Growing, growing, ...

So, Sylvia will turn three years old tomorrow...and look at how they've grown. Joey is only a head shorter than his big sister, I noticed while they were playing dollies the other day!

I was home sick from work today, so I didn't get the baking accomplished that I had planned to do. She'll have to suffer with store-bought cupcakes:( I don't think she'll mind once she sees another pile of presents to open.

I know we're going to be celebrating Sylvia's birthday, but I just can't get over how big my "little boy" is!

First words?

I'm not 100% sure, still needs confirmation with a repeat occurrence, but I think on the way to bed last night, Joey said the correct word for bed! We always wave bye-bye to Daddy and the girls on the way back to his bedroom, and of course we repeat many times, "night night". I'm fairly certain during last night's bedtime ritual, he said it too, though it was more like, "nah nah", while he did his little circular wave:) Oh the excitement!!!

Christmas 2009 in Ames

We were blessed to be together as a family on Christmas. What a wonderful day it was. A few tears were shed, for loved ones missed, but we celebrated just the same. The pictures here are from the previous Sunday, which was an equally glorious day spent together as a family. We truly enjoy one another and God!

Today, the weather has kept us from yet another Christmas gathering:( So, we'll pray that we can get home for a Ruden reunion next weekend-and make some Fitch connections on the way to or from NW Iowa!

Helping Hands

This year, the girls were very helpful with Christmas goody-making. These pictures are from a couple separate occasions. Can you tell I love being home with my children? They seem pretty happy with the new schedule too:)

...it's just a butter knife

"cheese"

Here are some of the finished products. They've already been consumed!

It was only a matter of time!

I caught the girls dressing up their brother. He'll love this one as a teenager. ...mwaa ha haaaa

...and that mess in their bedroom? Ain't no thang, check out this one. Ya, sometimes I take pictures of things...just because!

Apparently when I came upon this mess, it had such a profound impact on me that I felt the need to document it on film...and now further on the web:)

All I Want for Christmas...

Tonight Olivia and I sat down to write a letter to Santa. Here it is:

Olivia was so excited to write the letter (on behalf of Sylvia too). I told her that I would put her letter on my computer and send it to Santa. She asked if I had a magic computer. So cute.

Behold! The King of Kings

This Advent season I have reflected on the birth of our Savior and His eventual return and I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of it. It's hard to get my mind around it.

He was glorified in heaven:

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord Almighty;

the whole earth is full of his glory"

-Isaiah 6:3

His coming was predicted:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel, which means God with us.

-Isaiah 7:14

His coming was anticipated:

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:6

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.

You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over

the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

-Luke 1:30

He came to us in humility:

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.

-Luke 2:7

His coming was celebrated:

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

-Matthew 2:10

His return is anticipated:

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honor and glory and power,

for ever and ever!"

-Revelation 5:11-13

All praise and glory be to our King of Kings!

Merry Christmas

Old video, but sweet:)

Joey's New Game

More words

I love the calm, relaxed moments at home with the kids. You know, when we aren't rushing through one activity just to get to the next, and rush through that one. These times are when they tell me things that help me learn their hearts.

This morning, Olivia was admiring my snowman coffee mug and informed me that when she grows up, she would like to have a snowman coffee mug just like mine. I made a mental note to make sure she inherits my snowman mug if it survives the years. Sylvia updated us on her desire to have a reindeer coffee mug when she grows up! Her Rudolph obsession continues.

I'm so glad they're planning on being coffee drinkers:) I took a minute to imagine all three of us, maybe four if Joseph's wife likes coffee, chatting over coffee one morning many years from now. Of course, I whispered a quick prayer asking God to allow us all to become old and grey together.

Chatting over lunch

Today's conversation went something like this:

Me: Olivia, do you remember why we want to speak kindly to one another?
Olivia: Yes, because we want to be like God.
Me: That's right, God is good and loving, and Jesus spoke kindly to his people.

dramatic pause

Olivia: Jesus is God.
Sylvia: I have God in my heart.
Joey: yeeeeeeeeee aaaahhh dada
Olivia: Me too.
Me: Me too.

everyone smiling brightly and cheering "yaaaay".

Get the Drift?

Here's a few pictures of what our blizzard produced in our driveway.

Still super windy.

Getting ready to bust some drifts

4' drift

Lil Painters

Last weekend the girls really really wanted to do some painting so I set up the paint table and away they went!

We love painting!

