Hendryx Family

Christmas time is here

2010-12-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well, we are full on into Christmas mode. Having fun with all of the decorations, lights, food, and presents, but making sure we continue to teach Zachary the true meaning of the holiday. He loves birthday's so he is very excited to celebrate the birth of Christ. Only, he's not quite sure why he is not going to an actual party. He'll figure it out!

He is also very excited for Santa Claus. He can't wait to meet him at my studio this coming Saturday. He told me he wants to hug him and see his reindeer. We are explaining the whole-it's not the real Santa thing. But, he does plan on staying up to see Santa this year. He's so into it this year, it's great!

As usual, we will be going to the cabin's for my family's Christmas in North Liberty. We leave next Friday after I'm done with classes for the fall semester. Looking forward to spending time with my family, although there will be no partaking in sledding this year! Then, on Christmas day we will head to Lawrenceburg to celebrate with David's side of the family and spend a couple days down there. Definitely not looking forward to all of the traveling coming up, but the family time is worth it! :)

Thursday the 16th start my weekly non-stress tests. We are nervously, anxiously, and excitedly counting down the last several weeks! Can't wait for an exciting 2011.

We wish everyone a blessed holiday season!

Halloween: Check, Thanksgiving: Here we come

2010-11-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

So, Halloween has come and gone. Zachary loved everything to do with the season! He loves ghosts, and goblins, etc. I went to a haunted house one weekend and told him he couldn't go because I thought it would be too scary and he promptly told me that he is not afraid of anything-except spiders! He had a blast the entire month! He was Iron Zack and loved his costume, save for the mask. But, you could tell who he was nonetheless!

November 2nd marked Brenna's first birthday. The days and nights leading up to the day were horrible. I kept waiting for our world to end has it had the year before. But, the day ended up just being the three of us. We spent the day getting

and planting a Birchleap Spirea bush for her in our front yard. The bush will have green leaves with beautiful white flowers around the time of May and then they will turn an extraordinary purple in the fall! I wanted something that would show the most beauty in the fall. Since we have planted it, it has gotten healthier and the leaves have turned a dark red/purple. This beautiful weather we have been having helps preserve it a little longer. So, we honor our daughter with a plant we can watch grow and change in the seasons, as we are unable to with her.

Zachary, being truly my son through and through,

is well onto his way of Christmas thinking! He wants to watch Christmas shows all day and listen to Christmas music in the car (unless he gets the itch for his old favorite-OMG by Usher!)! How can I possibly deny this wonderful child those things? Simple, I cannot. But, I do sneak in my Thanksgiving specials in there too. We loves the Peanuts holiday trilogy, so he is always ready to watch that. I think he is starting to think that our Thanksgiving meal will involve toast, pretzels, popcorn, and jelly beans!!

I must say, I am looking forward to this holiday season with more Christmas spirit than I think I ever have. Last year was such a dark time for us. We only decorated for Zachary, I only watched a few shows for him, and I rarely had a note of Christmas music on. Let's face it, Christmas is about the birth of a miraculous child. We had just experienced the loss of ours. Everything about the holiday reminded us of that. And, being less than 2 months since she died, our emotions were still very raw. This year we look, with God, to the future and the baby to come shortly after the new year. This year we remember the gift that Brenna was, and the gift of life that God gave us by sending his son. And I'm sure there will be cookies and candy in there too! ;)

Here is a picture of all of us for Halloween!

Really, he's 4?!

2010-09-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Zachary turned four on Sunday August 29th! I can hardly believe I have a 4 year old. How I thought things would be different for him this year. But, he's still a happy well adjusted kid! :) We did his "kid" party at Bounce Town USA in Oswego this year. It was his first "friends" party. I think everyone had a blast! What is not fun about giant inflatable jump houses and slides? Seriously. If I wasn't pregnant there is a good chance I may have "tried" some of them! We also had David's parents up for most of the week which was a real treat. Zachary hadn't seen Pops (Don) in a while and he just loved every second of them being here. My parents made it up on Sunday for a few hours and of course that was fantastic for him as well! Overall, he had a great birthday and I am blessed to have the most awesome little Monster Face ever.

Well, as we start September, there is much to look forward to! Zachary has orientation tomorrow to see his new room and meet his teacher! He will be going Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday's this year!

We also have a lot of doctor's appointments lined up! We have 3 for me this month including our ultrasound at 19 1/2 weeks on the 15th (!), a regular appointment, and a heartbeat check. Zachary visits an Opthamologist for the first time for his eyes and then he sees Dr. Olsen on the 17th for his 4 year old check up. I love these appointments. I love seeing how big and long he is and how much he doesn't weigh!

I hope to post more pictures later in the week or early next week on his first day of school!

Zachary's 4th Birthday Party

Nothing says fall like...

2010-08-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Leave your answer in the comments. For us fall means FOOTBALL!! And football means, COLTS football!! We live for Sunday's. And Monday's. And then Thursday's and Saturday's too. The NFL does a great job of only letting us suffer two days with no football! Something else that starts in the fall (and usually carries over to late spring) is our need for corned beef! We used to cook it with cabbage, but I don't like it and David soon gave it up. So now it's just beef with carrots and potatoes. Still a damn good meal! There is just something about football and corned beef that feels like fall to me.

I also love the change of the season. I wish I lived in a land called-Fall. Where the weather 9 months out of the year was always fall-ish. There could be some days of cooler weather, mix in some rain, etc. But just the overall crisp beautiful fall day. I love all activities fall. Visits to orchards and pumpkin farms, hayrides, pumpkin spice latte's from Starbucks, apple cider, warm apple cider, caramel apple cider etc. I have been trying to get a group together to do the Naperville PD's annual hayrides for about 5 years now. I'm telling myself I will go this year.

