Christmas Day

Unwrapping More Presents from Santa

Unwrapping Presents from Santa

Last day at work for the year

Today was my last day at work for the year. It was a nice quiet day (as opposed to Monday where I was busy from the time I got in until the time I left 9.5 hours later). Gary got his flu shot today. Jennifer then took him to the Wildlife Experience. They both had a good day.

Gary played some more of of skateboard computer game and the played for a while with Brandon and his cars.

After dinner Gary did get sick (we think it was the flu shot) but that really did not slow him down. He watch a little TV with Jennifer after his bath and then Jennifer read him some stories (Biscuit).

Happy last Tuesday in 2008.

Peaceful Monday

Hi Everyone.

I am feeling much better today. I was having some problems with my vision but that is improving. I have not had any strong or strange mussel spazms since Idiscontiuned my medication. So glad all of that is over. Not how I wanted to spend Christmas Eve. I had a great time with everyone yesterday. It was so nice to see family. Gary and I have had a fun day today. He got to go to Chucky Cheeses and is now playing his favorite computer game- Skateboarding away. Nick is not home yet, tonight is his late night. So everything is getting back to normal.

Love
Jennifer

Final Sunday in 2008

It was a nice day here today. We all went to have lunch Downtown with Uncle John, Aunt Ruthie, Christy, Aric, Marissa, Julia, and Justin. After lunch we wandered downtime a bit before heading home.

Last Saturday in December

Today was a pretty good day for everybody. Grandpa Rhino, Grandma Rosemary, and Uncle Tom came over for lunch. We had spaghetti and meatballs. It was really good. After lunch I watched some football while Jennifer took a nap and Gary played his skateboard computer game.

Tomorrow we are going downtown to me Uncle John, Aunt Ruthie, Christie, Aric, and the rest of their family for lunch.

Boxing Day

In Great Britain, December 26 is known as Boxing Day. At the Kocal Colorado Cat Home today was recovery day. We stayed home today and rested. The doctor has Jennifer taking benadryl because of the drug reaction that lead to our Christmas Eve adventure. This is making her sleepy.

Gary spent the day playing at home. He watched some more Sponge Bob Square Pants and played his Skateboard Computer game. Tomorrow Grandpa Rhino and Grandma are coming over for lunch. We'll be having pasta.

Christmas Time

We had a great Christmas. Gary had fun opening presents. He got his big roller coaster gift and then some. He got a lot of Computer games. After we opened gifts from Santa and Mrs, Claus we went to My mom's Home. We got lunch and more gifts for Gary. I always enjoy time with my family.

Christmas eve was a little different. I am OK now but had a bad allergic reaction to a new medication. I had bad muscle contractions. I was able to finally call Nick for help. When he saw me , He immediately call 911. The firefighters came and after they saw me they said I need to go to the Hospital. So for Christmas Eve I got to sit in an ER room. And had an ambulance ride. I was awake the whole time and could talk. After a couple of hours and some meds to stop the muscle contraction ; I got to go home. Now I have meds for the body twitches and will taper off the medication I am allergic to.

I am so glad I got spend Christmas with family. Hoping the reaction will end soon. I am just having minor spasms. I should be back to my normal self in a couple of days.

Jennifer

Merry Christmas

It's time to get ready for Santa so I'll have to catch everyone up tomorrow. Merry Christmas and God Bless Us, Everyone!

Christmas Eve Eve

It is the day before Christmas Eve and I start my Christmas break tomorrow. It was a quiet day at work for me and at home for Gary and Jennifer. I hopefully finished all of my Christmas wrapping.

Gary is watching Sponge Bob Square Pants. Hopefully he is getting tired and will be asleep soon.

Two Front Teeth - Revisited

Jennifer talked to the dentist today and was told that Gary's new teeth coming behind the baby teeth is not unusual. His baby teeth will still fall out. His appointment is on January 5 and they do not need to see him sooner unless he is in pain.

Sunday Night

It was a quiet day here. I went to work for a couple of hours (over 500 emails waiting), Gary had a quiet do nothing day at home and Jennifer did laundry.

We think Gary's new tooth is making him feel a little under the weather. Jennifer is going to call the dentist tomorrow and see what we should do to make Gary more comfortable.

