Quiet Christmas

Since we did the Earle Christmas last week and my families Christmas tomorrow we had a very quiet Christmas at home.

We asked Connor what he wanted from Santa this year. He said book and jammies. Here he is opening his stocking.

My boys practicing "hock" together.

We got Connor a tool bench. The drill and saw actually work. He loves his tools and goes around fixing everything. Combined with the tools Tom and Ruth gave him I am finding tools everywhere.

Connor and I went sledding the other day on a small hill and he liked it ok. But it was a ton of work to haul him, me, karbear, and the sled back up the hill. So we decided to go with daddy the other day. He liked it ok but not grinning ear to ear.

Connor loves to ride his cow. Everyday he gets crazier and crazier - very entertaining.

Cute things!

Oh how Connor changes everyday. Last night he woke up screaming at midnight. I tried to get him to settle down but couldn't. Tim seems to have better luck. Last night Tim asked if he wanted something to drink and he did. After he got his drink he told Tim to "go go thanks." Then he laid down and fell asleep again. Only a toddler.

The other day we were on our way home from Calgary. Connor was doing very well considering he'd been in his car seat quite a bit of the day. We had a movie playing for him but he would only settle down if he was holding Tim's thumb. SO CUTE!! Tim got a numb arm cuz he couldn't move it without getting in trouble.

We went for a movie Monday night while Tom and Ruth watched Connor. T & R have a marble run that Connor loves to play with. As mentioned previously Connor is very adamant that you get on the floor to play with him. Well the other night Tom was playing with him on the floor but Connor needed Ruth with them. So Ruth sat down but it wasn't just right. He moved her knee until it was just in the right spot for him to sit down and play just right with the marble run.

He is copying everything we say right now literally. It really keeps you on your toes about what you say. My favorites lately are "I buck" when he falls (gets bucked off) off his riding cow, "I help" as he is hauling a chair into the kitchen to help me, "I some" when he wants something of yours, "I come" when we are doing chores and he wants to help me open a gate. He loves his cousins and with Christmas here we are getting updated pictures. He often has to eat his supper with "Lane, Jess, Damons, Gav, O"..

At church on Sunday we were singing some Christmas carols. Connor got right into them and started singing his version of silent night followed by a big grin at the end!

Earle Christmas 2010

This year we had a Christmas a little earlier than usual. Tom and Ruth are leaving south December 26 and Greg's extended family is doing their Christmas on the 25 - so we had ours this weekend. We had it at our place which worked great! Connor still has an afternoon nap so it worked perfectly. Everybody chipped in and brought something for supper so all I had to do was stuff the turkey. Couldn't sleep past 5:15 so it worked great!

As previously mentioned, Connor loves tools. G & G gave him a bunch of tools which he loved. He is very persistant that if you want to play with him to sit on the floor and do so. You can't possibly play properly if you're on the couch. So here he is with Grandpa fixing his blocks. This morning he was playing with a tractor. He lifted the hood on it, moved his screwdriver around a little, and said "it works" and went on playing. I love it!
John Deere makes a lot of things, but I never thought they would make popcorn. Tim got some this year from Tom and Ruth and it is yummy.

Connor and Damon fixing the stool.

Jesse was our Santa like every year!

But being at our place wouldn't be the same if the guys didn't play dodgeball downstairs. So after supper they hauled every ball downstairs and started a game. Connor was in the thick of it all playing with a balloon and dump truck - he didn't get hit once. Very entertaining and I think will become a Earle Christmas tradition.

I'm not diabetic!!

This is me at 33 weeks pregnant. This past week I had a doctors appt and he ordered a glucose tolerance test. My original gestational diabetes test came back at 7.8. Doc said anything under 7.8 is fine but 7.8 - 10 needs more testing. Since he thinks the baby is big and with my dad's diabetic history he wanted the test done. I had to fast for 10 hours, drink the awful juice, and get blood work done 3 times. I had to sit on the uncomfortable hospital chairs for 2 hours - I wasn't allowed to walk as it might scew the results. I prayed constantly that I wasn't diabetic. The following day I phoned for my results and they were all in the normal range. PRAISE GOD. I have decided to cut sugar out of my diet just to be on the safe side though. Will be tough during Christmas but I'll manage.
The other day Connor asked for a "cook" (cookie) and then the boys decided it would taste better if they ate it on the floor!! He sure loves his dad.

