Last post of the year. It's been a good year.
I wish I could go into all the detail of all that has happened the past two weeks, but I would not do any of it justice. William, Robert and I have been and still are sick for nearly a week. We haven't' slept much and my head is a bit foggy, but I will do my best to hit some highlights of our Christmas.
We (Francis, the boys and I) left for Dallas Friday before last. Saturday we had Christmas with my family. We decorated cookies (which William did for a lot longer than any of us expected), ate pizza, and opened presents. It was a sweet time and although I am a little sad to miss all of the Brownfield traditions, it was perfect for this year.
Tuesday we (Francis, my in-laws, the boys and I) got on a plane and left for Montreal, Canada. Together we checked 10 items and still had two backpacks, a purse, 2 suitcases and 2 strollers to haul through security. Fun times. We touched down about dinner time, got through customs, got the rental cars and headed straight to get some poutine. William has had it before, but Robert had ti for the first time and loved it. We all ate our fill before heading on to the Phillips/Heron house. There we were welcomed warmly by so many people, and cyndy, Chris and Abby joined us shortly as we all ate Bravo's Pizza before putting the kids to bed very late. they were just having too much fun with the cousins. And Francis's grandmother was enjoying seeing her little ones for the first time after over a year.
Wednesday (Christmas eve) we hung around the house in the morning and the kids played in the snow. William and Abby loved the snow, even building a snowman and having a snowball fight with the help of the adult children in the house, hehe. That evening (after spending the afternoon playing at the science center) we had dinner with Francis's mother's father. Dinner was quiet (and mostly in French) and we were able to head home before it got too late.
Thursday (Christmas Day) morning was a fun affair. We had breakfast then opened stockings (a good 28 or so of us). We took pictures, opened presents and had a delicious lunch that left nothing to be desired. I am so thankful to have married into such a kind and wonderful family who reminds me so much of my own. It was a special time. We finished the evening off with dinner at Francis's mother's mother's house. She had a large portion of her family there (including 5 out of the 6 children in his mother's family). Thanks to Chris, most of the conversation ended up being in English, much to the delight of the grandkids and frustration of those whose English was not as good.
Friday we had breakfast all together, then split off in all directions. Francis's branch of the family went and had Bravo's for lunch and then his parents watched the little ones while the parents and cousins went and saw Into the Woods (good movie). Friday night everyone (and I mean everyone from the "three families") who was in town met at a "sugar shack" for dinner, music and dancing. We basically had the place to ourselves. the food was good, but William preferred to drink the maple syrup than put it on his turkey or meat pie. Everyone else then tried drinking the maple syrup too and, well, much syrup was deliciously ingested that night.
Robert and William played and played and they were sad to leave. Robert particularly loved all the attention and how there was always a willing pair of arms to hold him. William loved the snow and the constant availability of playmates (with cousin Matthew being a favorite).
Saturday we headed home. William and I got sick the night before, and were sick the whole way home until now. Robert has been sick on an off too. I really want to get better because this has gone on far too long. We haven't left the house but to go to the dr and the pharmacy since Saturday. I'm ready to be well.
In conclusion, GREAT week if Christmas...but rough past few days. Trying to look at the positive though. 2015 is almost here, and it's almost certain to bring big changes and I'm looking forward to see what's in store.
Till next time!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
December 18, 2014
Big week. Good week. Can't go into all the details, even if I had time!
Gotta be brief. We leave in the morning for Dallas and then head onto Montreal on Tuesday to celebrate Christmas (staying till Saturday). Packing to do. Need I say more?
William is able to do addition up to 10. He figured it out all on his own. He came up and said, "Mommy, if I put two fingers on this hand and two fingers on this hand, that makes four fingers!" I explained that in math you say two plus two equals 4. He then went on to do nearly every permutation that adds up to anything less than 10 (as that's all the fingers he has). But he didn't stop there. He then counted by 10s. Then he said, "Mommy, if I do two tens, that makes 20. Because *singing* 'Ten, Twenty'!" Such a smart kid!
Robert is talking more and more. Favorite words? "Uh Oh, Dada and Mama". He says a bunch of others, but those are the most often spoken. I think that pretty much any question or statement can be answered with one of those three words when you are 15 months. So, he's all set!
We've been off this week from almost all our regular activities, so we've been hitting the town. We went to the aquarium for the last time (our pass is about to expire) yesterday and Mt. Playmore today. Both with Ranger. Gonna miss the Davis Family when they move next month, that's for sure.
Yep, time's up! Till next time.
