Hello from Cincinnati!
We have had an eventful week. After my desperately stressed out e-mail last week, Mike ended up flying with us on Thursday afterall. It was really quite miraculous--he managed the day really well without too many problems. Sadly, he got sick again with something totally different once we got here and has been in bed with flu-like symptoms since Sunday. Hopefully it will go away soon--he is not having very much fun and we miss him!
A few highlights of our trip so far:
Jens went to Abbie's school on Friday. He took his lunch in a bag and ate in the cafeteria with the preschoolers. He felt very cool! We checked out Abbie's classroom after lunch, which he also loved. I think he is a little too exhuberant for school still, but he loved the "works" and tried out quite a few. I love the Montessori method, especially for the littler kids, and Jessie's school is such a nice one!
Friday night everyone else arrived and we had a nice family dinner. It is always so fun to be together. Saturday night was ribs night. Nothing beats that Montgomery Inn barbeque sauce! It is truely a Cincinnati special. Monday we went to Krohn Conservatory to see the manger scene and the holiday decorations inside. Jens loved the live animals, but was even more captivated by the beautiful model of Mt. Adams with the train running around it. He and Abbie also loved the waterfall with the tunnel. Christmas Eve we set up Jens's special present from Grammy and Papa--an electric train.
Christmas morning was very fun--we had Abbie and Jens follow strings to their big presents, which were on the front porch. Abbie got there first and was unveiling her present as Jens was coming in. He saw it and exclaimed, with great excitement and MANY exclamation points, "A dollhouse!" He was even more excited to open his caboose and uncover his train. It puffs smoke and has a whistle, which he is very enamoured with.
The kids waited patiently until almost 11 to open the rest of their presents, and Jens enjoyed every minute. He opened his stocking twice--opened it once, exclaimed over everything, then put it all back in and did it again. He was eager for everyone to open their presents and was willing to assist anyone who needed help. He was very interested in Abbie's gifts, but not in a covetous way at all--he was just excited to see what she opened. It was very sweet. He was most excited, however, when I was about to open the present he helped Mike to wrap for me. He recognized the paper and started jumping and dancing, saying "I got you something! A present!" It was Twister, which we played for a few minutes. It was nice to see him so excited to give.
The rest of the day was pretty busy, so we ended with a quiet nativity movie and A Charlie Brown Christmas. It would have been a really great day if Mike hadn't spent most of it in bed feeling so sick and if the sweet potatoes hadn't been a little too runny.
This morning Jens said "should we open presents?" But he wasn't too dissappointed when I told him there weren't any. Mom, Jessie, and I went to the art museum this afternoon, which was quiet and nice, and we went to the park afterwards with the kids, which was cold.
We are hoping Mike will get better soon so he can enjoy at least a part of our trip. Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas--I know you Bradfords are mostly all warm and toasty down south!
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
December 19th
Argh!
We are traveling tomorrow! Mike is really sick! I am freaking out! I am actually well on my way to being packed, but Mike being sick is throwing a bit of a loop in our plans. He is going to the doctor at 3, but we don't know if he is going to be able to travel tomorrow, which means I might be going by myself with Jens, and we would get him a ticket to come later, and I have to pick up the rental car by myself tonight and AHH!
This week has been busy and sicky, but some parts have been fun. After a shut in day on Thursday where Jens and I did a lot of resting, we both felt perked up quite a bit. Friday night we went out to eat with Natalie and JP, then to the ward Christmas party. Jens wet through his diaper and soaked his pants, and of course I didn't have any extra, so he ran around in a diaper the whole time. It was actually a very nice party--low key, but the decorations were beautiful. The program was 5 minutes long, (just right) we sang some Christmas carols, and someone read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to the kids. Jens ate more candy in one sitting then he has ever had and enjoyed it immensely.
Saturday Mike and I went on a date. We saw "Enchanted," which was very fun and clever. We both enjoyed it more than we thought we would, although the songs have an irritating way of popping back into your head.
This week we have done the normal play date things, except that Mike has been sick since Sunday. Pray for a healing miracle, folks, because I don't think I can survive tomorrow on my own!
I got my haircut today. It was a positive experience. Yay!
Hope you all are doing festive, holiday things. I am excited to see many of you soon, assuming that we live through tomorrow!
Love,
Alison
We are traveling tomorrow! Mike is really sick! I am freaking out! I am actually well on my way to being packed, but Mike being sick is throwing a bit of a loop in our plans. He is going to the doctor at 3, but we don't know if he is going to be able to travel tomorrow, which means I might be going by myself with Jens, and we would get him a ticket to come later, and I have to pick up the rental car by myself tonight and AHH!
This week has been busy and sicky, but some parts have been fun. After a shut in day on Thursday where Jens and I did a lot of resting, we both felt perked up quite a bit. Friday night we went out to eat with Natalie and JP, then to the ward Christmas party. Jens wet through his diaper and soaked his pants, and of course I didn't have any extra, so he ran around in a diaper the whole time. It was actually a very nice party--low key, but the decorations were beautiful. The program was 5 minutes long, (just right) we sang some Christmas carols, and someone read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to the kids. Jens ate more candy in one sitting then he has ever had and enjoyed it immensely.