Finished product

According to the girls, Olivia painted the Earth with us on it (left) and Sylvia painted a castle with princess (right).

Christmas Kids

The kids have thoroughly enjoyed decorating the house for Christmas. They love the songs, smells, and sights that come along with decking out the house. They are particularly fond of their many nativity sets, our stuffed Frosty the Snowman music doll, and the Christmas trees.

Aren't we "Christmas-cute?"

Olivia took great care in decorating their own Christmas tree.

Joe just enjoyed being cute.

Sylvia enjoyed making up stories to go with the nativity sets

Advent

The turkey is now leftovers, the mashed potatoes are gone, the food-induced naps are over, the football games are completed, and the madness of "black Friday" is over (Add that to the things I'm thankful for). Can you sense the anticipation? The shift of mind to the season of Christmas...Advent. As I began to think about all of the joys of Christmas, I wondered what it must have felt like for those that were anticipating the first Christmas, the birth of the Savior. What a glorious and exciting time it must have been, and how we can still be a part of that anticipation as we wait for the return of our Savior.

Our little photographers

Sylvia's picture of us...

Olivia's picture of us...
...not bad, right?

That dog

Meet Wrigley, Seth and Jenney's puppy. Joey taunted her from the safety of his play-pen. She wanted to get in with him...or for him to come out and play with her...in the worst way. Wrigley, you'll have to wait a few more years before wrastlin' with this beautiful boy of mine. I wonder if you'll always make him look so little.

Thanks & giving

Seth and Jenney hosted dinner again this year...what a gorgeous & delicious meal!

We can't THANK them enough for being wonderful host/hostess and GIVING us an excuse to travel clear to Chicago for a holiday together. It amazes me that the love of two can bring the company of many together. Joining us in the Fitch household were Mom and Jenney's folks, Randy & Carol.

Thanksgiving

It's that time of year when we bring to surface all of the things we are thankful for. A time to reflect of what we have. So I thought I would take a brief moment to acknowledge what I am thankful for.

My job: As stressful as it can be at times and as much as I'd like to find something else to do at times I am grateful for my job. Especially in times when some don't even have a job let alone a job that is fulfilling. I feel grateful that I have to opportunity to serve others every day through my job.

My extended family: I am grateful that I have a group of people that love me and share in life with me.

My kids: There are no words that describe the experience of fatherhood. I am thankful that I have been given three wonderfully beautiful children to raise.

My wife: If there are no words to describe the fatherhood experience, there are even fewer to describe being a husband. I am forever thankful that I have my partner.

My Lord: I would have none of this without Jesus. I thank the Lord every day for blessing me, redeeming me, shaping me and guiding me.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! God Bless!

Sample of naptime

After an hour of Sylvia singing during her nap today, I decided to catch some of her antics on video. I laugh watching it now, but I certainly tried to keep my "mean Mommy" face on when I finally went to her and found this.

Happy Supper

Joey's working on learning the sippy-cup and loves filling his fists with mushed up food. Most of the food still ends up in his bib.

Look at that happy plate. The happy girl is much more impressive:)

Olivia Storytelling

Here is a little clip of Olivia and Sylvia playing "school". Olivia is the teacher, surprise, surprise!!



Like Olivia's costume dress? She always picks the "skimpy" ones...don't like that so much. And yes, Sylvia does not have pants on in this video. She had just had an "accident" while in time-out, after throwing a tantrum because I wouldn't help her take off her shoes-hence the pull-up and no pants!! Can't wait to hear the comments:)

Puppy Love?

Joey has put just about anything he can get his hands on in his mouth lately but he has been especially fond of this little ducky with a ribbon on it. He loves to put it in his mouth and crawl around like a puppy. Too cute.

Joey's 9month check-up

Business as usual around here...sort of. Joseph passed his well-baby check with flying colors. Events included weight: 21# 10oz (around 50th%), height: 30" (around 90th%), and immunizations: 2nd fluzone & 3rd Hep B. Doc said he looked "perfect" and we feel the same!

Sooooo, any input on the sleeping patterns around here would be welcome. The 4 1/2 year old, who you would think would be giving up naptime any day now, is sleeping more than both other children. The 2 1/2 year old plays and sings her way through naptime, totally oblivious to mommy's harsh tone and threats, occasionally pooping her pull-up to really put the icing on...so to speak. The baby, Mr. 9months old, dozes during feedings and thinks that counts for naptime-oh and he wakes around 3 or 4am daily for quiet awake time with whoever will "rescue" him from his crib! Hello...I don't want quiet awake time with him, or any child for that matter, until somewhere a bit closer to sunrise! Ugh. (exasperated sigh) What's a mommy to do?

