Happy Birthday Sylvia!

Here are some highlights from Sylvia's 2nd birthday.

Click here to see more pictures from the day.

Video of Sylvia opening one of her presents:

Here is video of Olivia & Sylvia blowing out the candles on the cake:

What's in a Name?

First off, Happy 2nd Birthday Sylvia!! Abbey and I both get to stay home with the girls today. The girls have been playing with all the loot they got for Christmas and we had a funny story this morning. They were playing with some stuffed dogs and they were naming them. Olivia always comes up with very exotic names for her toys (ie. Asanscha [uh-sahn-cha] and Milena [Muh-lee-na]) so she decided to name her puppy Lunany [Loo-naw-nee]. We asked Sylvia what her puppy's name is and she responds with.....Murray! How funny is that!? It's so fitting. We thought that was pretty funny.

Here are some pics of Sylvia chilaxin on her b-day:

I also made my first tie blanket today...aren't I crafty?

What's My Name?

I caught a short video of Sylvia learning to say her full name (Sylvia Lee Ruden) and thought it was cute. For some reason she has to yell it. Enjoy.

Christmas Pics and Video

We had a great time over Christmas.  Christmas Eve morning was spent at home so the girls could open their gifts from Santa.  The next four days were spent in Le Mars with family.  Click on the links below for our pics from the holiday.

Christmas Pics 1

Christmas Pics 2

Here is video of our Christmas morning:

Here is video of Olivia "reading" to her baby:

Merry Christmas

One last blog before we spend the holiday with friends and family.  Throughout the Christmas season I have thought about all of the blessings in my life.  I thought I would share them with you all.

*I have a job.  In a time when finances are tight and some businesses are cutting back, I feel fortunate to have a job.  Not only do I have a job, I have one that I enjoy.  Sure it is stressful and I give in to the urge to complain about it from time to time but I am blessed to do what I do.  I have the opportunity to change someone's life forever every time I go to work.  That's amazing.

*I have a home, not just a house.  I find myself excited to get home every evening.  I can't wait to get home to see my girls and smell the smells of a home-cooked meal.  What a blessing.

*I have family.  My children have wonderful grandparents.  I have siblings that are involved in my life. I have many wonderful people in my extended family that make our life full of love.  Bless you all.

*We are having a healthy pregnancy.  Some minor complications earlier in the pregnancy helped me understand the fragility of life and how much of a blessing and a miracle a healthy pregnancy is.  We are excited to welcome little "J" into our family with open hearts and open arms.

*Sylvia. My little rough-n-tumble princess.  For those of you that know her, you know that I am not one of her favorite people in the world.  She is definitely a momma's girl.  She is unique, not much like her sister, but she loves her sister a lot.  I know she loves me and I feel so lucky to know her, let alone be her father.  I am so blessed.

*Olivia. My first born, my princess through and through.  She loves to sing and she loves to dance. I hope that never changes.  She is so full of life that I can hardly keep up.  She has taught me so many things and she's not even 4 years old yet.  I will never forget the first time I held her in my arms after she was born.  I cried tears of joy. I had never been so happy, so full of love, and so proud in my whole life. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

*My wife. All of the words in all of my life could not express what Abbey means to me.  I literally owe her my life.  She has been such a positive person in my life, I am better because of her. I feel lucky to have someone that sees past my shortcomings and loves me for me.  I feel blessed to have her as the mother of our children, she is such a wonderful mother.  I feel fortunate to have someone to grow old with.  I feel lucky to be married to someone who wrote in my yearbook in 6th grade (yes, 6th grade) "I hope I never have to sit by you again."

*My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is, of course, Christmas and the biggest blessing of all is that God sent his only son to live with us on Christmas day and to eventually die for our sake.  I am thankful for all of the ways that Jesus has shaped my life and led me on this path and continues to be at my side.  For without Him, I am nothing.

I hope this Christmas finds you and yours happy and healthy.  Merry Christmas and may the Lord bless you all this holiday.

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." -1 John 4:9

31 Weeks and a Little Hair Stylist

Here's Ab at 31 weeks:

I caught the girls sitting at the end of the hall this weekend doing this:

Olivia was doing Sylvia's hair and they were both taking it very seriously. Cute.

Goodbye Green

It was time to finally cover up the "special effects" green that has been in Olivia's old room for some time now.  Abbey was quite excited to be rid of such a hideous color.  It was time to transform the room into a more boy friendly environment.  So check out the before and after pictures!

Need a green screen?

Voila!

Complete with ABC border.

If you are wondering, the official colors are Navajo White and Naval.

Winter Wonderland

Since I was fortunate enough to stay home with the girls today, we took a little time to enjoy the snow.  The girls really enjoyed playing in it.  We built a "castle" (aka snow fort), rode on the sled, and gathered "cakes" as Olivia called them.  She would find large chunks of snow, pull them in her sled and give them to Sylvia and me.  The snow was a little deep for Sylvia, she struggled to move in all of her winter gear so she couldn't really get around too well.