Gotta be brief. We leave in the morning for Dallas and then head onto Montreal on Tuesday to celebrate Christmas (staying till Saturday). Packing to do. Need I say more?
William is able to do addition up to 10. He figured it out all on his own. He came up and said, "Mommy, if I put two fingers on this hand and two fingers on this hand, that makes four fingers!" I explained that in math you say two plus two equals 4. He then went on to do nearly every permutation that adds up to anything less than 10 (as that's all the fingers he has). But he didn't stop there. He then counted by 10s. Then he said, "Mommy, if I do two tens, that makes 20. Because *singing* 'Ten, Twenty'!" Such a smart kid!
Robert is talking more and more. Favorite words? "Uh Oh, Dada and Mama". He says a bunch of others, but those are the most often spoken. I think that pretty much any question or statement can be answered with one of those three words when you are 15 months. So, he's all set!
We've been off this week from almost all our regular activities, so we've been hitting the town. We went to the aquarium for the last time (our pass is about to expire) yesterday and Mt. Playmore today. Both with Ranger. Gonna miss the Davis Family when they move next month, that's for sure.
Yep, time's up! Till next time.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
December 11, 2014
First, a funny story from a few weeks ago that I don't think I've told:
I was talking to William and he told me someday he was going to grow up. I asked him if he was going to get married and he responded, "yes." I asked what she would be like and he responded, "I don't know what her name is, but she will wear a sparkle dress." "Like a princess?" I asked. "Yeah, mommy, I'm going to marry a princess." I smiled and asked sweetly, "What are you going to call this princess of yours?" William didn't miss a beat, "I'm not going to call her my love like Daddy calls you. I'm going to call her BOOGERHEAD!" I tried not to laugh but it was just too cute. A little while later when I was telling the story someone asked William what his princess was going to call him. He gave the only logical response, "Booger goose!" So there you have it. I now pronounce you Mrs Princess Boogerhead and Mr. Booger Goose. Hehe, William has since relented and said he will in fact call his princess "My Love", but the first name has stuck.
This week has been relatively quiet. We celebrated our little family's Christmas on Saturday as we didn't want to take gifts back and forth, plus we thought it would be nice to have some traditions of our own. The boys went with Francis to Home Depot and made Christmas lawn ornaments while I set up their "big gifts" at home. When the boys arrived back, there were two huge objects with sheets over them. On three they opened them and were thrilled to find a work bench with working tools for William and a kitchen with all manner of pots, pans and food for Robert. The boys played for over an hour without pause before we had lunch and took a nap. After nap, more playing with their new toys. Then we made and decorated a gingerbread house as a family. While not Pinterest worthy. I am proud that we were able to complete something as a team. It's special to me. We finished off the day with dinner out and going to look at Christmas lights. There is a house nearby that has an amazing light display complete with singing and dancing Beatles (band), Elvis, Olaf and Grinch. We watched for over 30 minutes as the boys laughed and got covered in fake snow bubbles. Then we drove around the neighborhood and watched Christmas lights. The boys didn't want to stop, but eventually they passed out and we headed home. Robert loved the lights and did whatever he could to climb out of the car as we drove around. He smiled and cooed and laughed the whole time. It was a great day!
Tuesday we had ladies night at the house. Francis and the boys hid upstairs, and the ladies had fondue and watched White Christmas. It was so fun! We may try fondue with the boys this weekend. We'll see! Yesterday William's friend Ranger was over here for 3 hours while his mom was at her dr appt. The boys had their own "fondue" party with BBQ sauce and Rudolph. It was super cute and the boys had an absolute blast!
Today was our last Bible Study this year at the Quarries. The older kids put on a little concert at the end which was completely adorable. And William actually sang this year! No "do do do dos" for this kid. He did the motions, sang, and smiled to boot. Future choir member in the making right there!
Robert has taken quite a liking to our Christmas tree. When we first put it up, he kept taking off ornaments and running with them. I have since loosely placed a few ornaments such that when he touches a branch, the loose ornament will fall off, distracting him long enough for me to come over and monitor. I'm no so worried about the tree as I am that he may try to pull it over on himself. He's doing better with gentle touches, but he and the tree are becoming quite close. I think he may have a fit when we take it down. Hopefully he'll be too distracted with new toys to notice! Till next time!
