Andrew according to ParentCenter.com

Merry Christmas from the Dykstra's

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"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

Only a few hours left of Christmas day and I always get just a little sad about this time. We have to wait a WHOLE YEAR before Christmas again.

We had a great Christmas weekend. Friday night, we had a nice spur of the moment Christmas dinner with some friend's at their house. The kids played hard, we had a nice dinner and visit, played some cards, etc...

Saturday, we did a little cleaning around the house, and then my parents arrived. And from there on out, we didn't do too much. A lot of just lounging around, playing with boys, eating, etc...

Grandma taught Andrew how to play Domino's (although he kept calling it Diamonds). It was a great way to work on his numbers and colors as well as a chance to BEAT GRANDMA!

We all went to church on Sunday and on Christmas Eve, we had some friends over along with my parents for Christmas Eve dinner. We ate roast beast and put the kids down before attempting to play Cranium. Of course, before Andrew went to bed, we put out milk and cookies for Santa. We also got to open an early gift. We all got new PJ's and pretty much stayed in them all Christmas day.

AJ in his new PJ's and daddy's boats, I mean boots.

Christmas morning (bright and early), Andrew came into our room almost bursting to tell me that the COOKIES WERE GONE!! I don't even think he noticed the gifts under the tree... but the cookies were GONE!! So we all slowly made our way to the tree, after some coffee, to read the Christmas Story from "The Book for Children" Bible (I highly recommend this children's Bible. It's complete and accurate, yet appropriate for little ones. Andrew LOVES it! And the stories refer to each other and explain themselves).

Then we started opening gifts. Gifts were a little tricky in that the boys wanted to open and play with each gift as it was unwrapped,and seeing as each toy is more secure than Fort Knox, this was going to be too much. So we then enlisted a rule where we would unwrap the gifts, then set them aside until we were done unwrapping all the gifts, then we would start opening the toys. Andrew was 'ok' with this. AJ did not get it... at all... and we had the bend the rule occasionally. But it was still a great time!

AJ really "got it" this year. He was opening presents with the best of us.

I don't think Andrew 'stopped' the entire day. And with no nap, that kid should sleep well tonight!

We received a personalized cornhole game from my parents... complete with Viking corn bags. The boys love it!

The boys received lots of toys and all of them save one that I can think of off the top of my head is a plane, train, or automobile. Truly boy toys. I got spoiled with another Beaner's, I mean Biggby's, gift card & a spa gift card from my hubby. My parents got me these adorable train cookie cutters that I will probably be using tomorrow.

Rabbit Trail: You see, I made all these Christmas cookies about a week ago, but kept giving them away. Marc was, um... getting 'concerned' that there would be none left for Christmas. I assured him that there would be plenty, I made gobs, and told him not to worry. But, yet, I kept giving them away and sure enough, come Christmas... the cookies were gone. My mom even brought a few up and we had to ration them so there would be enough to leave for Santa. So, I just finished making sugar cookie dough and it's in the fridge ready to be rolled and cut into little engines and cabooses tomorrow.

We ate leftovers for lunch and had a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake for dessert.

Andrew got to pick out the flavor for Jesus' cake. At first he had a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. Then... he saw the white cake with SPRINKLES! That trumped the chocolate cake.

The rest of the day was more lounging around, eating, napping, playing, etc... This evening was an easy dinner of pancakes.

Andrew eating pancake on his new Lightning McQueen plate and new Lightning McQueen placemat. It makes everything taste better. (Think it will work on broccoli?)

And like I said, I never got out of my PJ's today. That's a good Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

I will probably post again before Christmas, but I know some of my family checks in from work and I'm not sure if they will be working on Christmas Eve or not, so I wanted to get this in now.

We have been working on this for a few weeks now and finally recorded him tonight.

Enjoy Luke 2, recited by Andrew.



And to all, a good night.

Mission Accomplished, Jill.

See how AJ even hugs and kisses them?

I totally missed it this year.

