica's decorations?!?!  How many more trips are we going to make to the house "for a couple more things" because we keep thinking this has got to be the last day? Oh yeah, and how much food was wasting away in our fridge/freezer and deep freeze?? 

And then to learn we were included in the last 3% of homes- out of half a million- to be restored. (Donnie, what's 3% of 500,000?)  People with electrical damage were already repaired and sitting in front of their own TiVos before my measly side of the road was even looked at. EVEN LOOKED AT.  I think about how that could have been really f.r.u.s.t.r.a.t.i.n.g. for someone less patient than me. 

Man oh man.  TEN DAYS we were without power. 10 days. With two toddlers. Weeks before Christmas. 

So, as I remember those hard/annoying/emotional/long days, I think about these things: 

We are lucky to have so many people that we can count on. To be surrounded by family. (both in close proximity and in never ending support via email and phone.) We are blessed.

I use too many paper towels.  When I was in a house that doesn't use them, it seemed like it was the only thing I ever use at home. 

I have good kids. They were one at the time and a handful when off their usual schedule and with new digs to explore, BUT they were really, really, REALLY adaptable.  (And oh man, I will never in my whole life forget, when we walked into our lit-and-ready house after 10 days of being nomads... and those boys seriously threw themselves a party. They started spinning in circles and laughing and grabbing every toy like it was the best thing they had ever seen in their whole lifes. They were so happy to be home.) 

So we were without our house, our stuff, our routine for 10 days. Who cares? People lose their homes for good in hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. I had to hang out with family for a week and half and return to my own place.  Big deal. 

Oh yeah, and I also remember how Donnie tried to burn one of the extra posts from our fence the first morning because we didn't have any fire wood. That was funny. 

**We are supposed to be getting snow tonight and that's what the forecast was the night before THE ice storm. Just a little snow. So if I go to bed and wake up at 1am to the sound of silence again.... hmm... I'll probably pack my paper towels first.**

Stage Debut

Reagan and Kiefer participated with the other toddlers at church yesterday in their first Christmas program. We listened to "Jingle Bells" and "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy" in the car on repeat for about 10 days to prepare.  

I was quite surprised that Reagan actually rang his bell during the entire Jingle Bells song.

Kiefer, on the other hand, did not move or change his expression during the entire performance. I guess he's shy. (HA!)

Their costumes were adorable. Unfortunately, they left Reagan's vest on underneath so he looks a bit like a shepherd boy ready to play football. Still way too cute.  

Currently Reading

Its just me, my peppermint mocha coffee, Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong, and a Christmas tree that needs decorating (but first assembling). 

Identifying My FEELINGS

At work, I do groups with about 8 kindergarten kids. (3-4 in each group) 

We usually work on identifying feelings. What makes you sad? When are you happy? What do you do when you are mad? etc, etc. And etc. etc. A.n.d etc.  Okay you get the point. 

Well yesterday was a bad day for me all around. From the time I had to get up early (for me), and spilled coffee on myself in the car, to the bratty kids I counseled went round and around with all day, to my own lovely 2 year olds with a less-than-an-hour-nap refusing to listen to anything I said, to missing socks and cell phone chargers, and burned out Christmas lights and old pumpkins still on the front porch.  Well it got a little better towards the end, but I thought I would still process my FEELINGS from the day. 

I was WORRIED about how people would get ahold of me without my cell phone since it was dead and I was missing the charger

I was SAD that a question like "What would you do if you got separated from your family at the mall?" was answered with "Go to foster care" by a 4th grader. 

I was CONFUSED by how snap peas plus carrots plus my coffee left a barbeque taste in my mouth. 

I was MAD when a 5 year old threatened to slap me in the head while yelling at me for 45 minutes. 

I was AFRAID that I would still be hungry after I threw away half of my gross soup for lunch. 

I was HAPPY to see my boys when I picked them up at "cool" and heard they had a good day

I was PROUD of myself for going to Kickboxing since I've missed it for a couple months.

I was EXCITED that Donnie got the Christmas lights up outside. 

I was ANNOYED that a peer thought I had a bad day because a 5 year old was "mean" to me.

Wordless Wednesday (evening)

2busy2blog

Whew. I'm back. Guess I took a break during the holiday. 

And here's why. 

We were too busy...

putting black olives on our fingers

and playing with grandparents

and Great grandparents

and "smooshing" cheese

and reading books and more books

and playing with babies (a new favorite)

and hanging out with all the cousins

and that's not including the many meals, the birthday party, 

the football games, the SNOW, the shopping, the shared baths,

 all of the playing in the basement with the "big kids," 

or the 8 hours each way in the car.