Family Christmas Picture

Gary Opening a Present

2 Front Teeth For Christmas

Yesterday I thought I saw something white behind Gary's front baby tooth. Today I know what I saw- Yes a big Adult tooth has been making a nice home in my son's mouth. Wow Gary's first adult tooth and there is signs of another coming in soon. It looks like he will have his two front teeth for Christmas. I will call the dentist on Monday to make sure the teeth are coming in the way they should.

We had a great time at our cousins. Gary got a new scooter and some Tinker Toys. I got a great coffee mug that says" My mom always said beans were good for you?" I think it just might me my new moto. We ate, drank and made Merry. I had a blast playing Fact or Crap with my family. We had our traditional Family Photo. Tomorrow will be the party for Gary's Acres Green Play group.

Gary did good at the party today. He only hung around the gifts after he ate. He was so cute talking about the tree topper and Christmas decorations. Hope the weekend finds you all well to.
Good Night.

Love
Jennifer

Us and Santa

Gary and Santa at Big Bill's New York Pizza

Another Friday Night

It's Friday night and we are all in the process of getting ready for bed. Gary just finished his snack and Jennifer is already laying down in his bed.

Today was Gary's first day of Christmas breal and he spent it playing with Briana and driving his mommy crazy. Tonight Jennifer went cooking with cousins Karen and Lynn while Gary and I hung out.

Tomorrow we are going to Karen and Lynn's for a Christmas party.

Quiet Thursday

It was a quiet Thursday. The typical start of me going to work (class this week) and Gary going to school. However Gary's school day ended on a fun note as it was the last day before Christmas break and he had his Christmas party. Jennifer helped at the Christmas party and said that Gary had lots of fun.

One week until Christmas. We are going to Karen and Lynn's on Saturday for our annual family Christmas get together. Sunday Gary has a Christmas party with his play group. I work Monday and Tuesday and then I am off for my Christmas break.

It's the Middle of the week

Another Wednesday is almost over. I have two more days in my class and Gary has one more day before he starts his Christmas break. He has a party at school tomorrow.

We went to Red Robin for dinner and then went to Ace hardware store (I'm looking for a remote control outlet for use with the backyard Christmas lights). While at Ace, Gary wanted to buy some tools and stuff so he could build a roller coaster. Jennifer told him that we needed to get blue prints first. So tonight Gary drew some blue prints for his roller coaster.

Beep Beep

Tonight I changed the batteries in most of the smoke detectors in the house. It all started when we thought we heard one of the smoke detector beeping. I changed the battery and the detector seemed to be still beeping. After changing all of the smoke detector batteries upstairs and still hearing a beep we started looking for other things. The beep was continuing even after I took the smoke detector down and shut off power to all of the smoke detectors.

Jennifer then started looking for other sources of the beeping. She eventual found that the carbon monoxide detector had been unplugged and it made the same irritating beep. So after resetting the carbon monoxide detector I replaced all of the smoke detectors and then turned them all back on.

The mystery was history.

Gary was having fun playing computer games the whole time this was happening.

More Christmas Lights

Gary, Jennifer, and Santa

Monday Night

It was a cold day here. It was a fairly typical start I went to work (actually I'm in a class this week) and Gary went to School. After school Gary went to Club 4 Kids while Jennifer went Christmas shopping with her brother Tom.

Tonight we went to Big Bill's New York Pizza for dinner and to see Santa Claus. Gary is getting really excited about Christmas.

Christmas Lights

Sunday

It was a quiet Sunday. I stayed at home and wrapped Christmas presents while Jenifer took Gary to a Christmas party at Drop Shots. Gary had a lot of fun and won a water bottle.

We spent the rest of the day at home in the warm. Outside the temperature was in single digits.

We went to King Soopers to get some groceries after dinner and then it was back home.

Saturday

Hi all. We're just watching a little Disney Channel before we head out for some errands.

Last night was my fist night using Bi-PAP (similar to CPAP except that the exhalation pressure is less than the inhalation pressure). It's only supposed to take about two months before I get used to it.

It's the weekend (yeah) and only a couple of weeks before Christmas. Gary is starting to get excited. Of course, he has some problems with being patient (he wants everything NOW).

Back online

It appears that Qwest has finally fixed there network problems so I am back online.

Its Thursday night and we are all relaxing. Jennifer went Art Gallery hopping today while Gary went to school and then to Club for Kids. I went to work.

Quick Post

Hi All:

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we are still here and doing fine. Out broadband is out (over 24 hours now) so I am now using dial up. Oh the pain, I forgot just how slow it could be. I'll write more when I have a little more speed to use.

