Fix Family

Going Home(stead) Again

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Repeating our outing from last year, we've made an official Christmas tradition with Rock's preschool buddies from church. After a yummy breakfast at Lynn's house...
We all headed to Homestead Gardens to check out the trains.

And once again, the trains were cool enough to warrant a bunch of pointing...
And staring.
I've heard that some kids are climbers and some aren't. Can you tell which one Rock is?

I love seeing all the beautifully decorated Christmas trees at Homestead. The kids were partial to the one decorated in dogs.

Anna and Rock. So cute I can't stand it.

Fabulous Husband

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:40:00 +0000

My husband is fabulous.

Not only did he thoroughly clean the house while I laid around on the couch trying to get over my cold, he also came up with a genius idea for how to keep Rock still while he gets a haircut.

An Elmo video. I never even saw him blink.

Juju's Birthday

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0000

After Juju's birthday dinner at Jerry's Seafood, our tummies were full of Crab Bomb deliciousness and things got quite silly.

In all the craziness, someone finally put on the moustache his mother made for him months ago!

Cookies and Ornaments

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:02:00 +0000

When we trimmed our tree, Rock helped me make Christmas Snickerdoodles. Don't ask me why he looks terrified here.

I made the dough and rolled it into little balls and then Rock ~~smashed them~~ rolled them in green sugar and cinnamon.

He also spaced them nicely on the cookie sheet.
Then we made some "apple spider juice" and ate cookies while we trimmed the tree.
First Rock put his ornaments up.
Then he played with this snow globe ornament from "Coffee Starbucks"...
While Fix and I filled up the rest of the tree.

Proof that the baby bump is growing.

And I think we are now done decking the halls of our house for this year!

Snow Day Walk

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:49:00 +0000

When Winter comes around, I wish for snow days. Last Saturday we got our wish.
Rock and his dad suited up in their cold weather gear and went for a walk.
Rock didn't exactly love the snow. It was "too wetty."
But he loves Starbucks and that was the ultimate destination.

Rock and Fix shared a vanilla steamer while I drove over and rescued them from a wet walk back home.

Family Night at the Science Center

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Last Friday we went to Family Night at the Owens Science Center to see our friend Patty's planetarium show. She was fabulous - even with a little boy continually whispering in my ear that he wanted to turn the lights on. Then we explored the rest of the Center.

Rock met a bunch of fun animals including this snake...

And this alligator...

And this turtle...

And this newt...

And this millipede. Rock was really fearless and loved interacting with the animals. Especially this next one...

Mr. Harrington was Rock's favorite animal of all.

Like Patty, Mr. Harrington is an old family friend who works at the Center and he has a way of making Science super fun!

Who else could hold a two-year-old's attention like this?

Picking our Tree

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:13:00 +0000

I have really been enjoying all of my friends' posts showing their happy families going out to Christmas Tree farms and cutting down their own fresh trees. It's a beautiful tradition that makes for happy memories.

We Fixes also have a tree-picking tradition. We pick a cold nasty night and go to Home Depot for a cheap tree. We also force our child to smile as though he could possibly be enjoying this adventure.

Last Monday was particularly cold. And it was definitely raining. So we went to Home Depot, looked at about 4 trees, picked one and left.

No time to strap it down to the top of the van. We just chucked it in the back with Rock. That's one of the many advantages of a small, skinny tree.

Back at home, Rock wore his Christmas Camo pajamas while he and Fix strung the lights on the tree.

We moved it into position in the living room then Rock got the honor of putting the star on the top of the tree. And that was all the tree trimming we had time for that night.

For the record, despite having picked this one in haste from Home Depot's parking lot, I think it's our best tree yet.

The Ghost of Fixmas Past

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:13:00 +0000

I forgot to mention in my last post that the Ghost of Fixmas Past visited our Mothership gathering! And we captured him on film! First he hovered by the Christmas tree.

Then he got a little more confident and snuck over to Joanna...

And whispered something in her ear. You'll have to ask her what he said. He was gone before I could find out.

Mothership Thanksgiving

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:17:00 +0000

I didn't get any pictures of our real Thanksgiving at Papa and Nana's house 'cause I forgot my camera. You'll just have to take my word for it that it was wonderful. BUT, I remembered my camera when we went to the Mothership Thanksgiving Celebration on Saturday.

