Xzander Walking, May 11, 2011

Xzander started walking around 13 months.  He is 14 months here.

I know I have done a lot of post of Xzander.  I will do an end of the school year update as soon as I can find my camera (please pray that I can find it).  If I am not able to find it, I will post the update without pictures.  I am hoping Geric grabbed it and hid it somewhere in the apartment and that I did not loose it at the school on Wednesday.

Xzander's First Birthday

Xzander's Birthday is March 5th, but we celebrated his birthday on March sixth.  Oh what can I say about this little guy? (Literally, little guy).  He is now 14 1/2 months old and I can still put on some six to nine month clothing on him, although I would buy 12 to 18 month clothing if I were to buy any.  He is so sweet and cuddly.  He has an exceptionally sweet spirit.  He is always so happy and quick to smile and his smile out shines the sun.  I am embracing him and sort of happy he is staying little so long.  I love this little guy oh so much.  Starting with pictures, here we go:

I could not decide what video to put here out of the three.  They each show the process of him eating his cake and they are all so cute.  I hope they will all upload.

This first one, he is testing the frosting and loving it:

This next one, he about gets the frosting off of part of the cake he has been working on.  I wish I would have left the shoulder straps off to see what would have happened.  He kept trying to lean forward and eat the cake without using his hands.  I think it would have been hilarious to watch him stick his whole face in his cake.  Watch for Geric swiping his finger and getting some frosting off of Xzander's cake:

.  This one he finally, really digs in:

I think I will use YouTube to upload videos on our blog.  It is so much easier and the quality is so much better.

The cake aftermath:

Presents:

I will post monthly pictures from birth until present soon.  I hope you all enjoy this post.  I enjoyed doing it.

Xzander, February 11, 2011

Just thought I'd post this short little video clip of Xzander in the tub.  You can hear Geric in the background.

Snow Day in Texas, February 4, 2011

The kids sure had fun playing in the snow.  Definitely not like Utah snow, but sure did bring back memories.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching them having a great time.  They cancelled school due to a snow day.  Most Texans are not experienced enough to drive in these kind of conditions.  I think they also close businesses as well.

Of course they had to eat it.

"I'M DONE!!! TIME TO GO IN!!"

About time: Sorry no pics

I know it has been a while since I have blogged.  Basically, since the passing of my mother.  I have wanted to do a post in her behalf but as I have looked for pics with her and our family, I regret to say there aren't that many on my computer.  I may have hard copies, I'm not sure. So, that has been quite overwhelming and I just hope to do it soon.

On the up side of things:
The kids are doing great.  They are growing up (way too fast), they are smart, and fun to be around (most of the time)  I really do enjoy my children.

Devan made straight A's again this passed report card period.  I went to the award assembly for the third grade and came to realize in comparison to the size of the third grade as a whole, there were not many students who accomplished getting straight A's.  I came to realize more so, that Devan is an exceptional student.  He works hard both in and out of class without me having to nag at him at all.  I do not have to remind him to do his homework, he just gets it done.  I am available to him if he does has questions, but rarely needs help with anything.  I am super proud of him.  He is also a huge help at home.  He does a lot for me with the two little ones and random other things.  He is an extremely responsible boy for his age.

My David is my sweet, compassionate, sensitive child, as well as a peace maker.  He does his best in school and thrives in Math.  His teacher referred him for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program in Math because he sees things that his peers don't normally see.  This is his strong point and he also loves Math. Devan and I have actually talked about whether or not we should let him be in this program if he gets in.  Basically what they do is he will go to a different class for Math and be doing Math that is advanced at least one grade level above or more.  We have decided to go ahead and do this.  We are hoping it builds his self confidence when it comes to school.  I am grateful for the teacher he has had this year.  I could not have asked for a better teacher for him.  She is awesome.

Ruby is Ruby.  As I was talking with the TAG teacher, for she too has been referred to TAG, she said when she tested Ruby, it was like she was a little adult.  Most people that know Ruby love and adore her.  She has a sweet personality, an extremely compassionate heart for others, even those that have obstacles and struggle.  She loves to help at home, especially with Xzander.  She does extremely well in school.  I swear she has a photographic memory.  She is reading above grade level and extremely fluently.  I have been so impressed with her reading skills.  She is very intuitive.  She loves mommy and daddy time especially when it involves cuddles.  She is our cuddle bug (I need to take advantage of it more before she out grows it, maybe she won't though).  Of course, she is annoyed by her little brother, who, for some reason, loves to go into Ruby's room and make a mess.  I don't know why he targets her, but he does.