Fall also means school! I always loved back-to-school. You got to buy new things, get new teachers, see your friends again, get back into school activities and sports. It was always a fun time of year for me. We just learned Zachary's new school teacher for the year. Mrs. Schamburger. We are very excited to meet her and see all the wonderful things Z will be exploring and learning this year!

The rule for me this fall is to stay busy, busy, busy. The thought of coming into Brenna's 1 year anniversary is so terrifying to me that I hope that if I just stay busy and not sit and dwell on it, I can make through the 1st and hardest anniversary.

Well, here is to a great start of fall (although it really is still a month away) and all the things we love about it!!

So much for staying up-to-date

2010-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

I always do have the best intentions of getting on here and staying current with our household happenings. And then life happens. Is that fair to say?! So, this summer has just gone by so fast! We've had a lot of fun at the pool and visiting with friends and having family in. I think being busy all the time has made it go by so quickly. Our kick off to summer was our great big family vacation to Disney World!!! Zachary did great in the plane and we all had a wonderful time! Zachary loved meeting the characters and was very well behaved. He was more impressed with the parks than the gift shops and our wallets were thankful for that! Our first day in FL we were able to take a trip to the beach so Zachary could visit the ocean for the first time. He loved it! He didn't want to leave the water! Our weather was great the whole time. It rained a little one afternoon, but when you are in the "Happiest Place on Earth", how can you complain? Below is a slide show of our trip.

Upon our return we found out that we are expecting another baby due Super Bowl Sunday! This fills us with much joy, sadness, excitement, and hesitation all at once. Every emotion under the sun! I am 15 weeks now and besides the sickness stuff, all has been well. And, thank God, moving pretty quickly. We are not going to let the baby wait until February to come and will induce between 37-38 weeks depending on how mommy, daddy, and baby are fairing. Continued prayers are appreciated!

As the summer wraps up we are excited for fall, preschool, football (of course!), great new students at the studio, a growing belly, and much much more. Maybe if I don't tell myself I have to get on and update, it will flow easier and happen more naturally. Here's to hoping!

Disney Trip 2010

First Year of Preschool is Over!

2010-05-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday May 25th was Zachary's last day of 3-year old Preschool. How sad! We have decided to keep him in preschool 2 more years so he will turn 6 right at the beginning of his Kindergarten year. What a year this has been! It's an adjustment for any child to go into a different learning environment, plus we were planning for Brenna, then dealt with her death. Zachary has had a lot to deal with. We are so proud of how amazing he has done! The more socially and emotionally aware he gets of himself and others brings up questions about Brenna. It is sad when he asks us questions, but we continue to explain how much we love her and wanted her with us. Zachary has also accomplished so much with his writing, numbers, letters, shapes, etc. He loved school and I was glad that he didn't miss one day! He, of course, loved his teacher Mrs. Dowler! She was fantastic and just the person we needed. He would often like to roll play at home with me being Zachary and him being Mrs. Dowler. She was great at taking pictures and capturing moments through out the year and made each parent a CD slideshow! We are definitely going to miss her! On the last day it was warm enough for shorts, so I decided to put him in the same shorts as his first day (different shirt) and see how they compared. His is our big boy! Here is Zachary on his first day and then on his last day!

Busy Month

2010-05-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, as promised, May has come with a lot to do! Sometimes to break up the routine, we like to do a family "camp-out" in the living room. We blow up mattresses' and do S'Mores and popcorn. The last time we did this, Zachary loved it! This time, he only wanted to marshmallow's instead of the whole S'More, then didn't actually sleep downstairs with us! He decided to sleep up in his bed. But, then Sunday night he wanted his turn to sleep downstairs again. Of course that didn't happen!

Our friends Brittnie and Luke got a puppy a couple of months ago, so we have been taking some trips up to visit them and have Zachary play with Kyla. First he did not want to play at all and informed me afterwards that he no longer likes dogs, only cats. But, he did warm up to her. It takes him a little bit while she gets all of her excited-ness out of the way, but he will play with her. Yesterday after our visit both Zachary and Kyla were asleep with in 15 minutes of our departure!

Tomorrow we leave for Disney and we can't wait! It's finally here! Zack tells us that he doesn't want to go. But we know once we are into the journey he will love it. I still have classes tonight and David work, then it's finishing packing, to bed, early rising (3:30ish!!) then to the airport! Many, many, many photos to come!!

Ahh, May

2010-05-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that May is already here. With it comes some ups and downs. May 2nd was the 6 month mark of loosing our precious baby girl. Sometimes it's hard from me to think that she has been gone so long, then other times it seems way shorter. These are the struggles we have every day of missing her. Of course in May is Mother's Day too. Since I have lost my own biological mother, it is always a day of blessings and sadness. I am thankful for Pauline, my earthly mother, and for being a mother myself. But, my heart misses Joyce, my heavenly mother, and my baby girl Brenna. The day was nice, though. Zachary told me Happy Mother's Day every chance he got (still on Monday too) and also sang some songs for me that he performed on the Thursday before in school. It was great. He cracks me up. I got some beautiful cards from both friends and family as well as some pretty flowers and the newest Sookie Stackhouse Novel I had been wanting! The boys made me breakfast and I got to relax most of the day. Not too bad.

May will also bring some great fun for us! On the 24th David and I will be celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary!! And on the 31st I will be turning 25! Again! But, the biggest thing May brings to us is...DISNEY WORLD!!! We are so excited! We can hardly wait! We have a countdown calendar where Zachary puts a star on everyday. Today, we are 17 days out. 16 if you don't count today since today has already started... ;) This is our first real family vacation with Zachary and I can't tell who is more excited at this point-me, Zachary, or David!

We are busy wrapping up the end of school as well as continuing with things for recital. June will be here before we know it!

