Merry Christmas

Here is our Christmas card for the year 2008. Jon is always in charge of the letter, and I am in charge of the picture. (Of course we help each other out where needed though) ENJOY!!

Bassett Family Medical Records

Patient Name: Olivia D Bassett. Chief Complaint: “I’m always hungry and full of energy!” (Translated by a baby language expert) History: Olivia is a 15 month old female who presents for her annual holiday check-up. She reports feeling overwhelmed with all the “firsts” she has encountered throughout the year. In January, she attended her first farm show, filled with all kinds of cute furry animals and monstrous tractors. Easter’s egg hunt proved to be a frustration due to her lack of mobility and yet passionate desire for chocolate. It wasn’t long after, that mobility would no longer be an issue. She started crawling in April at 7 months, walking in July at 10 months, and she has been on the go ever since. She celebrated a wonderful first birthday with fantastic friends and a pretty princess crown birthday cake, which was especially yummy. For Halloween she dressed up as a pretty ladybug and everyone thought she was the cutest bug in town. Now she is anxiously looking forward to enjoying another special Christmas. It appears as though she is on her way to developing into a wonderful young lady and we look forward to monitoring her progress in the future. Patient Name: Jaedon Scott Bassett Chief Complaint: “Ya gotta be kiddin’ me!” History: Jaedon is a 3 ½ year old male who presents for his pre-Christmas “good boy” screening. He reports that, for the most part, he’s deserving of that camera he wants oh so badly from Santa. He recalls that on the family vacation to Assateague Island he helped set up the tent, make dutch oven dinner, and entertain his little sister. However, he did throw a fit or two each time his family had to leave the beach. Next he mentioned that he traveled really well on the train down to the Orioles baseball game and even sat through 4 innings of baseball. But, when his turn was over in the bouncy playhouse, his temper peaked, and his father had to climb through a child size opening to retrieve him. But he doesn’t want anyone to forget all the help he was in creating the Easter Bunny piñata and how willing he was to share all his candy and eggs with his friends. He also remembers being a super birthday boy and playing nicely with all the kids who came over to have a Spiderman birthday with him. He shared in the excitement of being a pirate for Halloween and he always said thank-you when receiving treats. According to Santa’s good boy guidelines, we feel comfortable recommending that he be placed on the nice list this year. Patient Name: Melanie Jones Bassett Chief Complaint: “I never get a break!” History: Melanie is a 28 year old female who presents for a mental status evaluation. She complains that throughout the year she has felt as though she were losing her mind. She reports that being a full-time Mom can be exhausting, especially when she is trying to keep up with her two rambunctious children. There seems to be no bottom to the laundry basket and the floor appears constantly covered with toys or her husband’s dirty clothes. She was also brave enough, or maybe just plain insane, to fly out to Utah twice in 2 months with her kids, although she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family. She also suffered from a mild case of mid-life crisis. She got the crazy idea to train for and compete in a sprint triathlon. She was quite pleased with the results, having completed the course under her goal time and losing some pounds along the way. The mere fact that she is even contemplating another triathlon warrants continuing evaluation. We’ll be following her closely. Patient Name: Jonathan Scott Bassett Chief Complaint: “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up?” History: Jonathan is a 28 year old male who presents for career counseling. He is now currently midway through his third year of medical school and he still doesn’t know exactly which field he would like to pursue. He really enjoyed his surgery rotation, especially the part that required him waking up at 4:00 each morning. Otolaryngology head and neck surgery (aka ENT) is his surgical specialty of choice. He is also currently enjoying his Anesthesia rotation and he looks forward to sampling other fields during the second half of his third year. Although he may not know what he wants to do in the future, he is well on his way to becoming a doctor after passing Step 1 of the boards. In spite of his career crisis, he still finds time (but little, his wife would add) to spend with family, enjoy sports in all its variety, and occasionally experience the great outdoors. We’ll schedule a follow up appointment in 6 months, at which time he will be required to know in which direction his life will be heading.

