Making my list, checking it twice...

I still have a good amount of Christmas shopping left...which is sad, because I HATE being last-minute this time of year! At least I have a list of what I'm after, and won't have to browse shop for gifts. I did, however, finally finish our Christmas letters and homemade gifts for friends. Last year when I was pregnant, I had decorating, baking, and shopping done before Decemeber, in case the baby arrived early (which she did...) This year, I realized how difficult it will be to have Gracen's birthday every year the weekend before Christmas. So much work! but we had such a great time.

If you didn't receive a holiday card, its because I don't have your address. Send me a line, and I'll get one to you. By the way, the picture was taken by our next door neighbor, Tim Davis. Photography is his second job to support his quadruplets. The pictures turned out SO well, I'm having a tough time deciding. Check them out at Tim Davis Photography.

Its that time of year!

Time for everything! Gracen's 1st birthday is Saturday, the 17th. We had a K-State themed party last weekend for Jared, Macy, and Gracen. We'll have a smaller celebration this Sunday for family. Our 5th anniversary is Friday the 16th, and Brian's parents offered babysitting--so we're planning an evening of dinner and Christmas shopping, maybe we'll even try to squeeze in a movie! Add to the mix a good round of stomach flu for everyone...complete with squirts and vomit. YUCK! fortunately, we survived that, and we're back on track. Christmas the following weekend, then we're all headed to California for a week! I have to say, I'm ready for a vacation.

Baby, its COLD outside!

We've been suffering through some frigid temperatures...the low last night was -2 below!!! now that's cold. And I woke up this morning with no electricity. Nuts! I hate that. It came back on soon though. So G and I have been bundling up to get things done. She makes a lot of Wichita folks smile with this hat.



and the award goes to---



my husband, Brian. for taking the worse picture. I know its not nice to poke at your husband on the blog...but honey, WOW! that's a pretty bad shot of your family with Gracen! really, those are good looking people who don't deserve to be treated like that.

We had a great time!

Thanksgiving in Dayton Ohio! Garrett and Kari were wonderful hosts...thanks guys, for watching Gracen so we could sleep, and for fixing all the great food.


And as you can tell, Gracen got away with some great presents from her aunt and uncle! She LOVES her new weebles and wagon, and has been patting her monkey on the head all day today. The 12 hour trip was very manageable...thanks to our laptop, Shepherd's converter, Davis' baby einstein DVDs, and dye-free benadryl. We'll have to do it again.

Little Supermodel

Today we took Gracen to her first modeling gig. Okay, so she wasn't heavily recruited. It happened like this. The other day a guy from an agency handling the advertising for the consignment store came into the shop. He was there to pick up some clothes for a photo shoot. I let him know of a picture-perfect 11 month old baby that would love to bring home some cash to her parents. (like he's never heard THAT before!) Gregory, from the Gregory Agency, said they don't take them that young, but he could use a baby for Sunday's shoot...ads to appear in the Decemeber issue of a local magazine. We of course, are always glad to help out. =)





I only had one complaint. They didn't seem to know that it would be much smarter to take Gracen's pictures FIRST. We arrived at 9am, and she was in meltdown-mode by noon after we waited for older kids to get prettied up and pose. They didn't get the poses they were going for out of her. I tried my best to patch Gracen together...and they said she did fine. I'm curious to see how they turned out.

Kitchen update #3

We got a lot done, thanks to Truskett's for watching Gracen overnight. (sorry it was so rough!) Brian worked like a dog with Lorin's help to install a door in our new kitchen. Again, the before:



and after:



We LOVE our new door! It gives us so much more confidence in our decisions.

I also made Brian stay up until 2am Sunday morning helping me paint our bedroom:









What a guy! Obviously the blue HAD to go. It was getting on my nerves. I'm so excited to have our bedroom so much closer to DONE. The biggest problem right now is the red above the fireplace....turns out to be more of a raspberry than a rust red, so I may have to repaint it. But not today. And maybe someday I"ll talk to Tara about helping me with some window treatments???

G's talking! and a kitchen update

"SOCKS!"



