The big man with the belly

The countdown is on. We have a few countdowns going on around here at this point in time. First for the big holiday. Only a few more days until Christmas. You may think that a kid under the age of 2 (1 1/2 weeks shy of 2) wouldn't really know who Santa Clause is, but our little guy is really getting it. If he sees a picture of Santa he screams CAUSE CAUSE, over and over until we say oh yeah it is Santa. He still isn't comfortable with the Santa in the mall, but I am not one of those parents that will make my kid sit on Santa's lap screaming so that I can get a picture. Yesterday a lady in the store asked him if he is being a good boy so that Santa will bring presents, his reply was priceless. He said "I good boy.... Santa come." That just melted my heart. Our little man is so very smart. He definitely knows what presents are too. I think he has known that one since last year. With his birthday and Christmas so close to each other he went through quite the gift opening race. He like to pull pull pull on the paper and really loves what he finds. So far the only thing he has opened was the Legos and although the container is entertaining (works well as a helmet for when he fights his dad), this is the first time I have actually seen him play with the contents first. He is quite the goof. Colin and I have been super excited about this Christmas since last year. The wait wasn't that long and these last few days are zooming by. Christmas will always be one of those special times of year that just gets better with every year that has passed. I just want to enjoy the time we have with our kids at home.

Today is Colin's last day of work for the week, the month........ THE YEAR!!!!! We are very excited that we get him home for this great time of year. Not only do we have Christmas, but we like to cram things into one week. Last year we closed on our house on the 27th of Dec. That was a huge moment for us so it is fitting that it happened around Christmas. The 28th of Dec. is our anniversary. This year is the big 5. I can't believe it has been that long. Then we have Jason's b-day on the 30th. That was also the day we moved into our house last year. So, you can see why this time of year we have so many countdowns and so many wonderful things to celebrate. This year we have one more countdown. It doesn't conclude in December, but it is something that we can be thankful for. We are nearly 100 days from having our second little man. The time is flying by with that countdown too. It wasn't too long ago that I looked at that countdown clock and saw 200 days left and thought, boy we don't have much time. Next thing you know we will have two little men at home.

I don't know if I will be posting between now and Christmas, but I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Have fun celebrating and we can't wait to hear about your Christmas excitement. Christmas stories can be the best. Take care and enjoy..................

Sweet kiddo

It seems as though that saying, kids say the darnedest things, is a proven fact. Jason is always full of it. He looks so sweet and cute and then he can say the craziest things. Most of the time I don't know where he gets it from. There are those times when he comes up to me and tells me the nicest things. For instance, I was cleaning house yesterday and Jason ran up to me and said.... "Ma Ma Love" and he gave me a big hug to top it off. That melted my heart. But there are the times when he says things that take me off guard. Yesterday, I got out of the shower and put on my tank top when I heared Jason wanting into the bedroom. When I let him in, he gave me a strange look. Then he looked at my belly and kind of glared before looking back up at my face, scrunching up his nose, and told me "Ma Ma, you fat." After blurting out that fact, he just turned around and went back out to the living room to play with his Legos. This is the second time he has said that. I guess It is probably a little strange for the little man to see such a change in his mom's appearance, but it doesn't change the fact that he said something so strange. Kids don't hold anything back and Jason is no exception.

Nothing is really new here. I am going to bake some more today. I can't help myself. My mixer just calls to me. I think Colin's co-workers like it though. I will try to bring some of the goodies up to Meeteetse and Cody to share with everyone too. Maggie always makes all of these wonderful baked goods for me to enjoy, so this time I think it is her turn to just sit back and enjoy. I hope all of you are doing well and are prepped for Christmas...... it is just around the corner. Take care and I will write more tomorrow.

Bye Bye stinky!!!!!

It might have been a long weekend for Colin..... kind of. He didn't go into work on Friday, but definitely had to work. Friday morning we woke up to the stinky bedroom for the last time. No, we didn't eat beans or anything, it was the carpet. The carpet was so bad that it made the whole house, especially our bedroom smell like dog pee (thanks to the previous owners lack of cleaning skills and two untrained dogs). It was such a strong stink that it could give a person a belly ache. When we awoke to the strong smell on Friday and Colin finally said... ENOUGH!!!! We got up and ready to go and price some laminate flooring. Before leaving the house we took everything out of our bedroom. It was a lot easier than we thought it would be.

Before..............

