Thursday, January 20, 2011
All Dressed Up
Sunday morning post Christmas was a morning to remember for this household. Not for any extraordinary reason. Not at all. This particular Sunday was like no other recent Sunday because our VERY independent little man whom insists on picking out and dressing himself EVERY day did his Momma proud and chose to wear one of the "dress" outfits I had laid out as possible options for him. What did mine eyes see as I stepped out of the bathroom, but my beautiful girl AND my handsome devil of a toddler son. Grab the camera!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Christmas Morn'
Christmas morning we woke to two silly kiddos that were as excited as any other child that it was Christmas morn'. We heard them trample downstairs and then rush back upstairs at the speed of lightning to inform us that Santa Claus had made a visit to our house. Gabrielle was especially excited that he liked the plate of goodies that she and Dawson had left out for him and that he had left the plate clean.
As I mentioned in my previous post the kids didn't request much for Christmas, however they did both long for a pillow pet and were thrilled when they tore into the large gift bags revealing them. We allowed the kids to open this one gift on Christmas Eve prior to turning in for the night. Gabrielle became attached to hers from the 1st moment. She removed her bed pillow and sleeps on the pillow pet and then strategically places "her" on her bed in the morning when making her bed.
Another wish list item of Gabi's was a Barbie Mermaid Tail. This momma was NEVER a fan of Barbie or her pals so it has been somewhat of a stretch for me to embrace Gabrielle's fondness of the perfect plastic billion dollar toy. I will succumb to saying that this was $5 very well spent. She has played with the Barbie MT countless hours already - taking her swimming in the bathroom sinks and bathing with her and Barbie's b'friend Ken :)
Our little man - what do you get a rough and tumble boy?
This year he scored yet another wheeoooh wheeooh (firetruck), hot wheels tracks & storage case and some Monster Truck gear. Daddy has been great about making special time to play with D building, racing, tearing apart, reconstructing and so on.
Santa delivered a PlayStation Move, 2nd controller and a couple of kids games. This equals fun, family entertainment!
We experienced another year of abundant blessings receiving far more than we deserve. It really made me take a deeper look into my views on giving. There is something very satisfying about finding rock bottom pricing/end of year clearance sales on games and toys the kids will enjoy when you are on a tight "budget", but in the big scheme of things I can say with confidence we will scale back on our giving in the years to come. We asked the kids to each pick one large toy and several smaller items to either throw, give away or sell. I was proud of their choices as well as their attitudes. Gabi was quick to pinpoint a friend she wanted to gift the toys to which made me happy. She was thoughtful in her choice and reasoning for whom she chose.
My hope is that everyone had a very blessed Christmas season and that you each took time to reflect on Christ's love for us.
As I mentioned in my previous post the kids didn't request much for Christmas, however they did both long for a pillow pet and were thrilled when they tore into the large gift bags revealing them. We allowed the kids to open this one gift on Christmas Eve prior to turning in for the night. Gabrielle became attached to hers from the 1st moment. She removed her bed pillow and sleeps on the pillow pet and then strategically places "her" on her bed in the morning when making her bed.
Another wish list item of Gabi's was a Barbie Mermaid Tail. This momma was NEVER a fan of Barbie or her pals so it has been somewhat of a stretch for me to embrace Gabrielle's fondness of the perfect plastic billion dollar toy. I will succumb to saying that this was $5 very well spent. She has played with the Barbie MT countless hours already - taking her swimming in the bathroom sinks and bathing with her and Barbie's b'friend Ken :)
Our little man - what do you get a rough and tumble boy?
This year he scored yet another wheeoooh wheeooh (firetruck), hot wheels tracks & storage case and some Monster Truck gear. Daddy has been great about making special time to play with D building, racing, tearing apart, reconstructing and so on.
Santa delivered a PlayStation Move, 2nd controller and a couple of kids games. This equals fun, family entertainment!
