The Holiday Spirit: Read First

The holidays are always a good time for us to connect with our friends and family, to eat like we never eat and be thankful for such opportunities. In general, this was true although some of the specifics may not point in that direction.

So the holiday season started for me when I met up with Stashia, Stephen and Caitlin at the GR airport after having a horrible flight experience with 5 delays adding up to 2 hours. Unfortunately my luggage decided not to join us. By the way, American Airlines is horrible with their communication on lost luggage to make a long story short.

The next day was the 23rd, where I decided to surround myself with 7 cats. Which would be fine if cats didn't constitute 90% of all my allergy problems. So the 24th, yes Christmas Eve, I went to the Urgent Care Center. By this point with my lungs so very weak, on recovery meds and still without my luggage the Christashiatryson contingency went to my family's side of Christmas. It was at Memouse's house which although she has two of these 7 cats, I thought risking my life was worth experiencing Christmas the way it was when I was little. Being surrounded by all the family again and getting to watch Tryson go through it as well was an experience worth the physical suffering. At one point in the night it just got to me and I found sanity in the insanity. My luggage could be lost forever and flights are always going to be late...and of course cats will always bring me to my knees, but I have had the best year of my life and this moment seals it forever in my memory.

As presents were being passed and all the chatter I thought about all I've been given this year and every bit of it priceless, completely priceless. Just this year alone, I was able to watch Tryson go through so many firsts and bond with him so much so that I know I'm someone he really wants to see in the morning and the last before bed. I finally realized what I had denied before, that Stashia loves me more than I can understand and that I love her more than I can explain. I finally graduated and after years of having other people fight to get me there, this last year I did it all on my own not taking no for an answer and taking all the responsibility, I grew up a lot and it feels good. I experienced a wealth of people coming out over and over again for our birthdays, grad parties, shower and wedding. I knew we had a lot friends and support but I did not know so many people loved us so deeply, thank you so much! I got a job that I love and I feel great about going to work every day, that feels amazing and they appreciate me. (I want to write more about this in a separate blog) Needless to say, I was overcome with joy. Not happiness, joy. Magically on Christmas day, my luggage came in and several other great things with it. I was able to spend a bit of time with 5 of my sisters that I hardly ever see, great times with friends and the opportunity to get stuck in snow on I-96...ah Michigan I miss you.

We're back in Washington now and I'm still a little sick, Stashia and Tryson are as well. We are happy to be back and settled down, but I think we are all in agreement that we all enjoyed our trip. So in summary, thank you!

-Chris

Grandpa

This is to my Grandpa. One of the most amazing man you would ever meet. If you have ever had a chance to meet him you are lucky. I sure know I was one of the lucky ones. I had a chance to know him my whole live and thank God for giving me the privilege. To those of you that don't know. My Grandpa is 93 years old. He has a heart of gold. When you talk to him he makes you feel you are the most important person in the world. He loves the Lord and follows Him in all that he does. When this man prays it is like a sweet poem or song. I can't decribe how great his words can make you feel when he is praying. It is like the Lord is speaking right to him. He has the greatest stories. I remember hearing all of these stories and when he would tell them again it was like he was telling them for the first time. My Grandpa is a very kind and generious man. He would give you words of wisdom to the shirt off his back. His laughter could make anyone else laugh.
I started writing this on the 28th of November right before my grandpa passed away in the early evening. I was not able to be there for his last moments on earth but I was there in sprit for him. A couple days before he passed I was able to say my last good bye and Tryson was able to say his last, "Hiiiiiiiii!!!" Even though he was not able to talk back had a deep sense of relief. I know he is where he wanted to be and he has no more pain and suffering. The visitations were on Sunday and the funeral was on Monday. Tryson and I had flown back the Friday before. It is amazing how great he lokked at 93 and how at peace I was. So this is to him and his amazing life.

