Merry Christmas

Ben came into our room around 5:00 this morning. Luckily Jeremy and I were able to convince him to stay in bed with us until Owen woke up around 7:30. He went downstairs and came running back up bursting with excitement to let us know that Santa had been in our house and left presents. When we all came down the stairs his first stop was to make sure that the cookies had been eaten. (He took a lot of pride in setting them out last night.) He was satisfied when he found that there were only crumbs left on the plate and was ready to start opening gifts.

Now that he can recognize some of the letters, especially B (for Ben) and O (for Owen), Ben would reach for a present then "read" who it was for. Once he had unwrapped a gift for himself and played with it for a while, he would then find one that was for Owen and help him unwrap it. Little Owen wasn't really into unwrapping presents, but was very interested in the new toy inside. It was a lot of fun because it wasn't just a whirlwind of wrapping paper and empty boxes.Santa remembered that Ben had asked for a dinosaur, and he was very excited when he opened it. Owen received a new ball popper (the old one was used so much that it just ran out of steam). He has played with it all morning long! Their big gift was a wooden kitchen set. It is something that they both seem to be enjoying. Ben made me waffles in the microwave this morning and Owen got a kick out of talking on the phone.

I have a pot roast in the real oven for dinner and the boys are taking a Christmas nap. We are looking forward to enjoying a relaxing afternoon of watching movies, playing Candy Land and "cooking" up a storm. Thank you Santa for a wonderful Christmas!



Cookies for Santa-Carrots for Rudolph

Owen helping with the cookies.

Ben setting the cookies, carrots and milk out. Santa and Rudolph's Snack Hands off! Those are for Santa!



Wide Open Spaces

I had the boys in the basement with me this afternoon while I was vacuuming the new carpet. Owen, now 13 months, decided to stand up on his own and take eight to ten steps! I could see the look of accomplishment on his face as he was walking towards me. Ben and I were both extremely excited for him and were clapping and encouraging him on. He probably did this a dozen times while we were down there. I'm not sure if it was the soft new carpet or the fact that there wasn't anything to fall into, but he wouldn't repeat it for Jeremy later on in the living room upstairs. Of course I didn't have my camera while I was cleaning, so I took a little video of it before bedtime this evening. I'm sure it would be just fine with him if we didn't put furniture in the basement at all.



A Guthrie Holiday Tradition

Santa was a huge hit this year. After waiting in line to see him, both boys sat right down on his lap without incident. Owen was super cute as he examined the jolly St. Nick and tried to figure out why he was sitting there. Ben turned in to this shy, quiet kid that I didn't even recognize. After the pictures were taken Santa whispered into Ben's ear. Ben whispered back, but I couldn't quite make out what he said. As we were walking away, Jeremy asked him what he said to Santa. Ben apparently told him that he wanted a dinosaur and a race car! (And yes, I will be returning the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.)

Growing up, my parents would round all of us kids up to go shopping together before Christmas so that we could get gifts for each other. We would then drive through the Olney park to see the light display. Dad would roll down the windows so we could hear the Christmas music and we would have a blast pointing out all of the familiar characters like Snoopy, E.T. and the Chipmunks. At the end we would stop to visit Santa. Anytime that I have a chance while visiting my parents, I LOVE going through the park and seeing the exact same displays that have been there since I was a kid.

When Jeremy and I started our own family, we decided to recreate this tradition with our boys. The year that Ben was born, our first outing as a family was to the park in O'Fallon, MO to see the Christmas lights. Two week old Ben screamed the entire time. Determined to stick to tradition, we did the same thing about a month after Owen was born. Ben liked it but was concerned about Owen, who was screaming the whole way through. This year was the first year that they both really enjoyed it. Owen was saying ooh and wow and pointing out his window while Ben was in awe watching the lights move and excitedly pointing to and describing the next display. I switched the radio station over to Christmas music, sat back in the passenger seat and enjoyed the show. Persistence definitely pays.



Off to Visit Santa

Santa's Lap 2007

Every time that I have asked Ben what he wanted for Christmas this year the response for the last month had always been the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I had yet to find the thing. The online reviews are terrible and it is a little pricey, but it was the only thing on his list- so I set out to hunt it down. I started out at Target last night before the freezing rain had started with no luck. I was excited to find one in the wrong spot on a shelf at Wal-Mart. Lucky me-Lucky Ben!!!