I missed my Blogiversary back in November. I've been at it now for three years. And you've stuck with me. Thanks!

Candy canes need to be taken seriously.

Tonight we had to hit the store to return something and while there I bought some candy canes for our tree because I had been forgetting to buy them for the last three weeks. The idea of me letting Andrew hang candy canes on the tree made him so excited. I offered to drive around a few neighborhoods on the way home and let him look at Christmas lights, but he didn't want to. He wanted to come straight home because, "he had some work to do". So as soon as we got home, he "went to work". I accidentally broke one opening the package, so we just tested that one to make sure it was fit to eat (which then lead to bath time).



Note the six candy canes that all seemed the find the same couple of branches right in front. So, now I am off to snag one of those candy canes to stir my hot cocoa with. Life is good.

We did what?!

What do you do when it's the middle of December and the temperature is only in the 30's?

Go to the zoo, of course!

I had Noah today and wasn't sure if it was going to work out since today wasn't nearly as nice as yesterday. However, I have Noah again tomorrow and tomorrow looks worse than today, so I thought, if I am going to do, let's just do it.

So, I packed up a lunch, the three bundled kids in the 'jeep' and we headed out. And I have to say it was really great. Cold, yes. But....

• Our zoo is not a really great zoo. On a nice hot summer day when all the exhibits are out, you could easily 'do the zoo' in three hours. But in the middle of winter, there is really only about half of the things to see. However, that half seemed to be much more active (except the hibernating bears) than during the hot summer days.
  
• We literally had the place to ourselves. We only saw two other classes the whole time. Most of the time, us four were the only people we could see, so the boys could run around (ie: go nuts!) and keep warm vs. merely riding in the stroller.
  
• There were enough inside, "warm" exhibits such as the aquarium, the rain forest, monkey house, etc... that we were only in the cold for about 15-20 minutes at a time. We even found a little niche inside one of those warm places to eat some lunch.
  
• Best of all - it was free. No admission is charged in December & January. So it's no big deal that we only stayed for two hours.

Of course, I had to feed them suckers on the way home to keep them awake for their late naps. Which was just icing the on the cake for them. I have to admit, when I left this morning, I was seriously questioning my sanity in attempting to take three young boys to the zoo in the cold weather.... but now... we just may head back next month.

Um.. thanks!

Today was a little crazy. I had all these errands I wanted to run, plus a few places I wanted to stop for the kids and a million (I know I'm exaggerating, but it doesn't feel like it) things to do at home. I know trying to get it all done by lunch time would be pushing it, so I decided not to fight it and packed up a lunch before heading out this morning.

First we hit the library. They are having special December play days on Tuesdays for the kids. They got to play dress up and color, etc... I also returned a book and picked up a few kids movies (with no TV, I need something short and sweet so I can make dinner). We then headed to Joann Fabrics to pick-up a quick gift. It was one of those trips when I knew exactly what I wanted and it took longer to get the kids in and out of the car than it took in the store.

We then hit the mall. I want to stop at a particular store for a bit more Christmas shopping and thankfully found something almost immediately (when does that EVER happen when you don't know what you are looking for?). We hit the food court for our cold leftover pizza, bananas, oranges, and yogurt; took a potty/diaper break (I add that in because with two boys, this process takes just as long as any of the other 'stops'); and hit the play area so the boys could run.
We finally left the mall around 1:45 to sunny skies and not so freezing temperatures! In fact, I was seriously considering ditching the rest of the our plans (grocery shopping & late naps) for the day and heading to the zoo. It's free in December, so even if we stayed for only an hour, the fresh air would be nice. But, alas, Marc called and needed something he left at home scanned and e-mailed to him at work asap. So, no zoo or grocery shopping, but the kids are getting a decent nap. Maybe if tomorrow is nice, we'll think about the zoo again. Although, I have Noah. Do you think I can handle 3 monkeys?

