November's Nolanisms

I am being a total copy cat and stealing this idea from Cheyna (she calls her monthly "ramblings" and I refrained from stealing the title name, but I was certainly tempted). Anyway, Nolan is at a great age where he does and especially says some REALLY funny, weird, crazy things. There are so many that it would be silly to keep posting them seperately, so I will be keeping a monthly tab and at the end of each month I'll post them!

• Nolan for a long time referred to anything that was in the past and not today as "yesternight." And he would usually preface it with, "Remember, yesternight...?"Just recently he has changed all of his past tense stories to "A couple weeks ago." "Remember, a couple weeks ago...?"
• Being new at going potty, there is lots of exciting times in the bathroom. He recently went and was very excited and shouted, "Momma, come look. There's a Momma poop, a Daddy poop, and a Baby poop! Ohhh, the baby poop is so cute." I couldn't make this up if I tried. Then when we flushed he waved good-bye to all of them by name.
• Lately when I get frustrated with Nolan (usually when we're trying to get out the door to go somewhere), he just holds up on of his hands to me and says, "Easy. Just chill out." I can't help but laugh!
• Nolan loves to ask where things are, like people's doctors, houses, etc. Yesterday he was standing in our room and randomly asked Brian where Dylan's house was. Brian pointed that direction and said, "You just drive that way to get to Dylan's house." Nolan's response was a very lively, "No Daddy, you can't drive through the walls!!"
• I got my toes painted brown (for fall) and since it's been way too long since I've done my toenails Nolan got very confused. He asked, "Where are your red nails?" And I said, I had them painted a different color, brown. He thought a minute and said, "So where did you put your other red nails?" I had to get some nail polish out to explain the logistics of it all, so he wouldn't think I had a drawer full of toes in different shades.
• Nolan will try to scam/talk his way out of time out anyway he can. This morning he was crying and said he was "scared." I told him I was in the kitchen and turned on the light while he finished his time out. When he got finished, he told me, "I had a scary dream in time out. It was realllly scary."
• Every time Nolan gets in trouble lately he tells us, "You hurt my feelings." Which actually sounds like this, "You hurt my feeewings." The first couple times it was cute, but now he uses it as an excuse instead of listening to what he did wrong, so we told him he can't say that when he's in trouble (to which he responds, "But you hurt my feewings and that makes me sad.")

TURKEY DAY 2008

Brian and I had the opportunity to host Thanksgiving at our house this year. The last time we had it at our place, we were living in our one bedroom apartment in Lompoc, CA, celebrating our first holiday far from home. The Vrabec and Malone families joined us and everyone shared in making lots of yummy goodies and all the traditional fixin's. Brian fried a turkey and it was soooo good, as usual. We are truly so blessed to have such great friends to spend the holiday with! I didn't take as many pictures as I would like, but that means for once I didn't have the camera attached to my face and was actually visiting and chatting.

Abby & Nolan:

Jamie, Jake, Donovan and Olivia: The big people table: The kid table:

Turkey Man:

Happy Thanksgiving

This is my favorite time of year and Thanksgiving is such a joyful holiday and this year we have so much to be thankful for. I recently read an article that said that studies show that people with grateful hearts have happier lives. I truly believe that and though I strive to live my life that way, day to day stresses often get in my way of that goal. But I am grateful and thankful for so much. I'm thankful for our house and instead of complaining of being stuffed to the gills, this year I vow to be thankful that we have a home, that its heated/cooled and that we are free and safe. I'm thankful for our wonderful friends, family and military family. Like my friend Tammi said on her blog, in recent years as Nolan grows, its been more difficult for me to be so far from where both Brian and I grew up and where the majority of our families live. I long to be with them every single holiday. And yet, I do believe my life is fuller because of the friends we have spent holidays with while living from our families. "Home" is indeed where the Air Force sends us. I'm grateful for friends who help take care of Nolan while I'm sick, whether planned, or last minute. I'm thankful for support of loved ones, because when the going gets tough, sadly not everyone in this world is blessed with this kind of support. I am of course thankful for my best friend, my husband. He works so hard to provide for our family, so that I can stay home with Nolan, and yet shares in so much of the household responsibilities. I'm especially thankful for our sweet Nolan, who continues to test and challenge and awe and amaze me. He brings laughter into every day and with every single day my love grows for him. I'm thankful for my Lord, who has opened my eyes to incredible things this past year. They have not all been easy lessons, but He has brought me much peace, joy and wisdom, and I look forward to learning more and growing more in His way. There is so much more to be thankful for, but we have a full day ahead of us. I pray that each of you has a beautiful day, full of laughter, friends, love, family and food. Happy Thanksgiving!

Open Gymnastics

Last Friday we tried a new gymnastics place in Destin. It's a further trek, but I had heard good things about it and they are the only gym in the area with a foam pit. Nolan and Abby had a great time and ran around non-stop. So, mission accomplished!