Let it Snow

It's a snowy Monday night here and we are all settling in for a night's rest. Today was a typical Monday for me at work while Gary had a pretty good day at school.

While Gary was at school Jennifer took Roxy to the vet for her annual exam and some vaccinations.

After school Gary and Jennifer met with Grandpa Rhino and Grandma Rosemary for lunch.

This evening Jennifer went painting. While Jennifer was painting, Gary and I shoveled snow off of the driveway and sidewalk. Gary has a unique shoveling style where he fills his shovel full of snow and then flings the snow over his head and behind him.

Sunday Night

Its almost time for everyone to go to sleep. Gary and Jennifer are having a snack.

Today was an outside day for Gary. He played most of the afternoon outside with Marco, Karl and Ilija. They kicked a ball around, threw a football, played in the sandbox, bounded on hoppers, and just ran around.

Tomorrow it is back to school for Gary and back to work for me.

I'm still trying to upload some video of Gary decorating the Christmas tree, but so far it has not worked. I'll keep trying.

Oh Christmas Tree

We put the Christmas tree up tonight and decorated it. We still have a few more ornaments left to put on the tree. Gary had a good time decorating the tree. I'm also going to post a video of some the the tree decorating action.

Party Night

Tonight was the Northrop Grumman Christmas Party (Employee Recognition Event). Gary spent the evening at the Rios' while Jennifer and I had a nice dinner at the Wildlife Experience.

A Cold Night in December

It is a cold Thursday night here (5 degrees, -9 with the wind chill). Gary is eating his bedtime snack and watching the Upside Down Show. It will soon be time for everyone to go to a nice warm bed.

Stay warm.

Midweek

The saga of Jennifer's car continues. Today it wouldn't start when she picked Gary up at school. AAA again gave her a jump start and checked out the battery and alternator. So it was back to the shop for the van. It appears that it may just be a bad fuse and they are not going to charge us. Hurrah. We did have to rent a car so that Jennifer could get to the lawyers, go painting, and get Gary to school tomorrow.

According to the lawyer we have a good case for negligence if we can get the AAMCO mechanic to write a letter as a professional witness as to the state of the car and to the fact that a standard check-up would have caught the problems. Well, we will see as the saga of the van continues.

Gary did great with the OT today. Gary played with a squirt bottle and blew bubbles.

My internet connection was upgraded today by Qwest. It should be faster, we will see.

Jennifer is off painting and I will be getting Gary his snack soon and then hopefully get him off to bed.

Tuesday

Today started off wrong for Jennifer today. Gary did not want to go to school and neither did her car. After AAA came and jump-started it (Gary has a habit of turning on the car lights) Jennifer took the car back to AAMCO to get the car checked because the engine light was on. They found a bad relay and replaced it. We are really impressed with the professionalism and good service we are getting from Bob, the general manager there.

While the car was being worked on Jennifer rented a car to get Gary to his appointment with Dr. Rydell. According to Jennifer he did pretty well there until almost time to go when he had a meltdown because he couldn't have the blue balloon. The meltdowns are one of the reasons Gary is seeing Dr. Rydell. He is helping all of us learn how to prevent the meltdowns (or at least shorten there duration).

This evening we all went to see Christmas lights. There is one house by the post office that is amazing. It has a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, a toboggan run (Gary calls it a roller coaster), a nativity scene, and an angels choir. It was fun to look at the display and we parked the car and enjoyed the display for a few minutes. The owner was there still setting things up, he has a sew-saw with snowman still to put out.

Gary is eating his bedtime snack and watching the Upside Down Show. After that it will be time for his bedtime story and then bed.

Monday

Only 25 days until Christmas. Today was a pretty normal Monday for everybody. I went to work and Gary went to school. Jennifer worked around the house and drove Gary around.

Jennifer and Gary went sledding again today. Tomorrow the snow will probably be gone as it is supposed to be in the mid 60s. But never fear, Tuesday night the temperature will drop and more snow may fall.

Sunday Afternoon

My sleep study went ok. They were happy with the results using the CPAP mask. The mask was just very uncomfortable. But they say that after a couple of months you get used to it.

It's Sunday afternoon and it is snowy out here. I'm watching some football while Gary is playing outside across the street with a bunch of the neighborhood kids. Jennifer and Gary built a snowman and also went sledding down the hill behind the house.

