We're gearing up for the next few days of fun and family time, celebrating the Holiday with our loved ones. This time of year we try to get together with as many old ( & new) friends and family. We're actually managing to do a pretty good job of that this year a little bit a time...but if we don't see you, please know we are thinking of you and wish you a very merry Christmas with your loved ones. We've loved all the Christmas cards, letters and pictures that you've shared- thank you!
On my favorite Christian radio station they play comments from listeners occasionally throughout the Christmas music, reminding us of what the season is really about.
One woman says something that really sticks with me and has served to alleviate much of the holiday-related stress and anxiety.... Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. It's not about the shopping, it's not about the presents, it's not even about the Christmas trees. So I'm sharing that with you...I hope that little reminder can help make this time of year a little merrier for you and your loved ones. Happy Birthday Jesus!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Busy Busy
I know everyone is busy this time of year. But that's my excuse for not posting anything lately.
We are doing fine. Girls finished preschool today until after the new year. They are both very chatty and inquisitive. They are excited about Christmas time.They love the lights and ornaments and music. They are addicted to watching Polar Express over and over again.
Or as they call it "choo-choo train show". It's very educational.... we've learned about hot chocolate, reindeer, bells,the North Pole and how to say "ALL ABOARD!!!" and "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" very loudly.
We did make a trip to visit Santa at the mall earlier this month. It wasn't bad...but Shelby tried to escape and Jerzy just sat on his lap and cried. Knox sat patiently as he always does.
Knox will be 11-months on Christmas Eve. WOW! He's still a happy guy, even though he's had a yucky cough and runny nose lately. He's not walking yet, not even attempting it. He knows he can get anywhere and everywhere in two seconds by doing his commando crawl.
Andrew is almost done with work travel for the year and is looking forward to being home with the kids quite a bit during the holidays, while I pick up extra days at work.
We are gearing up for a busy Christmas week with family and friend get-togethers. It is a crazy and hectic time, but we love it! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying all the joys of this holiday season.
We are doing fine. Girls finished preschool today until after the new year. They are both very chatty and inquisitive. They are excited about Christmas time.They love the lights and ornaments and music. They are addicted to watching Polar Express over and over again.
Or as they call it "choo-choo train show". It's very educational.... we've learned about hot chocolate, reindeer, bells,the North Pole and how to say "ALL ABOARD!!!" and "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" very loudly.
We did make a trip to visit Santa at the mall earlier this month. It wasn't bad...but Shelby tried to escape and Jerzy just sat on his lap and cried. Knox sat patiently as he always does.
Knox will be 11-months on Christmas Eve. WOW! He's still a happy guy, even though he's had a yucky cough and runny nose lately. He's not walking yet, not even attempting it. He knows he can get anywhere and everywhere in two seconds by doing his commando crawl.
Andrew is almost done with work travel for the year and is looking forward to being home with the kids quite a bit during the holidays, while I pick up extra days at work.
We are gearing up for a busy Christmas week with family and friend get-togethers. It is a crazy and hectic time, but we love it! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying all the joys of this holiday season.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
It has been a busy November for us. We all caught our share of the crud going around, but are all well now. Andrew has traveled to Omaha, Houston, Chicago,Tulsa so far.
We as a family have just returned from our road trip to Kentucky ( with a stop to visit friends in Tulsa) for Thanksgiving with Andrew's brother and family. We had wonderful time but are glad to be home. I will update later with pictures and comments on our various happenings this month.
We are very thankful for our safe travels, as well as for family and friends who mean so much to us.
We are saddened though by the passing of my Aunt Nancy this evening. Her children and her siblings ( my Dad and other 3 sisters) and other extended family were with her through the week in her last moments. I was not able to see her, and I regret that. However, I am looking forward to being with the rest of the Lowery extended family in the next few days. I will always have fond memories of times spent with her. And a very important part of my girls' everyday lives came from Nancy...she knitted the blanket that each of them sleeps with and uses as a comforting item at home and away. For that thoughtful gift she made them each when they were born, I will be forever grateful.
Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving.
We as a family have just returned from our road trip to Kentucky ( with a stop to visit friends in Tulsa) for Thanksgiving with Andrew's brother and family. We had wonderful time but are glad to be home. I will update later with pictures and comments on our various happenings this month.
We are very thankful for our safe travels, as well as for family and friends who mean so much to us.
We are saddened though by the passing of my Aunt Nancy this evening. Her children and her siblings ( my Dad and other 3 sisters) and other extended family were with her through the week in her last moments. I was not able to see her, and I regret that. However, I am looking forward to being with the rest of the Lowery extended family in the next few days. I will always have fond memories of times spent with her. And a very important part of my girls' everyday lives came from Nancy...she knitted the blanket that each of them sleeps with and uses as a comforting item at home and away. For that thoughtful gift she made them each when they were born, I will be forever grateful.
Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Halloween
We had a fun Halloween. The girls had a costume parade at their preschool in the morning. In the evening we went "trick or treating." We took the kids to see a few friends and family in the neighborhood. Shelby dressed as Princess Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin movie. Jerzy was a super-cute bumblebee. She loved her costume. Knox was a pumpkin.
They got lots of candy and snacks. Andew and I have had to be the bad guys of course in limiting the candy. Shelby has decided that because Reese's Cups are Daddy's favorite, they are also her favorite too. But she calls them "cupcakes." Jerzy will try anything and will eat whatever Shelby doesn't like. Knox has enjoyed his snack mix of puffs and cheerios from Nana.
Here are the kids at Nana's house. She managed to snap the best pics of them in their costumes.
They got lots of candy and snacks. Andew and I have had to be the bad guys of course in limiting the candy. Shelby has decided that because Reese's Cups are Daddy's favorite, they are also her favorite too. But she calls them "cupcakes." Jerzy will try anything and will eat whatever Shelby doesn't like. Knox has enjoyed his snack mix of puffs and cheerios from Nana.
Here are the kids at Nana's house. She managed to snap the best pics of them in their costumes.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Recent Fun
In the last few days , we have had several Halloween-related activities as well as another birthday to celebrate.
The kids had a playgroup costume party on Friday and a cousins Halloween donut breakfast with Nana and Papa on Saturday.
We visited a pumpkin patch Sunday afternoon with cousins Kailey and Dylan. Here's a picture of what usually happens when you try to get five little ones to sit still for the camera....the only one not moving is the one who can't walk yet, and no one is looking at the camera!! Oh well.
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On Sunday evening we had dinner with extended family on my side, to celebrate my grandfather's 85th birthday. We got together at my Uncle Jim and Aunt Becky's home.
We had bbq, cake and ice cream. My grandfather is an amazing man at 85. We are very blessed to have him as our patriarch and in the words of my uncle...Gran is also " our hero". He has seen a lot in his 85 years and through it all has loved and supported his family and friends unconditionally. He survived World War II stationed in the South Pacific. He has lived through the passing of his parents, his siblings, his beloved wife and two of his children.He has also endured cardiac bypass surgery. We love you Gran!
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Last night Andrew carved pumpkins while the kids supervised. The girls were fascinated and thought the insides "gucky". Here's a few pics of the kids with their jack o' lanterns.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween tomorrow!!
The kids had a playgroup costume party on Friday and a cousins Halloween donut breakfast with Nana and Papa on Saturday.
We visited a pumpkin patch Sunday afternoon with cousins Kailey and Dylan. Here's a picture of what usually happens when you try to get five little ones to sit still for the camera....the only one not moving is the one who can't walk yet, and no one is looking at the camera!! Oh well.
*********************************************************************************On Sunday evening we had dinner with extended family on my side, to celebrate my grandfather's 85th birthday. We got together at my Uncle Jim and Aunt Becky's home.
We had bbq, cake and ice cream. My grandfather is an amazing man at 85. We are very blessed to have him as our patriarch and in the words of my uncle...Gran is also " our hero". He has seen a lot in his 85 years and through it all has loved and supported his family and friends unconditionally. He survived World War II stationed in the South Pacific. He has lived through the passing of his parents, his siblings, his beloved wife and two of his children.He has also endured cardiac bypass surgery. We love you Gran!