Geric is definitely in his terrible two's, I cannot imagine what three and part of four will be like because that has been when my kids have hit their "terrible two's".  He is into everything from dumping cereal out to I just cannot remember everything he does.  He also does like to help with whatever I am doing and I am trying to let him if he wants to in hopes I can teach him to help clean with a good attitude.  Wishful thinking?  Maybe. Probably.  He is a fun boy, extremely animated and definitely has his own opinions.  Ever since we had his adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears, his talking has increased.  He is saying a lot more words now.  He likes movies, especially at nap time and bedtime.  He likes dogs, and will often crawl and act, bark, and beg like a little puppy dog.  He will even lick you.  (He has learned this from David.)  Surprised.  He sure does love his baby brother and loves to help me out with him.  He'll get diapers for me, wipes, and anything he can.  If I have asked one of the other kids to get something, he'll jump up and run to get it, if they get it first he gets mad.  So all I have to do his hand him whatever it is to hand back to me.  He melts his daddy's heart.  I have to be the main disciplinarian with him because as his Daddy says, he his daddy's boy.  (Devan does step in every now and then to discipline).  Geric gets away with more things than the other kids have ever gotten away with.  Did I mentioned he is spoiled?

Xzander, what can I say about my baby boy?  He is sweet and funny and melts my heart.  I have started to tell him No on things.  He gets this really cute pout going about to cry, not sure whether or not to cry or smile.  Then he is so darn cute that I smile and then he smiles.  Now he knows that when I say know, all he has to do is look at me with those handsome blue eyes and smile.  He is just so sweet.  He has a calm, sweet disposition.  He is crawling all over the place, pulling himself up, walking along furniture, and starting to stand on his own.  He has been my littlest baby.  As of Monday, he was 17 lbs 7 oz.  He has his one year in about a month.  I cannot believe he will be one next month.  How time sure flies.

As for me, things have gotten a little busier as I am attempting to go back to school for a teaching degree.  This is my first semester back in 10 1/2 years.  In a couple of weeks, things will get even a bit more busy as Devan will start the police academy on the 14th in the evenings from six to 10.  So, basically we will not see him Monday thru Thursday and sometimes on Saturdays for the next nine months, a small sacrifice for better job opportunities.

Well, I know this is a boring post, especially there not being any pictures, but I just wanted to let everyone know we haven't fallen off the face of the Earth (not yet, anyway).

Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Lori's Surprise Visit

On Friday morning, November 12, Lori and I were talking on the phone.  Later that afternoon she called and to my surprise asked if she and Jeff could come out for a visit and bring their Christmas they had for the kids.  Of course I said yes!!! We kept it a surprise from the kids, as best as we could.  We ended up telling them someone was coming but did not tell them who. They left Saturday morning and arrived Sunday evening.  The kids were so excited.
Xzander's first meeting with Grandpa Jeff

Grandma Lori and Geric

Geric sure did love Grandpa Jeff.  I loved how he kept wanting Grandpa Jeff.

Grandma Lori doing something?

This is a regular occurrence of me, Geric and Xzander

I guess you are never to big to sit on Grandpa's lap

Buddies,

Now, I know it is a little early to be decorating for Christmas seeing how we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but I thought it would be more fun and enjoyable for all participants and at least it was for me and the kids.  Thank you Grandma Lori and Grandpa Jeff for helping us decorate.  We love you!!!

I had to add this next picture just for kicks and giggles

Gotta love Geric.  Have to have at least one grumpy one in the bunch.  Xzander looking at him, like, "What's wrong with you?"
Next presents, Sorry Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Lori, hope I don't ruin any surprises.  Love you!

Hanging out watching a Chrsitmas movie.

The next day, outside playing, waiting for Daddy to get home f

 Off to dinner we go.  The kids and Devan really enjoy Golden Coral, so that is where we went.  Thank you Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Lori!!

Ruby showing off her long tongue?

Hanging out one last time before they get a good night's rest before their long trip home.

