Adventures of Little Ski and Baby Ski

Christmas in a nutshell

2009-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was filled with many blessings.....
We missed Dad's presence, but made some new memories together, laughed a lot, and talked a lot about Dad to keep him alive for the kids. We were lucky to have such a great holiday filled with so many amazing people. Here it is....in a nutshell.

One year ago, this was Ellie ringing the bell for Salvation Army.

It's a tradition that I love, and I wanted to keep it going. So, here she is this year helping by ringing the bell. I want her to know, understand, and appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. I would have taken Reid with me, but I was pretty sure that it would be a nightmare. Maybe next year????

Uncle Doug and Aunt Holly sent some very special gifts in the mail for the kids. Reid wouldn't let me grab him for a picture....he was too busy. Ellie was proud to show off her bling here.

Ellie excited for Christmas.

Look at that face of Reid's. Who knows what Ellie was saying.....but Reid thought it was something quite funny by the looks of it.

Merry Christmas 2009!!!!!

Figuring out how this top works. I am sure he will have it taken apart and put back together before he is 5.

Reid got this top from my mom that he is seriously intrigued with.

Reid and Uncle Kevin sporting the same haircut!

Ellie and Grandma with a very special horse from Grandma.

I guess I have to admit it....that's my brother. : ) (and I'll admit anyday that this is my sister in law)

My brother and sister in law. Hilarious. We just laugh when we get together.

Yep, this is the man I married.....

The girls....my sister in law, Carol, Ellie, me, and mom.

Daddy and Ellie leaving out cookies and milk for Santa. So exciting!!!!

Sorry, this picture would not cooperate with me....just turn your head slightly to the right to read. Santa left Ellie and Reid a nice note.

Ellie playing with the play-doh machine she got from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Carol. Fun times! You should have seen the f loor after she was done. Oh, my!

Ellie and Reid enjoying some of their gifts at Grandma and Pappy's house on Christmas Day. Oh, and by the way....the finger paint stayed at Grandma's!!!! **I am sorry Pappy, Pap Pap, and Grandma Wilson....where are the pics of you????? Don't worry, I will make up for this!

Ellie and Uncle Aaron...oh, and Ellie's baby that swims. She was so excited to get this doll. This was number 1 on her list this year.

Grandma and Reid with the annual calendar gift that never seems to get old.

Uncle Aaron...and believe it or not, Reid took this photo. I kid you not! The child loves buttons and has most electronics figured out already.

Reid and my uncle Dave (my dad's brother). We really enjoyed being able to go spend time with my dad's side of the family as well as the other family gatherings we had. It was a Christmas with many good memories in it, which is what we wanted.

These are the great-grandkids on my dad's side of the family posing with Santa who made a surprise visit.

And of course, no Christmas is complete without the "funny family pose". We are blessed, no doubt. The memories of Dad and Christmas' past were all alive and with us throughout the whole month of December, and we intend to always keep it this way. We did make some new memories together, but always promising to bring back the memories of Christmas' past as well. As I put on my necklace from Brian each day, I vow to read it, recite it, and believe it.....for it states something so simple, yet so true....Yes, "I am blessed." We hope your Christmas celebrations were blessings to you as well.

Our Itsy....Bitsy.....

2009-12-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

SPIDER!!!!!
Looking for it......Looking for it.....
I see it, do you????? Brian is holding Reid up towards our ceiling to see our little friend, "Webby."
Intrigued by this little tiny speck on the ceiling. Hey, whatever holds his attention!!!!!

Preschool Program

2009-12-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be able to see Ellie's Christmas program at school on Friday. I took the day off and enjoyed every minute of watching how much Ellie has grown up! She was the "Bell" in the play and did a great job. She led the group out and was the first part of the program. I am so proud of her, and felt so blessed to be able to spend the day with her.

Ellie after her play. I was so glad she wanted to wear a dress. Last year, I could not get her to wear a dress.....she seriously wore jeans to her program last year. I decided that you pick your battles, and that wasn't one that was worth fighting.....but inside it killed me! I was glad that Ellie wanted to dress up and look nice this year.

Ellie and Thatcher. They have known each other since they were babies....and now are in the same class at school. Too cute.

Ellie and my mom. She wouldn't have missed this!

Ellie and me after the show.

Ellie and her Pappy who came to see her perform.

Ellie and one of her teachers, Mrs. Harrison.

Ellie and her teacher, Mrs. Thomas.

And what's better than to top off the day at Applebee's for lunch???? We had a great day, and it was just what we needed to get us all geared up for Christmas.

