Gotcha Day -- 5 Years Later!

Today is GOTCHA DAY FOR LUKE --- the five years has flown by (well a larger majority of the days have so that's a good thing).  The precious needy baby that we brought home is now independent for many things but still willing to give out more cuddles than imaginable.  He is a very inquisitive five (almost six) year old and is so tender hearted.  He still loves to hold doors open for others and say "after you" and grin.  He is also still "all about Daddy".  Trains are  in just about every thought of his.   We have moved on from Thomas but we are now into pointing out steamies and diesels and asking Daddy about how his NORFOLK & SOUTHERN Stock is doing (thanks to Poppop's generous stock gifts).  He still wants to be an Engineer and work with trains.  Next month he will start Kindergarten.  He is excited about going to the school that mommy went to and the fact that it is across the street seems to be really cool for him right now.  (I am sure that will change pretty fast though like it did for me). 

For all the LOVE, HUGS, KISSES, SMILES and wonderful LUKE-isms we have gotten along the way we can still say that there is no other 'son' for us.  He is as much a part of us as one can be.  We are excited about the years to come and will continue to celebrate Gotcha Day every year.  Today we went to get a PIRATE costume for our GOTCHA DAY GIFT and Luke chose CHILI'S as his dining place.  He ate more salsa tonight than ever.  FINALLY....the spicy Guatemalan side is coming out!  Mommy has been waiting for him to 'love spicey' and it's coming.

To the next five years........ oh how they will fly by!

With Love and Hugs!!

 July 26, 2007

July 26, 2012

We Are On A Cruise!

Be back soon with lots of pictures and stories!
Love and Hugs,

Mr. Snickerdoodle and Miss Sassafras

Luke's Fifth Birthday/ October 6, 2010

Mr. Snickerdoodle turns five.  So he is no longer a toddler.  This is fun but sad to me in many ways.  I look at him and still see the cute little baby face.  I look at his glassy eyes and melt as much now as I did the first day he was placed in David's arms.  Boy we have come a long way and with that I have so much to say.  So if Luke ever wants to he can read the letter that I have written him below.

Dearest Luke (Luke the Bear),

The love that I have for you grows more every day.  I never knew that I could love anything like I love you.  Seeing you makes my heart smile.  When you are at school I think about you and can't wait to go and get you.  I miss you being away from me for so long but you are growing up and this will be the way it is.  I love the little boy you have become.  You make me proud because you are so good.  You care for others and you are normally quite good with your manners (this is EXTREMELY important and not only if and when you are in the South).  You were such a serious little boy.  You had a deep and serious demeanor to your every move.  You were a deep thinker and your thoughts were encompassing to you.  You have grown into a very inquisitive little boy who is kind and thoughtful to others.  I can only hope and pray that this stays.  The greatest gift that I can ever give to you besides love is no, not Thomas the Train but a gift of instilling in you what is important.  What I want for you is not costly and is actually affordable.  I want you to be respectful of yourself, respectful of others, to give back and to be abundantly blessed in your life by making sure that GOD is your leader.  None of what I have said costs a penny.  Of course I want for you the fine things that will HELP to make you happy but not  make you happy.  I want you to have a life full of fun, friendship and one day (MANY MANY YEARS AWAY) I want you to have a wife who adores you and is mutually respectful of you and your beliefs.  If children are a part of your life I can only hope that they will bring as much joy to you as you have to your daddy and I.  The happiest day of our life was when you were placed in our arms.  Another happy day was when we found out about you.  You have made many days happier because you are our son.  We love you and will always love  you.  Keep your vision clear and as I say to you every day "Be a good friend and good listener and share the love". 

All My Love,

Mommy

Luke Learns to Ride His Bike

We are off... .Off the training wheels that is.  So Mr. Snickerdoodle is riding a bike and loving it.  It seems like it was just yesterday that we were trying to teach him how to walk!   Everyone says don't blink and as much as I DISLIKE this saying it is so true!

 In the background is Luke's mentor... PopPop... who by the way is given credit I believe for EVERY ONE of his grandchildren riding bikes. Luke was his 5th student.  Now onto Maran (and she will be an interesting one for sure).