Mexico

A couple years ago mom and dad told us all that they would like to take us all to Mexico for Christmas this year. So we headed down Nov 20 or so we thought. We made it to Utah and then the captain came on and said there was a hydraulic sensor that was overheating and due to the difficulty getting the piece we had to return to Calgary. We got put up in a hotel for the night with supper and breakfast paid for and headed out to Mexico 7 am on Nov 21. We were travelling with 5 kids 3 years old and younger. The first flight taught us what we needed to do differently but overall the kids did great considering what we put them through. Connor was fabulous - the only time he fussed was landing in Peurto Vallarta because of his ears.

We arrived in jeans and t-shirts (leaving -25 and arriving in +30) so we all wanted to cool of in the pool. Connor loved the opportunity to go swimming everyday. In the mornings mom, dad and I would head out to the ocean at sunrise and do our lengths - what a glorious way to start the day. Dad had a couple fish jump right in front of him.
The first day on the beach was completely new for Connor. He stood in the sand for about 30 minutes before he figured out he could play in it. Then he had fun burying me. I took him out to the ocean while the others were boogy boarding and it took him a while to get used to that but he did. I had to take him out cuz he was shivering so badly. But he didn't want to stay on the beach he wanted "more". So out we went. The salt didn't bother him at all. Here he is showing of a rock he collected in his shovel.

Tuesday morning the guys and Aunt "om" went deep sea fishing. Tim actually woke up that morning throwing up but was looking forward to going fishing so badly that he went anyways. He was exhausted when they returned but was feeling better. Shari and Naomi got the flu that day. Bri got it in the evening. Dad, mom and Dave got it the next day. And baby Ben got it Thursday. Pam's family had the flu the week before we left. I had a stomach ache 1 day before we left and Connor wasn't himselft the week before - so that must have been our flu cuz we never got sick.

Connor is still a very big mama and daddys boy. I thought by the end of the week he might warm up to my family but "Om" (Aunt Naomi) and "Dave" were the only ones that worked. As you can tell in the picture above he didn't like my sister too much.

"Gav" was Connors best bud the whole week. He got super excited when Gavin and Owen came into the room. "Cuz" he would say and get super excited and run all over the place. The day that the guys went fishing there was a sea lion that came for a visit in the pool.

Wednesday we headed up to Buserias, a small mexican village to experience a flea market and get some fish and chips. There we got Connor a Mexican soccor outfit and some sand toys. After his nap that day we couldn't get him away from his sand toys.

Owen, Gavin and Ben playing in the pool. One day Tim was in the pool with Connor and had to leave. I was standing right on the pool edge and the water wasn't that deep so I just watched him. I turned my back for a second or two and Naomi saying to get that kid out of the water. Connor was floating face first in the water. It scared the crap out of me and I burst into tears once he had settled down. Fortunately he didn't get scared away from the pool cuz everyday after that he always wanted to go swimming again. That night I had trouble going to sleep cuz all I could see was Connor floating in the water. Tim reminded me that God loves our son more that we do and instantly I couldn't see the picture anymore and was at peace.

Having fun with Uncle Bri

Not a great picture but a view from our room. We could see a bit of the ocean.

Friday morning we bused into Peurto Vallarta. mom and dad's timeshare is in Neuvo Vallarta 30 min north of PV. We got to see sand sculptures in progress and another flea market and lunch on the ocean. It was a great day.

That night mom and dad took us to fajita republic. Very cool resturant with lanterns for light and rustic building. The guys kept commenting on how we would never get away with a building like that in Canada. Pam & Bryant opted out as the kids were exhausted from the day in PV.

