Darndest Things - Jesus Edition

I'm not sure if its the season or what, but Ryan has been bringing up Jesus in the most spontaneous conversations lately.

We were driving into town, and a big storm was passing.  I saw a bolt of lightning crack across the sky in front of us and out of surprise and awe said "WOW!  I just saw lightning!".  Now, Ryan has always been rather sensitive to loud noises.  I'm not entirely sure if they hurt his ears, or if he just doesn't like the feeling of being surprised...but he REALLY doesn't like loud noises.  When I mentioned the lightning, he became very nervous about the forthcoming thunder and started asking questions with a very concerned tone.  One of his questions (quickly followed by a statement) was "Is it going to do it again?  I don't want it to do that again!"  I told him that I could not answer that as I don't have control over it.  He said "Ohh yeah.... God makes the weather."  I replied that yes, he is the one who gives us whatever weather we need.  Immediately Ryan came back with, "Well,  maybe I could ask Jesus to tell God to stop doing that".
_____________________________________

The boys were at Grammie's house and Papa was home for lunch.  They have a little thing they do that is based on a popular children's book....Grammie says "Do you know how much I love you?"  Ryan answers "To the moon and back".  This particular day, they continued with a few more of these and then Ryan piped up with a big grin.."Hey Papa...I love you to Mars and clear past where Jesus lives!"
_____________________________________

For this one, you need to know who Tanner was.  Tanner was Gage's folks' awesome dog.  Tanner was a big part of this family and blessed us with his presence until earlier this year.  My boys love dogs, and Tanner was a big part of that... especially since they spent a considerable amount of time at their house twice a week while I work.  We all dearly miss him!!

Ryan and I were discussing the Christmas cookies we were going to make (he was VERY excited about making and decorating Christmas cookies this year!).  Ryan asked who all we were going to give some to.  I listed off a few people and Ryan thought for a minute.  His face started to beam with pure joy, then he shared his idea with hope ringing in his words..."Maybe we could give one to Jesus so he can send it to Tanner."
_____________________________________

This last one brought tears to my eyes.  I am continuously in awe of what kids DO remember (we all hear about "oh...they're young...they won't remember that), what the DO know and understand, and of their HUGE capacity to love without strings, without boundaries, and without a complete understanding of the complexities of it.  They just simply love...with complete faith.

May your Christmas preparations slow down enough for you to enjoy the love and faith that is so abundant!

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
Luke 18:17 & Mark 10:15

Darndest Things - Christmas Edition

The boys and I decided to be brave and were doing a little shopping at Costco.  For those who haven't been to a Costco, it is a very large warehouse-style store with displayed merchandise surrounded by towering stacks of product (I think its kinda like a Sam's Club??).

I was looking at some Christmas decorations and the glistening diamonds in the brightly lit jewelry case across the aisle caught Ryan's eye.  He "wow"-ed at the shiny rocks and excitedly called for me with a "MOM!!  LOOK!!!".  I turned around and faced him...he lovingly looked me in the eye and said "MOM...maybe I'll buy you a ring for Christmas...."  I felt my heart melt and a smile start to come across my face when he finished his thought with a heartfelt sincerity and a bit too much enthusiasm "...then you and dad can get MARRIED!!!"

I think the look of shock set those standing around us straight...or it could be the fact that I quickly reminded him that daddy and I already WERE married.

A Beachy Thanksgiving

This year we decided to head to the beach for the long Thanksgiving weekend with Gage's folks and his sister & brother-in-law.  Earlier in the week, wintery weather conditions threatened to make any trip a challenge, but we forged ahead...taking some comfort in the fact that we have 4-wheel drive and studded tires.  We headed west Wednesday morning, and with no new precipitation having fallen in the past 24 hours, made the trip with only a few nervous moments (roads had been pretty much cleared, but there were definitely some tricky spots going over the coastal mountain passes).