Reflections

2009-12-18T03:49:00.000-08:00

So, have I told you all before that we have the BEST sitter???? We have always been so blessed by our caregivers. Sooooo lucky. My sitter took this "photo shoot" of Reid the other day. She has these great windows that are just Reid's height, and he has a habit of sitting near one and waiting for me when he knows that I will be pulling in the drive to come get the kids. I love these pictures. Thanks Jen, for all you do. We love you!

Serious man here......very serious.
Waiting for Mommy with his dump truck near by.

Love the reflection....and the chilled out pose.

Looking for Mommy, still.

" Could it be her coming?????"

This would be the face Reid gives you when you ask him for his "Mad Face". I love it.

Sweetness with a bit of ornery mixed in!

Ornery with a little sweetness in this pic.

There's my boy. Feeling blessed all around. It's nice to have some "reflection" this time of year....and I am grateful at how far Reid has come. Love you, big guy!

"Spirit"

2009-12-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Mom came over for dinner tonight....and Reid wanted to show her all the important ornaments on the tree. His favorite one is "Grandpa singing". We have an ornament that has our extended family recorded singing the "Doxology" together. We always start our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners by singing this. The ornament is from last years Christmas gathering with Dad leading the singing. Reid LOVES to hear the music.....and I love to hear him say, "Grandpa singing." Helps keep Dad close in our hearts....and his spirit seems a little closer to us, too.

Reid and Grandma listening to "Grandpa singing".

Reid is holding the speical ornament in his hands and is pushing the top to make it work. We all enjoyed hearing "Grandpa singing" tonight. I am so glad we have this memory to hold on to.

"Proud"

2009-12-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

My 4th graders are amazing.....They were all in agreement that it would be better for them to partake in service projects for our community this year for Christmas instead of having classroom gift exchanges. Awesome. We have had a really mild start to our winter....and all of that changed....today. The day that our first service project took place. Naturally.

So, we bundled everyone up, headed out with our handmade Christmas ornaments and chain links, and walked downtown from school to decorate the tree. **sidenote...we were told that we "may" want to have a ladder if we wanted to put a star on top...."may" being the key word. So, we got there (oh, just as another sidenote....it was a whopping 20 degrees out....and major winds) and saw how big the tree really was. We needed a ladder just to decorate to the top....which we didn't bring. So, to make a long story short, we borrowed one from the local bank (along with one of the male bank workers...whose wife works at school with us) and we got this thing going. The kids were so excited....it was really a lot of fun. I am really proud to see the spirit of Christmas flowing freely within my kids. It seems to make the season even brighter yet.

The proud sign hanging near the Christmas tree that was made by our kids.

Starting to decorate......look how BIG that tree is! We couldn't come close to getting the star on top!

Brrrrrrrrr!

Then, to make the day even more fun, Ellie and my mom came to school this afternoon to hear the primary grades give their Christmas concert. Ellie loves to come visit, and I was lucky enough that Mom could bring her down this afternoon. Here she is showing off her drawing she made on my whiteboard. This girl loves to draw! I hope it continues! She takes after Uncle Kevin's art ability.

A close up look. Notice Santa???? : )

What a fun day for us all. I feel lucky today.....and even a little more blessed than yesterday!

And as we drew closer to the sitter's house to pick up Reid, I looked backwards, and found Ellie like this. Poor thing! She was so out of it....she didn't even mind being uncomfortable! It was a very Merry day!!!

Helper???

2009-12-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

See my helper below.....she couldn't wait to help me with the wrapping this year!!!! So, family members....watch out....this year's wrapping is EXTRA special!

Oh, and I guess I should explain....we wrapped gifts in her room because Reid was sleeping and I didn't want to disturb him by wrapping in the guest room. What an afternoon!!!!!

Last one....

2009-11-29T04:32:00.000-08:00

Ellie completed her first round of ballet classes last week. She wants to sign up for the winter session, though. She really loved her teacher and loved the time with 12 other little 4 and 5 year olds. She LOVED wearing a leotard and tutu....that goes unsaid. It was fun to watch her. The classes were closed door....so we never could see as the classes progressed how the kids were doing. On the last class, we were able to go and sit in on the hour long class, and see exactly how class worked. It was too cute!

Ellie's ballet class....doing bar exercises.

My girl loves pink.....and obviously didn't get the memo....everyone else wore black!!!!

Silly girl! I love seeing her having fun!

Yippeeeee, Ellie! We are proud of you!!!!!

