Happy 11th Birthday!

A while ago (11 years to be exact), a little angel came into our family. She was brought to us in a stocking which we put under our tree that year--the perfect gift. Today we celebrated B's birthday with present opening first thing. She was thrilled with everything she got. She requested blueberry muffins for her birthday breakfast with a candle and some singing, of course. Later on we snuck everyone into our bedroom and called our home phone using the cell phone. B answered and we sang to her. That's half the fun of a b-day--everyone singing to you.

She wanted to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner mostly so she could sit on the saddle and be sung to. Oh, and those sweet potatoes with loads of marshmallows make her smile too. She had many, many calls and birthday wishes sent her way. She loved all the calls. Thank you! Thank you family! You made our angel's day with your love AND your singing!

Party Time and a Not-So-Party Time

'Tis the season to be jolly! I just love all the fun that can be had during this Christmas time. For FHE we put together the gingerbread train. It kept tipping over, but ended up staying upright! Of course, it wouldn't be Family Home Evening if there wasn't jostling over who was closest to the train or candy or frosting application. We got through it all with smiles though!

Class parties were today. Running to three parties for three kiddos was a little challenging, but I made it to all. L loved it. He got goodies everywhere he went, and he had these little gals thinking he was SO cute. A. shared plate after plate after plate of sweets with him. Ahhhh...heaven!

X had fun too. He was happy to have his brother there with him. L scored on the food again.

Smile! Green frosting teeth.

And the not-so-party time for us happened yesterday with B. going into the hospital for an EGD (esophagus scope), dilitation, and pH probe. After some delays caused by me protesting some additional testing, the procedures were underway. When I was brought to B. afterwards, she groggily asked if it was done and then asked to go to "The Great Wall of China" restaurant. I knew my B was on the road to recovering. She has recovered fully and made it to her school party. We'll find out more from the doctor when the results from the various tests are in.

CCA Christmas Party 2008

Today we went to the Annual C.C.A. (Children's Craniofacial Association) and Dr. Fearon's Christmas Party. We always have such a great time. There were tables of crafts, tables laden with cake, fruit, cheeses, crackers, cookie decorating, a snake and reptile table, fire engines with firemen, and music from Disney Radio. The Big Red Elf (a.k.a Santa) visited, sat for pictures, and gave gifts. We ate, crafted, hoola hooped (A & T), and sat on Santa's lap. We even got a complimentary suite to a rodeo, so we'll be donning our cowboy boots, buckles, and belts to go rodeoing!

X thought Santa was pretty nice. He was amazed "his beard was SO soft!"

A. filled Santa's ear full of her Christmas wishes.


L just wasn't so sure about this big guy with a red suit.

But he had no problems posing with a guy wearing a stuffed horse head.

B looking jolly in a fireman's hat in the fire engine.

L trying the hat on for size with his big sisters teasing him.

The whole clan readying for a ride in the fire engine.


The picture of B with Santa didn't turn out, but she must have been extra nice this year--she got two Barbies at the party!

Candyland

L has wanted to play Candyland for sometime now. I kept putting him off since Candyland isn't my favorite game. Today we finally pulled it out. After stacking the cards with all the goodies in the right places (it really helps move the game along), we played. L was so pleased and having such a good time, that I couldn't help but have a good time too. X got home and they had a surprisingly calm game of it. The calm has long since gone out the door...they're wrestling now. And throwing things in the closet. And...sigh.

Our Brave Little Gal

Today B and I trotted downtown to the local children's hospital. She was having an Upper GI (don't I sound all medical) done. She had to drink barium which was supposedly orange flavored. It was yucky flavored in her book! While she was gulping/gagging the stuff down, a doctor took x-rays of her esophagus. The technician was great and kept admiring how B could slurp that stuff down. "Some children get one taste and refuse to drink more. But you! You are doing SO great!" I could just see B's little self inflate with pride. Later over pancakes, B kept admiring how brave she had been. "Some children refuse to do that!" she informed me. I was proud of her too. She's a brave little girl, or rather young lady, who keeps on smiling. I love her so.

We go back next week for a scope of her esophagus and an acid reflux test to make sure all is well. I haven't told her yet. Let me do the worrying. She should just enjoy life for now.

Cattail Wars and More

X found a cattail on Bumma and Bumpa's property and brought it up to their house. Luckily, he was on their deck outside when he discovered what happens when you break it open. White, silky fluff floated out...everywhere, lots of it. And stuck...everywhere. Since we didn't have snow, we thought a cattail fight would be just as fun. We went far from the house and started the fun.

Before the fluff flew!

While the fluff flew.
A was vicious with the cattails. She clobbered X and me good. We were spitting white fluff for a while.

After the fluff settled.

B was ready to take a spin.

A loved to hold her little cousin. They have the same birthday, so they're like two peas in a pod. X loved handing her toys and smiling at her.

Bumpa tried taking on all the little grand boys. I think they took it to him good. He might still be laying there!

More Thanksgiving Fun

One of the highlights for the kiddos while at Bumpa's house was hanging out in his camper. Bumpa even got out some of his camping food to fix a lunch of stew (A won't stop talking about that stew! She really liked it!), crackers and cheese, oranges, and Bumma's chocolate chip cookies. No one suggested sleeping in the camper this time--too cold!

Thanksgiving in the Mountains

T surprised me by suggesting we go visit my parents for Thanksgiving. Of course, it was dependant upon the weather. We didn't even tell the little folks until we were sure of the weather. The night before we were to leave we sent them on a surprise hunt. The clues were attached to different items we take on trips. The last clue was a phone number. They dialed and my parents answered with a big "Surprise! We can't wait to see you tomorrow!" They stood there in silent disbelief. It was too good to be true--miss school AND see grandparents. They soon snapped out of their stupor and ran around the house "packing." We got an early (middle of the night) start and skidaddled to my folks' house.

The little folks wanted to repeat everything we did when we visited this summer: four-wheel, s'more roast, badmiton game, everything--all in the first day. Luckily, we didn't bring our swim suits or they would have thought swimming was in the plans! The weather was great, so we played outside bunches. It was beautiful! We saw deer everyday, and T and I went on walks daily. No, those folks aren't my brother and sister. They're my mom and dad. Aren't they youthful and cute!

L and Bumma faithfully took care of feeding the birds daily. Those birds have a wonderful layover spot before flying south.

Of course, we got pampered with my mom's cooking. One night we gave her a break and went out for pizza. Cheeeezzzzzyyy!

We got a little crazy while waiting for the food. Things started coming out of A's head! It must be because she has so many brains!!

X had to try on Bumpa's grandpa hat. L was coming to get in on the action too. We had such a great time with so many pictures that I have to split them into a couple of groups. So...

TO BE CONTINUED!