Rock Chalk (sniff, sniff) KU

Saturday my boys and my brother-in-law and nephew all loaded up and headed to the KU game.

This was Corbin’s first experience at a KU game and both he and Chris were excited.

On the ride there Corbin wrote me this note. It was super sweet to get this while I was sitting in a computer programming class. I’m not even joking…I spent my whole Saturday at a class learning about how to teach kids to code.

Here the boys ate some yummy hamburgers and gluten free french fries!

Corbin’s face is foreshadowing what is about to happen:

At the game, in their seats…one big boy looking extermly happy and one little boy looking a little pale.

And this was the second half. Corbin spiked a high fever and wanted nothing more than to leave. But there were 3 others in the car who were going to stay and watch that game…who can blame them!

So, Corbin rested on Chris’ leg and lap for the rest of the game.

On the ride home Corbin cried for about an hour and then fell asleep. Sunday, Corbin held steady at a 104° temperature throughout the day, and finally by mid-morning Monday the fever broke. But, it was a long few days with a sick kiddo up multiple times in the night. 

Unfortunately, Friday night we were at a friend’s house with a group of people and their kiddos. I’m praying no one got Corbin germs! I promise, he had no symptoms of not feeling well until lunch in Lawerence.

The other unfortunate thing is that Corbin now believes the reason he got sick was because he went to Lawrence. He does not want to go back. Yes, yes, I know KSU fans everywhere agree with him

What to Say?

I’ve been to a few baby showers in the last few weeks where the guests have been asked to write or give a piece of advice to the new mom.

I had a hard time with this request. Here were some choices I thought through:

 

“This is just a phase and it too will end.”

But here’s what I always asked when I got that peice of advice:

“When will it end?”

“I have no idea.”

“What do I do to get through it?”

“Drink, try to laugh at it, oh and drink.” ;)

For me as a new parent, that adviced did NOT help. I understand it now. I have perspective, but at the time when I just wanted someone to “fix” the tantrums it didn’t help.

 

“Sleep now while you can.”

Umm, ok when you’ve never had kids and you have no idea what sleep deprevation is this advice means nothing. They know that sleepless nights are coming but they don’t understand what that will truly feel like, so to me this is pointless to tell anyone. Unless of course this is your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th child; then you understand this saying but you’re too busy with the other children in your life to be able to actually take it.

 

“Just relax, you’ll figure it out, it just takes time.”

Nope, that doesn’t cut it for me. I know I’ll figure it out eventually, I would just like someone help me get there now. So I feel like this advice is just a little patronizing.

Those were just a few that flitted through my head. But for me, those pieces of advice never worked. It’s more like words of moral support and encouragment.

Each child is unique and what works for one doesn’t work for another. Every parent has different views and expectations.  Each family works differently. 

So, what’s the best advice I could give?

“Most parenting problems and questions you have can’t be answered by people. Parenting is a partnership between you, your spouse, and God. I promise you that parenting will be the one gauranteed way to get you on your knees to pray. It will be the one gauranteed way to make you feel like you NEED Jesus because you certainly don’t have a clue what you are doing. So, my advice, buy a good cushion or knee pad because you are going to be spending a ton of time down there.”

Ok, gotta wrap this up…apparently there is a “major” problem in Corbin’s room right now. (I can guess the problem will be that parts of his Marble Run aren’t going together exactly as he would like….anyone have any advice?)

Around Here

In our house the past day there has been:

tomfoolery

funiture browsing

lego building

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              and playtime in the snow.

Christmas Collage

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Time

We are on Christmas break, wahoo! 

Sleeping, eating, playing, and reading are the things topping our to-do list right now.

Merry Christmas!

Do you hear what I hear?

Where ever you live I’m sure you heard the trumpets from my house. 

Corbin found Chris’ old trumpets and could not wait to try them out.  So, he did and great news, he can make noise on it…how exciting

Chris actually busted out a tune and it sounded passable.  I mean that in the most impressed way.  For not having played in years and years and years he sounded great.

So, while I sat in my bed like a queen my court jesters entertained me with their interesting selection of trumpet music.

Do you also hear the sound of Christmas music coming from our house?  Oh, yeah, you probably heard that start in October, but now it’s blasting 24/7 for all to hear.  I love Christmas music!

We decorated the house and Corbin helped add a few finishing touches.  He made a countdown chain.  First, a pattern was created then, it was folded, and taped.  And like many other children he had to measure to see how long it was (2 feet if you are interested, or 24 inches if you would prefer it).

We also started lighting our advent calendar and doing some small Bible readings at night.  It’s something I did growing up and now we are starting it with Corbin.  It’s an awesome way to keep focused on Jesus’ birth when so many other things are vying for attention at Christmas.

Listen for the sounds of the seasons because they are in full swing, enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year. It was a great time of family, games, food, and fun.

Up first, we traveled to Chris’ mom’s house.  Chris’ siblings were there and that means cousin fun for Corbin.

Chris cut the turkey…it’s serious business.  See that face, that means business, watch out turkey.

And then, as tradition dictates, we help set up Christmas decorations that evening.  And by “we” I mean Chris, his siblings, and the kiddos.  The wives and GG sat and managed/directed the entire operation.  It’s a tough job, but luckily drinking was allowed on the job.

Then we played a rousing game of family charades.  Aunt Kati took on the role as coach for the kiddos.  They did a great job and we laughed, a lot!

Then we came home Friday afternoon to prep for my family’s thanksgiving at our house. 

Corbin helped me make thankful trees.  He and I wrote down things we were thankful for on the card and tied them to some sticks.  It’s one of those crafts that you really need to be skilled for

We were super excited because this year both of my cousins and their families were able to come!  We had a great time catching up.  And this year the kiddos were old enough to sit at their own table.  See, it’s just the grown ups.   (Minus my uncle who could not make it due to the weather.  Yikes, ice in November!?!  It’s been a long time since I remember this bad of weather on Thanksgiving.)

The kids colored, created pictures with stickers, and read books to baby Clara.

We also played games, a big hit was Bean Boozled.  So, if you haven’t played you spin and that tells you what color to pick.  That color could be one of two flavors.  One is a yummy flavor and one is gross.  So for example, black was either black licorice or skunk spray. 

My Aunt Lisa got skunk spray and promptly spit it out.  We could all smell the skunk spray, it was bad!

Another one was either vomit or bubble gum.  Corbin got vomit.  It was gross!!  He had an M&M chaser after that. 

Despite how grossed out and sad Corbin looks in that picture we all had really had fun playing the game! 

So, now it’s on to the Christmas festivities and it all begins tomorrow with a party at work and then this weekend we host two events.  What fun!