A big congratulations goes out to my mom on working her last day today - December 31, 2008. She is officially retired starting tomorrow!Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Congratulations, Grandma!
A big congratulations goes out to my mom on working her last day today - December 31, 2008. She is officially retired starting tomorrow!
2008 Was Great
I can't believe 2008 is coming to an end. We had another wonderful year given to us by God. This year, Joshua learned how to walk! His first "real" steps were Jan. 2, 2008. He also learned how to talk, color, jump, eat with a fork and much more! He also finished up his physical therapy sessions and behavior intervention for head-banging. He learned how to go down slides on his own, how to go to his classroom at church, and how to sleep in a big boy bed...in fact, he got a whole new room this year! I've seen him transition from baby into a toddler in 2008 - this was truly a huge year for him in making progress. I love watching him learn and grow!
Joshua in January 2008!
Caleb Luke made his debut into the world in July of this year. He's learned how to nurse, how to smile, how to laugh, how to babble, how to roll, how to eat solid foods (we're still working on that one), and more! He's also gotten his first two teeth this year.
I would say I can see huge changes in my own life in 2008. First, we started going to a new church, LCBC. I went to a women's Bible study and met friends, I started attending MOPS with other moms, and we joined a life group. We have made friends with other kiddos, which has been wonderful. And, for me, I've started devoting a little more time to be in God's word...which I hope to increase/improve in 2009.
On a more personal level, I think this was truly the first year that I let go of the constant nagging in my heart that I should be working all the time. I've been working since I was 14, and even after Joshua was born I felt like I had to write and had to teach even though God was clearly calling me to be a stay-at-home mom. I regret how much I worked during Joshua's first year of life. I'm trying to let go of the "love of money" and concentrate on what - and more importantly WHO - is really important. This year I've settled more into my role, and I can say I'm starting to enjoy being home with the boys more. It's sad that it took me two years to come to a place where I can trust God for our finances and try to be the best mom and wife I can be for this season of life.
This year we had our house renovated (although there's still always things to be done!), and I can say that we use thoroughly use every room in our house, including the much-loved garage!
Shawn...is a man of few words. When I talked to him about accomplishments for the year, he said "we got another cool little dude" and "we've set a record for the least amount of sleep you can get in a year...I used to sleep more on a weekend than we've gotten the entire past year." That does about sum up our life right now. He's been doing a great job working for Dart, and he faithfully led the A/V team at LHOP this year, which is something he has handed over starting tomorrow. Yeah for me!
Shawn...is a man of few words. When I talked to him about accomplishments for the year, he said "we got another cool little dude" and "we've set a record for the least amount of sleep you can get in a year...I used to sleep more on a weekend than we've gotten the entire past year." That does about sum up our life right now. He's been doing a great job working for Dart, and he faithfully led the A/V team at LHOP this year, which is something he has handed over starting tomorrow. Yeah for me!We're looking forward to an incredible 2009 and what God has planned for our lives!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Last Sunday of 2008
Here is Joshua modeling his gift from Uncle Brian & Aunt Gayle.
Originally I was supposed to meet my friend Suz for breakfast on Sunday, but unfortunately her plans got changed. That was okay because then we had the opportunity to go to church. Joshua was the cutest little boy I've ever seen there! He walked with me up to the door (Daddy had Caleb) and before the greeters ever looked our way, he proclaimed "Goood MORNING!" They all laughed. Then they all gave him a high five as he walked through. Shawn and I agreed that maybe he found his calling in life...a Walmart greeter. Haaa!!! We took a few more steps before he saw two teenage boys sitting on a window sill that were looking "too cool for school." Joshua has absolutely no fear - still holding my hand, he pulled me over that way and said "HI!" to them. They smiled and said "hi" back...you can't help but think he's cute.