Thankfulness

2009-11-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for so very much this year.....and to be simple and to the point....here is where my thankfulness begins.
I am grateful for my family. I am honored to be a wife to Brian and a mom to two amazing (yet, tiring) little creatures! This Thanksgiving, I am so thankful to be with family.

This is what life is all about, right? I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be thankful for so very much. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Really?????

2009-11-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

This isn't typical at your house????? Hmmmmm......

Party Day!!!!

2009-11-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

We had family over for Reid's 2nd birthday party last night. It was a great time and another day to be thankful for my wild and crazy 2 year old!!!! Here are some of the highlights. I took loads of pictures and have some video to post later...but here are the nuts and bolts of the night!

"Mow Mow" cake....Reid's request.
Singing happy birthday....oh, excuse me...."Hapa Daka!"

Notice the help from big sister.....I had to laugh. I am sure Reid could have taken care of business himself....but big sister is always there to back him up!

The cake was a success! Yum!

A real success....gotta get every last bit of that taken care of!

He spent time figuring out how the bow was put together. Seriously. He is a thinker. At this rate, it will take 12 days to get through Christmas!!!!

This is my cousin and Reid. Getting into the unwrapping finally.

Ahhhhh, the pinata. This was Ellie's idea. And it was great fun. What a way to put the Halloween candy to use! We just filled the pinata up and had a ball! Note to self.....every year the Halloween candy can easily fill a pinata for ALL to share!

Taking it all in while Ellie was hitting the pinata with all she had!

LOOK WHO IS HOME!!!!!! Pap Pap is back from his 6 months away in PA with his other son. Reid was soooooo glad to see him. They were buddies for much of the evening.

My cousin, Coman, with Ellie. Ellie loved her time with him. My aunt and him live in Illinois....so time with them is precious.

Mom and Ellie. It definitely was hard without Dad there. But we were grateful for our time together.

Grandma with Reid and one of his gifts from Aunt Diane. A dry erase board. He loved it!

The night was coming to a close here.....tired eyes and time for a little reading together.

My little man is not so little anymore. Had a great night with family. Feel so bad that Pappy and Grandma did not get in the pictures....how did that happen???? Oops! Loved our time together and feel blessed by the love around Reid. Happy birthday big guy! Love you!

It's all about the birthday boy!

2009-11-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

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Happy Birthday, my sweet...

2009-11-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow (11-3) it's official......my baby will be turning 2. In some ways, it seems like Reid has been here as long as Ellie has. It truly does. It's hard to remember a time when Brian and I didn't have kids. And it's hard to remember a time when it was just the 3 of us. It just seems that Reid has been with us all along. But at the same time, 2 years??? My little one that has been down quite a long road is already 2??? Amazing.

I am blessed by Reid's strength, courage, and absolute orneriness. I am lucky to have the chance to be his mom. I don't know if we are heading into the "terrible 2's" because I feel we have been there for about 8 months!!!!! I am hoping that God will grant us a beautiful year together, and that those so called "terrible 2's" won't be so terrible.

Happy birthday, my sweet. Everyday you make me smile. Everyday you make me proud. Everyday you make me say "Time out" about 6 times too many. Everyday you melt my heart. I love you, Reid. Happy 2nd birthday!!!!!
.......Mommy

November 2007- brand new
November 2008- 1 year

November 2009- 2 years

October in Pictures

2009-10-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hold on to your hats, folks....there are lots of pictures to share. We have been doing well here as we daily adjust to the loss of Dad. Ellie has lots of questions each day for us, but is really amazing us with her maturity through all this. We have been keeping busy here and I just haven't taken the time to post. So, this is just a mix of some of the fun we have been up to. There isn't really any rhyme or reason to my pictures.....just showing off October in pictures! Hope all your Halloween-ing was as fun as ours!!!!

Ellie (the horse) and 2 of her neighbor friends. All are just a few months apart in age.

Ellie and her buddy, Ryne.

My little "stinker" and my little horse......the tail ends! This picture was Ellie's idea. Funny!

This is what Reid thought of his costume. Brian promised him a "manly" costume next year. I was just being economical...Ellie wore this last year! Yeah, digest that sentence again. Reid is almost 2......Ellie wore the costume when she was 4. He is huge, my friends!

My lovies ready to fill up their goodie bags!

It was warm enough on Friday for no coats! It was beautiful, so we took advantage of some leaf jumping! Ellie was happy to pose for me!

Again......not shy around the camera as you can see. Reid was nowhere to be found. He was too busy "raking" for me to get any pictures of him!