We experienced another year of abundant blessings receiving far more than we deserve. It really made me take a deeper look into my views on giving. There is something very satisfying about finding rock bottom pricing/end of year clearance sales on games and toys the kids will enjoy when you are on a tight "budget", but in the big scheme of things I can say with confidence we will scale back on our giving in the years to come. We asked the kids to each pick one large toy and several smaller items to either throw, give away or sell. I was proud of their choices as well as their attitudes. Gabi was quick to pinpoint a friend she wanted to gift the toys to which made me happy. She was thoughtful in her choice and reasoning for whom she chose.
My hope is that everyone had a very blessed Christmas season and that you each took time to reflect on Christ's love for us.
Monday, December 27, 2010
DuBay Family Christmas
About the only thing that tops the thrill and excitement of this time of year is quality time spent with family. We celebrated Christmas with my side of the family on Wednesday evening. My brother and SIL hosted at their home in Leawood. Linda has the most incredible knack for decorating (she owns her own interior decorating business if anyone would like to use her services!) and her house was just beautiful! I enjoyed snooping at all the details she put into each room and ooohed and aaawed over lots of her Christmas decor. I think one of my favorites were her wise men in the dining area. We ate a casual supper of yummy potato soup & taverns with fresh vegetables and a HUGE array of goodies before opening gifts.
Mom and I had taken Gabrielle to the new AG store opening weekend which was such a fun thing to get to do together as a 1st. Mema had given both the older granddaughters (Danielle now 19 & Paige 17) their first AG dolls so she wanted to do the same for Gabrielle. Gabrielle struggled some with her decision, but ultimately decided to settle on the My American Girl doll which is supposed to look the most similar to her. She was awesome about waiting patiently until Christmas to actually get the doll. She named her Kate Elizabeth and has quickly proven she will take excellent care of her.
Travis and I bought her the accessory kit to go with the outfit her doll came in.
$24 seems a wee bit steep for what comes in that teeny little box, but just take one look at that smile!
And little man, well ... he was overjoyed receiving a snuggie of his own. He looks ridiculously adorable in it. He lounges on the couch with it and takes it to bed with him during nap and nighttime.
I heart this picture of my oldest brother Brett and Paige.
I can only pray that Gabrielle will grow to have as close a relationship as these two do. I love seeing my brother dote on Paige and Paige continue to be his "little girl." She will be off to college in the Spring leaving B & L with an empty nest. Rest assured, there will be some tires beating the pavement :P
And this picture
Well, let's just say that I do believe these are about two of thee most handsome devils a girl could meet. Don't you agree? I love this kid (Tyler aka TJ) and admire beyond words the choices he has made to go against the flow of the teenage/college norm.
I would have loved nothing more than to have camped out in front of their fireplace and visited the night away enjoying a glass of wine however, my bestie from junior/senior high was making her annual trek from Austin to NW Iowa and stops each year to stay a night with us so we called the night young and headed home shortly before 10.
Mom and I had taken Gabrielle to the new AG store opening weekend which was such a fun thing to get to do together as a 1st. Mema had given both the older granddaughters (Danielle now 19 & Paige 17) their first AG dolls so she wanted to do the same for Gabrielle. Gabrielle struggled some with her decision, but ultimately decided to settle on the My American Girl doll which is supposed to look the most similar to her. She was awesome about waiting patiently until Christmas to actually get the doll. She named her Kate Elizabeth and has quickly proven she will take excellent care of her.
Travis and I bought her the accessory kit to go with the outfit her doll came in.
$24 seems a wee bit steep for what comes in that teeny little box, but just take one look at that smile!
And little man, well ... he was overjoyed receiving a snuggie of his own. He looks ridiculously adorable in it. He lounges on the couch with it and takes it to bed with him during nap and nighttime.
I heart this picture of my oldest brother Brett and Paige.
I can only pray that Gabrielle will grow to have as close a relationship as these two do. I love seeing my brother dote on Paige and Paige continue to be his "little girl." She will be off to college in the Spring leaving B & L with an empty nest. Rest assured, there will be some tires beating the pavement :P
And this picture
Well, let's just say that I do believe these are about two of thee most handsome devils a girl could meet. Don't you agree? I love this kid (Tyler aka TJ) and admire beyond words the choices he has made to go against the flow of the teenage/college norm.
