A Season of Traditions

It's sunny and warm outside today and for Iowa, I'm pretty sure that's not typical this time of year. There is no snow on the ground and the temperature remains at a comfortable and cool 45 degrees. I remember last year around this time, there were a couple feet of snow on the ground and we had already attempted to build a snowman. This year, it's been quite pleasant and nice to have a few extra days of dry weather and easy driving conditions. The weather was amazing last week and it was perfect weather for all the activities that we wanted and needed to get done.

Last week was Thanksgiving and we had a full week. We spent most of it at home, doing multiple loads of laundry and disinfecting everything in the house due to the stomach flu taking its toll on every member of our household. Poor little Simon was infected first and hard. He was getting sick every couple of minutes or so and this seemed to last for hours. This was Monday night. Tuesday was uneventful, but all of us were constantly questioning if we were feeling ill of just thinking about it too much. Wednesday night Ethan was sick. We then decided to postpone some of our extended family activities to Saturday morning and have Thanksgiving dinner at home which was very difficult for us. Thursday night, after the turkey dinner, Thomas was ill and then Friday, I got sick. It was a long week but needless to say, we still managed to fit in some family traditions that Thomas and I have been talking about establishing now while the boys are young.

We did decorate ginger bread houses and put up our Christmas tree. The boys loved opening all the ornaments and nowadays with all the lights and sounds ornaments, who needs gifts under the tree! The tree is like a magnet and we are doing our best to keep them from pulling the entire thing down. The boys spent over three hours the other morning helping Thomas put the Lionel train under the tree. They are mesmerized by the train and absolutely love pulling the lever by themselves. It's so fun to watch their eyes twinkle as they watch the tree and train underneath. It almost makes me feel like a kid again. Thomas did a great job putting up our Christmas lights on the exterior house. We are trying to figure out if we want to go LED or not. We both don't care for the look as much as the traditional but the saving and durability of the LED's might be worth sacrificing the look. We did end up buying a few for the front tree, but Thomas isn't sure they are staying. It's going to get pretty cold here soon that I don't think we'll do much about it. They will probably stay at least for this year.

Despite the illnesses that swept through our house, it was a fun week and I think the boys will look forward to Thanksgiving traditions next year based on the fun things we started this year.

Jennifer

Just an Update

So I believe this would be day 4 that the boys have been sleeping together in the same room. WIth only a few minor bumps in the road, we have decided that this could be permanent (at least more permanent than just a couple days). The frist night was a bit rough as they were both confused as to why I was singing to both of them at the same time and that when I left the room, things were different than usual. FOr Simon, he had so sleep with the door cracked open which has never happened. He has always had his room dark with no extra lights. As for Ethan, he had to adjust quickly to Simon's loud babbling and shouting as he has always needed a little time to settle down before he gets his thumb in his mouth to quiet down and sleep. So, they both had to compromise a bit, but that's the point! It's about sharing and understanding how we respect each others desire and need for sleep! It hasn't been easy for Thomas and I as they have been waking several times through the night for various different reasons (having to go potty, needing more blankets, awakening from the other siblings cough etc...) Thomas has been so understanding and gracious to help out at night. It's been working out well however we have felt recently that we are dealing with a newborn again simply because of the fact that we are waking more than before. I think that this will just take time but it's great to know that they actually like and get excited about falling asleep together. Overall I would say success!!! We did wake this morning to Ethan asking Simon if he could tell him a story around 5:45am. The story had to do with his disapproval of last nights dinner and something about his make believe dragon friends, Freddie and Eddie. I'm not sure how it went but Simon was not impressed. They both fell back asleep until 7am or at least were quiet until then. Ethan knows that he is not allowed to leave his bed until the numbers match on his alarm clock. I have blocked the minutes with the number 7 to prevent Ethan getting out of bed so early. It's been fun to listen in on their conversations. I'm sure they will get more and more animated as they grow up. =)

These are pictures from our family movie night. Ethan and Simon both LOVE popcorn and we watched Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. Even though Halloween is over, Ethan couldn't wait to watch it. Simon wasn't too impressed but it was still a fun time! Ethan also made a snow globe at preschool today! He did such a great job and even though we had to bring it home and patch up a few leaky spots, the Xmas tree and snowman were placed perfectly! Way to go Ethan! Simon wasn't involved in the making of a snow globe, but he did create one big art project on his food tray and face with his slice of pie! We had some pie after lunch today and Simon loved mushing it with his hands. He oftentimes will decide that it's too much work to use a fork or spoon and takes the liberty to use his hands! I'm all about it! It makes for a great picture and less dishes! =) Fun Times!

