18 months, 2010, and Routines

Well, a lot has happened since I last blogged!

Here it is in a nutshell:

On December 26th Kyler turned 18 months...could he really be that old already? Time surely does fly when you're having fun. I have been truly enjoying every moment of motherhood! Kyler is doing many things from singing songs, reading books, saying words and animal sounds to throwing all different types of balls, catching, and racing around the house! He is into EVERYTHING! His comprehension and connections still astound me. Following one step directions is a piece of cake for him - which I can't say the same for some of my third graders.

2010...Wow is it really 2010 already? I think as we get older the time seems to speed up. I can remember when I was in 4th grade (1989), and my teacher made us all shirts that said "Class of 1999". 1999 seemed so far off then, not to mention 2010! Each year seems to pass even more quickly than before. I can only hope that 2010 is a great year for all!

Shortly after the new year, Josh and I headed back to school and Kyler to day care. Even though we had a full two-weeks off we all fell right back into our routines. Kyler still LOVES going to Debbie's! Josh is continuing with teaching, his master's program, and basketball stats. And I got right back to teaching third graders. Although this semester looks a little bit different for me. I am hosting my very first student-teacher. After much convincing by my principal, I decided that this was something I could handle. Now when I go to work, I feel like I have a new purpose for being there. Not only am I responsible for my 21 students, but now I am responsible for a budding young teacher that will eventually influence many other lives. It is a good challenge for me.

Favs from Winter

Merry Christmas!

The Christams Spirit is definitely alive and well in our household - how can it not when you have a crazy 18 month old running around the house pointing at Santa and saying "Oh oh oh"? Having a child has surely gotten me more excited about this holiday than ever before. I am looking forward to the look on Kyler's face when he sees what Santa has in store for him! Like I have said many times before, motherhood brings everything to a whole new level...especially the holidays! We wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Shovelin', Shovelin', Shovelin'

This morning we woke up to a good 6 inches of snow on the ground. Luckily Paul and Lee (our neighbors) had brought over Kyler's Christmas present a few days early - a mini snow shovel!


Last time we got snow, Kyler went over and was trying to help Paul shovel his driveway, so they decided to get him his very own shovel. Now we can put Kyler to work...maybe he can earn his keep with the money he earns from shoveling the neighborhood! Thanks Paul and Lee! He LOVES it!

Winter Solstice?...feels more like SUMMER!

With highs in the mid 60's today, it felt more like spring or summer rather than the first day of WINTER! We took full advantage of the summer-like temperatures! First we took the short walk down the the newly built dog park. Lucy hadn't been on a walk for awhile and we had been wanting to scope out the new park. The park is beautiful with a section for big dogs, small dogs, and even agility training...it is a dog's paradise! Kyler enjoyed it as well!


After the park, we headed back home to eat a quick lunch, then we were back out again...this time for SWIMMING! Angy and I decided to take the kids to the "Family Fun Plex" for an afternoon of FUN! This was Kyler's first experience with a crowded, chlorinated, public pool. He really didn't know what to think at first when he was clinging onto me for dear life, but once he warmed up to the chaotic loudness he did fine.

Hangin' out with Lanie! Brrrr it's cold!


When we were in the locker room changing into our clothes, I asked Kyler, "Did you have fun swimming?" He responded with a very enthusiastic, "Yeah!" He must have because he came home and took a 3 hour nap! We need to do that more often!

Christmas is coming...the goose is getting fat!

This weekend we really got into the Christmas Spirit! We went to the Greeley West plant sale to buy a poinsettia and you'd never guess who was there! Santa and his reindeer! Kyler wasn't really fond of Santa this year, but he sure enjoyed looking at his reindeer!

This is the best picture that we could get! Kyler didn't want to go near Santa.

He thought the reindeer should say, "Mooo!" so he was mooing at them!

Kyler sure enjoyed the candy cane from Santa!

Josh and I both had our work Christmas Parties on Saturday evening. We made it to both and had a great time! Thanks to Jeff and Jaime for watching Kyler! Then on Sunday Kyler and I headed over to the Kinyon's for some holiday baking. Mommy got to hang out with her best friend, Kyler got to hang out with his girlfriend, daddy had peace and quiet to finish up his final exam for his master's class, and we all got to eat great cookies - what fun!

Tonight Deb had all of her kiddos and their families over for her annual Christmas party. We had a fabulous time! Kyler got lots of new and fun toys, and it was nice to meet all of the families that Deb has graciously taken into her home! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Deb and all of her cuties!

Opening presents with Deb!

The WHOLE gang!

Only 3 more days until Winter Break! I can't wait!

Random Fun!

Kyler is just a bundle of joy to have around our house...I can't even think about what we did without him in our lives. Now that he is getting older, he is getting quite the personality! He is 100% boy! Kyler LOVES to run around the house singing, jibber jabbering, dancing, chasing Lucy, and using his imagination (sometimes all at once)!

The other day I was gathering up the trash and decided to push Kyler around in the empty diaper box. He was laughing and laughing. Then I got preoccupied doing something else and before I knew it Kyler had gotten the diaper box up onto the couch and was climbing in! What a boy thing to do!

And yes, he even put his Bronco hat on himself.

After awhile he realized that it might be a good place to curl up with a book!

Another one of Kyler's favorite things to do is to roll around on the comforter while I am changing the sheets. He just thinks it is so funny! And I love to watch him!

Kyler also like to play "Mommy's little helper"! Whatever chore I am doing he likes to do it right along with me, and I don't mind one bit!

Playing Dress Up!

As I was searching through our photos, I noticed a theme. Kyler loves to try things on! Here are a few random photos of Kyler's new hobby!

It's not my mother's purse, it a European shoulder bag!

Dressing up with the Sasse brothers!

Daddy's sunglasses and a Monsters Inc. hardhat (courtsey of the Sasse boys).

Trying on my new shoes!

I found Mommy's sunglasses!