As I was tucking him into bed last night I told him that we might be able to see Santa tomorrow. I then asked him what he was going to tell the big guy that he would like for Christmas. I was anticipating the answer, feeling pretty awesome that I had helped Santa make his wish come true. Out of the blue he said the Mummy King. This is a character from a Backyardigans episode -not even an actual toy! There goes that feeling of being awesome....

Owen was asleep last year during our visit to Santa. I'm a little nervous about what his reaction might be this time around. He has never had stranger anxiety, but then again most "strangers" aren't decked out in red and white velour with a great big beard. I'm always a sucker for the overpriced very poor quality photo package so I'm sure to have pictures to post soon.



Breakfast with Pablo

I am the first to admit that my kids watch too much television. Nickelodeon has a channel called Noggin that is advertised as "Preschool on TV". If it lives up to it's claim, the boys will do just fine in school.

Ben and I were watching an episode about frustration on Blue's Clues one evening before bed. As we sat there we discussed the "lesson". The next day while I was changing Owen's diaper he once again got away from from me and then proceeded to pee on the floor. At the same time, Ben was singing way too loud while turning around and around in circles right beside me. The point of this being that I was getting frustrated. Ben stopped spinning and said to me in a matter of fact tone of voice, "Mommy, you need to stop-breath-and think." Steve, the guy in the pleated pants and green striped shirt from Blue's Clues, had been talking about this on the show the night before. Needless to say, things were quickly put back into perspective as I laughed. I think that we may have just found a new mantra for the Guthrie household.

Owen is finally feeling better. He is eating and smiling again! His poop is still neon green but at least it's solid. (Disclaimer: for those of you who do not have kids and are squeamish, i.e. Stephanie Uebinger, I will on occasion talk about poo. (Color, consistency, the fact that it is on me or the floor...you get the idea-it will get mentioned.) He still has a diaper rash, but that's healing up now too. I hate seeing either one of them sick!Ben has been cooped up in the house for the last several days waiting out Owen's stomach bug. The mylar balloons from his birthday are slowly deflating which has become a new source of entertainment. He had his arms around the Pablo balloon and I heard him say I love you to him. Pablo has since been his buddy and gets dragged (sometimes at very high speeds) all over the house. He even sat and had waffles with Ben for breakfast. The only downside to this is that this balloon floats around and I have been startled by it a few times. He once snuck up behind me in the pantry and later he scared the pants off me in my room! I never know where he'll turn up.



Our Christmas House

I wish I could say that decorating the house was a family affair, but with the kids still being small, Jeremy and I did most of it while they were tucked into bed fast asleep. Jeremy put up the tree while I hung the stockings and placed the other Christmas decorations around the house. The next morning as I was changing Owen, I told them that there was a surprise downstairs for them. Ben asked me if it was a present and looked thoroughly confused when I told him that it wasn't.

When we made our way down the stairs he immediately saw a sign on the handle of the coat closet door that has a picture of Santa that says Merry Christmas. He ran into the living room and saw the tree. He was so excited. "Who did this Mom? Is this our Christmas house?" That was the exact reaction that we were hoping for.

Owen loves the tree and the Santa on the train that sits underneath. Ben helped us decorate the tree a few nights later. I bought a huge assortment of nonbreakable ornaments this year so that no one would get hurt if something fell. Ben was careful not to put anything too far down so that Owen wouldn't be tempted to grab it.

The sweetest thing was when Ben asked me about the nativity scene. He was very interested in hearing about the people portrayed and I almost cried while I was telling him the story of the baby in the manger. I don't think that he quite understands the true meaning of Christmas just yet, but I hope that both the boys will come to know that it is a time of giving and not just receiving.



Happy 60th Muhs!

Smile....You're 60!

Have a wonderful day Uncle Darold.

We love you!



Kung-Fu Ben

"PI-YAH" has been a new catch phrase at our house since watching Kung-Fu Panda. Ben will run, jump and do a funny little "karate" chop at any given time. Needless to say, he was very excited to receive a birthday card with the Kung-Fu master himself on it. It was from my Aunt Doris and Uncle Darold (who watched the movie with him) and had a crisp new bill inside. I asked Ben what he was going to buy with the money. What he said made me laugh because I'm sure that it's on the top of every three year old's wish list, "grocery stuff".

Our fridge and pantry are nowhere near bare so I'm pretty sure he means all the things he wanted to get at the grocery store that he had to put back on the shelf. (For instance push pops, a can of soup with Mickey Mouse on it and almost every box of cereal down the entire aisle...you get the idea.) Earlier in the week the boys and I were doing our shopping at Target when Ben picked up the push pops. I asked him if he had any money hoping to diffuse a potential meltdown. He said that he didn't so I went on to explain that he needed money to take them home with him. He then reluctantly put them back in the freezer.