Both kiddos were doing really well as we were in church...however, Momma didn't make it this time. All the sudden, I got dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. Only this time, my head was pounding and I realized I was experiencing the start of a full-blown, four-alarm migraine. I whispered to Shawn that I needed to go vomit immediately and ran out from the front of the church (unfortunately to get a seat on the end we had to be closer to the front than we would have liked, even though we got to church pretty early). Shawn followed me out, and once I hit the restroom, I splashed cold water on my face and neck. I still felt dizzy and downright awful. He went downstairs to get the Bean while I weakly walked and got Caleb, who was naked (they always keep that nursery so hot!) and curled up in one of the helper's arms asleep. Joshua also didn't want to leave, but we made it out to the car safely. It was the worst drive home I've ever had, I think. I was clutching a trash bag and the noise and lights hurt so bad. When I got home, I gave up trying to fight off losing my entire breakfast. Then I took some Advil Migraine and Shawn let me pass out for three hours straight while he cared for Caleb. Joshua napped most of that time, too, and Caleb slept for a little while. When I laid down on my feather pillow, I felt like my head was banging against asphalt. I could almost hear the pounding - it was that intense. I all but asked God to take me home then. But, I pictured the faces of my two little boys, and the Lord graciously allowed me to fall asleep even through the pain. When I woke up, I still had a dull headache, but it was nowhere near what it had been. I fed a very-hungry Caleb next.
It had been so warm on Sunday - mid 60s!!! So, we took the Bean & C-love outside for some fresh air. I had Caleb strapped to me in his snuggli, and Joshua was playing in the garage. We still had some yard debri in there that needed taken to the compost site nearby, so Shawn took Caleb and the bags and I walked with Joshua to the playground behind our house. We had so much fun! He climbed right up without fear and kept sliding down. I wish we had more warmer days in between cold ones to burn energy outside. That night I let Daddy get some work down on the computer while I played with both boys in the office. Other than my migraine mid-day, we had fun overall. I was enjoying the sermon, too! I'll have to download it to hear the rest.
Originally I was supposed to meet my friend Suz for breakfast on Sunday, but unfortunately her plans got changed. That was okay because then we had the opportunity to go to church. Joshua was the cutest little boy I've ever seen there! He walked with me up to the door (Daddy had Caleb) and before the greeters ever looked our way, he proclaimed "Goood MORNING!" They all laughed. Then they all gave him a high five as he walked through. Shawn and I agreed that maybe he found his calling in life...a Walmart greeter. Haaa!!! We took a few more steps before he saw two teenage boys sitting on a window sill that were looking "too cool for school." Joshua has absolutely no fear - still holding my hand, he pulled me over that way and said "HI!" to them. They smiled and said "hi" back...you can't help but think he's cute.Both kiddos were doing really well as we were in church...however, Momma didn't make it this time. All the sudden, I got dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. Only this time, my head was pounding and I realized I was experiencing the start of a full-blown, four-alarm migraine. I whispered to Shawn that I needed to go vomit immediately and ran out from the front of the church (unfortunately to get a seat on the end we had to be closer to the front than we would have liked, even though we got to church pretty early). Shawn followed me out, and once I hit the restroom, I splashed cold water on my face and neck. I still felt dizzy and downright awful. He went downstairs to get the Bean while I weakly walked and got Caleb, who was naked (they always keep that nursery so hot!) and curled up in one of the helper's arms asleep. Joshua also didn't want to leave, but we made it out to the car safely. It was the worst drive home I've ever had, I think. I was clutching a trash bag and the noise and lights hurt so bad. When I got home, I gave up trying to fight off losing my entire breakfast. Then I took some Advil Migraine and Shawn let me pass out for three hours straight while he cared for Caleb. Joshua napped most of that time, too, and Caleb slept for a little while. When I laid down on my feather pillow, I felt like my head was banging against asphalt. I could almost hear the pounding - it was that intense. I all but asked God to take me home then. But, I pictured the faces of my two little boys, and the Lord graciously allowed me to fall asleep even through the pain. When I woke up, I still had a dull headache, but it was nowhere near what it had been. I fed a very-hungry Caleb next.
