We are so blessed.
We love you wild man!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy 11 months to Declan!!!
WOW!!! We are parents of an almost one year old....and it is FABULOUS!!! He is INCREDIBLE! So busy, so fun, active and really really fast. He has bumps and bruises on his shins and knees on his forehead. All from walking and attempting to run and trying to climb on and over whatever he can find.We are continually impressed by his abilities.
We are so blessed.
We are so blessed.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Happy Heart
One of the biggest prayers of thanks that I have ever prayed. I had to put it out there in the world and write it down, put in our blog. My heart is happy. Prayers have been answered for some of our dearest, dearest friends. ALL of the love in the world for them.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Twas the Night Before Christmas - Pirate Style
Merry Christmas Eve from The Maple's @ The Sea Ranch!!
Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the ship
Not a wee one was sleeping, not one bleeping bit.
Not a wee one was sleeping, not one bleeping bit.
The pillage bags hung by the plank with such style
Awaiting the plunder from the Christmas Crocodile.
The trudgers and slugnaughts cinched down in thar bags
Bits of burlap, potatoes and pillows of rags.
The captain all settled in the crows nest up high.
Nodding off for a moment, I’d just shut my eye.
When all of a sudden, the ocean was crashin’
I shot 4 feet up hollering, “ARRGGG It’s THE KRAKEN!”
Down the rope I dove, with my hands holding tight
Drawing me blunderbuss out to fire in the night!
Awaiting the plunder from the Christmas Crocodile.
The trudgers and slugnaughts cinched down in thar bags
Bits of burlap, potatoes and pillows of rags.
The captain all settled in the crows nest up high.
Nodding off for a moment, I’d just shut my eye.
When all of a sudden, the ocean was crashin’
I shot 4 feet up hollering, “ARRGGG It’s THE KRAKEN!”
Down the rope I dove, with my hands holding tight
Drawing me blunderbuss out to fire in the night!
A mermaid jumped aboard and I bout lost my hook
My sea wifey too, burst out for a look
My sea wifey too, burst out for a look
And what to me singular eye did I spot?
The Christmas Crocodile just pulled up to dock.
Aye, it was him, and he moved like the wind.
8 ship lengths tall, and a quadruple double chin.
He dove through the water, and made not a splash
8 ship lengths tall, and a quadruple double chin.
He dove through the water, and made not a splash
Then he soared high and belly flopped down with a crash!
“Now Sea Star! Now Fishey! Now Squid Ink and Salty!
On, Bubbles! On, Kelp Face! On Octo and Ralphy!
Hip hop now I say, From the stem to the stern!
Spring up your soggy tails, go off, turn and burn!
The sea horses flew, like comets in the sky
Jumping and darrrting between stars as they fly
Splish splash up they flew, to the crow’s nest and hovered
All dressed up in lights, from head to toe they were covered.
The Christmas Crocodile, I watched all aghast
While the horses all jingled from the bells on their clasps.
I lifted me patch, so both eyes could see
While the horses all jingled from the bells on their clasps.
I lifted me patch, so both eyes could see
And the Christmas Crocodile, smiled down upon me!
He was dressed all in green, from his tail to his snout.
His garb like aged cooper and he smelled like sea trout.
A barrel of rum was flung down from his long scaly tail
He was dressed all in green, from his tail to his snout.
His garb like aged cooper and he smelled like sea trout.
A barrel of rum was flung down from his long scaly tail
And another ten of barrels of flagon, of mead and of ale!
His teeth how they shimmered! His smile was so merry!
His clip clopping peg leg, made him so much less scary.
His long ribbed snout, rolled like a cinnamon twist
He had naught a white beard, but had fiery breath!
His teeth how they shimmered! His smile was so merry!
His clip clopping peg leg, made him so much less scary.
His long ribbed snout, rolled like a cinnamon twist
He had naught a white beard, but had fiery breath!
The trunk of a tree, as a pipe in his teeth
Smoked like a steam engine, above the sea and beneath.
He wore a kind face, and a belt 10 feet high
His laugh bellowed out and quaked through the sky!
Smoked like a steam engine, above the sea and beneath.
He wore a kind face, and a belt 10 feet high
His laugh bellowed out and quaked through the sky!
His white belly bulged, like a splendid parfait
And I broke out in laughter when he gazed over my way
He gave me a snort and a twitch of his tail
He waved up his finger, and lifted the sails.
And I broke out in laughter when he gazed over my way
He gave me a snort and a twitch of his tail
He waved up his finger, and lifted the sails.
He didn’t say much and hummed while he darted
A Yo-Ho merry tune, to the old bags he started!
And then he was done and with a flick of his pipe
He soared straight up, into the starry lit night!
His sea horses sprang forth from the crest of a wave
And away they climbed gladly, looking sharp as a shave.
A rumble came through, and I thought it was thunder
“Happy Christmas to ARRR, and to ARRR a good plunderrrr!!!!”
