2nd Christmas in MO

On Christmas Eve we all got a set of new pajamas, so I thought "what a great opportunity for a family picture". Unfortunately, we didn't have someone else to take it, which made it that much harder to get the kids to look into the camera and smile. Then there is Reili always trying to make a funny face, so when everyone else looked 1/2 decent she was contorting her face some way. These were a couple of the more successful tries.


Amberly was the first one up on Christmas morning. She is our early bird most of the time. She had to go wake Reili up and remind her it was Christmas and to come see the stockings and the presents.




Reili had been wanting this Go Diego Go book with the spy glass for a couple months. She was surprised and happy to get it from Santa.


Amberly was happy to get the Disney Princess Dance DVD. She has really enjoyed dancing around the living room in her dress ups lately to any music she can get us to put on.



Wesley didn't even know what to do with his gift on this, his first Christmas. He ended up really liking the bow the best (as you can see). Tasty!!! Who needs a gift anyway?



We had a great Christmas even though we were away from both families again. We missed them a lot, but it is fun to try to figure out some of our own traditions.

Procrastinator Extraordinare!

I joined the throngs at Walmart today to start/finish my Christmas shopping. Every year I make the resolution to do my Christmas shopping earlier, but I always think Christmas is so far away (even in December) and I don't know what to get people anyway (even my kids)....so why not put it off. Plus, in truth, I really don't enjoy shopping that much (although it can be more fun without kids in tow). In both Tom's and my family we pick names and I did get that done earlier (thankfully) this month. So today I started my shopping for our girls and finished it with a nice wait in a long Merry-Christmas-at-Walmart line at the register. What would Christmas Eve be without it? I'll never know.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wesley's Wild West Wanderings

Last week Tom had a conference in San Antonio, TX, on Traumatic Brain Injuries and how they manifest in the eye. Wesley and I were able to go with him (only we got to play instead of attend the conference). The weather was warm (just to my liking...70+) and there were places to see and a Mall (something we don't have at home). We had a wonderful time together. Here is some proof of Wesley's wanderings in the wild, wild west.

Happy Birthday Tom

Tom would rather forget his birthday, but I wanted everyone to know that on December 2nd he turned 31. He always tells me that I am old, so I have to get him back. Here is a picture of him celebrating. He requested that I make him my apple pie instead of a cake. I love you Tom!

Memphis Half Marathon

I achieved a personal goal last Saturday when I finished my very first half marathon in Memphis, TN. It hasn't been a goal of mine for very long. I have been a short distance jogger (3-4 miles at least 4 times a week) for quite a few years now and have always enjoyed it. Frankly, it really never crossed my mind to run farther until a friend of mine in Alabama (Tessa Watson), with whom I used to run, mentioned that she had trained for and run a half marathon before she had kids. At that point I didn't really feel like it was something I could do. Then last year my friend Rachel Westhoff talked about doing the one in Memphis, but we both ended up not being able to do it (I can't run for most of my pregnancies). So we made it a goal this year after the baby was born, to train for it and run it together. Another friend (Kari Young) joined us as well and the three of us ran it together. Unfortunately, we forgot to take our camera to Memphis, and Tom didn't get there in time to see us finish and take pictures with our friends' cameras...so the only proof I have to show is my medal and number. We finished the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 8 minutes (a 9 min and 50 sec. average mile). Tom and I are already both signed up to run another one on May 3 in Indianapolis.

Food, Food, and more Food

I am convinced there aren't many people on this planet who like food as much as I do (although statistics in the U.S. for obesity being what they are, I am probably easily proven wrong). Tom would probably agree, seeing as the topic of conversation in my family a majority of the time is food related. What are we eating or having for dinner is frequently discussed in letters, e-mails, and phone conversations. Consequently, Thanksgiving was a great holiday for us this year. We made way too much food for the 4 adults and 2 children that surrounded our table. My parents came to visit for 10 days on their way home from a mission to Nauvoo, IL. We had a great time getting ready for Thanksgiving and it was wonderful to have my Mom here to help me stuff the turkey and make food. I baked two pies (pumpkin and apple) and we bought one that we usually like, Marie Calendars Razzleberry, but it turned out to be a flop this year. We also had all the other normal stuff that people eat on Thanksgiving: Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, fruit salad, spinach salad, and home made rolls. Here are some pictures of our festivities. We actually remembered to take pictures with the food before it was eaten this year.

Having my parents here was great. They always help me get things done that otherwise either would take me so long to get done or would never get done. My mom finished some curtains for Wesley's room that I started a few months ago. Dad, as always, did tons of fix it jobs around the house. What would I do without them? We also spent time together playing games, playing with the kids, and getting the normal stuff done that moms do. They probably are so bored when they come to visit me, but they act like they enjoy being around. They left today and I miss them so much. Maybe someday I will get to live closer to them.

Halloween

We had a fun Halloween week. Monday night for family night we carved the girls pumpkins. Neither of them were too excited about getting their hands dirty digging out the seeds. I really had to convince Amberly to get her hands in there at all.

In addition to Reili losing her first tooth, another first happened Monday evening when we gave Wesley his first taste of solid food. He took a few bites of the rice cereal but wasn't too impressed I dare say. I couldn't get the two girls to eat much of the cereals, but they seemed to enjoy food more once I introduced fruit and veggies. We will see how it goes with Wesley. He also got a new toy this week...an exersaucer. I never had one for the girls, but I found this one for cheap in the classifieds on-line for our area. I had to drive out into the country to get it, but he loves it. What a great investment! The girls insisted on taking a picture and got this one of him in it.