It had been so warm on Sunday - mid 60s!!! So, we took the Bean & C-love outside for some fresh air. I had Caleb strapped to me in his snuggli, and Joshua was playing in the garage. We still had some yard debri in there that needed taken to the compost site nearby, so Shawn took Caleb and the bags and I walked with Joshua to the playground behind our house. We had so much fun! He climbed right up without fear and kept sliding down. I wish we had more warmer days in between cold ones to burn energy outside. That night I let Daddy get some work down on the computer while I played with both boys in the office. Other than my migraine mid-day, we had fun overall. I was enjoying the sermon, too! I'll have to download it to hear the rest.
Monday, December 29, 2008
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
As you can see by the drool in the above picture, Caleb is teething! His second bottom tooth finally cut through his gums today. Hooray, big guy!
After taking the drool pictures, I changed Caleb's little shirt. Here are some pictures of the boys from today for your enjoyment!
More Christmas Fun
Friday morning at 11:15 am was the only time the pediatrician's office could get Joshua in to remove his stitches. Originally we were going to be in Reading celebrating with Nonie & Poppy at that time, but they were gracious in moving their Christmas gathering to 12:30 to accomodate our schedule. I took Joshua by myself to the doctor's office this time, and we got right in and right out. He did a great job, even though he was terrified to let the nurse's touch his wound. Unfortunately, his chin is still open & bleeding. :(
From there, I picked up Shawn & Caleb and we headed up to Berks County. Once we arrived, we feasted on a delicious breakfast and enjoyed time watching the kids play. Jordon & Joshua get along so well together, and one of my favorite moments of the day was watching Jordon build a "horsey" out of pillows and asking Joshua to ride with him. The Bean gave him a big hug. They were having fun goofing around, and it was fun to watch.
Jordon also commented about Uncle Brian's "$5 beard" and then decided it was a "$2 beard" which also cracked us up.
Shawn got all the tech-y gifts from his list, I received the "Hooters Hider" that I wanted and a knife to cut watermelon, Caleb got some nice clothes and Joshua received a book of devotions for little guys. We had a fun time! 
I can't believe how big Jenavieve has gotten! She was right in the action!
And, Hilary was capturing it all on her camera.
Pretty soon we were all tired (as the picture above shows) and it was time to head home.
The next night (Saturday) it was time to get together with Grandma & Grandpa Dziedzic, Shawn's other grandma. We saw all the Goods once again at Lititz Family Cupboard. It's amazing how the group keeps growing! This year there were three more babies (Caleb, Jenavieve and Benjamin). We were lucky enough to sit with Alicia & Jordon again, and Joshua just laughed and laughed at him throughout dinner time. The Bean did a great job of eating nicely at the table with his fork and then soon was ready to get down and play (no kiddo wants to eat as long as the adults do, I'm afraid). Nonie rocked Caleb right to sleep, and we watched the boys play and play. Grant asked to play "Ring Around the Rosie" and Joshua thought this game was amazing. The three older boys walked in circles until I was almost dizzy. The food was delicious and the company was fun!
I loved the outfits from Annette (pictured above). And Joshua wore his new sneakers with them since they're the only black shoes we have for him. :) :) :)
This was the last of the Christmas celebrating for the year, but Grandpa Georgia's coming in January and we're hoping to head down to Florida the end of the month, too.
