Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Congratulations, Cassandra
Our amazing niece Cassandra got married yesterday in the Salt Lake Temple, to an equally amazing young man named John. We are over the moon, as she is so incredibly happy, and we love him as much as we love her! Cassandra (who is also going by Cassie these days, but darn it, I can't get used to it) lived with us for a year and so we got to see first hand what an incredible young woman she is. She excels at everything she does, be it school, sports or picking a soulmate!
Connor is particularly besotted with Cassandra, he loves her silly! He also loves John, but has a special place in his heart for his older cousin. He refused to believe she wasn't still living downstairs 6-7 months after she was gone! So of course, here is one of my all time favorite pictures of C & C:
I think he will get over the fact that she has married another, but only because of his love for John (who is teaching him high five, down low, too slow) and well, maybe one other reason. Here is my conversation with him the day before the wedding:
A: "Connor, we have to go to the store and get a wedding present for Cassandra"
C: "Because Connor and Cassandra are getting married?"
A: "No, honey, Cassandra is marrying John!"
C: "Oh" thinks about it for a second..."because I'm too little?"
Yes, my precious. I am sure that is the only reason why. We love you sweet girl and are proud of the choices you have made. Congratulations and a long, happy, beautiful life to you both.
Connor is particularly besotted with Cassandra, he loves her silly! He also loves John, but has a special place in his heart for his older cousin. He refused to believe she wasn't still living downstairs 6-7 months after she was gone! So of course, here is one of my all time favorite pictures of C & C:
I think he will get over the fact that she has married another, but only because of his love for John (who is teaching him high five, down low, too slow) and well, maybe one other reason. Here is my conversation with him the day before the wedding:
A: "Connor, we have to go to the store and get a wedding present for Cassandra"
C: "Because Connor and Cassandra are getting married?"
A: "No, honey, Cassandra is marrying John!"
C: "Oh" thinks about it for a second..."because I'm too little?"
Yes, my precious. I am sure that is the only reason why. We love you sweet girl and are proud of the choices you have made. Congratulations and a long, happy, beautiful life to you both.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
from our house to yours....may your Christmas dreams come true. Much much love, laughter and a day that is bright!
(PS - I FINALLY got a new camera!!!! Oh, the blogging we will do!)
(PS - I FINALLY got a new camera!!!! Oh, the blogging we will do!)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Kisses In the Wind
KISSES IN THE WIND (The Waiting Child's Lullaby)
I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.
Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh
I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.
Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saying Prayers
One of the habits we have gotten into that I just love is that we say a prayer before we leave in the morning. We take turns and when it's Connor's, Lon or I will help him out on what to say. The other day, Lonny was prompting him and said "help us to be kind to others"......which Connor translated into "help us to be kind to otters"....
Showin' our otter friends a little love!
Showin' our otter friends a little love!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Must Be Santa!
We went to our ward party last night (which was full to the brim with people! We have either really grown or we had a lot of special guests with us!). We ended up sitting at a kiddie table, but it was cool. That's who this is all about, right? Well the Primary kids all got up and sang a song and Connor decided he wanted to join in the fun (even though he didn't know the song and has a few more weeks until he's a Sunbeam). He took to the stage like a natural and didn't want to get off. I have NO idea where he gets that!
Serious business (btw, the kids all got colored dots to be grouped as to when they would go in and meet the special visitor in the red suit - we have not started some new Eastern culture deal where the kids wear dots on their faces, just fyi)
Connor was in the last group called to meet the Claus Family, (wouldn't you know it) but was such a super duper trooper...he didn't whine (much) or complain (so much) but sang songs and played games with the other kids as they waited for their turn. Above, he is getting his chance to meet Mrs. Claus and he is quite eager to chat her up - you know, get a feel for what kind of mood the old guy is in...should I ask for something small or Go For the Gusto!
Finally his chance to meet Santa and lay it on the line.....he gave him a big hug and then said "Santa, I want a blue watch!" I have a feeling it's in the bag, baby!
He even said thank you (work it work it Con man!) He was a little confused, because he thought he was getting the watch right there on the spot, and a candy cane is all he walked away with. He gets the gist now and we will watch NORAD track Santa on Christmas Eve (and hopefully have time for a certain Elf named Lonny to put up what Santa is REALLY bringing him (I have it on good authority he is getting the watch and something else, something big with a lot of parts that have to be put together - little reindeer whispered in my ear)....and that the Elf won't be up until 4:00 in the morning! Love seeing Connor with Santa. He still believes, and it makes me believe too. If my precious little boy can still believe in the miracle of Santa and the goodness that he represents, maybe, just maybe I can believe in miracles too. Merry Christmas my son....my teacher!
