Halloween 2012

  I love coming up with costume ideas...and making them myself. When I was a kid I thought homemade costumes were less-than-ideal (since most people I knew had fancy store-bought ones). Now that I am an adult, I realize it is (and was) something special to have something handcrafted. And I love the memories that were made putting them together with my mom! (yes, Mom, you were right...homemade is better...and it must be 'someday' because I AM thanking you!)

This year we had a theme. 

We based it all around this dress Elizabeth has...

(and the fact that my sister IS Auntie Em every day of the year)

Before I get to the rest of the post, I think I should take you back to those early years....here's a little peek into my childhood...

Emily, 3.5 (Princess) Amy, 6 (Glenda The Good Witch of the North)

Did you see that caption? 

Now, here is the grown-up me dressed once again as Glenda!

Too bad Dorothy was sleeping ... I really like these pictures. 

We met up with Emily and headed over to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield for their annual Spooktacular. It was a little disappointing, but we made the best of it. And Jonah was such a trooper. He did not complain about all the walking or the cold, not even one time. And he didn't seem to notice any of the things that may have been spooky to him. (it was not truly scary, but there were some big spiders and some weird troll-like characters)

 The whole gang. Glenda, Tin Man, Auntie Em, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, & Scarecrow

(it's really hard to take good pictures in the dark)

When we were getting ready to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood I COULD NOT find Dorothy's shoes. I called up my sister, and sure enough, we'd left them at her house. She happened to drop by this afternoon, so I snapped one last photo of Dorothy in her homemade slippers. I may have to find a Christmas dress that goes with them, cause those shoes are FABULOUS. 

Birthday Boy

Today our sweet guy is THREE! 

Gosh, I can't believe it. I sure do love this sweet treasure. 

He lights up each and every day. 

He is truly one of the most delightful people I know (big or small).

We celebrated his birthday a bit early this year, but I waited until today to post the party pictures. We had a great time with our family (and a few friends).

 I had much bigger visions for the "pit stop" table, but that was before I factored in having an infant. And I am ok with that! 

Thankfully Pamela pulled off a FABULOUS cake! The cake more than compensated for my "thrown-together" effort.

Jonah and his buddy, Mac painting race cars!

Thanks for the fun gifts!

While going back through pictures I sadly noticed I didn't have any that included my dad & sister. Then I remembered that they were up to something...

Honoring America

I had big plans of editing some photos for this post. Thus the delay in writing it. Well, I haven't gotten them edited in the creative way I'd planned. Nor do I see myself getting it done any other time this month. So, I'm going to write it with (mostly) unedited pictures. 

The College of the Ozarks hosts Honor America every year...a week before Independence Day. There are live bands/facepainting/ food vendors all afternoon. Then, at dusk they make some patriotic presentations, veteran recognition, and we all sing our national anthem/say the Pledge of Allegiance as a group, which is really neat. 

And of course, at dark there are fireworks. 

This was our little group this year. We had a good time over on the blanket by the rose garden! 

 did you ever notice that Jonah is eating in a lot of the photos I post?! But look how much he is enjoying that watermelon!! We had to cut him off...he wanted it more than the cookies! 

 We tried and tried to get a good shot with the pretty fireworks in the background. We got good shots of us, and good shots of fireworks. (the creative editing I had intended was going to superimpose the two into one great photo...maybe someday!)

the little guy was in awe every time! we'd told him it would be loud, and it didn't seem to bother him. actually, we tried to prep him a bit by watching fireworks on YouTube beforehand, so he'd know what to expect. 

Happy July! 

(only one week until our sweet daughter arrives)

Another Valentine.

ok, so I couldn't resist posting another one. 

we gave jonah UNDERWEAR for his Valentine. 

and for ours, he's keeping them DRY! 

I'll post more about potty training another time, but just wanted to share this today. 

New Year's Medical Extravaganza!

Well, this year we celebrated New Year's Eve (day) much differently than anticipated. And I hope to never do it again. 

We usually spend the holiday near Kansas City, MO with Jonathan's family. The night before we planned to leave Jonah started showing symptoms of illness. (well, just a 101.7 temp). He seemed miserable. We decided to travel anyway. We figured we'd treat the temp and see what happened. 

Oh, he also stopped eating, which is very unusual for our boy. 

We made it to the Atkins house by early afternoon. Jonah was doing pretty good...pumped full of alternating doses of Tylenol and Motrin. Then, we let the meds fade out through the night. BIG MISTAKE. We decided at 4 am that we would be seeking out an Urgent Care as soon as possible. The no-eating made me wonder if he might have strep.

*time lapse for attempted sleep and then some breakfast*

Because of where my in-laws live, we had to travel 45 minutes to the nearest clinic. On the way there, I looked back to check on the sweet boy. I was curious to see if he was still awake. He was. And the lower half of his face was covered in blood. I told Jonathan to pull over now!

We battled a very major nose bleed, called his sister (a nurse) who waylaid our fears by saying the dry air mixed with the Motrin was the likely culprit of a nose bleed. 

