GOD

Last night, we went to the Prairie Central vs Tri-Point basketball game. Justin Cox, a friend of ours, is the coach of the Tri Point team so we thought it would be great to go watch. We were up on the baloney (if you really want to call it that) of the gym watching the boys warm up. All of the sudden, Gavin shouts, "There is GOD!". Kerry says, "What, where?" I asked Gavin what he said just to be sure I heard him right and he told me that he sees God. He then pointed to the U-High Pioneer painted mascot on the wall of the gym. I asked him if that is what he thought God looks like. He said, "Yep, I do." Now, I don't have to wonder what he thinks God looks like.

On another note, we will praying that God is with the family of Dax Locke. I don't know much about the amazing little boy but he does have a caringbridge site you can see. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/daxlocke
He is a little boy that lost his battle to cancer. It was in the local papers to put your Christmas lights up early so that he could see them before he died. As I understand, doctors said he won't make it to Christmas but he did. Although sadly, today he passed away. I can't and don't want to image losing a loved one especially a child. I will be giving my boys an extra hug and kiss, being extra thankful for every moment with my them and our families.

Wii Boxing

We got this new Wii for Christmas. There is boxing on the Wii and I was really opposed to them playing it. I just didn't want them to think fighting was something good to do. Yes I'm overprotective and I worry about too much. I can't help it. I want to raise our boys the "right" way. Although, I have since discovered that the boys love to play it together and they are really funny when they do play. Plus this boxing on the Wii isn't going to ruin them after all.

It also wears them out.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day we started out at home. I was so excited that I was up at 6:00 a.m. which never happens but I was wide awake and ready for the boys to get up. Griffin was the first to get up and then with some encouragement Gavin was up shortly after. They were very happy to see that Santa brought them John Deere tractors. I could never get them to look at the camera at the same time. Bummer but oh well. Once we go the tractors out of the boxes (which they are in there like cement), they were happy to not open any other gifts. They just wanted to play with those which didn't surprise me but we had a few of things for them to open.

They did get some John Deere books and puzzles surprisingly no John Deere cloths. LOL!!!

Griffin was thrilled with this puzzle. He and Gavin both enjoy working on puzzles especially if they have a tractor on them. After we opened up at home with our family, we headed out to Papa 4 wheeler's and Mama Kathy's house. The boys received several books which I can't wait to read to them. I love to read to the boys and Gavin is really into being read to. I am still working on getting Griffin to sit still long enough to read a book to him.

They helped each other open gifts. I think they both were getting tired from all the excitement from the night before and Christmas!! They were so good though.

It is a tradition at Mama Kathy's house to throw all the wrapping paper in the middle of the room and then you take a picture of all of the paper. This year the boys really enjoyed just playing in the mess with each other. They pretended that it was a swimming pool. The stripped chair you see in the back is the new chair for Griffin so he might sit while I read a book to him.

After Papa 4 wheeler's and Mama Kathy's, we headed home for a Mama Dolphin's side of the family to come over for Christmas to our home. We usually do not do a tradition supper for Christmas since we have a tradition supper for Thanksgiving so we had tacos. It worked out really well and I think everyone enjoyed the meal. Papa Steeler and Mama Dolphin went through a lot of trouble to find this trampoline for their gift but it was well worth it but they love to jump and are having a ball with it.

It zips up so they are safe and can't fall out or off of it. It is also a great way for the boys to wear off some of their extra energy. We also did something new this year at Christmas. We played BINGO and it was so much fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. There were little gifts that everyone brought for prizes from toilet paper to candy to dish towels. We ended the night by bowling on the Wii. So much fun!!!!

We feel very blessed this Christmas season. Thank you to all our family, friends, and God above.

Christmas Eve

We started our Christmas Eve by going to church in Gibson City as a family. It was pouring down rain which made it rather interested. After church we headed to Papa Old Tractor and Mama Ruth's house to celebrate with the Bittner side. There are three great grandsons and one great granddaughter there and all three boys received remote control equipment from the grandparents for Christmas. They had an awesome time and lots of fun.