First Day of Pre-K

Luke and Maran were very excited about the first day of school. Getting them up two hours earlier than what they were used to was not as hard as we thought. Of course we started them going to bed early about a week before so it wasn't horrific. It was worse for mommy. I was really nervous about the drive and not knowing how long it would take although we mostly go against the traffic flow. I wondered if they (mostly Luke) would throw a fit when I drove up and they had to get out of the car. The drop off was easy. The hardest part was the 16 minute wait in the parking lot. We had a great talk and once again I told them what I did every morning of Mother's Morning Out..."Be a good friend and a good listener". Then we did our knuckle buster, lock it and blow it up handshake and our 'TEAM GIESER' cheer.

After drop off I pulled around the corner of the school and thought 'wow that went well' and then I immediately decided that I didn't know how I felt about it. I kept driving though. I then figured it was a good morning to have some breakfast (not a breakfast fan am I) so I did. After getting to the office I kept wondering how they were doing. Our information packet said that we could call and see how they were doing and it was all I could do to not call.

The teacher said to be in carpool line at 2:20. I left the office and was in line at 2:07. (Timing definitely had to be worked out). I waited for what felt like an hour for them to come out. They came bouncing out and were so happy. After loading the car they were both talking over each other and couldn't get it all out quick enough. Luke showed me his stamp that he received and asked if he could eat his sucker. I said yes. I asked Marant if she wanted to eat hers and she said she didn't get one and Luke quickly said that she was 'bad'. Turns out Maran didn't get a sticker either. If I would have guessed the one who would have come home with 'no treats' it definitely would have not been Maran empty handed. Luke is a very outgoing gregarious fella who often ends up in the wrong place and enjoys being the 'fun one in the group'. (Not sure where this comes from.......). The story continues to grow on what exactly happened and if any of the portions of it were true then I am pretty sure I would have heard from the teacher. Who knows what did or did not happen but one thing is for sure the 'over pleasing' child in the group was the one who came home empty handed. I kind of talk it up as Luke having a good day of 'not getting caught'. He is not a bad little boy by any means he just likes to be somewhat of a prankster. Such a charming quality for a 4 year old.

Here 's to hoping that the fun of Pre-K continues. If it is anything like Day1 then this will be a very good year!

A Choo Choo Ride with Thomas in Bryson City, NC

...and here we go again off to another "Day out with Thomas".  We didn't tell Luke and Maran what we were doing but told them we had to go to bed early...and I won't let you know how that worked out for us. 

Off we went at 8:45 in the morning to Bryson City.  By far this is not a ghastly hour but when you have well over a three hour drive with two toddler of which one who gets deathly car sick you just have to prepare for it all.  Dressed in their new Thomas outfits we hit Brueggers and then hit the highway.  It is/was a nerve wracking drive.  I felt like every three to seven minutes we were asking Maran if she was OK.  Of course in our journeys we now have to plan for numerous car sick stops and we take the route that has the LEAST amount of 'Stop and Go'.  So Route 66 basically has been replaced by I 85.  It's no big deal but the 'waiting in anticipation for it to happen' is the worst.  Last time it occurred I was able to tell.  Not sure if it was my ONE AND ONLY PERFECT MOMMY MOMENT but the color in the face, the expression and all told the FULL STORY. We were able to get the bag (compliments of US AIRWAYS) front in center just in time. 

We decided not to tell them until we got really close. Of course Luke had already pretty much figured it out. When Daddy handed him his new "THOMAS DAY OUT" hat it just confirmed what he already knew and had confirmed from the grimace on my face.  Then Daddy gave them their lanyard's that allowed them to hang their ticket around their necks.  The complimentary Thomas whistles never made it out of the bag and left the car and went straight to the recycle bin. Call me bad mommy and gasp in horror but how many whistles do you really need?  Allow me to help you on this one..... WE DIDN'T NEED ANY MORE AT ALL".  So there you have it and truth be known we never needed the first one that my sister felt so inclined to give to Luke a few years back.

