Nana & Papa Christmas

We celebrated Christmas with my parents today - since we leave this week for Nebraska to visit Joe's family!!!


The boys had a great time! This is such a fun age for them to experience the holidays.

Nana and Papa kept the boys over night last night so Joe and I could attend a Christmas party with my co-workers. They love being at Nana & Papa's! Luke is feeling a little under the weather but being spoiled by Nana & Papa was just what he needed. I just hope he gets better before we travel!

Santa's Coming to Town

That's right - he's here in Kalispell. He was at my work tonight (bearing
gifts of course), he will be at Kid Kare this week, and then he travels all the way to Nebraska to bring more gifts!
The boys were so well behaved at work tonight. They are growing up! They are enjoying some new Thomas Take-Alongs.
We head up to Nana and Papa's Sunday to celebrate an early Christmas with them. The Holiday season is rolling - trying to keep up!

"Crackin' my Heart"

This has all the makings of a country western song. I hadn't thought of that as the future career for my eldest son but his dinnertime quote tonight may have some promise.

Luke was procrastinating and whining about finishing his dinner (the 2nd entree he was served - the 1st one wasn't to his liking) - UGH! When we explained to him that he longer it took him to eat his dinner the closer it was getting to bathtime.

He placed his head in his hands, hung his head down and replied, "You're crackin' my heart".

I, of course, quickly corrected him, "You mean breaking my heart".

"NO!", he yelled. "You're CRACKIN' it!"

Make no mistake - I got it the second time around.

Nashville here we come;)

Thanksgiving

So I might as well post two holidays in one day - otherwise it might not happen until after Christmas!



Big O enjoyed his Thanksgiving feast - all the fixin's!!!

We are so thankful for our family! We enjoyed a wonderful meal with Nana and Papa. Last year Nana had just had parathyroid surgery and suffering from strep throat - turkey soup for them. We had the full spread this year - delish! Joe and I got to have a date night and get a jump start on Christmas shopping the next day/night while Nana and Papa took on the kiddos! We might have to make that a yearly tradition if they are up to it again - we got a lot accomplished!

The year is flying by!

Belated Halloween

Finally! Before I put all my pumpkins away and put up our Christmas tree that we just cut down yesterday I had to snap some shots of my little guys in their Halloween costumes.

Here ya go!









Now on with the seasons!!!

pizza guy

Anyone know this guy?

Well, I've got my very own.

That's right. My very own pizza guy is back. We haven't done much pizza making since we've been in kalispell. I/We need one of these in our kitchen.

I think my little elf (yeah, I have one of those too) - is building me one for christmas. Love this man. What can I ever get him for gifts that compares to the one of a kind pieces he make for me???

Anyway, back to the subject at hand. We had 8 adults and 3 kiddos to feed saturday night and the homemade pizza was a hit. We didn't do too bad for not having an island to roll the dough out on and to manage the 6-7 pizza pans that we scattered around on any available counter top.

Our adorable (and very bright I will add) Godson
and his parents, grandparents and aunt and uncle stopped by while they were in NW Montana for an early Thanksgiving with family to participate in some cowboy poetry at Grouse Mountain Lodge. Scott, Tana and Hunter stayed overnight with us and joined us for Sunday school and church as well as lunch at my favorite place before heading back to Helena.

Now the little guys are napping. Soon we will do some family shopping for ski gear for Luke and new IPod for mom and dad. Not sure big O will get much out of this afternoon's shopping adventures - the little guy always gets the raw end of the deal.

Also - time to get thinking about the holidays. Shopping and decorating to be done. Finally got all the growth cut off plants in the beds by the house. Now time to switch seasons. Still no snow on the ground so should get the lights up - but my pizza guy isn't thrilled about that chore:( He is the kind of elf that builds things but leaves the holiday decorating to someone else. I guess I can't have it all!

On with the day!

Plan B

Well, we had hoped to make it out to "The Beach Ball" (a dance for employees of the hospital) but we ended up with a sick babysitter. Darn it. No social time for us.

I even had my haircut scheduled for right before the big event.

Oh well, plan B. Put kiddos to bed. Bring home sandwiches. Veg out watching The O.C. (we are into Season 3 now). Snack on Hot Tamales (just in case I didn't reach my caloric intake with the philly cheese steak I just inhaled).

This will be just as much fun - especially for me who gets rather anti-social these days.

Plan B also followed through at work today too. Got of early so I had time to go workout before my haircut - thus I could have a philly cheese steak for dinner!

Sometimes I love plan B;)

milestones

I have a new milestone to add to the baby books.

So maybe he is 4 years old now - probably out of the baby book stage but I think this final milestone may make it official.