We left to go to the Tredennick's for the big Santa appearance. Every year Santa comes to Uncle David and Aunt Kitty's house for the kids. The boys won't sit on Santa's lap in the mall so this worked out very well.

As you can see, Gavin and Griffin were not that into sitting on Santa's lap. This year, they at least talked with him and gave him a high five. He even delivered great gifts for everyone.

All the girls sit on Santa annually as well for a picture. Griffin was crying while I was in the photo because he thought Santa was going to hurt me, he was a little worried. It is a fun picture that makes me laugh every year. We also had family pictures taken because EVERYONE was home and together this year. It was awesome.

Our family picture!!

A great picture of all the grandkids and great grandkids with Papa and Mama Redennick. They are ALL there. We opened presents, had great food, and enjoyed all the festivies for the night. I love that our families live in the same town so that we are able to spend time with both sides of our families. There is something so comforting about being surround by family on Christmas Eve. It doesn't seem like Christmas Eve without them. Our boys were extremely tired by the end of the night but they sure enjoyed playing with everyone!

Festival of Lights

Last Saturday we decided to take the boys to the Festival of Lights in Peoria. Before heading down we went through the luminaries in Timber Ridge which was so pretty. The ride to Peoria was a little long for the boys but overall they did pretty good. Since we were already in there and the line of cars was so long to see the lights, we decided to eat at Texas Roadhouse. It is one of my most favorite restaurants. I could just eat their bread and honey, cinnamon butter all night long. The boys really enjoyed eating the peanuts and throwing the shells on the floor. They thought that was pretty cool. We changed the boys in the their comfy jammies before heading to the still very long line. I think we had over an hour wait but the boys and myself thought it was well worth it. After we got into the park, we allowed the boys to sit in the back with Mama Kathy and Papa 4 wheeler. We weren't going much over 3 mph so they were safe.

Their reaction to the lights was so hilarious. There were several dinosaur features of lights and Griffin kept on making these roaring noise that were cracking us up. He kept doing it and we kept laughing and then Gavin would join in. Just listen yourself, how funny they can be. It cracks me up everytime.

This 4 wheel drive truck was one of Gavin's favorites.

We really enjoyed it although it was a very very long night. I would like to make it a tradition every year. It was a lot of waiting but the boys absolutely loved it.

Thank you Great Grandparents

When I was a little girl my Grandma Ruth always gave the grandkids an ornament and I loved it. It was something to remember the year by and when I moved out my tree would never be empty of ornaments because we had all the ones she gave us from years past to take with us. Now she does it for our boys. Grandpa and Grandma T do the same and I know they put a lot of thought into each ornament. This year Grandpa and Grandma T got them each a John Deere lawn mower being they are both still really into John Deere. Grandma Ruth got them an airplane. When they go there on Monday, they love to talk about airplanes with her. I know at times that it can be hard to find an ornament for them each year that is different but we sure do appreciate it. I love that they have a memory from each year that we can talk about as we put ornaments on the tree. I want to give them all a great big THANK YOU!!!

Sunday

This past Sunday after church, we wanted to just stay home and relax. We had been doing stuff here or there and we thought it would be a great day to catch up so household things and just hang out. Also after having a crazy busy day in Bloomington shopping the day before, this is just what we all needed. Griffin didn't want to take his nap at the usually time but later in the day he gave in and decided a nap with Daddy was a great idea.

I love this picture and how comfortable they both look.

Ornament Workers

About two weeks ago, (yes I am behind) we helped Mama Dolphin and Papa Steeler put up their Christmas tree. The boys, as well as myself, enjoy doing it so we were happy to help. After dinner, we started our work but before we could start Uncle Matt Matt had to teach us how to make a three point stance. He is preparing them for when they are on the front line of the BEARS team. They were so adorable and loved every minute of their lesson. When the time comes, they will be ready. I think at times they were laughing so hard they toppled over. I love when Matt Matt teaches them about anything.

This picture just makes me laugh and smile. Mama and Papa picked out a great real tree this year. I admit I am a little jealous. Maybe next year we will get a real one. The adults hung up the lights first. It is fun to listen to the boys talk about the years past trees. I guess not every year was the tree so straight in the stand or perfect like this year. According to Mama and Papa, it is all in the stand you get.