Our little girl said her *FIRST* word this past weekend. For real! My mom has been asking Gracen where her socks are...and she started just looking and pointing at them, until she just said it. If you didn't know what she was referring to, you may think her first word was either "sex" or "sucks" or "icks."

Of course, she won't ever do it on demand when we want her to! But she will pull her socks off, and say the word. Or empty her sock basket, and say it over and over again. She's also said the word "ice." We do love her.

In other news...my husband has been making some serious progress in our kitchen project!

check this out: now you see it---



now you don't---



The nasty old paneling is all gone, and Brian's been clocking in many hours at his "second job" building a beam to support the upstairs and removing the wall. Yes, the wall is also GONE! We've also got a cabinet design nailed down...and hope to have them here in about 3 weeks. Thanks Michele, for feeding us lately. Microwave dinners and crockpot meals do get old.

a little publicity doesn't hurt

I emailed the picture below to the Wichita Eagle for their "images of autumn" section. I think she's photo #37.

Happy Halloween!

Today we went for a long walk to a nearby church selling pumpkins for a fundraiser. It was great! The weather was beautiful, and we got some great pictures of Gracen with the pumpkins. Later in the evening, Brian carved the pumpkin with a cute toothy smile (hmmm...who does that remind you of???) Anyway, the overpriced pumpkin was well worth the pictures we captured. (of course, more pics on Gracen's website) I can't wait to put her in her costume tomorrow and go trick or treating!

a very very big mess

This is our kitchen, as of Saturday. Brian and Alex worked up a dust storm, and Brian's Dad installed a dandy utility sink in the basement for dishes and cooking. Its not as bad as it looks...at least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Justice for all

A graphic and controversial exhibit about abortion is coming to K-State next week. I heard about this from a leader of a christian ministry I was involved in when I was there, Ichthus. I think its a very powerful presentation.

Dedicated!

This weekend, we had Gracen's dedication at Hope. She was so sweet, waving to the audience as we were up front with Pastor Steve. The message was wonderful, and Brian and I were so touched by the prayer for Gracen. Here she is with her Papa before the service.



Afterward, we hosted a nice little dinner party at our home. No, we're not quite moved in and set up, but it was fun to hang out with friends and family in our new backyard.



I'll be working on putting lots more photos on Gracen's website again...so keep checking back!

Turned out to be quick and painfree

Our move went so fast, we were actually amazed. Only a few things remaining at the old place. Its really nice to throw stuff randomly in the closest box, not seal it, not secure it, and sit on top of it in the bed of a truck while you drive around the corner. Now, on to the real project...the kitchen!

The slow, painful move

You'd think living just two houses away from where you are moving to would be a big blessing...and it should be. But at this rate, we'll be lucky to be out of our rental house by Christmas. I take an armload over every time I go, and Brian and I walk around our house, gingerly throwing stuff boxes. I can't find anything, and when I need something, its usually at the house I'm not at. Tomorrow is supposed to be the big day. For crying out loud, will someone keep me accountable to get us to one location?

I've also been distracted by trying to put together invitations for a dinner after Gracen's dedication. If you don't have one yet, you're invited! Just let me know so I know to baste a piece of briskett just for you.

One smart dude

I'm so proud of my "little" brother I had to post this link. Congratulations John!

Everytime he gets another award or accolade, I wonder why he got all the brains, and I got, well, you know, not so much. Especially after reading a quote like this...I have no idea what he just said.

Demolition Day

So, we got the keys to our "new" house this weekend. We've been busy vacuuming fixtures, washing windows, cleaning baseboards, and mopping floors. and somehow, when we went to clean the kitchen (which needs a lot of work) we ended up gutting it. It all started with "I wonder what's under the paneling?" so we found out. Yay for picking out new cabinets, countertops, and tile. Poopy for all the work we created for ourselves.

Somebody's Hero

I'm not a huge country music fan, but working at a country station, I get my share. I've come to love this song by Jamie O'Neal, and may even purchase the ringtone for my cell...how cheesy is that???

