Snowman 2!

We had another big snowfall a couple weeks ago, and I finally got the pictures up! Jon got home late the night before from his basketball game, but woke up to take Caitlin sledding like he had promised. They went for about an hour and came back wet and spent, but joined Macy in some snowman building (since sledding is not her thing since I forced her to go down and she ended the sled route with 95% of her body covered in snow)...

She loves playing in it, so she joined in making snow angels and snowmen.

Of course, dad had to make the biggest balls for the snowman...hee hee hee...

Macy peacefully making her angel imprint...

Caitlin is ever the outdoors lover...no matter what the temperature - hot or cold - this kid wants to stay outside as long as possible. Somewhere this year we lost her snowpants, but she just loads up on the sweats and treks on. She gets red-cheeked and wet and stays out until we make her go in...

Before the final snowman was complete, dad plopped Macy on top and I took a picture of the laborers. They worked hard and we waved to that snowman each day on our way home from school. This week, in the middle of February, our snowman melted. The girls weren't a bit upset, because this meant we could go outside more (and without coats)!!! Today the temperature reached 72 degrees...c'mon Spring! I know you're tryin' to get here and we can't wait to see ya!

Basketball Season 2010-2011

No, not Jon's basketball season...Caitlin's. This year, Caitlin decided to play basketball. As I signed her up, I made a snap decision to coach and added the "if needed" phrase beside my X. Of course, I was needed. Not too many people volunteer to coach beginning basketball for 1st/2nd graders.
My first practice saw many balls flying over the 7 foot backboard and numerous travels and double dribbles. They gave me rules for my team like no guarding in the backcourt and no free throws. Refereees often stop the game to help explain rules to the kids, but the kids just want to shoot the ball - FROM ANYWHERE. They're pretty sure it's goin' in, too, EVERY TIME.

I've got 7 kids on my team. Well, 7 1/2 because I have a 2nd grader who is the equivalent of Shaquille O'Neal - on a 2nd grade scale. He dominates the inside. He provides excellent help defense and can shoot from the perimeter with great form. I really got lucky because I also have an excellent point guard...bless her heart, this excellent point guard is not my daughter.

Caitlin can line up on the out of bounds play like no other. She can yell "match up!" with the best of 'em and will be the first to volunteer to come out while subs come in. She continuously tells me she likes it, but really loves cheering for her team on the sideline. I honestly don't know if she likes that better than playing, I'm afraid to ask.

She tries very hard when she's out there, and one game she made 2/3 baskets. Not a bad percentage. It's very confusing to me how she can dominate the soccer field, but on the basketball court, she often has no idea where the ball is. When she shoots, one of her legs flies up behind her in a typical cheerleader way. She likes to high-five her teammates and pick out which shorts she'll wear. She is very good and getting up and down the court and is rarely winded. She isn't very aggressive, but has fun while she's out there and that's all we ever ask: try hard and have fun.

...and we'll keep on doing it as long as she's still having fun.

Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Bishop

Since it was the year to have Christmas in Iowa, we celebrated it with the Bishops this past weekend. There was no way we could fit it in before then, since the Bishops spent A LOT of time in the hospital this year. Jon's dad had pneumonia, blood clots, and had to be admitted into the ICU. Before that, Jon's grandpa had a stroke and was in the Wichita hospital for quite awhile, as well. Jon got to go up and see him one day, and the girls and I went up one weekend and then we met Jon's parents and grandparents at one of his games one weekend and got to see them, there, as well. But, they had lots of presents for the girls, so they came down for a weekend of basketball (Caitlin's game), basketball (Jon's game) and Christmas!

The girls got pillow pets (which Caitlin has been asking for for 3 years), DS games for Caitlin, dress up clothes, crown and play earrings for Macy, a movie, a Thomas the Train for Macy's wooden train set, puzzles, coloring sets, and books. They were thrilled and it was exciting for them to get to open presents again - they couldn't believe it. Soon they're going to think they get presents monthly as their birthdays are next month...

Snow Days

January finally brought winter (and snow) to the state of Kansas. So much snow that they called 3 snow days in a row. One week after we'd gotten back from Christmas break. Man, I love the public school system some days (like snow days)...