Gary in Front of the North Pole Post Office

Gary and Santa on the Wildlife Experience

Saturday Night

Twas a fairly quiet day. In the morning Gary and I played in the snow. We built a rather large snowman with Karl.

Tonight I go for a sleep study. Since I have to be there at 8:30PM I bid you all good night.

Christmas Lights

Tonight we went to our favorite Museum.( ok my favorite). The Wildlife Experience. They had a Christmas light show set up outside around the entire museum. Then there was a little town for Santa Claus. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were there. While we were standing in line to see Santa; it started to snow. I felt like I was on a Hollywood set, the Christmas town, music and snow. Gary told Santa he wanted a big roller coaster and that he was going to be a roller coaster engineer when he grows up. So cute. Then we looked at he little houses and then was my big bonus. There were real reindeer. They were so cute. I thought they would be bigger, I think they were babies. So I got to pet a real life reindeer. Hurray for me. Just wanted to share our cute night with everyone.

Love
Jennifer

Thanksgiving Night

Thanksgiving day is almost over. Everyone here is eating there bedtime snack and we will all (hopefully) be going to sleep.

I hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving.

Dinner Served and Eaten

The turkey came out ok. The higher temperature just meant that we ate a little sooner. It was a scramble to finish the side dishes but everything came out pretty good.

Turkey stock is now being made with the leftover turkey and the table has been cleaned of.


Next up, pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving Day Play by Play - Number 2

The turkey is doing well. I had to lower the temperature of the turkey roaster. I was using the time for cooking at 325 and had the roaster set at 350. Every previous year I have cooked a turkey it has taken longer than expected. This year may be the exception.

All of the apples. pears, and cucumbers are peeled. Red and green peppers sliced for a veggie tray. I have started the potatoes. I can always turn down the heat on them to prevent them from being done to soon.

I have to get the tables upstairs next (we are eating in the living room). After getting the table set it will be time to start baking the rolls, fixing the stove top stuffing, getting the cranberry sauce ready, finishing off the veggie tray, putting together the relish tray, and cooking the green beans and corn.

When the turkey comes out Rosemary is in charge of the gravy.

Thanksgiving Day Play by Play - Start

It is 9:29 AM and the Turkey has been in for an hour. I have peeled and diced five pounds of potatoes. Next up, peeling apples for a fruit salad.

More Christmas Lights

Christmas lights

Thanksgiving Day Party

Hi Everyone,

Gary and I went to a Thanksgiving Day Party with our old friends from Acres Green. He had a blast. There was about 22 kids and 11 moms. It was at my friend Susan's home. It was pot luck and there was lots of great food. Gary played so well with the others. There was a pinata and crafts. Also Susan has a large trampoline in her back yard. Gary had lots of fun jumping. I loved seeing Gary playing with his friends. The was toys everywhere. The kids found a large stuffed Nemo and the stuffing came out. So there was little white pieces all over the kids and all over the house. Susan locked the bedroom door that had Nemo and Gary figured out how to pick the lock. So we had to lock the door again and get Gary distracted. I had fun visiting with all the moms. What a great group of people to be with. We keep in touch even though Gary goes to a different school now. These are his friends from Preschool. The party was at Nico's house. After the party I stayed to help pick up the toys and clean. It was just such a fun day. We started at 11:20am and got home around 4pm. We should all sleep well tonight.
Jennifer

Tuesday

It is Tuesday night and everyone is still awake. Jennifer is out painting and Gary is upstairs playing in his room. (Ok, Gary just came downstairs).

Gary had a good day at Dr. Rydell's office. He explained the "Pineapple Game" that he helped create at school (it's a form of tag). One of the kids at school called him the pineapple guy when we went there for lunch last Thursday.

Tomorrow Gary doesn't have any school. he and Jennifer are going to meet his playgroup for lunch.

TTFN,

Nick, Jennifer, and Gary

Monday before Thanksgiving

It was the Monday before Thanksgiving and all through the house
The only person stirring was Nick with his computer mouse.

Jennifer and Gary are both tucked up and sleeping in their own bed
While Nick writes in the blog whatever comes into his head.

Gary went to school today, saw his OT and went to club for kids where he was nice
So for dinner all went to Big Bills for his pizza, a great slice.

Tomorrow to Dr Rydell, Gary and Jennifer are scheduled for a visit, so in they will bop
While after work for the rest of our Thanksgiving dinner, I will probably go shop.