Serious business (btw, the kids all got colored dots to be grouped as to when they would go in and meet the special visitor in the red suit - we have not started some new Eastern culture deal where the kids wear dots on their faces, just fyi)
Connor was in the last group called to meet the Claus Family, (wouldn't you know it) but was such a super duper trooper...he didn't whine (much) or complain (so much) but sang songs and played games with the other kids as they waited for their turn. Above, he is getting his chance to meet Mrs. Claus and he is quite eager to chat her up - you know, get a feel for what kind of mood the old guy is in...should I ask for something small or Go For the Gusto!
Finally his chance to meet Santa and lay it on the line.....he gave him a big hug and then said "Santa, I want a blue watch!" I have a feeling it's in the bag, baby!
He even said thank you (work it work it Con man!) He was a little confused, because he thought he was getting the watch right there on the spot, and a candy cane is all he walked away with. He gets the gist now and we will watch NORAD track Santa on Christmas Eve (and hopefully have time for a certain Elf named Lonny to put up what Santa is REALLY bringing him (I have it on good authority he is getting the watch and something else, something big with a lot of parts that have to be put together - little reindeer whispered in my ear)....and that the Elf won't be up until 4:00 in the morning! Love seeing Connor with Santa. He still believes, and it makes me believe too. If my precious little boy can still believe in the miracle of Santa and the goodness that he represents, maybe, just maybe I can believe in miracles too. Merry Christmas my son....my teacher!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
More Connorisms
Connor has given us quite the list of ideas for Christmas gifts. One of these is a watch. A blue watch. He can't tell time, and thinks the letter S is the number 2, but by golly he wants a watch. Because he has been so vocal about his wants, Lonny sat him down and told him about what Christmas really means. He explained that we give gifts of ourselves to honor Jesus and it's not all about material things (in so many words). He asked Connor what he could give to Jesus as a gift (acceptable answers: obey Mom and Dad, be a good boy). Connor says: "I could give Jesus a blue watch!"
I told Connor that we were having some pictures done for Christmas cards. Out of the blue....Con says "Jesus won't be in our family pictures. He lives in the pointy thing on top of the church - Daddy showed me!" (His father admits to showing him said pointy thing, denies saying Jesus lives there, for the record).
Connor and I were talking about how cats could be boys (our cat is a girl so he was a little incredulous). I told him I used to have a boy cat but he got really really sick and went to live with Jesus. Connor says: "Oh. Jesus came and picked him up in His car and drove him to the doctor" Mom says: "Yeah. Something like that" (I know it might be a little irreverant but I can't help picture Jesus backing out of his driveway in the steeple in a red convertible with His blue watch on and a gray and white tabby cat riding shotgun). Dad says: "We definitely need to step up the Family Home Evening lessons!".
Finally, Connor was trying to blow his nose. I would hold up a kleenex and say "blow" and he would and I would say "good job!" and try to continue on to more pleasant tasks, but he kept wanting to blow his nose. One more round of this, one more "good job" and he finally says impatiently "MOM! You didn't get the corn out!!!" I thought this an odd thing to say and asked him "where did you hear such a thing?" "Miss Arlene" (one of his teachers). I thought maybe it was some kind of code for something that quite frankly, I didn't want to be privy to. He again insisted we try again. I pulled the kleenex away just a moment too soon....just in time to see an ACTUAL KERNAL OF CORN coming flying out of my sons nose and on to the bathroom floor. I don't think I have been so shocked in my entire life-and THAT is saying something. It HAD to be there since at least yesterday (and Marcy, a certain bean story does come to mind - Lonny used it as a teaching tool, I'll have you know)
There is never a dull moment with a toddler.....
I told Connor that we were having some pictures done for Christmas cards. Out of the blue....Con says "Jesus won't be in our family pictures. He lives in the pointy thing on top of the church - Daddy showed me!" (His father admits to showing him said pointy thing, denies saying Jesus lives there, for the record).
Connor and I were talking about how cats could be boys (our cat is a girl so he was a little incredulous). I told him I used to have a boy cat but he got really really sick and went to live with Jesus. Connor says: "Oh. Jesus came and picked him up in His car and drove him to the doctor" Mom says: "Yeah. Something like that" (I know it might be a little irreverant but I can't help picture Jesus backing out of his driveway in the steeple in a red convertible with His blue watch on and a gray and white tabby cat riding shotgun). Dad says: "We definitely need to step up the Family Home Evening lessons!".