Zachary sings the blues

2010-05-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, not really, but he did sing. Well, sort of. April 22nd Zachary had his music program at school! We were so excited. And, since Grandma and Grandpa were in town helping out Amber, they were able to come too! The program combined Mrs. Dowler's (Zachary's class) class and Mrs. Wierig's class. They all did so great. It took Zachary about a number and a half to get warmed up enough to sing, though he never did belt them out. We were surprised because Zachary is not shy at all and he had been practicing earlier in the morning with Daddy. But, he did get into it. We enjoyed such songs as: God is So Good, Octopus, Where is Thumbkin?, Three Little Sausages, Mr. Sun, Ten Little Fishes in the Sea, and Itsie Bitsie Spider and Variations. The best came at the end when Zachary wrapped his little arms around his waste and gave a grand bow! It was great! Enjoy some pictures of the day!

It's time to try this again

2010-04-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

So, I will attempt to try and keep my blog up-to-date and full of happenings and pictures.

Life is continuing for us. Everyday we love and miss our Brenna Angel (as Zachary calls her) more and more. We all struggle and grieve in our own ways, but are in the journey together. The more socially and emotionally aware Zachary becomes of himself and others he gets more curious about why Brenna is not with us. We continue to need love, support, and prayers from our friends and loved ones. This is a journey that will not end of us. Change, yes, but end-no. We are faithful that God will bless us again and we are looking forward to that.

As for our Monster Face. Wow, let's write a book. Oh wait-that's what this blog is for! He is doing so great in school! He loves it and has made so many friends! He behaves so well for everyone

and loves to push buttons and boundaries with his mom and dad! We are looking forward to our first FAMILY VACATION to DISNEY WORLD at the end of May!! We are going for Memorial Day weekend and couldn't be more excited!

David (when he's not traveling) and I continue to do our Share meetings once a month. We have met so many great people who, unfortunately, share the same heartache that we do. But, it's nice to know that someone can relate. I just did the March of Dimes walk on Sunday with my friend Laura and her family. Over 6 miles! Wow!

The studio is doing great and we are getting so close to recital! We are getting ready for DDDC's last competition this weekend and I can't believe how fast this year has gone! We have our first annual summer dance camps and intensive at the studio this year and we are hoping they will do great. We are bringing in some great talent for our dancer's!

I am looking forward to the summer and hopefully getting a pool pass to Pelican Harbor again and just being able to enjoy time with my family!

Well, here's to keeping this blog going!

Zachary turns 3 and takes his own pictures!

2009-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, my little baby isn't a baby anymore. Nope, he's 3 and starting preschool next week! I can't believe how fast this time has gone by and how blessed I am to have someone as great as Zachary is for a son. He is hysterical, independent, loving, and full of life. He is excited to start preschool and I know that he will love it and learn so much more than at home! He is very good with colors and is getting his letters better and numbers as well. The other day he told us the numbers on the clock! And, he was able to point out almost all the letter of the alphabet to me. He got his "V" and "W" mixed up, but that was all.

He also loves to sing, loudly. He'll get his toy guitar out and start singing "Life Is A Highway" from Cars, or he'll just go "Oh Yeah!" over and over again. It's pretty funny. Whenever the Imagination Movers come on the TV he grabs his "drum sticks" (read: Turner and Phillipe screw drivers from Handy Manny tool box!) and drums away. He is also into making up his own songs, which we don't understand at all! It's usually about bath time or eating or something like that!

Zachary is also into taking his own photographs! He loves using or camera to take pictures of the cats or his cars, or whatever is closest!

Zack Takes Pictures

As for me and David, we are pushing along. David has a 6 week reality series for BET coming up and I'm still getting sick and fat! But, the baby is growing and moving a ton and it's a nice reassurance! Just about 10 weeks to go and I hope it goes by fast! I'm sure it will with the start of the fall session starting today and auditions and company starting this weekend!

Zack's turns 3!

It's been a long time...

2009-07-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

So I know I don't post often on the blog and I just want everyone to understand why. My blogger doesn't upload! Seriously, it's so slow, or it locks up and it usually never lets me upload pictures. It's very frustrating.

So, for the sake of typing a ton and not have it save I will give a short recap of summer this far and try to post more.

Zachary is almost 22 months old and has been potty trained for about 4 months. He does very good with it and I'm so glad he's out of diapers! We have a membership to the Pelican Harbor pool and he loves it! I must admit I do too, only I don't cry when it's time to leave! He knows all of his colors and is really good at recognizing letters and numbers. We are still working on his counting, but it comes. It's usually 1, 2, 4, 5, 11. He loves the number 11. It's in all of his counting.

Business at the studio is slow for the summer, but that is expected. We've been in business almost a year! We took the dance team to Myrtle Beach, SC for Nationals and they did a fantastic job. While it was nice to be away, I really missed David and Zachary.

David is still at Concept One, but is always looking for new opportunities to pursue.

The baby is due November 11, 2009 and the ultrasound we had on the 26th showed that everything is going great!

Well, at least I got one picture to upload!

So Smart!

2009-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, Zachary has been doing so good with his counting and colors, etc. Well, we bought him a "laptop" for his 2nd birthday. It's a Thomas the Train and it has something like 32 activities. There is one that asks for help finding letters and numbers. I started playing with him one day and was shocked to learn that he can recognize almost all of his letters and all of his numbers!! He's just grasping so much and learning like crazy!

This weekend I actually have a weekend away from the studio! Woo Hoo! We begin our "Diaper-Free Zone" on Friday morning! I know Zachary is going to do a great job. I bought him new Cars stickers and am ready to see his little butt in underwear!!!

This past weekend was so nice, weather-wise. We were able to spend a lot of time outside! We got Zack's truck out and he loved driving in it. Which is nice since he always tells David and I that he'll drive wherever we go! "I'll drive."

Trying to post pictures, who knows when they'll come...

Back on...

