Advent

We had a wonderful Advent service yesterday.  The children learned about the mystery leading up to His birth, made Advent wreaths, and received their calendars.  Ben's wreath was a little "different" and I'm pretty sure there may be a fire in my house this holiday season, but I couldn't change it.  It was a true Ben original :)

  

We then went to lunch.  Ben's choice. Red Lobster.  A bird pooped on my head on the way into the restaurant.  Yes.  A bird pooped on my head,  I'm pretty sure Ben and I laughed for at least an hour :)

 

Today, everything resumes again: school, therapy, workouts, activities.  I'm making Ben cinnamon rolls to start him off right.  Unfortunately, he has decided he wants to pack his lunch right now.  More work :)

 

Speaking of work, I'm really itching to get back to work. Greg and I are talking about it, but it is a difficult situation.  I have a child with developmental disabilities who needs me and yet I want to get out and work.  I love to work!  I'm on a mother's day out list right now, so hopefully I can at least volunteer somewhere if she gets a spot.  This house is smothering me :)

Hope everyone has a happy Monday!



Saturday

Today, we went to Kidzstation, which has huge tunnels and slides and games and a toddler area, which Sadie has finally acclimated to.  We ate lunch, played games, rode some toddler rides, and played.

I finally had to travel to the grocery store this afternoon.  You can only eat turkey for so long. I made chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy for the family.  I also made chicken salad with almonds, bacon, and celery for Greg.  I begged Ben to glean the meat off the bone, but he refused.  He did shred  the chicken for me, though.  Greg said he would take him pheasant hunting to "break him in".  I'm looking forward to it.  We can't all be weak in this family.

I may have also gone on a 5 am shopping spree online for myself :)  It's time.

I'm looking forward to our advent Sunday school in the morning :)

Thoughts

1.  When Greg finally let me read his post, I cried.  I wish so much that I could have met his grandparents.  When I ask Greg what made them so special, he can't answer.  They just were.  I love how much he loved them.

2.  I am strong-willed and so is Greg.  We are working on a compromise :)

3.  I love Thanksgiving.  I don't have to cook for at least 3 days.

4.  I went to the mall today just for fun :)  I only bought a calendar, but I felt like I just had to shop for something.  We ate and then Ben bungee jumped.

5.  I love listening to our prayers and thanks on Thanksgiving day.  It makes my heart happy.

6.  I love getting ready for Christmas.  It is my favorite holiday.  I love celebrating the birth of our Savior. 

7.  I am very much trying not to correct Greg's spelling and grammar on the last post :)

8.  I think I am officially a vegetarian.

Thanksgiving by Greg

I just asked Sarah "how do you get on this blog thing", she asked why and is now very scared about what I am writing, so as this is new to me please bear with me.  And remember that gramer and speelling are not one my strong suits. hahaha

This morning I was out jogging in the new trail near our house.  It was a beautiful overcast day and with no distractions it gave me some time to think about this holiday and what it means to me

Some wonderful Thanksgiving memories -

1.  Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Bremers riding Mom's and Ann's old "girl bike. Every time we would go out to the garage with Grandpa, and he would get them off the wall and we could ride them around the block.  If we were particularly good he would walk us across the street and we could ride on the other block.

2.  Grandmas ribs

3.  After Thanksgiving dinner going downstairs and taking a nap on the big orange soft fuzzy couch (I think it was orange but I'm color blind so who knows)

4.  Playing "touch" football with Aaron in the front yard

5.  getting chased around the house by Megan, John and Katie
6.  Pretend typing on that old typewriter in Grandma and Grandpas basement
7.  Playing polish poker
8.  sitting on the front porch or in the kitchen in the evening with everyone talking about what the neighbors are up to  and the list could go on and on

Some things I am thankful for
My Wife - thank you for being so strong willed that even when I push you away you won't let me, for being so quick to forgive me even when I don't deserve it.
My Son - you make me proud with everything you do, you bring such joy to your sister with just a word
My daughter - you have made me a more patient, loving, better man, and you constantly make me happy
My country- that I was born in a place that affords me the freedoms to be able to do as I please
and to the soldiers and there families that sacrifice so much to keep us free.
My Lord - who is all knowing, all giving, all gracious and never forsakes me even when I am angry or undeserving of his blessing.... he continues to bless me and my family

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and i pray that the lord continues to bless all of you.
Thank you for letting me post my thoughts on this day
Greg
ps Sarah will be resuming her blogging duties from here on out

Happenings

Monday, we watched sweet Laney.  She is such a good girl, and Ben loves playing with her.  We decorated turkeys, made a leaf pile, and ate pizza.


