Kung Fu Kid

Matthew is showing off his Kung Fu skills.

Wedded Bliss

Scott and Suzie Page, married December 30 at Buell Mansion.
A beautiful evening.

Daniel Sesay officiating.

Mike and Jackie Heylin

Guitar Playing Buddies - Steve, Tony, and Mike

Notice the cake base. Drummer extordinaire, Scott Page.
It's from his drum kit from church.

Generational Botany

My Christmas Cactus started blooming right on time to live up to it's name. This plant is a slip of my Grandmother's plant that was transported from Maine by my parents. I think it actually came from a slip from my great-grandmother. So excited that it finally bloomed!

VanDewater Christmas 2009

Steve took the boys to Christmas Eve service while I stayed home on the couch.


We made the boys wait until after breakfast and Daddy said Merry Christmas to some of his family. We finally got started around 9 with opening presents.

The Gall of My Gall Bladder

Unfortunately, this Christmas was marked by a very painful Gall Bladder Attack. It started Monday night and then got very painful Tuesday night. I've been on the couch or in bed ever since with brief time up and about.

I felt a little better this morning, enough to celebrate Christmas before heading back to the couch.

Not sure how it started or what I'll need to change in my lifestyle, but I'm willing to do whatever I need to ensure that I don't feel this pain again!

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

We had a little family celebration on Matthew's actual birthday, December 22, 2009. We had his requested birthday dinner of Quinoa Black Bean Salad, Bison Cheeseburgers and Steamed Broccoli. Matthew and Tyler loved the Transformers Walkie-Talkies. They still have to come up with a handle.

Happy 6th Birthday, Matthew! We love you!

Tyler in a Tube

Tyler brought this tube upstairs and wanted me to pretend I couldn't find him.

Attitude Adjustment Matthew Style

Shake the Grumps Away

December 2009

Tyler had his pre-school Christmas Program at Trinity. What a handsome boy! He was very excited to go to his "program", but would barely say on word on stage.

This boy always makes me laugh! He was being silly and wouldn't look at the camera.

The extent of his participation. :-)

Matthew's 6th Birthday Party!! Connor O. and Gavin came over to help him celebrate. They played swords, soccer, put the sticker on the transformer (whatever happened to the donkey??), and did lots of running around in the basement. I think fun was had by all.

Where has the year gone? My baby is 3, Matthew turns 6 next week and Steve and I have been married 9 1/2 years. Wow! Another example of how people can tell me what to expect and I really have no concept until I experience just how quickly time really does fly.

I was laying on Matthew's bed with him tonight practicing his addition and spelling. His ability to sound out words in his head just amazes me. It is so awesome to see him learning more everyday. He's read two books to me all the way through. It takes a little coaxing, but if he decides to read a book he does great.

Matthew in a nutshell:

His favorite color is red.
He's asked for Quinoa salad, Bison Cheese Burgers, and brownies and ice cream for his birthday.
His favorite music is "rock music about Jesus". Particularly Phil Keggy.
He loves to create. He makes up songs, stories, and Leggo robots with great detail.
He wears his emotions on his sleeve. It's either really, really good, or really, really bad!
He loves to climb, wrestle, fight, color, and is always up for a cuddle. He's still my affectionate boy.

Love that boy!

Tyler recapped:

He says his favorite color is red because he wants to be like his brother.
He's my quite observer. Once he's comfortable then he'll join in and have fun.
There is always a running dialog with him when we are alone. Especially in the car.
He hates sharing the attention with his brother.
He antagonizes, but adores his brother.
His laugh is infectious.
He sings ALL the time. He remembers every song and he might not get the words right, but he remembers the melody. This Christmas his favorite song is "twinkle bells, twinkle bells" (aka jingle bells).
His teacher says he's always smiling.

November 2009

Apparently I forgot to take pictures in November until the very end of the month!

Happy Thanksgiving! Tyler got in a pre-meal nap instead of after. Love Matthew's big belly. We did the full Thanksgiving meal and added roasted Brussel sprouts as an experiment. Steve and I liked them, but they got some funny looks from the boys.

Fun and craziness with the camera!

The day after Thanksgiving we went hiking at Lair of the Bear park. It was a beautiful 60 degree day. The boys hiked with us for 45 minutes - we were so amazed they did so well. They took turns being the "Leader" and found some great sticks as souvenirs. Matthew didn't want to go home.