Sharing a Room!

THe boys and I spent the afternoon cleaning, sorting and rearranging most of the upstairs today as we have made up our minds and decided to conduct a risky experiment. As of today at 3pm, the boys are sharing a room together. I don't know how this will work, especially after the long bedtime routine tonight because it took me about half an hour just to explain to Ethan how this was all going to work out. Like instead of screaming "Mama, Dada" first thing in the morning, he has to quietly whisper into the monitor and let us know that he is up. He was a little worried about how we were going to hear him through this little device so we checked it together several times. He would listen to me talk to him from his bed as he was listening in our bedroom. He had to tell Simon several times to lay down and that it was time to be quiet and go to bed. Simon was a bit confused himself especially because he has never had to sleep with the door cracked open. Ethan usually has a light on in his room but was willing to say that the crack in the door would suffice. I think we will give it a couple of days and go from there. I think after the initial getting used to it, they will love being together. They are such great buds during the day that I think it will be something that builds their connection and friendship with each other. If not either of these, I am hoping that they will keep each other company in the morning and stay in the room just a few minutes longer so that we can get just a few more minutes of sleep =). This is probably less likely, but maybe they'll surprise us. Needless to say, it was a fun afternoon and we shared quite a few laughs and funny stories together. The pictures are of where Ethan's bed used to be and we replaced it with his book shelf and puppet theatre. We converted his bedroom into a playroom/reading corner. I think he likes the new look!

Before and After

Thought I should post some before and after pics of the big boy haircut. It was pretty tough cutting all those curls, but it was definitely time. Like I said before, he looks so much more like Ethan and really much more like a boy. Too cute!

Happy Halloween!

A couple nights ago, Thomas and I, along with his sister and parents, all took the kids trick or treating in Ames. Beggar's night is what they call it was on Friday night and Thomas' family was able to make it to enjoy the fun with us. It was so fun watching all the kids follow each other from house to house. Ethan dressed up as a dragon, Simon was a lion (Ethan's costume from last year) and Grace was a monkey. Simon only wore his hood half the time but Ethan loved every part of his costume! He's been looking forward to wearing it for weeks now. It's actually a costume sized for 4/5 year olds, so I'm hoping that it will be just as cool to him next year and we can make use of it for two years. Poor Simon will probably be everything Ethan has been in the past. It's ok because Simon really looks up to Ethan and is all about anything that Ethan gets excited about. They are buddies...most of the time. We walked north a couple of blocks and made sure to visit the our neighbors train, the singing pirates, and the scary house with spooky music playing. Ethan has a very vivid memory when it comes to trick or treating. He remembers all the houses where decorations were put up. He really takes after his dad and loves to be scared. It does backfire once in a while when he wakes up at night due to something frightening he saw or heard that day. Thomas is quick to reassure him that it's ok and he will always be safe. We had a great weekend with family and friends and were pretty exhausted going into the next week. Thomas has been putting in quite a few hours working on finishing the basement. His Dad has been helping with the electrical work this past weekend and I will post pictures of the lights once they are all in. This past Saturday, Mom and Dad Fawcett were in town (helping with the basement) and they took us all to the ISU vs Nebraska game. It was so much fun and even though ISU suffered a tough loss, it was a valiant effort and a great game to see. Ethan really enjoyed being so close on the hillside and SImon enjoyed eating a bowl of popcorn all by himself. He had a bit of a cold so no one really cared to share with him. It was a great time, beautiful weather and lots of new memories. The weather has been absolutely beautiful this fall and I almost feel ready for winter. I can't believe I'm saying this but really, the fall has been so nice that I feel ok about it getting real cold. It's November and I feel like it's going to happen pretty soon. I worked out in the garden today to prepare for the cold. We were all out together getting things put away and closed up for the months ahead. It's kind of sad to close up the sand box and put away all the outdoor toys but at the same time, we can't wait to open up the Christmas decorations and pick out our tree. I love the changing seasons! It's one of the best parts of living in Iowa! You can't get that in Cali!

Oh and when we were trick or treating with the boys, several people looked at Simon and said Oh, she is so cute! I said to Thomas that I thought it was time for a big boy hair cut. He agreed and so I cut the long hair off! He looks so much older and has received many compliments on his new hair cut. He looks great and even more like Ethan. You can definitely tell they are bothers. Too cute!