We continued on to Urgent Care, waited on a very nice leather couch, and then were called back. Amid all of the chaos and unfamiliar medical people Jonah freaked out, started crying, and bleeding again. I tell you, this was no minor nose bleed. The word spurting is all I can think of to describe it to you. Apparently spurting noses do not please the medical community. Neither do low oxygen readings on the pulse-measuring-finger-clamp device. The nurse said we needed to go to the ER. And not just the one across the street. They told us we should go to Children's Mercy in the city...because the oxygen reading was SO dangerously low.  

So, we sojourned on. 15 minutes later we were all checked in at CMH. They were very prompt to get us in. They had to take his temp....in his rectum. Poor kid. It doesn't take any time to figure out that stickers are a very poor exchange for having a device shoved in certain crevices!   Suffice to say, the nose bleeding started up all over again. I can't tell you how many gauze pads we went through. OH, and they re-checked his pulse/oxygen and it was FINE.

THEN, we got to see the Dr. *cue angels singing.* She was the perfect blend of professional/caring. I immediately liked her manner.  She assured us that a nose can bleed a LOT from being dry. She gave us some creme to put in his nostril and it hasn't bled at bit since then. She said the Urgent Care must've used a less-than-accurate device for reading oxygen. Whew! 

So, the question still remained...WHAT was wrong?? 

She checked his ears, they were very clear.  They swabbed his throat. Nothing unusual. 

We ended our visit with a chest x-ray. They saw one spot that could be pneumonia. So, the Dr. prescribed amoxicillin. 

Whatever was wrong is definitely better. We may go ahead and schedule a follow up with our family Dr., but PRAISE THE LORD our boy is better. It took a couple of days, but he is eating again and playing and making messes and making us laugh like normal!  

Twas the Night Before Christmas

I just realized I had forgotten to post our pictures from Christmas Eve. 

We always gather with my mom's extended family on Christmas Eve. We have a couple of games we play each year. When I was a kid Emily and I got to open the gifts from our grandparents/aunts/uncles on Christmas Eve too. Well, now that we are adults the table has turned a bit. We now all shower Grandpa with gifts.

This year Emily got him the BEST gift imaginable! 

"M.E. Brewer

 World's Best Turkey Cook"

(yes, that is a "gold" turkey on the top of that trophy, and yes, the guy at the trophy place looked at her funny when she placed that order) 

It is a fact. He makes the BEST turkey I've ever eaten!

Then, in the midst of our celebration the front door burst open and some unexpected visitors came on in. When you are Santa, you don't have to knock!

Jonah was very nervous. It took a lot of "warming up" and mom and dad joining him for us to get a picture with Santa. 

Then, we got Jonah to give Santa a cookie, but the camera snapped at the wrong time and my only picture looks like Santa is the one doing the giving.

And then a festive kiss from Mrs. Claus.

our FAVORITE Christmas gift!

I don't usually label things as favorite. Especially when there is risk of hurting someone's feelings. BUT, I think we can all agree that this is the best Christmas gift a mom can receive!

In case you can't tell, it's a canvas.

(I didn't capture the brown ribbon by which it hangs, but you can imagine)

My mom had a secret photo shoot with the little guy...in a borrowed suit. I loved all of the pictures, but this one is just takes the cake! We love it!

We had a lovely Christmas. We have now celebrated with both the Varnell and Atkins families. We love this time of year and really enjoyed the nice weather. Now we are glad to be home and are going to try to force ourselves back into that elusive regular routine! 

Have a Happy Beginning-of-2012. 

Soon I'll tell you about our overwhelming exciting New Year's saga adventure. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our busy house to yours. 

Five for Friday: Songs and Nonsense

Call them underplayed. Call them non-traditional. Call them whatever you like. Here is my list of songs that do not receive the same "on-air" time each Christmas season. Now, I'm not saying they should. I'm just saying they don't. 

This first one...well I don't know why, but I do kind of like it. I recently discovered this group...The Puppini Sisters...and they've done their own version, which I really like. 

 (and, no, they aren't really sisters)

Another of my favorites...I'd really like to hear it more (I think)...

really, how can you not like Shirley Temple

This isn't a song, but is about a song. 

I don't want to hear it on the radio, but it is good for a little laugh.

This is a spoof on how wrapped up people get in their shopping and "gifts."

I try to stay out of 'Tinsel Town' as much as possible, myself.

(the light show is fun to watch on this video...the only one I could find)

And, this one isn't truly a Christmas song. BUT it is in one of my favorite Christmas movies. So, I'm calling it non-traditional and adding it to my list. 

If you have a sister, you've probably sung the famous line before..."Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister, and Lord help the sister who comes between me and my man!" 

May that line stick with you through the rest of the day!

Merry Christmas

Giving Thanks

Well, it's Tuesday. I can't believe it's been a whole week since I last wrote on this little blog. And then, on the other hand, it feels like it's been two weeks! 

We have been busy, as I am sure many of you dear ones have been too. 

We joined the Atkins family for Thanksgiving. The crowd was 13 people fewer than normal, but  it still felt pretty large. (there are normally nearly 50 people there...in a small farm house.) I love the people who we see at Thanksgiving each year and I love the traditional game of Hand and Foot. (if you've never played before you should...just don't play with us!)