Olivia's "chillin"

Hi-eee Da-dee!

Wind Chill and Grill

Tonight we had the Corey and Amy Schmidt over for supper so of course I HAD to make my (famous) cheesesteaks.  And of course my cheesesteaks would not be authentic if they weren't grilled.  So I braved the sub-zero temperature and grilled up some tasty cheesesteaks (if I say so myself!) Call me crazy but it was worth it!

BRRRR!!!

YUM!

Mighty Hunter

This weekend Ab had to work so I took the girls to Mt. Vernon to visit my brother.  The girls were excited because they were able to see their cousins and G-ma and Papa.  I got to tag along and go hunting with my dad, brother, brother-in-law, and nephew.  It was fun and what made it worthwhile was Jesse getting a deer! Good work!  

Also congratulations to Nick and Julie on their engagement! Now Abbey and I both have brothers getting married next summer!

We're ready to go!!

On the road with the girls!

The hunters with their prize!

Cody lending a hand with the deer.

100th Post! (and some pics)

Hooray!  This is our 100th post! Whoo Hoo! (Hope you are still reading it!) Here are some pictures of us putting up our Christmas tree(s) and the girls helping mommy do some cooking.

Click here for the rest.

Naughty or Nice?

The other night while we were at the dinner table we had a discussion with Olivia about things that nice girls do and things that naughty girls do.  We asked her to show us different things that naughty girls do and she was more than willing to show us!  I joined in and showed the girls a few (exaggerated) examples of naughty behavior. One in particular was where I would cross my arms and say "That's not fair!" in a pouty voice then I'd stick my tongue out.  Both girls immediately started doing it and it was hilarious!  Ab and I couldn't stop laughing.  I'm sure we were really doing a great job of teaching them that these behaviors are wrong eh? But it was too funny.  I tried to catch some video of it but as every toddler is trained to do, they stop doing what is cute the second you hit record.  I did get some of it though but it doesn't do justice to exactly how funny it was, but you'll get the idea.

ADHD: Fact or Fiction?

In my line of work I see an increasing number of kids medicated for various disorders. It seems like every year more kids need their "meds." It seems like ADHD is a sweeping epidemic comparable to the plague or AIDS, as if it were contagious. Although I believe that psychological disorders exist, I do not believe that ADD, ADHD, and it's other flavors are authentic. It makes me sad to see a generation of children medicated into submission, masking their behaviors until they "grow out of it." If you aren't familiar with ADHD, it's ok. You can become an expert in minutes and you will even be able to diagnose it yourself. It's a checklist disorder that requires nothing more than the power of observation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides the criteria for such a diagnosis.

Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

8. Is often easily distracted.

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.


If you can't diagnose the disorder from these criteria, don't fret, there's more:

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

6. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

**Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

**Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

**There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

**The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

**Taken from the Center for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov)

There you have it.  I especially like the clause about some of the symptoms appearing before the age of 7.  I can't think of ANY child under 7 that doesn't display these symptoms.  This cookbook method of diagnosing and drugging our children is highly disturbing to me.  It is full of vague generalizations that are completely subjective and, in the hands of the right (or wrong) healthcare provider, you can have your script for Ritalin in no time.

Of course this is just my opinion, but I'd like to think that it's an educated one.  If you'd like to read more about this issue click here.  

END RANT

Thanksgiving and Other Pics

Well, we are back from our Thanksgiving trip to Chicago.  The trip went well and we had a lot of fun. There was plenty of food and plenty of shopping, never a dull moment for sure. Thanks to Seth and Jen for the hospitality and pulling off a great Thanksgiving. We may have to have you guys host Thanksgiving more often : )

The girls absolutely loved the trip.  They had a great time playing, cooking, and helping decorate for Christmas.  Jen had a mailbox in her living room that contained a new gift for Olivia and Sylvia every morning.  The girls really enjoyed opening up the mailbox right away to see what they got.

I've uploaded our pictures from November and from Thanksgiving.  Click the links below to check them out.

November pictures

Thanksgiving pictures

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are headed to Chicago for Thanksgiving this year.  We will be spending the holiday at Abbey's brother Seth and his fiance Jenney's new house.  Abbey's mom is meeting us in Ames tomorrow and we are off! (Two trips to Chicago in two months for me!  Aren't I special!) We are looking forward to seeing everyone.  We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and has safe travels to wherever you are headed.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers this holiday!

Something to ponder over the holiday:  If you and I are playing a game with a Hershey bar (it has 12 pieces remember?) that goes like this: Player 1 breaks the bar along one of the lines and sets it down, then Player 2 picks up one of the pieces and does the same.  Play continues until there are no more pieces to break apart.  The player that makes the last break wins.  What is the strategy to win this game?  Is there a strategy? What if the bar had 32 pieces? 9 pieces? email me the solution and I'll send you a prize!