2009-03-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

I know it's been several, several weeks since I've posted. Beginning the semester at the studio, dealing with a pregnancy and then subsequent loss has consumed a lot of my time. Oh, not to mention that I've been following around an extremely busy 2 1/2 year old!

We registered Zachary for Pre-School for the fall! I can't believe that he is going to be 3 and in school. He is going to have so much fun, though! I have him in a 2-day/week-afternoon program. He is so smart. He can count (repeat) to 20 on his own! He knows all the main colors-red, blue, green, orange, yellow, pink, purple, black, and white. He is talking in full sentences which can be fully understood. Until he gets super excited and then it turns back to baby-nese.

We are looking forward to spring and being able to get outside to play more. Hurry up Spring!!

Family Christmas 2008

2009-01-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that 2008 has come and gone! We look back at 2008 as a year full gifts, challenges, and excitement. We kicked off the Christmas Holiday by spending our Christmas Eve together as a family eating dinner (David made and awesome rib roast!!), driving around to see Christmas lights (not many!!), making cookies for Santa, and then reading books by the fire before bed.

On Christmas Day David and I had to actually wake Zachary up at 8AM (not his usual wake time) to get the party started. Normally, waking that late would've been a present, but we were eager to open gifts and see how he did with his!! Zachary didn't really get into the unwrapping thing. It took him forever to get the paper off of his gifts! He wanted to make sure all tape and paper were off one section before going to the next. We tried to hurry him along as much as we could, we still have breakfast with the Stefanski's and church to go to! After breakfast with his favorite person (Aubrey) and a great mass (the best gift of all is Christ as our Saviour) we headed home for lunch and nap.

Then after dinner we checked the weather and saw that our trip to Lawrenceburg might be hindered by the ice storm that was supposed to happen over night, we rushed around to get packed and then headed out the door. When we were almost to 88 I realized that I had left all the gifts for the rest of the week at home!! Thank goodness for my sister! She was able to get them for us. Although, as I write this, I also realize I have yet to send Nani and Pa Pa theirs!!

Finally getting to Lawrenceburg at about 1:30/2:00AM landed us right into bed! It's a very long drive. The next day we just enjoyed our time with Nani and Papa. Zachary loves being with them! On the 27th we headed to Indianapolis where it was 70 degrees for a family party. It was so nice spending time with David's side of the family!

On Sunday the 28th we headed north to my family in North Liberty. We stayed the night with my parents and then stayed the next 3 days at a cabin and Potato Creek State Park. We were really hoping for 3 days of snow fortes, snow angels and such, but since there was mid-60's weather-wise we had nothing when we got up there! We still had a great time being with family and on our last morning there--it snowed! We were able to go sledding for a little bit. Zack didn't like the snow in his face at all and only went down once and then he and David spent the rest of the time waiting in the truck!

After checking out we were finally on our way home! And very ready for it! But, as tradition has it, we always host the Giannassi's for Christmas Eve. This was the 4th year in a row! It was laid back and we watched TV and played games with Nick, Julie, and their son Noah.

New Years day came and went with us trying to unpack and get organized. In fact, the rest of that week and this week came and went with us trying to unpack and get organized! Ha!

The studio started classes this week and we are off to a good start. We keep getting more interest and that is a blessing for sure! We just pray that we continue to get more students, keep the ones we have, and that families are able to survive this economy!

Enjoy the pictures!

Christmas 08

Zachary's big boy bed!

2008-12-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

It's here!! He loves it and went right down!! Enjoy the pictures!

Thanksgiving and Benjamin's Birthday

2008-12-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We spent the morning of Thanksgiving at home and then after Zack's nap we went to Amber and Rudy's for dinner. It was good turkey, good stuffing, and good family! Later that evening we came home and put up the tree. Zack wasn't interested in helping, but he is all about the tree. It has to be on all the time and he says good bye to it at night before bed!

We are well into the Christmas season! This is my favorite time of year. For so many reasons. Aside from all the decorations, 93.9 playing non-stop X-Mas music, people in good moods, cookies, candy...it's a time to remember why we celebrate. This is all the beginning. The time we celebrate and rejoice at the birth of our Savior. We are truly delivered because he was delivered to us.

We are busy with the studio and David has a big shoot that will take him to San Francisco next week. We are also getting Zachary's big boy bed on Friday!! We are so excited and can't wait for him to get it!

Untitled from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving and Benjamin's 1st B-Day Party

Now that it's Thanksgiving...

2008-11-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

Now that we are to Thanksgiving I thought it was about time I put pictures of Halloween up! Sorry, I've been slacking! November has been a crazy busy month. Halloween was a ton of fun. It was SO nice out that we stayed out until like 8-8:30 at night! Zack had a great time trick or treating and we finally got him to say "Trick or Treat" to people as he grabbed the bowl into his pumpkin!

And, since it's Thanksgiving our family has so many things to look back on and be thankful for! Here is my list:

1) My family-David and Zachary are truly the best things in my life

2) My faith-God has truly delivered to me this year. He has protected, cared for, and loved our family without fail

3) My friends-they have stood by me and cheered me on.

4) My partner/studio-Dance Dynamics has been a journey and I can't wait to see where Brittnie and I are able to take it!

5) 2009-the thought of being able to start a new year with so many wonderful things behind me is so amazing.

So, as you enjoy the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cresent rolls, pumpkin pie, eggnog...you get it, on Thanksgiving Day, truly take the time to express why you have so many things to be thankful for. You may be surprised how many you have!