I thought he would have forgotten about the outing as soon as we left the store, but apparently he really wanted those push pops...we'll still have to see about the boxes of cereal.



Basement Status Update

While Mom and Dad were here over the weekend, my dad spent a lot of time in the basement helping Garrett, our contractor/handyman. Those who know my dad then also know that he does not like to sit still. I was relieved that we could provide a project for him. I think that he really enjoyed himself and Garrett was grateful for another set of hands. The tentative move in date downstairs is December 20th- just in time for Christmas.



Christmas Cowboys

Rocky and Bullseye made the trip home from Manteno over Thanksgiving weekend. Grandma Guthrie's Christmas presents have been a huge hit with the boys. The new rocking horses are the cutest things! When you press their ears they whinny and neigh then make a clopping noise. Owen loves to get up on his (with a little help) and ride beside big brother while Ben thinks it's fun to "race".
Owen still has a bit of the stomach bug left over from the weekend. I called in sick to the Gymboree this morning so we wouldn't pass it around to the other kiddos. We're just going to stay home and play today. Hopefully he'll be feeling better soon.



New Set of Wheels

Christmas came a little early at the Guthrie's. My parents brought their gift for the boys with them this weekend. Sunday evening after they were in bed, Jeremy and Dad put together the new Gator. After two hours of handy work and finally figuring out where that little spring was supposed to go, it was ready to run. (Except the small detail that the battery needed to charge for 18 hours.)

To kill some time before the big reveal, Mom and I left the boys with Papa on Monday to do some damage at the mall. When we returned it was dark and a little windy, but it was still warm enough to take the boys outside to receive their Christmas present. Mom, Dad and Owen all got behind the Gator with Ben at the wheel for a picture. Ben didn't waste any time before he had the pedal to the metal and was off. (You can see Mom catching Owen in the picture.) Ben LOVED it! It was pretty funny watching him drive in circles in the cul-de-sac with my Dad behind him giving him a "driving" lesson. It will be a while before Owen gets a turn at the wheel, but once Ben gets the hang of it, he'll get first dibs on the passenger seat.

Thanks Grandma and Papa!!!
Love, Ben & Owen



Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!

The night before Ben's birthday, my parents arrived so that they could celebrate with us. Early the next morning, I woke up expecting to hear the pitter patter of three year old feet coming to my bedroom to notify me that it was daylight and to request his morning waffle. When Ben didn't come in, I thought he might have gone in to wake up my parents first. I was bummed because, I really wanted to be the first to wish him a happy birthday. I found him in his bed sound asleep. I crawled in bed with him and he woke up and said in his groggy morning voice "Momma, what are you doing in here?" I wished him a Happy Birthday and he immediately snapped awake. "I have to go!" he shouted as he was running into the spare room to wake up Grandma and Papa.At 2:00 on Saturday our first guests arrived for the "Backyardigans Extravaganza". Our buddies Mason, Mitchie and Kelly made their way from Springfield, IL to give the birthday boy big hugs. In the next hour the house quickly filled with our neighbors and friends. Ben couldn't wait to get to the cake! He was grinning ear to ear while he played with all the kids and his new loot. He was still going strong that evening with a game of hide and seek with Jaxon and Lily while we watched the Oklahoma-Missouri game with their dad, Matt.After our bedtime routine, I asked Ben what his favorite part of the day was. "Blowing out my candle" he said sweetly. I then asked what he wished for...."to eat my cake" he replied.

To my big three year old Ben, may ALL your birthday wishes continue to come true.



Everybody Loves Raymond

Happy Birthday "Robert"!

I was on the couch with my mom one evening and told her that she needed to start exercising with Richard Simmons. (Oh the sweet things a six year old would say!) She hadn't yet told me that a new baby was on the way.

On this day in 1981 my brother Ryan and I were at Grandma Uebinger's house when the phone rang. We were both excited because we were expecting the news about the new baby. I was hoping for a little sister because Ryan wasn't very good at playing with "girl" things. Grandma answered the phone and told us that it was a little boy. I quickly forgot about wanting a sister because a baby was coming home to live with us! We were jumping up and down like two kids who had just mainlined pixie sticks.

Dad took us to the hospital to meet "Baby Greg". He was cute but I was more amazed that mom's belly was gone. (Apparently I had some sort of fixation on her midsection).