On Tuesday, one of their dogs went to heaven :(  He was sick for a very long time, so I'm glad he is not suffering any longer.

Ben lost another tooth.  He insisted on pulling it himself, so Greg tied some dental floss (a long piece) around it and let him try.  Ben tied two Star Wars figurines and a small ship on it, hoping the weight would pull it out.  It was only when I was trying to untie everything that it finally came out.  He is such a character :)

Tuesday afternoon, we visited the infamous Chuck E. Cheese.  Ben was experiencing some "cabin fever", and we needed to get out.  He played video games for 2 hours.  Luckily, Sadie is enjoying the rides now.  When the rides would stop, she would try and push one of the buttons to turn it back on.  It was so funny.  I might have overspent on tokens...

This morning, we decorated her tree (2 down, 1 to go).  The boys are planning on golfing this morning, and Ben and I are going on a date to see Tangled this afternoon.

I have cooked the sweet potatoes for tomorrow and purchased Sadie's Christmas gifts (yay for online shopping during naptime)

I can't believe it's 80 degrees during this holiday! Craziness.

Friday Relaxation

This is the first day I have nothing scheduled!  I took a 3 mile walk/run this morn, then took the dogs for a walk.  Therapy with Sadie went well (mom and me therapy).  She is coming around after her multiple ear infections.  She was up for a few hours during the night.  I tried to let her cry it out after the 3rd episode, but when I finally went to check on her, her diaper was half off and she was completely soaked!  After a complete bed/baby clean-up, she was fast asleep.  Now she is having fun kicking the French doors :) 

Greg is off for a run.  I really wish I had his endurance.  He could easily do a 5K or more.

Ben is so happy about the holidays.  He requested an apple pie for Thanksgiving.

The menu:

Turkey w/ cornbread stuffing

Sweet potatoes

Green bean casserole

Whole cranberries

Whole wheat rolls

Apple pie

On another note, we had our house re-appraised yesterday in preparation for refinancing.  It went very well! I am so grateful.

Have a wonderful holiday week!

Thursday

So good to hear Sadie start to giggle again!  

  

I know I am early, but I decided to get the Christmas decorations going.  I have 3 trees to decorate (although Sadie's will be tiny) and a lot going on in the month of December, so just went ahead and started.  Greg is also working extra shifts during this busy "sick season".  Ben wants a camo tree.  Not sure I can pull that one off...

  

One day, I will get to the store to buy a new camera and not post these tiny phone pics anymore!  I just wish I knew which camera to buy.  I have had really bad luck in the past and definitely need something easy and portable. Any suggestions?

 



Casting

Sadie was casted yesterday afternoon in preparation for ankle braces.  She did so great!  Greg held her while I fed her chocolate.  She definitely has her daddy's sweet tooth.  I chose leopard for the brace material :)  They should be ready in a few weeks.

Dr. Bob didn't want his picture taken, but I did it anyway.

Can you tell Ben picked out Sadie's prize?!

Growth Spurt

Both kids have really increased their food intake recently.  Ben eats breakfast here, sometimes gets a second breakfast at school, has a snack after school, has dinner, then has a second dinner when his daddy gets home.  He is getting taller, but is still skinny as a rail.

Sadie no longer wants a cup in the morning.  She wants to be in her feeding chair eating right away!  This morning she ate an entire Nutri-grain bar and a whole banana.  Long gone are the days of sharing our food at restaurants.  She now needs her own kid's meal.  She is growing longer by the day.  I have to keep feeding those cheeks.  It would be a shame to lose them :)

Weekend

Friday evening, we went around town and put Cub Scout bags on doors for food donations.  We pick them up next weekend.  I hope everyone is generous!

