Birthdays Galore

I find it can be easy to get the post-holiday blues. It seems from school starting in the fall until the new year, it is non-stop festivities! To avoid the post-holiday blues, I do feel rather blessed to have both of my children with birthdays in January. Although I wish they were not only six days apart as it always feels like I have to quickly finish one to start the other. Okay, it doesn't feel like that, it's the truth! This year has been a little challenging for me emotionally because in my mind and heart I should have been celebrating the birth of another baby (considering they would all be exactly three years apart). Of course this isn't exactly logical, but based on our history and challenges, it appears we were blessed twice around the same time of year.

First, we celebrated a simple family party for Baelor's big 3 year birthday! Since church gets out at noon this year, I decided to do a lunch party! I tried out the Cafe Rio idea that I've intended to do for years now. I LOVE Cafe Rio and the closest one is in Coeur d'Alene when we visit my brother and his family. Let me tell you- IT WAS GOOD! I felt like a true South American who preps all day in the kitchen making everything taste authentic. The only thing I fudged on was the raw tortillas that you just have to cook up on a griddle.

While I was already making Saturday my cooking day, I went ahead and made a cake and frosting from scratch, as usual. I have a serious panic attack thinking of using a box cake mix. I thinks it's the list of weird ingredients; and don't get me started on what's in already-made frosting! I made the cake then tried to figure out a "boy" theme that didn't require much work, or a trip to the party store. I realized Baelor had beyond enough cars. Hmmm. Chocolate? Mud? Monster trucks it was!

Even I got to play with the trucks driving them through the mud to make tracks. This year Baelor really enjoyed the attention of being sang to and blowing out candles. We enjoyed the vast amount of funny faces that Baelor made just while singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out the candles; he does not lack in expressions whatsoever!

Those in attendance were the family that live right here in Vancouver (Aunt Sanni and her family), Grandma and Grandpa Guinn, Mummi and Papa Will and cousin Karter, and even Uncle Steve and his girlfriend Katie (one of my good friends growing up, yeah crazy?)

I was planning on taking some 3 year pictures of Baelor but he's had such a nagging cold that I have to wait until his face doesn't look so droopy.

Baelor stats:

Weight: 29 pounds

Height: 35 1/2 inches

Favorites: Thomas the Train, cars, watching "Wild Krats" (he calls it "Water Krats"), wrestling, playing outside in puddles and mud, doggies, and snuggling.

Dislikes: He does not have interest in anything related to books or drawing. He'd rather figure out why the light turns on and off when you open and shut the fridge, or figuring out gadgets like flashlights or faucets. We've really tried to start the potty-training process. We got him to do pretty well for a few days with mint chocolate chips bribes, but this is no longer good enough nor any other treat in the house. Ugh! He has decided that he no longer will say prayers. It was cute the first time when he said "No, (insert name) turn", but now it's just annoying.

 

Obsessions: He will not sleep at night without his bally blanket and is strict about you counting out all 4 blankets as you place each one on him while tucking him in. He used to require a glow worm that sang songs for 10 minutes as he went to bed, but since it has been so used it sounds like the worm needs to clear his throat. He will hurl it on the floor if you give it to him. Instead, he has resorted to Reina's rainbow light. Probably his most recent obsessions is gum. I wish I never introduced this because now every time we get in the car he will seriously cry bloody murder until he gets half a piece. I give in too easy. I just can't handle loudness in the car. I'm just now realizing that I think I may be able to bribe going potty with gum? Aye, this sounds painful though.

Food: Gum and more gum, milk especially in a green sippy cup, raisins, plain bread, oatmeal, smoothies, fish.

Although Baelor has had a lingering cold, he is still just a sweet and pleasant little guy. He is mischevious, but all in innocence. We are all passionately in love with our little Guy-ser and can't imagine our home without him! We love you brother!

Just days later Reina had her 6th birthday! She started the day with her favorite breakfast, homemade oatmeal and a gift to open at her chair. An Elsa nightgown. She brought ice-cream cups to school to pass out in her class. It was challenging to come up with an idea. She has a diabetic classmate and others with nut allergies so I had to find something that appeased to everyone's needs. My first thought was a fruit kabob, but what kid really wants a fruit kabob to celebrate a birthday? Reina liked the idea but I could just imagine the other kids in class complaining. Cupcakes, especially homemade is now a big no-no. Cookies have too many possible allergies, and I'd get hate letters from parents if I sent candy. No one said anything about lactose intolerance so I think we were pretty safe with ice cream.