She's never pulled anyone from a burning building
She's never rocked Central Park to a half a million fans, screaming out her name
She's never hit a shot to win the game
She's never left her footprints on the moon
She's never made a solo hot air balloon ride, around the world,
No, she's just your everyday average girl (but)

She's somebody's hero
A hero to her baby with a skinned up knee
A little kiss is all she needs
The keeper of the cheerios
The voice that brings Snow White to life
Bedtime stories every night
And that smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

She didn't get a check every week like a nine-to fiver
But she's been a waiter, and a cook and a taxi driver
For twenty years, there at home, until the day her girl was grown
Giving all her love to her was her life's ambition
But now her baby's movin' on, and she'll soon be missin' her
But not today, those are tears of joy runnin' down her face

She's somebody's hero
A hero to her daughter in her wedding dress
She gave her wings to leave the nest
It hurts to let her baby go down the aisle she walks right by
Looks back into her mother's eyes
And that smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

Thirty years have flown right past
Her daughters' starin' at all the photographs
Of her mother, and she wishes she could be like that
Oh, but she already is

She's somebody's hero
A hero to her mother in a rockin' chair
She runs a brush through her silver hair
The envy of the nursing home
She drops by every afternoon
Feeds her mama with a spoon
And that smile lets her know
Her mother's smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

Egg-cetera

This weekend, I got my first ride on Brian's motorcycle, while my parents watched Gracen.
We rode to Old Town, and ate brunch at this cute little place called "egg-cetera." Brian swears it was the best omelet he ever ate. After that, we looked at some ideas for remodeling our new kitchen. So fun! It was nice to have some time for just the two of us. What a treat!

Don't date him girl

Maybe its not that funny, but we got such a kick out of this website. Its a national database of men who cheat! Jude Law made the list. Go ahead, see if your ex is there!

Hannah Banana

Today, I got a job at Hannah Banana, a consignment store that's just around the corner. Its a great set-up...just a few hours in the afternoon for three days a week, I can bring Gracen and let her play there...plus first pick and discount on all the merchandise. Thanks Tara, for the hook-up, it'll be fun to work together!



Here's a better picture of the little house we're buying. We are struggling to get the foundation approved by a structural engineer, and we have until Tuesday to work it out. Brian and I are optimistic.

I'll be working on Gracen's website in the next few days...9 months now!

Britches and Lace

Tara and I spent the better part of the afternoon pricing stuff for the britches and lace consignment sale. Thanks to Tara being a consignor, we both get to shop early at the pre-sale, and hopefully make a few bucks to offset our spending. We took the girls in the spring, and found tons of great baby clothes and stuff. I'd highly recommend going!

State fair weekend

I'm probably the only one blogging on a weekend. But we do have a life. In our defense, we did get out and go to the state fair in Hutchinson this weekend. It was Gracen's first carousel ride! More pictures on her website.

Casa pocito

Here's the pictures of our 1400 square foot dream home...try not to get too jealous. Not too bad for just a little more than our rent, huh!





What you can't see is the cute little fireplaces in living room and master, the updated bathroom, and little fountain pond in the lucious green back yard. These are from the realtor website...I'll try to get some better ones next time I do a "drive-by."

We WON!

That is, if you call finding a house a win. I do. Its perfect. Or, it fits all of our needs, I should say. It needs a little work. But we signed a contract...so the little house is ours on October 6th. And its a nice move-less than 1/2 a block from where we are now! Stay tuned...more info and *pictures* to come...

Moving the parents

My mom and dad no longer have their home. They sold it to downsize, and move to California to work and live near my little brother Joe for a while. We spent most of this week sorting, boxing, lifting, and unloading. A move of "biblical porportions" as Tony puts it. Mom and Dad, thanks for having the courage to do what most people your age can't do...get rid of a bunch of stuff! Even though I'm sad you won't live close to me and my family.

A new all time low in TV history

I thought it was beauty and the geek...but television hit an all time low with Tommy Lee goes to college. Watching a 40s something moron with a brain fried on drugs trying to score with hot college chicks is worthless programming. Does anyone really believe he'll end up with a diploma? Its degrading for those of us who did go to college and earn a degree. The Apprentice, however, is reality TV done right. I've been missing the Donald and all his wanna-bes this summer! I'm counting down to Thursdays in September.