Saturday, we headed to Chuck E. Cheese for Ms. Laney's 3rd birthday.  She was having a great time, as was Ben.  Sadie, not so much.  She is still a bit sick.

This morning, I had nursery duty at church.  There were only four children, so everything went smoothly.
After a quick lunch at Cheddars (Ben had grilled chicken and a baked potato and I had 1/2 sandwich and soup; Sadie just shared with us-I know you were just dying to know what we ate!), we went for a quick visit to see Daddy and give him hugs.  He has been swamped all day.

I have a looong list of to-do's for the week.  Let's hope I can get everything accomplished :)

Tis the Season

Fevers have resumed and antibiotics have begun for the both of us.  I had many plans for the day, but it was impossible with a screaming baby.  Off to the doctor again, we went! So happy to get some meds and get this over with :)  Happy Friday and hope everyone stays well!

My Sweet Babies

Warm

I can't believe how warm it is mid-November!  I refuse to start my Christmas decorating until it is really cold.  We had a few cold days last week, but it was just a tease.

We had a few doctor's appointments this morn.  Sadie has been fever-free for 24 hours, so I am so grateful, but she is still a grump :( 

I made spaghetti this afternoon, per Greg's request.  He ate 2 plates plus some cheesy/garlic bread :)

The boys are playing golf this afternoon.

Sadie is swinging (in her diaper :) )

That's how warm it is!

Love this duet  :)






 

Current News

Ben received his bowling belt loop and a yellow bead for completing 3 achievements at Cub Scouts last night.  He was so happy and is now very eager to acquire as many beltloops as possible.

Ben has read through at least half of his new book: 2011 Guinness Book of World Records.  I love watching him reading in the morning in lieu of watching cartoons :) 

Sadie is getting better, but still very flushed and grumpy.  She is cooperating with therapy a little more.  Here she is digging into her hummus at lunch today.  Thank you for your prayers.

Sadie is sporting some new high-tops, while we wait for approval for her AFOs.

Yesterday, Sadie and I took a trip to Old Navy to buy some shirts and jammies for Ben.  He has been neglected in the clothes dept for some time now.  Luckily, he was happy with my choices, which included Star Wars, Pac Man, Tom & Jerry, and anything orange (UT).

Greg has been sooo busy at work (as usual).  It's that time of the year and everyone is sick. He is very tired , to say the least.  He was so wonderful this weekend and took Ben to lunar golf and to watch a movie so the girls could rest.

I am currently wearing my glasses while waiting to get into the eye doctor.  It is crazy how much Sadie and I look alike with our specs on.

Sadie and I have been spending the mornings listening to music and dancing.  It's fun/healing for the both of us.  I am trying to get her less dependent on movies.

I paid our car insurance today: $964; at least its only twice a year, but it still hurt :(  On the other hand, I received a $35 refund check from Sadie's opthalmologist today.  It doesn't exactly cancel it out, but made me feel better.

Sadie's speech therapist complemented me on my house organization today.  If she only knew how I scamper to pick up toys, make up beds, and load the dishwasher approximately 10 minutes before she arrives! ;)

I think that's it for now :)



Getting Over It

Sadie and I are desperately trying to get get over this horrible virus that has attacked our bodies.  We are so lethargic, with continuous cough, hoarseness, and runny noses.  I have never drank so much Sprite in my life.  I wake up every morn with one of those coughing fits that you can't get over and you end up gagging, and, well, you know...  Now the cough drops have become a constant.  Not doing that again.  So far, the boys are staying healthy :) 

No Fall Fest pics.  I seriously painted at least 100 faces that night, and I was one of 4 painters at any given time.  It was total chaos, but so fun to talk to each child personally.  Some were talkers; others were incredibly shy.  So cute! So many of the boys asked for Mario mustaches and goatees.  It was hilarious!

Here are few pics from the last few days.  Sadie's hair is getting curlier and crazier by the minute and I love it!

Last night, Ben and I went to the church Yuck Olympics.  It was truly yuck.  The circles on the Twister mat were made with catsup, mustard, blue-dyed sour cream, and who knows what else.  Ben went bobbing for vegetables in pools full of liquid jello, then fell into the pool.  He was soaked from head to toe.  We vetoed the hot dog dinner and opted to go home for a hot bath instead.  He had the best time!