Candy Lane at Hershey Park

For Family Home Evening last night we decided to hit up Christmas in Hershey Park, aka Candy Lane!! It was a very warm day, around the upper 50's, and so we thought we better take advantage of it.

First stop..., to say hi to "chocolate". Livy was a little scared and wouldn't go and stand over by him.

Jaedon's first request for rides was to ride the helicopters.

Then, onto the frogs. Which Jaedon started crying because he was scared. WHAT!? This is one of his most favorite rides. I guess it just has been awhile since he has been on it.

Then some more flying time.

This is the classic car ride. Where you get to drive the car. Jon pushes on the gas, Jaedon steers. Jaedon actually does a really good job. As you can tell he really concentrates when it comes to driving.

The mini carousel...

and the mini scrambler. It is pretty funny to watch Livy on this ride. It puts her into some sort of trance.

And the last ride of the night was the mini pirate ship. It actually is raining in this picture, which is why it was the last one of the night. This kid could live at Hershey Park.

no chimney? not a problem

Jaedon and I were sitting on the couch the other day watching Mouse Hunt. It was at the point in the movie where they were chasing the mouse up the chimney, and the one brother gets stuck in there. As the guy is climbing up the chimney, Jaedon says, "Hey, that is where Santa goes!"

Me: "Yeah, you are right."

Jaedon: "We don't have a chimney, huh?"

Me: (Surprised that he has realized this) "We don't. So, how does Santa get in our house?"

Jaedon: (With this look of 'UH-AH!') "He goes through the door!!"

Of course!! How else would he get in our house!? :)

what do you want for Christmas?

I have a couple of situations to share with you all. The first was probably a week or two ago. Jaedon had brought out The Night Before Christmas book, and on the cover there are 2 little children peeking at Santa Clause around the corner. So I asked Jaedon if they were trying to see what Santa had brought them, and then asked him what he thought was in the presents for the little kids. He replied, "Toys!" So then I asked him what was in our presents under our tree. His reply then was, "books". I thought for sure he was going to say a camera, because if you ask him what he wants he will tell you a camera.

Well, on our way to church, I was telling Jon about the experience, because he was gone at meetings. So Jon turned around and asked Jaedon if he wanted books for Christmas. Jaedon said, "No, I want a camera!" Well, then the conversation turned somehow that Jon asked Jaedon if Dad wanted books Christmas. Jaedon, without missing a beat, says, "No, Dad wants an iphone."

Jon and I both just started laughing. Jon has been on a huge kick of wanting an iphone lately and would sit there and tell Jaedon that, that is what he wanted for Christmas. But Jon has gotten off the iphone kick, and is now thinking that he will stick with a Windows operating one. But of course still has to be a touch screen. I tell him to just keep dreaming!

My other experience happened today while grocery shopping with my 2 kids, by myself. The grocery store we go to, has the shopping carts that have a car attached to it. So we always have to get that one because it helps to entertain them a little better. Well, Jaedon and Livy were being kind of silly. And they were actually being kind of loud. Most people will just smile and let you go on with your shopping, as they do theirs. But we are over by the meat department and there is this old lady and an older man walking in our opposite direction. Jaedon was being pretty noisy at this time, kind of yelling. But, when we get almost to them and passing them the old lady says smiling, "Is that your horn!?" But the older guy, I think maybe her son, starts saying something, and this is what he said, "You might want to think about toning it done a bit, because those blue eyes will only get you so far." I just smiled and kept on walking. But the whole rest of the time, and I guess even now, I just kept thinking about what he said over and over, and this is what I want to say to him.

"Listen you old grouchy man, you can take that comment and put it right back where you pulled it out of! You probably don't have any kids either! Which explains why you are here with your 100 year old mother! And you probably still live with her!!"

Okay I feel better now...I really wouldn't ever say that to anyone, but I sure do think it sometimes. If you need me, I will be in my room praying for forgiveness, for those bad thoughts.

My Dad...