Thanksgiving morning was spent with us ladies primarily doing some preparations in the kitchen for the feast...but we did get out of the house for a while to enjoy the cold yet clear and beautiful day on the beach (see Hymas Photos for pics of the day).  We always have a great time at the beach...the boys love having the big open space to just play and explore.  There are also countless rocks that need to be thrown back to the waves...endless fun for an almost 3 year old.  We were even visited by a curious sea lion who was playing in the surf (and perhaps feeding??) where a small tributary named the "D" River  enters the great Pacific.

 For me, this was a great place to just be in the moment, breathing in the cool, salty ocean air and watching my healthy and happy boys at play, feeling my heart fill to the point I thought it might burst.  I am thankful each and every day for all the blessings in my life, but 3 of the most important are all my boys, and watching them laugh and play and enjoy life is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive.

We returned to the beach house, finished up the last preparations, and enjoyed a wonderful meal together.

Over the course of the next few days (which flew by much too quickly), we played games, visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium, did a little shopping, and just enjoyed being in the company of family.

Ratatat Breakdown

Well as most people that know me know I like a wide variety of music (this is Gage by the way).  I happened to stumble onto these guys Ratatat while watching Diggnation (one of my favorite weekly web vids).  Anyway, Ratatat is kind of electronica meets rock etc.  Lots of funky bass lines and synthesizers etc.  Ryan and Evan took about 5 seconds to start expressing themselves by laying down there own funky dance moves.  Check it out, Andi and I sure had a good laugh. 

The Empty Chair

As she entered the room...my chest twisted into a knot and my stomach tensed.  She gave me a quick greeting as she sat in the chair across form me.  I recounted the "episodes" in the hopes that we would be given an answer.  After I explained, she delivered the news...he has a "seizure disorder".  My stomach tensed as did my grip on my little boy who was snuggled on my lap.  She tenderly explained what we needed to do, and that he would need to be medicated...a word I never associated with either of my beloved boys.  After our conversation, she gave me some brief words of encouragement, and left the room.

My mind was reeling with questions that could not be answered...how could my healthy, happy, active boy be "wired differently"??  How is it that just a few weeks ago, the only diagnosis he had was "2-year old"?  For the longest time, I just looked at him...his blue eyes, vibrant and full of life; his blonde hair, with the curly cowlick in the front; his lively smile with a hint of mischievousness.  I then looked up at the empty chair where moments before the doctor had sat.  Tears began to spill down my cheeks.  It all felt so unfair...she had left, returning to her life, and our lives will never be the same.  At that moment, I despised that empty chair.
____________________________________

Some of you already know...but for those who don't...Evan has been diagnosed as having a relatively uncommon seizure disorder.  Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE).  He has had 3 "episodes" over the last 2 months where he would stare off into nothingness and become completely unresponsive for 20 minutes or more.  After his second episode, we started the process of getting him in to see a pediatric neurologist (which included getting an EEG & MRI).  Evan's system expedited that process when he had this last (third) episode just this past Thursday.  We went to the ER and were admitted.  While there, they were able to get his EEG, and we were able to see the pediatric neurologist.  His EEG showed some abnormalities, which helped her to determine that the NCSE seizures were "complex focal", meaning they did not involve the whole brain, but just a portion of it.

Apparently over 50% of kids who have seizures in childhood outgrow them by their mid to late teens.  We are VERY hopeful that Evan will be one of those kids.  Evan has been started on Tegretol (Oxycarbamazapine).  The plan is that when he is 2-years, seizure-free...they will do another EEG and we can consider trying to take him off the medications.  If he goes 1 year, non-medicated and seizure-free, it is highly likely he has outgrown them and will not have any more seizures.

This has been a very scary road, but we are thankful that we have some answers, and thankful that it is not something potentially much worse.  Because he is a healthy guy, and doesn't have significant developmental delays, the neurologists (as well as us) are very hopeful that he will be among those who outgrow their seizures.

While in the hospital, Evan was a super trooper!  Despite typical "hospital sleep" where he was disturbed every 3-4 hours, and despite the IV and covering on his one hand, he was still the lively and active Evan that we know and love.  He even did a little dancing on the last day in the hospital (you can see the video as well as a few Evan pics in the "Hymas Photos" section).