Tribute to Jesse

"Jesse the dog," the world's greatest. We adopted him when he was just a pup. He stole our hearts with his big brown eyes and sweet personality. He always smiled at us, and lived for walks, table food, and swimming and rastling. Today, we finalized the heart wrenching decision to say goodbye. He suffered a knee injury a few months ago that required major surgery with no chance of the life he deserved.

Thanks for the memories big boy. We miss you dearly.

Happy Friday!

Today...Michele, Tara and I took the babies to Il Vicino, where Mich announced baby Theissen's gender! Its a....well, you'll have to ask her! ;) We can't wait for our kiddos to play together.

Here's some pictures from earlier this week...

celebrating papa Truskett's birthday...and...

Gracen's first spaghetti dinner! Have a great weekend everyone!

Back to the apron

So, I haven't cooked since Thursday. I don't mean we've been eating sandwiches...WE'VE EATEN OUT EVERY MEAL FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY. except for those cinnamon rolls Brian baked yesterday. Its not that I won't cook...we just get asked out by friends and family, and don't want to say no because we want to be social. I vow to do better next weekend.

Besides touring Wichita's eateries, we did look at a few houses. I can tell this is going to be a long one. In our price range (the family of three on one income wanting to live well below their means price range)...you have to sacrifice something. Its either location, square footage, or cuteness. sigh.

I'm posting two pictures of Gracen. Seriously, she went from this...

to this...

in like 30 seconds. She did get her two top teeth worked in this past week though, so I'm trying to give her a little bit of extra sympathy.

Golden Corral

Tonight Brian and I have a date with the friend of KFDI I wrote about earlier. At Golden Corral. His choice. Don't knock it until you've had kids. Places like these are great! Gracen gets to try every flavor of jello and pudding ever created, and we get to stuff ourselves with fried stuff and ice cream from a machine. Tomorrow, we officially begin the "hunt for habitat."

My 8-month-old bundle of fat

Gracen is 8 months old today. It really is going as fast as everyone says it will. I love that baby. She found Jesse the dog's food and water bowls today, so that was interesting. I'm starting to realize how much guilt I'll have now that I have a child to raise. It seems like there's always SOMETHING I could do better! Last night, after I worked to midnight, she woke up at 3:30am, then again at 5am, then again at 6:30am, ready to greet the day grumpy. Brian and I didn't know what to do with her, she's slept well at night since the first few months! Hope it doesn't become a routine for us.

Most expensive wal-mart trip-EVER!

I just about had to take out a mini loan to cover my wal-mart bill today. A big fat $122!! what happened? I didnt buy any convenience food, and everything generic. I did have a lot of meat, and a mega pack of diapers, and a huge can of formula though. Guess its time to give couponing a try...again. Now, off to the gas station to drop another wad of dolla bills.

Another five star weekend

Its been a wet one though. A good chance to put Gracen in her cute little jacket. Last night, we took her out in the rain for chinese food and trip to Target. This morning she gave the nursery workers a good fight. They call us "parents of baby 101." That's the number they flash during the sermon when they can't handle it anymore. I went to get her this morning, and she continued to scream so loud everyone in the sanctuary could hear her. It lasted for a good hour, with her beating me and banging her head on the floors and walls. I was at a complete loss...she never does this, I kept telling everyone looking at me to shut her up! We decided to pick up some tylenol to survive the short trip home. While Brian was in Walgreens, I decided to take off her shoes...could they be hurting her? Instant relief...for everyone! I guess it should've occured to us earlier when it took us both 5 minutes to cram her feet into the shoes before church. Her poor little toesies were all red. So she immediately started babbling and playing. At least we got to eat mexican with our friends, which had been crossed off the list of possibilities just moments earlier.

Master nap fighter

Gracen is really wrestling me when it comes to naps. Also bedtime. Brian and I are so confused. (not to mention tired.) We did so well with her sleeping for so long, and now we don't know WHAT happened! We did some research and have a few ideas. I think Gracie is getting a big case of separation anxiety, and there's no solution for that.

