2 Brothers Layne

Sweet!  It's finally Friday.  Jonah is stoked to have a family day tomorrow.  Nothing too out of the ordinary happened today.  Tomorrow should be more interesting.

Jonah and Grammy have been planning on turning Jonah's electric Thomas train set into a Christmas Village.  We got a good start on it today!  Jonah was pretty excited about it.  Daddy was on a crazy work schedule today and tomorrow then with a little luck he'll be home all weekend.

 Congratulations Daddy!  Today Caleb and I were able to attend Daddy's Frocking.  He is now a Petty Officer Second Class.  The Officer who was doing the frocking stopped mid ceremony to invite Caleb and I up to have a picture with Daddy.

Jonah was so tired when he got home from school today.  He sat on Daddy's lap to watch his movie and fell asleep in no time flat!  Daddy enjoyed getting to hold our big boy while he snoozed and somehow Caleb avoided napping all day until this evening.  He too fell asleep quickly (once he finally gave in) and slept for a couple hours! Tomorrow is a big day for Daddy... He gets frocked.  This means that he will be able to wear the insignia of his new rank (Petty Officer 2nd Class), and that he will take up the responsibilities of the new rank but he will not yet be paid his new rank.  It takes time for the pay to start.  (The last time Dave made rank it took 6 months before his pay check reflected the advancement).  As with anything in the Navy there is a set ceremony and Mommy gets to be there.  Don't worry I'll have the camera!

Caleb tried to steal the show today at Jonah's feeding therapy.  When he felt like Brother was getting the most attention he would start to coo loudly until Wendy talked to him then he's flap his arms and smile.  It was too cute! Daddy accomplished a first for us tonight.  He decorated the outside of the house in lights.  Jonah was so impressed all he could say is, "It's so Beautiful!"  Daddy really outdid himself.  It looks lovely.

I took the boys to church myself today since Dave had to work all night (Duty).  Sacrament meeting was going well until Jonah fell off the bench and hit his nose on the bench in front of us.  He was more frightened than anything but of course he started wailing.  So thankfully Ashley jumped up and grabbed Caleb so I could take Jonah out.  Eventually we all made it back into Sacrament Meeting.  I then had 2 people ask to take Jonah to Primary!  Hooray!  I was so grateful for all the help! This evening we put up the Christmas Tree.  Jonah was pretty excited about it all.  I'll update with pictures tomorrow.

We spent the morning running around collecting the makings of some killer Christmas Crafts we want to try.  I'll keep you posted on our progress. We were the beneficiaries of a 50 inch TV today.  Daddy's friend got a killer deal on a new TV during a black friday sale and gifted us his old one.  Our old TV was less than half it's size.  We spend the afternoon rearranging the furniture to better accommodate the huge TV.

 Jonah and I had a fun time this morning playing with the watercolors.  Jonah was in a rush to color the picture on the back so we had to devise a way to rush the drying of Frosty.  What a cutie pie! This boy is growing up so fast I can hardly stand it. 

We started the day with the annual Turkey Bowl!  Jonah was So excited to be there!  I was so glad that the weather cooperated and was pretty mild.  Nonni Joined us for the outing and even had a football for Jonah (See lower right corner of the picture). Jonah even got to go on the field with Daddy for a couple of plays!  It doesn't get much better than that! Caleb Snored right through it all as he snuggled next to Mommy all toasty warm! This is how Caleb and I have accomplished nearly everything over the past couple days.  He has been a Momma's boy lately. We had some amazing food, and Fabulous Company.  (Jonah, Coraline, and Kristen) What a cute baby!  (Momma and Caleb) (Daddy, Mike, Miss. V) (Grammy and Caleb) Hooray for another successful Thanksgiving Feast and the comfort of good friends!  We love and miss our family in Utah and hope that your day was a wonderful one!

