We had a wonderful Christmas yesterday that included plenty of presents, lots and lots of good food, much time with family, and plenty of hugs and laughter. The best part of the day, though, came at bathtime. Enjoy Eli's rendition of "Happy Birthday" to the King whose birth has made the whole world celebrate.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sledding
Some pictures from Eli and Luke's first sledding experience. Cousin Brooke is visiting Grandma and Grandpa's house for the week, so she got to show the little boys how it's done.
Climbing back up the hill was one of Eli's favorite parts.
Climbing back up the hill was one of Eli's favorite parts. Saturday, December 18, 2010
Curling
Well, the tradition continues. Each year we've tried to have a family curling adventure around Christmas time. The past several years we've gone to the curling center here in Midland, but this year we've added a new twist: frozen milk jugs on our backyard pool. We've had to make a few adaptations and the short rink makes the sweeping pretty obsolete, but it's still great fun. Following are some pictures from a recent match-up. Dave and Christel vs. Brian and Rob. Despite a valiant comeback, Dave and Christel were able to maintain their bragging rights while beating the boys 10 to 8. Still... well curled!
Dave certainly had the best form of the evening.
Rob watches his "stone" slide past the house... again. :)
Jayber tries to provide a friendly push to help Christel score big.
Nice slide, Brian!
Dave certainly had the best form of the evening. 
Rob watches his "stone" slide past the house... again. :)
Jayber tries to provide a friendly push to help Christel score big.
Nice slide, Brian!
Can't you just feel the intensity in this toss?
And here's an action shot:
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Advent
December is well underway! With snow flurries flying in the air, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Here are some pictures from the past couple of weeks
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The boys warming up by the fire. Every evening this advent season the family has been doing a little activity together after dinner. This particular evening had been a to "go for a walk in the dark." It sounds innocent enough, however I should have labeled it "go for a walk in the freezing cold." The boys enjoyed looking at the neighborhood lights on the first half of our journey, but the second half was too full of cold fingers and noses. Daddy made it all better with blankets and snuggles by the fireplace.
Some brotherly love...
Making Christmas cookies for our Oasis group with Dad. Eli was convinced we were playing with play-dough. I'm glad they tasted better then that!
The first snowfall of the year is always exciting! We bundled up and played in backyard as soon as we got up and going. It's a good thing we did... everything was melted by noon. Eli was pretty excited, but Luke found all the layers really cramped his walking skills. And yes, we did spend more time outside playing than it took to get ready. But just barely. I was checking my watch, just to be sure. :)
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The boys warming up by the fire. Every evening this advent season the family has been doing a little activity together after dinner. This particular evening had been a to "go for a walk in the dark." It sounds innocent enough, however I should have labeled it "go for a walk in the freezing cold." The boys enjoyed looking at the neighborhood lights on the first half of our journey, but the second half was too full of cold fingers and noses. Daddy made it all better with blankets and snuggles by the fireplace.Some brotherly love...
Making Christmas cookies for our Oasis group with Dad. Eli was convinced we were playing with play-dough. I'm glad they tasted better then that!
The first snowfall of the year is always exciting! We bundled up and played in backyard as soon as we got up and going. It's a good thing we did... everything was melted by noon. Eli was pretty excited, but Luke found all the layers really cramped his walking skills. And yes, we did spend more time outside playing than it took to get ready. But just barely. I was checking my watch, just to be sure. :)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Damage Control
Luke woke up yesterday morning and decided that he is now an exclusive walker. He only uses those "drunken baby" steps as he follows Eli around the house. It's probably a good thing. He's worn through the knees of several pairs of pants and the rest aren't far behind. Over the last couple of weeks he has also begun stacking block towers of three to four blocks, feeding himself with a spoon, drinking only from a sippy cup (no more nursing!), climbing up and down the stairs, and coloring with crayons. Lest you think all these accomplishments are helpful his new feats also include climbing up the front of the oven to investige whatever is on the stovetop (no matter how hot!), eating play-do, shutting cabinet doors on his tiny fingers, and removing pants and socks during naptime.
Yesterday morning I went to the library with the boys. I pushed the getting-really-kind-of-heavy double stroller down to the nearly empty children's department and hoped we would find some fun Thanksgiving books. I unloaded the boys and the next thing I knew, Eli was headed for the "Button!" and sliding door of the elevator and Luke was quickly toddling off toward a table and chairs just perfect for climbing (and falling off!). It was at this moment I knew I'd reached a new stage as a mother.
