Graduation Day

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Finally, after long two years of hard work and perseverance Tony graduated from nursing school. It is such a relief to know that it is now behind us. The ceremony was really nice and everything was all decorated for Christmas. There were a couple special awards handed out and I am proud to say Tony won the McAuley Award given by Catholic Healthcare West and Mercy Hospital. The award is given to a senior nursing student with a strong sense of Leadership, Compassion, a Positive Outlook, Self-Motivated, and Teamship. Tony did not know he won until it was announced at the ceremony, and the look on his face was priceless. Congratulations to you, Tony, I love you. The boys and I see how hard you work everyday and we want to THANK YOU for everything you do. Now it's time to take a deep breath and relax!

Polar Express

Thursday night, after the kid's naps we got them dressed in their PJ's and headed downtown for the Polar Express! First, we met up with friends at Round Table Pizza and then we all boarded the same train car for the ride to the North Pole where we found Santa Claus! This was so much fun, I think we will make it a family tradition.

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Playschool Christmas Party

"These are the hands you used to hold when I was only two years old!"



Thursday was the playschool Christmas Party for James. I showed up just as James was walking out of the bathroom with his pants around his ankles saying "Hi Mommy, I pee-peed!" (Mind you, all the other kids were sitting quietly at the table eating snack.) Well, that's my boy. ;) They had a special visit from Santa and each child got a golden book gift from each other, and messy candy canes! ;) Then they each gave their parents a gift.

Gingerbread House

It was a no-sleep weekend for me after working the nightshift all weekend and Tony leaving for his National Guard Duty as soon as I got home. I decided to keep James and myself busy with a gingerbread house. It was our first one, and I had no idea how involved of a project it was . . . but it turned out great if I do say so myself . . . Here is "Army Man James" with his masterpiece!

Girls Night Out Cookie Exchange

A friend from the NICU had a cookie exchange party at her house for our girls night out. It is a hectic time of the year for all of us mommies and single girls alike, so it was nice to get together and debrief! ;) Thanks, Sara, for organizing such a great get together! Without you, we wouldn't always take our "me" time, but you are so good at organizing these girls nights and are always so willing to open your home to us.

Breakfast with Santa

So, as one of James' playschool fundraisers they do a breakfast with Santa every year. I only got these two pictures, but it was a fun event. We really didn't know what to expect because it was our first year. They had live Christmas music, Santa, and a breakfast buffet with yummy pancakes, ham, eggs, and fruit. James ate every bite! Afterwards, Tony stayed and volunteered to help serve food, while I took the boys home. Thank you Tony, I appreciate your willingness to help out in so many ways lots of husbands may not want to!

Killing Two Birds with One Stone . . .

So both of the boys needed a check-up. James, 3-yr and Lucas 9 month. Both of my boys are fit as fiddles . . . except for the persistent runny noses and hacking coughs which their pediatrician says is totally normal this time of year. I did decide last minute to load us all up with flu/H1N1 shots while I was at it. First of all they actually had them and second, I just couldn't bear the thought of us all being sick again. So, hopefully it will do it's magic and keep us healthy for the remainder of the winter cold and flu season. I hate to be one of those moms always bragging about their kids, but here I go. James and Luke both got their shots, gave a little whimper and then were DONE. No crying. Such little troopers. There was a mom with a boy about 9 or 10 whom she spent about 10 minutes just coaxing to come into the injection room and after his shot was over he curled up in the corner and cried for a good while. In fact he was still there when we left. Maybe the fear gets worse as they get older . . .??? Since their pediatrician is still in Elk Grove it was quite a trip. We went to McDonalds for lunch after and then I had a nice drive back home with two sleeping boys. Here are there stats: James is 38 inches tall and weighs 32.8 lbs. Lucas is 31.75 inches long and 21.4lbs.


Later that evening Tony and I took the kids to the Roseville tree lighting ceremony. I had no idea it was such a big deal. They had an outdoor theater playing Christmas movies, bounces houses, Santa Claus, and tons of food. Oh, and who could forget, FIREMAN! James got to go on their truck and the ladder, he was so excited. Before leaving James went in the bounce house and down a huge bouncy slide. When he got to the end he got up, came over to me, coughed, choked on phlegm, and puked at my feet. A dad was staring at us and I just looked up and said "A little too much bouncing, I guess." What can you say? Oh well. Despite the puke incident this is definitely worth revisiting next year. ;)

When the cat's away the mouse will play . . .

I guess that makes me the mouse. Tony is working a 24 hour shift tonight and I took a break from cleaning/decorating to elf ourselves. Watching this never gets old, or maybe it's so funny to me because it's 12:33am???

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Thanksgiving Day

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Dessert!

The other night, after dinner, Tony and James decided to make us some brownies. Just thought it was a cute photo-op!
Another busy week this has been, but I just have to say how excited I am about the Holidays this year! So happy James has Luke to share this time with. Christmas is definitely getting more fun, now that James knows what's going on. This is the first year we will be going to the Polar Express at the Sacramento Train museum. So excited! We already have our tickets, YAY. I am also working on my Christmas letter and am hoping to get them out soon-ish. ;) I feel like a kid again . . .