Hiking Trip #2

We had so much fun the first time so we took the kids hiking again this past weekend. We have been unusually lucky this fall given the fact that we have had 3 consecutive weeks of beautiful weather! There has been very little rain and above average temperatures for this time of the year. That puts us at around 70 degrees and sunny clear skies most of the time! So, we've been taking advantage of it and every opportunity that we get. This time we went to a place close by in Ames where Thomas and I used to go when we were dating. It's kind of nostalgic and a fun place to visit and take the kids. The trails are not too difficult which is perfect for us right now. We like the idea of easing our way into the whole idea of hiking and backpacking. We have talked about making camping a family tradition when the kids get older. We both remember doing this as kids and we have so many fond memories of the whole experience. It should be something fun that we do in the years to come. Ethan did fantastic and never really complained. He does tend to stop quite a bit and observe the world around and although we don't get too far on our hikes, who wants to stop a young boy from exploration? Simon enjoys watching the view from Thomas' backpack. He stays pretty quiet and shows no real interest in getting down and walking...yet! We probably hiked a total of a mile this last weekend which doesn't sound like much but it probably took us a little over an hour to complete the trail. Nevertheless, it was a great time and after two hiking trips thus far, Ethan would still like to go again. He loves the "nature walks".

We were also able to celebrate Thomas' 29th Bday this weekend. The boys helped HTomas open some gifts and we all shared to cake (or brownies actually) together. We decorated the house with balloons and streamers and the kids had a blast! Happy Birthday Thomas. I couldn't be more proud and honored to be your wife.

Lastly, and for the 6th and possibly final time, we went to the Apple Orchard today and this was a nodal event for Simon! He LOVED the corn pit! He hasn't like sitting, touching or even entering the barn with the corn pit in it but today, he was all about it! I was SO proud of him. He slid down the slide, jumped off the hay bales, and played endlessly in the corn. I think he just needed some time to get used to it and now it's really a hit! He also liked the jumping pillow which he has been leery of as well. There were no other kids on it, which I'm sure helped quite a bit, and the two boys jumped until they could barely stand up! They were exhausted and ready to go home pretty soon after we finished jumping. We shared a spiced donut together (which was one of the best donuts I've ever tasted and will now try to make one at home), bought some more delicious apples, and started the trek for home. I dont know if we will make it again, but it has been soooo worth it!

Baking a giant chocolate chip cookie doesn't come without its challegnes. Peeling the entire cookie off of the waxed paper and placing onto the baking sheet without it tearing into pieces and baking the cookie until the perfect consistency was no small task. I offered to bake a cake for Neomii's Bday last weekend and she requested a Pizookie. I had no idea what a pizookie was until I did a little research and found out that basically, it's a giant chocolate chip cookie served warm with vanilla bean ice cream on top. I was pretty excited to give it a go after I found a good recipe. It came out great and I decorated the top to wish the Bday girl a Happy Day. It tasted great and I saved the recipe in the event that I would make it for other parties or maybe just a family tradition once in a while.

We also baked some peanut butter play-dough creations with a friend of ours, Chrissy. Chrissy came up with the idea and had a recipe for PB dough. I thought this was a fantastic idea because Simon could join us and would be ok if he ate a bit of the dough. Despite all the salt in regular play-dough, Simon still eats it. So, the boys molded away and we made a wide variety of shapes. We made a snowmen, squirrel, witches hat, pumpkin, trees, flowers and a few other creations. It was good fun and we baked them when they were ready. This didn't change the consistency much like we hoped but they held there shape and were very tasty! I think it was a hit!

After so many visits to the apple orchard, I decided that I would use some of our apples to bake my first apple pie. I think I mentioned it in a previous entry but I forgot to include a picture. I also forgot to take a picture before it was cut but since there were a few glitches within the whole process, I think I'll be baking another sometime. I'll remember to take a picture, fresh out of the oven when I bake another.

Hiking with the Family

This past weekend we took the boys to Ledges State Park and we went on a hiking adventure. We packed our hiking back packs, one of which carries Simon as well as has some other storage for snacks, water, etc...Ethan packed his back pack with snacks, toys and his water bottle and we set out for the trail. Ethan did surprisingly well. We didn't know how long he would be able to make it walking on his own, but we probably covered about 1.5 miles. We stopped and had lunch by the river and the boys played with some pebbles and rocks. The way down went pretty quick and as you can imagine, the way up took a bit longer. Ethan walked about 10 steps up and Thomas and I both took turns carrying him the rest of the way. It was a good work out for us all. It was a beautiful morning and Ethan talked about his hiking adventure all afternoon. Hopefully we can take another adventure soon!