From there, I picked up Shawn & Caleb and we headed up to Berks County. Once we arrived, we feasted on a delicious breakfast and enjoyed time watching the kids play. Jordon & Joshua get along so well together, and one of my favorite moments of the day was watching Jordon build a "horsey" out of pillows and asking Joshua to ride with him. The Bean gave him a big hug. They were having fun goofing around, and it was fun to watch.Jordon also commented about Uncle Brian's "$5 beard" and then decided it was a "$2 beard" which also cracked us up.Shawn got all the tech-y gifts from his list, I received the "Hooters Hider" that I wanted and a knife to cut watermelon, Caleb got some nice clothes and Joshua received a book of devotions for little guys. We had a fun time! I can't believe how big Jenavieve has gotten! She was right in the action!And, Hilary was capturing it all on her camera.Pretty soon we were all tired (as the picture above shows) and it was time to head home.The next night (Saturday) it was time to get together with Grandma & Grandpa Dziedzic, Shawn's other grandma. We saw all the Goods once again at Lititz Family Cupboard. It's amazing how the group keeps growing! This year there were three more babies (Caleb, Jenavieve and Benjamin). We were lucky enough to sit with Alicia & Jordon again, and Joshua just laughed and laughed at him throughout dinner time. The Bean did a great job of eating nicely at the table with his fork and then soon was ready to get down and play (no kiddo wants to eat as long as the adults do, I'm afraid). Nonie rocked Caleb right to sleep, and we watched the boys play and play. Grant asked to play "Ring Around the Rosie" and Joshua thought this game was amazing. The three older boys walked in circles until I was almost dizzy. The food was delicious and the company was fun!I loved the outfits from Annette (pictured above). And Joshua wore his new sneakers with them since they're the only black shoes we have for him. :) :) :)This was the last of the Christmas celebrating for the year, but Grandpa Georgia's coming in January and we're hoping to head down to Florida the end of the month, too.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Over the River and Through the Wood's...to Grandma's House We Go!
Since I have so many pictures and stories from Christmas, I thought I'd break them up into various posts. After opening our gifts (including a really cool "Family Fun Magazine" from Shawn), we napped and then Christmas night we headed to Grandma's house. Unfortunately, my niece Faith had thrown up all night Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so after weighing the decision heavily between us, Shawn & I both agreed it was best if we not go at the same time as my sister's family even though we were all disappointed. With Joshua's chin still all boogered up, we couldn't imagine adding sickness to it, and he seems to get everything that goes around.
We arrived at "Ma-maw's" house at 4 pm. I first tried out her new foot massager - WOW! is all I can say about it. I have never felt anything so amazing on my feet in my entire life. My sister Becky & her husband Tim arrived not long after us to make sure they got to see us open our stuff, which was nice. We also still do our "pop swap" that we've done since we were little. Soda was a big treat in our house, and once a year us girls exchanged 2-liters through the craftiness of our parents.
We then began opening gifts. Caleb got two new sets of warm 9-month jammies and some money for college.
Joshua received a "keepsake portfolio" for all his new artwork. He loves to color and just got some finger paints from Grandma Good, plus he does lots of crafts at church. Now we can keep them in one place for him!
He also got an airplane puzzle, a coloring book, an Elmo's Guessing Game of Colors book that I had suggested, an Elmo Potty DVD, a kids sing-along CD, and a cute sign for him and Daddy to share... It says "What Happens in the Garage, Stays in the Garage" since that's their favorite place to play.
Grandma also got Joshua a Cleaning Trolley since he loves to sweep and follow me around when I clean. Now he'll have items like a vacuum cleaner that are his own size to play with. But, the coolest present by far was the airplane that Grandma picked out for him. It moves on its own and backs up and turns when it hits something. It has flashing lights and a car and people that come out of it. Joshua LOVES it! You can see it in the pictures below.
It was soon time to leave. We opened our gifts from Grandma and gave her hers and by the time we packed up, Jen and her family were arriving. The three of us girls went together on a GPS for mom, so we gave her the gift together. Then, they all ate their appetizer smorgasboard and we went home and had dinner at our house, including cheese & crackers, grapes and a pizza I had had in the freezer.
We enjoyed some more time playing with all the new presents and relaxing to the movie "Bad Santa" after the Bean was in bed.
My bestest gift of all was time spent with my amazing family. Thank you, Jesus, for sharing your birthday with us!