2008-10-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Zachary got tickets to Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour for his birthday and this past Sunday was finally show time! The show was up in Rosemont and Zachary fell asleep on the way, which was fine. When we got there we were some of the first few to enter the theatre. We right away bought Zack his new Winnie the Pooh and then got some drinks and popcorn and headed upstairs to wait to get in. Zachary we good in the theatre and loved the popcorn! Even more, he loved the show! It was great watching his reactions. Every time a new character came on stage he would just stare at them and then he would start to interact. Even though he is going through a big Pooh phase, he was most in awe of Mickey Mouse! David and I wondered if he noticed that Daisy and Pluto got the shaft and were not invited on tour. Hmmm. After the show he stayed awake until right when we pulled up to the house. Even though it was later, we put him in his crib and he slept about another hour or so. Enjoy the pictures and video (not good quality) of our great time at Playhouse Disney! We can't wait to visit Disney World for real!

   Mommy and Zachary
   Daddy, Zachary, and Pooh
   Zack and Pooh
   Zachary, Mickey and Little Einsteins

Here is Zachary before the show.

Pre-Show Playhouse Disney Live!! from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Zachary dancing to Choo-Choo Soul!! He's getting down.

Dancing at Playhouse Disney Live! from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

So much to say...

2008-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hey there blogger friends! So, there is much going on, but I'm too tired to type everything. Zack is growing and getting so smart everyday. I understand his speech better and better everyday. His sentences are really coming more intricate. David is doing well. He's been having a lot of weekend/overtime shoots. We are thankful for the work, but it takes away from some of the only couple/family time we have. I'm busy-busy too. The studio is coming along and will be finished this month! Woo Hoo. So excited for it.

I know I put pictures of Zack in the previous blog, but here is a slideshow that holds more pictures. Enjoy!

Zack's 2 year pictures

2 year pictures

2008-10-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took Zachary out to Knoch Knolls park in Naperville to get some pictures of him. He didn't cooperate a ton, but we got some good shots. Some of his best smiles were when I was hold him and giving kisses. Unfortunately, my head is in the way! We'll have to try to crop them out. Enjoy!

Tagged

2008-10-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

My friend Sam has "tagged" me to do this. It's been a while since I've blogged and I don't have anyone to send it too,so if you want to copy and paste-go for it!

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you. Sam Keen

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Write six random things about yourself.

4. Tag four - six people at the end of your post.

5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know your entry is on-line.

6 Random Things about Milli-

1) I love, love, LOVE Shrimp Tempura rolls. And most cooked sushi. I sometimes day dream about them. I seriously wish I could eat them everyday.

2) I sometimes wish my cats were dogs. Or one dog. When I throw something to them to play fetch with, they just blink and look away. When Zack says doggie, it's much cuter than kittie. Albeit, he does love them too.

3) I sometimes over due my fan-hood for the Colts. Hat, shirt, jacket... I can't help it. I love my team. I love football. I am secretly jealous of the family that gets all their pictures taken in Urlacher jersey's. Although, I will never buy a windbreaker jacket.

4) I wish I could have Zachary sleep with us every night and not have it "mess" him up as a grown up. I settle for picking him up in his sleep and rocking him.

5) My son is the funniest person I know. And my husband has the best laugh.

6) I really love fall. I used to be a summer nut, but I find myself looking forward to long sleeves and boots more and more each year. I still hate winter.

Tagged:

Suzanne

Why it sucks to be a Colts fan

2008-09-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

This blog is in no way meant to seem as if I'm turning from my team. I'm not. Some people may think it weird that I care so much about a team. I mean, it's not like I'm related to anyone playing. But, we come from a football family. Grew up with football and have grown to love the sport for everything it's about. Hailing from IN I grew up a huge fan of ND. We followed ND graduates, like Joe Montana. I would follow the NFL, but never tagged any as my own. Not until David came along. I guess you could say from there it was history. We were a Colts family. We have stayed true to our team from CA to IL. It's hard being a Colts fan in Bears country. We never get the games, we have to listen to bad fans trash talk, yada, yada, yada. However, winning the Super Bowl two years ago did help and felt good!

So, let me get to my point. It's tough coming from a team that looses maybe 4 times a year. And we haven't lost an opening game since like 2004. Needless to say, I'm not used to loosing. And I don't like it. I could give a list of reasons for the way we look...key injuries-like Jeff Saturday and Dallas Clark. But, we played and won, without Marvin Harrison last year. Our defense is giving up the run. But, we played and won the Super Bowl, with a not so stellar defense. But the biggest reason of all, I think, is that Peyton is rusty. He hasn't played since January. He had surgery and just looks like he hasn't gotten his sea legs back. All excuses. Maybe, just maybe, I'm thinking that this is just a way for us to get used to loosing. And, wouldn't I rather loose now than in the post season? Yes, I would. We just need to get to the post season. Believe me, I know it's worse for other teams. I mean it's not like I'm a Bears fan. Or a Raiders fan. Or a Dolphins fan. You know, where this happens every season.

And, not that I wish ill will towards anyone...but, if there was a season for this to happen, at least it's the season where Tom Brady isn't playing. That would just be horrific.

Nevertheless, I love my team!!! GO COLTS!!!

P.S. It's not even half time of the second game of the season. I just hope this isn't a long season. And if it is, oh well, we'll come back next year!!

Last Fling

2008-09-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

During Labor Day weekend Naperville holds a carnival called last fling. We went this year and Zachary had such a great time on the carousal and two different slide rides. Here's a slide show!

My baby is 2!!

2008-09-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Zachary turned 2 on the 29th of August! Can you believe it? He's awesome. We had a great weekend with family in town and a nice quiet birthday party for him. He has sat down and gone potty two times! Woo Hoo. I'm so ready to be done with diapers. He's talking more and more everyday. He's still very dramatic when things don't go his way, but he is such a good boy. Daddy and I love him so much!

Dance Dynamics Inc

2008-09-05T07:18:00.001-07:00

Dance Dynamics has officially started classes! It has been a crazy week in a temporary location, but it's happening! Brittnie and I are putting a deposit down at a new location today so we can start the build out! It should take around 50 days for them, then we need to get our permit and put in floors and mirrors. We hope to be in at the beginning of November! Some dancers coming from Oswego and Montgomery haven't been able to join us because the temporary location is just too far, but we are hoping that as soon as we reopen they will be with us.