It is my Father's birthday today. I just wanted to let him and everyone else know how much this guy means to me, next to my husband of course. :) But if you have ever met my dad or know him, you will know that there is something about him that just kind of draws you to him and you feel comfortable around him. He is very accepting of everyone, and goes to the ends of the earth to do anything for them. And not just within our family. There have been many times growing up and still today, when I go to visit, that he is gone to someone else's house giving of the abundant fruit and vegetables from his garden, or helping chop wood, or helping with whatever concern or problem they may have.

He is so full of wisdom and knowledge as well. He has taught me many things, and continues to teach me. One particular memory that sticks out is back in Jr. High. He would drop me off at school in the mornings in his little black Nissan truck. When we would get to school, and as I was stepping out of the truck, he would always say, "Remember..., whatever you do, do your best." Of course as a young teenager, I would kind of just be like, "yeah, yeah, yeah." But I really was listening, and have always been listening to what my dad has to say. And there have been times, that I wish I would have listened a little more.

He also has a "special gift", as I call it. He can look at a person in the eyes and see what kind of person they are. I didn't realize this until much later in my life. Again being a young teenager, he would sit down and talk to me, and see how things were going. Of course I thought I was a sly girl and could pull one past him, but he knew better. And I realize now that he knew what exactly was going on. But let me experience things for myself, to help me learn from them.

I love you Dad, and thank you so much for all that you have done for me. You are the best father that anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for being such a great example, and teaching me the greater things of this life.

28 all ready

Today is Jon's 28th birthday!! He is such a blessing in my life, and especially Jaedon and Livy's. It is so fun to see their faces completely light up when he walks through the door at the end of his day. He is a very hard worker. He gives his all at everything he does, and doesn't know how not to give 110%. And again, especially goes with his family. No matter how many things he has to do in a day, he always finds time for us. I couldn't have asked for a better husband to be with throughout the eternities. I am so grateful and blessed that we were lead to one another. Happy birthday Sweets, and I love you to the moon and back!! ;)

This was Jaedon's birthday present to Jon. Jon had gotten his birthday presents earlier this year, with getting some dress shirts, and slacks, and ties for school. So we went to Chocolate World to get him some treats. Jaedon was set on getting him a Kiss. He really wanted to get him the great huge one, but we settled for the littler one.

This goes to show how loving and thoughtful Jon is of his children. Instead of going to just any old restaurant we went to Chuck E. Cheese's and enjoyed some games.

Livy lovin' it up!

Looks pretty serious Jon told me he really wasn't a cake guy, so we had homemade brownies and ice cream. That sure is a lot of smoke! :)

A snowman, and a little lady

Ever since we had ghost pancakes for Halloween, Jaedon has to have some fun creation to his pancakes..., and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too. But he was asking for ghost pancakes, and I said, "Well, why don't we try snowman pancakes?" He was up for the idea, and I think they turned out pretty cute. For the nose I cut a little piece of peach. Jaedon was pretty excited and happy about the outcome.

Today for church I thought I would try blow drying Livy's hair. So I put in some mousse, and round brushed it dry. She was pretty cooperative too. When I was done, I had to kind of just laugh, because I thought she looked like a little woman! And after styling her hair, I decided I need to cut the back to kind of even things out a little bit.

"stocking" cap

So, is this where the term "stocking" cap originated from!?

be happy...

If you REALLY know me, you will know that I don't always see the positive. I tend to be more negative and pessimistic. My family has a fun story that they ALWAYS love to share about me looking at the glass half empty or half full. But once I get into these kind of downer moods it is hard to let go of it and see the positive, and 'make my frown turn upside down'. :)

Since having children though and realizing what an impact and influence I can have on them, I have tried to change my ways. But sometimes it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I don't want my children feeling that gloom, and negativity, and almost hatred at times that I do. And here is a little story to show how little children can be so young, but can be an amazing teacher.