Caleb's First Christmas; Joshua's Third
Our Christmas celebrating started Tuesday night. We all got dressed up and went out to dinner as a family to Infinito's Pizza Buffet (VERY kid-friendly) and then to the Christmas Eve service at LCBC. We got there early, got the kids to their classrooms, and headed into the sanctuary to find seats. The beginning show was amusing with Christmas trivia and scenes from popular Christmas movies. Unfortunately, though, once the service actually started we only made it through three worship songs before my pager went off. When I got back to the nursery, Caleb was literally screaming. I couldn't get him calmed down, which has never happened before. Normally when he sees me and I nurse him, he does fine. But, this time he didn't want to eat and wouldn't stop crying. So, when I didn't come back, Daddy came to see if everything was okay, and we decided to leave. Daddy took Caleb to the car while I grabbed the Bean, who was so thrilled to be at church that he did NOT want to leave before snack and craft time. Sorry, kiddo! I should have recognized Caleb's cry - the Christmas outfit didn't make it until we were back to our house. And, then he was pleasant the rest of the evening.
Shawn had to work Christmas Eve, unfortunately, but Grandma came over for a little while in the morning and Shawn got off a little early. We used the rest of our Ruby Tuesday's gift card and a coupon for a free appetizer. The boys were both so well behaved at the restaurant! And, we got right in and right out. When we came home, we watched the National Lampoon's Griswold Family Christmas Vacation - my favorite! We also opened our stockings and hung out as a family. Shawn read to Joshua about the Christmas story from his Baby Bible. It was really a nice night.
Christmas morning we woke up later than normal. Joshua woke us up, and not because he wanted gifts. He wanted FOOD! We groggily started our morning, and Grandma called not too long thereafter to say she was done at Jen's house and would come over for awhile to watch the boys open their gifts. I started breakfast, and in my tired stupor I forgot to grease the pan before putting the cinnamon rolls in, I put the icing on before I baked them (doh!), and nothing was going well. But, eventually we got to eat and it all tasted good. We also opened our gifts slowly throughout the day, allowing Joshua time to stop and play with things as he opened them.
Joshua loved his new book from Grandma & Grandpa Ginder. Curious George was a real hit - I used to love him, too, and the man with the yellow hat! Here's Daddy reading it to the Bean. We also got some nice new clothes for the boys, a new pair of sneakers for Joshua that fit perfectly, two blankets made by Aunt Erica, a Bible action CD & DVD set (so cool!!!) and a fun fishing game. Mommy & Daddy also got a few new, very generous gifts. Thank you, Grandma & Grandpa Ginder!
Caleb enjoyed opening his new little toy from Santa. Christmas Day he talked and talked and talked...or I should say "babbled." He said 'Wow-wow-wow' like we were doing, and he often says "hey-hey-hey" like I do to the boys. He's sooo adorable and easygoing!
Joshua was a riot this year in opening gifts! I have never laughed so much before in my life. When he opened up his new handsome outfit from Miss Annette - Dad's girlfriend - he said "WOW! Jammies!" Ha ha ha ha! 
He also opened up his drumsticks and started drumming everything in site and dancing. After he opened his coloring book, Daddy handed him the next unwrapped presents. Joshua said "Wow! Colors!" I was impressed he knew he had gotten new crayons for Christmas when they were still wrapped. 
There was more funniness, but I can't remember it all now. We loved watching him!
Here we are in our jammies with Joshua's new Elmo guitar that Santa gave him. He also opened his new little ball set, and I couldn't believe how heavy they were! He tried to throw them to Caleb to catch, who's a little too young yet. Daddy played the game instead. I love how Joshua is thrilled to have a brother. He now says "Caleb..." and talks his ear off. The two smile at each other constantly.