We are holding auditions for our company this Saturday and are really excited about the number of people coming. We will have our first 6 year old! She'll probably have just a solo, but it's a start. We had 7 girls last year, lost 2, but have 8-9 new people wanting to join!!! I can't wait to see how everything plays out. We could double our size in one year!

Sorry I haven't been blogging as much. Running a business full time takes a lot! And, we don't have internet at the temporary location yet, so I can't do updates while I'm not teaching.

Through all of this, I have to say how awesome God is! I know he has been guiding my family and Brittnie and I through all of this. It's amazing. I know he has chosen this path for me and I am very eager to get it going! I have to also say how amazing the support from family, friends, and clients have been. I would've probably folded it up if not for them. Especially David and Zack at home and Amber in the office! She is amazing and will be the person to keep Dance Dynamics running the best way it can!!

Keep checking here and the website for more details! (www.dancedynamicsIL.com)

Our trip to the zoo!

2008-08-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday we went to the zoo for David's birthday. It was SOOO nice to spend some great time as a family. We don't often get that much time, so this was extra special. We only did 3 hours at the zoo, but Zack was a trooper and did awesome! I'll post another video. In this one, though, listen very carefully to the beginning, he says his name!! It's so cute!

Saying his name and watching dolphins from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

OMGosh!!! A NEW POST!!!

2008-08-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

So, I know that MIA doesn't even begin to cover the fact that I have not been blogging at all lately. Well, what can I say?? How about-"I'm a studio owner now and I have no time!!!" Yes! God has provided this amazing opportunity for my friend, Brittnie, and I. There is still so much going on, but we are ready for classes! We open Monday September 1 with a Grand registration day and then classes begin on September 2nd!! Check out our website (still no pictures) at www.dancedynamicsIL.com!

Thank you all so much for your love, support, and mostly--prayers!! God has been so amazing during all of this. He has truly blessed me!

Times, they are a-changing...

2008-08-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted and this one won't have pictures, but I needed to post. Our family is going through some personal and professional changes. If you haven't been informed, don't worry-all will reveal itself in due course. That line is from the movie EverAfter. A favorite of mine. We have much going on, but will update (hopefully with great news) soon. In the meantime, I am asking for all of your prayers. David and I need the Lord to guide us. We know his love for us is unyielding, but we are only human and therefore loose sight sometimes. He is walking with us, we can feel him. Thank you!

Zack, the Painter

2008-07-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

Videos of Zachary and Aalyah

2008-07-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple videos of Zachary and Aalyah at the park and then feeding the ducks at the Riverwalk.

Zachary and Aalyah go down the slide! from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Zachary and Aalyah feed the ducks! from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Ahh-Yee!

2008-07-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Translates into: Aalyah. He used to say "Lee-Yah" quite well, but when she came to visit last weekend it was "Ahh-Yee" instead. Oh well. We had a great time with her. She's getting so big and mature. I can't believe she'll be 10 already in September! I'm so old.

We didn't get Aalyah as long as we normally do, but it was a great time nonetheless. She was the first one to sleep in the new room and she loved it. She came to classes with me a couple times and enjoyed watching my dancers. One day when we got home from the studio Zachary was completely unconcerned with my return and just wanted the attention of his cousin! He loved having her here and we did too! It is one of my favorite parts of summer. I hope she enjoys coming to us and wants to continue it until we are old and gray! Enjoy some pictures!

On Sunday Zachary and I took Aalyah home and spent the day. We haven't been home in a while so it was worth the gas-that I happened to get for $3.83!! Really! I almost took a picture. Zack had fun in the garden with Pop-Pop and later fell asleep on a walk with Grandma and I. I'll post pictures of Grandma holding him sleeping (her favorite) and them him napping-upside down-in the toddler bed!

All the fishies...

2008-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

All the fishies... from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Check out Zack doing the "fishies" and then singing Row, Row, Row Your Boat!

Howdy, partners

2008-07-22T11:08:00.001-07:00

He's got his cowboy hat and his overalls. Pop Pop would be so happy and proud. He's ready for the farm!

Is it finally finished???....

2008-07-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Basically!!! Thank goodness! It was a lllooonnnggg weekend, but it was worth it! Of course, David and I could never do this on our own, so we had the help of PaPa and Nanny this weekend! Thank God for Don. He helped us do everything. Floors, trim, quarter round. Everything. Sally kept track of Zachary and this is what the room looks like now. So excited and pleased with it! We just need to get a closet organizer in there and the furniture.

It was done just in time. Aalyah is coming up for a visit at the end of this week, so she'll be the first guest to stay in the room! I'll post more pictures once we get the furniture in there.

Now we are painting the rest of the house. Indulgent Mocha (sounds wonderful doesn't it?). We are getting new carpet and new furniture, hopefully within the month, so everything will be complete by the big 2 year birthday party.

Thank you again, PaPa and Nanny for all of your help!

Throwing tantrums

2008-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

(it's hard to believe I can be so ornery)
It's been a while since I've posted, sorry. We are still in the process of finishing (read: never will end) house and my summer classes started last week, and I had a shower, and blah, blah, blah. Something the Hendryx household has been dealing with lately, though, are tantrums in public. You give me a reason and he'll throw a tantrum for it. So, as you can imagine with our endless home improvements this requires many a trip to Lowes/Home Depot. As you can also imagine, this also means endless tantrums in the ______ (insert noun here). So, I've taken to internet connection realm for help. I've received a ton of positive feedback and some great advise. It was put to the test this week when Zack and I had to run to the mall AND Sams Club all in one trip. He was an angel at the mall. Mainly because it was the first place, he could walk, and it took less than 5 minutes. However, I made sure to let Zachary know how proud I was of him and to make a big deal out of the sales associates comments on how cute and well behaved my child was. On to Sams. I was more worried about this place because I needed to have a cart and as of late, Zachary hates being put in the cart. So, I decided to let him push the cart on his own. He loved it! We got in and out of Sams with no problem. I told him before we left the house what the plans were and that if he was good he would get something "special." I made sure not to say snack or toy or anything because I was not sure. Well, the diapers that I needed has a Disney Sing Along with Mickey and Friends. Perfect! I opened it up when we got to the truck and he was able to hold the CD cover and listen happily as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy sang Row, Row, Row your Boat. We may be on to something here!!

