our boys--and girl--and the rest of our life: January 2009

Thursday, January 22, 2009

How I Love Help!

Bradford and McCance both set the table for me when I ask, but this evening Bradford did this entirely independently. (I did ask him, if you are wondering.) He was so proud, so I had him take a picture. Here it is. Not a formal setting, but perfect for our family's Saturday supper.

Imaginative Play with the Howen Boys

First they (the 3 of them) sat at the table with paper and scissors and tape and were being ultra-creative with paper. Then Bradford got the idea to wrap his hand and arm with paper. Voila! A cast. Then McCance made several casts for himself with Scott's help. Then they quickly vacated the table to get into the couch-ambulance and go to the hospital to get casts and to saw them off. I bet you never knew breaking your arm could be such fun (when it's only pretend).

Not A Baby Anymore

McCance had a cough for awhile. The kind that kept him awake when he was supposed to be going to sleep. So we brought out the big guns and gave him some cough medicine, which he did not like at all. But it did the trick. The best part was that I got to hold him until he fell asleep. Not something I get to do much anymore.

Latest Belly Pics--about 23-24 weeks

How come I feel like she's sticking out so much more than what this picture looks like? And wondering why I posted two? Look closely at the bottom one. That is McCance's hand holding some type of toy excavator to the side of my belly. Is he trying to teach her about construction equipment already?

A Glimpse into the Future?

Bradford has always loved babies. Every time our friends, Scott and Andrew, visit he asks Leslie (their mom) to hold Amanda, their nearly 4 month old sister. McCance always asks to hold her as well. So, perhaps, this is a glimpse of my help periodically during the day come late spring.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Time for Goodbye (for now)

Grandma and Grandpa H. left for home this morning. As much as all of us look forward to getting back into our normal routines, we were sad to see them go. The boys especially were a bit out of sorts this morning after their departure.

My Christmas Gift

I think it might be my favorite, even in front of the dark chocolate, perhaps because I've been waiting for it for so long. I don't expect everyone to love it like I do. I know yellow isn't high on everyone's list, but it is one of my favorites for kitchen colors. Plus our house doesn't get a lot of light being among so many trees, so this brings some sunshine inside. My sweet husband and generous father-in-law worked for 4-5 days straight to finish it. There is a little touch-up left, putting the false fronts back on, and a window (which I believe is my job) left. We started this kitchen re-do about two years ago with the cabinets over the laundry area!

Cute Boy, Silly Faces

Back from the library with a book from one of our favorite authors/illustrators.

Scrunchy/grumpy face

He loves to have Grandma take his picture.

Back to School

Not really yet. It's coming in a few days, but with all the excitement I put Bradford to work one morning to bring a bit of routine/normalacy to his day. Don't know if it helped, but he never complained. I think he's actually working on some artwork in this photo, but same look of concentration applies.

Thanks, Aunt Judy and John!

The boys are really enjoying their John Deere coloring books. Here's McCance in coloring mode.

The Boys' Favorite Neighborhood Christmas Decorations

The yard is filled with the blow-up decorations. No room for anymore. Unlike ours which is 3 times as big with not a light or decoration in sight other than the cedar tree that God grew.

Christmas Celebration with Grandma and Grandpa H

How Bradford imagined it

In front of the tree

McCance's new scarf made by Grandma H

Bradford's new scarf made by Grandma H

Curious George!

McCance received several books.
Scott had to read each one before McCance was ready
to move on to the next gift.

Bradford and McCance *love* McCance's new kid-friendly electric train.

Drawn and framed by Bradford

I love Lyle Lovett!

We had our final family Christmas celebration on the 27th after a tasty breakfast of cinnamon-apple-cranberry bread (my lazy version of Grandma Page's cinnamon rolls plus fruit).

One Thing I Love About My Boys

Not only do they love books and does Bradford love to read, but they like such a variety of books--classic fables, simple kid fiction, C.S. Lewis, Laura Ingalls Wilder, non-fiction, including all about any kind of vehicle, animal, history, culture, science. Here Bradford is reading in his new history book.

What do Vegetarians Eat on Christmas?

So, I imagine you all guessed not ham, right? Well, at our house we have pizza, Christmas cookies, and homemade ice cream and call it our birthday party for Jesus.