Saturday Mike and I went on a date. We saw "Enchanted," which was very fun and clever. We both enjoyed it more than we thought we would, although the songs have an irritating way of popping back into your head.
This week we have done the normal play date things, except that Mike has been sick since Sunday. Pray for a healing miracle, folks, because I don't think I can survive tomorrow on my own!
I got my haircut today. It was a positive experience. Yay!
Hope you all are doing festive, holiday things. I am excited to see many of you soon, assuming that we live through tomorrow!
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Visiting Santa at Intel. We pulled up and Jens said "We're visiting Santa at work!"
Hi Everyone.
We are all sick at our house again, but that didn't stop us from going to see Santa on Saturday! Intel does a nice family thing every year. This year was quite well organized--they had a craft fair with booths, food vendors, and a movie room while you were waiting for your turn to see Santa. And when you come in they give each child a little bag of snacks and crafts to do. We had some friends who were there, so we sat together and were social for a while. Jens got real quiet and I could tell he wasn't feeling so hot, so while Mike waited in line for Santa, he and I sat and watched one of those awesome retro clay-mation movies. Jens was excited to see Santa and kept trying to walk up to him before it was his turn. When it was finally his turn, he ran up and sat next to him, but then he wasn't too sure that it was a good idea. Santa asked Jens if he wanted a train for Christmas, which Jens thought was a wonderful idea.
Saturday night Mike went to a nerd I mean Land Party, where everyone had a computer, they networked them together, had pizza and played computer games. Needless to say, Jens and I were not interested in attending, so we went to Ikea with Natalie and another one of the wives. They had lots of fun and Ikea was fun for us--lots of new things to look at and Jens had a blast running around and climbing on everything. He especially liked trying out all of the beds.
Sunday we had a games night with the Harrisons and the Littles. The kids just ran around and we played a game. It was fun. I made caramel corn and ate WAY too much!
This week has been pretty typical except we didn't go to storytime due to Jens's coughing and tantrummy behavior. He had a little friend over in the afternoon, which he enjoyed, and I did too, because if he pushed her she pushed him back instead of whining about it. He needs a few more friends like that, who will put him in his place and let him know that pushing doesn't feel nice! Also the missionaries came over last night, an answer to Jens's many prayers. He also prayed last night that the prophet will come over, but I don't forsee that happening any time soon.
I did manage to 'finish' the cook book this week, although as soon as I printed my copy out, Mom sent me a new recipe and I tried a new recipe that was good enough to add. I guess it will always be a work in progress. I also did our Christmas cards, although I managed to lose a book of stamps, so I have two cards left that need to be sent and my stamps are nowhere to be found.
I hope you all are having a good week and are enjoying the holiday season! See many of you soon!
Love,
Alison
PS--I finally understand why people get those big blow up lawn ornaments. I have never been a big fan, but Jens LOVES THEM.
PSS--Yesterday Jens and I stopped at Target and I took him back to see all of the holiday decorations, which he normally likes. As we were leaving the holiday section to go check out, he looked at me and said, 'Mom, I want the scary Halloween decorations.' I guess Halloween made a big impact this year.
Hi Everyone.
We are all sick at our house again, but that didn't stop us from going to see Santa on Saturday! Intel does a nice family thing every year. This year was quite well organized--they had a craft fair with booths, food vendors, and a movie room while you were waiting for your turn to see Santa. And when you come in they give each child a little bag of snacks and crafts to do. We had some friends who were there, so we sat together and were social for a while. Jens got real quiet and I could tell he wasn't feeling so hot, so while Mike waited in line for Santa, he and I sat and watched one of those awesome retro clay-mation movies. Jens was excited to see Santa and kept trying to walk up to him before it was his turn. When it was finally his turn, he ran up and sat next to him, but then he wasn't too sure that it was a good idea. Santa asked Jens if he wanted a train for Christmas, which Jens thought was a wonderful idea.
Saturday night Mike went to a nerd I mean Land Party, where everyone had a computer, they networked them together, had pizza and played computer games. Needless to say, Jens and I were not interested in attending, so we went to Ikea with Natalie and another one of the wives. They had lots of fun and Ikea was fun for us--lots of new things to look at and Jens had a blast running around and climbing on everything. He especially liked trying out all of the beds.
Sunday we had a games night with the Harrisons and the Littles. The kids just ran around and we played a game. It was fun. I made caramel corn and ate WAY too much!
This week has been pretty typical except we didn't go to storytime due to Jens's coughing and tantrummy behavior. He had a little friend over in the afternoon, which he enjoyed, and I did too, because if he pushed her she pushed him back instead of whining about it. He needs a few more friends like that, who will put him in his place and let him know that pushing doesn't feel nice! Also the missionaries came over last night, an answer to Jens's many prayers. He also prayed last night that the prophet will come over, but I don't forsee that happening any time soon.