The boys were pros at put on the ornaments. They liked to listen to Mama about where she got some of them or who they came from.

Waiting for more ornaments... They were all wrapped up in tissue and newpaper.

Many were at the bottom until Gavin discovered Matt Matt could lift him up and then he could put the ornaments at the top of the tree. I think Matt Matt got tired after a while. The tree looked beautiful and I had two exhausted little boys by the end of it. I didn't get a picture of the end result, bummer....

Happy Birthday Papa 4 Wheeler!

Happy Birthday Papa 4 Wheeler!! You have two little boys that can't wait to follow in your foot steps. We love you oh so much.

Toliet Talk

Gavin was on my phone the other night talking to Mama Ruth. He loves to talk on the phone so it was nothing new for him to walk around the house talking. You would think he is a teenage the way he knows how to talk and carry on a conversation. I simply wonder where he gets that from? LOL! While he was talking about his day, I was opening the mail so my back was to him most of the time. All the sudden, I heard him going to the bathroom and he continued to talk on the phone like it was nothing. He even told Mama Ruth that he was going potty as if she couldn't hear him. I abruptly made him say good-bye to her. I made a suggestion that next time he had to go the bathroom that he should give the phone to me or Griffin before and after he was done he could have the phone back. I won't want him to accidentally drops the phone in the toilet. Naughty!

Christmas Time is Here...

A week ago we put up the Christmas tree. Every year it seems like an argument between Kerry and I whether to get real tree or not. Last year we got a real one so I guess this year was his turn for the fake. It still looks beautiful but I love the smell of a real tree. Christmas always has to have the smell of evergreen trees. It just a must. So we put up the tree while listening to Christmas music. It was so wonderful; only thing I would have changed was there should be snow coming down by the feet. The boys really enjoyed putting up the tree this year. Griffin liked to hide in the tree and then he wanted you to find him. Putting up the ornaments was more of his things this year. He really liked putting the branches on the "trunk" of the tree.

Peek-a-boo I see you.

Gavin only the other hand could hardly wait until we started putting up the tree. He was so thrilled. This year he seems more into the whole Christmas much more than he has ever been. He really did an awesome job putting most all of the branches on the trunk of the tree. I was really surprised how long he wanted to continue doing it even though he couldn't reach. So Papa 4 wheeler and Daddy had to help him as he got closer to the top. He even put the finishing touch on by putting the topper of the tree on.

I will have to get another picture of the entire tree but this year we took a picture of the boys sitting in front of the tree with their farm equipment since Papa was still in the field until December (see picture at the top).

This is such a cute picture of them as well. So excited to have gotten to decorate the tree and help put up the three building village I have. Now we just have to learn that we can't take the ornaments off to put them back on somewhere else.

I did get real evergreen branches so I could decorate my railing with them and it smells just as good. I will have to get a entire picture of the tree along with the garland for all to see.

No More Waiting

This picture says it all. It is Griffin waiting for Papa 4 wheeler. If you look closely you will see that combine in the background. Well there will be no more waiting, Papa 4 wheeler is officially done harvesting for the year as of December 1, 2009. This year has been the longest harvest both Papa 4 wheeler and Papa Old Tractor can remember. I think they are all relieved it is done. Now it can SNOW at anytime now. I can't wait!!!

Papa Steeler & Mama Dolphin's Thanksgiving

On Saturday we headed over to Papa Steeler & Mama Dolphin's house for Thanksgiving. It was a little different this year being that it wasn't actually on Thanksgiving and it was really warm out but it was still a great time. We had another awesome meal. If you can't tell besides baking and cooking, I also love eating. After dinner the big boys tossed around a football. I would have loved to play but besides them playing keep away from me, the little boys wanted to play outside so we headed over to the playground. It was gorgeous so we wanted to take full advance of it all.

Griffin going down the slide.

Gavin's 2nd cousin Reece-they are buds. Gavin followed her everywhere.

Griffin loved this bridge. He kept going up the stairs, across the bridge, and then down the slide. He was a little ify on the bridge since all it had were chains for the sides. He won't stop on the bridge to take a picture.

