Cleaning up the camera

I find inspiration in the oddest of places. Sometimes it's a news story or article I've read, maybe it's someone on Oprah, it could be from reading a friend's post on Facebook even. But my most recent bout of inspiration came from the tv show Ugly Betty. It may not be the best show on tv - it can be predictable and sometimes I feel embarassed for the characters (a personal trait of mine that I don't like), but Betty is a 20-something who knows what she wants and has goals. After many months of pondering what I want to accomplish I decided to write down my goals for 2010. I really don't know what I want long term other than health and happiness, so for now I have a list of about 15 short term goals. Most revolve around cleaning and organization, but I also want to read more, watch less tv, make healthier meals, walk Gizmo more, volunteer or make charitable donations, and establish date nights for Dean and me. I didn't really create goals for Ryan because his milestones will come when he's ready, I'm more concerned that he laughs each day - so I guess that's goal 16 - make Ryan laugh each day.



With regards to my blog, I have made it a goal to update it every 2 weeks AND clean my camera once a month. So there may be times that you get picture-less blog updates, but those are my goals and I ask that those who read this please help me stick to it. If you notice that I'm slacking, please shoot me an e-mail or tell me to quit being a slacker on the blog! I promise I won't be offended.



Now for the picture descriptions!



It has been awhile since I updated and I realized I put these in the reverse order from what I wanted. So the photos at the top are more recent from those at the bottom.



On one particular snowy, yet not overly cold day, I bundled up Ryan, put him in his penguin sled, and pulled him around our neighborhood while Gizmo walked along side. Here's a self-taken picture of us all. No, I'm not wearing makeup, I am that pasty white, nor was my hair brushed. At least Gizmo loves my appearance and even Ryan looks fond of Giz here.





I tried about 4 times to get them both to look at the camera. It never happened.

Poor boy couldn't put his arms down, even if he had wanted to, too many layers. At least he was happy and liked being pulled around.

Referring back to a previous post, here we are at the 4th Stoeber Christmas, that of Dean, Ryan, Meema, Meepa, Grandma Katie and me. Here's Ryan in the skunk slippers Grandma Katie got him. Boy are those babies warm (and cute to boot!)!

Meema and Meepa got Ryan this soccer chair, it's the perfect size for him! He sits in it to watch his Baby Can Read Dvds.

That's all for now, see you in 2 weeks!

December/Christmas Recap

Finally catching a bit of time to update on Christmas! I'm thankful that neither Dean nor I have step-parents with families because I think we truly would've had the 12 days of Christmas. As it stands, we had 5 days.

This picture was taken Christmas Eve, yes I know that I look like I need to go to bed more than Ryan, but that was just because of all the cooking/baking/shopping/wrapping/cleaning that I'd been doing. Last year I waited too late to find him the "T'was the Night before Christmas" book so I made sure I got it this year. We opened it and read it before his bedtime.

Ryan slept in on Christmas day (and we let him), so we did our gifts first. Dean got Guitar Hero that he's been asking for now for a few years. Santa finally decided he'd behaved well enough to get it.

Sorry I forgot to tilt this picture correctly before posting it. We put Ryan down at the bottom of our stairs, this was his first view of our tree/gifts Christmas morning. As you can see, he is jazzed :)

Later on Christmas Day, Dale, Cheryl, Dean, Ryan, and I made our way to Dixon for the Lendman Family Christmas (this was our 3rd Christmas). Talk about a rarity - Ryan had all 7 of his (great) grandparents in the room at once! How many kids do you know that can have that happen?! Here he is with Gramma Pat, Nana, Meema, and Grandma Katie.

Now with the guys - Papa Joe, Meepa, and Grandpa Dale.

By the time we put the whole crew together, Ryan had had enough of pictures. And by the look on his face, I'd say so did Papa Joe.

Here I am buried under Ryan's gifts. Thanks to all for all the great toys! I love playing with them, I mean Ryan loves playing with them.

I wouldn't say I'm a great photographer, or even a good one. It doesn't help that my camera has this slight delay that makes it nearly impossible to capture that perfect moment. However, this time I think I got it! Uncle Mark was trying to sweet-talk his girlfriend, Sheri, and she was having none of it.

I'd like to think that this picture of Ryan playing with Cousin Ava's doll on a step stool is foreshadowing that someday Ryan will push me around in a wheelchair when I'm old and feeble.

I know Ryan's hair was getting bad when even Meepa commented that he needed a haircut. So a few days after Christmas, while Dean as still home from work, we made a trip to Great Cuts for a cut at the back and over the ears. Small fry did great, no fussing -even when the clipper was used around his ears!

Much better!

Dancin' Man

Ryan loves the new Leap Frog farm animal magnet toy he got for Christmas -especially the music it plays. I was able to record him dancing. Off camera Dean is also dancing that's what Ryan is watching. I promised Dean I wouldn't tape him, so you'll just have to believe me when I say seeing him dance was quite the sight as well. I think this video is just under 2 minutes, Ryan quits dancing after about 1:30. Adjust the volume before viewing. Enjoy!

More Christmas pictures are to come, I'm a little short on time so this is the only thing I could post for now. Stay tuned and Happy New Year!