I will wait until Wednesday to pick up the dessert pie
And on this last line, I say good night and good bye.

Sunday Night

Good evening:

It was a nice day here. We all went to the Rodger's Rhino Ranch for lunch. Gary had a good time playing with his Grandpa.

Gary played with his puzzles tonight before his bath. After his bath Gary and I watched some Tom and Jerry. Then Gary had his snack and went to bed. Jennifer was already sleeping. Her back is bothering her a bit.

Tomorrow its back to work for me and school for Gary. Then in the afternoon the Nikki (the OT) is coming over.

Sleep well everyone.

Sunday Morning

Good Morning Everyone:

Gary and I are spending a quiet Sunday morning watch the Disney Channel while Jennifer has a bit of a lie in. We will all have to get moving soon as we are going to the Rodger's Rhino Ranch for lunch.

TTFN (That's Ta Ta For Now)

Gary Golfing Video

Gary with his new golf clubs

The Saturday before Thanksgiving

It's time for a snack before bed at the KCCH. We are all having chips. The Santa Clause is on TV but we will all hopefully be asleep before it ends.

I bought the turkey for Thanksgiving this morning and some crescent rolls. I'll get the potatoes and other produce on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Today was house cleaning day. Gary's speech therapist came over with her son and daughter and helped us straighten up the living and family rooms. They took away a bunch of simple puzzles and two big bags of baby and toddler toys to donate to charity. The trick now will be keeping the rooms clean.

We still have some papers to go through tomorrow and then we should have the dining room in good shape for Thursday. The only thing left will be to get the kitchen counters cleared.

Well I better get Gary and get him upstairs before he starts a new game.

Good Night

Nov 21

Hi All:
It is a quiet Friday night. Gary just fell asleep and Jennifer will soon follow. It was a busy day for me at work. Between fixing things I had an All-hands Meeting and a Thanksgiving pot luck.

After work we all went to Target were Gary got a little golf set. After dinner he started to play golf. He was pretending to be an astronaut at the same time. Saying things like "Houston we need to go to the kitchen".

Tomorrow is cleaning day as we will try to organize the house for Thanksgiving.

Thursday - Lunch at Fox Creek

Today we all had lunch with Gary at school. Gary, Jennifer, Gary's Grandparents (Gary and Rosemary) and I had lunch today at Gary's school (Fox Creek Elementary). We had turkey, peas and carrots, mashed potatoes, rolls, and cranberry sauce. Plums and cookies were also available.

This evening we went grocery shopping. Gary is in the grab stuff from the shelf to take home stage. It can be a challenge to sneak the stuff back on the shelf when we don't need it. Luckily most of the stuff he has been grabbing is stuff that we use anyway. An I now fully understand why parents hate candy by the cashier.

Tonight Gary was pretending to go to the Not so Scary Room. One of his new shows is Disney's Imagination Movers and they had a Not so Scary Room on one of the shows.

Good Night and Good Luck

Almost Bed Time

It's Wednesday night and Jennifer and Gary are sleeping. I'll have to move Gary to his bed before I go to bed.

I did a little automotive repair and replaced one of my headlights. It wasn't that difficult except that I managed to drop the screw a couple of times and had to remove the turn signal to get the screws back. But I now have two working headlights.

Tomorrow we will all be going to a kindergarten Thanksgiving lunch at Gary's school.

Good Night.

Gary the Platypus

Tuesday NIght Update

Gary is asleep, Jennifer is back from painting and Marcy attempted to post her own entry by sitting on my laptop keyboard.

Good night

First Post - Tuesday Night

Hi All:

I have finally decided to start a blog (I know, I work with computers all day so I should have have a blog years age). Well here goes.

It is a quiet Tuesday night here in Colorado. I had by annual physical today. Everything is good.
After my physical I finished putting up the Christmas lights. I actually put the lights up on Sunday. I had to change some of the fuses in the lights and add a couple of different power points to keep the fuses from blowing.

Gary had school today and Jennifer went to see his teacher for his quarterly parent teacher conference. He is doing pretty well in school. He also went to see Dr. Rydell (Autism Specialist) today and then played at Chucky Cheeses. He is currently upstairs playing Aurthur's Kindergarden.

Jennifer spent the day running around with Gary and taking him to school and to his appointments. She is now painting and relaxing. Some much needed adult time.

TTFN:

Nick, Jennifer, and Gary