If you don't already know, the Mothership is a group of dudes -- Fix and his friends to be precise. To be even more precise, it consists of the six guys in the picture above.

Will loves being a part of the group.

Rock loves that Dan is part of the group. He and his lovely wife Samantha hosted this event and provided scrumptious food at their beautiful rowhome in DC.

These days, when the Mothership gets together, there are a bunch of kids that come along. This is Geneva. She's Will's daughter and she's fabulous. Will's wife Christel (the gal I referenced here) is due the week after I am and we are both having baby girls so that'll be fun.

Rock really likes Geneva too.

They played together at the piano...

And outside while the guys played on Dan's bike.

Apparently it's a pretty cool bike.

Back inside, I ate some pumpkin pie and chatted it up with Joanna, Isaac, Robert and Dan.

Zac (Isaac and Joanna's baby boy) is another delightful addition to the group.

Then ~~we all~~ Rock helped Dan and Samantha trim their tree.

It's always a party with the 'Ship.

GIVEAWAY!

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

I am participating in SewMamSew's Giveaway Day and it's not too late for you to enter. Just go to my design blog and leave a comment for your chance to win! I'll be accepting entries until 11:59pm EST on December 6th.

Birthday Dessert

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:57:00 +0000

These three all have their birthday in the same week.

So last Monday (Rocket's actual birthday) we gathered for birthday dessert to celebrate them getting older.

Here's Rock eating his requested yellow icing cupcakes. Yes, Juju made dessert just for him even though it's not his birthday.**See story below**

The Hathaway kiddies before the dug into their treats.

And fabulous mud pie made by Judy for the adults!
**The week before Rocket's birthday Juju was talking with Rock about this dessert 'party.' Rock asked her what type of cake we would be having. She explained that Rocket had requested pumpkin pie instead of cake so there would be no cake. Rock replied "I don't want to come to Rocket's party." Apparently, it's just not the same without cake. But Juju loves her grandson so much she told Rocket he'd have to wait until Thanksgiving for his pumpkin pie and then she made cupcakes for the kids! **

Comments

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:50:00 +0000

Me: Rock, what do you think we should name your baby sister?
Rock: My favorite girls name.
Me: What name is that?
Rock: Shin. (said with look that says "Duh Mom.")
Me: Shin?
Rock: Yes, that is my favorite girls name.
In several conversations since this one, he has continued to confirm that "Shin"' is his favorite girls name. I don't know where it comes from as he doesn't even know that he has a body part called a shin. I've told him "Shin" would be a great nickname.

At Juju's house the other day, I was in one room while Juju and Rock were playing in another. When I went in to ask Rock what he was doing he pointed to the door and said "Mom, please give me some privacy."

Me: Rock did you have any dreams last night?
Rock: Yes.
Me: What did you dream about?
Rock: BANANAS!!!

Driving home late one night...
Me: Rock, when we get home you have to go right to bed.
Rock: Why Mommy?
Me: Because it's late and you need your sleep.
Rock: I don't want to go to bed. I want to play for a few minutes.
Me: Rock, who's in charge of making this decision?
Rock: Mommy.
Me: So if I say that you are going to go right to bed, you will go right to bed. End of discussion.
Rock: I want to be in charge too.

Thanksgiving Dinner

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Sunday night our church gathered to eat an early Thanksgiving dinner together.

Since Fix was out of town, Rock and I brought along Nana and Papa. The food was delicious.

And the dessert was clearly fabulous for all the empty pie plates and the mess we made on the dessert table!

After dinner and dessert, the 1st and 2nd graders recited Psalm 100.

And Ralph shared his impressive knowledge of the history of Thanksgiving.

During this time, Rock and Violet tuned Ralph out and colored instead.
But then WILLIAM BRADFORD SHOWED UP! ~~Papa John~~ William Bradford was so engaging even the kids paid attention.
He was interviewed by WRPCB's Andy Gravatt and told us all sorts of interesting information about the pilgrims, their voyage across the Atlantic, their settling in the new land, and the Harvest Home feast that has been referred to as the first Thanksgiving. Most importantly he shared how the pilgrims faith in God helped them through really hard times.

Then the Choir sang a beautiful rendition of "Come Ye Thankful People." See Linnea in the front row? She isn't really a member of the choir yet as she hasn't learned to leave her pacifier at her seat when they perform.

