Signing!

Markus's therapist suggested I start teaching Markus a few "signs" to help him communicate until he learns to speak.  So I have been diligent about signing, although my family makes fun of me.  I say "eat", "drink", "more" and "all done".  And guess what?!  Markus has started signing "more"!!!   The family that has made fun of me is now impressed!  We rock Markus!!

CONTRACTS

We have had a problem over the break with Reagan waking up her siblings before they are ready. She is an early riser and gets bored.  In fact, this morning she came into my room where Markus and I were already awake and "talking" in my bed.  I told her very clearly "DO NOT WAKE KARRIGAN UP".  Karrigan had slept on the couch.  I guess I wasn't clear enough because Reagan DID wake Karrigan up.  Reagan said she was just trying to get the dog (who was sleeping under Karrigan's blanket).  On her own, Karrigan made a "contract" tonight and had Reagan sign it.  Below is the contract, exactly how it is written.

Contract

I Reagan Mills  shall not wake Karrigan up in the morning.  If I do, there will be a charge of $20 or rub Karrigan's feet for one hour.  If I wake her up, She has the right to yell & say "GO BACK TO BED YOU DIMWIT!!"

initials RM                                                                                   signature Reagan 

      I guess Nolan thought this was a terrific idea, so he made up his own contract.  His buddy Caleb is spending the night.  Here is Nolan's  contract (that Nolan forged).

                          CONTRACT                                                                                     

This contract clearly states that        CT          will give me his every birthday present his gets from anyone*.

*Even his most prized possesions.

(in)

           CT          

That is some funny stuff!!  Caleb was obsessed with tearing up the contract Nolan made.  They are soooo funny, to think it means anything! lol  I love my kids, their wit and sense of humor!

Growing

Do you know what's more fun than watching your kids, with barely containable anticipation, rip open their gifts Christmas morning?   It's digging through the big, outside trash cans and recycling bins, looking for a toy your kid is sure got thrown away.  Then bagging it all back up, not finding the small toy.  That is fun!  Motherhood is super great!  Everyone should do it.  Just in case you're wondering...I later found that little stupid toy in the couch cushion!

It's amazing how LITTLE time I have for computer, tv and phone these days.  Having all 5 kids here allllll day is a lot of work! lol  I'm not ready to say I want them to go back to school.  But I'm not going to say I'd mind either. 

We had a great Christmas holiday!  The kids got everything (I think) they asked for.  We spent time with lots of family and friends.  I will try to get some pictures up soon. 

We are making some big changes to the house.  We had our formal dining room closed in (with a lot of help from some friends) to make a bedroom.  It needs cosmetic work done still, but it's really close and all of the kids want the new room.   We are very excited!  We haven't decided who will go where, but I think all of the kids will be changing rooms.  Anyone want to help me paint??

Markus cut a new tooth.  Nolan lost a tooth. 

We won a contest to have free family photos taken.  That should be interesting!

We will be spending NYE with friends, having game night.  Game Night is always loud and fun.  And one of my friends always cheats. :D  Randy has the next 4 days off work (Lord have mercy).  But he will be gone for two days for a friend's bachelor party (don't get crazy ideas!). 

Everyone in the Carpenter family is doing great!  We are all growing and learning.  It has been a very blessed year for us!  When I think back and remember everything that we have been given....I am humbled and in awe!  It's hard to believe 2011 could be any better...but somehow I know it will be! 

New ride!

Kennedy got a new ride today.  We spent the day at Scottish Rite and left with a new wheelchair.   The color is "candy apple" and the fit is perfect!  The kids were great, considering the several hours we were at the hospital.  Donna (Reagan's gma) came to the hospital on her lunch break and let the older kids play on the playground.  Here are some photos from today. 

Old chair

New chair

The difference is hard to spot but trust me, she looks much better in the new chair.  I didn't know it myself until I saw it.

Reagan at Scottish Rite.

Scottish Rite Christmas Tree.

Markus, he was soooo good today!

Playing

Pulling up!  Go Markus!

Karrigan

Reagan and her beloved coat!

Could he be any cuter in that sweater?  I think NOT.

Calm, patient Nolan.

Pictures

Some pictures taken by my father in law on 12-19-10. 

Not sure what we thought was so funny!

Grandpa helping Reagan get her puppy out of the box, she cared about nothing else!

Markus

Nolan got the games he wanted.

Handsome Randy.



One down!

Sunday my Grandpa's church had a "Remembrance Service" to honor   loved ones who died this year.  I didn't know what to expect, but it was a beautiful service and I was sorry I did not bring my family along.  There were lots of tears shed, but it's nice once in a while to allow yourself to just be sad!  I was actually "forced" to speak because my Grandpa, uncle and aunt were too emotional.  It was very nice and I am so glad to went!

Later Sunday evening we had a Christmas dinner  and exchanged gifts with Randy's parents, since they leave for Florida on Tuesday.  My Grandpa joined us as well.  Here are a few pictures.

Gpa had just opened our gift (a new pair of shoes).  I think he was a little embarrassed.  He would never have bought these for himself!! 

Christine (Randy's mom) and Markus.  Markus is playing with his eyes in the light. 

This is NOT a random shot.  Reagan was WIRED!!!  Look at Markus in the background, playing with his eyes. 

This picture was hard to get!!!  The kids were not cooperating.  And as you can see... none of them cared about their hair or clothes.  I FORCED them to get dressed!

Karrigan on her new bike.

Nolan on his new bike.

Today was the official first day of Christmas break. One down, many more to go! We survived and no one got hurt! :) It was a beautiful day here in the Dallas area. For much of the day the temp was around 75. Karrigan, Nolan, Reagan and our little friend Shayli rode bikes and played outside much of the day. We even went to the park and played for a while. Randy didn't get home until after 7:00. He has been very busy at work. Here are a few pictures taken at the park.

Markus

Beautiful boy

Reagan and Markus.  Markus looks worried. lol 

Angel

Karrigan and Shayli pushing Markus on the swing.

I am looking forward to a week with no schedules!  We do have a couple of appointments we have to keep, but no getting up while it's still dark! :)  Kennedy is getting a new wheelchair on Wednesday!!  That will be awesome for her!  And Reagan has her weekly therapy session on Thursday.  Other than that we will be taking it easy, playing with friends, watching movies and whatever else we come up with. 

Last weekend before Christmas!

Hide from the malls!! lol  I can honestly say I have not done any Christmas shopping in a mall this year.  I can honestly say I haven't missed it either. :)  I like walking around a mall.  But not fighting my way through one.  Randy's parents are leaving for Florida next week to spend the holiday with his sister.  So we are getting together with them tomorrow.  The kids will are excited to "cheat" and get gifts early. 

Yesterday my family received TWO very thoughtful and extremely generous gifts.  One of them from someone we have never met!  They didn't even sign the card.  What a blessing and an honor, for someone to think so much of you without ever having met you.  To both of our "gifters", we humbly thank you!

My plan for today was to have a cleaning party.  So far I'm the only guest at the party. lol  Here in a few minutes it's going to turn from a party into a torture chamber, if someone doesn't start cleaning!  Speaking of.... I'd better get off the computer and go give people the stink eye! 

Have a great day!!