After making our purchase it was time to begin. We quickly got all of the flooring inside to adjust to the indoor climate (it was inside the store too) so that we could do it all in one day. Sure, that might sound like high hopes, but we were game. After unloading, it was time to take out the stinky carpet.

Some of the carpet stink revealed.

We thought the smell was bad when the carpet was down, that was before we pulled it up. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. Some of the stains were so bad and obviously reoccurring stains that they ate through the carpet backer (decomposed it) and the remaining sludge had dried to the sub floor.

It was a smelly, yucky job that most people would even have nightmares about. Colin got the chunks of carpet out of the house while I vacuumed up the mess and sprayed the spots with bleach water. It was a task getting the smell out with nearly straight bleach, but the smell was finally gone. Our floor looked better with just the bare sub-floor than it did with the carpet.

Hard at work.......

There was a small break there so that we could be sure the floor was dry and the planks were completely adjusted to the bedrooms climate. About 2 in the afternoon we go busy. Colin cut the sections while I snapped them in (I had the easiest job by far). Once we got into a groove, the time flew by. I took one short break to make some dinner and it was back to work. Jason was such a good boy letting us do our jobs and only gouging the wall with the hammer in one spot.

The finished product.............

At about 8, thing began to wind down. Colin gave Jason a bath while I cleaned up the mess we made. Once Jason was out, Colin and I finished by puting our stuff back into our room. It was all finished and reassembled by 9. I still can't believe how fast that floor went in. In one day we got rid of the bad smell for good. It rocks.

The next morning I woke up and could barely move. My back was so sore (don't really know why it hurt that bad). Colin picked up my slack by taking care of Jason. I could hold him if I were sitting, but it took me 5 minutes just to get from the bed to the bathroom that is connected to our bedroom. We did make a trip to the dump (to dispose of the nasty carpet) and home depot (to pick up thresholds and molding). After resting for half of the day, I felt much better. I was still sore, but at least I could walk at a decent pace. Colin put in the thresholds and we were done. I still can't believe how good that floor looks and what a difference it makes in our whole house. It cleans up easily and the best part is, you can actually get it clean. Colin and I love it so much that we can't stop looking at it. I think the molding will go up on Friday of this week.

Over the weekend we also had a mini Christmas. Jason enjoyed the Lego's that were added to his collection. The kiddo won't stop playing with them. It is pretty cool to see him build things and tell you what they are.

Jason playing with his big Lego collection.

Colin got a new set of golf clubs and some under armour. My men were so happy that it couldn't have been a better weekend.

Colin's new clubs.

On Sunday I celebrated my gift again by making cookies. This time I made Andes chocolate chip and white chocolate chip pecan. That mixer is getting better every time I use it. I am attached.

My beautiful red beast!!!

I hope all of you had a great weekend and are all ready for the big holiday just around the corner. We are ready for another short week and a very exciting Christmas vacation. Take care everyone and I will have more to post soon.......

Baby.. Baby

Another doctors appointment has come and gone. The baby is growing well and is quite healthy. He has a very strong heartbeat and sure can kick. Jason has started to say that he loves his baby brother. He is really good at saying the word brother now. He runs up to me and asks "Where's baby?..... He hiding.... HA!HA!" I think he really likes the idea of a brother now, but I am sure it won't seem so cool when the little bug comes home with us and doesn't leave.

My belly at 22.5 weeks. Growing fast now.

Jason would tell you that we have another baby in the house now too. He says that Moe is a baby because she has to wear a diaper. You see, Moe is in heat right now. So, to protect our belongings from Moe, she has to wear a doggy diaper. She really hates it. It works well though and it has been nearly 2 weeks so she should be close to done with it. Next month we are getting her fixed so that we won't have to do this again. A funny story about Moe in heat is that she humps everything. I know she is a female, but for some reason that is what she does. Poor Mae takes the brunt of Moe's goofiness. Last night Moe jumped on Mae and Jason pointed and said "Moe ride Mae.... HE HEEEEEEE!!!" He was just tickled that Moe could ride Mae. I know it is pretty sick humor, but boy has it been entertaining.

Moe in her diaper.

I hope all of you are having a great day. We will keep you posted on any new baby updates. Take care and we will talk to all of you soon...........

Cold... BRRRRRR!!!!