We were sad to see them go, but it was a very pleasant, enjoyable visit!!! And definitely looking forward to more.  :o)

Miscellaneous

October19, 2010
The reason for this little video was I was trying to capture Xzander putting his face to the mirror.  He didn't understand the concept of mirrors yet and was trying to reach through and get to something.  It was really cute, but alas I didn't get to capture that on camera.  He sure does like this toy, though.

November 7, 2010 XZANDER JUST TWO DAYS PAST EIGHT MONTHS
Started pulling himself up to furniture at eight months old.  He is growing way to fast for my liking.  I sure do love this little guy.  He is extremely sweet natured and just brightens the room with his presence.

Xzander on the Move: Watch Out!!!

Geric's Birthday: Turning Two: October 16, 2010

Our Geric turned two October 16, 2010.  He is energetic, busy, funny, happy kid.  He has been through a lot in his short little life from getting bitten on the face by a dog, to getting hit by a car and his foot ran over.  We are extremely blessed to still have this little man in our lives and that he made it to his second birthday.  He brings so much to life and is full of life and very adventurous. He is also extremely animated.  He has all of us wrapped around his little finger and has probably been the most spoiled of the bunch.  Geric, we love you so much and are thrilled to have you in our lives.  Heavenly Father sure has blessed us with you and you have a lot of Guardian Angels around you!  I hope your adventures take you far in life.

I tried to do better with Geric's birthday and I had a little more success.  I think I am getting the hang of it (as long as my hubby does not alter plans after they are already made; love you honey).  Friday night we went to one of his co-workers home.  He bakes cakes.  We bought the stuff to make Geric a Buzz Lightyear Cake.  Devan, my talented husband, with minimal assistance decorated the cake.  Our friend could not find the Buzz Lightyear colors, and for a beginner it is such tedious work that where white should be, Devan just used gray.  So, I know the colors aren't exact but I think he did a pretty darn good job considering it was also late.  I didn't think to bring my camera, so I didn't get any pics of him working on it. By the way, he was looking at a picture he had to reverse like looking in the mirror if that makes sense so it was also a mental challenge. But here is the end result.

After a day of cleaning, we ventured off to the store in attempts to let Geric pick out his birthday present (what insane person would let a two year old pick out his/her birthday present?  Me, I guess).  Anyway, here are some video clips of this attempt: I wish I would have gotten his first initial reaction when he saw this robot type Buzz Lightyear, but here is a small part of his first reaction. It was like $140.00, definitely out of our price range.  I should have taken a picture of it.

This next video clip is of him playing with one of the toys:

He also rode a tricycle that he did not want to give up.  He could actually reach the pedals and easy to peddle that I don't think it would have taken him long to figure it out, but alas we already have a good trike and a bike that he can learn to peddle on which may be a little harder but we didn't need another one to add to the ones we already have.  I wish we would have gotten him a three wheel scooter.  We tries to take scooters off of people's porches (of course we know the people and he has already ridden them.

Dinner time:  So, this is where I slacked a bit, okay, a lot.  I had wanted to make a nice dinner, but by the time we were done at the store, it was getting to be a little late.  So we opted for Burger King (sadly, no JCW's here), add some grapes with those burgers, oh yeah and can't forget the root beer and that is what we had for dinner.  The kids didn't complain.

I have no idea what Geric is doing, but every time I went to take his picture this is what he kept doing, who knows.

Ah, much better! Now you can see the birthday boy's face.

Next, presents.  Little Devan was really cute.  He found a box, found Christmas wrapping paper, put is presents in the box and wrapped it up.  They were cars he had that he gave to Geric.  He did this all on his own.

We ended up getting him a police truck that makes sounds and lights, light up.

My parents got him shoes and socks, which he really needed, great Grandpa and Grandma Bennett sent a card a five dollars, and if I remember right Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Lori got him a Handy Manny Toy that talks when Grandma Lori came for her visit during the summer.

At last, cake and ice cream.  Seeing how the cake was done the night before, the kids were really patient and wanting the cake really bad.

The first time we lit the candles up, Ruby couldn't resist and had to blow them out for Geric.  This is the second try and we had success.

I want some!

I don't know how many shots I took of Devan trying to get a good shot of him.  Between him and David, it was a challenge.  Overall, things turned out pretty good. Just need to learn to do some things a little more in advance.  All the kids enjoyed the cake and ice cream.