Week in review

Work & Play WOW!!! So I don't write much anymore. My christmas craft making has begun and I have been sewing, knitting, painting, and card making up a storm. I can't say what in case your on my list of receiving crafty gifts. :) It's been fun but a lot of work. Monday the boys, grandma and I went to pick out pumpkins to carve for FHE. I thought Cade might struggle with the cleaning of the pumpkin, but to all of our surprise- it was Kelson. He was gagging like crazy. He didn't like the smell of it or something. We were carving it in the garage and we had to make Kelson sit with Cheeto inside. We had lots of fun. Cade picked to do the Spider and web. Not really surprised. He is so into Spiderman right now. The movie is too scary for him. But all he has asked for for Christmas is Spiderman stuff.
Friday night we had a trunk-n- treat at church. Our bishop wanted to combine with Guilford ward. We were NOT excited about this one. There were so many people there, not much food, and not enough seating for everyone. It took 1 hour and 20 minutes just to get people seated with food. The Trunk-n-Treat was fun with so many cars, but the rest of it wasn't worth our time. I think next year we might opt to just trunk-n- treat and eat pizza by our car or something, if they decided to make this an annual thing. The Spanish Branch one was fun though. I think Chemo had fun dressing up and getting into the Halloween spirit. Funny thing that happened there was someone asked Chemo how do you say "Ladybug" in spanish. His little girl was dressed up like a ladybug. Chemo was struggle for the word. Cade walks up and says, "It's Mariquita." Chemo said, "Yeah, that's it!" Funny!!!!! Cade finds the words quicker than g'pa these days. I love seeing what Cade has learned.

Cade News Cade had an ok week. I was thinking I would go with him on his first "real" field trip. They were going to "Mr. B's Pumpkin Patch." It's towards Burlington, NC in a town called Graham, NC. I drove all of the other room mom's in his class, plus the other teacher's parents, who were from Columbia and didn't speak more than one word of English. Interesting! Well, I thought all along it was Friday morning. I found out Monday night that it was Tuesday morning. I made a mad dash to call mom and ask if she could watch Kelson. Thankfully, she came to my rescue... as usual! We had fun. They got to go through a bubble maze, pick them a pumpkin, pet some farm animals, and take a hay ride. Cade was such a good boy until he saw that I was driving "Millie" (our van). After that he started to cry and didn't want to ride the bus home. He wanted to go home with me. I felt bad, but school rules!
This week was also his book fair at school. Each class got to go in and make a list of the books they would like. I was so proud of Cade. The list he brought home had only one book on it. I saw other kids with multiple sheets of paper with their lists. Showed me that he knows that he knows better than to ask for everything. Made me one proud mom! Mom and I went Monday to get the books and were told we couldn't purchase them until Wednesday. Neither one of us were thrilled, but we put our name on them and put the aside. Well, Cheeto went to buy them Wednesday when he ate lunch with Cade. That way Kelson wouldn't see all of the books either. Well, guess what? They couldn't find the books we set aside. We had to try to remember which books we wanted. Got kinda crazy! I know Cheeto wasn't thrilled about having to find them either. But being the good father, husband, and son that he is; he did with a good attitude.

Kelson Adventures Kelson has had an interesting week. The potty training has seriously digressed. He wet his pants a couple of times last Saturday. Sunday he wet them during nursery. He hasn't once made "yuckies" in the toilet, always in a diaper or in his pants. GROSS!!! By Friday he was doing better again. Thursday we went to Costco. He fell asleep on the way home and while I was unloading the car I told him to run to the bathroom. I don't think he was quite awake- but he stood on our porch and wet his pants. He was running off the steps, in his shoes, and everything. I was so mad. I think we got somewhat back on track this weekend. But it has definately been a rough wee for the both of us!

Arellano Update Yesterday was Sunday of course. We always to go to mom and dad's for dinner. Unless they are out of town of course. Well, the oven never turned on and we had to wait until almost 3pm to eat dinner. We were all starving, except for the boys. We fed them Mac n'cheese. We didn't think they could wait. Mom made guiso's and of course there was separate one made by dad himself, HOT of course! We were all sitting around the table. Cheeto was watching the end of the Panthers game and mom and I were just chit chatting, when Dad shot up out of his chair and headed for the watertank. He just started drinking and drinking. I think dad finally made one TOO HOT for himself. I know it wasn't funny that he was suffering, but the rest of us had to chuckle. I don't think he even finished all of his dinner. He was hurting pretty bad.