I would have loved nothing more than to have camped out in front of their fireplace and visited the night away enjoying a glass of wine however, my bestie from junior/senior high was making her annual trek from Austin to NW Iowa and stops each year to stay a night with us so we called the night young and headed home shortly before 10.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
A Christmas Comic
Travis often times will cut out a comic from the Sunday's paper for me to read. I have a couple tucked away as they honestly hit home with our family dynamics. Christmas morning he hands me the following comic cut from Baby Blues:
Box 1
"Dear Santa"
Box 2
"Thank you for all the presents you brot me."
Box 3
"If my sister sends you reports about my behavyer again please remember they're all LIES!LIES!LIES!"
Box 4
"You shood espeshly ignore the video evidens."
"Your friend, (enter name) Dawson Matthew Hicks
Box 1
"Dear Santa"
Box 2
"Thank you for all the presents you brot me."
Box 3
"If my sister sends you reports about my behavyer again please remember they're all LIES!LIES!LIES!"
Box 4
"You shood espeshly ignore the video evidens."
"Your friend, (enter name) Dawson Matthew Hicks
A Sunday Celebration
This past Sunday my dear girlfriends hosted a baby shower in celebration of our sweet baby girl to be. They did such a bang up job with the decorations and food preparations. We feasted on mint oreo balls, moist mini cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, delic' ice cream punch amongst other yummy finger foods.
Ms. Emily Cowden's 1st diaper cake ... isn't it adorable?
Pink Gerber Daisies from Rene'
Me with my #1
She is so excited to have her baby sister join our family
What this girl can't live without - Hostess powdered donettes (and moo juice, OJ, Dr. Pepper, cereal and ice cream .... but those donuts are a vice!)
The stinkin' cutest sweater from my neice Paige.
I am seeing this paired with a cute pair of jeggings or denim of some sorts :P
So with little more than two weeks until our official due date I am feeling great with no complaints other than mild shortness of breath after making the trek up and down the stairs dozens of times a day. Oh, and I can't forget the interrupted sleep to make the multiple bathroom visits. If there were only a way to bipass that in the wee hours of the morn'. We have very little to do before her arrival - hang the mobile, install the carseat and pack the hospital bag. We are all anxious, excited, filled with anticipation of what she will look like and how her siblings will receive her, and a tiny bit nervous about becoming a family of five. I guess God trusts that we have enough energy for another little one. My hope is this wee one will be the calm amongst the storm. I say that with much love!! We welcome any/all blog followers to send up prayers on our behalf for a safe and healthy delivery. We can't wait for you all to meet her!
Ms. Emily Cowden's 1st diaper cake ... isn't it adorable?
Pink Gerber Daisies from Rene'
Me with my #1
She is so excited to have her baby sister join our family
What this girl can't live without - Hostess powdered donettes (and moo juice, OJ, Dr. Pepper, cereal and ice cream .... but those donuts are a vice!)
The stinkin' cutest sweater from my neice Paige.
I am seeing this paired with a cute pair of jeggings or denim of some sorts :P
So with little more than two weeks until our official due date I am feeling great with no complaints other than mild shortness of breath after making the trek up and down the stairs dozens of times a day. Oh, and I can't forget the interrupted sleep to make the multiple bathroom visits. If there were only a way to bipass that in the wee hours of the morn'. We have very little to do before her arrival - hang the mobile, install the carseat and pack the hospital bag. We are all anxious, excited, filled with anticipation of what she will look like and how her siblings will receive her, and a tiny bit nervous about becoming a family of five. I guess God trusts that we have enough energy for another little one. My hope is this wee one will be the calm amongst the storm. I say that with much love!! We welcome any/all blog followers to send up prayers on our behalf for a safe and healthy delivery. We can't wait for you all to meet her!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Visiting Santa
The Christmas season wouldn't be the same without making the short drive to the local Bass Pro Shop to visit Mr. Clauss himself. This year was different from lasts as Dawson was enthralled with the idea of the big man whereas last year ... well, not so much!