Potty training cold turkey at 3 wasn't too tough. Getting the young man to wipe his own rear has been quite the challenge. He has had no interest. Until today...

"Mom, can you come in here? I am done going poo-poo!"

Usually this is quite the amplified statement resonating throughout the home and perhaps the neighborhood. Today it was rather a calm statement of fact - not of urgency. When I arrived at the door I had to explain to him that I could not get in as he has locked the door.

"Oh. Just a minute."

I enter the bathroom.

"Hey mom, do you want to see something?"

Always a frightening question after your son has used the toilet - but I am a daring girl - no queasy stomach here.

"Sure."

"Want to see my wipe my bottom?"

It was quite an impressive site. Albeit not through at least there was initiative and an attempt - in fact there was literal action that got the job done.

Hallelujah - I say! The boy is no longer a babe! Send him to school - heck have him ride his own bike there with his very own two bottom wiping hands!!!

He even washed his own hands WITHOUT resistant - this is a miracle in itself.

So there you have it. Baby book complete.

PS - if you really want to know how insane I am getting - ask me about how I actually set my 18 month old on the potty last week. I really did think he would poop on it - poor me:(

hunter's widow

Joe's been gone since Tuesday and this is what he has to show for it.


He had a great time with "the guys" out in eastern Montana and the 4 of them brought home 7 animals - one cow elk, two does, three bucks and one antelope. Not too shabby. We will not starve this winter!

It did leave me without my digital camera on halloween so no pics of my cute pair. We will have to do a redo this week so I can some post some pics.

We are very glad to have daddy home and are still adjusting to standard time.

favorite things

okay, so maybe these aren't my favorite things but they are definitely some highlights from today...

- having my mom around to come watch luke while i take owen for his 18 month check up

- having my husband call to tell me and my mom to lock up the house b/c there are 2 escape murders in the valley (seriously - i know everyone who reads this probably has this happen on a daily basis where they live but around here it's a rarity)

- on that note, let me add living in Montana to this list;)

- having a physician that is so down to earth and caring about all of our family members (helps that he is a co-worker of mine and i'm his wife's boss) - you know your physician is good when he can care for 90 year olds and newborns:)

- garfield bandaids after shots (crazy that the same cat that decorated a number of my childhood birthdays is still around)

- talking to my sister for over an hour on the phone while owen sleeps off his shots

- owen's 3 1/2 hour nap!!!

- a sandbox in our backyard

- having to bathe both kids before dinner because they had so much fun in the sandbox

- having to use a hairdryer on my 18 month old's hair after his bath

- living less than a mile from costco

- having a husband that will stop by costco for me on his way home from work even though it's only a mile out of my way - he loves us:)

- dinner with my family and saying grace together for our meal

- watching private practice on my laptop (love abc.com)

today was a great day!!!

now on the sad notes...

- back to work tomorrow (only one more day though)

- owen has only gained 1 lb in 3 months (20% percentile for weight but 80% for height and 90% for head circumference) - i promise he eats all the time!!!

- owen may have to get tubes - kind of talked my way out of it this visit but i don't think i'll win when we head back in november (these boys of mine like to keep fluid on their ears - i guess i do want owen to be able to talk well someday)

- sad that mom takes child in for well baby checkup while she has a low grade temp, hacking cough and smokers voice - i have not been the picture of health for the past 2 weeks:(

well, goodnight and don't be expecting a list like this tomorrow. i won't be able to keep track of all that happens all that well. so many old peope to get moving and so little time;)

comfort food

What am I doing with my Sunday afternoon? Well, when I woke up at 615am today after only sleeping for a total of 6 hours in 2 hour stretches, I promised myself I would be napping but...I'm not. I am cooking!

Came home from church and had some Signature Tomato and Basil Soup (love Safeway) along with some Olive Cheese Bread. Thanks PW for the wonderful recipe! It is so bad for you but so, so good!

So glad we still go to church in WF so I can stop by Safeway for the milk and soup! Yum-O!

Now my kitchen has the aromas of this! It is the second time I have made it. The 1st was for company and it turned out well so here we go again. Not sure why I said we - it has been a one woman job. I highly recommend this receipe too!

I am in search of a homemade macaroni and cheese receipe...the kind that is easy to make and probably not good for you but so comforting.

We are heading into our cooler days - hanging in the 40s and 50s - snow is on the mountain tops and coming slowly down to lower elevations. Got to have the comfort food and put on the extra layer of adipose to stay warm this winter.

