Christmastime is here

When I was little, one of my favorite things was making Christmas cookies with mom. She used to make several different kinds. I don’t think I ever realized how much went into that until Jacob and I made cookies today. Totally worth it though, we had such a good time! I made the dough last night and set it in the fridge. Then this morning I rolled it out and let Jacob press the cookie cutters into the dough. He hung in there for about 5 or 6 cookies, then was ready to go back to his cars.

We decorated this afternoon. I put on the frosting and Jacob got to do the sprinkles. He LOVED it.

Here’s the tongue to let you know how engaged he was.

“Hmmm, This one looks good. Maybe I’ll give it a taste.”

“Oh yeah, that’s good stuff!”

“Time to test out these new molars!”

“I’m such a good helper!”

Finished product. Notice the bite mark in the bottom left Christmas tree – He enjoyed tasting a few of the cookies. We’ll give those to Daddy when he gets home tomorrow. :-)

Published in:  on November 30, 2006 at 10:22 pm Leave a Comment

Breaking my heart

We’re heading to Texas in a few weeks for the holidays and some good family time. I’m very excited about it. Before we go though, I want Toby to be able to sleep on his own, in his own bed. We did this with Jacob when he was about 3 1/2 months old. Jacob cried for about an hour the first night and then was out. Night ..2, he cried for 2 hours, then I went and picked him up and he promptly fell asleep. Night ..3, he cried for 10 minutes and fell asleep, and that pretty much became his routine. Now he reads and goes to sleep without tears. It’s pretty nice.

I put Toby in bed about an hour and half ago, and he’s been crying his little heart out. I really want to go pick him up, but I also want him to learn to sleep before we get to Texas, so I’m resisting. It’s hard to sit here and listen to him though. I know what his face looks like when he’s been crying really hard and that breaks my heart. He’s such a sweet boy. He was in a great mood this evening, smiling and laughing and cooing. He was pretty drowsy when I put him down, but still it wasn’t what he expected. It’s finally beginning to slow and there are long pauses in between the cries, so I hope he’s almost done. I didn’t feel this way with Jacob, which is funny considering he was our first.

Hopefully tomorrow will be easier.

Published in:  on November 29, 2006 at 10:36 pm Leave a Comment

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving Friends and Family! I posted this as a bulletin, but wanted to save it here as well.

I like Thanksgiving for pretty much three reasons.
1. Yum, yum!! Turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes…
2. It kicks off the Christmas season – my favorite time of year.
3. It compels everyone to state aloud things that they are thankful for.

I’m thankful for my wonderful husband Brian. He loves me unconditionally. He’s a great kisser. :-) He provides fabulously for us allowing me to stay home with our two kiddos.

I’m thankful for my son Jacob. He also loves me unconditionally. He gives great hugs. He is full of inquiry as he explores his world.

I’m thankful for my son Tobias. He too, loves me unconditionally, though he can’t really express it yet! He gives heart warming smiles. He has the cutest little squeal when he’s happy.

I’m thankful for my Lord & God, who gave me those men, & who loves me so much that he sent his son to die for me – how’s that for unconditional love!

Enjoy your day! Eat tons and don’t feel bad about it!!!

Published in:  on November 22, 2006 at 10:37 pm Leave a Comment

Below zero

We had an Indian summer this year – warm weather extending through October. We’ve only been in Alaska for three years, but for each of those years, we’ve had our first snow in September, so this was different. It was nice, especially since we are new to Circle. I’ve been able to get out every day and walk to the post office for mail, then the clinic and store to visit.

It turned cold this weekend though with temperatures below zero. It’s ten below as I type. It’s also been snowing like mad – HUGE flakes, like nothing we ever saw in Texas. I love it. You can look down and actually see individual flakes and notice that they really are all different.

When we first moved to Alaska, I was out every day. I walked back and forth to work every day and went snow-shoeing on the weekends. During my second winter, I had formed a walking group with some girlfriends. We walked every day after work (well, forty below was our cut-off), snow-shoeing at least twice a week. Jacob was with us during our third winter, so I wasn’t able to get out quite as much, but still with my group, I was able to get out about four times a week. This year, however, I’m wondering how often I’ll get outside.

In the three or four days since the cold weather has blown in, it’s become quite a production to get three of us out the door. I dress myself first, then Toby, and finally Jacob – this takes about 25 minutes. By that time I’m sweating under all my gear! Once outside, I am constantly wondering if the boys are okay. It’s only going to get harder as the temperatures continue to drop. I have to do it though. I need that little bit of sunlight on my face.

So, here we go. Winter number four underway.

Published in:  on November 5, 2006 at 10:38 pm Leave a Comment