Christensen Update Mom and Dad finally got there tickets to come in February for baby and such. I found them tickets for $149 each. I was so excited they didn't have to pay so much to come and visit. We can't wait to see them! Also, mom said she had been having lots of problems with her car and decided after 250,000 miles and over 12 years of driving it, it was time to reinvest in a new one. They bought one Friday. She loves it, sad to see her other one go, be excited about the new one. It's always fun to get a new car. Don't know why, but it is! They spent most of their week in Park City, UT. There for golf business of something. Don't remember exactly what it was for. They had fun. They have all been sick and it's been lingering for weeks. Sucks to be sick this time of year when there is so much to get done.

Recent Pictures

Cade sittin with a bunch of girls. The girls like Cade. I don't know if it's because he's nice or his stunning good looks! :) He was such a good boy. I was glad I was able to arrange to spend the day with him. We had lots of fun!

Cade helping his classmates stuff a scarecrow. He had lots of fun doing this!

Cade's field trip to the pumpkin patch. He's in the back row- up against the wall.

The boys with Grandpa at the Summit Ward Trunk-N-Treat. Kelson finally warmed up to the idea of G'pa in a costume!

Kelson pretending to drive like Grandma. Cute picture! This is one of his favorite ways to pass time. Note: how close he pushes the seat up.

This is what cheeto did while we were trunk-n- treatin! Doesn't look really entertained does he?

This is the back of the Explorer after dad and los ninos decorated it.

Grandpa really got into halloween this year. He surprised us at the Summit Ward Trunk-n-Treat on friday night. Kelson was pretty concerned that it was really his Grandpa. By the time we went to the Spanish Branch party.... he was back to loving he Grandpa. Dad decorated Mom's explorer with cobwebs, tinsil and pumpkins. Nola said she could see something flying off the back of her car on the way to church sunday morning. She got there.... it was more cobwebs. She said she had to laugh out loud to herself.

Our Final Creation! Not too shabby!

pumpkin carving at the arellano house! kelson was gagging the whole time. I expected that from cade but not from kelson! we made a spiderweb... the boys loved it!

Cade's First Field Trip - they went to the Fire Safety Puppet Show here in Greensboro. He loved riding the bus. He was mad that I picked him up that day.

One of Shena's Many Recent "Girl" Nights

This was at Leesa's baby shower/dinner at Lucky 32. All three of us are expecting .

Leesa is 9 months, Shena is 7 months, and Teresa is 4 1/2 months.

sickness and parties

Work & Play We have had an interesting couple of days. Friday Cheeto had a Elders Quorum social and Ed Plummer's home. They grilled hamburgers and such. Just a guys night out. Even guys need those once in awhile. Cheeto said he felt good about the turn out and they seemed to have a good time. I stayed home and had a "party" with my boys. We had dinner, made halloween sugar cookies, rented "Are We There Yet?" to watch. I was surprised that Kelson sat on the couch with Cade and I for the entire movie. Saturday was both busy and lazy. In the morning we had a baptism at 9am. We had a fun time trying to convince the boys we weren't going to church per say, but we were going to the church. Cade knew who Tanner was ( he was the boy getting baptized) so he was more excited once he figured that out. They were pretty good. Kelson didn't want to see him get in the water and such but once he saw it happen then he thought that Tanner was just taking a bath. Kelson proceeded to fuzz about wanting to take a bath at the church baptismal font. Cheeto had to take him out for the remainder of the baptism. Even at church on Sunday when we walked past the font- doors closed of course, he kept asking to take a bath. Funny kid!
We went to Costco afterwards to get the weekly supplies. Once we got home we just chilled. Cheeto had some work to do in the office and the boys and I stayed home and napped and such. I had a girl's night with my friends at Lucky 32. Leesa went in yesterday for an induction labor. We were celebrating her last night as a pregnant woman. We had lots of fun and good laughs. I have such good friends. Leesa likes to be surprised- so making her gift was a challenge. Much easier when you know the sex of the child. We all found good ideas around it though.
Sunday was church as usual. We invited the Witbeck's over for dinner. It was fun to get to know the people my brother grew so fond of on his mission. Cade and Kelson had fun playing with their little boy, Hayden. Cheeto watched the Panther's game later and then we watched "Coach Carter" together after the boys went to bed. Cheeto had to go out at 10pm to run an Elders Quorum president duty. He did it very willingly. I'm so proud with the positive, head-strong attitude that he approached this calling with. I know he doesn't "enjoy" all of it, but he really seems to be doing a great job.
ps. WE HAVE GRASS!!!! It's only been a week and there is bunch of grass filling in out there. We planned that one perfectly. It has rained a bit everyday since they planted it. I'm so excited. I'm getting a backyard for our boys!!!!

