CHEERS!

I can't believe it's already my last posting of 2009. This year has flown by for us and I just wanted to say thanks for sharing it with us. We love you all and thanks for all of your love and support through this last year (and always). So here's to 2010 being even better than 2009 was for all of us! Good Luck and Best wishes.

The Ouren's

Good Bye Tonsils!

Today was the day that Caleb got his tonsils and adnoids removed. It was a very long day since we were one of the last surgeries of the afternoon and we weren't even scheduled to be at the hospital until 4:30 pm with a surgery time of about 6 o'clock. Luckily they were a little head of schedule and they called and asked us to come up about 30 minutes early. So he went back to surgery a little before 5:30. Everything went really smoothly. Mom and Dad grabbed a bite to eat at the cafeteria and by the time we were done he was coming out of surgery and into recovery. Mom met a teary-eyed boy in post op but he was soon ok after seeing that I was there.
The Dr said that he did really well through everything even after leaving Mom and Dad he just walked right on back with the anesthesiologist and let them do their thing. He also said that Caleb's tonsils were very large and even used the word "impressive" to describe them, so he thinks this will be helpful in our quest for sleep. Only time will tell for sure, but I feel good about the decision to have them removed so far.
I am really impressed at his bravery and whole attitude toward the entire day. He kept a smile on his face and was really a little trooper (even shows it in the picture). My little boy is growing up. As soon as he's ready for the tougher foods, Mom has made him a promise for a Chuck E Cheese trip. And he deserves it!

Easy Baker

Now that we are back home with Caleb, we have been testing out all the toys that we didn't have time for Christmas morning. The Easy Bake was first up today. We made some brownies. Santa scored big time with this dino apron and hat set, he's just adorable in it and loves it.

And like any good baker, the real fun is in licking the spoon while waiting for the goodies to get done.

We have spent time playing with the airplane and building a lincoln log fort as well. So much fun enjoying the Christmas goodies.

The babies stayed in Price with Papa for a couple more days so he could help us out and watch them on Tuesday when Caleb gets his tonsils out. Their toys are happily awaiting their return for all the fun they will have with them.

Another Christmas Come and Gone

Well we've had another great Christmas this year. Christmas Eve was spent cleaning and baking cookies and getting ready for the big guys arrival. We had a nice dinner together and all got in our jammies to hang out. Here are the boys new Christmas jammies this year.

Dad and the kids had a little dance party by the Christmas tree before bed time.

Once the kids were all hunkered down for the night, Santa came and left them some loot. Here is the twins pile. They got 2 cozy coupes (a fireman car and a police car), a fireman and policeman build a bears, a little people carnival and little people airplane.

And here's Caleb's pile. He got A huge Jumbo Jet plane, a toy guitar, an easy bake oven with a dino apron and chefs hat, a T rex mountain, some lincoln logs, a helicopter, a hockey outfit for lightening and a book with his Moose in it.

Zaric got Mom and Dad up at 5 am. We had to play with him for well over an hour and contain him in our room. Mom finally ended up waking up Zaden and Caleb around 6:30 to start the festivities since Zaric was getting pretty stir crazy. They loved their Santa gifts and Caleb was pretty excited about the tech decks and fishing snowman in his stocking.

He says his favorite 2 gifts are his new airplane and his guitar. He even had to bring his guitar to Price with him later that day. Here are him and Zaden making up a tune.

The boys ran straight for the cars when we got them downstairs and knew just what to do. They played and played with them for quite a while. It was pretty clear that Santa had brought them the perfect gifts.

I love this picture of Zaric helping Zaden with the car door.

After we played for an hour or more we finally went up to the tree and opened some gifts. The boys gave Dad some more Mario stuff.

Zaric and Zaden mostly cared about the ribbons. They opened only a few then headed back downstairs to play in the cars some more. We had to open their presents with them in shifts.

Then Mom cooked a big breakfast, complete with pancakes that had Christmas designs in them. Thanks to my friend Cinda for the fun pan.

After breakfast and the boys taking a nap, we left around noon for Price and Papa's house. The boys had more fun there. Singing songs and playing with gifts. Here's a picture of Zaden singing while Zaric fished with Uncle Dave's new ice fishing pole from Papa.

And Zaden singing with Uncle Dave.

