The Griesbaum Family: 2014 is Up and Runnin

Wow, it has been a long time since I have written a post here! When I do have time to write, I have been doing a lot of blogging on my other site: Un-processing My World. Life leaves little time for much else.

However, I have so much pride in my family just building up inside of me I just have to let it out!

Currently, we are all going crazy with this winter. OK, maybe it's just me, and I'm driving my kids crazy. Either way, we can not WAIT to get be able to get out of this house and actually enjoy the outdoors. I have never disliked winter - I like the snow, bundling up, and all of the holidays. Even the very cold temperatures don't bother me. Its the wind. This year, the wind has been absolutely relentless. Even a nice day where I think I can send the kids outside to get some fresh air has them coming in after 3 minutes because the wind is biting at their cheeks. I know it doesn't help that we live in the country without much surrounding us, but it seems like overkill this year. While I don't mind a good snow storm, when the wind is blowing so hard it knocks over swing sets and makes me worry about our house falling in, I can't help but find myself dreaming of spring days, light jackets, and strolls in the park.

In the past few months, Allisyn turned one and Gavyn turned three. The holidays came and went, and we all had a wonderful time spending time with family and feeling fortunate to have roofs over our heads, food in our bellies, and love in our hearts. The kids are growing in all sorts of ways.

Gavyn started a new gymnastics class at The Little Gym. He is no longer in a parent-involved class and goes in all by himself with his teacher for an hour long session. He seems to thrive in this environment, even being the youngest one in his class. The class is for 3-4 year olds but he went in a few months early after showing he was ready. He is very good at listening to his teachers and following their instructions. Also, the first of the year brought another accomplishment - no more diapers! It took all of about a week to get Gavyn into underwear, and now I can't even remember when he wasn't using the potty. He doesn't even need a pull up for nap or night time. He is all underwear, all the time, and we are all thrilled about it!

He also has a lot more responsibilities around the house. He gets himself dressed, brushes his own teeth, and cleans up his own messes. He helps set the table and clear it, and is getting better and better at getting his toys picked up in a timely manner. Each week we practice a new letter and he is learning how to write them all. He knows how to spell his name, his ABCs, and how to count to 20 and all the number concepts. He is working on sounding out words reading sight words as well.

Allisyn has had her own accomplishments over the past few months. She has gone from a crawler to a walker, to now a runner. She doesn't like help with things. She is very independent, yet very affectionate. She gives out kisses like sprinkles at an ice cream shop. Yet every kiss is special. She give big hugs and rubs our arms the way we do for her. She has many many words already, and is always finding new ways to get what she wants. She is my climber, and has been known to push around toys and furniture to get up as high as she can to get the really naughty things to play with. When she is told know, she throws a huge production. She is our drama queen.

Alli also started in her own gymnastics class in January. Her class in on Tuesdays, and because that is the day I generally have 4 kids to take care of, Daddy has been taking her to this class. I think it is a wonderful time for them to bond and spend special time together. I actually took her today and it was fun to see her in her class after she is already so comfortable there. She participates in all of the activities and today she gave her teacher kisses after class. She is such a sweetheart!

In November I started babysitting again. I watch the sweetest little girl who is now 6 months old during the week, and another handsome little boy who is 4 months on Mondays and Tuesdays. They are Gwen and Henry. Gwen is an "angel" baby. She is pretty much always happy and easy, unless she is tired! Of course, we can all relate to that. She is super strong and already crawling, and very outgoing! She loves the company of other kids and especially other babies. She has been a fun addition to our house! Henry is also a little sweetheart, and is happy to lay in the gym or hang out in the jump-a-roo for long periods of time. These little ones have been a pleasure to watch and I'm so glad to have the opportunity!

John started and finished hunting season at the park. He even got out and did a little hunting himself! We were fortunate enough to get two deer this year from hunters that are now sitting in our chest freezer as steaks, brats, wieners, and ground venison. John loves his job at Allerton and is always busy. He has a lot on his shoulders but still comes home and helps out around the house. On nights when I have plans or just need to go to the store, he is always willing to stay home with the kids so I can get a few moments silence. John has also been taking the boys ice skating whenever he can, as Gavyn has developed a new fondness for the ice.

Another new development in December is that my Mom and her husband Joe bought a house here in Monticello! It was a very fast decision but has turned into what we all think is a great investment. They are going to rent it out starting in April and are currently putting in a second bathroom. If we happen to stay in Monticello long term, it might be the perfect house for them one day!

These photos start in November and go through now. Lots of catching up!