Thursday Thoughts: The Pogo Sticks

One of the kids at church mentioned that he got a pogo stick for Christmas. Boy, did that bring back memories! As kids, my brother and I received pogo sticks too. They were awesome. I remember the first several weeks trying to 'pogo' more than 20 times. It was difficult. We eventually got it down, and could go on forever. But there were a few things we learned along the way.

Pogo sticks come with a rubber stop at the bottom, much like the ones on the end of a cane or walking stick. This helps with traction and keeps the metal from damaging your sidewalks and driveway! The one problem was that when you'd land on the ground, the rubber stop would come off the pogo, and would be buried deep into the dirt. The harder you landed the further down it was. Needless to say, my mom had several holes in her yard near the driveway and sidewalk!

I had also found out that it was best not to Pogo near a fence. If you got off balance, or just bounced the wrong way... it hurt! Chain-link fences aren't very forgiving when you slam into them!

However, besides jumping with them, my brother and I found that they made great-looking pretend machine guns when playing war with the other kids in the neighborhood. Then you could use them as an escape to dodge bullets! ha!

Some people may think their dangerous, but to me... they were great fun! Great times and memories!

~Matt

Week Rundown (12/18/2011-12/24/2011)

Sunday

Since I had been sick on Saturday and our car was left at church from Friday night, I didn't run vans. I was able to ride in with to church Lydia and the kids. We had breakfast as part of our Sunday School with everyone bringing a dish. During the morning services, Mysia and Malachi took part in the Children's Christmas Program. Mysia had a solo part, and did very well! Malachi participated as well and didn't miss a beat.

We went home for lunch, took naps, and then headed back to church a bit early so that Mysia could practice for the Youth Nativity Pageant that they were performing during the evening services. She was one of the angels. It was neat seeing the kids acting out all the parts. Truly a special program!


Monday

This week, Lydia and I both had off from work. Lydia was glad to get a rest from both work and school. After dropping the kids off at school and work, we went Christmas food and gift shopping! The goal was to get as much done before lunch. We tried, and actually made it home before 1:30!

We picked up the kids and came home. The kids played while before we had supper. I had quartet practice.


Tuesday

I left Lydia at home and took the kids to school and daycare. I then visited my mom at the BBC library before going into work. Yes... on my week off, I went into work for a few to be a part of the weekly business meeting. Good thing... I got a Christmas bonus!!! ;)

We had Titus and Jordin over for supper and visit. It was nice to be able to hang out, visit, and talk! We hadn't really had a chance to get to know our fairly new sister-in-law, and this gave us the chance! We were having such a great time, we were saddened to realize how fast the evening had gone when it was time for them to leave..


Wednesday

We left the house, dropped the kids off at daycare and school, and headed to the mall. Lydia and her sisters had planned to hang out and shop. I had decided to go and venture around not knowing that the guys would show up too!

I then dropped Lydia off at work so that she could attend the office Christmas party and finish up some work. I then headed into work for our office Christmas party as well! I tell you, I just can't stay away. Perhaps its the food! ;)

After the party, I picked up the kids and then picked up Lydia from work. We headed home and ate supper. Since we didn't have any services tonight, so we stayed home and watched Christmas movies!!!


Thursday

I got up and took the kids to school and daycare. Lydia and I got a few things done around the house in preparation for tomorrow. However, Lydia found she was missing some ingredients, so she tried leaving... the van woulnd't start!!!

I got ready, picked up Abigail, and met Greg and Sam at Jordan Creek Nursing home. We set up the sound equipment and sang for the residents for about 45 minutes. They seemed to enjoy hearing our Christmas songs. I know we enjoyed singing them! Unfortunately, since I was down to one vehicle, Abigail and I had to rush out so that I could make it in time to grab Mysia from school. Sure enough, we made it with almost no time to spare.

Mysia and I dropped Abigail off at her house, ran to the store to grab some food, picked up a pizza, and then got Malachi. When I arrived home, our friend Ben had came by and looked at our van. He had jumped it, but we weren't quite sure what the problem was. We think it may be the fuel pump? (I hope not)

This evening, Lydia worked on food and we watched some Christmas specials on TV.