I do not have the wardrobe budget for this kind of seasonal depression therapy - I probably should go for the figure friendly menus and put on the layer of down to the exterior of my body rather than pad the interior. This definitely goes against my better judgement though and will be a struggle all season long.

So, I guess send along any healthy mac n cheese recipes too:(

My sweet J, is fighting the comfort food and beverage battle too - sorry to make you sound like an ETOH abuser. It's an addiction of a different kind (and one that I share with you) - DP.

Diet soda just isn't the same. Doesn't give the same rush that the sugar high does. Have to say that the zero stuff tries to fool me with the initial flavor but the after taste - what is with that??? You notice they haven't dare disguise DP and make it zero.

Overall, my occupation and education has taught me to give up the calcium leeching liquid althogether but water is boring so very, very boring.

I am truly happy with my diabetic bound self. Ready to tackle the winter dulldrums with food - glorious food!

If I could only jog a mile a day too - all would balance out.

Go for it J - inspire me - I need it!!!

PS - oh yeah - forgot to mention why I got so little sleep - has to do with comfort food too;) My friend Vicki came over and brought pork chili verde for dinner and I had made up some queso with hot sausage and rotel. we ate 'til we were stuffed and then played mexican train until midnight! we hadn't done that in a long time! what fun and she satisfied the craving I'd had for her chili verde - even left me some of the leftovers to enjoy later this week!!! Friends are such a blessing!!!

Mom

I can't believe I know all of the words to this song;)



Being a mom is too good to be true!!!

awesome october

wow - we've had great weather for our visitors! my sister has been out here with my nephew. my grandmother made the long trip from north carolina too. my brother in law made it out for the best weather weekend in a while.

look at the fun we had kayaking on dickey lake - great idea sam!



luke played his role of lumberjack at nana and papa's - no child labor laws in montana.


is this guy too cute in his winter hat or what???




really, a great mini family reuninion. so sad it's over - but can't wait til the next one!

firsts

Well, L had his 1st dentist appt last week. He did so well! Of course, I thought I'd be the cool mom and take him out to eat afterwards before taking him back to school. I forgot about the stinking flouride treatment and no eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards. My favorite part were these - what a great idea. Why don't they have adults wear these so that crazy light doesn't get in your eyes???
I also had a 1st! Won my first blog contest - check it out! Getting a start on my Christmas shopping;)
My nephew took his 1st plane ride this past week too! That's right, Mr. T made his way out here from Texas to meet his cousins and uncle. Also of note, Grandma Jeanette is making her way out to Montana to meet her newest great-grandson too! We look forward to some fun family time!

work?

I have to laugh at my major challenges with returning to work today after being off since last Tuesday.
1st off - my staff gave away our best four-wheeled walker to a patient. That is they let her take it home. None of the vendors in the entire state could find the exact one we had her using while in our transitional care unit and this was the only one she could go home with or she would be "unsafe" - per her crazy daughter. Ugh! Isn't it sad that I am so protective of such things.
2nd - my boss pages my while I am trying to pick my sister and nephew up from the airport to ask me why my departments profit and loss statements from august showed us being too efficient. I guess we need to try slacking off a bit. We don't want the budget to look bad for next year now do we?
What in the world!
Gotta throw congrats out to my brother in law - he was promoted to VP of the Rockets last week! So impressive! I don't think I've ever know a VP - especially one who isn't even 30 yet!
Also - what do you think of this work?
This is just a sampling of what Jan did for us on her trip out here...






is she good or what?

one job = friend

for the past few/several days i have only had one job
doesn't that sound great?
i only had to be a friend
i loved it!!!
i picked up j from the airport in spokane on wednesday. spent the day walking around river park square, had a relaxing dinner at Brooklyn's Woodfire Grill, and then relaxed at our hotel.
the next am we awoke at our leisure and then walked around Gonzaga's campus. Then we drove back to Kali via Bonner's Ferry/Libby. picked the kiddos up from KidKare and went out for yummy queso at Qdoba once dad made it home from his workday. did some shopping (but no buying:() at sportsman's then came home to watch private practice on the macbook.
friday had us once again awaking at our leisure - okay so it was a bit earlier as big o wasn't too happy that he may be working on an ear infection:( nothing a little loving and breakfast couldn't fix;) then off to woodland park for a family photo shoot with my friend;) we are so special. then we spent the rest of the day in downtown whitefish doing a little shopping - some actual buying this time too!
friday night we stayed in as Joe was out for a softball game. made some yummy blt salad and corn dip! watched a movie (don't recommend it) and grey's on the macbook again.
unfortunately joe had some car trouble while out at his softball game so he had to have it towed to the mechanic's saturday am but after that jan and i were on our way back to spokane for some friend time but not before picking up a frugal burger;) once to spokane we did eddie bauer outlet, ross, old navy, and spokane valley mall. gorged ourselves at outback and then took in a movie (once again not one i recommend - not sure why now when i finally have a chance to go to the movies that there isn't anything out there worth seeing;()
had a great walk sunday am - just couldn't find a church that moved us to attend. got packed up, grabbed some lunch and headed back to the airport. unfortunately the flight was 3 hours delayed due to "operational difficulties" - nice. sad to say i couldn't wait around with here:( i had to head back to reality before the snow started to fall over the pass (4th of July and Mullen) - no such luck. made it home just after 8pm and only had to pause for a few deer!
back to the real world.
getting laundry going and house spiffed for sister and nephew's arrival tomorrow!!!
back to work to see what i need to catch up on - LOTS! then taking Luke to his 1st dentist appt.
looking forward to slowing down a bit - probably next month;)