Maybe after we straighten these children up sleepwise, I won't feel the need for a daily nap myself! ...maybe.

Update...on everyone!

Joseph

• feeling much better now that he's off that nasty antibiotic (which he was on for a lingering eye infection...that we pray doesn't return leading him to require his tiny little tear duct to be surgically probed)
• continues to be a horrible sleeper and yet charms, even hypnotizes everyone who lays eyes on him
• growing like a weed, @ over 22lbs already and wearing 18 & 24 month clothes
• cutting tooth #4, the final central incisor (top left)
• still drawn to all electronics and their power cord if at all within sight
• enamored by his sisters and constantly following them around...happy as a lark to be sitting in the middle of a heap of their dress-up clothes, chewing on a Barbie doll head:)
• taking solids a little bit better now, still gagging on most foods with the slightest chunky texture
• entering the tag-fascination stage that all babies seem to go through, even preferring one specific block...the one with strings and tags hanging out of it
• finally talking more, using more consonants all the time
• crawls on hands and feet (not knees very often) like a little monkey
• most recently giving kisses (open mouth licks more accurately) and pulled himself to stand by a kiddie chair

Sylvia

• thankfully over her short-lived infantile regression (oh yes, she was suddenly no longer potty trained, throwing random tantrums, and even caught with Joey's pacifier in her mouth!)
• copying EVERYTHING Olivia says and does...like there's an echo in the room
• singing along to the radio from your car seat, the cutest is when she does the station intro, K-N-W-I
• learning her manners, colors, letters, and numbers (and anything else Olivia can quiz her on...like we quiz Olivia on:)
• would sleep late in the morning if her sister would let her, but takes forever to fall asleep at nap and bedtime
• requests to "nuggle wit you mommy/daddy" every night before bed
• precious and goofy as always
• relieved she doesn't have to go to daycare much longer (details below)

Olivia

• honing her letter recognition abilities
• requests to visit the library at least 5 times every day
• suddenly brave and curious about the outdoors, even plucking worms from the soil and holding them repeatedly (evidence in pictures below:)
• also suddenly has a veracious appetite
• loving her dance lessons and getting more confident in sharing her "moves" with the family after class
• always willing to sing along while daddy accompanies her on guitar, in fact...prone to break into song at any moment of any day
• helpful and patient with little brother and sister
• remains an early riser (like, 5:30am some days!) and a great napper
• excited about starting a new pre-school, 4 mornings every week

Abbey

• relentlessly tending to the children, and loving it (most of the time)...which is why I've decided to cut back on hours in the ICCU. I'll be working 24 hours a week, primarily on Saturday and Sunday. (so all week long I'm going to pretend I'm a SAHM:)
• trying to get some "alone time" with hubby...responsible, free baby-sitters wanted! (jk, they don't have to responsible...:)

Matt

• totally on-board with the schedule change and looking forward to having me around and AWAKE every evening during the week
• tirelessly teaching middle-school and working towards more parent-involvement in his district
• loving that the Cyclones have had some success this football season and looking forward to more wins
• preparing his musical repertoire for Christmas and anxiously anticipating the moment he can start listening to his Third Day Christmas album (he's mentioned it several times)
• cultivating his wife and children with the help of the Holy Spirit

Caught the kids looking adorable before church last Sunday.

Olivia showing me her "wormy".

He's not teething or anything...

The girls enjoyed the beautiful weather last week.

Trick or Treat

I took the girls trick or treating tonight. They picked out their own outfits for the night. They wanted to wear their dress up clothes. They also wanted make-up...in case you don't know, dad is no good at make-up! My first attempt on Olivia almost made her cry but after we washed it off and reapplied she was happier about being seen in public. They also had some jewel stickers that came with the make-up to put on their faces.

After we made the rounds and collected a bucket of treats we came home and handed out candy to the other trick or treaters. It was a pleasant night for it thankfully!

Who'da thought they'd want to be princesses?

We kept the make-up very subtle.

Collecting treats!

Pumpkin Carving

Today we did our traditional pumpkin carving! The girls could not wait to do their pumpkins ever since bringing them home last week. They must have asked at least 100 times!

This is Olivia's pumpkin. She wanted a mean face jack-o-lantern so I drew one on her pumpkin first to see if she liked it. She didn't. It just wasn't mean enough for her. So I started over and drew this one. She was pleased with it.