Mom visit, Tryson's birthday and more

Life has been great for us here. My mom was here to visit at the beginning of the month for Tryson's birthday. We picked her up from the airport late at night. She was worried that Tryson wouldn't recognize her. Well it only took him a couple of minutes and he was all about Grandma.

The whole way home he just kept on staring at her, smiling, and laughing. It was so cute! The next day we threw a little party for Tryson at Chuck E Cheese's. We really wanted to do this many for meeting people and because my mom was here. So many people came. It was great! Tryson had a good time dancing and we had a chance to get to know more people. We were not expecting the presents either. These people we hardly know or didn't even know at all were so generous. The next day (Sunday) we all went to church. After we went to our usual Sunday diner. Then at night our church had the African children's choir. Those kids have too much energy. My mom kept saying, "If I could have their energy 4 weeks out of the year I could get so much done." I tried to keep my mom, Tryson and I occupied. Monday was Tryson's birthday. My mom, a friend of mine and her little boy, Tryson, and me went to a story reading for his birthday. It was fun and he had a chance to play with other kids. Tuesday Tryson had his 12 month doctors visit. He is developing very well and is right were he should be and he does not have to have surgery. On the down side of it he had to get 5 shots in the arm. I could of punched the nurse that gave the shots. She stuck him with the needle hard and far into his arm. Wednesday we went to my MOPS group. Thursday night was one of the best nights. We headed to Seattle to tour and eat dinner. My mom ended up surprising us with a trip in the space needle. It was great. The best part about it was that is was at night and the lights were amazing! Then on Friday night we went and had dinner with my cousins Brian, Allie and their cute boys. Saturday was the day my mom was suppose to go home. Well..... she actually ended up missing her flight. We were kind of scared at first but it all worked out good and she got to spend an extra day here. Then Sunday we went to my cousin's Brian and Allies. They were having a brunch because my other cousins Todd and Cindy were in town. It was really nice to see them again. I other news I have decided to go back to work... sort of. I was at a friends house last week and she gave me a great idea to still do what I love but not really work outside the home or put Tryson in daycare. I am on this site called cafemom and have meet some really great people from it. She said I should post something on the site telling people that I do hair and for fair family prices. So I did and I have gotten a really goo response from people. I posted it on the site last week Friday and have 4 appointments already and more to come. I am so excited! Thanksgiving is coming in a few days. As sad as we are for not being able to be there with our family and friends we have met some great people here that have welcomed us into their homes for Thanksgiving. It's funny. We didn't think we would be spending Thanksgiving with anyone but ourselves this year but it is the complete opposite. We have been invited to 4 places (including Chris's boss's family). Sad we can't go to all but very nice we have somewhere to go. I can't believe how many nice and welcoming people we have met. I never saw any of this when we moved but we have been so happy. Life has just truly blessed us in so many ways. I am so thankful for all the family and friends we have there and here.

Ranch Pizza Sick Carnegie Monkey

I wish you were all here, we are entertaining. Much more entertaining than any blog. For example, Stashia asked me 5 minutes ago, "Do you want Ranch dressing with your pizza?" I replied with, "Ranch, yeah Ranch!" Then a couple seconds ago, she asked me, "Do you want Ranch?" I said, that I had just told her yes ad her reply is that she thought I wasn't serious...ahhh, fun. And the Tryson, he's a reality show all on his own. He gets in a lot more trouble as Stashia noted today. She dressed him today and he ruined it by getting into the fireplace, so she stripped him, through him in the bath and when he got out, that was it for clothes for a couple hours. He now cries when either of us go to the bathroom without him, or leave the room for that matter. He is getting really good with the "hi" and "buh bye". He can say both very clearly and at correct times, although sometimes not at the appropriate times. Sometimes when I see him after work when Stash has picked me up he says "buh bye" and I say, "no no, you want daddy to go away?" and he smiles. Two days ago, I think I scared him when I opened the door after a long day of work and he said a very enthusiastic, "HIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!" Really cute. Let's see, what else about Tryson, he likes being tickled under his armpits and sides and laughs a ton and he likes to take off his socks and put them in his mouth. That's Tryson.