So, all this to say, by the time we got home and I got Marc's project done and the kids in bed, I was spent and yet facing a mountain of things to do. Then the mailman comes to my door with this big box from my dear, charming friend, Jill. And it's NOT to me, but to my boys. Well, I can't stand it and the boys were sleeping so I opened it. And laughed and laughed and laughed. Inside was a "Snow What Fun" gift from Hallmark that sings and dances with a note attached,

"Kelli, Thanks for sending one of these when my kids were little. It was much fun for them. Pay Backs! :) Love, Jill"

I had totally forgotten about that, but now I do remember her talking about her kids pushing it over and over and over and over until she was SO SICK of hearing it. Jill, I love you and thanks for making my day! And don't worry, it is still in the box for the kids to open on Christmas.

My mini skirt days are gone...

I am thirty. Does that mean it's time to start shopping the anti-aging aisle? It was a good birthday week. We had our young adult Christmas potluck on Wednesday. One of a meals was the amazing stir-fry and there was rice made with a rice maker. Marc was all over that and the joke of the night was that he was going to get me a rice maker for my birthday. (Forshadowing).

Thursday, as you know, I had a little surprise party which was a lot of fun. Friday was a crazy day. We hit the gym in the morning so the boys could play and run a bit. Then we hit the grocery store after that (I was really pushing lunch and naptime by now). By the times the boys got up from naps, it was time for our sitter to come over and we headed to a Christmas dinner with our original Bible Study small group from our old church. I really had a lot of fun.

Then Saturday was my actual birthday. We got up and I got to open a few gifts. And what was the first gift I opened?! Yep - a rice maker. My hubby, the jokster. He also got me a pair jeans and a black sweater that he bought on sale and both fit me perfectly. Dream man or what?! And I got a Bigby (Beaner's) gift card. I LOVE that place! We pretty much just hung out most the day. Marc canceled our cable (that's right, guys, no basketball, football, ESPN, local channels, nothing), so Marc and Andrew built a fort in the afternoon, while AJ napped (check out how we found AJ napping.)

That evening, our sitter came over once again (3rd time this week) and watched the boys and the Dresslers and us went out to dinner and coffee (I did have that gift card), before coming home to put the boys down and play some cards while eating birthday cake. Not a bad day if you ask me.

Today, despite the snow, we made it to church, took long afternoon naps, and had a nice leftover roast dinner. Marc is currently over at a buddy's house (just 'cause WE don't have TV doesn't mean he can't watch it somewhere else.) I made some Spritz cookies (without swearing) and some peanut butter fudge. I may not be in the full Christmas spirit, but the baking bug got me hard.

I'm off to clean up my mess in the kitchen (and sample the fudge) before heading to bed.

Added - I just went back and proofed my post and have to add that I am so blessed! It's been a great thirty years!

It's DeLovely...

Have you seen that Kohl's commercial? "It's Delightful, It's Delicious, It's DeLovely"? It's a catchy little tune that I get caught in my head.

So, what is DeLovely? How God showed up in a BIG way with Marc's job today. Praise Him!

My day today...

I was planning on running errands today, Noah ended up coming over, which is fine. His poor pregnant mama was contracting at a mere 26 weeks. So we stayed home, played, danced to the veggie dance song from Sesame Street a dozen or so times, and I made Christmas cookies. And with three little ones under foot, it took me all day to make them. Andrew helped me decorate them.Man, cutout cookies are time consuming. At one point, Andrew was with me and the little boys were just a little too quiet for comfort. So I tracked them down, only to find them up in the boy's room quietly sitting reading books.

Then, Marc came down stairs after coming home from work and announced that tonight is "Family Fun Night", but he wouldn't tell us what. So we got the boys ready and left as soon as Noah was picked up. He ended up telling me we were just heading to the mall to let the boys play, but first he needed to stop by the Sischo's to drop off something. (I started to get a little suspicious here). And sure enough... the Sischo's and Marc had planned a little impromptu surprise party for me. I turn the big 30 on Saturday.

They even ordered me a special pepperoni and pineapple pizza - my favorite!