This is Sylvia's pumpkin. She wanted a snake but we felt that a goofy face was more in order. She didn't seem to mind.

This is Joseph's pumpkin. He insisted that it be an Iowa State pumpkin :) This pumpkin took far too long to do to look this bad! Some parts fell out of the design. Maybe next year we'll stick to the simple designs!

Here the girls are working hard on clearing out the innards of their pumpkins. Sylvia wasn't very interested in getting hers out. This picture was staged to make it seem as if Sylvia was really working on hers!!

More pictures here.

Once in a Lifetime....

In case you were not following college football this weekend, let me update you. The Cyclones managed to beat the Cornhuskers in Lincoln for the first time in MY LIFE! The last time they did this was 1977. What an amazing win! GO STATE!

Head coach Paul Rhoads is a little excited about the win

I also could not pass up the opportunity to welcome my Cyclones home from their monumental victory. Here is video of me and a horde of Clone fans giving our boys a proper greeting:

Fall Festival

Today we went to our church's Fall Festival. Some members of our church host families on their farm complete with food, games, hay rides, s'mores, campfire, and songs. It was a great autumn afternoon for such an event. The girls had a great time. They loved the hay ride and Olivia found some friends to play and climb on hay bales with. We ended with some hymns around the fire. It was a great time filled with food, fun, faith, and fellowship. What more do you need?

More pics here.

The things children say...

The girls have been cracking me up lately, so I have to share.

Me(while driving): What is that car doing? This is not a two lane road! ...grumble, grumble Oh, now they're trying to cut in front of us!
Olivia(from back of minivan): Whoa, they must be in a big hurry. I bet they have a nah-point-ment.


Sylvia: I want to sleep with Olifia.
Me: No Sissy, you talk too much during nap and won't go to sleep. You need to nap in separate rooms.
Sylvia: But I luhf hew!


Olivia(towel drying off after bath): I don't want to put my jammies on. I want to have naked day.
Me: Like pajama day?!?
Olivia(totally serious): Ya.

Miniatures

The kids' G-ma [jee-maw] knew that they would enjoy this miniature library set and had a great time playing with it when G-ma and Papa were visiting. Of all the places to play after that weekend, the girls curiously set it up under the close supervision of their Grandpa Keith, as if he's part of the play. Weird things catch me sometimes, and even the Barbie has significance, as it was an original childhood toy of my own. I remember my Dad, Grandpa Fitch, make-believing with me and this very Barbie doll many years ago. Big idea: our children are BLESSED and God's plan is PERFECT!

It's Soup Season

I don't know when or how I became such a soup FREAK! I crave it and just can't get enough of the stuff, especially this time of year. Unfortunately for my family, who are not soup-eaters, I plan on making lots of soup in the coming months. I end of eating a few bowls, then freezing individual portions of the rest. Is this girl really "stocking the freezer"? ...YEP!



My apologies for the poor pictures. I need a lesson on how to photograph my edible creations so that they appear as appealing as they do in person:(
We coupled our broccoli-cheese soup with grilled ham & cheese sammies. They weren't nearly as black as they look in the pics.



And to give credit (and thanks) where credit is due! This recipe comes straight from the Grace Lutheran Church Cookbook, "Heavenly Delights". I've been making some of the recipes submitted by the mothers of my childhood friends. The last batch of cookies I made were with Sandy LaBahn's (Megan Henning's mom) chocolate-chip cookie recipe. The following is from Tami Mullinex's mom.

Broccoli-Cheese Soup -Jeanne Schultz

4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 qt. water
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
2 1/2 cup cubed potatoes
1 (29oz) pkg. frozen broccoli bits
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed

Combine bouillon cubes, water, celery, carrots, and onion. Bring to a boil. Cook gently for 20 minutes. Add potatoes and frozen broccoli; bring to a boil and continue cooking for 20 minutes. Add chicken soup and cheese. Heat until cheese is melted and thoroughly mixed. Serve immediately.

Cheerful Breakfast

Our family does share meals with one another on a daily basis, but how can I be sure that once in awhile, a memory sticks? So I had some fun with an egg/milk mixture, skillet, and cookie cutter:) Can you think of anything better to do at 6:30am? (the crack of dawn or before is the typical rising time of our children) This meal was certainly NOT gourmet, with the Eggo waffle and all, but maybe memory rich!


Olivia gobbled up her star-shaped eggs.


What kind of memories are you making today?