Another Visit to the Apple Orchard

We loved the apple orchard so much that we thought we would take both sets of grandparents to see the place. The Grandma and Grandpa Fawcett along with Leanna and Grace came to Ames a couple weeks ago and we shared a wonderful time together, riding the Thomas the Tank Engine Train in Boone, IA. It was a blast and the kids had so much fun! It's one thing to watch Thomas the Tank on television, it's another thing to actually ride him! It was a hit. We then ventured to Cambridge to visit the apple orchard together. There was absolutely no one there so we had the whole place to ourselves. It was a bit chilly and wet, but that didn't stop the kids one bit. They rode the tractors, fed the animals, jumped in the corn pit, and went down the monster slide! A few days later, grandma Shiplett wanted to go with the kids so we went with my mom, my sister and her kids and Jeanie (my sister's mother-in-law) and we had a great time once again at the orchard. This time we spent most of our time on the giant jumping bean doing some major tricks! I think we all (mostly the adults) were a little sore the next day from the twisting and flipping we did. It was well worth it though. I think we might head to the orchard this week and try to make it with Thomas once more before the season is over. It's been well worth the cost of a season pass! It also inspired me to bake my first homemade apple pie! The apples are delicious from the orchard so I used them up in a pie I baked for some guests. It came out pretty good, flavor great, consistency was a little off. I'm hoping it's the first of many to come! Enjoy the pictures!

A little Taste from the Apple Orchard

A couple of days ago, we got an invitation from some friends of ours to go to an apple orchard with them. I hesitated to go because of the dreary weather but we just bundled up and headed out. The orchard wasn't too far away, Cambridge, Iowa to be exact which is only about a half hour drive from our house. The Orchard had so many things to do there. We had a blast! There was a corn pit where the kids could jump and roll around in until their hearts content. There were all sorts of farm animals there and characters set up from kids favorite movies and nursery rhymes. Ethan experienced first hand what it would be like to be the "old woman who lived in a shoe" and one of the "three little pigs". Simon tagged right along and really like to giant jumping bean. We wrapped up our afternoon sliding down the monster slide and Ethan was able to go all by himself! It made me a little nervous but he handled it nicely! Simon and I went together and that was enough excitement for me. We bought some honey crisp apples on our way out and were so thrilled by how much fun we had that we bought a season pass! We can't wait to go with Thomas!

The Basement Project: Before Pics

Thomas and I are really motivated to finish our basement by this winter. When we bought this house, we both had a vision for finishing the basement and using it as a playroom/entertainment room. We had hopes of finishing it last year, but we were so busy with a new baby and an incredibly busy first year at work for Thomas, working in his new position, so the basement project was put on hold. Thomas has been progressing steadily with the work, but now has really started to move quickly as winter in approaching fast. A couple of weeks ago, Thomas, with the help of his dad, put up all the framing. Today, he hooked up our new washer and it's running like a champ! I'm really excited because I have lost so many clothes due to rust spots on my whites and dark spots on my dark clothes. It's been frustrating to say the least, but problem solved! So, I've included some before pictures of the basement, the new washer and some fun paintings that Ethan and I worked on this past week. We've had a productive week, other than the terribly intense cold that we all came down with on Tuesday. Tis the season, I guess. Tomorrow Ethan starts the preschool co-op and we start preschool at home on Wednesday! Hopefully, I'll get a chance to blog about it this weekend.

5th Wedding Anniversary

I tend to dislike surprises but this weekend, Thomas surprised me with an amazing wedding anniversary celebration. We really kicked off the weekend with some big news earlier that week. Thomas told me that he would like to get me a treadmill! I have always wanted a treadmill especially knowing that we will most likely be living in Iowa for a while and the winters are just too cold to walk outside. I don't mind the treadmill at all! I actually prefer listening to my ipod and working out. And I enjoy being close to home working out so I can quickly get ready afterwards. So anyway, it was an amazing way to kick off our anniversary, not to mention we also purchased a new washer this week because our old one is shot. So, two amazing new machines in our home to keep me healthy and efficient. I love it! So, we picked up both the purchases on Tuesday and took off Thursday to go to West Branch for our church's fall retreat. We spent it at the pond and several people camped outside in tents and the Teepee. Some ladies stayed inside the cabin and others were spread among different homes (the Fawcetts and Luke's). It was a great time hanging out and getting to know each other even better. Ethan had a great time with his cousins and friends from Ames that were able to make it. It was a little chilly so they didn't swim much but they kept busy playing in the sand and eating smores around the camp fire. On Friday night, Sept. 3rd, I shared with the group some thoughts that I had put together around our anniversary and what Thomas means to me. I have copied it so it's documented in our blog. What a wonderful man I am married to! The next evening Thomas surprised me with a night away including dinner and a hotel. Thomas and I ate at a wonderful sushi restaurant and relaxed together the whole evening and even slept in until about 8! It was a great anniversary present. The Fawcett's took the boys and they had a great time with grandma and grandpa for the night as well as the entire weekend. Today was super windy so we flew kites before we had to take off and go back home. The boys had such a busy weekend that all three of them slept in the car on the way home! Good times. I love my family and extended family so much! Life is so fulfilling and rewarding when you share it with those you love.