Shawn had to work Christmas Eve, unfortunately, but Grandma came over for a little while in the morning and Shawn got off a little early. We used the rest of our Ruby Tuesday's gift card and a coupon for a free appetizer. The boys were both so well behaved at the restaurant! And, we got right in and right out. When we came home, we watched the National Lampoon's Griswold Family Christmas Vacation - my favorite! We also opened our stockings and hung out as a family. Shawn read to Joshua about the Christmas story from his Baby Bible. It was really a nice night. Christmas morning we woke up later than normal. Joshua woke us up, and not because he wanted gifts. He wanted FOOD! We groggily started our morning, and Grandma called not too long thereafter to say she was done at Jen's house and would come over for awhile to watch the boys open their gifts. I started breakfast, and in my tired stupor I forgot to grease the pan before putting the cinnamon rolls in, I put the icing on before I baked them (doh!), and nothing was going well. But, eventually we got to eat and it all tasted good. We also opened our gifts slowly throughout the day, allowing Joshua time to stop and play with things as he opened them.Joshua loved his new book from Grandma & Grandpa Ginder. Curious George was a real hit - I used to love him, too, and the man with the yellow hat! Here's Daddy reading it to the Bean. We also got some nice new clothes for the boys, a new pair of sneakers for Joshua that fit perfectly, two blankets made by Aunt Erica, a Bible action CD & DVD set (so cool!!!) and a fun fishing game. Mommy & Daddy also got a few new, very generous gifts. Thank you, Grandma & Grandpa Ginder!Caleb enjoyed opening his new little toy from Santa. Christmas Day he talked and talked and talked...or I should say "babbled." He said 'Wow-wow-wow' like we were doing, and he often says "hey-hey-hey" like I do to the boys. He's sooo adorable and easygoing!Joshua was a riot this year in opening gifts! I have never laughed so much before in my life. When he opened up his new handsome outfit from Miss Annette - Dad's girlfriend - he said "WOW! Jammies!" Ha ha ha ha! He also opened up his drumsticks and started drumming everything in site and dancing. After he opened his coloring book, Daddy handed him the next unwrapped presents. Joshua said "Wow! Colors!" I was impressed he knew he had gotten new crayons for Christmas when they were still wrapped. There was more funniness, but I can't remember it all now. We loved watching him!Here we are in our jammies with Joshua's new Elmo guitar that Santa gave him. He also opened his new little ball set, and I couldn't believe how heavy they were! He tried to throw them to Caleb to catch, who's a little too young yet. Daddy played the game instead. I love how Joshua is thrilled to have a brother. He now says "Caleb..." and talks his ear off. The two smile at each other constantly.Caleb spent time in the bouncy seat when we ate breakfast, which Shawn said was one of his highlights of the day. Caleb was so tired! My youngest son also cracks me up in different ways. Joshua wasn't one that grabbed onto everything. In fact, it's one of the many things I appreciate about the Bean. He's curious, but he pretty much leaves things alone when he knows he's not allowed to touch them. For example, our Christmas tree wasn't really child-proofed because Joshua knew he wasn't allowed to touch it and left it alone. Caleb, on the other hand, seems far more curious at this age already. Notice in the above picture, he's grabbing Joshua's guitar. In the picture below, he fell asleep holding my centerpiece candle. He's also grabbed the salt & pepper shakers off the table already!
Mom didn't stay long on Christmas morning - she stopped in to say hello and see the grandkids and then was off before we ate breakfast. I know this year was hard on her, and I think seeing the boys (and us and my sister's families) helped.
Mom didn't stay long on Christmas morning - she stopped in to say hello and see the grandkids and then was off before we ate breakfast. I know this year was hard on her, and I think seeing the boys (and us and my sister's families) helped. Joshua opened his horsey later in the day. I love his faces as the horse makes noises. It cracks me up! Caleb also got a jumparoo horsey, too!
Daddy & I opened our gifts to each other, too, and I got a digital photo frame and a hot iron I wanted! I also got the Willow Tree Doll "Quietly" that has a momma & two boys. :) :) :) I was excited to give Shawn a few gadgets he asked for, socks from both boys, new clothing and a gift card to Barnes & Nobles with a promise to give him alone time to go relax and read. The best part of my Christmas was spending it with Shawn & the boys...I am very blessed!
Daddy & I opened our gifts to each other, too, and I got a digital photo frame and a hot iron I wanted! I also got the Willow Tree Doll "Quietly" that has a momma & two boys. :) :) :) I was excited to give Shawn a few gadgets he asked for, socks from both boys, new clothing and a gift card to Barnes & Nobles with a promise to give him alone time to go relax and read. The best part of my Christmas was spending it with Shawn & the boys...I am very blessed!
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