Can you say, "precocious"?

We may be in for it. Just this morning, Ollie said these things:

1. While playing in his room, he told me "Shake your booty". When I asked him who taught him that, he said, "Daddy!" Later, Joel assured me he hadn't...hmm...Ava???? :-)

2. While we were watching Joel play basketball at the gym this morning, Ollie said "Peace" (you know, in that cool way) to some of the kids playing basketball. When I asked who he says that to (because he always says that to Joel when he leaves for work), Ollie said, "girls".

Oh dear.

Festivities

Here's our Christmas week:

Tuesday night we stayed up putting Ollie's tool bench (from the Smith's) together:

All the pieces...

Joel putting the tool bench together.

Wednesday morning: Our newest family tradition--Druber's for donuts!

Ollie was watching Santa saying "Santa, lap?" We told him he could sit on Santa's lap if he wanted to. He refused once we got up there though, which was fine. He kept saying later "scared". He already has a pretty good grip of reality though--on the way home he said, "Santa, wig?" Yep.The finished product from the night before.

Ollie playing with his tool bench. It was a BIG hit!!!!

Later that day we went to our church's Christmas Eve service, then to my parents for supper and opening gifts. Here's Ollie and Joel--my sister made this cute holder for Ollie! (I have no idea why this is all of a sudden underlining, but I can't figure out how to fix it.)
Ollie with one of the train sets he got--this one runs on batteries!

Grandpa ("J") and Ollie playing with the train Christmas morning.

We stayed at my parents house until Friday morning--enjoyed good food, lots of relaxing, and a wonderful time with my sister and mom and dad. Unfortunately, my brother and his family couldn't be there--but we did manage to get them on our webcam while we opened gifts--see bottom photo for more!
As you can see--we spent lots of time playing with toys--this is Joel and dad's tracks and racecars--Ollie LOVED them!

Here's our attempt at a family picture. You can see Tyler, Erin and Addilyn on the computer behind us--that's how we opened presents--we could watch each other. Then, Courtney "brought" them to our Christmas Eve service and they could "participate" in that over the computer. It was pretty darn funny though, to see them swaying to the music, clapping when appropriate, and lighting their own candles during the singing part. Funny funny.

Oh yeah, and do you see the guy beside me? The one with the rubber band on his head and a goofy face? He's the other one who is difficult to photograph...

Sweet Prayers

Each night when we put Ollie to bed, we pray. Tonight, this was his list of things to pray for:

Christmas tree and branches.
"J" (Grandma and Grandpa Johnson)
books
Maxi (a dog from one of his books)
dogs
his stuffed duck

It's so cute. And it makes me think that he's got it right--we SHOULD be so thankful for all those things in our lives.

Even the tree branches.

Snow. Bob the Builder. Ugly Sweaters. Cookies. Puke

That's our week in a nutshell!

Snow
We actually got a decent snow Tuesday--about 5 inches! It was beautiful, and stayed around for a few days until it got VERY warm and all melted OVERNIGHT. Weird, huh? I love the snow, but that's because I get to enjoy it from inside my warm house. Joel, on the other hand, goes in REALLY early when it snows to clear the Rec parking lot...and then comes home to do ours!

Bob the Builder
We had another fun Christmas party--this time with our small group--and had another White Elephant gift exchange. This year, we got Ollie JUST what he wanted! Bob the Builder slippers!!! Thanks Judah!

Ugly Sweaters
Oh yeah, and at our party we were wearing ugly Christmas sweaters--look what bargains Joel and I found at the Etcetera Shop! (As you can tell, my sweater doesn't really fit well--but who cares!)
Cookies
Courtney (Aunt Neenee) came over to spend time with us after getting back from Denver. She stayed 3 days and we loved having her! Ollie just loves her so much. We spent time baking lots of Christmas goodies and then she helped me yesterday at school make a Christmas craft--she's done this 5 of the 6 years I've taught! I was glad to have her there--that last day is always a little bit stressful, and yesterday was no different!
Puke
Well, it serves me right. I just got done telling people the last day or two how fortunate we were because none of us have been sick this year yet! Last fall, Ollie had ear infections and flu and all kinds of stuff--starting in September!!! So anyway, last night, after he'd been asleep for 3 hours--we were in bed and heard, "Dadd-y!!!" Joel went in there and sure enough, he'd gotten sick...all over his bed, blankets, mattress, clothes, hair...you name it. I tried to help, but couldn't stand the smell--it was AWFUL!!! (Sorry to those of you with weak stomachs, dad) Anyway--no more of that yet, and he's happier than he's been in days--so hopefully that was it. But, yuck!!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We had a party tonight with other small group leaders from our Young Married class, put on by the two couples who "mentor" us couples. It was so much fun! As a part of the party--we OF COURSE had a white elephant gift exchange. (Why in the world is it called that?) We always look forward to this because it allows us to clean our house of junk... I mean, treasures.