I tried to stop both of the boys long enough for a picture but it was rather difficult. I was having such a great hair day too. LOL Although I don't think this picture turned out too bad. The sun was going down so it was in our eyes.

When it started to get dark, we all headed in for dessert. Gavin and Griffin love to play with these belts. I think they were used to help Mama up out of the wheelchair or chair from a while ago. She doesn't need to use them now but they have become great toys for the boys. And THEN.... Gavin and Griffin are fascinated by Uncle Matt Matt's and Papa Steeler's tattoos. They wanted real ones this particular day just like them so while I was distracted Matt Matt and Papa made them "real" tattoos with permanent marker. Okay, I did know it was going on after a while but I was shocked at first. You should have hard me squeal.

Here are their proud tatoos. Both have Mom on them. Super cute!!!! Both boys thought they were really real and didn't want anyone to take them off. Surprisingly, wet ones take them off rather easily. They crack me up!!!

Thanks Teresa for all the pictures.

Mom's Thanksgiving Helpers

On Thanksgiving Day, I had two awesome helpers in the kitchen. I had to get up early to get the dressing and turkey in the oven so it would be ready in time. My little helpers were already up so they decided they wanted to help. We melted butter and sauted celery and onion together. Actually they did it all and did it very well.

Gavin doing his part.

Griffin loving doing his part. He actually didn't like to take turns. This has become a small problem at times. After we put the turkey in the oven and the homemade dressing in the crockpot (the way to go). We all sat down to watch the Macy's Day parade. The boys really got into this year. I kept telling them that Santa would come at the end and they could wave at him. While I was growing up, every year we watched the parade and I enjoyed it throughout the years. It just doesn't seem like Thanksgiving unless you watch the Thanksgiving parade. I love to cook and bake so I was thrilled to be making Thanksgiving dinner. We had Papa Hurt Leg, Mama Sharon, Dylan, and Papa 4 wheeler over for dinner. Mama Kathy was sick, we missed her.

Papa 4 wheeler usually always cuts the turkey, another tradition I love. As you can tell from the picture the boys enjoyed learning and watching. We had a really great dinner, so I thought. After dinner, the boys had a ball showing Mama Sharon and Dylan their new box to play in and out of. They had so much fun playing with them. At the end of the day, most all of us ate too much as many people did but we were glad that we could enjoy it with part of our family.

We typically go to Papa Steeler and Mama Dolphin's house on Thanksgiving but this year it was moved to Saturday. We couldn't go without seeing them on Thanksgiving so we took left overs to them before heading to El Paso for the Haas's (Mama Kathy's side). There are so many people there (at the Haas side)but it is so much fun and lots of laughs. I love to see my cousins and my cousin's kids.

It was a long, great day!. Oh how I love Thanksgiving and my little helpers!!

Happy Thanksgiving to You All

Today is my very favorite day of the entire year!!! We have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for my kids who have brought so much to my life. I am thankful for my husband who provides, loves, and does so much for us. Thankful for BOTH of Kerry and my's family for being so supportive and always there for us. We could call any of them at anytime and know they will be there for us. I am thankful for both Kerry and my's job. Our house that has become our home full of memories. My true friends who are always there for my laughs, frustrations, worries, and joys. And most of all, I thankful to God for all that He provides...

I pray for everyone to have a great Thanksgiving and someone to share it with!!! Oh yeah, I am thankful for all my bloggers who check this site for updates!!

Love you all!!

One More Day!

Just one more day until my FAVORITE day of the year!! THANKSGIVING!!! Tonight we worked on a little Thanksgiving craft. But first things first, on Tuesday, the boys and I went in the rain and picked out some leaves so we could lay them out to dry for our turkey. So tonight we looked up what a turkey looked like on the Internet and then we learned a little bit about turkeys by reading about them. Okay, I read and the boys listened. Gavin was very interested in the male turkeys because their feathers are so beautiful. We then decided that we needed to fan out the leaves in order to make the "feathers" of the turkey. It was so cute because Gavin glued all of the leaves on the piece of paper, he kept calling the glue grease for some reason. I have discovered he loves to glue things. We then put a empty roll of toilet paper on as the body of the turkey. I drew eyes, beak, and googler. Here is what we made:
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE IT!!!

