Tag Archives: holidays

Crafty Tuesday ~ “Tooties”

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As I mentioned yesterday, Calder is talking like crazy these days!  It’s also fun because he’s still signing as well.  From time to time, the sign (even thoug they are often “his” version of the real sign) help clear up confusion, as has been the case with “tooties” (a.k.a cookies!). 

At our family Christmas gathering last weekend, I made the mistake of offering these sweet treats far too early in the day.  It was a battle to get him to eat anything else the remainder of the day!  He even helped himself to a piece of chocolate fudge as I stood talking with my family.  Only when I glanced down did I see his sheepish, chocolatey grin.  Of course, being the good mother I am, I quickly snatched the sugar-laden sweetness from his smudged hands and downed it myself (note the absence of a weigh-in post today!).

Throughout the holiday break, the infatuation with sweets waned.  Perhaps its because they were around in such abundance he didn’t feel he needed to eat them every waking moment.  So when Aunt Gretchen asked him to help bake cookies with her, I was a touch nervous that he wouldn’t consume anything of nutritional value for the rest of the week.  Happily, I was wrong!  In fact, he worked remarkably well with the pre-cut frozen dough (don’t worry, Gretch, I’ll be using that secret family recipe from now on!). 

Here are his masterpieces in progress!  I especially love the last one…not sure if it’s a sign of concentration of desire to perform quality control!

Cookies 4

Cookies 1

Cookies 2

Cookies 3

Go Hawks!

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Upon my return from a morning spent shopping with the other crazy folks the Friday after Thanksgiving, I was shocked to find this.

Bloody Nose 

Apparently, he “picked” his nose.  See, he likes to use brushes, combs when I’m getting ready.  Well, I guess he found my pick while I was out shopping and when Garth when to lay Seneca down for a nap, Calder shoved the pick up his nose.  Ouch, I know!  He’s just fine now, but that sure made him look really tough.  Thankfully, we cleaned him up and headed to Ford Field with most of the town to watch our LHS Blackhawks fight for a state title victory. 

It was an amazing experience to see so many friends and families rally around this young team as they made history for our small town.  Since the game, Calder has been ecstatic about football (actually football, basketball, soccer, you name it…).  I would have liked to get a few more pictures, but between holding a sleeping Seneca and wrangling a crazy toddler, my hands were fairly full.

Hawks

I just love this shot of him so fascinated by the action on the field!  By this point in the evening, we was glad for the opportunity to run around, and when something big happened he would clap and scream wildly!  A Blackhawk fan for sure! 🙂

Into the game

Family ~ Best Shot Monday

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I’ve always been one to get into the spirit of the holidays.  I love the cozy glow of white lights and the older I get the sooner I find myself bringing out the decorations and tuning to holiday music.  Perhaps its all the fond memories I have of Thanksgivings and Christmases spent laughing uncontrollably with friends and family. 

This year, I was particularly excited because it would be the first time my immediate family would be together since January!  And it would be Luke and Ann’s first introduction to their new niece!  Over the course of the three days we spent at Mom and Dad’s we had a tremendous time.

The weekend began Thursday morning when Dad, Julie and I particpated in the Turkeyman Trot along with 1207 other runners!  We thought it would be a pretty small race considering it was on Thanksgiving – guess we were wrong!  I may have mentioned it before, but all three of us finished in our best time ever!  Though it’s nowhere near a truly competitive time, I was shocked to wrap it up on 31:30 – now my goal is to be under 30 minutes! 

Julie 2

Jules and Dad

Dad 2

Julie

Race 1

We feasted on delicious dishes, took the annual Turkey Day picture and went with the crew to the movie that night as we’ve done for over a decade now to name a few of the festivities. I think the thing that thrilled me most was being able to capture a shot of our entire immediate family – something that’s not altogether easy to do long-distance. This was such a great way to close the weekend!

Family

This is defintely my best shot for today.  Slip on over to Tracey’s to see more!

Halloween Fun

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A few weeks ago, I wasn’t sure we would be participating in anything related to Halloween.  But Calder seems to have overcome his fears, and in fact was sharing his milk and Kleenex with Sam earlier today.  The fact that it was in the mid-60s and a Friday night, and we were thrilled that we’d be able to join in some of the festivities at our church’s Trunk-or-Treat program tonight.

It’s hard to believe how much Calder has changed since last year…
Halloween Cutie

Knowing that we had his pumpkin costume, we planned to have Miss Seneca wear that.  After considering a few possibilities, we opted for non-traditional for our Little Man.  By himself, it seems a little weird.  But put him next to his sister and the “pieces” come together. 

Halloween 2

Our little “pumpkin pi(e)” trick-or-treaters!  Yes….we really are that dorky!  But hey, I figure it’s best to get a few of the obligatory “I can’t believe my parents did this to me” moments over and done with!  It doesn’t look like either were too severely damaged by the experience.

Halloween 1

He didn’t particularly love the actual getting of the candy – he would pull back his arm and try to snuggle in.  But once he realized he got to keep it — and EAT it — he was a little more interested!

Halloween 4

Little Snow White here, knows the ropes and seems to be have a grand time!

Halloween 5

Say “Sugar!”

Halloween 3

Who’s that diva?! 🙂

Halloween 7

This shot is one of my favorites!  Even though it was just approaching 8pm (aka bedtime) the excitement of the night, plus the influx of sugar, made Dad’s antics to try for a decent picture that much funnier!  I’m quickly learning how kids are reminders to stop and enjoy the simple things in life!

Here’s wishing each of you a safe and happy Halloween!