We just act like we know what we're doing in the parenting department...we're clueless to be honest. (but don't tell her that!)

Parents as teachers

I had my first meeting today with the wichita school district's "parents as teachers" program. I heard about this from a friend, and just got off the waiting list! Basically, a parent educator comes into your home once a month and spends time with you and your baby, teaching you developmental games and gives other resources that are age appropriate. They also have play groups and seminars. I'm very excited about it!

Wichita: high crime, nice people

Last night four people were stabbed...the previous shift I worked we had two murders. It seems like everytime I work someone gets assaulted, shot, or stabbed. Its happening so often, its not so newsworthy anymore. And sadly, a good chunk of these cases are domestic violence.

On the other side, I've met some nice folks working at KFDI. Today, one of the police sgts that I talk to each week, stopped by with donuts for me. He's very nice, and we had never met before today.

I also get a phone call or two each shift from an older, mildly handicapped man. He always seems REALLY happy to talk to me, and that kind of makes my day. I guess its because I don't blow him off... He keeps asking Brian and I to come see his house, so I think we will. (don't worry--he's safe! he's been calling the station for some 30 years, and everyone knows him...)

By the way, the word is Gracen did great last night at her grandparents. That's a relief. I was really needing that, so we could send her over there in the future!!!!

Another First

Tonight is the first time Gracen is spending the night without us. She's all packed and ready to go. Granma and Granpa Truskett are watching her overnight at their home in Newton. I'm so excited to have an "adult night."

We're going to eat at Timberline steakhouse for Brian's high school class reunion. Hopefully we'll party all night after that!!!

Too bad I have to get up early and work instead of sleepin in with her gone...

Smile and say Cheese!

This afternoon I took Gracen to Camera Angles for another picture. I try to get her picture taken once a month for the first year, since she's changing so fast. I'm glad I heard about the "children's highlights" early on. Its a very affordable way to get professional portraits.

This time, we signed up for Mr. Moon. I took the blankie her Nana made, and her lovie (bunny that plays lullabyes) and I think it turned out well.

Last month, we went to JCPenneys and got this great picture in a blanket of pink roses. We got lots of compliments on it. Penney's may not be the coolest store ever, but they definitely win for best value when it comes to portraits. I ordered a bunch of sizes, and tons of wallets, all for about $20. If you want one, let me know.

Recovering

Gracen and I had a great trip to Colorado. It was SO good to spend time with family! She was a huge hit, and I was, well, there.

Also had a good time sitting in the hot springs at Pagosa while Gracen hung out with my aunt Bev.

On the way back, we had a nice visit with my friend Michelle Canny, husband Matt, and 2-yr-old Samuel. I miss them so much!

Gracen did pretty good for sitting in a car seat for so long...she was happy as long as she had a toy, cheerios, or juice.

Brian and I went on a little date tonight before my work shift. He survived by eating out, and riding his motorcycle. (must be rough!)

Lets do lunch...

I've got to have lunch with friends and family almost each day this past week, such a treat for me to get out and have actual ADULT conversation!

Tuesday, I had a great visit with my brother JOE. Such a neat guy, I miss him now that he's living in California.

Wednesday, I had lunch with Brian's mom in Newton after my hair appointment.
Thursday, met my mom at Blimpie for lunch date.
Friday, met a family friend Julie and my mom at Strouds to see her new makeover.

This is a nice break for me, and I feel so blessed.

Reuniting

Saturday, Gracen and I will head to Colorado for a family reunion with my mom's side. I'm excited! Everyone can't wait to see Gracen. Brian has to stay here and work though. =(

When we get back, I'll catch up on my job, and then we have Brian's 10 year high school reunion. Can you believe he's that old? Since I graduated two years later from Berean Academy, I'll know a lot of people, some we are very good friends with today!

Stocking the church nursey

When it comes to baby making, business is booming!

In Texas, Matt and Rachel Walker sent an email announcing TRIPLETS on the way! Dave and Jen Barnes brought James home just over a week ago, Congratulations guys! Ryan and Nicole Shomaker are expecting a boy sometime later this year...Josh and Beth Patterson have a new son, Charter...Blake and Mary have TWO babies, Aiden celebrated his first birthday in March, and met his sister Gracen the next month...Lisa and Jason Collins celebrated the birth of Connor in January. and two new Moulton babies this year...Haley was born last August and we heard Zach was born sometime last spring.