Maran had ridden the POLAR EXPRESS at Christmas but had never ridden Thomas. She jumped up and down and put her hand over her mouth in awe of him.  We had our pictures taken, went to all the stands to get the much needed stamps for the so called 'FREE GIFT' and sweat  like there was no tomorrow.  Finally it was our turn.  We got on, we rode, we sang all the Thomas songs of which everyone stared at us as we even know the 'less popular tunes'.  Luke and Maran immediately befriended the railroad attendant and collected their "Junior Conductor" certificate. 

We walked around the quaint little town and checked out a Bed and Breakfast which will be perfect during the holidays for our Night time Polar Express ride. (We take Nammy and Pop Pop with us this time). 

We ate lunch (late) at the Mexican restaurant and finally hit the road back to Charlotte.  The train pulled back into the Charlotte station around 8 pm with two very tired conductors.  

The surprise worked out well and we even got our "REPLACEMENT THOMAS FAMILY PHOTO".... it's about time.  (To be posted on Main blog).

Keep on Chuggin'.......

Choo Choo!  (Day out With Thomas July 31, 2011)

Gotcha Day - 4 Years Later

Four years ago today our son was placed in David's arms in Guatemala City, Guatemala.  So many STRONG memories come with today.  The fact that our "IMMEDIATE" family began on this day and that my sister has been living with full blown MS for four years.  (She had a HORRIBLE BOUT with MS when we were in Guatemala... add to that the fact that David was VERY SICK with the flu and it was a real eventful time).  Our precious child has grown into such a little man.  We received a VERY timid and shy little boy who was so serious about everything.  He cried when his caretaker left him with us.  Now he cries if we leave him (not all the time but still quite often).  What a journey we have had.  What a joy it has been to watch him grow into the outgoing gregarious toddler his is.  He has brought us many many moments of joy and much laughter.  He has consoled us when we needed it and has given to us countless hugs and kisses that could literally mend the world.  All that in what WAS a little 12 pound 10 month old whom we named LOUIS GRAYSON GIESER and lovingly refer to as "LUKE"... our precious son.  Happy Gotcha Day!!

Lovin' Soccer

Mr. Snickerdoodle had his first soccer practice and he loved it.  Even better (for him) was that he was the only one who showed up at practice.  That said, he had a one on one soccer session with the coach and did very well.  The coach even taught him a back kick which he said he rarely teaches anyone the first few weeks of soccer but that Luke was doing so well he just had to. 

Luke really had fun.... maybe just maybe this will be a sport he wants to continue???? I mean mommy and daddy are aging and will soon need a rest home and a son who can afford to keep us there. (OK not so funny I know).

Movin' On.......

Luke is going to College

We were at family dinner for Father's Day last Saturday and while at the table we were talking about Dylan going to college in August.  He is going to school in the mountains of North Carolina which happens to be very close to Tweetsie Railroad.  Someone said to Luke "Hey, you can go to college with Dylan and help him pick up chicks".  Luke just grinned and kept playing with his food. (We are in the play mode with food now as it is certainly more fun than eating). 

A few days later Dylan is leaving our house after he babysat for the afternoon.  Luke yells to him "Hey Dylan, after we pick up all the chicks at college and they leave, we can then go and ride the train". 

Priorities are a good thing!

When We Go On The Boat

"We can see lots of things right Mommy" Luke says.

We sure can.

"Am I going to go to Boat Camp?"

Daddy and mommy would like for you to --- at least for a few hours for one day maybe two because there will be lots of friends to make and fun things to do. 

OK Mommy and I will take Maran with me but what will you and daddy do without us?

We will work I am sure.  (knowing that we plan on working out, pooling it as I vision a favorite bar on the boat that I know I will find). 

Mommy, you and daddy need to not take your computers so you can kiss and hug.

OK LUKE we will see what we can do. Good idea. 

He then jumps up and down and claps his hands singing "Mommy and Daddy will kiss and hug".....repeatedly at the top of his lungs.  Maran is in the background saying "I don't want Mommy to kiss Daddy'..... a little girls love for daddy never ends and a little boys celebration is just adorable. 

Mommy are you...

"A responsible Driver"?  Luke asks.

I tell him that I always try to be cautious and responsible ...especially when he and Maran are in the car and that I don't have power over all the other drivers. 