Over the years he has entertained us with his eccentricities and thirst for knowledge via the history channel. Greg once told me that he doesn't remember much of me growing up...except that I was always in trouble. The good thing about that is I have very entertaining stories about him and he has nothing on me. During the last ten years an amazing thing has happened. We have become friends! I look forward to hanging out with him and his wife,Stephanie, and couldn't be more proud of the "cough" man he has turned out to be.

Happy 27th Uncle Greg! Ben and Owen LOVE You.....(so does their mom).



My Sweet Boy Ben

During March Madness in 2005 I had a hunch that I shouldn't be drinking. Jeremy and I had a couple of friends over to watch the Illini play and I pretended to drink a beer so that rumors wouldn't start before I knew for certain. Sure enough, my hunch was correct. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we found out we were having Ben, but he will be three this weekend. Jeremy and I were ecstatic with the news. Although we had not yet been married a year, we both knew we wanted to start a family and well, we weren't going to get younger. At about twelve weeks we had a big anniversary celebration to announce the upcoming addition to our family. It was wonderful! Jeremy had the crib set up in one of the spare rooms. Most of our guests had not yet been to our house so when they opened the door to the future nursery during the "tour" they realized what was going on.

A few months later we finally got to meet Ben for the first time. What a precious little guy! Until then I had never experienced the amount of love that came pouring out of my heart as I looked into his bright little eyes. Time seemed to stand still for those first few moments together. The next several months of being new parents were a whirlwind and looking back pretty comical. Between projectile pooping and happy spitting it was a given that for those first six to ten months- I was changing my clothes as often as we changed him.

He continues to grow and I still marvel as he hits all the milestones. He has always been "Mr. Personality" and I love to watch him get excited about things he loves. When he was learning to talk, he called himself "B" and has been stuck with that nickname since.Eighteen months ago, with Owen on the way, I started working part time so that I really wouldn't miss anything. I can't believe how much he has changed in such a short amount of time. He speaks in complete sentences and has a dead on memory. Ben can recall things that he did last winter at the old house! He carries on conversations and loves to be the center of attention. His favorite question these days is the dreaded, "why?". (I have to stop myself from saying the words I have never wanted to say "because I said so"!!) He just says the cutest things and I have to hold back the laughter when he is serious. My favorite is when I call him "my sweet boy" he will say back to me "you're my sweet girl". It just melts my heart everytime.

Like most soon to be three year olds, "B" doesn't sit still for very long and Owen loves trying to keep up with him. Ben gets tickled when he see's Owen copying something that he is doing. He has taken to being a big brother really well and I love to watch them play together. (That's not to say that I still don't worry that Owen is going to get pummelled while I'm in the bathroom.)He is a little man set in his ways. He loves routine and order. He would rather play in Owen's room so that his doesn't get messy. Before he goes to bed everything in his room has to be back in it's place. Ben won't even allow new toys up to be brought into his room. He loves to be read to and looks forward to choosing a story before going to bed. He then needs a hug, kiss and a high five before turning off the lights. He still wakes up too early for my liking to request his morning waffles.

I could go on and on and on but I really need to start getting the house in order for his party on Saturday. Ben helped me pick out the decorations from the party supply store and his cake from Target. He chose The Backyardigans (his favorite show) as the theme.

I have added his third photo montage to the sidebar. It's amazing to me how much he has grown this year. Every day truly is an adventure. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us tomorrow!



Willy Wonka is Bonkers

It should be mandatory that gingerbread house kits include duct tape and a martini.

I will be the first to admit that the crafty gene went and skipped me altogether. I can hardly build things with Lego's let alone with food. Ben received a cute little gingerbread house kit from Grandma Guthrie over the weekend. He reminded me that I told him we could make it while Owen took his morning nap. I was excited about it and thought it would be fun to start a new holiday tradition. Seriously, how hard could it be? Things seemed to be going along smoothly at first. Ben was in heaven, eating the candy and pretending to be an astronaut with the box, while I fumbled around and "built" the house. I finally got enough frosting on the gingerbread pieces and everywhere else for it to stay together, or so I thought...Ben was really excited to start the decorating process. We placed the candy on the roof like the picture on the box. According to him, that is the way it is supposed to look. It wasn't going too bad. A few minutes later he started complaining of a bellyache and wanted to watch the Backyardigans. I turned the television on and went back into the kitchen only to see the roof slowly slipping off of the house. Our nap time project has been extended until I make more frosting. With any luck we will have a finished project before Christmas. At least the candy and the box were a big hit.