Chloe's Preschool Christmas Program

This was Chloe's first school performance and was it ever cute! She was so excited to see us all there and wasn't a bit nervous. Her friends Ian and Annette are on either side of her. They are both tall, but she is always the littlest one in any group she's in.

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Not the most lady like pose...

Surprise for Grandma and Grandpa George - Christmas #1

It's been a challenging 8 months for my mom and George. http://sallyfoo.blogspot.com/2008/05/say-prayer-send-good-thoughts.htmlBut, you'd never know how challenging by talking to either of them. They never complain, they always look on the bright side. George complains less than almost everyone I know, including people my age and even the kids I teach. His resiliency is and always has been inspirational. If you ask him, he'll tell you he feels great. He has responded very well to chemo according to his doctors. The last test showed an increase in cancer markers and the doctor wants to do more chemo. They plan to get a second opinion from someone at the University of Chicago first. In the meantime they continue on as an amazing example of how to live your life and what's truly important.

Anyway... we all wanted to do something a little more special and fun this year for them. On Sunday they took all 5 grandkids to see A Christmas Carol at a local theater. While they were gone, we decorated for Christmas, made dinner and set up their Christmas present, a new surround sound system. When they got home they were very surprised and happy and we all had a great time. Here are some pics. I'm trying to figure out a way to photo shop open eyes onto my closed eyes. I can't believe I did that! All the kids were cooperating and I had to close my eyes! Sheesh!

Then there's these two little monkeys! They are so stinkin cute together! Chloe started antibiotics for a double ear infection that morning and Joey the next day. They were troopers considering they had ear infections. I mean it is hard enough to be 3! Add an ear infection and look out!

Bucy Elves

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Decorating the Tree

I am a little anal about my tree. I have a certain way I want things, but I do want the kids to be involved. I asked the boys before they left in the morning if I could decorate and leave some ornaments for them. They said that was fine. It was just the right amount, they even left a few. It's not exciting enough that they want to help with the whole tree. Knowing Chloe, I imagine she'll be co-chairing this event with me in a few years.

We let Wyatt put the star on because he was the only one who seemed interested. He asked my every 20 minutes who was going to get to do it.

Lucy Bucy

Since we lost our Chili girl in October, I've been thinking about getting another dog. I did not think I would want one, but it just doesn't feel like home without a dog. I started researching English cocker spaniels and finally convinced Justin that this was the perfect breed for us. Fun and playful, but calm. Active hunting dog, but small so we would have an easier time getting it the exercises it needed. In November, I emailed an application to the english cocker rescue coordinator in Illinois. The week before Thanksgiving she emailed back that she had an english cocker that needed a home due to her owners illness. We took one look at these pictures and were sold.

So, just after Thanksgiving, we made our way to southern Illinois and picked her up. Here are the pictures from that day.

Since then, Lucy has adjusted beautifully. She is just a doll. She turned 1 on October 12th and is small for her breed at only 23 pounds. She had never been around kids or many people at all, but just loves the kids and is so gentle with them. She's met her cousins and lots of neighbor kids.

She's still afraid of men, but warms up after a bit.

It has been really wonderful to see Chloe with her. Chloe has taken her on as a little sister. She really looks out for her and will talk to her in this very nurturing momma voice. The biggest thing.... drum roll please... Chloe will share my lap with Lucy. Chloe has never before shared my lap. If she sees anyone else in it, she will high tail it over to me and complain until the offender gets down. It's true love. We all have terrible colds and Chloe's had a fever. Here's Lucy and a sick little Coco.

Thanksgiving 2008

Lots of stops. Lots of Family.

Jake

I just had to write this down before I forget. Jake just pulled me in to watch a little section of this cartoon and told me, "Look at the details. It has so much texture." Film school anyone?

Two Years with our Coco Girl

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Hard to believe it only been two years. Hard to believe it's been that long. Ya know? We celebrated with cake and ice cream and we watched the video that Justin made of our first trip to Russia.

The Boys

Just a couple of cute pictures I had to post. The first one os just any old morning. This was of course after I said, "Okay, now get dressed we have to get to school." The boys clearly heard this as, "Put just your pants on, find a cowboy hat and wrestle on the floor." Wyatt has been so into Legos lately. This is one of his creations. Of course, THIS is when Jake decided he wants to smile nice for the camera, NOT during the Christmas card photo shoot fiasco.

The Apple Store

You would have thought that Jake had been to Disney World after a scout field trip to the Apple Store. All three kids went and even the non-techno addicted two had a ball. Those Apple guys know how to get kids going. They got t-shirts made cool pictures, got water bottles, played some game called Spore that Wyatt is now begging for.

Chloe and the ABC's

Chloe has been really into letters lately. She's known the letters and soubnd for sometime, but lately has been wanting to sing the ABC's and now has learned to write her name. She needs help remembering the order the letters go in, but can do such a good job of writing it! Here's her first official one:
And here she is singing the ABC's

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My Voting Buddy

My little voting buddy. Wyatt was so excited to go and vote with me. He wanted me to shake him awake if I had to. It was fun to have him with me.

La Salon de Chloe

Chloe gave herself a chop on Halloween, so she now has another cute little bob. I figured this was as good a time as any to grow out her bangs!