I  caught a couple of pictures...one of which has less to do with Thanksgiving than  it does with a recent birthday!

Cooking with Grandma Atkins

(cranberry bread)

the Nerf football with Chiefs helmet and jersey from Aunt Melody! it was one of the highlights of our visit. he LOVES it! (and so stinking cute when he'd throw the ball...the helmet would fall down over his eyes.) can you see the chinstrap over his nose?

Hugs with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Atkins. And Tiger, my sister-in-law's favorite dog who she lovingly nicknamed 'underfoot!'

The Dressing That Changed My Life

Really? FOOD that is life changing? Well, I admit that food isn't THAT big of a deal. But it's true. Before I tried this recipe I DID NOT like dressing. At all. (nevermind that I was 8 years old) 

I may have been 12 when I first had this recipe. My mom discovered it somewhere. She MADE me try it. I don't even know if I admitted that I liked it at the time. But, it has stood the test of time. I still love it. And people who try it for the first time always agree that it is the best. 

Not only does it have a fantastic flavor...it's MADE IN THE CROCK-POT. How can you not give it a chance? Who doesn't love a good crock-pot dish?!

I realize this is very last-minute for this year's feast, but if you are searching for something new to wow your guests...look no further (and start chopping!)

My Favorite Thanksgiving Dish

Crock-Pot Dressing:

8 in. square pan of cornbread

8 slices of day-old bread, toasted

4 eggs

1 med. onion, chopped

1/2 C. celery, chopped

1 1/2 TBSP sage

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 cans chicken broth

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 TBSP butter

(there is a bit of prep work...doing the bread...but that can be done the day before, if you need to save time)

Saute the onion and celery in the butter before adding to the pot. 

Throw in everything and cook on low for 4 hours. You may want to stir a couple of times...and I guarantee you will not be able to resist sampling. 

(*note: I like to let it get really well-done..."dry," but that is a texture issue on my part)

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

Cutest litte Cat-in-the-Hat!

Our church has a Kid's fun night every year on the 31st. Well, we like to make it a Family Fun night...cause our family likes to have fun together!

see:

When Jonah was a baby we were given this Cat-in-the-Hat costume by our friend Dawn.

So, I have been planning this dress-up-as-a-family idea all year...knowing the Cat would fit Jonah this Halloween. 

But, as usual, I was scrambling around at the last minute. Why do things have to take longer than anticipated to put together?

But, we made it. And we had a good time!

    Jonah's favorite area was the one with basketballs...

throwing a bean bag to knock down the crows. thank you, mrs. jan for your help!

And he also found a new way to "play" at the duck pond. he re-arranged each duck to a new pond, rather than pick just one to see if it was a winner! they ladies running it thought his idea was a good one!

Oh my goodness....look at this cute cute girl I saw. I have no idea who she is or which adults she was there with...but her dancing brought quite the crowd!

And then, after we got home, he had to sort through his loot. I didn't even have to teach him how to do this! 

Happy 4th!

first, I just thought this was neat....

ok, now on with the Atkins' Adventures...

yes, this is last year's picture. 

I miss his littleness...but I love how big he is now!

Daddy's Day

We celebrated Father's Day with Jonathan's family. We joined his parents for the weekend. Our first stop:

The Lathrop Tractor Show.

These were some of the tractors Jonah got to sit upon. He LOVED it. (that is, until Mommy made him stop because he was getting too much sun)

you tractor buffs out there might recognize the cute little Ford in the top corner, or the International in the opposite corner. anybody know what the orange tractor is? that would be Alice Chalmers (which I've learned is the counterpart/rival to Mr. John Deere). I had never heard of Alice Chalmers until I married into the Atkins family. Apparently it  is kind of a big deal! 

These are some of the more unusual "tractors" we saw:

of course you recognize the bicycle. next to that is a steam engine tractor. on the bottom (l to r) there is a PINK lawnmower, a "custom" tractor/cab, and the tractor pulling cute little kiddies through the fairground.

We wrapped up the weekend with a Sunday afternoon picnic in the park. 

Please notice Jonah's cute little outfit. 

I should also mention that I am excited to celebrate my own father very soon. Jonah and I have a little something cooked up for him...but that is all I will say about that, just in case he reads this!

Love you, Daddy!

Weekend Update: The Day for Mothers

So, this is a week late in posting. 

I can do that. I'm the mother!

We had a wonderful day this year for Mother's Day.

The sun was shining and I felt special.

Jonathan and Jonah gave me some beautiful flowers:

The big bouquet is from Jonathan. There are also two single roses in there. Those are from Jonah (one for each year he's been here). Well, the florist lady thought that was SUCH a sweet idea and that Jonah was SO cute that she gave them a 50% discount! Talk about a HAPPY mother!

(if only he could get us half-price discounts everywhere)

Not only did I get beautiful flowers, but I also got to spend time with my mother. She and my dad drove up after church. My sister came over too. We all had a big roast (prepared by my wonderful husband). After lunch we all went to the mall. All but Jonathan and Jonah. Jonah needed a nap, so Jonathan opted to stay with him...AND do the dishes. What a sweetie.  I'm pretty spoiled! (and thankful)