I was talking to William and he told me someday he was going to grow up. I asked him if he was going to get married and he responded, "yes." I asked what she would be like and he responded, "I don't know what her name is, but she will wear a sparkle dress." "Like a princess?" I asked. "Yeah, mommy, I'm going to marry a princess." I smiled and asked sweetly, "What are you going to call this princess of yours?" William didn't miss a beat, "I'm not going to call her my love like Daddy calls you. I'm going to call her BOOGERHEAD!" I tried not to laugh but it was just too cute. A little while later when I was telling the story someone asked William what his princess was going to call him. He gave the only logical response, "Booger goose!" So there you have it. I now pronounce you Mrs Princess Boogerhead and Mr. Booger Goose. Hehe, William has since relented and said he will in fact call his princess "My Love", but the first name has stuck.
This week has been relatively quiet. We celebrated our little family's Christmas on Saturday as we didn't want to take gifts back and forth, plus we thought it would be nice to have some traditions of our own. The boys went with Francis to Home Depot and made Christmas lawn ornaments while I set up their "big gifts" at home. When the boys arrived back, there were two huge objects with sheets over them. On three they opened them and were thrilled to find a work bench with working tools for William and a kitchen with all manner of pots, pans and food for Robert. The boys played for over an hour without pause before we had lunch and took a nap. After nap, more playing with their new toys. Then we made and decorated a gingerbread house as a family. While not Pinterest worthy. I am proud that we were able to complete something as a team. It's special to me. We finished off the day with dinner out and going to look at Christmas lights. There is a house nearby that has an amazing light display complete with singing and dancing Beatles (band), Elvis, Olaf and Grinch. We watched for over 30 minutes as the boys laughed and got covered in fake snow bubbles. Then we drove around the neighborhood and watched Christmas lights. The boys didn't want to stop, but eventually they passed out and we headed home. Robert loved the lights and did whatever he could to climb out of the car as we drove around. He smiled and cooed and laughed the whole time. It was a great day!
Tuesday we had ladies night at the house. Francis and the boys hid upstairs, and the ladies had fondue and watched White Christmas. It was so fun! We may try fondue with the boys this weekend. We'll see! Yesterday William's friend Ranger was over here for 3 hours while his mom was at her dr appt. The boys had their own "fondue" party with BBQ sauce and Rudolph. It was super cute and the boys had an absolute blast!
Today was our last Bible Study this year at the Quarries. The older kids put on a little concert at the end which was completely adorable. And William actually sang this year! No "do do do dos" for this kid. He did the motions, sang, and smiled to boot. Future choir member in the making right there!
Robert has taken quite a liking to our Christmas tree. When we first put it up, he kept taking off ornaments and running with them. I have since loosely placed a few ornaments such that when he touches a branch, the loose ornament will fall off, distracting him long enough for me to come over and monitor. I'm no so worried about the tree as I am that he may try to pull it over on himself. He's doing better with gentle touches, but he and the tree are becoming quite close. I think he may have a fit when we take it down. Hopefully he'll be too distracted with new toys to notice! Till next time!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
December 3, 2014
It's been an exciting couple of weeks over here. It's been fun, but I am glad to be home now back in my warm bed. Getting back into the routine is tough, especially since after next week we will be off for three weeks from all our activities due to winter break. No can say our lives are dull.
Saturday before last was my birthday. I got a pedicure with Danielle and my mom before my birthday party, which is the first one I've had since February. It felt so so good! My family, sisters, parents, in-laws, Ashley and Brandon and his bride Bethany were all at my party. We had cake and I opened presents, then we played a game of Fish Bowl. If you've never played it, you should. It's a hoot. It was a successful party and I am so glad that I was loved on by those I love.
Tuesday, the boys and I went with Danielle and my mom to the Gaylord to see ICE! They have a whole exhibit each year and this year the theme was Frosty the Snowman. They keep the exhibit 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Aka:COLD! We went through it faster than we would have liked just because we
(Robert in particular) were miserably cold. The ice was beautiful though, and the nativity scene at the end (after all the Frosty stuff) made me speechless. William loved it all and especially liked the ice slide. The cold never bothered him anyway.
Wednesday we went to Six Flags Holiday in the Park. It was bring a friend for free and since my mom and Danielle have passes, the boys and I got in for FREE. My favorite price for sure. We all had a blast. William got to ride more rides than anyone and he even talked Sweetie into buying him an awesome Superman cape. He wore it most of the rest of the day, and still wears it now that we are home. William's favorite ride was the old time cars. He got to legitimately drive and he thinks that's about the coolest thing ever. He tells me that when he grows up just a little more, he'll be able to drive for real. Hold on, kid, not too fast!