Friday

Early to rise for us! Today was Christmas #1 with Lydia's family! But first.... pictures at Sears portrait studio at the mall. We got up, got showered and dressed, and headed out. We stopped by Krispy Kreams to pick up free donuts we had received vouchers for from the Christmas parade a couple of weeks ago.

Amazingly, we arrived to Sears 30 minutes before our appointment. So we waited for the others to show up. When they did, we confused the photographer since there were so many shots we wanted. With six siblings, three that are couples, and one a family with two kids... I felt for the guy. Fortunately, with the first group shot, we got it in the first take!!!! WOW!!!

After pictures, we headed back to our house for dinner and gifts. Lydia and I had set up the dinning room and kitchen to sit everyone. As the rest of dinner was being prepared, Mysia and Malachi kept eating the vegetables. I wasn't going to stop them... better then eating all the cookies and snacks! After we all sat down and gave thanks, we gobbled up the 22-lb turkey with all the fixings! Yum.

We visited some more and then piled into the living room to exchange gifts. The kids were excited, but it seems that everyone else was as well since there were several hollers for joy when gifts were opened! ;) With the opening of gifts completed, we watched "A Nativity Story" and packed up the food. Everyone took turns playing "Just Dance" on the Wii. It was fun watching everyone trying to keep up with the characters on-screen. Mysia and Malachi did well with their turns. We played board and card games for the rest of the evening, and I even brought out Mario Kart 64. Boy, those graphics look horrible on a flat screen tv!

We were all getting tired and sleepy, so everyone left for home and bed. Mysia had crashed on the couch among all the noise! Malachi was still as hyper as could be. Lydia and I packed our things and we headed to my parents house for the night. Once there, we let the kids and their cousins open gifts of pajamas for the night, and then had them go to sleep. We visited for a bit, but were too tired to really hold a conversation.


Saturday

We had spent the night at my folks' house, so we woke up and had breakfast. We visited and the kids played. We then got ready and went to open the gifts. We let the kids open a few before we did our 'dirty santa' gift exchange. It was fun... several of the gifts were 'stolen' several times! I think it went very well!

The kids got quite a bit, and some of the presents required assembly! Daddy time!!! But hey, that gives me a good excuse to play with the toys!

Dinner  time came around, and we set up the 'buffet table' with all the food. Just like yesterday, the food was fantastic! We were a bit tired afterwards, so we cleaned up and took naps. I don't know who needed it more... us or the kids! Once we woke up, it was time to get ready for Candlelight Services at church. I also packed up everything into the van.

We tried to leave... but the van wouldn't start! It just clicked when I turned the ignition. So we pushed it out of the driveway, and piled into other cars. We made it to church just as services were starting! Everyone was there for the services, and we had a special surprise... Silas announced that Kristi was expecting!!!

My dad dropped me off at the house so I could pick up the car. We spent the rest of the evening watching a movie before heading home. It was past midnight when we pulled into the driveway! Christmas had arrived!!!


~Matt

Week Rundown (12/11/2011-12/17/2011)

Sunday

As usual for Sunday mornings, I ran the van route and we attended Sunday School. During the morning services, I took part in our church's Christmas Cantata. It was an exciting presentation, and the theme was Jesus, King of Love.

After the evening services, we enjoyed fellowship and food in celebration of those who have had birthdays and anniversaries in the month of December.


Monday

This week was finals for Lydia! She had studied hard and was looking forward to this week to come and go by quickly. With some of the assignments, she was getting a bit stressed out. If you're friends with Lydia on facebook, you'd see how relieved she was to get today's final over with!

After coming home and eating, I left Lydia and the kids to go practice with the quartet. As I've mentioned in other posts, we've been working on our Christmas songs. We are scheduled to sing on December 22, at 3:30 at Jordan Creek Nursing and Rehab.