Next, church...

Fun in the sun, followed by nasty weather!

2008-07-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

It's summer. It's the Midwest. These are all reasons that you can go from a perfect morning at the pool, to nasty-nasty storm later in the day. Luckily, I left my camera in Amber's stroller so she was able to capture the storm rolling in.

Earlier in the day, though. We took the kids to Pelican Harbor. It has become a weekly haunt for Zachary and I. He was excited to share it with Aubrey and Benjamin last week. Below is a picture of Aubrey posing and Zachary doing who-knows-what. Then you will see the storm!

Zack loves his Daddy!

2008-07-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

And I do too!

Pelican Harbor!!

2008-07-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Zachary to the Pelican Harbor water park for the first time this season. We went last year, but he hated it. So, I figured with the success we have had with swimming I would try. He LOVED it!! I love it too! The park charges you $5 for entry (total) and we get a "Parent-Tot" swim from 8-11am! We are restricted to the tot pool (less than 4 ft deep) and the Sprayville area, but it's not like we need much more. As long as the weather is nice, I'm going to plan on going once a week! Notice how he only wears his sunglasses on top of his head. He rarely puts them on his face!!

Aunt Cathy and Woof Woof!!

2008-07-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend. We took a trip to Indy for a friend's birthday party. We stayed with Cathy while we were down there. Nana and Papa made it up as well. On Friday we had dinner together and then Saturday we had a party and a cookout! Cathy has a golden retriever named Rowdy. Zack loved him! Renamed him Woof-Woof! He had a great time having Rowdy just follow him around! We had a good time watching the two of them. It was a busy weekend for Zachary and on the way back to Naperville he just passed out!

Happy Birthday Sophia!

2008-07-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our friend Sophia!! Last Wednesday was her 1st birthday! We took a trip to Indy for her birthday. It was a lot of fun!! She loved her cake! But, then again, who doesn't?

OK-give me cake already!
Suzanne, Sophia, Me, and Zack (he has on these crazy glasses that were at the party!)

How a loft becomes a bedroom

2008-07-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, the room has been made for a couple of weeks. But, we needed to paint and do a ton of stuff. Still working on that, but wanted to put pictures up of what we have. I will add to the slideshow when everything is done, so keep checking back!!

What's Happening?

2008-06-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

So, I realize it's been a while since my last post. Sorry. We are busy over here. David has a new reality series starting, I have rehearsals, Zack has tantrums to throw, and above all we are trying to paint the house! I have pictures of the loft and will put them up, I promise. I tried to with this post, but the site is not cooperating and not uploading them. It's too nice outside to struggle with it. I don't have the energy. I must save it for Zachary's next break down. Which will be in about 5 minutes when we go out for a bike ride, but he sees the car and isn't allowed inside to play. Oh the anguish. Oh the despair. For both of us!

Video of Zachary swimming

2008-06-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Zachary going underwater from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

More underwater from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

All of a sudden we have a water baby on our hands! Zachary loves to swim! Nana came with us to class on Monday. Here are some clips she took.

Boy enough to rock purple socks!

2008-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

We went to McDonald's yesterday for lunch with Nana, Amber, Aubrey and Benjamin. Nana, Zack, and I watched Benjamin before we went since Aubrey had a dentist appointment. Amber called to ask me to bring socks for Aubrey since you have to have them to play in the playplace. Well, I didn't think about bringing any for Zack, so I borrowed a pair. Benjamin and Aubrey share a room and Benjamin was sleeping when I grabbed two pairs. I totally thought the purple ones were black and yellow. I didn't even notice until we got to McDonalds. He rocked them out, though! Of course he has no idea that they were purple!

AMA Recitals

2008-06-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

June 7-8 were my recitals at AMA Dancers. The show was great! All the dancers did an amazing job! I got a lot of compliments on the dances. They all worked so hard all year. I am very proud of everyone!

Intermediate Ballet--Sleeping Beauty
Jazz III--Dance, Dance!
Ballet III--Blue Bells of Scotland

Low-Ri-Ders

2008-06-10T09:50:00.001-07:00

Zack has these super cute shorts (18 months) but they just hang so low on him. It's pretty funny--and of course cute!

It's Happened...

2008-05-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

See the mischievous smile? Yep, it's happened. I knew it would. I just wasn't sure when he'd be able to put all the pieces together. Sunday David took Buddy out of the crib to give to Zack. Zachary saw him and ran up to him screaming-"MINE!" Now that's what he says. Callahan was over for like 5 minutes yesterday and he just took things away and said "mine." We have to get some books on sharing...

5 Years Baby, yeah!

2008-05-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

David and I celebrated 5 years of wedded bliss on Saturday! Since we have a lot of home renovations in the works, we decided to do a one-night getaway to the city. Just the two of us. My sister, Amber, was so kind to take Zachary for us! Thanks, Amber!

Before we started off our day with breakfast as a family, David gave me his top secret gift. He had finished our wedding album! After we were married and moved to CA, we didn't have the $ to pay for a big album, so we spent the $ on prints and decided to do it ourselves. It's harder than we thought and it just got pushed back. Well, he finished the whole thing by himself!! It's awesome! Then, we headed downtown to do some shopping. It was cool out, but sunny. After check in we relaxed a bit and got ready for the night. We had reservations at Japonais (awesome!!) for dinner. We love sushi and it was the first time David had been. After dinner we just kind of walked around the gold coast area and called it an early night around 10-10:30ish. We are old and need the rest!