Will you please pray that Sadie starts feeling better and participates in therapy this week?  She has been screaming like mad when we try any treatment with her, and it's breaking our hearts :(

The Good and The Bad

The Bad: After recovering from my little food poison episode, Sadie came down with croup and required a steroid shot yesterday.  She was up most of the night "high" from the steroids and developed a rash on her face.  I woke up congested this morning, but am feeling better after some Claritin.

The Good: Ben was up and ready for school in no time without asking him a 100 times to get dressed and ready :)   We bought him the newest edition of the Guinness Book of World Records yesterday, and he was so happy! His first Lego magazine came in the mail today.  He will squeal with delight!

The Good:  The holidays are coming, and I am very excited!

The Bad:  The Halloween decor is still up, but I'm assigning that job to Ben today, so we can get it all packed away.  Greg wants me to cook a whole turkey for Thanksgiving.  I don't really do whole birds. Bones, and organs, and skin, oh my.  I know I am a bad wife, but in school, it was "boneless, skinless" everything, so it's not really my fault. 

The Good:  The dogs are doing great and not following me around the house all day.  I think they finally realize I will not leave them forever when I run errands.  They play together all day long like brothers.  So cute!

The Bad:  Greg is still on the fence about Charlie, but he is warming up to him.  Charlie is not horrible, but Louis is soo perfectly behaved, it makes him look inferior :(  I'm sure Greg will come around.

The Good:  Ben's Fall Fest is tomorrow evening. He is very excited.  Greg is off, so he can take the kids around to all of the booths while I run mine.

The Bad:  I'm hoping we are all feeling well by then.  As room mom, I am running the face-painting booth.  I'm hoping that the volunteers show up and God will give my hands some sort of artistic promise.  I have never face painted in my life.

The Good: I am slowly working my way through the laundry.

The Bad: There are piles of folded laundry everywhere needing to be put up.  At least they're clean!

Fall Fest pictures to come!

Sunday/Monday

Yesterday morn, I woke and said to myself and husband "today is the day I will not throw up".  This food poisoning episode has really weakenend me, but prayer and the power of the mind always works.  So, off we went to church (sans Greg, who of course was at the clinic).  My goals for the day included church, a hot lunch for my children, and "trunk or treat" that evening.

Ms. Reagan did a wonderful job of teaching the kids that the Lord cleanses our sins inside and out.  They washed the outside of pumpkins and de-gutted (is that a word?) the insides.  Not the perfect scenerio when you are trying not to vomit, but I made it through.  Then they painted the smaller pumpkins.  I have never seen so many children at Sunday School and it just made my heart happy :)

I always feel like Father Kevin's sermon is written for me.  How narcissitic can I be?  We live in a fallen world.  God is not punishing us.  His own son died on the cross screaming his Father's name.  Can you imagine? He catches each one of our tears and hears every prayer.  He wants us to live to serve him.  It will never be perfect.  There are no tears, pain, or imperfection in heaven.

This morning we met with Father Kevin at our church.  I cried.  Greg expressed his anger.  We all talked together and prayed.  It was very therapeutic.We are so lucky to have someone to go to in times of sadness and doubt.

Ok, enourgh sad stuff.  I took the children out to lunch after church yesterday, promising a hot meal after days of sandwiches.  They ate so much! Poor babies.  I sipped broth and water and ate some croutons off a side salad.  Do not feel sorry for me.  I usually eat like a horse.

We made it to "trunk or treat" and it was a huge success!  I loved seeing so many friends there and watching Ben play all the games.  He made a hole in one on the golfing game and I screamed out loud.  Not exactly appropriate, but he feels like golfing might be his sport.  I will support him all the way, even it if means embarrasing myself in public.

At noon, we went to St. Mondays for a talk by Chef David and an early Thanksgiving dinner.  Greg ended up "eating for two".  Reagans mom, Lynette, always sends us home with extra dessert.  She is the sweetest!  Wish I would have gotten a picture :(  Hope everyone has a wonderful week!