Our days seemed somewhat repetative breakfast, swim in the pool, lunch, naps, beach time, then swim in the pool again before supper. It is hard to do too much when your kid needs naps and I am pregnant. But we all enjoyed it a ton.

The day we were leaving I realized I didn't get any pictures with me and Connor so this is it.

Our only family picture as well gets a peek of the pool area too.

Chore Time!!

Connor helps Tim feed his calves every morning and is adament about carrying the buckets back to the barn. I couldn't resist getting it on video. I don't think you can hear it great but his little grunts make it perfect.

Karbear update:

Well I had my doctors appointment yesterday and the baby is BIG. I guess I am measuring quite a bit bigger than I should be - although I haven't gained the weight. The doctor really wanted me to get my gestational diabetes test done. Especially with my dads diabetic history. You have to drink a juice and sit in the lab for an hour and then get blood work done. Not easy to do with a very active 19 month old or when you just finished harvest last week. Thank you Ruth for taking Connor this morning so I could get it done.

I headed up to Didsbury this morning to do the test and they asked if I had been fasting. I got confused and they explained that the doctor requested a glucose tolerance test not the gestational diabetes test. About a month ago when I went for my doc apt my doc. was running way behind so I saw a different one and she ordered the wrong test. So I had to drive up to Olds and talk to the clinic and get everything straightened out. I don't know but having to do that completely made me have a break down. I had a good cry before I headed out to Olds. On the way home I was listening to the radio and Call on Jesus by Nicole C Mullen came on and brought tears to my eyes again. Some of the lyrics:

But when I call on Jesus, All things are possible, I can mount on wings like eagles and soar,When I call on Jesus,Mountains are gonna fall, Cause He'll move heaven and earth, To come rescue me when I call. Call him in the mornin', in the afternoon, late in the evening He'll be there,When your heart is broken & you feel discouraged, You can just remember that he said HE'LL BE THERE!!

I didn't think I was worried about this test but obviously I was. I also know several others who are pregnant that are facing issues during their pregnancies. So this song just really struck home.

Trick or Treat?

This was Connor's first halloween this year (of actually dressing up). He loved his costume as his favorite toy these days is "monk". We just went down the back road to the six houses and he got a grocery bag full. Which Tim is enjoying as combining snacks. He didn't get it at the first house but he quickly figured out that he got candy at all these houses and enjoyed every minute of it. He liked showing off his banana. I gave him a sucker at 6 thinking he would be ok with that. He was running high till 9 and then crashed.

Update

We board the YMCA horses for the winter. Right now while the cows are on the pasture we have to feed them in the coral. Connor gets to ride in the back of the truck while Tim drops the bales. Then he gets to choose the horse he wants to ride. As you can tell by his smile he loves it. He has even gotten to go for a few steps and not get too scared.

This morning we made some muffins. Connor has to have a few spoons and a bowl of flour when we make something and then he has to wash his own dishes. (His choosing not mine) My floor always gets washed with all the water that spills.

On Sunday we were able to attend Declan's baptism. He was so perfect.

Today Pam and the boys came for a visit. We were trying to stall them for lunch so we could eat with Tim.

Summertime...finally

The last two weeks have been gorgeous and we are maxing out our time outside. Last week I took Damon and Connor down to Big Hill Springs for a little hike. Connor didn't want to go in the back pack and hiked the whole thing, including a super steep hill. I had to carry him the last little bit as he was a little tired.

Damon loved playing and taking care of Connor as you can tell by his firm hold around Connor.

He was supposed to be staying with Granny for the day but hung out with us instead. Several times he suggested that "maybe he could come to" when we went to do something. One time Connor wanted to hold his hand (1 finger) and Damon commented on how it "kinda felt funny but cool at the same time"

You can't see it super good but last week I built a flower bed in front of the house. We picked the bricks up Sunday and they were in the back of the truck Tim needed for the farm. I knew Tim was too busy to help me do it so I took a couple of days and did it myself. I leveled the ground and moved 252 bricks into place. It isn't 100% finished yet as I need Tims help putting up plywood behind it to keep the dirt in. But I am pleased with how it looks. Connor enjoyed every minute helping me or rather unhelping me. He had my little garden shovel and kept putting back the dirt I moved or sitting right were I needed to put a brick. But I loved having his help.