The other day, I packed Livy and Jaedon up in the car to hurry and run to the grocery store just down the road to get some things for dinner that we didn't have on hand. This particular grocery store has little shopping carts for the kids, and so I let Jaedon push it since we would only be putting a few things in there. WELL, Livy has to do everything that Jaedon does, so she is trying to get a cart, but will just crash into everything. So I pull her away as she is throwing a fit. Which she continues to throw into the store and through the moving glass doors. Well, she decides to stop right in the middle of the doors, which in turn does not recognize or see her there, and she is almost smooshed into two! So she finally lets me carry her, and kind of calms down a little bit. We wonder around aimlessly for about 5 minutes because I do not normally shop at this store, and am not sure exactly where I need to go to find what I need. All the while Livy is trying to jump out of my arms, but I won't let her, so she is screaming. Jaedon is being good, but keeps ramming me with the cart in the back of my heels, which KILLS!! Finally I take Livy in a football hold, grab the little cart and push it myself, to save my Achilles tendons. But then everyone calms down and we are at the self check out stand. Jaedon finally lets Livy have some sort of control over the cart now and Livy is a mad woman with the thing, banging into everything. I finally pay and try to direct Livy to put the cart back, but again she throws a massive fit! SO, all the way to the car she is screaming, and Jaedon is being a peach and staying right by my side.

When we get into the car I have some words for Livy. But as we are driving away my sweet little Jaedon pipes up and says, "Mom, be happy...kay." WOW!! I am not being a good example. So I try to explain to Jaedon that Livy was not behaving and blah, blah, blah. But then I asked him if he was happy and without missing a beat he says. "Yeah, I happy! Livy not happy, huh?" Which I then asked if he would make silly faces at her to see if that would make her happy. Which he didn't even hesitate to do. And sure enough, we were then back to a happy family!

I am so blessed to have the children I have. And what an example THEY are to me, even at such a young age!!

Let Christmas begin!

So I haven't been as good at bloggin' what we have been doing, because I haven't been very good at taking pictures. But Sunday night we had Pie Night at our humble abode. For all of you wondering what this is..., it is a very long running tradition on my mother's side. What it is exactly, is the Sunday before Thanksgiving all the family gets together and everyone just brings PIES!! Because usually after Thanksgiving dinner you are too stuffed to have pie and really enjoy the pies for what they are worth. Of course I have always had a veggie tray available to counter act all the sweetness!

Thanksgiving we went to our friends and had it with them and five other couples and their kids. Again, I didn't get any pictures of the actually feast, but I did get some pictures and video of everyone playing Guitar Hero. We had a very enjoyable time and all the food was very good!

And now that Thanksgiving is over...., BRING ON CHRISTMAS!! To start the season off right, of course I have to hit up the Black Friday deals. This year though, I and some other of our friends decided to hit up the Outlets, and the Midnight Madness sales that they have. I have to say, it was a little disappointing, and not that great of deals. But with that said I did buy some things, (of course before the lines got too out of control). After getting home, and getting to bed at 1:30, I decided that I was going to still get up and hit the early morning sales as well. So come 3:45 I was dragging myself out of bed and wondering what in the world was I doing. I didn't have anything I really needed or wanted, but I just can't miss a good deal! And again, of course I came home with things in my hands!

Then later this evening we put all of our Christmas decorations up, so that Santa Clause could come. Time is a hard thing for a 3 year old to really understand right now though. But it is SO fun as my kids get older and too see the excitement they get over the holidays. Jaedon is really his father's son. Jaedon could listen to Christmas music year round, which we often do in the car. And of course he watches his Christmas movies year round as well. The holidays are so fun with little kids!

some snow...and it actually lasted more than a day

We have had snow the last couple of days here. And Jaedon has LOVED it!! The greatest part though was when he woke up and saw that it was snowing, he said to Jon, "Now Santa can come!" Then of course all day he kept asking me when Santa was coming? So first thing in the morning he had to go and play in it.