Since she already went to Disneyland for her early birthday, we didn't have another celebration. Well, kind of. I let her take a few friends to JJjump, an indoor inflatable jumping arena. Afterwards, I took the van full of kiddos to Dairy Queen to enjoy some hot eats and cool treats. After opening gifts at home, they played a little and parents picked them up. I was surprised how smooth everything went! There were no complaints from anyone!

Trevin, cousin Heleena, Ella, Norah

Reina is really growing up to be a sweet and thoughtful girl. She can be extremely demanding, yet she can also be extremely considerate. Often she can be like a fourteen year old- everything is very dramatic. She enjoys playing with older friends since they like doing things and have SO MUCH life experience. Haha. She would much rather put on music and do cartwheels than play with her many toys. She likes getting the popular toys like "Ever After High" dolls and "My Little Ponies" yet she rarely plays with them for more than a few minutes. Reina thrives off of friends, conversation, and activities.

A perfect day for Reina would look something like this:

Wearing a t-shirt (a kitty or something Frozen-esque on it), skirt and stretch pants with her hair in a pony tail. Oatmeal for breakfast. Then doing activities all day such as swimming, going to a playground or playhouse. Then lunch at a restaurant such as Red Robin where you get french fries and milk. She'd then want to do something like snuggle on the couch with mommy and watch a movie such as "Room on a Broom". Reina would then want to do something on her own that is creative such as writing a story and then drawing pictures of Christmas trees or her family using colored pencils only. She'd then want to jump on the trampoline with friends and Baelor or ride her scooter. Dinner would be spaghetti, brussel sprouts and apple. Afterwards, would include helping mommy make healthy chocolate chip cookies. She'd then want us to read a whole "Pinky and Rex" series book and retell stories about when she was a little girl while laying next to her in bed.  

A Merry Little Christmas 2014

Christmas is our favorite holiday. Not only because we get fun gifts like these

Stocking stuffers, literally.

And a big 'ol keyboard from Santa,

But also because we get to celebrate and decorate in light of the birth of our Savior, the Messiah.

Christmas day was a merry little one, with our two little ones. It was so fun to see Reina prepare for Santa and his reindeer with fudge (no time to bake cookies!), carrots, and a picture she drew for him.

We always begin with stockings, then breakfast. Reina really wanted oatmeal for breakfast. Score! Easy and healthy! Then it was time to read Luke 2; the story of Jesus' birth.

Favorite gifts this year? Reina says it was her Frozen journal and clothes. I was totally surprised as I spent very little or thought on these. I guess my love of clothes is rubbing off. Oops!

Paul's favorite was a grip for a gun. Yep, pretty lackluster. While snapping the photo, I said to Paul to look excited. He made "creepy guy" face.

Baelor's favorite gift were these foam snowballs that Uncle Bryan and Aunt Wendy gave us. We had a spectacular indoor snowball fight since there was no hope of any outside.

My favorite gift was a circular sander. Yippee! Oh, and a fanny pack. I hope I'm not growing a beard?!?

I sure do love my little family!

We are sometimes serious and are ready to bop each other on the heads

Sometimes we are completely silly and yes, laugh at each other

We went super casual this year since it was just us. I think Paul especially appreciated not having to
 dress up. We quickly set the timer to snap a couple shots.

I am grateful that we have extended family nearby. On Christmas eve we only had to go a few minutes away at my sister Sanni's house for a potluck dinner. Of course Mummi, Papa Will and cousin Karter joined us. We are lucky to get together so often; yet another blessing.

 We even joined Mummi in making Finnish pulla bread! We should do this every year!

I am blessed that despite health struggles, I physically feel good. Although I may have just two children, they get lots of loves from us.

Despite having a disease, I am able to have a fulfilling life and a positive future ahead.

I love my pink scarf for $2.50 at Goodwill, and a pink room can have Christmas decor, right?

On Christmas Eve, we were able to see Grandpa Scarborough in the hospital. He is having some health concerns right now, but it was a good time playing Chutes & Ladders and Zingo with him. How did he manage to get them gifts even without being able to go shopping. He always seems to surprise us!

Christmas dinner was apparently delicious according to Paul who kept complimenting me over and over with moans and yums.