I did manage to 'finish' the cook book this week, although as soon as I printed my copy out, Mom sent me a new recipe and I tried a new recipe that was good enough to add. I guess it will always be a work in progress. I also did our Christmas cards, although I managed to lose a book of stamps, so I have two cards left that need to be sent and my stamps are nowhere to be found.
I hope you all are having a good week and are enjoying the holiday season! See many of you soon!
Love,
Alison
PS--I finally understand why people get those big blow up lawn ornaments. I have never been a big fan, but Jens LOVES THEM.
PSS--Yesterday Jens and I stopped at Target and I took him back to see all of the holiday decorations, which he normally likes. As we were leaving the holiday section to go check out, he looked at me and said, 'Mom, I want the scary Halloween decorations.' I guess Halloween made a big impact this year.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
December 5th
Jens got some new big boy pants this week. They are pretty funny. Too bad he is more interested in looking at his belly than in going potty.
Hi Everyone.
It has been a quiet week. At least, I have been quiet. I guess Jens is never really quiet for long! I have mostly been trying to get better. This cold has been hanging on long and hard. A lot of coughing is involved, which is very unpleasant.
I went to the Farmer's Market Saturday and got all sorts of delicious food. It was really cold, but worth it. The seedless mandrines are on right now. They practically fall out of their peels, and the are so sweet and good. I am tasting a bunch of new recipes for the new version of the family cookbook, so we are doing some adventurous eating around here. Last night we had Pav Bhaji (Pow Bajee), which is an Indian recipe Mike got from a friend at work. It was VERY VERY spicy, but also very good and good for you. I never thought the day would come when Mike would request a recipe that is vegetarian with lots of vegetables. Also today I am making yogurt. I have never done it before, but it sounds really easy. We'll see if it turns out, I guess!
Sunday we had dinner at the Littles' house. It was fun and Jens had a good time playing with Cassie. I just wish he was a little nicer and listened a little better. Monday he spent the morning with Sarah while I did visiting teaching and bought him a whole new winter wardrobe. He has suddenly grown out of half of his 2T pants, and half of his 2T shirts have turned into belly shirts. I figured he needed some warm clothes for Ohio. It was lovely to shop without him. On the way home I asked him if he had fun and he said yes. Then I asked if he was nice and shared and he said no, that he pushed Sarah and made her cry. At least he is honest, I guess, but I don't know how to get him to play more nicely!
He is cute sometimes, though. He is very insistent about saying every prayer at every meal, and they all go the same way. He has been doing lots of pretending, and yesterday he found the front end loader that Papa gave him last year for the flight home from Florida. It has been missing for a couple of months, and he was SO excited it turned up. He has been carrying it everywhere he goes.
I have been workingon finishing Christmas projects. The Helquist Family Calendar is almost done, and so (I think) is Cookbook 2.0 (unless Loren wants to send me a recipe to put in). Now for the Thomas Calendar and getting finished with presents, and Christmas cards. And I should probably clean the house, too.
Hope you all are having a happy week.
Hi Everyone.
It has been a quiet week. At least, I have been quiet. I guess Jens is never really quiet for long! I have mostly been trying to get better. This cold has been hanging on long and hard. A lot of coughing is involved, which is very unpleasant.
I went to the Farmer's Market Saturday and got all sorts of delicious food. It was really cold, but worth it. The seedless mandrines are on right now. They practically fall out of their peels, and the are so sweet and good. I am tasting a bunch of new recipes for the new version of the family cookbook, so we are doing some adventurous eating around here. Last night we had Pav Bhaji (Pow Bajee), which is an Indian recipe Mike got from a friend at work. It was VERY VERY spicy, but also very good and good for you. I never thought the day would come when Mike would request a recipe that is vegetarian with lots of vegetables. Also today I am making yogurt. I have never done it before, but it sounds really easy. We'll see if it turns out, I guess!
Sunday we had dinner at the Littles' house. It was fun and Jens had a good time playing with Cassie. I just wish he was a little nicer and listened a little better. Monday he spent the morning with Sarah while I did visiting teaching and bought him a whole new winter wardrobe. He has suddenly grown out of half of his 2T pants, and half of his 2T shirts have turned into belly shirts. I figured he needed some warm clothes for Ohio. It was lovely to shop without him. On the way home I asked him if he had fun and he said yes. Then I asked if he was nice and shared and he said no, that he pushed Sarah and made her cry. At least he is honest, I guess, but I don't know how to get him to play more nicely!
He is cute sometimes, though. He is very insistent about saying every prayer at every meal, and they all go the same way. He has been doing lots of pretending, and yesterday he found the front end loader that Papa gave him last year for the flight home from Florida. It has been missing for a couple of months, and he was SO excited it turned up. He has been carrying it everywhere he goes.
I have been workingon finishing Christmas projects. The Helquist Family Calendar is almost done, and so (I think) is Cookbook 2.0 (unless Loren wants to send me a recipe to put in). Now for the Thomas Calendar and getting finished with presents, and Christmas cards. And I should probably clean the house, too.
Hope you all are having a happy week.
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