He then says "Mommy, with great Power comes great responsibility and I would suggest  you use it wisely". 

OK then.......

Good Morning....

So Luke wakes up and comes into our room.  Maran is sitting on the bed watching Curious George.  (She has to watch it because her brother does and she is into doing 'everything' Luke does).

Luke jumps on the bed and says to Maran  "Good Morning Pumpkin (while rubbing her head)....how did you sleep last night".

He then looks at her cast and hugs her and says "I am so sorry.... I know it hurts". 

From the mouth of babes.....

While Sitting at the Kitchen Table...

Mommy why is my skin darker?

Because you are from Guatemala.

Why is Maran's skin so...so.... so...uhm... Shiny?

Because she is from China.

And why is MeMe Joyce in Heaven?

because she got very sick and went to live with God.

Well, can't she just come to Charlotte and see us and go to the beach with us and play with us and help us pack our backpacks and help us water the plants and help us have fun? And then when we are done she can go back to God and Jesus and stay in the clouds for a while?

No honey, it doesn't work that way.  When you are in Heaven you are there forever.

Well, do you think she can at least come and help us clean off this clean off this kitchen table?  It's a real mess.

No sweetie MeMe Joyce was blind and she would have a hard time helping us clean off the table since it has so much stuff on it.

She should still come and see us and this is a good time since the table is so dirty she won't notice and it won't bother her like it's bothering me.

LOVIN' CAMP

Mr. Snickerdoodle is LOVING summer camp.  (3 days a week for 4 hours... basically Mother's Morning Out.. SUMMER EDITION). Maybe because he is doing something his sister is not? Hum....

Mother's Day

As we stood on the deck painting terra cota pots Luke says to me "Mommy, I just want to play with MeMe Joyce".  He then asked "Was she really sick".  I explained it as simply as I could. He then told me that he was sick and asked if he was going to die and go to heaven.  I explained that he had allergies and he was just about over them.  He then got upset and told me he didn't want to go to heaven.  I explained that one day he would.  He accepted that and then said "Well, I really miss her and I really want to play with her".  He then says "I know you miss her too Mommy". 

Luke steps In With Loving Words

Every Mother's Day Weekend I move my mother's picture to the mantle.  I get a corsage and place it there as well.  I was moving the picture and Luke said "That is MeMe Joyce right" and I replied "Yes".  He then said "That's your mommy and I said "Yes just like Nammy is Daddy's mommy".  He then said "Do you miss her"?  I said "Each and every day... more than you will ever know".  By the time I was done saying it I was sobbing.  Luke comes over to me and hugs me and pats me on the back and says "Don't worry mommy, it's OK I am right here and I miss her too".

Another mommy moment permanently in memory.

Sitting at the Table

During a 'before bed snack' Luke looks at me and says "Mommy you are going to make me late for bed. If I didn't have to eat this snack I would already be in bed by now". 

Interesting..........

Luke and his Tummy

After eating at Pizza Planet Luke said  "Mommy and Daddy, my tummy says it wants ice cream". Better for a tummy to talk and want something yummy than to tell you the alternative I guess.  It settled for Popsicles which he had totally forgotten about by the time we got home.

We have Reached A Good Point... Will it last?

David overheard Luke say to Maran:

"Maran, I like  you.  You don't have to go back to China". 

UHM........

Getting Ready For Daddy's Birthday

Luke just loves excitement.  He reminds me of me.  If you need a pick me up or a general giggle at something silly then we are your 'GO TO' people. 

We were making Daddy's birthday present and Luke was so excited he just couldn't stop quivering.  (When he gets excited he shakes his body and it is horribly cute..... and he has done it since we got him which makes it even better).  He couldn't concentrate on the project at hand for gabbing (a gift he got from me) about Daddy's birthday. 

He than asked me "Mommy, do you think Daddy wants a carrot for his birthday like you did?"

I told  him I was pretty sure that daddy didn't want a carrot  (cake) but would probably love a chocolate cake.  He then told me I better buy one instead of trying to make it because Daddy would like it better.

Ok... so off to buy a cake for tomorrow's BIG DAY!!!

....and here I thought I could at least BAKE and not offend!!