Gabi took it upon herself to grab Santa's undivided attention after her picture was taken to verbalize her Christmas wish list. It was short and sweet this year - a purple unicorn pillow pet (who is the behind the scenes person who created this ridiculous $20 item that is being sold at even the most obscure places (Petsmart among them) who is making a mint?) and her own ice cream maker. A big thank-you to the increased advertisements this time of year. Santa fell short on fulfilling her request as he did NOT deliver on the ice cream maker.
Little man didn't have any special requests this year. He would have been happy with a big bag of sugar! We learned in quick order that receiving clothing as a gift does not please the child. He quickly became a little dude with a big tude!
Our only minor disappointments this year with our visit to Bass Pro was Mrs. Clauss was not present and this old green pickup truck wasn't decked out in greenery and lights like it was this past year. It still makes for a cute picture of my two munchkins though.
Gabi took it upon herself to grab Santa's undivided attention after her picture was taken to verbalize her Christmas wish list. It was short and sweet this year - a purple unicorn pillow pet (who is the behind the scenes person who created this ridiculous $20 item that is being sold at even the most obscure places (Petsmart among them) who is making a mint?) and her own ice cream maker. A big thank-you to the increased advertisements this time of year. Santa fell short on fulfilling her request as he did NOT deliver on the ice cream maker.
Little man didn't have any special requests this year. He would have been happy with a big bag of sugar! We learned in quick order that receiving clothing as a gift does not please the child. He quickly became a little dude with a big tude!
Our only minor disappointments this year with our visit to Bass Pro was Mrs. Clauss was not present and this old green pickup truck wasn't decked out in greenery and lights like it was this past year. It still makes for a cute picture of my two munchkins though.
Kindergarten Class Holiday Party
Friday December 17th Gabrielle's Kindergarten class celebrated the Holiday's in full fashion. The morning started with an hour long sing along by classes K - 5 grade then each class was dismissed to their classrooms for the festivities.
Gabi specifically requested to wear this dress to her party. It is casual, but pretty darn cute on if I am allowed to say so. The kids and I all had our hair cut the evening before and Ms. Jillian put Gabrielle's hair into two french braids so it would be "curly" Friday morning upon taking the braids out. Ms. G loved how it looked and so I took the opportunity to snap a quick picture before she ate her breakfast and headed off to school.
The homeroom mom in charge of planning the parties really did a bang up job in coming up with some "fresh" crafts and games for the kids to do. Each child was provided a special bag to gather magic reindeer food in and sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve. The label read:
"Sprinkle on the lawn at night
the moon will make it sparkle bright
as Santa's reindeer fly and roam
this will guide them to your home."
The reindeer food consisted of oatmeal, red and green rice, pine cones & the magic ingredient was embossing glitter. The kids LOVED it!
It has been a privelege for Gabrielle to be a part of Mrs. S's class. She is one amazing, tenderhearted, CHRIST LOVING teacher and makes it very apparent that each child is not only special in their own unique ways, but also very special to HER.
Gabi specifically requested to wear this dress to her party. It is casual, but pretty darn cute on if I am allowed to say so. The kids and I all had our hair cut the evening before and Ms. Jillian put Gabrielle's hair into two french braids so it would be "curly" Friday morning upon taking the braids out. Ms. G loved how it looked and so I took the opportunity to snap a quick picture before she ate her breakfast and headed off to school.
The homeroom mom in charge of planning the parties really did a bang up job in coming up with some "fresh" crafts and games for the kids to do. Each child was provided a special bag to gather magic reindeer food in and sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve. The label read:
"Sprinkle on the lawn at night
the moon will make it sparkle bright
as Santa's reindeer fly and roam
this will guide them to your home."
The reindeer food consisted of oatmeal, red and green rice, pine cones & the magic ingredient was embossing glitter. The kids LOVED it!
It has been a privelege for Gabrielle to be a part of Mrs. S's class. She is one amazing, tenderhearted, CHRIST LOVING teacher and makes it very apparent that each child is not only special in their own unique ways, but also very special to HER.
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