WAY too long!

The Ramseys are back. It is the first day of our summer and I am inspired to get back on track. I have been SO forgetful it stinks! And no, I a NOT pregnant ; ) We only have two kids and I can't seem to keep track of anything much beyond just the four of us ... even the cats suffer sometimes. Humbly, I admit I have forgotten very important birthdays, have missed appointments and even a bill here and there. Ugggh! To those who we have not wished our loving wishes to for your birthdays we APOLOGIZE! I day dream of getting it all together but it will have to happen a little at a time. There are so many photos to share I am pasting in a link at the bottom for you to look at if you so desire. We trust and hope you are all happy and healthy! See photos at http://ramseyfun.shutterfly.com/  

Theaters, Museums and Gingerbread ... oh my!

Our winter has been really fun so far. Sometimes when you are in the moment, it is so hard to savor the moment but when you look or think back that moment has somehow gained value. Some of my favorite moments have involved going to the children's theater with Gaga, Grace and Will, seeing the gingerbread house display at the Mormon Trail Center and oooooing at the Christmas tree at the Durham Western Heritage Museum. When we take these magical adventures together we all become children in a way and it is fun for all of us to be amazed, take in wonderous things and smile. 

"Watch out me caws!"

I was ranting and raving at dinner tonight about how I never get to do anything alone these days. I know, I know I will eat my words someday when my boys want nothing to do with their not so cool mom. At any rate, I did get to take a shower alone today so I feel blessed. On most days Jude is yelling at me to watch out for his cars as I tiptoe my way through a sea of Hot Wheels. 

Fred and Daphne

So the boys are way into Scooby Doo and the gang. The appeal is timeless. In the spirit of giving, Will gave Jude a mini Mystery Machine for Christmas and all the figurines to go with it. Needless to say, Jude has most definitely picked up on the love Fred and Daphne have for one another. Check out these pics! 

The Baptism of Jude

Jude with his God parents

In December we joyfully, and finally, had Jude baptized. We have been going to a new church called Living Grace Lutheran Church and we decided it would be a great congregation to have Jude baptized among. His God parents, Steve and Mary Jane Foutch, traveled from Kansas City to attend the ceremony and bless us with their loving hearts. I was quite nervous at the thought of having a 2-year-old baptized but aside from Jude trying to blow out the candles and saying "ouch!" when the Pastor touched his forehead things went smoothly. 

Long time no blog

Presents for Project Wee Care

Grace, Will, Jude and Reese with the treat bags

Will and Jude finishing up elf duty

It has been a spell since we last blogged, but for good reason I guess. On top of the usual holiday madness, we were involved in an effort called Project Wee Care. Long story short just over 60 families were blessed with food, sundries and Christmas gifts. I was so proud of how involved our family was from my mom and my sister and her husband to Will and even Jude. I grew up experiencing the beautiful and fulfilling act of giving because of my mom and I thank her for inspiring us to try and teach our kids what giving is all about. The families touched our hearts and many of them stamped a permanent reminder in us to be grateful for what we already have.  

Shortly after that effort was over, Will, Jude, and their cousins Grace and Reese adorned themsELVES with reindeer antlers and pulled a wagon FULL of Christmas goodies through the nursing home where my Grandma lived out her life. They brought priceless smiles to about 80 very deserving people. My mom baked all of the goodies, pounds and pounds, with her own two hands. As Will would tell people at the nursing home, "my grandma wakes up every day and bakes". 

I was tearfully proud.

It's always Christmas in Will's head

Those of you know Will well know that he is in LOVE with Christmas ... everything about it. I absolutely could not contain his excitement any longer so today marked the beginning of Will's Winter Wonderland. I say beginning because he will make many additions and modifications until it is just right. As of today there are 400 lights, 4 Christmas trees, 3 mini villages and holiday music to set the mood. Needless to say, he could not fall asleep under his lights because they were brighter than his main room light (even Will admitted to that truth). Even so, I am certain he is slumbering while visions of more lights dance in his head. Pictures to come. Merry Christmas!