Cade's News Cade was going to have his first field trip Saturday but was canceled due to rain. I had already arranged for Nippy to watch Kelson, so instead of canceling my sitter for the entire day, Nippy still watched Kelson so I could go help in Cade's classroom. His assistant teacher had to return to Peru for a family issue. Sra. Castro has been in dire need of help. I truly enjoyed helping. My favorite part of the experience was to see Cade's face light up when I walked in the door. He said, "Hey, that's my mom!" Made me feel so proud. I told Cheeto I better enjoy it because a few years from now he'll be embarrassed to admit he even has a mother. ;) Cade came home thursday with a minor cough- it persisted through the weekend and finally took him to the doctor this morning. He woke up saying he was too sick to go to school. I said to Cheeto, "Let's take them to the doctor." Cade immediately started feeling better. :) The perfect kid response to going to the doctor. His last doctor visit was for his kindergarten shots, so I can understand why he wasn't eager to go. I explained that all the doctor would do was listen to his heart and lungs and look in his ears, nose, and mouth. I asked him if he enjoyed coughing all day. He said, "NO!" So after that he was more willing to go. Cheeto went with us just in case we decided to send Cade to school afterwards and in case I needed some reinforcement! Cade was such a big boy. I thought it would've be Cade that we would have to fight with, but it was actually Kelson that needed the comfort. They both were very good boys! Found out that his airways would just tight and needed some help opening up to allow the mucus stuff to pass. He just has to take an antihistamine/decongestant with some cough syrup!

Kelson's Adventures Kelson talked Nippy into a "Happy Meal" from McDonalds. So I picked him at the McDonald's on Battleground and West Ridge. Nippy and I both were curious to see Kelson's reaction to being left with her. He was fine, more than fine actually. He went with her and Tia to run some errands. She said he fell asleep for a bit and woke up hungry. Of course the kid is going to like her if she buys him McDonalds. Nippy ain't stupid! :) Sunday night Kelson woke up at 2am with a raspy cough and labored breathing. I have never heard a child breath like that. It kinda gave Cheeto and I both a scare. We made it through that night. I was sure that a humitifier and some cough syrup would make him through this cough. We were up with him again all night last night. I tried to allow Cheeto more sleep because he had to go to work. Cheeto doesn't sleep well when the rest of us are healthy and happily sleeping without nightmares and such. He still didn't sleep well, but at least he got a little bit. We had the boys at the doctor by 9am. Kelson is on 3 or 4 medications. Some over-the-counter and some prescription. He didn't weigh enough to take all over-the-counter. It's been a struggle today to keep those two boys calm and not running around the house. Cade understood a bit more than Kelson did. He would be weasing and cough but still wanting to run around playing baseball and football. Silly kid!

Arellano Update We have only talked to them a couple of times. Seem to be having a wonderful time. Said they were grateful for taking umbrellas and jackets. Wet and cold! Well, Nola said chilly, but that's Nola. ;)

Christensen Update Mom, dad, and Ryan made it back from Canada. Still working on golf course stuff and prepping for the winter months. Ryan said that it has turned real cold. I wish it would do that here. I need a season change. My maternity clothes are mostly winter clothes. Kyle is working laying hard wood through their hall and living room. Finding ways to always improve their home. They always find ways to stay super busy!

Backyard Pics

Cade and Kelson's safe spot from grandpa. They didn't want to go inside, but thought they would be safest on top of the playset. It took some convincing to get them down!

This is Kelson plugging his ears. He kept yelling, " Grandpa noisy!"

This is Chemo not quite in control of the tiller. The instructions said to change the wheels to "free-wheel" instead of "wheel control." I knew something was wrong because the picture and the way the operators manual said that you could control it with ease of one hand. Dad didn't quite look like that! :)

What our nicely, somewhat finished, backyard looks like now. Now, if we could just keep the birds away from it!