**********************************************************************************Last night Andrew carved pumpkins while the kids supervised. The girls were fascinated and thought the insides "gucky". Here's a few pics of the kids with their jack o' lanterns.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween tomorrow!!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
A Growing Boy
Knox is now 9 months old. Today was his well-visit at the pediatrician's office. He's doing fine.
He weighs 21lbs and 15 oz. He is 28 1/2 inches long. He has 2 teeth so far. He sits up, but not for long before he's off crawling and exploring. He's making lots of babbling noises and eating a variety of foods ( he even tried dog food last week!! yuck!). Being the third child, I don't take as many pictures of him. But I did manage to snap a good one last night before he went to bed.
He is a happy boy!
A Few Birthday Pictures
Shelby in her new bike helmet. 
Shelby got an Elmo cupcake and Jerzy's was an Ernie cupcake.
The morning after......Monday, October 22, 2007
A Great Weekend
We had a great weekend celebrating the girls' birthdays. They received phone calls , and cards and thoughtful presents. The party on Saturday was great fun. I will post a few pictures soon.
I really can't believe that our baby girls are 3 and 2! It's amazing and brings us such great joy to watch them grow, play, talk, and learn. We are truly blessed.
Their new bikes are the obsession now. Shelby mastered Jerzy's trike pretty quick and because it's easier for her, tried to take it over. Andrew spent a better part of Sunday working with her on learning to pedal HER bike. Jerzy seems to have more fun pushing her trike and putting things in the little basket.They are so cute in their brightly colored bike helmets. Knox watches from his stroller and laughs at them when they come close.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making the girls' birthdays very special. We appreciate it so much.
I really can't believe that our baby girls are 3 and 2! It's amazing and brings us such great joy to watch them grow, play, talk, and learn. We are truly blessed.
Their new bikes are the obsession now. Shelby mastered Jerzy's trike pretty quick and because it's easier for her, tried to take it over. Andrew spent a better part of Sunday working with her on learning to pedal HER bike. Jerzy seems to have more fun pushing her trike and putting things in the little basket.They are so cute in their brightly colored bike helmets. Knox watches from his stroller and laughs at them when they come close.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making the girls' birthdays very special. We appreciate it so much.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A Great Day
Today was a great birthday. It was a usual routine Wednesday of taking Shelby to school and going to work, etc. But it was nice... well wishes from family and friends all day, lunch out with a dear friend, dinner and cake at home with family. Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful cards and phone calls.
Last night was special too. Judy and I had dinner out and then made our way to Fair Park. We drove around a bit, but then found "fair"-ly close parking in one of those usual makeshift parking lots in the middle of a field being "tended" to by elderly gentleman. The Lion King was WONDERFUL. I highly recommend it. I know lots of people have seen it already. I would see it again. I hope when the kids are older we can take them to see it. The costumes and music and movement and set design are amazing. Thank you sister!
Now we have a day off and then it's two birthdays in a row! Hakuna Matata!
Last night was special too. Judy and I had dinner out and then made our way to Fair Park. We drove around a bit, but then found "fair"-ly close parking in one of those usual makeshift parking lots in the middle of a field being "tended" to by elderly gentleman. The Lion King was WONDERFUL. I highly recommend it. I know lots of people have seen it already. I would see it again. I hope when the kids are older we can take them to see it. The costumes and music and movement and set design are amazing. Thank you sister!
Now we have a day off and then it's two birthdays in a row! Hakuna Matata!
Shelby helps Mama make a wish. ( Yes- the cake had a bit of a rough trip from the car to the house to the table, but it was still delicious!! Thank you Vicki!)
One last picture before bedtime...
Monday, October 15, 2007
It's Birthday Week!
It's the start of what is usually one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of our year. All the Tokarz girls turn a year older this week.The little ones turn 3 and 2.... and Mama turns 32!! Shelby and Jerzy know their birthdays are coming, but they still aren't able to grasp the concept of days/time, etc.