Oh, it was a beautiful weekend. The snow began to fall on Friday and the town of Casper began to transform. When it is covered in the white stuff, it can look very beautiful. Our view looking off our deck over town sparkled with Christmas lights reflecting off of the big flakes. It was such a welcome sight. Jason kept on looking out the window saying "Cold...... BRRRRRRR!!!!" But, he knew that it meant he would get to go sledding. The kiddo is addicted now. If he could, he would go sledding every minute of every day. Too bad his nose gets cold. It means we have to drag the poor kid back into the house to warm up before we can go for another run. So we bundled up (I squeezed into my coat...... a bit like stuffing sausage into a casing) and made our way out into the cold. Thank goodness Colin is agile, I just can't get around like normal. When I go down in the snow with my layers on, I am stranded like a turtle on it's back. But, the men were able to get down and dirty, more wet though. I have a few pics of our sledding adventure.

Snowball lesson

Fast learner

Taking a ride with dad

Solo run

I spent most of the weekend baking, making around 100 caramel rolls for Christmas. Colin also gave me my Christmas gift early to help with the process. He gave me a Kitchen Aid mixer. I love it. It cut my work down to almost nothing. Things still got messy, but it sure was fun. I really can't tell you how wonderful that mixer is. We haven't taken any pics of it yet, but it is a fire engine red bundle of power. I can't wait to make many more recipes using it.

Caramel roll marathon

The wind came up with avengence on Sunday, making for terrible sledding conditions. I have to say, I have never lived in a place where the wind comes up like that after a snow. Parts of town were consumed by a ground blizzard, but we seemed to avoid most of the blowing snow. The wind did blow a good portion of our snow away though. I guess that is one of the joys of Casper. Last night we got a couple more inches covering the ground once again. I just hope it doesn't blow away.

Jason and I are pretty excited about this week. I have another doctors appointment tomorrow and Colin has Friday off. It will be so nice to have a long weekend with the hus around. Jason is going to be pumped when he realizes that his dad doesn't have to go to work Friday morning. I will post tomorrow after my appointment. Nothing too crazy should happen though. I hope all of you had an excellent weekend and have a wonderful week. Take care and enjoy..................

Tradition

Digging some air.

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the traditions that come with it. In my family we have traditions throughout the year. Even though I love the fact that every person gets to pick what will be cooked on their birthday, the holiday traditions just stand out.


Some of our traditions are shared by other families, such as puting up a tree and stockings, but we do have one that makes the season for me. Every Christmas Eve my mom cooks chili and oyster stew. For those of you that don't know my mom............. she is a heck of a cook. The lady makes almost everything homemade and it all tastes wonderful. Even though I don't care for oyster stew, the fishy smell mixed with the spicy chili smell make Christmas Eve complete. I have only missed a few of these meals in the past. There have only been tow in recent years, one because I was 9 months pregnant and couldn't travel (Jason was born the 30th of Dec that year) and the other was spent with Colin's family. We have a great time there and seeing the whole family is a lot of fun, but somehow, I always miss the smells of Christmas Eve. This year, we are spending that evening with Colin's family again. It will be a good time with good food, excellent company, and full of gifts, but I will still miss those smells.



Christmas Day has always been important too. My whole family gathers and we have a feast. Not your average feast either, it is HUGE!!! Mom always cooked turkey (my favorite) and everything else that you can imagine. The desert table is full of homemade pies along with other deserts. Sometimes there are only 6 of us, but I do remember Christmas Days with over 20 people. Tables lined up end to end and rolls being tossed the length of the table with skill. This year we are still getting together, but there is another special component added to the day, it is going to be at my sisters house. It should be a lot of fun and I look forward to the extra loud meal with every kind of food you can dream of.

My Grandma Donner started a tradition too. Every Christmas she and my Grandpa give all of their kids and grandkids ornaments. They aren't your average ornaments, she makes them. They are ceramic ornaments each made with love. So, by the time Colin and I had our own tree, I was able to fill it with the ornaments she had given me throughout the years. I am always excited to open the package and see what she has created. It is such a cool gift that always impresses. Jason has already began collecting his, so by the time he has his own tree he will be able to fill it. I just love tradition.


I can't wait to see which traditions Jason and his little brother love. It will also be a wonderful day when we can finally have a holiday at home. I think this is in our near future. Starting new traditions will be so exciting.

Do any of you have traditions that stand out? Please share........... Maybe we can get some more ideas. Have a great weekend everyone and take care.........................

Oh the temper.... Oh the fun......

In the past I have discussed a crazy experience at Walmart, but I have to say yesterday topped it. It all began with what was supposed to be a quick trip. Jason has had a tough week so I have had to cut every trip to the store short to prevent super melt down...... We have only been able to buy a few things each time we go. All I can say is thank goodness we live close to a grocery store.