The Man I married…

Five year ago marked a very important day in my life. September 3rd 2005 was the day that I was married and made a lifelong covenant to the man that I love so dearly. I had no idea that I could be so fulfilled and content with one person knowing that we live in a culture where marriages seem to fail all the time and a lifelong commitment to just one other person isn’t anything to look forward to. I have experienced quite the opposite. The five years we have been married have been full of rich conversations, endearing affection, and friendship that has bound us together and made for 5 very fast years and a joy that has abundantly filled our lives. In celebration of our love for each other, I have made a list of 5 things, one for each year we’ve been married, that are most important to me and that I love so much about Thomas.

Starting with the first being that Thomas is kind. He is the one that when present in a room full of people, will make sure everyone feels comfortable and is enjoying their time. He is one who extends a hand to those who need help. He is one who defends those who cannot defend themselves and he always thinks of others before himself. He has been this way since the day I met him. I love his kindness.

Thomas is a man of integrity. He walks about his life being trustworthy, faithful and loyal to his family and friends. He works hard until his job is done and even then, goes beyond what is called of him. He is never deceptive and will always strive to what is right, honest and true in any and all circumstances. He inspires me to walk with integrity.

Thomas is a patient leader. He is aware of the role that God has given him as leader of his family and he has embraced this role with a patient spirit. He is patient with my faults and lovingly guides and strengthens me in my weaknesses. He is a patient father, dealing with his children with grace and love, much like our heavenly father deals with us. He is slow to become angry and never does a harsh word come from his mouth. He has led our family, regardless of what the world thinks, in the principles of the Lord. He extends so much grace in his leadership. He is a patient and loving leader.

Thomas loves the Lord and His Plan. Thomas has placed Christ above anyone else and treasures the scriptures beyond any other work. He is committed to God’s church and lining up our lives to be a part of what He is doing through it. Thomas loves the gospel and it’s message and the reality of God’s grace and forgiveness overflows from Thomas’ life. He loves the Lord more than anything and I love that.

Thomas is a best friend. He is my best friend. I feel so blessed to be with an amazing husband, father and friend. We are like two puzzle pieces that are uniquely different and yet complement each other so well. We fit together like and puzzle and Christ is the glue that makes permanent the two pieces together. I could really say so much more and I feel as if this only scratches the surface of the qualities that he possesses, but I am hoping that we have many more years to share together and thank the Lord for how he has blessed our marriage. Thank you Thomas for loving the Lord and loving me. Thank you Lord for such a fulfilling marriage and giving me a wonderful man. Happy 5 years Thomas.

The Iowa State Fair

Yes, we did visit the fair twice this year and I think the boys could have gone again! The animals are the hit and it's always fun riding a few rickety rides on the midway. I think I blogged earlier about going to the fair and maybe I even posted a few pictures already but these I just couldn't resist. They capture the lure of the fair so well! If I listed everything that Ethan ate, I think it would make me sick just thinking about how much sugar we all consumed...that's what makes the fair so special! I like to think it's more about the farm animals and the giant butter cow that is a hit among most fair goers every year. You haven't been to the fair until you've seen the butter cow, as well as the largest bull in America! It's gigantic!!! We enjoyed going with my family the first time around and then we met up with the Fawcett's the next week. The fair is definitely something we will be making a tradition every year! After all, it all started 5 years ago when Thomas and I went to the fair for a concert on a date that was very early into our relationship. We already have so many memories at the fair and are hoping to make many more! Every year seems to get more excited for us as we watch the kids grow and enjoy the sites even more. The first picture pretty much sums it all up! Two very tired children (you can't see Simon very well but his head is hanging very low), incapable of making it home to fall asleep in their beds!