A Tribute to the Beard

As the days grow colder and as "No Shave November" draws to a close I am coming to appreciate the growth of my "holiday beard." In honor of the beard and all of the manliness that it brings I thought it would be appropriate to salute some awesome bearded men, so here goes!

Sean Connery

Abe Lincoln

King Leonidas (Gerard Butler)

George Clooney

Chuck Norris

"Al!"

Maximus (Russell Crowe)

Me!

I'm hungry for a steak now....

A Word of Renewal

While sitting home sick today I was surfing the web and found the following verse on Jeremy Camp's website:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
-Galatians 6:9

It kind of took me by surprise because I have become weary in parts of my life and have felt like giving up or not trying so hard. I prayed for strength and renewal and this message has given me my answer.

Through the Eyes of a Child

A while back Olivia got a Fisher-Price digital camera for kids and has always loved taking pictures with it.  The camera holds about 50 pictures so when she fills it up I usually go through and delete some of them so she can keep taking more pictures.  But the other day I decided to download the pictures from her camera onto our computer.  When I looked at some of the pictures I had to wonder what she was thinking about when she took them.  What struck her as something worthy of snapping a picture of it? Here are just a few of the pictures she took.  Just imagine the curiosity that was going through her mind when she took them.

Here's a picture of a light on the ceiling.

The trashcan in the kitchen.

Her feet in pajamas.

A teddy bear and frog on her bed.

Sylvia.

A close-up of her gift from Gramma Lola's trip to Africa.

A light switch

The back of my head.

Candy IQ

Congratulations to the majority of you that answered the random question.  A Hershey bar is divided into 12 sections!! (You didn't peak did you??) 

Pretty Princess

One of the girls' favorite activities is to dress up as princesses and prance around the house. Another one of their favorite activities is to dance to music. Today I caught a little video of them doing both! Also, I included some pics of the girls in their princess gear. Just imagine Sylvia saying "pitty pincess" (pretty princess)!





.

Calming Sounds

Recently I downloaded a couple of those "nature sounds" albums from iTunes and I listen to them when I'm working on my computer. Wow, I love it! I have a mix of ocean sounds, forest sounds, and rain sounds. I would sometimes listen to music but it would get somewhat distracting when I had to do a lot of reading or I would watch a video clip or something, but not with the nature sounds. I'm definitely addicted now! Do any of you do this? If not, I would suggest it.

PS: Lola, I need to copy your Alaska sounds CD!

Hello, I'm a PC...again

Well....After lengthy hours of research, anxiety, and debate I have determined that now is not the time for me to be a Mac. I have discovered that in order for me to do all of the things that I regularly do on my PC I would have to do one of the following:

-Purchase Microsoft Office for Mac (another $150 on top of what I have already spent, plus Office for Mac is NOT the same as Office for PC)
-Run Boot Camp and install Windows XP on the Mac (then what's the point of owning a Mac?)

I think it is worth noting that I thought the MacBook was AWESOME! I loved the design, the new trackpad, the display, and the performance. Everything I read about them is true. The operating system was not that complex, I could have figured it out. Though I thought the file organization was not as efficient or intuitive as on a PC. However, the bottom line is that it was not as functional for ME as my PC was right out of the box. It would have cost me much more to do the same stuff. That being said, I think the casual computer user that mostly does basic stuff would really love a Mac. They are cool and fun and work great, but I think my brain is wired for PC for now. So I will embrace my virus attacks, unexplainable system errors, lock ups, and crashes. No hard feelings Mac, it's not you......it's me.

Life with my Mac: Mac Attack

As I was working on my new Mac yesterday I was trying to figure out how to do everything on it and started developing what I will refer to as a "Mac Attack." Here's my definition:

Mac Attack: An overwhelming feeling of helplessness caused by running an operating system completely different from what you have run since you ever touched a computer. See also: Windows Withdrawal.

I hope this is a natural feeling for those that are using Macs for the first time. If you have experienced this please let me know that I'm not the only one!!

For example, I was running Pages (=Microsoft Word) and discovered that there is no equation editor! I use this feature on a daily basis and it made me quite nervous to discover it is lacking in Pages.

Also, I was trying out Numbers (=Microsoft Excel) and it seemed kinda weird to me. For someone who makes spreadsheets for breakfast this was a little disconcerting.

I guess I have the "boot camp" solution. I can install and run Windows XP on my Mac. Do any of you Mac users know more about this? I will also be picking up a copy of "Macs for Dummies" from the bookstore pretty soon.

I guess that is all for this installment of Life with my Mac. Wish me luck!

Halloween Party

Last night we went to Elkhart to Denny and Krystal's annual costume party. We went as Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. Here are some pictures of us in our costumes.