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Holiday Festivities: The River of Lights
"Oooooohhhh" that was the word for last night as we walked around the Botanical Gardens and explored the River of Lights. Declan absolutely loved looking at the lights, LOVED. He didn't care that it was pretty darn cold outside. Although we all came dressed in our long underwears and down jackets, Declan in his super adorable snow suit.
Love to all!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
If you are happy and you know it...
I have started to write about four different blogs over the last week, but I am having writers block. My heart has been heavy for all of those families who lost a loved one last Friday. For all of their friends, classmates and coworkers. My heart hurts.
This may not be the most appropriate video for this post; however, it might make you smile, maybe even laugh.
I apologize that the video is turned...I always forget when recording and I have yet to figure out how to rotate the videos.
Love to all - Especially my teacher friends, the parents, the kiddos and anyone who knows teachers, parents and kiddos,
The Mommy Tree
This may not be the most appropriate video for this post; however, it might make you smile, maybe even laugh.
Love to all - Especially my teacher friends, the parents, the kiddos and anyone who knows teachers, parents and kiddos,
The Mommy Tree
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Holiday Festivities: Tara's work party
I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of people. I love my job. I work in the Pediatric PACU at University of New Mexico Hospital. We have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings because we are that stellar. Heaven forbid your children ever have to have surgery, but if they do bring them to UNMH. We really do take care of each child as if they were our own. Every nurse I work with puts their heart and soul into their job, for this I am so thankful.
My fellow nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, techs they are all wonderful. At least once a year we are all ale to get together and we have a fantastic time at our surgical services Christmas party. This year it was at High Noon restaurant in Old Town, which is really festive and has delicious food. Added bonus: it is right down the street from our house! Plus it is always fun to see your coworkers with real clothes and hair and makeup done, funny how many people you have to do a double take!
My fellow nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, techs they are all wonderful. At least once a year we are all ale to get together and we have a fantastic time at our surgical services Christmas party. This year it was at High Noon restaurant in Old Town, which is really festive and has delicious food. Added bonus: it is right down the street from our house! Plus it is always fun to see your coworkers with real clothes and hair and makeup done, funny how many people you have to do a double take!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Lots of Laughs!
Declan always makes us laugh. ALL DAY! Today was especially funny. He has formed some serious attachments to his favorite blankie and to a few stuffed animals. In the last three days he has decided that he loves this bear that we got at Melting Pot when Jonathan and I celebrated our first anniversary. Well while running errands in the last few days it got dropped out of the car, placed on a counter....germs, germs, germs...eek! So mommy decided it was time for the bear to have a bath. That didn't go so well. He saw me pick up the bear out of the laundry basket and toss it into the washing machine. He stood there and cried for a full three minutes after the bear went in the washer. That is a long time for our busy boy to stay still!
So so sad that the bear is getting a bath......
And the reuniting of Declan and his bear....
How do these photos not make you laugh out loud?! Gosh he is so funny! And amazing. We love you Declan!
Still laughing,
Mommy and Daddy
And the reuniting of Declan and his bear....
Still laughing,
Mommy and Daddy
The First Cold...
Double meaning "The First Cold..." It is the first time it has been cold here in Albuquerque. This morning it was a beautiful 12 degrees! Finally feels like we are approaching winter and Christmas! This past week we have also been battling Declan's first cold. Not only has he had a cold but mommy too. Yuck!
However, Declan was a trooper. Really he did awesome for being sick and not feeling so hot. Still happy, just slept more and had a crazy runny nose. Because he has been stuffy eating has been a little bit more challenging. He is walking more than he is crawling. Even trying to carry his stuffed animals and walk. He has super balance, expert climbing skills, has attempted to run and is giving his mommy and daddy heart palpitations.
We have been using our essential oils consistently in our house. Running the humidifiers at full tilt and the oil diffuser. Mommy, Daddy and Declan have gotten the oil treatments to help us kick the cold and to keep Daddy healthy. I have been ingesting the oils, drinking them in teas, diffusing them around the house and applying them topically.
Mommy's cold remedy:
Declan can't swallow capsules, obviously. Although he is extremely smart he did learn to blow his nose this morning and he does know how to tell me his nose is stuffy and he needs to use the saline spray and the syringe. Very cute! His regimen has been OnGuard on the bottom of the feet and down his spine, diluted in the coconut oil. A blend called breathe diffused into his room during nap and sleep time, it has worked wonders. He loves it when I put the oils on my hands rub them together and let him smell. Despite the cold he has been sleeping for 8+ hours at a time. We have also been using our everyday lavender oil massages too! I should say that I strongly advocate for DoTerra essential oils, they are certified therapeutic grade oils. This also means they are safe to ingest. Oils that you can buy from Whole Foods etc are not the same grade. More on the how to buy those oils later if people are interested.
However, Declan was a trooper. Really he did awesome for being sick and not feeling so hot. Still happy, just slept more and had a crazy runny nose. Because he has been stuffy eating has been a little bit more challenging. He is walking more than he is crawling. Even trying to carry his stuffed animals and walk. He has super balance, expert climbing skills, has attempted to run and is giving his mommy and daddy heart palpitations.
