Silly Boomer

We had Notto (brother in law's brother) over fixing our computer yesterday and Boomer wanted to be his friend. Boomer came upstairs several times sharing carrots with him and telling him stories. Afterwards Notto sent us this email: From Boomer: “boys have small nipples, girls have big nipples. My brother’s name is Jackson, and we have baby Sadie, and my Dad. I call him Daddy and I love him”
I'm not sure where the nipple thing came from except that we had a virus and porn sites kept popping up. Maybe Boomer saw some of that or maybe he just wanted to share some information he has learned by careful observation.

"The Best Christmas Ever"

December 24th is my Mom's Birthday so it is a tradition to go to her house for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, she does all of the cooking. We offer but she usually refuses. Her birthday gets morphed into Christmas way too easily. Several years ago my Sister and Step-Dad threw a surprise birthday party for her. She said it was the first "real" birthday party she had ever had. This year she opened her presents and we ate birthday cake. (We ate half of it before we realized that we hadn't sung "Happy Birthday to You.") Grandma is always a good sport but we really need to make an effort to break away from the habit of rushing right into our Christmas festivities.
As usual, we rushed right into our Christmas festivities this year. We got dressed in our nativity costumes. Jackson and Sheldon both wanted to be the angel. Jackson pouted saying "If I don't get the be the angel, I don't want to do it." Sheldon was easily convinced to give up his wings and became Jospeh instead. Annelise played Mary. Dad, Grandpa and Drew were the Wise Men. Grandma, Aunt Marnie, Abrielle and Mom were shepards with Sadie as our lone Sheep. As tradition, Uncle Andy was the faithful narrator.


The highlight of the night was when Jackson and Boomer started kissing each other on the lips repetitively during the program. They have never done that before and we aren't sure what brought it on. Perhaps the Christmas song is true:"It's that time of year, When the world falls in love."

Following the Nativity, We opened presents from each other. Jackson was very excited when Boomer received a hot wheels car saying "Boomer, it's just what you wanted." Later Jackson told me that he was sad he didn't get what he wanted (spy goggles). He felt better when I explained that we would open more presents tomorrow and that Santa still hadn't come yet. Jackson told us the week before Christmas that he wanted spy goggles and Boomer (was easily convinced that he) wanted "hot cars with a roller coaster that goes around and around." (That's three year old for Hot Wheels with a cool track). Grandma and Grandpa are always very generous and we received some great gifts.

Before bed Jackson helped put out reindeer food for Santa's reindeer as well as hot chocolate and our last cookie for Santa.
Christmas morning, the boys opened their presents Jackson liked the cookies and candy in his stocking, he thought the pajamas were OK, he even liked the Tinkertoys alright. However, it wasn't until he opened up his spy goggles that we heard "This is the best Christmas Ever." Boomer was so excited to get his "hot cars" and is still telling me that "Santa's nice." He also has been wanting an apron like Jackson's so mom obliged. Jon got some movies, books and music. He bought himself a remote control helicopter so he would have something fun. (Note to self: Get Jon something fun for Christmas next year.)
But the Christmas present that was least expected and possibly most appreciated was Dad surprising Mom (that's me) with a Vitamix. (You may have seen the demonstrations for this high performance blender at Costco.) Anyway, It was my secret wish from Santa. I can agree with Jackson this was "the best Christmas ever".

Sadie Turns One

It was Sadie's first birthday yesterday. It was low key as all of our children's first birthdays have been. We invited Grandma and Grandpa Evans and the Colliers over. Sadie got some great gifts and enjoyed cake and ice cream. Here's the birthday girl: We're so glad she's part of our family.

Trimming the Tree

We got our christmas tree on Tuesday and decorated it on Wednesday. It's only 5 feet tall and seems a little whimpy. Not that there is anything wrong with being 5' tall. It's great for people height. (Although, I wouldn't mind adding a few more inches.) But for a tree it seemed small. I'm trying to figure out a way to increase it's height without making it a hazard for grabbing babies & ball throwing boys.

We are excited for the addition of lights this year. Dad put up lights on our townhouse today and he did a great job. He was proud of himself that he did it "without cursing once." Kind of a joke. I don't think I have heard him curse ever, but he certainly gets frustrated doing handy man work.

We've got the advent calendars going in full force. Jackson has three of them. He also wants to do Elf on the Shelf after my friend Kellena told us that they were doing it. I'm doing the 12 days of Christmas for my Visiting Teachees. No wonder the holidays get so busy. it makes for some wonderful memories (at least that's what we're aiming for).

Jackson made himself some antlers a roudolf mask and dressed in brown this week...He loves dressing up. He also loves crafts so the combination was a perfect demonstration of who he is. Jackson tells me often "Do you know who my favorite person in the whole world is?" After I guess a few names he tells me...No, It's you mom. It's sooo precious and I have to remind myself that Boomer will soon be to this phase in his life too.