Me, I'm sick at the moment, or actually in the process of feeling better, work was so long today. I got home and Stashia was so nice, she took Tryson grocery shopping with her and let me take a 5 hour "nap" which really helped. I woke up and my throat wasn't scratchy, my head stopped hurting and the initial sick "ick" was gone for the moment, so hopefully by the morning after I take my second nap in just a few minutes, I will feel up to a 9 hour day tomorrow followed by cleaning and organizing until about 9 or so and then getting ready to pick up Stash's mom at the airport at 11pm getting settled back here around 2 or so and then getting up in the morning to set up for Tryson's birthday party...so yeah, I'm kinda not allowed to be sick past today. I also can't afford to take time off of work right now. Pray for me, please.

Other than being sick, as Stashia said, I am registered for a Dale Carnegie class, as wikipedia says, "Dale Breckenridge Carnegie (originally Carnegey) (November 24, 1888–November 1, 1955) was an American writer and the developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills." So, the nature of the class I will be taking in the winter will be encompassing a good portion of all of those. I am really busy at Boeing, pretty challenged at the moment. I am working on a project that no one in my group has had to deal with on their own or without training before, so I guess someone either has faith in me or hates me. I hope it is the former of the two. I am continuing to learn and be able to take on more and more work. I am about done with my mandatory training courses and can't wait to become more useful. I'm planning on everything coming together right before Christmas. So, hopefully by the time we come home, we will all feel very settled. What that means for me is a happy work, social and family life out here. We have a month and a half, ready...set...GET SETTLED!!!! (Somehow, that doesn't make sense...like speed fishing or something.....)

*In British John Cleese (Month Python) voice*
And now....for something completely different...a baby monkey clapping:

Long Time No Blog

Hey All! Sorry it has been a while since we last posted a blog. Chris was trying to put up another video but it wasn't working. So anyways. Not tons but I would say lot has happened since last time. Chris is getting more comfortable with his job. Taking class and such to better himself. He has enrolled himself in a leadership course that he wanted to take and he will be taking that at night. I'm not sure when it starts but I think it is after the first of the year. The best part is that it is a $1,700 class and Boeing pays for it. Enough about him lets talk about the T man. He is getting sooooo big and SMART! This kid amazes me every day. Yes I said kid. As hard as it is for me I have to accept that he will be 1 in 5 days :(. He will always be my baby in my heart and eyes. He is not walking yet but I got hi this great toy that he can hold onto and walk with. He loves it. He has learned some new things, as you can imagine. Chris taught him how to wave hi and bye. Chris teaches him a lot. It so funny the things this kid pick up on soooo easily. Chris enjoys it. Like a little mini Chris or puppet. Tryson has met some friends. He attends Sunday school every Sunday and gets along with the other very well. All good remarks from his teachers. He has met some kids outside of school. I am on this site called Cafe Mom and have met some great people on it and we have met up for lunch and play dates. I think he has his first girlfriend. I will tell you she is a sweetie a little young (10 months). They play and roll on the floor together. It is so cute. I have been and done several thing to get all of us out and meeting people. As I told you I am on this site called cafe mom and I have meet some great people on it. One family has invited us over for Thanksgiving. They moved here from Ohio last year. I have also been involved in a group called MOPS. They meet twice a month. Tryson can play with the little one and I can be with all the other moms. We have breakfast, have speakers, crafts, etc. I met one of the kindest and most wonderful person through MOPS. I called inquiring about MOPS and she invited me to coffee about 3 weeks ago. She is like my mother away from home. Such a great friend also. She also told me about the church we have been going to (Gold Creek Community Church). She adores Tryson but who doesn't. The first time he met her, while we were at coffee, he felt so comfortable he feel asleep on her. It was the sweetest thing. In other news. Tryson is having a second birthday party( I know he is spoiled). This one is more for meeting people and for my mom. My mom is coming in on Friday. We can't wait. There is so much to tell but I'm tired and my neck is starting to hurt. I'll have Chris post a blog soon.
Missing All,
Stashia

You MUST turn your sound up

So, this is a short blog to share with you Tryson in his mastery of salutations:

Isn't he amazing? If you notice, the last thing we asked him to say was "ball" and he decided to show off and give a full sentence (which you can try to decipher if you choose). All we know is that it did include ball, which he kinda says as "baw" so cute, we love our boy!