First, the kids got a gift. Here is Ollie opening up a new truck!

Then, once the kids were downstairs playing, the real fun started! Here are a few highlights:
Joel's gift he gave: a packed lunch--sandwich, chips, pop, apple, and candy.

Jess's turban? and head covering.

John's "tooting" Santa. You pull his finger..of course...

The lovely wig I won...and Joel wore all night. Hmmmmmm.....

We had a great time--and had some delicious food! Thanks again, Grabers and Webers!!!

Alright, alright, I'll BLOG!!!

I've told Joel quite seriously that I DON'T make "to-do" lists anymore because I don't accomplish a single thing on it. My goal each day? Keep Ollie alive, and my house from smelling. Anything apart from that is a bonus.

Anyway--this helps to explain my blogging. I just can't get myself to do it more...this week's been so crazy!!

Last Sunday, though, Ollie was a part of his first Christmas program. His class of 1 and 2 year olds sang "Away in a Manger" and then another song while they rang bells. My pictures were so far away-but my friend Amanda took this one of him--and this is what he looked like the WHOLE time! Just watched the others sing. Yes, he knows the song. Yes, he knows the actions. He just didn't feel like performing, I guess!

They're Baa-a-a-ack!!!

Joel and Ollie finally got back Tuesday late afternoon. I was SO excited! Ollie did very well on the trip (at least traveling) and they had lots of great stories. Ollie continues to talk about the "plane", airport (port), "take off", "up high", etc. He had a good time. Anyway--as you can tell from the video below--he was so wound up that night! I think he was ready to be home and running free!


This next video is of Ollie making his friend Ava a birthday card. He's singing "Happy Birthday" to her as he colors.

Bachelorette-ing It

I'm just finishing Day 5 without Joel and Ollie. Thank goodness they'll be home tomorrow afternoon!!! I'm not one who does particularly well alone...

I had a super Thanksgiving with my family--my parents, brother and his wife, and their daughter Addilyn. She is super cute and very cuddly. I stayed in El Dorado until Sunday afternoon, then came home.
(Addilyn)

I will say though, that grocery shopping is easier without a 20-month old, although not NEAR as exciting.
Sleeping in is nice, but again, that can be overrated.
I cleaned last Thursday, and guess what? It's STILL clean!!!

Despite those few perks though, I desperately miss the boys. It will be good to see them again. To not sleep alone. To wake up to Ollie's "mom-my!". To have a meal where I can barely get a word in edgewise. To chase that boy all around the house. Ahhh...good times!

Tagged

Well, my friend Amanda tagged me (I'd make her name a different color and include a link, but I have no clue how. So find it on the side of ours--it's called "From our Front Porch looking In") and so it's my turn to spill all about my husband. Here goes:

Husbands name: Joel Oliver Smith. Yep--that's where we got the name Oliver. I really liked that name. Oh, and when we first starting getting to know each other in college, I guessed his middle name in ONE guess! (after he told me it started with an 'O'!)

How long married: 6 years last July 20th.

How long dated: officially? a year and a half.

How old is he: 29....and he'll be 30 next September! Wow. That sounds old.

Taller: He is. By about 5 or 6 inches.

Who can sing the best: him. He actually has a VERY nice singing voice. And, in 7th grade, he had the male solo for "I can show you the world" from Aladdin. Ask him about it--he loves to share that with anyone! :-)

Smart: Definitely him. But we are smart in different ways. But if it includes anything having to do with math or numbers or grass, it's him.

Laundry: Hmmmm...we both actually do it. I have a hard time FINISHING laundry--he is much better about starting it and then getting it all done. But many nights, he ends up folding what I started, and I appreciate that SO much! Funny story--when I first met him, we'd often do our laundry together at his Aunt Marge's house. I thought it was so funny how particular he was about folding his jeans and towels--he'd literally lay them on the floor to smooth them out and make sure that jeans were folded in a trifold. I still have to do that for him.

Paying bills: Well, our bills are paid online now--but he is definitely the finance genius of the house. I try hard to keep in touch with what's going on--and our spending plan has really helped this. But frankly, I could just care less about that stuff...even though I KNOW it's important. And if you want to see amazing financial spreadsheets--he's the man!

Who sleeps on the right side of bed: Me and my giant body pillow do. And he'd argue that I take part of the left side as well. (but it's really NOT true!)

Mows the lawn: Joel does this most of the time. I don't know that I can even say 'most'. I don't mind mowing, but #1) he loves to do it (seriously!) #2) he does it like 2-3 times a week, and #3) he likes it mowed a certain way. Plus, that mower gets heavier each year!!!