Here in Kansas, I went shopping with Michele Theissen to buy some maternity clothes last week. She and husband Matt will get a blonde baby (I think a boy!) in January. I talked to Jason and Kiley Barnes today at a restaurant in Newton. They confirm just one baby on the way, despite the rumor of twins, and they're some of the strong few not asking for the gender. I met little Ava, Jason and Kiley's new neice last week at church. I don't remember Gracen being so small! We had dinner with Joel and Parrish Smith last weekend...they'll have a third girl this fall. Matt and Michelle Canny also waiting for the gender surprise...I bet its a girl though...coming in November. Esther and Jason Braithewaite will also have a girl the same month. My cousin Matt Bucher and wife Dody had baby Nathan in January...they're expecting a second now.

Now, anyone else have any news to share???

a 5 star weekend

I rate the weekend in five categories: entertainment, quality family and friend time, meeting God, relaxation, and productivity.

Friday, John and Erika watched Gracen, and Brian took me to Red Rock Canyon Grill. We ordered liberally off the menu, and it was worth it.

Saturday, I worked, then came home and took a family nap. We went to the mall in the afternoon and got some cute clothes for Gracen off the sale rack at The Children's Place. That evening, we went to church to hear our friend Matt Theissen lead worship, followed by an interactive discussion with Pastor Steve about Jesus. Came home and ate dinner, and gave Gracen a good nap, then woke her up to PARTY. We met up with the Ensz's and my mom and dad, and walked up Douglas in downtown Wichita, looking at all the fountains and statues. This was just to kill time before we went to the airport to meet my brother Joe. He didn't get in until about midnight, but it was so good to see him!

Today, we slept in. I worked in the afternoon while Brian took Gracen to his company picnic. He got his 5 year award! This evening, we went back to the Ensz's for a party to send off Jonathon Classen to medical school, and welcome Kirsten back to Wichita. Gracen is now in bed, and I'm relaxing with a glass of red wine...

Childcare resolved?

I got a nice call from my friend Tara last night.

She knows I've been looking for childcare arrangements for Gracen in case I take a day job, and told me she'd be very interested.

I REALLY like this idea. Tara has a daughter, Macy, born the same day as Gracen. They share the same values we do when it comes to parenting. And I know Tara can handle it without getting stressed. She also flexible and can work with my schedule. From our conversation last night, it sounds very promising. I'm confident we can agree on a fee that we both think is fair. Hope this works out for everyone.

Now, just need the job to pull through for me!

The whipping boy

Kansas truly is Mother Nature's whipping boy.

We were kicked out of our house for over a week in a January ice storm that left us without power.

This spring, we took cover from severe thunderstorms and tornados.

Now, we can't even hardly leave the house with heat indices from 105 to 110.

Weather was never this painful in Texas. Ugh.

WSU's new ad campaign

Here's something Dubya sent to me this morning.

I think its hilarious.

Looking for a sitter

I haven't heard back from Brian's company.

It's been over a week since I interviewed, but it sounded positive when I was there...so I'm trying not to get discouraged.I am still looking for childcare for Gracen that is affordable and that I'm comfortable with. I have a few options I'm praying work out.

I REALLY want to quick working late at night at KFDI, I'm SO tired today. Brian and I both agree this opportunity at Eby would be a better fit for the whole family.

mmm...paint chips

Gracen has been gnawing on the rail of her crib. Yeah, she'll be one of those kids someday...

I don't know when it started, I just noticed it today when she had white specks all around her mouth when she woke up. Also bite marks all along the inside rail of the crib. So much for keeping it in good shape for her brother.

and I'll just assume that they use lead free paint on a baby bed.

What's a blog?

I'm not sure what my fascination with random writings about other people's lives is all about. Maybe its stay-at-home mom + high speed internet. But I decided I can no longer live without a blog of my very own. This is why I am blogging (?) for the first time! so, welcome.