Boomer is proving to still need his afternoon naps. MELTDOWNS have been happening far too often. Mom can only be patient during the meltdowns for about 10-20 minutes and then I get frustrated with him and whoever else seems to be crying at the same time. Tonight I was singing "I am a child of God and He has sent me here.....with parent's kind and dear." Who wrote that song? Apparently, they haven't been to my house during one of Boomer's meltdowns. Yes, I am constantly repenting and trying to do better. Just for the record when Boomer gets his naps he is the happiest, most energetic, sweet little guy. Quick to say sorry and I love you and to give praise: "Nice shot, Mom."

Little Miss Sadie is almost one. She hangs on my legs all the time wanting to be picked up. Often she will fall down and cry after being upset that I didn't pick her up quick enough. "Sorry Sadie, I need to finish making this almond butter sandwich. Wish I could do it while holding you but I'm waiting to grow my third arm." We think she might possibly be saying Daddy but she makes that sound a lot so were not sure. If I point to Dad and ask "who is that ?" She'll say "Da dee" But the evidence is inconclusive.

Things to do this week: Send out Christmas Cards, Finish putting up the lights outside, work on our photo book for 2009 (I'm 5 months behind), BE NICE, exercise and pray more.

Life is still GOOD

Michelle

Happy Thankgiving

We are thankful for so many things!! As per our tradition we spent Thanksgiving with Michelle's Mom, Dad and Sister (and Family). Dinner was wonderful as usual. The Saturday following Thanksgiving it is a Pippert tradition to get together at Jon's Brother's house for leftovers, snacks and goodies. So much for my goal of not eating sugar this month.

For Family Night we made a list of some of the things we are thankful for:

Jon got up on Thanksgiving morning and made a fantastic paper mache turkey with the boys whom he affectionately calls "Gobbler." Jackson did most of the decorating, Dad started the project, and Mom finished the details, beak, eyes etc. When he was finished it looked very much like Gobbler was Screaming..."Don't eat me." Jackson stepped away while Mom was decorating and was not happy to return and see the addition of real bird feathers. He began crying when he saw them and wanted them removed promptly. "I didn't want real bird feathers, I wanted paper ones." I told him he could take them off if he wanted to. After removing one feather he stopped the removal process and said they were alright. I guess he just wanted to feel like he was in control. Jon keeps threatening to take Gobbler out and light him on fire but Jackson, again, is not keen on the idea.

Happy Thanksgiving

Send us your email

Hey friends... Were thinking of making our blog private but we don't have everyone's email addresses. Send us your address and once we have a good list I'll see if I can figure out how to invite everyone... Leave your email in the comments. I'll make comments private for this post. Thanks

Happy Halloween...Things that fly

This year for Halloween the kids were all things that could fly (by coincidence). Jackson was a bat. If you ask him what he was he'll tell you he was a "fruit bat". He debated for awhile between being a vampire bat and a fruit bat but finally decided on the fruit bat. Boomer was an astronaut and is planning on going to Mars. He said he wants to ride the Mars rover. Jackson doesn't think astronauts can fly (at least not without help) so he didn't think the flying theme applied to Boomer. Sadie bug was a little lady bug. Jon and I found some wigs on a date night(The were fifty percent off at Rite-Aid. I'm not sure why unplanned date nights usually turn into me shopping) My philosophy on costumes is: all you need is a wig and a pair of glasses. This year, I substituted fake eyelashes for the glasses. The Halloween parties started on Wednesday and didn't stop until Saturday night. Halloween night We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. Then we trick-or-treated to a few homes in various neighborhoods stopping to see friends. We were all very tired by the end of the week. Boomer told us that this was the best Halloween ever. We'd have to agree. It was wonderful! Jon's favorite part was the Ducks beating USC. Quack Quack!!
October brought...beautiful fall colors.

Sadie suddenly became a Mama's girl and started to snuggle a little bit. She's pulling her self up and walking around furniture. Generally she is a very happy, easy going little baby.

Boomer is Mr. 3 Year old. Happy one day and crying the next. He has great days and very moody days. He's super friendly. Thinks everyone is his friend and loves to watch TV. He's learned to work the portable DVD player and will sneak off to his room to watch Dora or Diego. (Gliego). It keeps him entertained for hours but really isn't the kind of life I had hoped for him.

Jackson had his first visit to the dentist. We're happy to report, no cavities. He loves books and learning about new things. Right now he is interested in Bats, snakes and Owls. He keeps telling us that he is going to have his birthday in Hawaii.

Jon's been working a lot...hopefully he can stop doing that so much. (Really, I'm Serious) He went to Birmingham Alabama and Dallas Texas this month (a whirlwind 4 day trip) to do "Maids stuff".

Michelle is contemplating avoiding sugar for awhile, reading about homeschooling (my latest curiosity) and exercising more....all noble ideas, none of which will probably stick.

Today we got to attend the blessing of Carrie and Jeremy Stoddart's little girl, Gemma. We feel so blessed to have great friends like them and all of you who are reading this.

Life is Good ( however, I do wish I had a nanny some days.)