Boys' Favorite: Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Baked oatmeal is one my boys' favorite foods. And well, since it's so healthy - I try to keep it around. It's great all by itself. Or with a little milk over it. Sometimes we put a little peanut butter or syrup or both over it. And sometimes, we make it a 'special treat' and top it with vanilla ice cream and some chocolate syrup. It goes fast in this house.



So tonight, the boys are in bed, Marc is playing some pickup ball and I am having some nice quiet time. However, I thought I would make some baked oatmeal, since it's been like two weeks since we've had any and I keep getting requests. It's one of those recipes that I could probably make in my sleep, the kind that just kinda become part of the family, if you know what I mean. Or you just think I am crazy right now. Anyway, this blog is about preserving memories and well, this recipe is one I want to remember. So I am posting for me and for you, if you are interested.

Baked Oatmeal.

• 6 C. oatmeal - I use quick,not instant. I will also substitute in about .5 cup wheat germ.
• 1.5 C. brown sugar
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1 t. salt
• .5 C. unsweetened applesauce
• 4 eggs
• 2 C. milk
• raisins and cinnamon (opt.) - I do a few dashes of cinnamon, no raisins.

1. Preheat oven to 350, grease 9x13 pan (I usually foil line mine first and spray that)
2. Mix dry ingredients
3. Mix wet ingredients
4. Mix all together and pour in pan.
5. Bake for 30 minutes.

This can keep in the fridge for a week. However, I usually let cool, then lift the oatmeal out of pan. Cut into 24 squares, flash freeze individually on cookie sheet, then throw in a freezer Ziploc. I can then just pull out how many I need and nuke for a few seconds.

Guess what we're having for breakfast tomorrow.

My Man.

I have an amazing hubby and I praise God for him.

BzzAgent

Ok, so I am now a BzzAgent. Which is a word of mouth company. I don't get paid, but I get to try products for free and tell people what I think. I do not sell the products at all. Anyway, I just started this and they sent me the Phillips Sonicare Sanitizer for free ($50). I am just supposed to try it out, tell people what I honestly think and report back. The better I report back and more campaigns (free stuff) I get to try.

Anyway, so I got this thing in the mail a few days ago and just got around the setting it up last night. And I guess my initial thoughts on it would be that if it really does what it says it does, then great. But, how do I know it's doing that it says it's doing? It is supposed to sanitize our toothbrush heads. And, at this point, I have no reason, I guess, to believe that it isn't doing just that. What do you think? I guess the sanitation level of my toothbrush was never a real concern of mine before. I guess there is all kinds of grodiness that can live there - next to the toilet and trash can... I just never bothered with bothering myself with it before. What's your take? Is a free standing product that takes up space (minimal space) on your bathroom counter worth it, if your toothbrush is sanitized.

Ok, I guess that is not to much of an opinion on the product, just thoughts, per se. I've only used it the one time - so maybe I'll form a stronger opinion of it later. By the way, if anyone is really interested in the Sanitizer, let me know in the comments. They did send me some pretty good coupons I can pass along.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

All of You is more than enough for
all of me For every thirst and
every need You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You're my supply
My breath of life
still more awesome than I know
You're my reward
Worth living for
still more awesome than I know

You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
and still more awesome than I know
You’re my coming King
You're my everything
and still more awesome than I know

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

------Chris Tomlin

It's beginning to look a lot like.... well, you know.

We are well into December and I have just not been in the Christmas spirit. I can't say that I've been in a scroogie mood either, just not feeling Christmas-y. We did have a naked tree up, but that was it, and that was all that was going to be. Marc and I just didn't feel like bothering with more.

But tonight, we decided to 'just do it'. Whether we feel like it or not. And though I still may not be singing Deck the Hall through the house, I am glad we did. Marc even put the village up. We have lights in our windows. Stockings are hung. And Andrew even decorated our tree with ornaments. Of course, after he went to bed, I needed to 'adjust' the ornaments a bit. I found quite a few twigs with 4 ornaments crammed on it. And everything was on the bottom two feet of the tree. But it kept him busy and out from under foot and, most importantly, stiffled the endless, never ending, non-stop questions every 6 seconds.