Cooks dinner: Oh, I do this most of the time. But it's not because he isn't quite capable of this. It's just the pattern we've settled into. But he cooked a lot when we were first married--and still has several specialty things he makes--like DOMINATE cheesecake!

First to admit they are wrong: hmmm...actually, this is a tough one. He might disagree with me--but I think the answer is me.

Who kissed first: He kissed me. On Valentine's Day, 2000. And it was BOTH of our first kiss!

Who wears the pants: Define "pants".... Okay, seriously, that's another tough one. I mean, I married him because I respect him and love him and definitely think he is one of the wisest people I know. So I don't mind it that he makes many decisions, especially since making decisions is not a favorite past time of mine. But I think we both make many decisions. We talk and discuss lots, and if we disagree--than it usually goes to him.

And here he is!
And now I tag the following people: Alisha, Chelsie, and Erin

Buddies

Ollie's friend, Eli, came over the night while Shannon, his mom, and I were at a baby shower. Joel and the boys played. They wrestled, raced, and then finally crashed in front of a video for a few minutes. Isn't this picture hilarious???
This morning, I gave Ollie a sponge, and he spent the morning cleaning. He loved it! So I decided to try taking pictures of him doing this--but instead, as soon as he saw the camera, he said, "picture?" and then, "Cheeeeeese!!!" over and over again. So this is ONE of those cheesy pictures.
Finally, here is a video of him this morning. He was being so goofy!

I love surprises

And Joel knows this. He is always WAY better at picking out (and way ahead of time!) thoughtful gifts for me for my birthday than I am. This year, he outdid himself.

He and Courtney went together and bought me a (drumroll please) "Professional Wireless Weather Station" that comes complete with a wireless sensor for outside and an anemometer for our house to track wind speed/direction! It looks awesome. Now I don't have to watch the weather--I can predict it myself! (Are you jealous, Marc Friesen?)

After opening my gift, we drove to Wichita, left Ollie with my parents for the night, and did some shopping. We went to Target, Kohl's, and Hobby Lobby. (I had some gift cards to spend!) Joel offered to go more places, but I was exhausted. I really am not that much of a shopper.

We then made our way to Texas Roadhouse (he chose the place--and I LOVE this place!) where we found two very dear friends, the Balzers and McClenahans. Now, I'll admit that I thought they just happened to be there. It wasn't until a minute or so into our conversation that I realized that they were SUPPOSED to be there helping us celebrate my birthday! Joel had arranged this with them, too! We had the best time eating and talking. And luckily, I didn't have to ride the bull. I think my being very pregnant had something to do with that...

Finally, we all headed to Starbucks, (again, Joel's suggestion!) and enjoyed our hot drinks while visiting some more. So wonderful.

On our way home, I was all smiles. I just absolutely loved that night. I love our friends, I love Joel, and I love that he knows exactly what a special night is for me. I guess turning 28 isn't so bad, is it?? :-)

Guess Who's 25 Today???

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Party Animals!

This weekend was a fun one...we had two parties and oh so much fun!

Friday night, some of our small group friends came over and we wrapped up gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We also snacked, and watched the kids. At one point, all four kids were in Ollie's crib jumping up and down--it was hilarious!!!
Here's the funniest part---little Mason, 8 months old, LOVED IT!!!

Saturday, my parents and sister came over because Courtney is going to Denver for a month to help with the OCC packaging plant. Ollie just LOVES Aunt Neenee, so it's always fun when she's around. He just clings to her when she's here--this picture is from right after he woke up for a nap--he was so cuddly.
Here is Ollie jumping in to help my parents do dishes (Thanks again, Mom and Dad!!!). His name for them is simply "J"--(from Johnson)--so they are both called that.

Finally, Courtney, being the talented cook/baker that she is, created some amazing cookies:
Can you tell who it is? OBAMA!! We are all pretty big Obama fans, so these were fun. She had taken them to work the day Obama won the election...they're delicious!

Videos

Ollie loves to say "Obama". Sadly, we can't get him to say that in answer to the question, "Who is our president?" But here he is giving it his best shot.

Here is Ollie praying. In case you can't tell, he is saying, "Dear Jesus, thanks five (since we say four, he starts counting) this food. Amen."

New Hobbies

Hello. I've decided that I'll take a stab at writing this week's post. Usually mom does it, and she does alright, but I'm getting pretty good at expressing my views and opinions, so she's turning it over to me. The first picture here is of me with my "BIG!" duck. One of my new hobbies is coloring ("dugah") and I spend much of my time doing this. This big duck also sleeps with me in my BIG bed.
Another new hobby is helping mom and dad cook. Since I'm pretty strong now, I like to move my little chairs around the house to climb up on things. This makes everything much more accessible, you see. Here I am helping mom make broiled grapefruit this morning. (Notice I'm in my brand-new firetruck pj's!) Mommy and Daddy love this for breakfast--so I'll share with you how we make it:

Broiled Grapefruit
1. First, take grapefruit and cut them in half. We found it's easier to cut the sections at this point, too.(This part stinks--mom never lets me used the "mife".)