There they are!!!! Reid would just hysterically laugh in the leaves. They tickled his neck and he could not keep from cracking up.

A great day for a leaf pile!

Ready to scoop the goop!!!! Ellie is armed with a spoon and could not wait to get messy!

Enjoying the chance to make a mess and not get in trouble for it!

She's not shy about anything! Reid was watching from afar....he hated the feel of the pumpkin "goop". Ellie loved it!

Always making us smile!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and super October. Here is to a great start to November! Happy Halloween!

Greatest Show on Earth...

2009-10-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Brian, Ellie, and myself went to Cleveland this past weekend to see the circus. (thanks Mom for keeping Reid!). We had a great time and the show was absolutely amazing.
This proved we were there! The pics I took from the inside came out horrible due to it being so dark.

Ellie and Brian before the show. She was so excited!

Ellie and I....getting ready for the fun to begin!

Lucky girl with her souvenirs. Usually I am not one to buy "stuff" to add to the "stuff" we already have. Ellie LOVES stuffed animals, so when she saw this tiger...it was all over. She decided to spend some of her money on it....and I pitched in some because she was such a delight to take. Can't wait until Reid is old enough to enjoy a day out, too!

I remember.....

2009-10-15T17:51:00.001-07:00

Palate Repair- Oct. 16, 2008
I vividly remember sitting and holding Reid before putting him to bed one year ago tonight. I remember praying for the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who were going to be taking care of my not quite one year old son in their arms. I remember wishing that it was me who would be going under for the 7 hour procedure instead of Reid. I remember wondering if Reid's speech would greatly improve from the procedure and how quickly. I remember tears falling down my cheeks in preparation of handing over my son for surgery. I remember the gap that went from the very front of Reid's mouth to the very back. I remember like it was yesterday.

It was one year ago tonight.....but I remember.
How can you forget something like this????
I remember spending hours trying to figure out how to get Reid in the crib without bumping his monitors or i.v. lines in an attempt to get him comfy so he could rest for a bit. And every time I would get him cozy, I remember nurses having to wake him to take vitals. I hate remembering that. I so wanted you to be able to rest. I remember that sweet face and praising God that another surgery was behind us. I remember thinking that we surely have one of the top surgeons in the nation, and being so grateful that we were lead to him. I remember so well......and will never forget. One year ago tonight....and so grateful for the year of growth that we have seen. Love you, my big guy. We are so proud of you.....and are amazed by your strength daily. I can't wait to see what this next year will bring. I am sure, no matter what, it will prove to be a year to remember.

Singing Man

2009-10-11T18:38:00.001-07:00

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Playing Catch Up

2009-10-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, all my Blogger friends, I love you so much! The thoughts, prayers, support, and constant love for our family was felt and appreciated. I feel like it is time to breathe again and get back slowly into the groove of life. I haven't posted pictures lately, and I apologize to you all because I haven't visited your blogs in weeks. I will catch up somehow! I just thought that some pictures were due as well as a thank you for your love for our family during the loss of my dad. We are all doing well and I sing the praises everyday that Ellie and Reid are around us to make us laugh, make us remember, and make us realize how lucky we all are to have each other. Here are some random pictures to share.....can't wait to visit your blogs soon!!!!

Gotta love striped p.j.'s! I swear Reid has grown 2 inches in the last week! All of a sudden he is just really getting tall!

Taken this morning before church. At this particular moment Ellie was loving her brother. This is not always the case!

Breaking out the hats because it was cold and windy last week! I am so proud of Ellie. She is a shining light to us all. With that smile, how could she not be????

Sweetness on the right and downright orneriness on the left!!!!! No denying that Grandpa's humor lives on in Reid!

Funeral Processional

2009-10-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

I think Dad was smiling down on us, what do you think???? Can you tell my dad was a Corvette Man, and this was a tribute to him???? This is what lead us to the cemetary after his funeral on Monday. His "baby" is the first one. It's older than me, and taken care of as he would his own child! Love and miss you Dad.....but I bet the view from heaven of this scene was pretty amazing.

Details...

2009-10-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Arrangements for Dad
Calling hours 2-4 and 6-8 on Sunday at Cox Funeral Home
1376 High Street (Rt. 94)
Wadsworth, Ohio
330-335-3311

Funeral on Monday
11 am service (viewing one hour prior to service at church)
First Christian Church
116 East Boyer Street (and corner of High Street or Rt. 94)
Wadsworth, Ohio

Angel wings

2009-09-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

My dad received his wings this afternoon. I will post more later. We love you all and thank you so very much for your love, prayers, and compassion for our family. What a great gift you are to us. We love you, and thank you endlessly.