If you have any questions about any of this, you can feel free to email me or give me a call.

Darnedest Things #2

In my last posting... I forgot about another funny thing Ryan has said lately.

On every other Wed., the kindergarteners are in school for almost 5 hours (compared to their usual day of just under 3).  This is the longest Ry has ever been in school before, and I think by lunch time he had had it!  Ryan went home with a friend after school as I had to work that day, and when I called him, he excitedly told me about his day and threw in "OH...and I cried!".  I asked if he had gotten hurt or if he was just sad.... he responded (still excitedly with a hint of astonishment) with "I don't know!  Water just started coming out of my eyes!!"  I repeated my question, and he repeated his answer.  Apparently it had just been a long day, and he was ready to go home.  He is still very excited about school and loves going (thankfully).

Kids Say the Darnedest Things

Ryan has been full of these lately.

Thing#1:
Ryan and Evan are playing (rough).  Evan jumped up and clung to Ryan like a bear cub clings to a tree.  Ryan supported him for about 10 seconds before toppling down to the carpet, Evan still clinging to him.  Ryan popped up...and said.... "MOM...Did you see that?!?!  I carried Evan!  Now you don't need a babysitter....I can babysit Evan!!!"

Thing #2:
When we come home from a camping trip, Ryan likes to "help" me pull the car forward after detaching the tent-trailer.  This usually entails us moving the car forward about 2 feet.  One day (the day after returning from such a trip), we were getting in the car and Ryan said.... "Mom, can I drive to the store?"  I look at him with an "are you crazy" face and say "Uh...no".  "But MOoooOM...you let me drive yesterday!!"  I had to inform him that helping to pull the car forward in the driveway does not qualify him to drive on the road.

Thing #3:
Ryan had 2 frogs that had gone from tadpole to frog in a little habitat we had in our house.  One of the frogs died very shortly after becoming a frog.  About 2 weeks later, the other frog died.  I told Ryan and he asked me  (with a bit of saddness in his voice) "Why did he die??"  I scrambled in my head to find the right words... all I could come up with was "Honey... I don't know.  We did everything we could...we fed him, made sure his home was clean...I just don't know".  Ryan looked at me and I saw enlightenment run across his face as he said.... "I know why he died!"  I thought uh oh...this could be interesting....and hesitantly muttered "why is that?"  "Because Jesus told him it was his time!"  Pure clarity.  I couldn't have said it better.

Thing #4:
We were riding home in the car (Ryan and Evan in the back, I was driving).  Evan was asking repeatedly for gum.  I had told him no...and was ignoring the barrage of further requests.  Ryan turns to Evan and says "Evan...what mom says, I say.  Mom says no, then I say no.  I'm older than you....I'm older, like a big person! So, NO gum!"

I'll continue to post these as they come up....so be looking for more in the future!!

A New Journey

Well, summer has officially come to a close.  Fall has arrived along with the big yellow busses.  Today was a cool, foggy and drizzly day.... and today, Ryan started his journey as a Kindergartner.

The day started off with breakfast...a big bowl of oatmeal (one of Ryan's favorite things for breakfast).  Shortly after, Evan and I escorted him to school.  The kindergartners were to assemble in the library for story time while the teachers busily made their last minute preparations.  Promptly at 9am, the kids lined up and followed the teacher to their new classroom.  Most were excited, but there were a few wet eyes (a couple kids and one or two parents)...I managed to maintain composure.  With all the parents, photos being snapped, and kids learning their way around...it was controlled chaos.  Ryan did a stellar job...responded to questions posed by the librarian during story time, fell into line with the others when asked, and when I peeked in on him in his classroom, he had put his backpack & jacket away and was patiently sitting at a table waiting to learn.  He gave me a smile, and an "I love you sign", and I left.  

As I was walking away, I heard a parent say "We're FREE!!!"  I guess that all depends on how you look at it.  I gotta say...I missed Ryan when he was at school.  So did Evan.  Evan first became a bit upset when we got in the car after dropping Ryan off...I was strapping him in and as he pointed back at the school said "BuhUh!  BUH UH!!!"  I explained that brother was at school and we would see him later.  When we got home, I unstrapped Evan and he began to squirm and complain.  I cued him to use his words and he looked me in the eye and said "GO!  BuhUh!"  There were several other times during the day Evan would ask about his BuhUh.  