When the official program was over, Linus wanted to take his picture with "that funny guy."

So did Rock.

And William.

And Lucy, although she insisted that her mom hold her to keep a safe distance from Mr. Bradford. Taking these pictures I got a sense of what it must be like for those people who photograph Santa at the mall.
Finally, a cute picture of the McGoverns and Mr. Bradford. If only that little boy in the left corner hadn't jumped in to distract Zeke.

Rock thought he was REALLY funny for trying to get into their picture.

And one of just Alethea. Isn't she adorable? I think it's because she was born on the best day of the year.* Thank you William Bradford for coming to RPCB to share your story with us! And thank you to my fellow church members for putting together such a FABULOUS potluck dinner! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
*The best day of the year is of course, February 12th. This is the date that Abraham Lincoln, Arsenio Hall, Christina Ricci, Rachel Fix and countless other fabulous people were born.

Grilled Cheese Party!

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Last Saturday, I co-hosted a Grilled Cheese Party with my friends Lynn and Nancy. We invited all the preschoolers from church and their families.

For the adults we made three types of gourmet grilled cheese: Gorgonzola and Honey on Whole Wheat, Cheddar and Mango Chutney on Whole Wheat, and Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Basil on Italian. I recommend them all very highly.
We also made regular old American and White bread sandwiches for the kids.

There was plenty of Trader Joe's Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup and veggies and apple slices to go around. For dessert we had Pumpkin Cake and Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake.

We held the event at Lynn's house since she decorates for every season and her Fall decor was very festive.

Thank you Lynn and Nancy for helping to throw a fabulous, yummy party!

Story Hour

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Rock and I love to go to Story Hour at Pottery Barn Kids. He gets a little card that they stamp each time we attend. Five stamps = $10 off our next PBK purchase. I don't want to ruin any surprises, so I'll just say that I may or may not have bought him a few Christmas gifts with the last two cards we filled out.
The best part about going last week, was that Fix came with us. I decided to take a picture where they both looked really awkward to document the event. After the tales were told, Rock introduced his dad to Stacie our favorite story lady.

Then we let Rock use up a bunch of energy at the playground. Here he is singing into the microphone. Also known as a mast.

Adeline and Camille

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

We recently had the privilege of nannying for Rock's friends Adeline and Camille. I've watched the three of them together before. Usually, Rock and Adeline spend most of their time concentrating on the hate aspect of their love-hate relationship.

This time it was all love. They got along like peas and carrots. They shared a chair and read to each other.

They did puzzles together. They also sang together and played a lot of Ring Around the Rosies.

Then Camille, Adeline's sister woke up from her nap and the fun really began.

Rock really wanted to "cuddle in Camille's soft blanket." So I decided to try a photo shoot of the two of them, but Camille was more interested in Rock's cup than in flashing her priceless smile.

Even when Rock shot her the evil eye, she still kept up her pursuit.

She even tried to offer her pacifier as a trade.

He just laughed.

When Adeline tried to get in on the action...

Rock was done. Perhaps too much pink?

Still I got him to hug Camille. Then she was done.

Really done. So the photography ended and we moved on to more fun. Thanks again to Adeline, Camille and Rock for a delightful day of play!

I WON!!!

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0000

While these guys were busy schmoozing and socializing at Calvin in the Capitol, I filled out a card for a door prize provided by White Horse Inn. If you aren't familiar with the White Horse Inn radio show, you should be. I have been a listener for a few years and can truly confirm that they have helped me understand "what I believe and why I believe it." I'm a big fan.
So, I was totally pumped when this package arrived in the mail. I WON THE DRAWING! The last time I won something fabulous was in a coloring contest about 22 years ago. This time around, I won an MP3 disc of some classic White Horse Inn episodes, and..... and.... and....

An IPOD SHUFFLE!!! I am still pinching myself -- I just can't believe that I won something! This is just the pick-me-up I needed and now I can listen while I work on my never-ending list of projects. I already downloaded a bunch of White Horse Inn shows and a bunch of songs.

Isn't that awesome how they engraved it? Thank you thank you thank you White Horse Inn!

Recognizable

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:22:00 +0000

The other night Rock was coloring and started talking about drawing a train track. So, I decided to teach him how to draw them. With just a little direction from me, he produced the track above.

Then recreated it on the top of the page on his own. I think it'll be awhile before we get to drawing trains on the track, but it's a start!