Today was a good day at school for the girls. Knox and I were able to take care of some errands. Uncle Kemp was in town for the day and came to visit for a little while. Andrew is home and we're settling back into routine after his two week trip to Houston.
Celebrations begin tomorrow....my fabulous sister surprised me with tickets to see The Lion King on stage!!!! She can't be here to go with me ( she's seen it in NYC of course already) ,but I'm taking my Aunt Judy to enjoy it with me. I can't wait!!
Hope everyone has a GREAT week. I know we will!!!
Today was a good day at school for the girls. Knox and I were able to take care of some errands. Uncle Kemp was in town for the day and came to visit for a little while. Andrew is home and we're settling back into routine after his two week trip to Houston.
Celebrations begin tomorrow....my fabulous sister surprised me with tickets to see The Lion King on stage!!!! She can't be here to go with me ( she's seen it in NYC of course already) ,but I'm taking my Aunt Judy to enjoy it with me. I can't wait!!
Hope everyone has a GREAT week. I know we will!!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Bump, Set, Spike!
We took a fun field trip Tuesday evening to our local high school for the girls to see their first volleyball game. Ms Vicki joined us and we also met our friends Theresa and Hannah. Knox played at Nana and Papa's while we were out. The girls had fun counting the seats, climbing the stairs, eating suckers, dancing to the music and oh yeah, watching the big kids play volleyball!
Shelby and HannahTheresa teaches biology there and when the girls were getting restless, she invited us up to her classroom to meet the pet turtles. She also gave us a brief tour of the school.It's very nice-- it's only a year old. This is the HS the kids will attend if we are still living here when the time comes.
Shelby checks out the turtles safely behind the glass.
Hannah and Vicki encourage Jerzy to get a little closer.
The girls stopped to take a break on the benches in the courtyard area on the way to the parking lot.
Shelby and HannahTheresa teaches biology there and when the girls were getting restless, she invited us up to her classroom to meet the pet turtles. She also gave us a brief tour of the school.It's very nice-- it's only a year old. This is the HS the kids will attend if we are still living here when the time comes.
Shelby checks out the turtles safely behind the glass.
Hannah and Vicki encourage Jerzy to get a little closer.
The girls stopped to take a break on the benches in the courtyard area on the way to the parking lot.
All in all it was a great outing for the girls. Maybe next week we'll try a HS football game!!!
Monday, October 1, 2007
You are my sunshine...
Ok so I have a hard time finding time to post to here. Oh well...I'll get better ( I hope!).
Girls are at school....Knox is putting himself to sleep....I'm about to enjoy a quiet lunch and get a few chores done before leaving to p/u girls at school. I have lots of pics to post, but the most recent are these of the kids that Andrew's sister took last week when she brought her boys by for a quick visit. ( Thanks Jen!)
The kids are definitely our sunshine. Even in those stressful , crazy moments a toothy grin from any of them or a sweet comment (from Jerzy " Mommy sing Sunshine")can brighten the day.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. Here is my sunshine.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
We're blogging now!
I can now add blogger to my list of roles....in addition to mother, sister, wife, friend, dietitian, neighbor, daughter, light-bulb changer, hair brusher, nose-wiper, swing-pusher.....and all around jack of all trades.
I'm looking forward to using this forum to share updated pics, fun details and the latest Tokarz gang news with those who are interested.
Latest news here....we are wrapping up day 3 of being without our main AC unit. But the end of the meltdown is in sight-- we are getting a new unit tomorrow afternoon. Thank you to Nana and Papa and Ms Vicki and Mr Mike for helping us cool off, and letting girls sleep over.
I'm looking forward to using this forum to share updated pics, fun details and the latest Tokarz gang news with those who are interested.
Latest news here....we are wrapping up day 3 of being without our main AC unit. But the end of the meltdown is in sight-- we are getting a new unit tomorrow afternoon. Thank you to Nana and Papa and Ms Vicki and Mr Mike for helping us cool off, and letting girls sleep over.
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