We both met Ryan at his bus stop...excitement on our faces as he exited the bus first.  I loved walking home with him, watching him run ahead with some of his neighborhood kindergarten friends...energized by his day.

All in all, it was a successful first day for us all.

I've also added quite a few photos to the Hymas Photos section of the website.  There are 4 new folders as well as some additional pictures added to the Boys - July 2010 folder, so check them out!!  We had a fun and busy summer, the pictures help to tell our story.

Just a couple videos

This is Gage, I know I hardly ever post on here.  Well as you all know I love tech and I wanted to try some embedded iphone4-youtube videos on our blog.  Nothing all that great and somewhat random.

Summer...

We have been doing our best to have a great summer...making the best of this time despite the small glitches here and there.

June flew by, and all of a sudden I find that we have arrived in August!

July was...well...somewhat interesting.
Justin & Kaytlyn stayed with us for a long weekend (or short week) during the 4th of July holiday.  We had a great time with them...and wished their stay could have been longer.  We explored parts of Portland, went to the beach, and really enjoyed spending time with them.

Then the not-so-fun part of our July started.
On July 4th, Ryan woke up with one ear being about 3x the size of the other...swollen and hot.  SO, off the the urgent care clinic for us while the rest of the family headed to a barbecue/picnic.  He had gotten a secondary infection from a bug bite (or 2) behind his ear...antibiotics ordered.  The following Friday, Evan was playing and fell, injuring his ankle.  After him refusing to walk on it or really put weight on it for the better part of a day...I decided to take him in to his doctor.  X-rays came back clear, so just a twisted/injured ankle.  We had one week of "good health" before we ALL came down with a stomach bug.  The one good thing about this bug is that it was very short lived...24-48 hours after symptoms started, they ended.  It started with Evan, then Ry & I got it about a day later, and then a little more than a day after that, Gage got it.  We got through it just in time to be able to go to the Hymas Family & Friends camp-out....WHEW!!!  So far we have been healthy since (as I write this, I'm knocking on our wood table).

We have been camping about 4 or 5 times so far this summer, and have several other trips planned.  This last weekend we were at Lake Billy Chinook in Oregon with some friends.  We had a lot of fun playing in the lake and tubing behind our friend's boat.  Even the boys got in on the action (pics soon to come).

The Graduate

Today was Ryan's last day of preschool.

The kids all brought bikes, trikes or scooters to school and decorated them during class.  During the last half hour, they had a "bike rodeo" and paraded around the parking lot.  The weather has been rainy...and today was to be no different.  Literally minutes before they were to go out (and just as "plan B" was about to go into effect), the rain stopped and held the entire time they were outside.  After riding their bikes around, they all headed to the playground for one more romp as the Busy Bee's Class of 2010.

This evening...a potluck was held for the families and classmates.  The children sang praises to God, and then sang songs for the dads & grandpa's (for father's day).  The kids were then shuffled back into another room and it was announced that they were going to get into their caps and gowns for their graduation ceremony.  I knew they would have a graduation ceremony...I just didn't know it involved caps and gowns!  This just added a level of formality and finality that I wasn't quite prepared for, and my emotions (that I had thus far been successful at keeping in check) got the best of me.  Tears welled in my eyes, and one or two escaped to roll down my cheek.
The sight of each child entering the room when his or her name was called was priceless.  Each came out in a different way...different posture, different energy...each fitting of the child beneath the gown.  It was a very special event, one that I know I will always remember.
Thank you to Miss Vicki & Miss Wendy... and to Noah's Arc Preschool for the FABULOUS job!

To view more pics of Ryan's last week of preschool, head to the Hymas Photos section of the website.

May

May has already flown by?  When did that happen??