We have been using our essential oils consistently in our house. Running the humidifiers at full tilt and the oil diffuser. Mommy, Daddy and Declan have gotten the oil treatments to help us kick the cold and to keep Daddy healthy. I have been ingesting the oils, drinking them in teas, diffusing them around the house and applying them topically.
Mommy's cold remedy:
- 1 drop of Frankincense
- 2 drops of Oregano
- 3 drops of On Guard
- 4 drops of Peppermint
Declan can't swallow capsules, obviously. Although he is extremely smart he did learn to blow his nose this morning and he does know how to tell me his nose is stuffy and he needs to use the saline spray and the syringe. Very cute! His regimen has been OnGuard on the bottom of the feet and down his spine, diluted in the coconut oil. A blend called breathe diffused into his room during nap and sleep time, it has worked wonders. He loves it when I put the oils on my hands rub them together and let him smell. Despite the cold he has been sleeping for 8+ hours at a time. We have also been using our everyday lavender oil massages too! I should say that I strongly advocate for DoTerra essential oils, they are certified therapeutic grade oils. This also means they are safe to ingest. Oils that you can buy from Whole Foods etc are not the same grade. More on the how to buy those oils later if people are interested.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Tis the season!
Yay our first post since the Thirty Days of Thanks! We must have been exhausted little bloggers since we took a few day break. We have been busy at the Maple house! Lots of Christmas spirit and lots of family time, THE BEST!
Our Christmas tree is up! With only ornaments where Declan can't reach. The garland is up and Jonathan even made a table top tree with what was left over from our tree! And we have been running the pellet stove and listening to Christmas carols, it is quite merry in our house!
We started a tradition this year with Declan, 25 Days of Christmas Books! I wrapped twenty-five books and placed them in a box. Each day Declan and Daddy get to pick out a book and then we all sit down and read it together. The plan is that we will just use the same books every year. Although this year and probably for the next several years we have a good number of board books. Lots of touch and feel books because that is what he loves best. Jonathan also didn't even want to know what I was wrapping because he wanted to be surprised too!
So what have we read so far....
Day 1: How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Day 2: Little Polar Bear finger puppet book
Day 3:That's Not My Reindeer...by Fiona Watt
Day 4: Biscuit's Pet & Play Christmas by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
We have also watched Elf and Christmas Vacation! Declan loved Elf. We tried to put him to bed but he wanted to dance to all the music and so we did! Last night the little sapling went to bed at 6:15pm! So we watched Christmas Vacation and were in bed by 8:30pm, it was fabulous!
This afternoon was a little rough for Declan. He is either getting a little cold or cutting more teeth. He was not his normal self. He appeared tired but would not go down for a nap. So this mommy for the first time in Declan's life put him in the car to see if he would crash out. He did not. Instead, Jonathan joined us and we ran around the zoo for an hour! Right now he is sleeping in the car...didn't have the heart to wake him up and bring him inside. While he sleeps I am heating the bathroom and running the humidifier at the highest level and running the essential oil diffuser in the bathroom for a peaceful pre-bedtime bath. Maybe it isn't just for Declan but for this mommy too!
Love,
The Mommy Tree
Our Christmas tree is up! With only ornaments where Declan can't reach. The garland is up and Jonathan even made a table top tree with what was left over from our tree! And we have been running the pellet stove and listening to Christmas carols, it is quite merry in our house!
We started a tradition this year with Declan, 25 Days of Christmas Books! I wrapped twenty-five books and placed them in a box. Each day Declan and Daddy get to pick out a book and then we all sit down and read it together. The plan is that we will just use the same books every year. Although this year and probably for the next several years we have a good number of board books. Lots of touch and feel books because that is what he loves best. Jonathan also didn't even want to know what I was wrapping because he wanted to be surprised too!
So what have we read so far....
Day 1: How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Day 2: Little Polar Bear finger puppet book
Day 3:That's Not My Reindeer...by Fiona Watt
Day 4: Biscuit's Pet & Play Christmas by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
We have also watched Elf and Christmas Vacation! Declan loved Elf. We tried to put him to bed but he wanted to dance to all the music and so we did! Last night the little sapling went to bed at 6:15pm! So we watched Christmas Vacation and were in bed by 8:30pm, it was fabulous!
This afternoon was a little rough for Declan. He is either getting a little cold or cutting more teeth. He was not his normal self. He appeared tired but would not go down for a nap. So this mommy for the first time in Declan's life put him in the car to see if he would crash out. He did not. Instead, Jonathan joined us and we ran around the zoo for an hour! Right now he is sleeping in the car...didn't have the heart to wake him up and bring him inside. While he sleeps I am heating the bathroom and running the humidifier at the highest level and running the essential oil diffuser in the bathroom for a peaceful pre-bedtime bath. Maybe it isn't just for Declan but for this mommy too!
The Mommy Tree
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