Work & Play Hey, to all! Again not much exciting to report. Chemo and the two men he got to help us with our yard finished on Monday. It looks so much better than it did. We are so grateful we had someone to help us. I believe Cheeto is more happy about that than even I am. I have found a new craft to add to my christmas project list. Of course, I can't give details. Just in case you are one that might be receiving one. I spent all morning yesterday buying the materials and figuring out how to make one and then mass produce many more. I must say.... I think I'll have to make one for myself. Susie came over on Tuesday. I taught her how to knit during the afternoon session of conference on Sunday. She picked it up very quickly. She came over Monday and said that she messed it up and would like some more help. So Tuesday she brought "Monster In-law" so we could knit and watch a movie. I hope I got her on the right path again. Wednesday I took Nola and Chemo to the airport in the morning. Nola was getting pretty exciting to get out of Greensboro. (read Arellano Update) Then Kelson and I went to Wal-mart to some shopping. After lunch we went to pick up Cade. I have made it a habit/routine now that if Kelson falls asleep on the way to the school, I'll just get in the car rider pick up line and wait for Cade. But if Kelson is still awake and it's hot outside, I usually park and go inside to get Cade. Going inside is ALWAYS faster in the long run. Not as convenient, but we get home almost 15 minutes sooner. Anywho.... they have changed the line-up procedure at his school. They have put in new modular class rooms across the parking lot so the lot is now closed during school hours because kids are constantly walking back and forth. Yesterday, I was the first one in line. I waited for about 10 minutes before these 2 or 3 ladies drove up, moved the cones blocking off the parking lot and pulled up first inside the parking lot. I could tell the 5 cars behind me weren't too impressed either. I was on my cell phone talking to Melissa, so I somewhat kept my cool. Then it wasn't two seconds later that these two punk kids riding their bikes rode down the middle of the road knocking over all of the dividing cones. Made a huge mess, so now cars couldn't even get through the road without dodging cones. There are some real jerks in the world today. I'm sure you all knew that though! When we got home, Nippy came over to get some help finishing up invititions for Cecilia's bridal shower. Cheeto and I later watched "Lost." Man, what and addiciting show. I hate the way they leave us hangin'every week. I know that is their intention.... but still! AAARRGGGGHHH! It was late before we both got to sleep.

Cade's News Cade has been doing fabulous this week. Not once have we fought about getting up and ready for school. He didn't even fight me when I made him eat school lunch for two days. He got mad about not being able to check out new library books because he wouldn't sit and study the ones he already had checked out. However, after only one day.... that changed! He is even starting to read them some with Cheeto. So exciting to see one of my children begin the reading stage. He has his first field trip tomorrow. I REALLY want to go with him. They are going to Bur-mill to the wildlife center/preserve. The only problem is that it's from 9am- 2pm. I'm not sure Kelson will last that long, and since Grandma and Grandpa are out of town, I don't really have someone to watch him. We shall see. Cheeto is eating lunch with Cade today and was going to talk to Sra. Castro about it.

Kelson Adventures Kelson was watching TV with me on my bed the other night. We were both trying to fall asleep. Well, Cheeto came in and found Kelson upset with what was on. I watching Dateline NBC about that airline that crashed in Peru awhile back. When we were on our way to the airport yesterday, well.... let's just say... Kelson freaked out on us. He DID NOT want grandpa and grandma to get on that airplane. He kept saying, "No, airplane fall down." He cried until we got to wal-mart. I couldn't believe it.

Arellano Update Nola and Chemo.... wow to make it short... kept getting bumped flights yesterday. They were suppose to take off from Greensboro at 11am i think. They called when I was in line picking up cade that they were finally taking off. That was around 2:30pm. What an airport to get stuck in. There is NOTHING at PTI. They got to Manchester safe and I'm sure board their tour bus about now this morning. Chemo is probably having a hard time containing Nola's excitement! :)

Christensen Update Mom and Dad are still in Canada. I have been emailing mom, well, I thought I was. She hasn't mentioned or answered any of the questions I have sent her. They are having a good time. Busy traveling and not much time for calling of us kids. I'm sure I'll get the down low of it all sometime next week.