2. Sprinkle a little cinnamon, sugar and brown sugar on them. This is the part I get to do!
3. Put a pat of butter (which is VERY good plain, I might add) on each half.

4. Broil on low for 3-4 minutes, until the butter has melted.
5. Then, eat and enjoy!

Another hobby of mine is going to parties. I love them. (Except when they have big dogs) Friday night mom and dad took me to a party in a giant shed. We ate hotdogs, ran around, petted a kitty, and then sat outside and sang songs around a very big fire. Every time people would stop singing, I'd shout, "Yay!" and clap my hands. It was so festive. One thing I loved there was riding around on bikes with some of my friends:
And here's my friend Taylor petting a cat. She was brave. I liked the kitty--but wasn't too sure about getting close!

Finally, one thing I do to entertain mom and dad (which is QUITE easy, by the way) is to walk like an old man. I learned early about canes--and now I like to use one of my golf clubs as one. Watch as I master the art of walking with one!


I hope you've enjoyed this brief glimpse into my daily life. I really should go, as mom and dad think I'm sleeping. That's a whole other post I'll have to write about!

Fireproof

Last night, a couple of us couples from our Community Life group went out to eat and see the movie "Fireproof". We REALLY enjoyed it! If you haven't seen it yet, you should. Like the other movie produced by this church ("Facing the Giants") there were some 'cheesier' parts, and you could tell most of the acting wasn't Emmy-award-winning (except Kirk Cameron!). But the message was so good, and desperately needed today. We'd highly recommend seeing this one!!! (Just bring some kleenexes)

Sleep.

Last night, after Ollie CRASHED from his sugar-filled, stay-up-late week, we went in to find him sleeping like this...really.
And just now, when Joel put him down for his nap, he ASKED to sleep in his "little" bed (the crib). So funny!

The Sex of our Baby...

Today I asked Ollie what we should name his sibling. He responded promptly with "Bobby". The question is, should it be "Bobby"? Or "Bobbie"?

Hmmmmm.....you'll have to wait until January.

Who is this kid?

And what happened to Ollie????

Last night, we set up Ollie's "big boy" bed. Marge and Ed (Joel's aunt and uncle) lent us their's that's been around the family. We decided that we needed to push this transition soon because 1) there's a new baby coming, and we wanted that not to be an issue then, and 2) Ollie is climbing in and out of more stuff--I don't want him falling out of his crib!

So here are the pictures:

As you can see, he was SO EXCITED! While we ate supper last night, he just kept pointing back to his room and saying "bed, bed". So we tried it out last night. (He's just started taking his nap on a big bed at Andrea's--so we knew he can do it.) He did fine! Here's the weird part though. This morning, he is still in bed. It's 8:00am! Now, that's not unheard of...just very unusual. The weirdest part is that I've gone in there 3 times when I hear him talking--and each time he cries "More, more!" He wants me to go back out and shut the door so it's "dark". It's absolutely hilarious--this coming from the child that is immediately ON when you go in his room--talking, playing, etc. It's quite possible that he's not feeling the best though, as he has been sleeping more this weekend...but still. So unlike him!

Ollie

Wow. The weeks just fly by, and I don't get posts done very often...I'm sure you're all waiting with baited breath (whatever that means) for our next one...

It's pretty much all about Ollie.

Here's Ollie in his Halloween costume. His friend Taylor turned 2 last weekend and had a farm themed party--and all the kids came dressed up as an animal--Ollie was a cow. (Thanks Sarah and Judah, for letting us borrow your outfit!)

Here is a picture of Ollie's newest hobby: coloring! I hadn't colored with him for several months because he'd eat the crayons. I pulled them out Wednesday night and we colored for 30 minutes--and when I told him it was time to clean up ("nee uh") he cried and cried. Warms a mother's heart!
(and Hooton family--thanks for the Mickey Mouse hat--he LOVES it! He wears it much of the time!)

Something I've been dying to take a picture of is him in time out ("mamout"). This week we've started sitting him in the corner facing the wall when he doesn't listen or obey--and I think, unfortunately, that he really likes it. He talks about timeout A LOT. So we're also trying more stern methods...

Anyway--the funny thing is that he put himself in timeout the other day while I was showering. And he just sits there backwards and bends over his knees...it's so cute. But I've refrained from taking pictures, since it's not SUPPOSED to be funny...

Here's a video of him talking/twirling in his cow suit. And yes, we have NASCAR on in the background again. I always seem to take these videos on Sunday!