 Jonah and Ms. Patty were having such a grand time today while Jonah was bathing that Caleb and I had to wonder in and get in on the party!    Such cute boys!!!  Jonah didn't attend the half day of school today and is off until Monday!  We're excited to have Nonni here in the morning to help us enjoy Daddy's Football game.  Caleb got to meet Mr. Mike Preston (My pal Kristen's Hubby).  He got home from a 6 month deployment last night.  Caleb really enjoyed snuggling with "Uncle" Mike, 1. He is a human heater and 2. His knee bounces constantly.  I've spent the day cooking pies, GF bread for Stuffing, and Brining the Turkey.  Can hardly wait to be surrounded by our VA Family tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

What a remarkable day it has been!  We've been waiting since midnight last night for the results of Daddy's advancement test to be revealed.  Finally at 2:30 this afternoon they were posted... Dave made the cut and now sports the title AE2 Layne.  In lamen's terms that means Aviation Electrician (Dave's Job) and Petty Officer 2nd Class (Dave's pay grade of E5).  Yes this means a pay raise although it probably won't kick in until summer.  Both Dave and I are flying high, he has worked so hard for this.   And to think in just 2 years and 10 months He has already achieved 2nd class.  Thats extremely difficult and nearly unheard of!  Caleb and I started our Holiday baking today.  He was my big helper!  He was a happy camper and great company!  He talked my ear off. Gotta love the violet fingers and face... complements of Gentian Violet for his Thrush! Jonah had a good day at school, he is soooo excited for Daddy to pla...

Hey everyone!  Yes we are all still alive.  I have been AWOL for a few days.  I've been SO tired lately that I fall asleep at the keyboard and haven't finished any posts.  I'll try to catch up the last few days in the morning but in the meantime know we are all doing great.  Jonah is supremely excited for Thursday, not necessarily for the meal but because he gets to watch Daddy play Flag Football!!!  We're having Grammy and the Preston family over for Thanksgiving Dinner.  It should be lots of fun

not much has happened today.  Caleb seems to have a bad sore throat.  I'm awfully glad we have an appointment with the pediatrician at 2 tomorrow.

Poor Caleb, his croup is hanging on.  Each day we see little bits of progress but I sure wish it would pass on a whole lot faster.  Jonah had another good day at school!  Daddy had to stay late at work to finish up some preparation for his upcoming departure.  He leaves for his work trip on Nov. 26 and we're not sure how long he'll be gone.  It's a play it by ear kind of thing right now. I'm plugging along.  I struggle most days with feelings of inadequacy and wishing there were more hours in the day.  I guess I just need to learn to accept that my best is good enough and there is always tomorrow to do things better. 

Wow!  Jonah got a fantastic report from his teachers today.  They said his behavior was much improved and he did a good job listening!  Jonah was so proud of himself for being obedient and so were we.  To celebrate we went out for ice cream!  As I was tucking Jonah's covers in tonight he looks at me and says, "You are MY treasure Mommy!"  Awe, melts my heart! Caleb is still coughing and not feeling so well.  We'll call his Dr. in the AM and see what he wants us to do.  At the ER the other night Caleb weighed 11 pounds 8 oz!!!  He is growing so fast I can hardly stand it. Daddy had the day off work for Veterans' day.  It was so nice to have him home!

Caleb is feeling a little better.  His "bark" has eased and is now just a mild cough.  He is still having a hard time sleeping well unless he is being held. Jonah has grown up in the last week.  He has taken Daddy's talk about obedience to heart and most of the time is acting much older than 4.  I'll be excited to see if his new found obedience transfers to school and his teachers.  Jonah is becoming so thoughtful he often thanks us for things many kids take for granted.  Maureen and I took the boys to the mall Friday to make Daddy a Build-A-Bear for when he has to Deploy.  Jonah had a blast making Daddy's bear and when we got back to the car Jonah says, "Thank you for bringing me Mommy!"  Tonight as I was leaving Jonah's room, after doing our bedtime routine, I hear, "Mommy, Thank you for rocking me, singing for me, and reading me my new book!  It's my favorite."  Sure do LOVE this boy!

Jonah had Martial Arts (MA) this morning.  It was his best class yet!  He was really working hard to listen to Master C and to follow his instructions.  The last exercise was a race and Jonah wanted to do it by himself.  He did his best to run with the other boys... he couldn't keep up but he made a valiant effort.  His teacher was so impressed!  Both Dave and I are so proud!  Go Jonah go! Jonah has been doing a little more sharing than we'd like.. he shared his head cold with baby brother.  Unfortunately it turned into croup.  He got worse as the day wore on so Caleb and I took a quick trip to the ER.  The dr. says it's just croup and gives him an oral steroid (Decadron) and sends us home.  It may be a long few days for Caleb while we help him battle this nasty cough. 

One of my favorite sounds in the whole world is a little baby's laugh!  Caleb's little laugh is priceless.  Enjoy the video! Jonah has some energy back today and is FINALLY on the mend! Daddy took us all out for dinner tonight at "cheese burgers in paradise".  I had the most wonderful gluten free hamburger.  The bun was to die for! 