Reili was Sleeping Beauty and Amberly was Super Girl for Halloween. I took a picture of Reili's hair because it looked so pretty all curly (and I spent an hour doing it). Just like a princess! Our ward had a chili cook off and trunk-or-treat activity that we went to that night. I made a recipe from a friend in Alabama for Chicken Chili Stew and tied for 1st place (thanks Katie! I always think of your party this time of year). It was fun to see the kids have so much fun. I have to admit that Halloween is my least favorite holiday. It always seems like such a hassle to me to get the kids costumes and get them dressed up...and I never dress up. Then there is the matter of spending money on a costume...it seems like such a waste. I suppose if I were more creative and could come up with cool costumes like some people seem to be able to do, it would be more fun.

A Momentous Occasion

Just to keep you up to the minute... an hour ago Reili lost her first tooth. She was brave enough to have her Dad pull it out for her. She doesn't get that bravery from me. I was cringing in the corner with my ears plugged waiting for the first wail, but she said it didn't even hurt. I am glad that part of my life is over (the losing teeth part, that is). So now we officially have one child losing teeth, another who still has no teeth,....and one in the middle with one chipped tooth (who we hope will yet keep all her teeth for some time). Aren't you glad you checked our blog? What would you do without this type of news? Who knew there was such a story behind a mouthful of teeth?

Birthday Cake

Eat your heart out chocaholics! My birthday cake this year, made (from scratch) by my friend Rachel, was true chocolate lovers heaven. See for yourself. The middle was a light, fluffy chocolate mousse, surrounded by a moist layer of luscious cake, and all encased in a creamy, dark chocolate ganosche (o.k., so I can't spell). You know something is heavenly when you can eat 3 pieces of it and forget your plans for losing any baby weight for the week (especially since I haven't been able to run since last week), and still think it was worth it. I had to wait until the cake was gone so I wouldn't have to worry about anyone beating down my door to get a piece. YUM! Thanks, Rachel. Here is another view of it for you all. Don't drool too much.

A visit from Gamma and PopPop

Tom's Mom and Dad just finished their mission to Nauvoo and came down to visit us for the better part of a week. The kids loved having them here and Amberly was constantly asking,"Where's PopPop?". While they were here we visited the park and a Pumpkin patch at a nearby farm (the girls loved feeding the goats), ate lots of yummy (but not so nutritious) food, had a birthday celebration for Mommy (aka. Jane), and Mom and Gamma stayed up late playing a card game called 5 Crowns.

We also went to the Fort to get my foot X-rayed. I was so upset the other day when I stubbed my toe (well maybe jammed it would be a better word). I have been training for a half marathon and have had to lay low this week and not run because my toe was swollen to twice its size and black and blue. I could barely even get it in the running shoe. Lucky for me it's not broken and hopefully I will be back to the workout regimen in a few more days. I'm including a picture of it today...but know it looked even worse just 2 days ago.

Pinkeye

As a mother, life pretty much revolves around your kids. Thus, when they get sick, life as you know it comes to a standstill. Last Monday, Amberly woke up from her afternoon nap with tons of green goop on her eyes. Pinkeye!!! Oh drat! So, for the rest of last week we spent almost all our time at home trying to make sure no one else got it. Lucky for us, even Reili didn't catch it (at least so far). The only bad thing was, we would think it was finally over and then the next morning she would wake up with her eyes glued shut. Even Sunday morning this happened, so Tom had to stay home from church with her. Thank goodness she seems to be over it now. Here are some pictures as proof.

Our Little Man

I had to take a picture of Wesley all ready for church last Sunday. This is an outfit he got from Tom's co-workers when he was born and I love it. He just looks like such a little man in it. I can't believe he is already 5 months old. Time is flying too fast this time.

Is she cute.... or what!?

Officially a Soccer Mom

During the past couple weeks I have become a true Soccer mom (minus the minivan though---hopefully that will be remedied in the future). Reili started playing soccer a little over two weeks ago. At the first practice I was so impressed with the way the coaches could teach 5 year olds some basic skills and still keep them having fun. It is definitely entertaining to watch 5 year olds play a game of soccer. I missed the first game, but am told that Reili made two goals (one in the opposite teams net). In this weeks game she seemed to be much less interested in playing (though she did have her moments) and spent a good amount of time in random play with her team mates. At one point I think the 5 players were all down at one end of the field picking grass and throwing it while the other team prepared to kick off. They all seemed to have a somewhat short attention span when it came to actually playing soccer. I am glad to see Reili involved in a sport though and I definitely think all children need to learn some skill that can build team work and self esteem. Above are some fun pictures from Reili's soccer practice last week.

Chunky Monkey

Our little Wesley has made it to the 4 month mark. "Chunky" is a good word to describe him. I took him to the doctor today and he is still off the charts for weight at 18 lbs. 2 oz. For head and length he is in the 90-95th percentile. What a cute boy and I finally have a blond in the family. We all love him so much. What a good natured boy he is...and he showed how tough he was today when he got his shots. He barely whimpered after he got them.

We took a trip to the St. Louis Temple this last weekend with our ward. Actually, I stayed at the visitors center with Wesley while Tom went to a session with some of our friends. Wesley is still a little young to make it long enough for me to go (well really it is the long drive and trying to work around his feeding schedule). It was nice to go and be there with everyone though. Afterwards we had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. YUM! I ate way too much and then cheesecake to top it off. If you ever go there, try the Farfalle pasta dish, it was delicious. (Would this be a true VanLeeuwen entry if I didn't talk about food?) And it was nice to be in a bigger city again and get to go to the mall and such. Not much else going on here.