Fall round up

The other night we headed out to a pasture out west to bring the cattle home. The first thing Connor found was a rock pile. "Rock, rock..." as he ran to play in the pile.

Tim, Greg and Connor bring the cattle in. It was so beautiful along the river.

Connor absolutely loves quad rides. He can say it pretty good. He was quite happy to be left on a quad while the guys sorted the cattle.

I luv this picture. Connor figured out that he could hang on the fence and get a better view.

Connor loved sitting on the post watch Greg & Tim load the cattle in the liner. He would give them high five as they ran down the ramp and smile like nothing made him happier. We put the bull in the stock trailer rather than the liner and we dropped it off at home while Greg took the cows to another piece. Connor watched the bull get out and very clearly said bull for the first time. The next morning we were getting the quads out of the trailer and Connor was looking all around for the bull, even lifting his hands up as to ask where it is? I had to show him were it was and that he was having breakfast. Still a few days later if we need to distract him somehow we ask were the bull is and he completely forgets why he is crying.

We went out to play in the leaves the other day. I wanted a few pictures while the leaves were still crisp. After yesterdays wind we have been left with many bare trees. A reminder that winter is coming but oh well lots to look forward to during winter to!!

Connor really needs his hair cut but he still is super cute. I couldn't get him to smile very much - to intent on playing.

Well our bug is now 18 months old and trying to copy most everything we say. Some of his words lately are: Sadie, bull, rock, beet, bone, kiss, scew (screw), phant (elephant), apple, nuts, mits, boots, socks, shoes, chip, cheese. I know there are many more but can't think about them when the weather is so nice outside 25 degrees. In the last 2 weeks he has transitioned to an afternoon nap and now finally doing a 2 - 21/2 hr stretch. Very nice for me to get work done. I got my garden all cleaned up today just need to rototill it. I always think I am cutting back on what I plant but every fall I am amazed at how much I have to try and store.

Fall

I love the smell of fall. As I write this we are getting rain again. But yesterday will be in my memory bank for a while. All the leaves have changed color and Gods beautiful creation creates a picture that words wouldn't do justice. Especially me who cannot write creatively at all!! But going for walks and playing outside with Connor these last few days have given me a boost that this rain cannot dampen. I don't know why but the smell of fall always reminds me of my first month back to university. My escape from being trapped in class all day was retreating to the river valley to either walk or study. You can't help but feel closer to God when he paints such a beautiful picture.

Halfway!!

The other day before work I realized I hadn't got a halfway picture done yet so Tim snapped a quick one before I left.

Halfway with Connor. Not a huge difference along with a few other things we are most definitely preparing for a boy. I know Karbear doesn't really fit super good with a boy but that is what we have decided to call baby #2 (there were boy care-bears on the tv show!!)

What we've been up to

When we are baling Connor and I go out with Tim and Tom and tune up the balers. Connor is inspecting the baler to make sure we did it right.

This is a common picture with Connor and Sadie. He loves sitting on her and giving her hugs.

Grandpa bringing in some nice green hay.

We had both our bale wagons break down, beautiful green hay baled, and a storm coming in. We were truly blessed with great neighbors who had finished for the day. We had 3 neighbors come and finish stacking the bales. Thank you Reids and McBaines.

The double baler.

The other day I gave Connor an applesauce to eat on his own. This is what it looked like at the end. Later at lunch he ate blueberry pancakes and his bacon. We knew he liked bacon but to eat blueberries and pancakes was a pleasant surprise. Everyday we seem to be gaining a little ground with his eating or touching new foods.

We had the whole family (Greg & Laura included) for brunch at our place sunday morning. We were all together for Tom's 60th. Connor doesn't usually just sit and listen to stories unless it is bed time. But Sunday he loved playing with his grandpa.