Zaric had a ball with this box. Climbing in and out and threw a fit when Grandma got ready to take it outside to the trash, so of course he won and it stayed inside.

The best thing I could ever find in a box right here!

Mom and Dad were spoiled too. I got some books, some CD's, some jammies, a necklace a new Cowboys blanket, Christmas mula and lots of Christmas baking stuff. Dad got a new Wii game and some books, a new season of Futurama, some Christmas mula of his own. I know there are lots more wonderful gifts we got but can't name them all. So thanks everyone. We again love everything!

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas as well.

Christmas Wishes

Just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone for all the Christmas Card wishes this year. I don't think my holder has ever been so full and there's still more to come! Thanks everyone and have a very Merry Christmas!

Caleb Carol's

As promised, the video from Caleb's Christmas program at school. He totally rocks out during the instrumental break in the 2nd song (about 2 minutes in). Cracks me up every time. Enjoy!

Mommy Afternoon

Yesterday I took the afternoon off to spend it with Caleb since he had a couple things going on. We started off by picking him up at school and coming home for a little lunch. After that we took the babies to the sitter so that me and Caleb could play. The first thing we did was go to his school program. His class sang two songs "All I want for Christmas" and "Rockin around the Christmas Tree" (videos to come soon). He did a good job. That went quickly and he was able to leave right after so then we had more time than I anticipated to waste before his Dr. Appt.
Well I have been carrying around a Build a Bear gift card for a couple months now so I decided to take him there and let him use it to his liking. He wasn't sure he wanted to go there when I told him that's where we were going but once we got there he was totally into it again. He picked out a Moose. Normally referred to by the Build a Bear people as Hal Moose. And he picked out an outfit. He picked this coat and pants combo because the coat matches his own coat. So they can be camouflaged together. He loves that the moose's antlers light up (and so does Mom). He got to do most of the computer work himself and decided on his own name for Mr. Moose. His name is Nick. Since he is a Christmas Moose he wanted to name him after Santa so from St. Nicholas we came up with Nick. Works for me. So, meet Nick the Moose.

After that we we hungry so we went and shared some pretzel bites and had some drinks in the mall then it was time to go to his Dr. Appt. Dad met us there for a while but then had to leave to pick up the twins before the Dr. even came in (given he was an hour late getting to us.....uuuggg).

So here's the Dr. news. We were see Dr. Joe because at 6 years old Caleb still doesn't sleep through the night most nights. He is up and down sometimes several times and keep having to come into Mom and Dad's bed to get some rest. We talked a little bit to Joe during Caleb's last appt. and he wanted to get his iron checked. We did that and his iron was fine so that didn't help find any answers. So yesterday right away Dr Joe noticed Caleb's breathing and thinks that he's not breathing correctly when he sleeps either so that may be the cause. So when trying to discover why he breathes the way he does he noticed that both Caleb's Tonsils and the Adnoids were very enlarged and may need to come out. He said that they measure tonsils on a scale of 1-4 by their size (4 being the worst) and Caleb's was well over a 3. So we will be visiting an Ear, Nose and Throat person once again to get their opinion and see if he will need to have them removed. Just what we needed. I will keep everyone posted on that front.

Otherwise, we loved our afternoon of one on one time together. We smiled, talked and giggled a lot and a few high 5's later we decided that we love having special time together. We need to do that with him more often.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Zaden's Debut

Here are the promised video's of my goofy Doodle. Most people think he's a very serious guy but we keep telling them that he's a total goof ball at home. The first video is him trying to say a few words. We get "go go" and "girl" out of him until Zaric comes to interrupt. Then the next 2 are bits and pieces from our dance session. He loves my Elvis ornament on the tree that sings Blue Christmas. He usually starts dancing as soon as it's playing or when I tell him to "break it down baby". It cracks me up. Zaric will only dance if he's in my arms. Oh and we also had a ton of fun with bubble wrap during our snow day and got him to say "pop". That's what's on the floor in these video's. Enjoy!