Jaedon tag...gotta make it fair

So I figured it was only fair to give Jaedon a post as well. For this one though, I put in what I thought, and then I asked him and wrote his answers in blue. Most of the questions though, he didn't really understand what I was asking. Name and Meaning: Jaedon- God sent Jaedon=Jaedon Age: 3 years "free" Nicknames: uuhhh...he doesn't really have one, other than buddy, or bud every now and then. um, nope Activities: playing monsters (which makes him not be able to sleep at night), taking pictures with a old non-usable camera, reading books, and sadly he likes to watch movies and play PBS games online. go to preschool..., that's enough Favorite Foods: popcorn, chocolate, chicken cordon bleu green eggs (he had these today at preschool), and toast. "yummy green eggs"

Least Favorite Foods: asparagus, he has really started to come around and eat most things. not carrots, (but he eats these all the time) So not sure if he understands this question exactly. Favorite Music: He likes most songs, but the ones he will tell me are slippery fish, itsy-bitsy spider (which we sing most often at FHE), popcorn popping "kurdle" (Turtle) song, popcorn popping Favorite Toys: camera, trains, an Easter pencil that he uses for a magic wand, and lately covering himself in every single stuffed animal/doll we have. a horsey (WHAT!!?) and friends Favorite Books: I ain't gonna paint no more, ratatouille seek and find, big Anthony. cat in the hat book (can you tell he learned about Dr. Seuss today?) Favorite Item of clothing: Lately it has been a nice knitted sweater from Children's Place, which I am totally fine with. PANTS! What makes him happy: Going to preschool, going to the library, playing with his friends Mommy, Daddy, and the temple (as he is looking at our wedding picture) What makes him sad: Again, like most kids, being told he can't do something, and then going to timeout! Mommy (huh...,why?) "I sit in timeout"

Funny Words or Phrases: Gotta be kiddin' me! When he copies what Jon calls me, and calls me "Sweets" Sessica (Jessica, while he has this funny little smirk-Jessica is Mac's wife)

Jaedon wanted to add his favorite friends: Bennett, Savannah, Addy, and Londyn

Tags: Again, whoever feels like doing it. :)

Livy tag

So I realize that I have not been posting as often as I usually do, but nothing that exciting has been happening really. Sorry. But here is a tag that is all about Livy!

Name and Meaning: Olivia- Variant of Olive=Symbol of peace

Age: 14 months

Nicknames: Livy, Liv, sweetheart

Activities: going outside, reading books, pulling everything off the shelves, trying to wear moms heels

Favorite Foods: Anything sweet, fruits, yogurt, cheese

Least Favorite Foods: She doesn't eat a lot of vegetables

Favorite Music: Will dance to most anything, and doesn't really have a preference yet

Favorite Toys: Anything that Jaedon is playing with, books, her monkey

Favorite Books: She likes the "touch and feel" books, and if they have animals in it.

Favorite Item of clothing: She is a girl, so of course shoes!

What makes her happy: When dad walks through the door, taking a bath, eating

What makes her sad: Like most kids, being told she can't have something, or not being able to hold and do things for herself. Miss Independent!!

Funny Words or Phrases: uuuuhhh...well, she isn't really talking that much, but she will do this fake laugh, and will even cock her head back like it is just absolutely hilarious! Very cute to witness.

Tags: whoever feels like doing it. :)

"this is my castle"

I hate to post over the cute little cowgirl, but I couldn't resist telling you of a funny little story that happened last night. First of all, Jaedon took a nap yesterday, which means he doesn't go to bed until like 10pm. So, Jon was starting to get ready for bed and doing all the bathroom things like brushing his teeth, washing his face.... Well, Jaedon went in with him, and I could hear Jaedon talking. I went in there shortly after as well to get ready for bed, and when I opened the door, and in the process of closing the door, Jaedon said, "This is my castle!" My usual reply is, "Oh yeah!?" and then of course he comments back, "yeah". But after he said that, there was a little pause, and I looked over at the toilet and just busted up laughing and said, "...and this is your throne!!" Oh, I just love little kiddos.

our little cowgirl

Little Miss Livy just keeps getting cuter as she gets older. For her birthday I had found these cute little boots at Children's Place. They are SO cute on her. Her hair is finally just barely long enough too to kind of fit in little piggy tails. And of course she had to have pigtails with the cowgirl boots! :) The funniest thing about the boots though, is they are a little heavier for her at first. And so when she takes the first couple of steps in them she kicks her feet clear out, like she is stepping over something big!