In May our weather was...well...interesting!  We had a week of sunshine and "summer-like" weather (apparently just a teaser), followed by hard rain and a bit of hail.  When the first big rain/hail storm after that week of wonderful weather hit, Ryan instantly grabbed his rain boots and, looking at us with his big blue eyes, asked "Can I go out and PLEEEAAASEE play in the rain???  I have my boots!!"  Not being able to think of a good reason why not...and quickly coming to the conclusion that it actually was very good timing, Gage & I approved and he put on his rubber boots and headed out.  He ran and splashed around for a while, but when the hail started to pelt down more viciously, headed for the safety of the front porch where we all sat and watched icy pellets bounce off the street and cars.  Evan also went out for a very short time.  He was less than thrilled to have pelting ice hitting his head and opted instead to sit with us under the cover of the porch and laugh as he watched his silly brother.

Evan had his 2+ year "well-care" check in May, and is growing right on track.  He continues to be healthy and happy, with a good dose of willfulness and a splash of mischievousness.  It is so amazing how one little guy can be so cute and sweet, and such a joy...and yet so challenging!
As Evan gets older, it has been nice to see Evan and Ryan starting to develop a more playful relationship.  They both have the power to astonish me at times when they play so nicely together for a length of time.  Other times...it is abundantly clear they are brothers.  It is also abundantly clear that they love each other, and that always warms my heart.  If Ryan is in time-out (in a corner)...it is not uncommon to see Evan look from me to Ryan with a concerned brow, and then walk over and stand in the corner with him.  Evan really looks up to Ryan and tries to do everything Ryan does.  That relationship is incredibly special to witness and I absolutely LOVE those moments!  Ok, well...most of those moments.  There are those times where Ryan makes a bad choice and does something we'd prefer the kids not do that Evan copies as well...but thankfully those are not too common or too serious.

During this wet month of May, we attended the Dorothy Fox Elementary School event for the new incoming Kindergartners.  Ryan was super excited about this day, and for several days prior would talk about it and reaffirm that we were going and when (and who all was coming).  When we got there, we got to see the two Kindergarten classrooms, meet the teachers and principal, get a tour of the school, and take a ride on a school bus.  Gage and I can't believe how fast the time has flown, and that Ryan will be starting Kindergarten in the fall.  Ryan, feeling a bit overwhelmed, was reserved and hesitant when we approached the classrooms and teachers.  As we toured the school, he became increasingly more relaxed, and by the time we came back to the classrooms he even enjoyed participating in some of the activities they had set up.
SO, Ryan is officially registered for Kindergarten, has a "Dorothy Fox Elementary School" t-shirt (in the school colors of red & white), and Gage & I are now members of the PTA!!

Now its June, Ryan has only 3 days of preschool left and he will be officially considered a Kindergartner (he also turns 5 next week!!) .  The rain (and cold) is continuing with occasional breaks of sunny days, but looks like next weekend we *might* finally see the start of summer.  I'm ready to wear some sandals and t-shirts and put the sweaters away for the season!!

Signage

I know that "funny signs" are a big thing...and there are a LOT out there.
I was going through some old photos and came across a picture of a sign I took over a year ago, and never posted.
I thought it was funny at the time...and it still made me chuckle even now.
I honestly can't believe that the people who came up with the name of this ski school didn't think about the acronym it would create before ordering the sign!  Who is their editor??  Who was the final person who saw the design and said "Looks GREAT!!"???

Brain Damage

Lately Gage and I have been experiencing a new phase with Ryan (the "not listening" phase).  On top of this, the boys are really starting to have some sibling rivalry at times ("Willyoustopstouchingme!").

Like all parents of more than one child...I have found this to be VERY frustrating at times...and have been trying to think of a good way to describe it on here.  A couple days ago, I was reminded of Bill Cosby, and it hit me.  I started to think about his stand-up routine "Himself" and the section he did on parenting and brain damage.  I knew of this part of the routine because my brother and I had 90% of the entire "Himself" routine memorized off of a cassette tape (those were some of the few moments our brain damage was not so obvious).  Suddenly I started to feel much better, being reminded that what we are going through is so common that there are comedy sketches based on it.