I kept Jonah home from school again today.  He sure has coughed a lot this week, Poor Guy!  He had more energy today than yesterday so maybe the worst of it is over.  Maybe I let him go to school tomorrow... So far it seems Caleb has escaped catching the bug.  Sure hope it stays that way.  Caleb gets more smiley and interactive every day.  Today I left him lying on his back on a blanket on the floor and when I returned he'd turned 90 degrees.  His 0-3 clothes are quickly becoming too short in both the sleeves and the pants.  I've had to start eliminating one piece outfits because he is too tall to fit them.

I was really hoping Jonah was on the mend but today he seems a little worse.  His cough is pretty icky, although it hasn't moved to his chest thankfully!  It is great knowing that Jonah is getting strong enough to battle a respiratory infection without landing himself in the hospital!

No school for Virginia Beach kids today because of voting.  Jonah had a pretty sluggish day.  He spent the day on a bed I made for him on the floor watching Bob the Builder's Christmas.  (I was so glad I came across the $5 DVD the other day when I was out shopping and had put it up in the pantry for a "Rainy Day") Obama was re-elected tonight... Sigh! 

This morning we (Jonah, Caleb, Nonni (Patty) and I) drove into Portsmouth to take Jonah to the pediatrician.  They said that he had an earache and gave him some Amoxicillin and antibiotic ear drops.  This evening he seems to be feeling a bit better.  When Daddy got home we all went to "Dick's Sporting Goods" to shop for Jonah baseball mitt.  Imagine how disappointed Jonah was when he learned that they didn't have any mitts that were small enough,  daddy thought quickly and offered to buy a bat instead.  Jonah is elated!!!                                                              

Yesterday afternoon Jonah started to complain about his ear being full of wax.  I didn't think much of it.  Then I noticed his cough was back and he was going hoarse.  At times it almost sound like puberty as his voice unexpectedly cracks.  So late last night Jonah was having a hard time sleeping and I realized that he had a lowgrade fever.  I'm afraid I may have a sick kiddo on my hands.  I kept him home from church and besides being tired he seemed to do ok.  I'll call the Dr. in the morning and see if they can squeeze us in. Jonah tried wearing his big boy undies again today but after the 4th pair of wet undies we went back to pull-ups.  We'll try again! 

Jonah had huge mile stone type of a day.  First off, he passed his Tae Kwon Do test to wear his white belt!!!   Mister Seth presenting Jonah with his White belt after being tested!  Jonah was SOOOO excited to get it! Next he kept his undies dry all afternoon!!!  By going potty in the toilet he earned himself a baseball glove!!  Happy to report that.  Today has been a pretty busy day for us.  Dave had to work a night shift tonight so he was pretty much asleep, except when he was awake, and Tanya was running errands trying to get donations together and delivered to Ms. Erin.  She has a friend who's family lives in Hoboken NJ (one of the hardest hit areas from Super Storm Sandy).  This friend has rented a moving van that they will drive to Hoboken to help those in need.  Jonah was so proud of himself today for being obedient! 

We had a close call tonight.  We got a hand-me-down dryer from some friends at church and it has been hanging out in the garage for a couple weeks.  Being the independent lady that I am I decided that I could move both dryers and hook up the new one while Dave was a work.  The moving the dryers part was easy with the help of a little wheeled cart I use for everything.  The first sign of trouble was when I went to plug it in and realized that it had the wrong plug.  Well, I'm the daughter of a master electrician and the wife of an aviation electrician and I figured it would be no sweat to switch the plug from the old dryer to the new dryer...  The switch of course didn't go quite so easy.  The new (well, new to us) dryer had a corroded screw that I couldn't get undone.  I finally had to wait for Dave to get home.  Long after Jonah was in bed Dave got the dryer up and running.  He came and asked me to check it out.  I reached in back ...

Today I had to have some dental work done and I was nervous to take Caleb as the appointment was to take close to an hour.  Thankfully I was able to make arrangements with "Grammie Maureen" to watch him.  They got along great!  I'm so grateful for our ever growing Virginia Family!  They are all such a blessing to our little family!  Next Caleb and I went to visit my friend Kristin Daugherty.  She and her hubby Dan moved to Chesapeak (the country).  It made me homesick to drive down little country roads that were surrounded by fields, tractors, barns, and fences!  Kristin had knee surgery last week and I was dying for a visit.  We had a fantastic time visiting and crafting!