Deer

At dusk on Friday, Mama Kathy was coming home from Bloomington and got into an accident. She hit two out of six deer that she saw. She has a little BMW bug so her car is pretty little which makes it even scarier. One deer hit the windshield shattering it while the other hit the front passenger side. They were both does so they weren't very big, thankfully. She was a little shook up but is doing just fine. The cop that came said that she won the prize for getting two deer, jokingly. He had been on 4 deer/vehicle accidents that day. I guess they are thick this year, aren't they always? We are very thankfully she is alright!!!

Box Toy

We got a new dishwasher on Wednesday (our old one didn't work at all)so the boys got a toy. I thought it would make a great playhouse for them so I cut out a window and a door. They colored it to make it their own. We decided it needed a wreath and a door knob and that was that. It has become their favorite toy although it does scratch them at times.

Coloring both inside and out....

Griffin through the window...

Making it just right, so there needed to be more coloring. You can see the door.

By the way, we are thrilled to have a dishwasher back. I thought we might be able to live without one but I was wrong. I think we lasted 2 months.

Tub Time

Funny Bath time picture.

Mohawk!!

Happy Birthday Mama Dolphin

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY MAMA DOLPHIN!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Where did you get me?

Last night we all were heading over to Papa Steeler and Mama Dolphin's house to see Mama. Mama fell the other morning and has a hair line fracture on her hip. Poor Mama. Kerry and I used to live in a farm house out by Anchor so as we passed our old home Kerry said to Gavin, "Mom and I used to live there." Gavin was a little confused so I thought I would add in my own information. I told Gavin that we lived there before we had kids. Gavin says, "Where did you get me? WAL-MART?" "Did I come in a box?" Kerry and I started to die laughing. May not sound funny but it was hilarious.

Update on us...

Griffin is doing better. He still has a cough and runny nose but I think that is to be expected. I would rather him have that then have the junk in his chest, at least he is working it out of his system. Gavin so far is doing well. I think he ran a temperature that night due to having the vaccination, I could be wrong but that is what I am contributing it to right now. I am still taking my medicine. At times I feel a little yucky but over all I am doing alright. I keep praying for good health for all of us. With the holidays coming soon, I would hate for any of us to get sick. I would say it is better to get it done and through our system before we are around family during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This past weekend, the boys got to go on a long awaited combine ride. I think that Gavin rode for 2+ hours and Griffin rode for an hour or so. I hauled in with the truck and wagons so they both each got to ride with me as well. I think they really enjoyed it all. Papa Old Tractor even gave rides in the tractor which was a whole lot of fun. There was no question unanswered and you can so tell they both want to be farmers. Now they can't wait to go out again. They have asked every morning, noon, and night since they rode. It made for a great naps for both of them unfortunately not at the same time; Mommy need a nap too. LOL!!