SO....to share with you what we are going through, I think Bill himself best describes it.

The Big 2

Evan turned 2 on Wednesday...where has the time gone?

After dropping Ryan off at preschool, I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous sunny spring day and take Evan for a walk, stopping at a park along the way so he could get his wiggles out and participate in a well-loved activity on this special day.  He has become quite the little man.

He is...
determined, motivated, stubborn, mischevious, curious, willful, smart, strong, and quite the problem solver.  He can light up a room with his smile and the twinkle in his eyes.  He has striking blue eyes, with starbursts around the pupils.  Those eyes hold the key to his thoughts...you can see it in his eyes when he is happy, when he is feeling cuddly, when he is sad, and when he is looking for trouble.  He is also a very tough little kid.  I think "rough and tumble" is the best term I've heard.  He takes a tumble, gets up, and goes back to what he was doing...hardly ever cries over a scrape or bump or bruise.

He loves his family, loves to be on the go, and loves playing with the "big kids" (a.k.a. Ryan and his friends).  He looks up to his brother with admiration, often wanting to do what Ryan is doing.  He loves to wrestle, play "train", and do just about anything his brother will do with him.  He does have a bit of a temper, and if Ryan is not wanting to play...just might haul off and throw a toy (or whatever is nearby) at him.

Evan doesn't talk a whole lot yet, but has been trying more and more lately.  Its not that he doesn't talk...he just doesn't talk in English the majority of the time.  He has entire conversations in what we call Evan-ese, and will even expect you to understand what he is saying.  He says mom and mommy as clear as day...and has for a long time.  He says dada or dad when the mood strikes him.  He says buh-uh (for brother), ball, cah (for car), go, papa, bye, and no.  Most other words he can say are usually prompted first... such as eat, snack, drink, banana, orange, Grammie, Dar, Thom, etc.

He can be a challenge, he can be silly, and he is most definitely a joy.  He is our Evan.

Later in the day we went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory with the family where Evan enjoyed some macaroni & cheese and ice cream, then back to our house for presents and some special cupcakes that Ryan helped to make.  Be sure to check out more pictures of Evan's big day at the Hymas Photos section of the website.

We also want to say a special Happy Birthday to Great-Grandpa Hoch, who shares the same birthday!

Looking for Luck...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

Pesky leprechauns have been visiting Ryan's classroom this week.  Those little buggers are hard to catch, and leave messes behind along with little trails of gold.
On Monday, they put gold glitter into the green play dough...yesterday they left gold glitter all over one of the activity tables...and this morning, when the kids arrived at class, there was a note on the door, toilet paper strung around the room, chairs were overturned, and toys were piled on the floor.  The "phrase of the week" became "THOSE PESKY LITTLE LEPRECHAUNS!!"  After righting all that was wrong in the classroom, they had class as usual until the end of the day when they went hunting for those pesky leprechauns.  They found lots of clues that led them around the school and even into the sanctuary.  As the kids entered one of the rooms off the sanctuary, it was evident a big find was behind the door.  Their faces lit up as they happened upon a pot of "gold" and some chocolates that the leprechauns left behind.  Evan got to tag along on these excursions, and even though he had no idea what the purpose was, he was perfectly happy to be running around with all the kids and being part of the excitement.

I have to admit that I feel my "pot of gold" is quite full.  I've got a wonderful family, great friends, good health, a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and joy in our hearts.

May the luck o' the Irish be with you always, and may your "pot of gold" always be full!

With Love

With love, life is lived fuller.
With love, joyful times are more fully enjoyed.
With love, difficult times are more easily endured.
With love, sins are forgiven.
With love, all things are possible!

May your cup runneth over.

Happy Valentine's Day to you.  With love today...and every day!

Silliness

Today is silly day at preschool.  All of the kids came to school dressed "silly".  There were clothes that didn't fit, clothes on backwards, underwear on heads or outside of pants, crazy hair... you get the idea.  So, in honor of silly day, I thought I'd write about some of the silliness we've encountered lately.