Snow Day

We woke up this morning to 4.5 inches of snow at our house. As exciting as that sounds I was not thrilled with the idea of driving Caleb to school in it, so Mike decided to be late to work so he could take Caleb to school for me. Awesome! It took him forever to get back though because the roads were a mess and traffic was backed up all over. We kept watching the traffic from our door and it was like this for hours not to mention it was snowing off and all still so he ended up just working from home.
When I went to pick up Caleb from school the 2nd big storm hit and the roads were a disaster so when I got home I watched it for a while and decided forget it. I called it a snow day for me too and let the office know that I wouldn't be in because of the snow. It seemed like there was no end in site. We had a nice family lunch together and me and Zaden cuddled up for a snow day nap. By the time we woke up, the snow had stopped and the roads were clearing up nicely. I debated on going to work or not just late at that point and decided it would be more fun to stay at home and play in the snow a little and spend some much needed quality time with my boys. I am so glad I did. We played in the snow and read a couple books and I got some cute short video's of Zaden being a goof ball (look for tomorrow's post). And then we got to have some dinner together for a change since that normally doesn't happen on weeknights. Man, I miss being home at night!
This morning I was cussing the snow and now that the storm has moved on I am thanking it for a nice day at home with my boys. Oh and Thanks Grandma Braska for Caleb's new snowpants and boots for his bday, they were put to good use today! And now for the pics...



Zaden thought the snow looked fun and I even got him to say the word "snow" until he fell in it and then it was major fit time. He doesn't like the snow anymore :(.

Zaric had fun in it for a few minutes, he really liked pushing around the play lawnmower along the driveway and down the sidewalk. I wonder if it doubles as a snowblower.

As you can see, once I finally got Caleb out into it and we broke out his new sled from the end of the season last year, he was in snow heaven. I pulled him around the yard until I got too worn out and then he pulled some of his toys around on it.

Seriously, I love the snow. That is, as long as I don't have to drive in it. Why can't it only fall on the houses and yards and leave the streets alone? Is that too much to ask?

Dino Toes

Dinosaur toes have invaded our house! I just love these slippers that I found for my 3 boys that I found at Old Navy and I loved it even more that they were on sale! Who could say no to that?

I'm Feelin It

I hate to admit it, but this year I have been having a really hard time getting into the mood for Christmas. I kept telling people that I just wasn't feeling it. Seemed like it should still only be Halloween. Where did this year go? Even putting up the decorations and Black Friday shopping didn't help. I was beginning to get a little worried. Well that is until this weekend hit.
Friday night we got to hang out with our good Friends Garrett, Laurel and Madeleine. It's been a very long time since we've been able to do that. We had some dinner here and then headed out to the zoo for Zoo Lights. It was so very cold, but we bundled up the kids and had a good time. Even bundled up and layered, we were all Popsicles by the time we were done so we headed back to the house for some hot cocoa and a little chit chat. It was a fun night, thanks guys!
Saturday we debated back and forth about going to the Festival of Trees. This is something we have enjoyed in the past but just didn't know if we were up for it this year. We finally settled on going and boy am I glad we did. As soon as we walked through the doors, I was so happy we had decided to go. We walked around for about 2 hours (I think that's a record) then as we headed out the doors it began to snow.
We battled the short snow storms for the rest of the afternoon as we spent about 5 more hours running errands and doing some more Christmas shopping. We took care of a few more gifts and headed home. After dinner I gathered up the gifts for people that we had lingering around the house and had a gift wrapping party (by myself). It felt good to get that done as well.
Today was spent at home all day armed with the Cricut and crafting and making a few gifts. I would love to share but can't until after Christmas....sorry.
So I am happy to say after a jammed packed weekend of Christmas fun, about an inch of snow and wrapping paper messes, I am Finally Feelin it! Hooray! Can't wait to finish up the last of the gifts and get them sent and delivered this year. Christmas comes in just 19 days! Enjoy the pics from Zoo Lights and the Festival of Trees.

Turkey Day Weekend!

What a long a busy weekend we had. We are happy to be back and partly back to our normal routine, but still I find myself wishing for one more day. But here's our weekend recap for you.

Thursday morning we got up and headed out around 8 am for Price. We got there with no problems and hung out for the day. We got to Skype with our Omaha family and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and then have a nice dinner at my Dad's house. Otherwise it was relax and watch football. Of course we were also scouring the ads and making a game plan for Black Friday. I took the camera but sorry, I was too stuffed and lazy to take any pics ;).