Tuesday

Lydia had another final today, she was glad to get it over with.

This evening was the KWFC Christmas party. After work, we dropped the kids off at Aunt Lycia's and rushed over to the Tower Club. My boss had gifts for everyone. The dinner was great and we were able enjoy a great time in games and conversation.


Wednesday

Tonight was special for the children's services at church. It was awards night! We were able to show a video of our missionary project, congratulate the kids on their achievements, and enjoy a snack afterwards.


Thursday

Today, Abigail joined me for lunch at the college cafeteria. On Thursday's, they charge only $3... it's a great deal that I try to take advantage of every week. And since it was the last time for the year (week of finals), it was a must go!

After work, Lydia and I met at Rib Crib to celebrate her graduating from OTC! It had been long two years, and we're so happy for her!


Friday

Today was 'Malachi & Daddy Day'. We got to go Christmas shopping for Mysia. Of course, we played with the toys and looked around while we were out too. We got donuts and came home. I let Malachi pick out a movie, and we watched it together. I then pulled out the huge Christmas train and we set it up in the living room. That kept us busy for the rest of the day.

Malachi took a nap after eating lunch and then we went to pick up Mysia from school. Today was Friday sing, so Malachi and I got to join her in front of the entire school for the weekly student awards. That's what happens if you show up as a parent during the Friday sing.

I then took the kids out shopping for Lydia's Christmas gift from them. Not the most enjoyable part of the Christmas traditions... but it had to be done! I made them hold hands while shopping, that way they wouldn't touch things. I'd like to say that the idea worked, but it didn't.

After Lydia came home from work, we got dressed up and headed to church for the Christmas banquet. It was a wonderful evening!


Saturday

I woke up in the morning with horrible stomach cramps! I was to do vans for the children's Christmas party at church, but that didn't happened. I spent most of the morning doubled over in pain as my stomach played war within my body!

Lydia and Abigail (who had spent the night) got the kids ready and headed to church without me. Mysia and Malachi got to enjoy the Christmas party and also practice for their programs to be held on Sunday.

Lydia took the kids shopping for my gift. She got to experience the same type of shopping I did on Friday! ;) She also stopped by and visited grandma Taylor before coming home. I was feeling better by the evening, but my stomach was still sore from the intense cramping. We watched movies before getting ready for bed.

~Matt

Vacation Time!!!

Well, today starts my 2 week vacation from work! It's gonna be fun, but there are a lot of things I'm wanting to accomplish. Will I get them done? I don't know.

Today I'm spending the day with Malachi, and working on getting the desktop computer up and running. Lydia and I both have personal laptops, but we're planning on using the desktop as the school/office computer. It's basically going to be set up for Lydia to use for her homework, so that she can focus without distractions.

I'm also thinking about redoing my laptop. It has been a little sluggish lately, and I think I've installed to many programs on it that are running in the background. It'd be good to have a refresh. I just hate the fact that I'll have to re-install everything. That's the worse part.

Of course, next week I'll get to spend with Lydia since she'll be off work as well. The kids still have school, so we're going to get some Christmas shopping done and try and get a few things done around the house. Of course, it's going to be a short week with us having three Christmases, the first one starting on Friday!

Did I mention that we'll also be doing some food preparation for Christmas? That's our plan for Thursday. That means shopping for the food too!

Yesterday, I pulled out my portable LP (record) player. And yes, there is such a thing. It just a record player with an AC plug and audio output. It's bigger than a laptop, yet lighter! Well, it hadn't been working, so I took it apart and found that the rubber band on the motor had fallen off. So now it spins, but now I'm not hearing sound! Oh the frustration! lol. More things to work on I guess.

I figure I'll have some withdraws from not going into work. And I'm guessing I'll probably stop in for a bit after Christmas. Have I mentioned that I love my job? However, it's nice to get a break. The last few weeks have been hectic. But, then again, I'm happy with what I've accomplished. Plus, there are some really cool things that are coming up in the new year!

~Matt

Merry Christmas!