I did feel for my comrades in Iowa. They don't have snow days at too many school districts there anymore, probably because they know how to drive in the stuff. On our way up to the gym, the girls and I, in my Nissan Altima (hardly a snow-friendly vehicle), waited behind a police car at a t-intersection. He tried to turn right, he skidded left. He backed up and tried again and skidded sideways. I backed up to give him more room. He got a "running start" and tried to go right through the stop sign...but he couldn't get through the snow. He waved me past him. I thought to myself and spoke out loud, "How does he think I'm going to be able to get through when he can't?" Caitlin and Macy voiced their concern in the backseats, too. Well, I tried anyway and used my skills that Mr. Heiberger taught me in my sophomore year of driver's ed class...and I made it through the stop sign on the first try! I high fived Caitlin in the back seat and we basked in our glory of our abilities to get onto the main road. That cop must have seen my front license plate that said IOWA state Cyclones, and knew I could drive in this crap.

Jon got to use his snow blower (only one on the block, baby!) and I took the kids sledding. Macy hated sledding, who was forced to go down and in doing so, was completely covered from head to toe in snow. Caitlin, however, is like a mailman and doesn't let any kind of weather stop her. She was out with dad letting the snow blow right in her face. She sledded on the football hill and our front yard. We couldn't find her snow pants, so she sported 2 pairs of sweats instead. Rarely did she ask to come in. She even asked to stay outside in the backyard when everyone else was heading in.

So, needless to say, we haven't taken our lights down, but on our block, it doesn't really matter what you do...happy Winter (and here's to 2 more snow days on the horizon - we hope)!

Christmas 2010

This is how it began this year...with an Elf on a Shelf (that Jon and I sometimes raced around at 6:00am to find a new place to sit), 2 little girls with lists that changed daily, and parents who wanted to make their Christmas dreams come true...

We started with our family Christmas. We would leave for Grandma Dawn's in the morning, so we made Christmas dinner and opened presents while it cooked. We played Christmas music in the background and took turns opening.

Caitlin was thrilled with the Hannah Montana guitar that Macy had picked out for her. Macy loved the Polly Pocket summer bus and getaway, and the girls thanked each other.

Once again, Caitlin's favorite moment was when we opened our presents. This year, her school set up a store for just kids to shop. We gave her money and she shopped all on her own! She picked out a flashlight keychain that said #1 Dad and a light up pen for Jon. For me, she choose a ring and a necklace that says MOM ROCKS on it. She was beyond proud and so excited for us to open - the spirit of giving was among us fully.

I wore the necklace the next day - and she gleamed with pride.

When we arrived at Grandma Dawn's (after stopping at Target for items we'd forgotten), she had crafts ready to go for the girls. My mom's house looked amazing. I've always loved coming home for Christmas because she really decorates for Christmas quite well. It is always inviting and gets everybody in the spirit!

The little girls showed off their new slippers...

gave lots of hugs to Grandma in thanks...

and showed their surprise at every gift. This pile of gifts was enormous! I can't believe it even now sifting through the pictures! Kelly and Brian gave us their "haven't been used in awhile" Wii and the girls received Toy Story toys, clothes, jammies, Taylor Swift CD's, Blizzard Maker, ETC. and we received a front pocket wallet (Hee hee), purse, pizza pan, Red Lobster Gift Card, $, IPod Shuffle, ETC!

Grandma gave each of the girls matching owl pjs. They were so warm and comfy and definitely got used over the 3 nights in Iowa - BRRRRRRRRRRR!

As Caitlin and Grandma read a book, Macy tossled around like the ornary pants she is...I had to get a picture to prove her daily antics are truly daily.

On Christmas Eve Day, we set out for Grandma Phyllis'. I like to take pictures there because there is virtually no taking turns and opening here...it's a free for all and everyone just opens and tries to get through to give hugs and thank you's and shouts of "Oh, I love this!" to the one who gave it to you. I was lucky enough to capture this picture perfect Tiger Woods double fist pump by Caitlin who was either opening or giving or just basking in the joy of the Remsburg Christmas. Either one, it was a great shot.
The Remsburg Christmas was complete with the sock exchange, matching stocking gifts (and even for great grandkids this year), men's snack exchange and a kids' art exchange - but the best of all was being able to be together...