Illness

Griffin has been spiking a high fever since the early morning hours of Monday. He seemed alright so I went ahead and went to work on Monday. By the afternoon, he needed meds and was a little fussy. By early Tuesday morning he had spiked another high fever, this time it was 103.7. He had a cough, runny nose, and naughty eyes. I decided that I should stay home from work. Throughout the day, his temperature would go up and after Motrin or Tylenol it would go back down. He still had the cough, water eyes, and fussiness. After his nap, his temperature decided to head to 104.1 so we sat and rocked and he was more than willing to take his Motrin. His temp. was back up and down throughout the night but this morning he just looked horrible so I gave the Dr. a call. When the Dr. first walked into the room, he thought for sure that he had H1N1. I was a little panicky at first because it is just so scary. I told him my concern with Gavin being sick a lot and getting everything, along with him being a preemie that also had RSV when he was an infant. I was also so worried about Griffin as well, he just looked miserable and I'm sure he was. I felt helpless. So when I told him my concerns he thought we should test him for H1N1 so we knew what to do regarding our treatment for us all from what Griffin had. The test involved taking a swab up his nose a long long way, which is horrible to watch and horrible to hear him get so upset over it. Gavin turned around and didn't watch because he gets upset when Griffin is upset, so caring. But it needed to be done and it was a 10 minute test although it seemed like a long time. I cried, I couldn't help it, I did while Gavin tried to sooth me. He is going to make one great husband. Anyways, the Dr. came back in saying he had good news and bad news. Good news it was Influenza B (still not good news) Bad news they could still get H1N1. Dr. said that this was his first time seeing the Influenza B this year as well as he had never seen it this early in the year in his 14 years experience. Ugh! They were both vaccinated for Influenza but Griffin's wasn't as effective. We talked about my continual worries for my kids. The dr.'s thought was to give us all the vaccination for H1N1 and give me the flu shot. Plus he wanted to treat me for what Griffin had since he was sure that I would get it being I have been taking care of him, there was no question in his mind I could avoid it. I was pretty emotional with everything especially about the H1N1 since they don't know much about it and the after effects but it seemed like the Dr. was making a strong recommendation for it for all of us. So after a few more worries, holding back tears, and expressive thoughts, we all got the H1N1. I am praying for us all to get better soon (being when I put Gavin down tonight he had a temp and showing symptoms of what Griffin has)and that I made the right decision for our family.

Trick or Treat

We started off our trick or treating a little unorganized. Kerry thought it would be a good idea to have Gavin be bones this year since he is so skinny although we never tried the outfit on him. I know, crazy us. This was Gavin's first outfit along with Griffin being SUPERMAN!! Gavin didn't like his outfit and wanted to be SUPERMAN plus it didn't fit at all. As you can see in the first picture. He had a constant wedgy plus the legs were way too short.

So off to Wal-Mart we went right when we were suppose to be heading out. Oh well, he loved the mask of his first outfit so when we got to Wal-Mart there wasn't much of a selection for his size as you can imagine. Kerry did find another outfit with a mask, luckly. So the rest of the night Gavin was IRONMAN.

We made it to most all of our stops for the most part. The boys loved going getting the candy as much kids do. Griffin would say, "Look at me, I'm Superman" rather than "Trick or Treat!" It was so cute. Gavin just enjoyed talking with everyone. I think he would have rather just go to everyone's house, get a little candy, and sit down for a chat. Very fun, exhausting night!!!

Birthday/Anniversary Day

Happy 110th Birthday Papa Steeler!!

Happy 32nd Anniversary, Papa 4 wheeler & Mama Kathy

WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!

Smarty Pants

Yes I would say both of my boys are now true smarty pants. In one day, I got two comments in less than two hours. I do blame this on their father.
#1
Me: Brrrr! It is cold outside.
Gavin: Then you shouldn't wear short sleeves...
#2
I was trying to get them to lay down for a nap and it wasn't working out.

Me: I don't want to hear another peep out of either of you.
Griffin (mind you he is the 2 year old): PEEP.
Me: Grrr!!!

I have my hands full now....

It's Fall Time

Today was an awesome fall day. The boys played outside for a while after their nap. Our neighbors had a fish fry so the boys got to play with their family as well which they loved. Gavin really enjoyed dumping the leaves all over after they were all raked up. Griffin never would jump in them although you could tell that he wanted to but he didn't. On the other hand, Gavin loved to jump in, bury himself, and then pop out.

Running through the leaves was more of Griffin's thing. He is going for the attack below. Can you see Gavin? He is kinda swimming in the leaves as well.

Griffin also enjoy throwing the leaves at your face.

After playing in the leaves, we carved pumpkins. This is how the pumpkins started. Last year both the boys really didn't like to dig out the guts so I thought this year it would be different being they are a year older. Nope not the case, they didn't want to touch the guts unless it was with a spoon. So Papa 4 wheeler, Mama, Daddy, and Mommy did it but the boy did help a little bit.

Gavin taking his turn at digging with the spoons.

Griffin, the supervisor...

Both boys picked out their own pattern and then we did their pattern on their pumpkins. I got the patterns for the Better Homes and Garden website. They were awesome but a little hard to cut out.

I think they turned out really great but this picture really doesn't show it at all.