Not a whole lot else has been going on. I am still under the weather (we all kinda are) and feeling kinda crummy... so I'll just blame my mood on that. We've just been around the house, Bible Study on Tuesday, gym on Friday, watching Noah. We had some friends over last night for dinner and cards. Tomorrow, we are praying that we remain healthy through the night and we will make it to church. It seems like it's been a while.

Man, what a downer post this it turning out to be. Here is a picture of the three boys watching CARS.

Snow Play

Well, I am trying to think of something to write about since it's been a while, however, not much as been going on. In fact, we had Bible Study this morning and when I had to fetch the boys shoes from way in the back of the closet, it dawned on me, that we haven't even left the house in the about a week.

We've all been under the weather a bit, plus I watched Noah a couple days and it's always harder to go out with three kids, plus we were sharing a car, plus it's just been snowy/slippery out. Those combined meant, we just stayed home. We do have our Christmas tree up. It is a fairly naked Christmas tree with just lights and garland, but it is pretty anyway. In fact, we may just leave it that way this year... might just save some headaches with two, sometimes three, little boys running around.

The boys have been able to get outside a bit. You know how it goes... takes 20 minutes to dress them and 10 minutes to undress them and they stay outside for 15 minutes, total. But it was good 15 minutes. The fresh air was good for them and they were rewarded with some hot (lukewarm) chocolate.

Noah wouldn't leave his mittens on, but would get sad when his fingers got snowy.
Andrew could have stayed out all day if I let him.

Poor AJ was the boy from "Christmas Story", he was so bundled up, he could hardly move.

Oh! And big news!! Yesterday, for the first time, Andrew took a nap in his undies (his request) and stayed dry. He is totally potty trained except for when he is sleeping - so this is a big step. He is napping right now, so we'll see how it goes.

I totally feel like I am all over the board with these random thoughts. I should get back to work. I am finally tackling the job of going through all the boys clothes and weeding out what fits, what doesn't, what they don't wear, etc... Fun Fun.

We've dealt with this before... but never with this kid.

Last night, Marc invited the guys from our Young Adult Bible study over for the evening. Nothing special was planned, just pizza and hanging out. I was planning on heading to some friend's house with the boys to spend the night. That way, the boys could run and we would be out of the guy's hair so they could watch movies, play video games, etc...

However, I am still not feeling super. Not terrible, but not fabulous. I have a little more voice (although it sounds like a male smoker's voice), but now I have this cough. Again, not terrible. It's worse at night - so I just wanted to sleep at home. Anyway, long story short, we stayed home. And I am so thankful we did.

The evening went well. Marc and the guys seemed to have a nice time. We put the boys downstairs with the CARS movie until bedtime and they went down without a hitch. I went to bed later than evening as the guys were putting in a movie. Around 12:30 am, AJ woke up crying. This is not completely unusual, sometimes he needs a quick snuggle and he goes back down fine. I got up with him to find out that he was sick. Sick-sick. Burning up and covered in puke. I call Marc and into the shower he goes. (AJ did NOT like this at all).

And well, that scenario, occurred four more times throughout the night. A lot of clothes changes (for AJ and me), a lot of sheets and towel laundry in the middle of night. I kept thinking that I was SO thankful that I was not at someone else's house without Marc.

Eventually, AJ did go back to sleep for the night… in our bed with me (poor Marc got the couch). We were out of clean crib sheets and really didn't want him sleeping alone either, since he seemed to choke every time he got sick. However, every time he moved or coughed, I was up ready to 'catch'. So it was a long night.

But we are up now and you would never know he was sick. He did sleep in this morning, and he's been running around, eating, drinking even provided us with a nice stinky diaper (which I didn't think was possible after last night). So, hopefully something just wasn't sitting well with him and he's fine now.

So, now that you know more about my child's night that you ever wished to know. Wish us a nice napful day and I wish you one as well.