Kissin' Cousins

Finishing up a fun filled weekend tonight. One of Joe's cousin's from Nebraska made a brave road trip out to see us with his wife and three kids - ages 5, 3, and 19 months.

They arrived Thursday evening about suppertime and are leaving bright and early tomorrow. A whirlwind trip but plenty of fun for all the boys and girl.

They hiked up part of Big Mountain Friday with Joe and the boys while I worked.

Saturday we played outside at home - walked around the 'hood. Dads played some golf and Joe made homeade pizza.

We tackled the challenge of 5 kids at the 1030 service of church. We never go to this service because this is when Big O likes to take his nap - he was so restless. Great sermon though - check it out. Worship was great too - I cried (of course) - actually sang "Open the Eyes of my Heart" in spanish - not bad at all!

Then we hit a couple of stores in downtown Whitefish for a few last minute gifts. Then we drove to Sunday Creek for a nice lunch (sub sandwiches) and a super quick hike to a wonderful waterfall.















Then we continued the road trip to Nana and Papa's. Came home for some yummy dinner and another round of Catch Phrase.

The kids are certainly worn out but fun was had by all. The Dads even finished off an entire bottle of Glenfiddich. Yikes!

Stay tuned for more of my crazy week ahead - much fun coming up!!! I hope I have time to keep you informed!

Doing it Old School

Having a great family weekend. Getting lots of things done on the "to do lists" and spending good quality time with all.
Friday night - surprise 50th bday party for Sharon from work, took both boys as Joe was off to double header softball game, then took the little men to Target to buy birthday gifts for for Saturdays party
Saturday - employee picnic with the family, boys loved jumping on those air filled toys and munchin on blue snow cones, Joe and Luke were off to John-John's bday party at Pizza Factory while O and I hung out with Aunt Vicki waiting for them to return. Once they returned Vicki and I headed out to dinner and a movie while Joe spent some quality time crying over the Huskers. I didn't get home until midnight! Really enjoyed the comfy seats at the new movie theater (The Brave One - rather intense - so glad I live in Montana - I am NEVER moving.)
Sunday - up early to work the nursery at 830 service - it was only my kiddos to watch and two older girls were even there to "help" me. No one with little ones seems to be able to make it to that early service. Not sure if we will switch to 1030 instead??? we are down to only 2 more services before we move into new church anyway. sunday school will start up then too so we shall see how early sunday will begin for the Bilaus then. After church, it was a stop at Safeway for the Sunday paper then back home to get going on the "to dos". Getting the house and yard presentable - Joe's cousin and his wife and 3 kiddos are coming to visit this week from Nebraska. Joe is off to softball picnic tonight and then home for some O.C. marathon with me after boys are in bed.

The "Old School" report comes into play here...I love these guys! I am SO out of the loop - I had no idea this was even out there! Thanks, J!

I also walked into the bathroom to have my husband cursing at the wall. His stud finder was faulty in finding the stud and he screwed two holes into the wall while trying hang a mirror for me. He was using a screwdriver rather than a drill - not sure why my woodworking husband was going "old school" and not using a drill but whatever - maybe it's b/c I was in the other room getting all hot and bothered by the BSB video;)

Hot Sand

The most curious bedtime conversation from Luke...

Luke: "Why can't we walk on hot sand?"

Mom: "Because it will burn our feet."

Luke: "And it will turn into fire and then we are dead?"

Mom: "No we will just hurt the skin on our feet."

Luke: "Why can lizards walk on hot sand?"

Mom: "They have different skin than we do and it doesn't burn their feet."

Luke: "Why didn't God give us skin like that?"

Mom: "He made each of us different."

Luke: "Yeah, and he made nice big lizards that we can ride on the hot sand so we won't burn our feet until they are dead from fire."