After Grandma Phyllis', we went to Grandpa and Grandma Rudy and Tootie's. It has been an annual tradition since I can remember to do Christmas morning breakfast of pancakes, all kinds of sausages, rolls, and egg dish. Kelly was Grandpa's assistant for many years, sometimes Emily, and others. I told Caitlin of the tradition, and she immediately volunteered herself as the assistant. One of my favorite pictures this year is the one of her and Grandpa discussing the flipping of the hot cakes. They tasted fabulous.

The girls loved that Grandma Tootie liked their piano playing and constant talking and they also loved the many Christmas hats and reindeer ears they could sport around and play Santa and reindeer! We were joined later on Christmas Day by Teri, Jere and Tommy and later Tim, Forrest and Lisa. We had an excellent time playing Up & Down the River and Cyclonopoly Christmas night while the kids enjoyed Despicable Me and Toy Story 3.

As I took this picture, I remember not only the joys this year has brought, but the joy I get in going from Christmas to Christmas. Each year we try to fit as many in as we can on each side every other year - it sounds and feels so busy, but I am always thankful we have such loving family to see on each side.

We will see Grandma and Grandpa Bishop in January - they flew to see Aunt Traci and Uncle Will in Oregon over Christmas and after the last 3-4 months of being in and out of hospitals - they deserved some rest and relaxation! We are excited to see them in January!

Cousins Christmas 2010

Cousins Christmas has become an annual tradition, but this was mine and Kelly's first year attending. Usually, we have a hard time getting back due to travel, etc., but this year we got to experience the joy of just being together - no presents (except hostess presents and favors) - just time together. Jon had to travel to Colorado for a game with his team and he asked, "You traveled 8 hours round trip just to eat breakfast?" I answered, "You bet I did, and I loved it!"

The kids were superb. The girls and I stayed with the Fritz's, and we had a blast. Guthrey, Heather and I worked and cooked and talked in the kitchen and we never heard one thing from the 4 musketeers downstairs. Heather realized at 10:00 that we hadn't put them to bed yet!

Together, all of us made hash brown casserole, breakfast pizza, ebleskiver stuffed pancakes, quiche, monkey bread, mini buttercream cupcakes and cake! (and orange-banana gingerale punch). Fantastico!

I love this tradition because I love my family. No one has cousins like I do. They are my best friends who know my life, my loves, and my dreams, and I know theirs. I am blessed to know and love them and to be known and loved by them. I hope not to miss another one...

Giddy Up!

As simple as these costumes look - it took us 5 weeks of looking to find boots and a cowboy hat. The plan was for simple and cheap. The reality? Not so simple and not so cheap. The outcome? Adorable matching cowgirls who were comfortable and can wear those darling boots many more times!

We drove to the best candy-giving neighborhood in town (as did the rest of the town)...met an Iowa State fan (of course!) and heard oohs and ahhs of "so cute" and "matching cowgirls!" from house to house.

They were so proud as they strutted from house to house. They never missed a thank you once...

The chill got to Jon and I, but the girls never complained about the cold or even put on their jackets!

Caitlin kept her sister close by, and they saw lots of decorations and cute costumes from other kids along the way.

Macy kept to her routine: all business-like and serious, she held up her bucket and shouted, "Take You!" (thank you) and then walked way, realized she had forgotten to say "Trick or Treat!" and would turn around after they'd shut the door and yelled, "Tick o Teet!" Jon and I got the biggest kick out of it! Caitlin informed her she was messing up the order, and Macy would respond with "Otay," but never changed anyway!

Jon outlasted us all...he kept wanting to go down more streets, but the girls and I were ready to go home (and eat supper!)

Now I realize why Jon wanted us to keep going...

The cowgirl costumes were definitely cute, but I stressed and stressed over finding those darn hats (8 stores, 2 cities, and I finally found them at the Tractor Supply store). I would've liked more dazzle to costumes that took me so long!!! Next year - we've already purchased them, so I'm done!