Happy Birthday Gram

Happy Birthday to Dennis' grandmother, "Gram!" She is 94 years young today ... and while she has enjoyed celebrating her birthday today, Gram reports she'd rather be celebrating the start of spring! We're told if you live where it's cold ... you'll understand! Here is a photo of Gram and crew in warmer months (when we visited Iowa this past July). We hope to celebrate 94 years with her a bit later in the year when we visit Iowa again! Happy Birthday Gram!

Sidenote: Gram is a frequent topic of conversation around breakfastime here. Dennis fondly recalls the oatmeal Gram used to make for him as a child when he visited her house. When he makes oatmeal for Tyler and Abby (quite frequently!) he calls it "Gram's Oatmeal" ... and so do the kids. It's a much requested breakfast item!

Funny Valentines

We didn't get Valentines sent to friends and family this year ... and we ARE sorry! But, believe me - we had our hands full helping the kids prepare their greetings for their classmates. Last year, I recall it taking awhile for Abby to sign each card. This year, she challenged herself to write each of her classmates' (14) and teachers' (6) names too. Talk about an undertaking! Of course, each valentine had to be hand picked based on personality, then we had to apply the sticker, and get the recipients name in the "to" side (and there WAS confusion!), etc, etc. I think we'll have to start in January when Tyler starts writing too! He was content to choose a valentine for each friend (only 8) ... then stick the sticker on while I wrote the names. His contribution? An adorable "Haaaa...ppy Valen...TIMES (insert Tyler's version of his friend's name here)" each time he applied a heart sticker. Wish I had gotten this on video - priceless!

Time Out ... in Tampa!

Dennis and I gave ourselves a "time out" in February, and traveled to Tampa for a little time without kids. Grammy and Grandan were gracious enough to entertain them for the weekend, so we could visit with Aaron and his girlfriend, Meredith. We had a great time (dining out, sleeping in) ... as did the kids, who were treated to a day at Disney!

Mail Call!

Abby and Tyler both thought it was cool to learn about the postal service and how they deliver our mail (insert your favorite jokes here Martha and Bill!) During the month of February, the students at Advent learned about occupations and community helpers (which explains the Dr. Tyler photo in my previous post ... and others to come).


The four-year olds expanded upon the mail theme and talked about communication in general around Valentine's Day. Abby's "bring-home bucket" was filled to the max each day with letters her friends had written to her and delivered to her mailbox in the "post office" that day! Her teacher even sent them an email one morning to let them know what was on tap for the day.

Re: Tyler. Dennis, who is ALWAYS the cynic, wanted to know what tiny postman the teachers at Advent had to rough up to score the 2-year old sized mail carrier clothes! You gotta admit ... they are the perfect size. He looks pretty cute sorting that junk mail.

Abby's Cotillion Graduation

Going back about a month ... Abby graduated from her Junior Cotillion class. She really enjoyed "learning manners" (as she puts it), and it was a nice introduction to many of the habits (table etiquette, introductions, eye contact) she'll use throughout life. I think Tyler will miss Peanuts the Elephant more than Abby ...

The cure for what ailes ya!

Time with "Doctor Tyler" ... and a little dose of his charm can put a smile on MY face! Hope it does the same for you. I am SO sorry we have been "blog free" for so long. Maybe Doctor Tyler could have prescribed a remedy for what was ailing us here in Tally ... too much on the schedule! I've just about gotten a newsletter for Coke out the door, and I think we've rounded the corner with sickness here (sinus infections, stomach flu and digestive issues). The past month also brought several projects (like the assembly of 18 baskets for the preschool Silent Auction ... they no longer reside in our garage!) and some major transitions (Tyler's move from the crib and temporary inability to stay in his toddler bed) and lifestyle adjustments (trying to get in shape has meant adhering to a workout schedule ... around everything else). Hopefully we're back on track! I have lots of fun pictures and stories to post (which has coincidentally hindered me from blogging as well ... too overwhelming a job, as I want to post everything ... in order!) so check back.