Now with all of those issues solved we can rest well tonight!

Echo, echo

That's right echo times two!
The boys each had an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist in Missoula today! They each have murmurs that their doctor wanted to have investigated a little further.
L's is a systolic click (not sure if that is a technical term or not) - basically his aortic valve closes funny and could possibly be abnormal and only have two leaflets to close the valve rather than the normal three leaflets. The ultrasound of his heart (echo) reveals he is normal - all three are there just make a funny sound. No reason to worry.
O's murmur is quite loud and noticeable but echo revealed everything was fine:)
No need for futher follow-ups for either boys!!!
It was a potential trial to get each of them to lie still and have electrodes placed on their chest while the doctor (not their typical MD) rubs lotion and an ultrasound wand over their heart. Nothing the Cars movie and a dum-dum sucker in each hand can't fix. This doctor knows kids and was well prepared. I am sure he has to get that ultrasound wand replaced from time to time after being coated with sticky goo from sucker hands grabbing for it! Big O was just a bit inquisititive. I certainly didn't expect my 16 month old to being eating dum-dums yet - but whatever it takes to allow modern medicine to proceed.
Praise God for healthy hearts and praise him for compassionate and intellegent doctors and nurses that can help those without healthy hearts!

He is a dream!

What a wonderful visit! "Ty guy" (that's my unapproved nickname for my nephew) is amazing! He rarely cries. Bathtime - no crying. Diaper changes - no crying. Mom and Dad are so good with him. He is so loved! What a blessing!
Had a great trip to Houston to meet him and his proud parents. He has a mohawk of red hair that his mom is determined to tame:) She is slowly conquering this challenge.
They are doing quite well and I am very impressed. I forgot how easy it is to just have one but also how difficult it is to be the sole source of nutrition for another human being. Hang in there, sis!

mother's week out

That's right Mom is leaving for the week. Well, I still have to finish a 10 hour work day tomorrow and get packed but I leave at 6:15am Tuesday to FINALLY go meet my nephew!!!
I am packing only one suitcase - for myself:) I am converting my diaper bag into a carry on for my toys. It will fit but it's a tight squeeze in it's case - plus all of my magazines and I don't want to forget a snack.
I am almost more excited about the solo plane trip than seeing my nephew for the 1st time - JUST KIDDING! I can't believe he is almost a month old and I haven't met him yet. I had to let the dust settle after my mom has camped out there for 3 weeks. She has left a tough act to follow though - doing all the meals, cleaning and up and ready to take on baby duty beginning at 5am each day! I know I can do it:)
I am sad to leave my sweet family - having lots of fun with my boys lately but I am certain absence will make the heart grow even fonder - for all of us.
I am excited to see my little sis in her new role that she is so perfect for! I will update on my adventures while I am gone. Until then - prayers for my travels and for my family!

busy weekend

Well we had planned to spend Luke's birthday weekend by celebrating with a camping trip - just like the previous two years - but the ban on campfires and the smoke looming in the air already put that on the back burner - so to speak. Check out what the smoke filled skies has done to the sunsets right off our back deck.

















Fun was still had by all. We made our way to Dickey Lake to escape the smoke and splash in the cool, clear water.














Luke loved opening presents - turning 4 was a hit! Owen was napping at the time so he missed all the fun! We have yet to have an "official" birthday party for him - we are holding out until he turns 5.




Owen helped Dad was his truck while Luke took his turn at a car nap. He got soap all over - guess that stuff isn't as gentle as his bubble bath - he broke out all over!!!





These guys are still into their popsicles...







































Owen must have pretty worn out after washing the car - that and he only had one nap today. He fell asleep at dinner - corn dogs couldn't even keep him awake.










Luke's birthday cake and our singing couldn't even keep him awake...












Luke loved his cake, don't ya think???


















































who says you can't lick your elbow? I guess if you are four and blue icing is involved it can be done...












Overall, I'd say the 4th birthday was a success and it's not even over. Dad is taking the day off work to play with Luke tomorrow too!!! YIPEE!!!

more?

It's way too cute. Big O has become a little motor mouth. The main word we can make out is "Mo" or more and he is even signing it (thanks Kid Kare). Of course, it is reference to food - so glad this little guy is starting to eat more. Fruit is all that he asks for "mo" of which makes for nasty deposits in the diaper bank but at least it's good for him.

too much time

This is what happens when I have too much time on my hands...
(I know there are a zillion things piled up around for me to do but this is what I succumb to).











I would have to say my sweet hubby makes most of these fantasies into realities for me except the last one. But there is always room for improvement, right?