We've been flirting with it for a few days--like last week's out-of-control toy dumping rampage at our Friday playgroup--but yesterday I realized it was fully upon me. It's name: Damage Control. Eli and Luke are happy and active and easily entertained as long as I can stay ahead of them. The thing is, I can't always do that. Sometimes I'm too busy recovering from the previous mini-disaster to prevent the next one. I know this is one of the roles of all mothers. I confess I used to look down on moms who were in the midst of it. (Can't they just give their kids some direction? If they'd only establish some boundaries, their kids would know what lines not to cross...) These little charges of mine are not only helping to knock the selfishness out of me, they're making sure I'm not prideful too.
We've been reading a book with our Oasis group called, The Good and Beautiful God. Last week's chapter contained this idea: my choices no longer define who I am, they are a reflection of who is in me. I don't strive to be the best mom I can be so that others, including my own children, will think I'm so great; I strive to be an exceptional parent because that is where God has called me to be. A new life in Him means He'll supply the patience and creativity needed to guide these two boys. I don't need to pull it out of my own strength, God (who owns Eli and Luke anyway) will give me what I need for the task He has blessed me with. So whatever stage we're in, even if it's damage control, I can trust that my good and beautiful God is walking along side and guiding me through.
Yesterday morning I went to the library with the boys. I pushed the getting-really-kind-of-heavy double stroller down to the nearly empty children's department and hoped we would find some fun Thanksgiving books. I unloaded the boys and the next thing I knew, Eli was headed for the "Button!" and sliding door of the elevator and Luke was quickly toddling off toward a table and chairs just perfect for climbing (and falling off!). It was at this moment I knew I'd reached a new stage as a mother.
We've been flirting with it for a few days--like last week's out-of-control toy dumping rampage at our Friday playgroup--but yesterday I realized it was fully upon me. It's name: Damage Control. Eli and Luke are happy and active and easily entertained as long as I can stay ahead of them. The thing is, I can't always do that. Sometimes I'm too busy recovering from the previous mini-disaster to prevent the next one. I know this is one of the roles of all mothers. I confess I used to look down on moms who were in the midst of it. (Can't they just give their kids some direction? If they'd only establish some boundaries, their kids would know what lines not to cross...) These little charges of mine are not only helping to knock the selfishness out of me, they're making sure I'm not prideful too.
We've been reading a book with our Oasis group called, The Good and Beautiful God. Last week's chapter contained this idea: my choices no longer define who I am, they are a reflection of who is in me. I don't strive to be the best mom I can be so that others, including my own children, will think I'm so great; I strive to be an exceptional parent because that is where God has called me to be. A new life in Him means He'll supply the patience and creativity needed to guide these two boys. I don't need to pull it out of my own strength, God (who owns Eli and Luke anyway) will give me what I need for the task He has blessed me with. So whatever stage we're in, even if it's damage control, I can trust that my good and beautiful God is walking along side and guiding me through.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Eatin' Waffles, Talkin' Cousins
The count's at five! It's a good thing Eli is getting good with names. On Monday, October 25, Addison Elizabeth Deal was born in North Carolina. We can hardly wait for Thanksgiving when we get to hold you, Addy!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Birthdays!
Well, we've done it. We are now the parents of a one and two-year-old. This past weekend was our big birthday bash. Here are some of the highlights:
Balloons! Luke and Eli loved having these balloons downstairs when they woke up from their nap. Thanks, Aunt Bekah, for picking them out!
Our big entertainment for the evening (other than watching two little boys) was a higly competitive game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
You'd think we could have gotten the birthday boy a stool or something to give him a chance.
Even Papo got in on the action.
The final results. You can't see it in this picture, but there was a tail pinned on the curtain (Dave) and one on the blue balloon (Grampa Deal).
Eli loved all his presents. It was a little scary how good he was at opening them. I love these three; he couldn't even keep his mouth shut he was so excited to have his very own shopping cart.
The birthday cake was nothing fancy, but the boys seemed to enjoy it. (Although, they look a little concerned in this picture. They weren't sure why we were lighting the food on fire.)
Balloons! Luke and Eli loved having these balloons downstairs when they woke up from their nap. Thanks, Aunt Bekah, for picking them out!