Yesterday morning we went to Walmart and all seemed to be going well, until we walked past a rack of toys. Jason began to scream MINE!!!! MINE!!!! MINE!!!! When I told him no, he threw his body and had a huge temper tantrum right there. Knowing he was past the breaking point we got into the self checkout line as soon as the fit ended.

It seems as though temper tantrums were the theme for the day though. The man and woman in front of us were in the middle of checking out when the machine advised them to wait for assistance. On a side note, I had better describe this odd couple for you to get the full effect. The lady was about 5 ft tall and 200 lbs with short curly hair and the man was skinny, pretty tall, had a pony tail and appeared to be going through a sex change transition.... which direction? I don't know, but it was somewhere in the middle. I will call him a man just to keep the couple in order. They both had sunken in eyes and looked strung out to no ends. So, now that you have an idea of what we first saw I will return to the story. About 30 seconds after the first request the machine repeated itself saying... Please wait for assistance. The checker watching the self checkouts was assisting another person so she didn't get there immediately. This must not have been to the man's liking because he lost it when that second request came from the machine. He proceeded to grab a 2 liter bottle of pop and throw it across the floor, then he grabbed another and threw it..... You would think that was the end, but no......... the lady that was with him joined in and grabbed some canned goods and threw them. In the end there was pop, canned goods, a case of water, and all kinds of Christmas decorations all over the floor and nothing left in the cart...... Then they just walked out. It was very strange. To top it off, Jason took the rude couples cue and threw another huge temper tantrum. He threw his body to the floor and began kicking, hitting, and screaming. This was not a short lived tantrum either. When I finished checking out, he was still going strong. I struggled for a second to wedge his flailing body into the cart and had no success, that is until the checker lady came over to help me. She had to weave his legs through the holes while I held his arms and legs so that he couldn't kick or hit her. This fit continued until we got to the car.

What a crazy day it was. We had went through so much before 11 am that the rest of the day was kind of a blur of temper tantrums, singing, and dancing. I am just curious to see what other strange Walmart encounters are in our future. Have a great day and watch out if you are planning a trip to Walmart.

Tis the season!!

One of those pictures you show future girlfriends.

It seems as though every holiday season comes with a few guarantees. There is family, food, bad roads, and the ever so loved being sick. This last week we all experienced the sick part, but we are finally feeling better. Despite not feeling well, we decided to get into the spirit of Christmas and set up our tree. Jason loves it. He points at it all of the time and says light.... light..... light. He also learned if he touches it or hits it with something, it moves. When it does move he gets so excited and starts to tell us. If we don't acknowledge the fact that the tree is moving and that he knows what the word move means, it is melt down central around here. We didn't do very much throughout the week since we didn't feel well. I have grown so much that it is getting uncomfortable so I am super tired. It is like I wake up every morning bigger than when I went to bed. Colin even admits that I have grown a lot just since Thanksgiving. So, we just trucked on through the week of sick and no sleep. And by the weekend, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

WOW!!!!! Big tree.

Look.... Light!!!! Light!!!!!

Over the weekend we finally felt well enough to wrap presents and put them under the tree. Even though Jason would love to unwrap them, he is being really good about it. This is a lot better than last year when he started to open presents 3 weeks before Christmas. Saturday night we went to Colin's company Christmas party and Jason had his first babysitter. Kelsey Roberson (a girl from Meeteetse that goes to college here) was nice enough to come over last minute. The two of them had a blast and Jason didn't even care that we were gone. He showed her all of his toys before the coloring began. Then it was time to read books before he crashed out. Meanwhile, we were enjoying a big meal of prime rib and some gambling. They hosted a casino night themed party. It was fun and I have to say, I won much more than Colin. I don't beat him at many things, so I have to relish in that win. Oh, and Saturday we were treated with another standard holiday gift, bad roads. Thank goodness we didn't have to travel out of town. The wind was ripping (60+ mph gusts), the snow was blowing, and the roads were ice sheets. It made for a good time driving around town and all of the work that went into cleaning off the walks was in vein since the snow just drifted back in. It will melt this week.

Which one is mine?

Sunday was a day for relaxation and recovery. We were still a little worn down from being sick the week before. So, it was a day for football and warm soup. This week should be quite layed back too. Jason still has a bit of a cough, due to the endless runny nose. I am just not willing to take any chances of him getting really sick again. So, it will be a time to enjoy the tree and get into the Christmas mode even more. Have a great week everyone and we look forward to your holiday adventures..................