Luke was pretty excited about the brownies too!

Train

I got this idea to make a train out of diaper boxes from a friend. I am so glad my kids are so easily entertained. They have played with this for days! James likes pretending he is the garbage man and he dumps all the toys in and out of the boxes. He can't wait for Luke to wake up so he can sit in the train with him! Kudos to you, oh cardboard box!

Potluck

The day after Halloween we packed up and headed to the Bay Area. First we stopped at Grandma and Grandpa's house and then we went to see Tony's old childhood friends from daycare/preschool. We got together and had a little potluck. It was fun to meet these people from Tony's childhood and even meet his first little girlfriend ever. I've heard all those stories about playing house . . . ;) We had a fun time, and so did James.



Grandma and Grandpa with the boys.



Us with Janet, Tony's babysitter for years.



Me with Janet and Tony's preschool crush, Laurel, holding Luke. Ha ha ha. Janet was joking saying, "Now you know why he married a blonde, right?" Janet and ALL of the girls he was in daycare with, except for one, are blonde! ;) I guess the saga continues because James' little playschool girlfriend Alyssa is blonde too!

Halloween

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James' Playschool Halloween Party

Today was James' Playschool Halloween Party. They carved a pumpkin and made trick-or-treat bags during class to use for their door-to-door trick-or-treating. I even got to pass out treats at one of the doors when they came and knocked. They weren't allowed to wear costumes this year, but wore black and orange halloween colors instead. They were still mighty cute! Poor Luke, is a little trooper coming along, still trying to get over his runny nose. I swear my kids have had the swine flu like three times already . . . ;)

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First Trip to the Dentist

Today was James and Luke's first trip to the dentist. I was a little nervous about taking them, figuring it wouldn't really be very productive, but I very surprised. The office was really cool with surf boards, TVs, and toys everywhere. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, but will definitely take some pics next time. James was a trooper and stayed still, listening to all the directions. The dental assistants were able to brush, floss, and polish his teeth. They even got digital x-rays done, and the doctor said his teeth look very healthy. Luke stayed in my lap while the doctor looked at his whopping two teeth! Good job guys!

Pumpkin Patch

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Back to reality

After having Grandma here helping with the kids, and the wedding, it was back to reality today. And sometimes reality bites. Tony got up early for work, about a 14 hour day when you count commuting into it, and I was home with the boys. Tony reminded me to enjoy the day and forget about all the little chores that need to be done so I could just have a good time with my boys. I definitely started off the day with high hopes. After watching some cartoons, making Halloween cards and coloring, reading books, doing ABC's, counting, etc. I was exhausted. James has been so challenging lately. Thank goodness tomorrow is a school day. I think James needs to get back into his routine.

Kelly and Jimmy's wedding

Saturday was Tony's cousin Kelly's wedding. We had a great time. My parents watched the boys so Tony and I could really have some fun. Which we did . . . after a number of glasses of champagne, I actually got out on the dance floor. I think, actually I know, I danced more at this wedding than at my own! And I payed for it later. I was just a little under the weather for a short time. But it was really just a plan to get Tony to prove what a good nurse he will be. He passed.




I love you Tony, thank you for taking care of me! (Bet it will be another six or so years before I do that again!)

Hanging out

One of the last nice days we had before the storms moved in Tony and the boys and I had a picnic lunch out in the backyard. I love the sunny but cool fall days! It's hard to squeeze in extra family time with Tony in school. Every spare moment is spent studying. Tony's semester has been going well so far and he is doing great both in clinical and on his tests! Keep up the good work Tony, only a matter of weeks left until graduation!!! And then, a much needed VACATION . . . hopefully. ;)

Just a random picture of Luke. I can't believe how blond his hair looks in this picture. What a little cutie pie. But, I think all those carrots and sweet potatoes are making him orange . . . seriously.

Trik-A-Thon

Today was James' Trike-A-Thon for school. The school does one every year to raise money for new toys and supplies. The kids were a little distracted by all the hooting and hollering at first but then they got the hang of it! He did an amazing 12 laps ;) Every child got a green ribbon, a Popsicle, and a certificate for a free Chick-A-Filet meal. Good Job James!! His face is still red from that popsicle!

Growing like a weed . . .

Can't believe how fast Luke is growing! Such a cutie. That wild curl on the side of his head must be genetic . . . James had the same one! To two of my favorite men: I LOVE YOU!

Happy 64th Grandma!

James was so happy to celebrate Grandma's birthday last Thursday. Although her birthday was actually the 14th, we decided to wait until Grandpa could be here to celebrate too. We made Grandma her favorite dinner . . . BLTs. After school, James and I went to Baskin Robins to pick up her ice cream cake and candles. James LOVED the cake. He ate the mini cone from the top and was eating some of Tony's piece. Happy Birthday Grandma! Thanks for coming to help with the boys!