Finally, Connor was trying to blow his nose. I would hold up a kleenex and say "blow" and he would and I would say "good job!" and try to continue on to more pleasant tasks, but he kept wanting to blow his nose. One more round of this, one more "good job" and he finally says impatiently "MOM! You didn't get the corn out!!!" I thought this an odd thing to say and asked him "where did you hear such a thing?" "Miss Arlene" (one of his teachers). I thought maybe it was some kind of code for something that quite frankly, I didn't want to be privy to. He again insisted we try again. I pulled the kleenex away just a moment too soon....just in time to see an ACTUAL KERNAL OF CORN coming flying out of my sons nose and on to the bathroom floor. I don't think I have been so shocked in my entire life-and THAT is saying something. It HAD to be there since at least yesterday (and Marcy, a certain bean story does come to mind - Lonny used it as a teaching tool, I'll have you know)
There is never a dull moment with a toddler.....
Monday, December 7, 2009
Winter Carnival
Connor, Lonny and I attended the Winter Carnival at school the other night. It is an annual fundraiser to benefit Christmas Box International. CBI provides counseling, assistance, schooling, medical and dental services and so much more to children who have been neglected or abused. But most of all, it provides them with a place of safety. For more on this wonderful organization, please visit https://www.thechristmasboxhouse.org/site/ (I have no idea why I can't get links to work anymore, can anyone help???) I am so grateful that Connor attends a school that has provided such an emphasis on serving others and the community.
Connor had the opportunity to partipate in lots of games, such as the duck pond, ring toss, ball toss and a cake walk. There was also a book fair and he snagged him a copy of a Wow Wow Wubbzy book (latest obession, along with Yo Gabba Gabba - which, I actually dig).
But the best part of all was meeting THE rockstar of Scholastic Books....Clifford the Big Red Dog!
(I refrained from posting the pictures where Connor climbs up on Clifford's lap and looks inside his eyes and yells "I can see the teacher in there!". Because it was a little embarrassing. And because it hurts just a little bit to know that he ain't buying that it's really Clifford.) We took a very tired boy home who went right to sleep. We had a great time...three cheers for Con's school!
Connor had the opportunity to partipate in lots of games, such as the duck pond, ring toss, ball toss and a cake walk. There was also a book fair and he snagged him a copy of a Wow Wow Wubbzy book (latest obession, along with Yo Gabba Gabba - which, I actually dig).
But the best part of all was meeting THE rockstar of Scholastic Books....Clifford the Big Red Dog!
(I refrained from posting the pictures where Connor climbs up on Clifford's lap and looks inside his eyes and yells "I can see the teacher in there!". Because it was a little embarrassing. And because it hurts just a little bit to know that he ain't buying that it's really Clifford.) We took a very tired boy home who went right to sleep. We had a great time...three cheers for Con's school!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
From the TMI Department....
We are pretty excited around here....Connor pooped in the potty for the VERY FIRST TIME this morning...We are elated! High fives and hugs all around.
And like any of the greats, after his major accomplishment (literally, right after) he uttered those wise and timeless words...."I'm going to Disneyland!!!" (true story).
Truth is, he's right. Disneyland has long been a part of the "poop on our or others potty" initiative or as I like to call it the P.O.O.P incentive program. I have even had my friend's 11 year old son offer to do it for me if I take him to Disneyland, but Connor, just didn't understand the magnitude of the big prize. Thursday night, I finally wised up and showed him the website. Apparently he is a visual person because here we are Saturday morning! Not that I don't expect accidents, but, we celebrate every milestone we can get.
Now all I have to do is actually come up with the money - and decide if Disneyland is truly the happiest place on earth...or my hall bathroom!
And like any of the greats, after his major accomplishment (literally, right after) he uttered those wise and timeless words...."I'm going to Disneyland!!!" (true story).
Truth is, he's right. Disneyland has long been a part of the "poop on our or others potty" initiative or as I like to call it the P.O.O.P incentive program. I have even had my friend's 11 year old son offer to do it for me if I take him to Disneyland, but Connor, just didn't understand the magnitude of the big prize. Thursday night, I finally wised up and showed him the website. Apparently he is a visual person because here we are Saturday morning! Not that I don't expect accidents, but, we celebrate every milestone we can get.
Now all I have to do is actually come up with the money - and decide if Disneyland is truly the happiest place on earth...or my hall bathroom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