Calvin in the Capitol

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Last Thursday we went downtown to attend the final session of Calvin in the Capitol, a speaker series put on by Christ Reformed Church in DC. We had been to a few of the other sessions, but Fix and I were extra excited about that night's speaker.

Dr. Robert Godfrey, president of Westminster Seminary, is quite the church historian (believe me, his Ancient Church History class was the only one I audited while Fix was in Seminary and it was great!) and quite the speaker.

Since Travis wanted to get into the last picture so badly, I decided to take an official alumni picture.

We decided to bring Rock with us and he couldn't have been better during the talk. He sat quiet as a mouse, coloring and playing with his trucks and cars.
He then proceeded into super-spazz mode during the reception. But an hour past his bedtime, who could blame him?

Be Sure to Appreciate the Chucks

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:15:00 +0000

My Sunday morning model.

Too bad when you ask him to smile you get this face...

Or this one.

There we go. It's still not his real smile, but it'll do.
p.s. Thank you Juju for the adorable outfit!

Bedtime

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Rock is all smiles until we mention the b-word. BEDTIME.

Then there is a lot of sadness...

And eye-rubbing.

Followed by a clothes and diaper change.

Okay so this particular night we only changed his pants. But the shirt was still 'clean' and the Rock Star pj pants matched the Born To Rock shirt fine enough to bypass the full wardrobe change.

Final stop before bed is the comfy rocking chair in his room. A few stories, a discussion of our day to focus Rock on all we have to be grateful for, a prayer to thank the Lord for his many blessings, and a few songs in bed before the lights are turned out. And bedtime is done.

Monkey George's Halloween.

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:20:00 +0000

You may or may not recall that last year Rock was a monkey for Halloween.

Since his costume was big last year (pictured above), I thought I'd try it on him again. When I brought it out a few weeks ago, he was incredibly thrilled and acted as though he had never seen it before. So it was settled. He was to be a monkey again this year.
But (mostly out of guilt for not making or buying him something) I wanted to make it a little different this time around. Thus, on Halloween night Rock was "Monkey George" (his name for Curious George) and his Daddy was "The Man in the Yellow Hat."

We gathered at the Osbornes to do a joint trick-or-treating trip with some friends. Although we didn't plan it, there were a lot of monkeys at this get-together. After a yummy dinner, and a bunch of awkward group shots, we headed out to collect candy!

Now there is a picture of a man who loves his son. I don't think that the real Man In the Yellow Hat wore Harley Davidson boots, but the costume was thrown together that afternoon.

In case you wanted to know, I was a blurry pregnant firefighter.

After walking just a few blocks Rock proclaimed "My pumpkin is SO FULL! I can hardly carry it!" Since a few of the other kids were already in meltdown mode, we headed back to the Osbornes...

Where most of the kids (and all of the adults) indulged in a piece of candy.

That night, as I was putting him to bed, Rock prayed "Dear God, Thank you that I say trick or treat and the ladies will bring me candy."

Fashion is Art

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

IT'S A GIRL!

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Well, we were RIGHT! Fetus Fix #2 is most definitely a GIRL! And praise the Lord the doctors say that she looks "perfect." We are so so so excited! Looking at this picture you might wonder how the doctor could tell the baby's gender.

But from this side, it's clear! Not only does she like pink, she apparently likes to sleep on the placenta.

When the nurse told us the news, she asked Rock if he knew any good names for a girl. He replied "Boy." Then he started calling her "Skeleton Baby." Hmmmm... might take someone a little while to get used to this idea.First picture of the four of us! Too bad we all wore blue... from here on out it's gonna be pink, pink, pink.
Although for the record (and for all you grandmothers who are already purchasing outfits) I prefer my favorite color red over pink.

UPDATE: Just to clarify the comment above. I love pink and I love it on little girls. I know that Fetus Fix #2 will be wearing mostly pink for the first few years of her life and I am pumped about that. But I just wanted to throw it out there that I like red too.

PA Dutch Farmers Market

rachelfix@gmail.com (Mrs. Fix) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Last Friday we did a little shopping in Annapolis with BOTH of Rock's grandmothers.
Rock was beside himself with delight. We ended our morning with a yummy lunch at the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market at Harbour Center.

Rock really wanted me to take a picture of our check. Here it is.