Cousins

I meant to do this post around Christmas time, and it is still January, so I guess I'm not too late. I found this when sorting through old photos at my parent's house - Christmas circa 1995? I have to say I love it. Here are a few reasons why...

1. We are all so young, so full of energy...in the era that we got to see each other every Christmas. With everyone's growing family commitments, it doesn't happen every year.
2. David's cute little head sticking out in the center.
3. Hamil sitting on my lap and genuinely acting like he enjoys it - doesn't happen very often, in fact, this may have been the last time it happened.
4. The couch - enough said.
5. The shirt that Emily is wearing. If you can believe it, we FOUGHT over this shirt. Oh my.

Here & There

A few random pictures and thoughts about how we are staying sane during this extremely cold snap we are having...I never thought I would consider 30 degrees warm, but I can't wait until later in the week when we get back to there. Too cold, much too cold...

Last weekend we headed to Columbia to watch the Missouri Tigers take on the Georgia Bulldogs in basketball. Of course Nate wore a Tigers shirt, of course. And the Tigers won handily but I know Scott enjoyed seeing the other 3 Georgia fans that were in attendance.

We did get snow this week, and obviously since the temperature hasn't been much over 10 degrees, it is still on the ground. Scott took pity on my OCD yesterday and washed my car. The windows and locks were frozen this morning, but it was worth it to have the cleanest car at Wal-Mart.

Nate helping Scott clear away snow. He loves snow of course.

We got a new stove this week - our Christmas present for the house. Nate was bored, a recurring theme at our house these days (despite all the stimulating toys and games we just got for Christmas and birthday). Funny how that happens.

Nate had his 4-year well checkup on Friday. He weighs 36 lbs and is 41 1/2 inches tall. Miraculously, we have not been to the pediatrician since his last well visit, a year ago. I know, I know, unheard of, but what can I say? He is a very well kid. Must get that from Scott.

Anyway, I loved a conversation that the pediatrician and I had while Nate was drawing a picture of me at her request.

Looking at her checklist...

Dr. A: And you are limiting his exposure to TV?

Me: Um....yes...I mean, every day that it is above 8 degrees outside.

Dr. A (with half a smile): Well, try not to relax those rules too much.

Me: Um...ok...(in my head...WHATEVER)

That was a long story to say that we went to Target after the doctor and I told Nate he could get a treat for being so good and letting them prick his finger for a lead test. He chose this foam sword and WOW, I need to remember that many items on the $1 aisle give long-lasting enjoyment.

The robe completes the ensemble - he had to have some place to put his sword so he could draw it and say "Arghhh...matey"

Stay warm!

Tis the Season...

to be cooking, wrapping, planning, stressing, thankful, anxious, joyful, and oh yes, jolly. That about sums up our whole month of December. We had a truly wonderful Christmas, really just plain glorious as I've been calling it. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in our own house, just the 3 of us. It was glorious. Christmas Eve children's service was beautiful and Nate actually paid pretty good attention for 30 out of the 45 minute service. Progress, my friends, progress.

After church on Christmas Eve - watching movies, eating appetizers, and drinking hot cocoa. My head kept getting lower and lower trying to snuggle with Nate as he was slipping away!

The first gift of Christmas - Polar Express style...

Pajamas from Mimi & Paka! On the front they say, "Am I Cute or What?" Besides the fact that we think Nate is the cutest boy ever, he has taken to saying this phrase as well. We were in Target a few weeks ago and he says loud enough for the whole aisle to hear..."Mom, am I cute or what??" I thought one lady was going to fall over laughing.

Christmas cookies and milk for Santa. My mom gave Nate this cool cup to use for Santa's snacks...you pour the milk in the top and then the cookie slips in the compartment underneath. Pretty cool, huh??

Nate looks so grown up to me here...sigh, where does the time go?

Christmas morning tossing the inflatable globe that Santa left in his stocking.

Unwrapping, a skill he has perfected this December.

Success! Max & Ruby, which he has watched 382 times since Friday.

I did not take any pictures at the Corse Christmas in Charleston, shame on me. This is after we got back on Saturday. Relaxing. Love it.

Happy New Year!!

Tip For the Day

Don't ask your 4 year old to empty his trash can where you have secretly thrown away all the "kid junk" from his room that has been making you crazy for months. Kid will no doubt believe you are throwing away treasures and make you feel really bad about it.

Instead, throw kid junk away in a trash can that is not emptied by your kid. Kid is highly unlikely to notice said treasures have disappeared.

4!

Wow - has it really been 4 years?!? We celebrated Nate's birthday on Sunday with some good family time. He has grown so much in this last year and we are excited for what this coming year will bring. Opening presents on birthday morning...

Debbie & Wayne got him a new backpack - I think he likes it!

We use this plate on his birthday. My friend Audra made it when Nate was born and it is so fun to pull it out on his special day.

After breakfast, we headed to Build-A-Bear at the Zoo. We did the same thing last year, but at the Science Center. I look forward to making this a tradition until Nate gets too grown up for it! He chose a Frosty the Snowman and of course named him Frosty...orginal.

Giving Frosty his first bath...

It took a few dozen takes but we got one I think will work.

The cake!!!! With lots of encouragement from my friend Nicole, I was brave enough to try my hand at cake making. The Little Einstein's Rocket turned out perfect! I am very proud of myself, if I do say so. Nate loved it and it was worth every minute!

Blowing out the candles...

Nate's "big" present was a keyboard from us. Needless to say, he loves it. It even has a play iPod docking station where he can record songs and then play them anywhere. They do learn early, don't they. It is kind of loud, but worth it to see him so happy.

I'm sure when he is 8, I will be shocked that it has been another 4 years! Happy Birthday Nate!

More new posts below...

Zoo Lights

This year instead of feeling regretful after the holidays are over that we didn't make it to all the fun activities, I have tried to fit everything in and so far it has been well worth it. Saturday, we went to the Zoo Lights while my parents were in town. It is the first time we have been and I hope to make it a tradition! Nate wore his Santa hat and of course looked adorable on his Birthday Eve.

Warming up with hot cocoa - it was chilly!

Gardenland Express

Nate and I went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens on Friday to see the Gardenland Express exhibit. The plants were gorgeous and Nate enjoyed the trains and finding all the "I Spy" people.

Got to love this face!!