The ham I have to credit to Costco. I blended yukon gold potatoes (my favorite) with brussel sprouts, broccoli, and sauteed onions and baked simply with salt and coconut oil. Even Reina asked for more onions! Since it was just us I could experiment with making a sugar-free dessert. I did a nut and pretzel base with cream cheese, pudding, and cream layers. I must have fooled everyone in a diabetic-friendly dessert. Although anything looks pretty in a fancy little flute.

We are truly blessed each and every day of the year, with each passing year because of Him. He lived a perfect life and loved us each so dearly that He suffered and atoned for us. I've had too many moments where my mind cannot comprehend the act that He performed. Even for Him, our Savior pleaded with His Father to remove this cup that He had to bear. Even Him. Someone who was created pure and of godliness. Even He needed to call upon His Father. I am forever in His debt and to whom I try everyday to be better. I should not make His life and atonement be in vain. What a joy it is to have this wonderful opportunity to be reunited with Him and our Heavenly Father again! I look forward in continuing to learn and grow, even if it may be arduous and full of bumps to be reunited with my family in our Father's kingdom!

All of Fall

As winter begins I better recap just a few fun things from fall that I didn't post already. I'll recap mainly in the form of pictures.

First Portland Trailblazer game.

Mama and boy having a good time.

 

The first day of November, cousin Lauren had a horse-themed birthday party! It was FREEZING COLD, but nothing beats riding ponies. At the beginning, Reina was thrilled. A little while later you could see the complete terror in her face. She would be mouthing "I want to get off", as we would smile and wave at her upon each passing. When she got off the pony she told us she was afraid the pony's foot would get stuck in a hole and make her fall. What a sweet girl for not making a scene over her horrific experience.

 Even siblings were invited. Baelor was a good sport. He could have gone 'round and 'round all day!

 

I happened to dress the kids in argyle one day for church so I suggested the theme to Paul. Darn, I don't even have any argyle stockings!

 

Both Reina and Baelor love when I make oatmeal. Since they are quite impatient in the morning to make real, slow-cooked oatmeal, I've been making homemade oatmeal in the crockpot the night before. It's delicious with apples, cinnamon, chia seeds, a little cream and vanilla. The kids like it topped off with raisins and a dash of milk.

November was REALLY COLD. What made it so cold was the clear skies and the forty plus mph easterly winds. I have never seen so many large trees uprooted and fallen here in Vancouver. I should have taken some pictures! I mean massive trees with roots taller than me standing!

I'm not a big fan of pancakes, but when they are super-thin they are delish! My family likes them sprinkled with sugar. These ones happened to have pureed strawberries in them.

 

Going backwards in weather, just a week before Halloween we had some really warm weather. I had a day off of work and decided to take the kids along with friends, Abby and Emily to the "fun" library that has a whole floor devoted to children and play. It's kind of like OMSI but of course it's free so not quite as spectacular.

 

Reina has known and played with Abby since she was maybe two years old.

 

Part of the play day included the assisted trampoline thing at the mall. Reina was brave enough to flip many times this time. You go girl!

We even stopped at Value Village for some entertainment!

 

We had Grandma and Grandpa Guinn over for taco salad and ice cream, and they also joined us for my free Red Robin birthday burger. It's kind of strange that we don't see Grandma Guinn everyday like we used to when we lived at their home.

 

 

One of my dearest childhood friends, Tisha and her two daughters, invited us to an art studio for kids. I expected someone to be in charge and help with an idea. Nope. It was a little daunting with a bunch of artsy craft items that you could create whatever with. Reina made a couple canvas paintings and a bird. Baelor made a mess. Usually I like to do fun/creative things. This time I just felt like a pre-school teacher trying to keep everything and everyone from getting paint all over their faces or making a large mountain of glue. And you wonder why I teach high school?

 

p.s. I didn't intentionally wear my glasses to look more artistic. Do I have a prescription? No. Just fulfilling my juvenile desires of wanting glasses.

From girly arts and gymnastics to wheels and mud, we enjoy it all!

Playmates: Graison, cousin Karter, and Claira

Lately, our home has been invaded by THOMAS! We usually have to dance around the Thomas tracks as putting them away daily is seriously a waste of time. I tried at the beginning of this train phase of putting them away. It just made more work for me, so now they get put away every 2-3 days. We are just glad that Baelor has substituted taking Thomas (or four Thomas') to bed at night instead of his pacifier. Yay!