Funny Stories

Over the past week we have had some "funny" stuff happen. Things that were not funny at the time but I know all of you would enjoy hearing about them. I'm doing this in order of occurance.



1. Last weekend Chris and I were hanging out at home. Chris and I were finishing put the desk we got together. We put it in the place we wanted to put it. I was cleaning up and I had found something that Chris was looking for. I said, "Chris..." and before I even got out of my mouth what I was going to say I made a, you could say it was probably the most skin curderling sound you have ever heard. I'll call it a scream. There not even a foot away, in front of my face was the BIGGEST SPIDER I have ever seen. The leggs had to be 3 to 4 inches long. I am NOT kidding. The funny part is when I started to scream, Chris started screaming even louder than I was. But it gets better.... He didn't even know what I was screaming about! So there I was, I had jummed on the couch and Chris was right there by my side saying, " WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? (screaming at the same time)" I was just pointing and screaming. I finally got it out that there was a spider. So here we are trying to find something to kill it. We ended up with a pack of c.d. cases. The best part was I, Stashia, Had to kill it. Chris was too scared.

2. I was in the shower (get you mind out of the gutter). Chris thought he was being funny by squeaking one of Tryson's rubber ducks outside of the shower. Well unbeknownst to him I had my haed peeking outside of the shower curtain on the other side. When he finally noticed he screamed so hard. Like a little girl to be exacted. Waving his hands in the air. I laughed so hard I peed in the shower. It was so funny. I wish I had that on video. It was one of those moments.

3. Two days ago, I was in the shower again. Chris was on the phone. When I got out Chris said to me, " Thank God you were in the shower cause you would of freaked out. If I wasn't on the phone I would of freaked out too." He proceed to bring me in the dining area. He was telling while he was on the phone he saw, what he thought was a hair tie, and put his foot on in so Tryson wouldn't get to it. But there was something different about this hair tie..... it moved. Turns out it was a little lizard. A little black lizard. So I did freank out a little bit when it started moving. I think Chris really wanted to keep it. He trapped it with a glass. I was persistant that he flush it down the toliet. So he listened like a good husband and did. :)

4. Today, I got up and Tryson did as well. I changed his diaper, as always first thing I do in the morning. He has had some nasty diaper rash for about a week. So I let him roam around without a diaper so he can "air" out. I have done this for about a week. Today was a different day. I was on the computer and Tryson was playing like a good little baby in the living room. But as any good parent knows (even when they are in ear and eye distance) when they are quiet that is not good. I took a break to look at Tryson and what was the first thing I see..... POOP! Poop on his butt, poop on his leggs, poop on his arms, poop on his CHIN, poop all over the living room floor!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH! I had to be clam though. My son looked as cute as he could at the time, at me and gave me a very warm and poopie smile. So I grabbed some paper towel and cleaned him up as best I could, started a bath, and took a good look at the living room. To top all that off I had no carpet cleaner ( the movers couldn't pack it. aerasol). So I gave him a bath, cleaned up the living room as best I could, called a couple people, and put a little something on face book. Which Michelle was oddly almost right. What I posted was, "Stashia is discussed at what Tryson just did. Nasty!" She wrote me, asking if he threw poop at me. I didn't get it throwen at me but I had enough on me to suggest that it might of happened.
So there are the.... not so funny in the moment, they are now funny, really funny to you, and will be very funny years to come stories.
We love and Miss you all, Can't wait till Christmas!
Stashia