Thursday was Thanksgiving and my whole family went to my Aunt Bup's house. It was a smaller crowd this year, only 21 people. We had a nice time, but by evening time, I started to feel tired as the long week caught up with me. All I wanted was to be in my own bed. So we packed up from Ft Worth and headed to Plano, where we packed up for real and headed back to Austin. We got home at nearly midnight, but it was worth it to put my head on my own pillow.
Friday we drove onward to San Antonio to be with Francis's parents and sister's family. Every year we spend the weekend after Thanksgiving there. We saw the river parade Friday night, opened presents Saturday morning (since we don't want to haul all the gifts to Canada), and then spent the day at Sea World. The highlight of the day (other than opening presents) was having dinner at Sea World with Santa and Mrs. Claus. William and Abby both know Santa is pretend (i.e. based on St. Nicholas who lived long ago), but they enjoyed him like they did Mickey Mouse at Disney World. The food was delicious and the kids were so excited. Santa read them the night before Christmas, and then they got to take pictures with him and eat cookies. What's not to like? Oh, Robert did not like the "mime" elf. The guy wiped Roberts mouth with the puff of his hat, and after that, any time the guy came near, Robert would scream bloody murder. It got to be a little funny. A great trip with great people. Sunday we took some family photos of the Phillips clan and they turned out cute. The one of the three cousins is particularly adorable. We are so blessed to have such a great set of relatives!
This week, I'm still trying to recover. Laundry is still being done, the house is still being cleaned, and I am flat out exhausted! the Christmas decorations are up, which is a small victory. One step at a time, I guess.
Till next time!
Saturday before last was my birthday. I got a pedicure with Danielle and my mom before my birthday party, which is the first one I've had since February. It felt so so good! My family, sisters, parents, in-laws, Ashley and Brandon and his bride Bethany were all at my party. We had cake and I opened presents, then we played a game of Fish Bowl. If you've never played it, you should. It's a hoot. It was a successful party and I am so glad that I was loved on by those I love.
Tuesday, the boys and I went with Danielle and my mom to the Gaylord to see ICE! They have a whole exhibit each year and this year the theme was Frosty the Snowman. They keep the exhibit 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Aka:COLD! We went through it faster than we would have liked just because we
(Robert in particular) were miserably cold. The ice was beautiful though, and the nativity scene at the end (after all the Frosty stuff) made me speechless. William loved it all and especially liked the ice slide. The cold never bothered him anyway.
Wednesday we went to Six Flags Holiday in the Park. It was bring a friend for free and since my mom and Danielle have passes, the boys and I got in for FREE. My favorite price for sure. We all had a blast. William got to ride more rides than anyone and he even talked Sweetie into buying him an awesome Superman cape. He wore it most of the rest of the day, and still wears it now that we are home. William's favorite ride was the old time cars. He got to legitimately drive and he thinks that's about the coolest thing ever. He tells me that when he grows up just a little more, he'll be able to drive for real. Hold on, kid, not too fast!
Thursday was Thanksgiving and my whole family went to my Aunt Bup's house. It was a smaller crowd this year, only 21 people. We had a nice time, but by evening time, I started to feel tired as the long week caught up with me. All I wanted was to be in my own bed. So we packed up from Ft Worth and headed to Plano, where we packed up for real and headed back to Austin. We got home at nearly midnight, but it was worth it to put my head on my own pillow.
Friday we drove onward to San Antonio to be with Francis's parents and sister's family. Every year we spend the weekend after Thanksgiving there. We saw the river parade Friday night, opened presents Saturday morning (since we don't want to haul all the gifts to Canada), and then spent the day at Sea World. The highlight of the day (other than opening presents) was having dinner at Sea World with Santa and Mrs. Claus. William and Abby both know Santa is pretend (i.e. based on St. Nicholas who lived long ago), but they enjoyed him like they did Mickey Mouse at Disney World. The food was delicious and the kids were so excited. Santa read them the night before Christmas, and then they got to take pictures with him and eat cookies. What's not to like? Oh, Robert did not like the "mime" elf. The guy wiped Roberts mouth with the puff of his hat, and after that, any time the guy came near, Robert would scream bloody murder. It got to be a little funny. A great trip with great people. Sunday we took some family photos of the Phillips clan and they turned out cute. The one of the three cousins is particularly adorable. We are so blessed to have such a great set of relatives!
This week, I'm still trying to recover. Laundry is still being done, the house is still being cleaned, and I am flat out exhausted! the Christmas decorations are up, which is a small victory. One step at a time, I guess.
Till next time!
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