Evan... dear, sweet, Evan... recently figured out how to "fake" sleeping.  During a recent car ride to Seattle, it was nap time.  Being in the passenger seat, I was on kid duty.  I turned around and told Evan he needed to "go night-night'.  His first reaction was to try to appeal to my heart...lower lip sticking out as far as it can, and I could see him trying to work up some tears, when BING! a lightbulb went on in his head.  I could see the delight in his eyes as a grin came across his face.  He then fluttered his eyes shut, keeping the satisfied smile on his face.  He was "sleeping".  I had to turn around in my seat to chuckle quietly.

Ryan comes up with some of the funniest comments...usually from out of no where.  Today we were playing, and he turned to me to ask me a question.  Now, I need to preface the WAY he asked... it was not with innocent curiosity, but more with the impatience of someone that has asked the same thing several times, and continues to be put off.  This particular question, he has NEVER asked before, in fact, the topic has never even really come up.  "Mom, WHEN are you going to buy me a wallet?!?"  I just about started laughing right then and there, unable to hide the grin that was emerging on my face.  He looked at me, seemingly a bit disgusted by my response, so I asked what he needed a wallet for.  The look on his face showed that he was less than impressed by my stupidity.  He raised his eyebrows, looked directly in my face, and enunciating each word, said "to put my money in!".

My boys are full of silliness.  I am so blessed to be able to witness this every day, and every day it brings a smile to my face (which is often hiding my laughter).

I've posted more recent pictures of the boys in the Hymas Photos section.... both in the January boys and the new February boys sections.

P.S..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA THOM!!
P.P.S...I find it rather silly your birthday is on "Silly Day"  :)

Time Runneth Away...

...since my last post.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  We spent Christmas Eve in traditional style at the Hymas family and friends open house (hosted by Gage's folks).  Its a wonderful thing to catch up with family we only see a handful of times each year.  Christmas day we spent the morning opening gifts with the kids...first at our house, then at Gage's folks' house.  In the afternoon we went for the traditional Christmas dinner at Gage's grandparents house (oyster stuffing...YUM!).  I LOVE traditions... both new and old.  It will be interesting to see what traditions may be added or changed as our kids grow.

The week after Christmas we got a surprise snow storm.  The snow stuck around all of 48 hours...enough time to enjoy it some, but not so long that it caused problems.

New Year's Eve we ended up having a party at our house.  We had around 30 people at our house (including children).  The kids played hard and tested out the "santa seat" (see the Christmas 2009 pics in the Hymas Photos link), then they migrated to the spare room to snuggle in and watch a movie.  The adults played some poker (Texas Hold'em) and danced into the night.  Young and old then gathered to watch the ball drop and bring in the New Year with toasts, kisses and well wishes.  This was the first year Ryan stayed up to see the ball drop (before he  dropped, exhausted).  I think everyone had a great time.  I know we did!

Last weekend we took a trip to Redmond, OR with Brian and Kristi for a little vacation.  It was REALLY nice to get away and relax (well, as much as one can relax with an almost 2-year old!).  The kids all enjoyed playing, the adults enjoyed just being together.  We skied at Mt. Bachelor one day...well, more like a partial day as the visibility wasn't great once some heavy fog moved in.  Regardless, we got in some good runs and had a great time.  Calvin (Brian and Kristi's son) and Ryan went to ski school together.  We weren't sure how Ryan would do, but despite falling a lot, he LOVED it.  After his all-day ski school, he should have been exhausted, but he was jumping around...totally energized by his new experience.  He is looking forward to his next ski school day towards the end of February.  He is also really looking forward to his next trip with Ashlyn & Cal.  When we got home, and all was calm, and back to "normal"...Ryan started to get really sad, demanding to see Ashlyn and Cal, wanting to know why we couldn't go right then and there to their house.  I know I can speak for our whole family when I say that we all had a great time and are looking forward to our next trip with them!

Now we're back to "life as usual"... hoping that it isn't always so "usual", resolving to find our excitement and traditions daily in what we do and what we choose to do.  Life is wonderful!

To see more pictures of the above events, go to the Hymas Photos link.