Friday morning it was up at 3am and heading out by 3:30. My sister and 2 of my nieces and Papa Kevin hit JC Pennys at 4 am. Mike headed to Walmart to get in line. After Pennys we headed to Walmart ourselves and took our posts. For a change we were all able to get everything we were looking for. Uncle Ryan and Tyler met us there as well. Then we all headed out to Kmart and got a few things there as well. The rest of the day was spent with breakfast at Papa's and lunch with Grandma Nette then a nice long nap for all of us. Ryan and kids came over to Papa's for dinner and we played a game.

Saturday was spent with a little more shopping and saying our goodbyes and a yummy breakfast at the Cowboy Club with Papa Ringo and Grandma Judi. We got home around 7 pm and went to put the kids in the tub when we noticed this on Caleb's butt.

WHAT IS IT? Well my first thought was Chicken Pox and I sent the pic to Papa who thought it also looked like it but since he has had the vaccine we couldn't be sure. I asked Caleb if it itched and he said yes. Great! So we lathered him up with some Calamine lotion and waited to see if he got any more. He never got anymore and never got a fever. So I researched and researched. We had no idea when it started. He never said anything to anyone at Papa's. But on Sunday morning I finally found this article. Turns out that 1 in 10 are not immune to some wild strain of Chicken Pox and that it is usually less severe and only lasts a couple of days. Eureka! So I am convinced that's what it was. Leave it to one of my kids to be the exception to the rule. By the time he got up they had all scabbed over, which meant he was no longer contagious and we were already onto the down swing. He acted fine all day and he and I even went out on a date to see Planet 51 which he loved. The rest of the day was spent decorating the house and tree for Christmas and just the inside took all day. Here's some pics to share.

Zaric and Zaden were big helpers with the lights. They kept putting them on like a necklace and trying to walk away, making Dad scream after them since he was trying to put them on the tree and they were taking them back off for him.
Caleb had to put on the first ornament and it had to be his triceratops Papa bought him at Gardner Village over the summer. He's been waiting so patiently for that.
The boys decorating.
And Viola. About 11pm last night Mike finally got the tinsel on and we got the wrapped presents under it.

Now it's time to start the chores that were neglected. See why I want just one more day?

Dear Santa: a letter from Caleb

Dear Santa,

I have two questions for you. Why do you live in the North Pole? And why do you have deer and elves?

This year for Christmas I would like:
A new big toy airplane
My own Nintendo DS
A NY Giants Helmet
A toy guitar
Easy Bake Oven
Rubiks Cube
Radio for my room
Plastic football goal posts
Kids magazine for me to read

Since my babies can't talk I am going to tell you what they want too. I think they would like:
2 little footballs
Cars that they can drive
Toy cell phones
Their own toy airplane

Three more questions. How can all those toys fly in just one bag? Are there any stores in the North Pole? How does the sleigh lift the heavy bag of toys up?

I have been a good boy this year and just turned 6. I like to go to Kindergarten, I think it's a good grade. My teacher's name is Miss Brasher.When I grow up, I want to be a pilot and a football player. We will make some cookies and milk for you for when you come this year.

Thank you Santa. I love you,
Caleb

3 Days of 30!

We have been partying it up for my big 30 the last few days. Thursday (my actual Bday) started out with Mike making me breakfast and mostly a normal day. He went to work, I went to work but that evening I was greeted with a VI Cherry Pie.....Yum! And then after weeks of convincing my friend Wes came over and agreed (as my gift) to let me give him a mohawk for my party. It was so fun and turns out he looks really good sporting the hawk.


Friday was the next party day. My friend Shannon flew into town for the weekend. We did a little shopping and then met Allison for dinner and anxiously awaited our movie time for New Moon. We laughed, we drooled over werewolves and really enjoyed the movie.

Saturday was the main event though, I decided to have a 80's themed roller skating party at Classic Skating in Sandy. We all dressed up and had a Blast! Mike rocked a mullet and I rocked a tutu along with our outfits. I didn't think my Bday could get much better than last years NKOTB concert, but this was seriously the best party ever. :)

A group shot of a bunch of us dressed up. My mom even got on skates for a minute. A good time was had by all I think.

Enjoy the slideshow of the rest of the pics. One more 1/2 day of Shannon in town. I wonder what we'll do today?