Dad update

2009-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Without saying this in so many words.....I will be direct. There is no easy way. There are no words to make this ok. My dad is terminal. Period. There isn't anything more to do for him. We are devoting our time, love, attention, stories, laughs around his bedside and holding his hand at every opportunity we have. We are telling him how much we love him and showing him every second we can. No one knows how much time my dad has here with us....that is all in God's timing. I am not sad for dad. He is going to be one wonderful guardian angel for my kids. I know this. I just hate that my kids will not grow up knowing their grandpa. I am glad I have the pictures I do and the many stories to pass on to them. I am not mad at God. I do wonder why us, though. I am sure everyone in this position does.

I ask for prayers. Prayers that Dad will remain comfortable. Prayers that Mom will be at peace. Prayers that my brother and I can sort through all this in our minds and accept the truth. Prayers that I will be able to explain this all to Ellie. Prayers that things work out how they are supposed to. Prayers that I will stay strong for my mom. Prayers that my plan does not get in the way of God's. Prayers that I can cherish each moment I have with my dad. Prayers that God will cover our family with grace. Prayers that we are able to show my dad how incredibly lucky we are to be able to call him our dad. Prayers.....Prayers......and more Prayers...... I will keep you updated. We love you all.

There's no such thing as too many prayers....

2009-09-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dad is a very sick guy right now. We covet your prayers. He received 2 units of blood today. His counts were very low today. He is retaining fluid from his kidneys not working well and that is cause for concern, too. We are glad he is "home" but frustrated by many things at the hospital where he is. I just ask one thing of you..........please, just pray.
Dad in the ER after waiting for 13 hours (after flying home from Florida). How he was awake, I have no idea.

Dad resting today......trying to get that bile out of his system through stents and get that yellow color to leave.

Welcome "HOME" Grandpa....

2009-09-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been for my parents. Dad was released from the hospital in Florida and was taken directly to the airport this morning. He and Mom were able to get a direct flight home which was good news. I think the physicians had him pretty drugged up for the ride home. Wouldn't you know it.....the plane had malfunctions and had to land unexpectedly in Atlanta. Mom and Dad had to get on another airplane and wait to get going again. So, instead of landing at 1 something....it was 3:30. A long day for someone who isn't feeling good.

My brother and Brian (and some other family friends) were there when the plane landed and greeted Dad. Mom said he was quite emotional at this point.

They got my dad to the car and took him directly to the Cleveland Clinic ER. That was before 5 pm. Brian just called at it is almost 9 pm. Dad is STILL in the waiting room sitting in a wheelchair. He hasn't sat up for more than 15 min. at a time prior to today, and he has sat up most of the day today without food or pain meds. Brian said he is not hungry and is extremely sleepy. He is quite yellow in color and is just a sick guy. *****NEWSFLASH***** Brian just called. Dad was just taken back to the ER where there is at least a bed for him to lie down in. Time check....8:55 pm. I have no idea how long he will be in the ER before he gets admitted...but I pray it's not too long. They meet with a surgeon tomorrow morning. At least, that is the plan for now.

I ask for your prayers. My dad has a defibulator and so he can not undergo MRI's. The doctors truly don't know what they will find until they "open him up" for his surgery. I pray for good things....for peace for my dad and mom, for continued faith for our family, for understanding for my children, for answers from the doctors, for healing from God. If you have some time....we covet your prayers. So sorry I have not been able to catch up on so many of my friends' blogs. One day things will slow down. For now, we are in a little bubble trying to figure things out. We love you all....and thank you for your unending support. .....until next time.....

Reid and Grandpa....summer 09. My dad loves this little boy to pieces.
A favorite of mine.....Ellie and Grandpa....summer 2005. Dad was just finishing up his first round of treatments in this picture....and we were celebrating.

For Grandpa...

2009-09-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

My brother is "home" from Kentucky because he was going to surprise Dad by picking Mom and him up at the airport today. That didn't happen because Dad is back in the hospital in Florida. I had flowers sent to their house here in Ohio that would be waiting on the table for Dad when he arrived home "today". They are from Ellie and Reid...and are just wishing Grandpa a real speedy recovery. Ellie and Reid are ready to wrestle with their Grandpa real soon! So, instead of Grandpa seeing these in person.....my brother took a picture of them to share with Dad. The meaning is still there, and we want Dad (and Grandpa) to know how much we love him and how so many people are pulling for a full recovery. Get home soon Grandpa!!!!!! We love YOU!