Swinging on the bar: Rock climbing:

Going down the slide into the foam pit. Nolan was really unsure about this at first, but after the first time, he LOVED it:

Thanksgiving Lunch

Last Thursday Nolan's preschool hosted a Thanksgiving lunch that the parents were invited to attend. Unfortunately Brian couldn't make it, but I was able to go and it was really fun to see Nolan in action at school a bit and to share lunch with him. He seemed really excited, too. After lunch the kids sang a turkey song, but Nolan got really upset, I think because he realized I was leaving again. He never gets upset when I drop him off, but I think he was under the impression that when I showed up, it was time go home. I felt bad that I hadn't thought to explain that to him before I dropped him off that morning. Oh well, I enjoyed hearing his teacher and the other kids sing the song and I know he calmed down as soon as I left (I waited around the corner to be sure). Anyway, it was a really special lunch and although I'm sure Nolan will forget about it, I'll always treasure it!

Nolan, Abby & classmates right before they sang their "thank you" song they sing before lunch every day.

The lunch set up:Nolan and Momma:

Nolan's Day

Nolan's actual birthday was (last) Sunday, and since his party was Saturday, we opted for a fun, quiet day on Sunday. After his nap we headed to Destin where we let him play on the playground at the commons for a while. It got cold quickly as the sun set, but he didn't care. After he burned some energy he rode the train they have and sat on Santa's lap. Then we ended the night at Chili's for some yummy food and a great birthday dessert.

We had a hard time getting Nolan to look at us, he was pretty enthralled with Santa.

Nolan's first words to Santa were, "It's my birthday!" Santa asked him what he would like for Christmas once he was settled on his lap. Nolan replied without thinking: "Candy." I think it's because we told him he'd get a candy cane if he sat on his lap. Since then he's thought of many toys he would like to tell Santa about so we will probably have to pay him another visit.Riding the train:Our family:Nolan's HUGE dessert at Chili's, chocolate molten cake. We helped out of course!

Saying Good-Bye

A couple weeks ago Staci and Dan hosted a get together to say farewell to Rob, Tara and Alex, who have moved to Virginia. They have been such a great family to get to know and we girls had some fun nights out. Actually the guys had some great nights out, as well. Being part of the Air Force brings some great people into our lives, that's my favorite part of being military. But the good-byes are never easy. The good news is that we have a very good chance of getting DC in the future, and since Tara and Rob will be there permanently, we hope our paths will cross again. We already miss you guys and Crestview just won't be the same without you.

The kids playing at the party (with Rob in the background)

This was actually the day before Tara and Rob left town. Tara and Staci watched Abby & Nolan and not only was I so grateful for that, but am soooo happy Staci snapped a picture! From L-R: Cameron, Dylan, Brandon (brothers), Alex, Abby & Nolan:

And last, but not least, the girls. Emily, Staci, Sam, Tara & Cheyna.

Nolan's Bday Party

We had Nolan's 3rd birthday party on Saturday at the place he took gymnastics last year. We still go to open gym a couple times a month and Nolan actually loves it more this year (now that he's not in a class) than last. One year makes a huge difference and I really wish it wasn't such a trek or there would be no doubt I would have him in class this year. Anyway, the two ladies who ran his party were sweet and started the kids on an obstacle course, which they followed for a bit, but since most were 3 year olds, they ended up just letting them run wild and the kids had a blast. After an hour of gym time we had pizza and cake, then opened up presents. It all flew by, but it we all had fun.

Here are the kiddos in the gym!

Nolan "bunny hopping" down the tumble track:

Abby & Tristan:Nolan "bear walking"

Brycen:Cameron on the rope:Nolan on the bar:The kids eating pizza & Cake:The cake. Brian and I made this Friday night and it took way longer than I would have expected, but we had a great time. Brian crafted the cake platter, which is engineer quality (the store only sold them in 6 packs and were priced ridiculously and weren't half as sturdy). We crushed up oreos for the road (which we put down over white icing in the shape of the 3) and used the scraped off middle oreo cream as the white lines in the road. The grass is icing, piped by yours truly. It was all worth it to see Nolan's face, he was over the moon for the cake. I know I'm not being very modest here, and I apologize, but Brian and I worked pretty hard and were so happy with the outcome!

I couldn't fit all the way behind the chair (there's a bench back there), so this isn't the best angle for a family, and of course Nolan's not looking, but you get the idea!

Gift opening. Nolan was totally spoiled and we are so grateful for awesome, amazing friends!