Our big entertainment for the evening (other than watching two little boys) was a higly competitive game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
You'd think we could have gotten the birthday boy a stool or something to give him a chance.
Even Papo got in on the action.
The final results. You can't see it in this picture, but there was a tail pinned on the curtain (Dave) and one on the blue balloon (Grampa Deal).
Eli loved all his presents. It was a little scary how good he was at opening them. I love these three; he couldn't even keep his mouth shut he was so excited to have his very own shopping cart.
The birthday cake was nothing fancy, but the boys seemed to enjoy it. (Although, they look a little concerned in this picture. They weren't sure why we were lighting the food on fire.)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Few More...
Just wanted to share some images from the past couple of weeks: 
Luke helping Mom hang the sheets out on the line. Both boys have loved the clothesline this summer. Eli will run through the towels hanging down with his hands up in the air, and Luke is fascinated by the clothespins. Next summer I'll have to string a small line at their height so they can be big helpers.
Have I mentioned that Eli has loved the garden? Here our "tough guy" chows down on a green pepper like it's an apple.
We drove to the southwest part of the state on a very blustery day a couple of weekends ago. We went to check out Uncle Brian's new digs (cool house Brian... I think the boys especially liked the music room) and meet baby Oliver (Tim and Michelle's sweet new bundle). We stopped for a very windy picnic on the way. Luke tried to climb a fence, and Eli...
picked a flower for his mom. Unprompted. He picked it up, sniffed it, and handed it over to me. He probably just thought it was a dud and was getting ride of it because it didn't smell like much, but I smiled about that little clover for the rest of the ride.
And this is baby Oliver. I realize that Dave is the only one that looks halfway decent in this picture, but really, it's the way life is, ya know?
Eli got to roast his first marshmallow the other night. He's so careful about anything hot, I wasn't at all concerned about him getting too close. Rather, I was a little afraid that marshmallow would never turn brown.
A bit better perspective.
Fortunately Dad stepped in to help him get that perfect toasting.
Luke was happy with a graham cracker--his absolute favorite snack.
Reading library books on the couch with Grandpa.
Look at those chompers! The tooth count is still at four, but Luke's working on a couple more. Perhaps by his birthday he'll be boasting a few more teeth.
At Aunt Bekah's park in Plainfield. The boys and I drove down to visit R.J. for a weekend. She was a great host and we had a fun time. Eli's favorite part was probably his pancake breakfast at Flapjacks. The boys were great travelers and I loved spending some time with my sis.
Luke helping Mom hang the sheets out on the line. Both boys have loved the clothesline this summer. Eli will run through the towels hanging down with his hands up in the air, and Luke is fascinated by the clothespins. Next summer I'll have to string a small line at their height so they can be big helpers.
Have I mentioned that Eli has loved the garden? Here our "tough guy" chows down on a green pepper like it's an apple.
We drove to the southwest part of the state on a very blustery day a couple of weekends ago. We went to check out Uncle Brian's new digs (cool house Brian... I think the boys especially liked the music room) and meet baby Oliver (Tim and Michelle's sweet new bundle). We stopped for a very windy picnic on the way. Luke tried to climb a fence, and Eli...
picked a flower for his mom. Unprompted. He picked it up, sniffed it, and handed it over to me. He probably just thought it was a dud and was getting ride of it because it didn't smell like much, but I smiled about that little clover for the rest of the ride.
And this is baby Oliver. I realize that Dave is the only one that looks halfway decent in this picture, but really, it's the way life is, ya know?
Eli got to roast his first marshmallow the other night. He's so careful about anything hot, I wasn't at all concerned about him getting too close. Rather, I was a little afraid that marshmallow would never turn brown.
A bit better perspective.
Fortunately Dad stepped in to help him get that perfect toasting.
Luke was happy with a graham cracker--his absolute favorite snack.
Reading library books on the couch with Grandpa.
Look at those chompers! The tooth count is still at four, but Luke's working on a couple more. Perhaps by his birthday he'll be boasting a few more teeth.
At Aunt Bekah's park in Plainfield. The boys and I drove down to visit R.J. for a weekend. She was a great host and we had a fun time. Eli's favorite part was probably his pancake breakfast at Flapjacks. The boys were great travelers and I loved spending some time with my sis.