Happy 3rd Birthday Nolan

Dearest Nolan, ************************************************************************************* This year has been no exception to the rule that time goes quicker when you have children. Somehow, while I was trying to survive the "terrible two's" you were well on your way to outgrowing them and the year flew by. It has been a year full of firsts, a year full of laughter thanks to you, a year full of discoveries and a year full of wonder as your Daddy and I can't get over how much you take in, remember and learn...and how quickly you do it. Your language skills took flight this past year and you talk so much that we joke about what we listened to before you started speaking. You started speaking in full sentences sometime this year and on many occasions strangers have commented on how well you speak for your age. You also like to ask alot of questions. Alot is actually an understatement. You are constantly asking questions and it's like a firing range, as soon as we answer one, you have another question out there. You will no longer take "I don't know" for an answer so it can get interesting if I don't know the answer and I have to try really hard to be creative. For the first time a few weeks ago you turned the questions on someone you didn't know...a fireman. You asked him a hundred questions about his truck, his equipment and everything under the sky. He was quite amused and so were we. ************************************************************************************* This year your memory kicked into high gear. You remember things from a year ago and that amazes me. This morning Daddy went to put your "birthday boy" pin from last year on your sweater and you told him he'd "hurt" you. Daddy promised you he wouldn't and he didn't, but when I heard this story I shamefully had to admit to him that it was because last year I had accidentally stuck you while putting it on. And you remembered that?!? This year you started preschool and you love it, which I knew you would. You talk about your teacher Miss Marlo alot and about your friends in class with you. In fact Miss Marlo was a HUGE help in potty training you. My goal was to have you potty trained by 3, but when you were still resisting in September I thought you may be going to kindergarten in diapers. But as is everything else with you, once YOU made up your mind, it was time. You are so unbelievably independent, stubborn and strong willed. It makes me so very proud and at the same time I feel frustrated much of the time. Each week or month seems to hold a new challenge, or battle, for us, but when I step back and look at the big picture, I'm amazed at how well you carry yourself and how you can do so much on your own. ************************************************************************************* I'm sure glad Daddy was here this year to celebrate your birthday with us. He is your best bud and you like to tell him so. Three seems so "big" to me, like you're right on the brink of being truly a big kid, almost graduating from toddler-hood. I know that's a little ways off, but little by little, and too quickly for me, you are shedding the pieces of babyhood and taking leaps and bounds towards independence. I'm grateful you still like to give kisses, even if your moods are unpredictable. I'm grateful that once in a blue moon you ask me to cuddle with you on the couch. And when you have a scary dream that you ask if you can sleep in our bed. It's rare for you, so I cherish it. Sweet boy, you are a gift from Heaven and I adore you and love you and thank you for being my precious son. You are a million dreams come true and I look forward to this coming year to see what you'll have in store for us. ************************************************************************************* Loves and kisses and a very Happy Birthday, Momma

Belly Laughing

Party In My Tummy

There's a party in my tummy! So Yummy, So Yummy! Those of you with toddlers will recognize that little jingle from the very popular, but strange children's show, Yo Gabba Gabba It's such a bizarre show, but it teaches great values and it has helped us to get Nolan to eat his veggies, because of the party in his tummy, of course. Anyway, Brian made this yummy Rosemary Lemon Chicken in the crock pot this weekend and it was definitely a party in our tummies!! MMM!

One more Halloween Post

Last Saturday, the day after Halloween, our neighbors across the street had a costume party. They have 3 sweet girls, and the middle one, Kaitlyn, is a few months older than Nolan. The majority of the guests were classmates of the oldest, Lexi, who is 4. They had a ton of food, a fire going (with s'mores to be roasted), a pinata and lots of fun games. Nolan started off the night by running down the hill to see Daddy (the fire was at the bottom of their yard, a pretty steep hill) and once he started running, he couldn't stop and he totally bit it. He was grumpy for awhile until we showed him the popcorn machine. Then he was thrilled and ate a few pounds of popcorn in between s'mores and candy. But the kids ran around and chased each other all night. The pics didn't turn out great because it was dark and kind of dusty from the kids running around. Nolan also wanted to be like the big kids playing football and actually tackled them a couple times. Thankfully they were sweet to Nolan...let him tackled them, but didn't tackle him back, they were too big for that!

This was after we walked home, Nolan was trying to blow the candle in the pumpkin out. I think he'll get this birthday-candle-blowing-out thing this year! Yay!

Trick Or Treat

Friday night we headed over to Cheyna and Andrew's neighborhood so the kids could trick or treat together. They had a great time and were much braver than I expected! Abby kept saying, "I want to fill my bag all the way to the top." But after a while, both kids were pretty tired so we headed back to the home front, where they dug into their candy stash. Unfortunately there's still way too much left and it's taunting me daily!

Nolan, Abby & Olivia before costumes were put on. Olivia is really down with the gang signs.

Our family. Brian, Andrew and "Pappy" (Chey's dad), all dressed in jorts. Luckily it was Halloween, but all 3 of them enjoyed it way too much if you ask me.

Ms. Skunk & Mr. Dragon.

Dragon & Skunk holding hands. I wish you could see it, but the little heart on the skunk's toosh says "Little Stinker." Too cute!

Pumpkin Carving

Looking at the guts. Carving away:

Finished product:Nolan had no problem sticking his hands in and scooping out the insides!