Breakfast at the Rock n Roll McDonalds rounded out our trip to the city and upon return we found our child happy and tattoo'd with a skateboarding Pluto on his inner forearm. We gotta watch out for Aubrey. We've heard her mom lets her put tattoos on her feet...

Overall the weekend was great. God has blessed me with such a wonderful family. AND-the most incredible husband in the whole wide world!

Zack drinks from a regular glass!

2008-05-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Drinking from a regular glass from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Zachary has started drinking from a regular glass! And, he does really well with it. He rarely ever spills. Seriously. He seems to do better with our glasses than child sized ones. He takes it really slow until he figures it out. He's just growing up so much!

Floor-it's the new plate.

2008-05-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

So, Friday morning I decided I would go all out for my baby boy and actually make us scrambled eggs for breakfast. I usually put shredded cheese in our eggs. Well, being the coordinated master I am, I spilled the cheese. Zack was so hungry that he didn't care where it was, he was going to eat it. Then, Sage decided to join in.

Potty Advise

2008-05-17T17:52:00.001-07:00

OK, so I need some advise... A couple months ago when we were at the Children's Museum with Amber, Aubrey, and Benjamin; Zack saw Aubrey going to the bathroom. Since then he has become more and more curious about the toilet. It first started with just lifting his shirt and the lid. When I tried to sit him on it he'd freak out. Well, then he let me sit him on it, but he'd have to have his diaper on. Then, he let me sit him on it without his diaper. This past Friday I decided to buy him his own training potty. At first he didn't really know what to do with it. But, tonight he let me take his diaper off him (he was naked) and he would open the lid and sit all the way down on it. He'd kind of giggle then get up and close the lid. We did this for about 5 minutes. He didn't want to leave it for pj's. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think he's ready to be potty trained. My question is, however, do you think this is making him think that the potty is just a toy/game and when he's really ready it will be harder for him. OR, is this a great first step? Zachary is 20 1/2 months old. Any thoughts on this or maybe suggestions of other things to keep encouraging him to use it would be helpful! Thanks!

Dance Dynamics Dance Company ROCKS!

2008-05-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

So, our last competition came and went this past weekend. Our girls did amazing, as they always did! They have grown so much! While I'm sad that I won't get to see the girls rocking it out on stage, I am looking forward to more weekends at home. Albeit, David and Zachary were very understanding and actually came to two of the competitions. Zack always did so well. He'd clap and go "Yeah!" for all the teams when they were done performing. Now I just have recital season to look forward too!!

Ali, Patricia, Morgan, Rebecca, Emily, Martyna, and Tibet-thank you for an awesome year! I look forward to more to come!

So much to say, so much to do.

2008-05-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

So much has gone on since the last time I blogged. A week ago (yes, that long) a childhood friend came up with her daughter. Suzanne and I have known each other since middle school. We cheered together in high school and were roommates in college. We seriously talk almost everyday on email or text. BUT-I have never met her 11 month old daughter, Sophia! I was so happy that they were able to come up and stay over night with us. It was a short visit, but I'm so glad there was a visit! On Thursday they were here by the time I got home from classes and we just hung out. Zack was in a very non-sharing mood (of course) and that got Sophia upset, but by Friday morning he was will to let her take the wheel on some things! On Friday we took them down to the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville. Well, I forgot that there was construction on it, so it wasn't very scenic for them! But, we did get to feed the ducks and geese. And, Zack smudged his hand in goose poop and Sophia ate dirt and trees. Overall, a good morning! Luckily Suzanne was able to make it back to Indianapolis even though I gave her the wrong directions all weekend!!

Sunday was Mother's Day and even though I was finishing up my last competition it was a great day. Dad and Pauline were in town, so I got to see them for a few hours in the morning. I got some very nice anti-aging stuff (lame? not so much for me) and a new bottle of perfume. It smells great.

This weekend David has a wedding in Indianapolis and since he has to leave on Friday, we have decided I will stay home with Zachary. Who can afford the gas?? Even though I'll miss David, I am really looking forward to having so much time with Zachary and some alone time!

We have a busy May! Next weekend is David and I's 5 year anniversary!! We are going downtown on Saturday night while Zack stays with the Stefanski's. We are looking forward to sleeping in and spending some hard earned $ on ourselves! Then on the 31st I finally tunr 21 (;p)!! I can't wait. And, if you did the math that made me 16 when I was married... When I tell some of my students, they believe me... Oh well, It changes between 21 and and 25, but 21 is more youthful, so I'll stick with that!

Oh Toodles!

2008-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Zachary loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It's his favorite show. Thank goodness it's On-Demand so we can have it anytime we need! Well, starting last week when he was watching it he started calling out "Toodles!" It's great. He'll say it along with the show and then just randomly during the day. I try to incorporate "mouse-ka-tools" into our day. Usually, they are just diapers and wipes! But hey, those are great tools!

Also, I have started working with Zachary to be able to memorize and recall certain objects in books. Each afternoon before nap I will read the same book and have him point out the same object to me. I just started this last week. We have a team sport book about football, so it has a football on each page. Everyday we would read it and I would ask him to point to the football. It wasn't always easy because sometimes the kids were holding it or throwing it. By Friday he was able to show me every picture of the football! It was great. So, this week (and maybe next) I am working on animals in his favorite book-"Going To Sleep On The Farm." At the end of each animal's bed time routine they show all the animals on the farm, so it's a great way to continually see all the animals. I'm excited about this new connection he's having.

We have friends coming into town this Thursday/Friday. So excited! Suzanne and her daughter Sophia are coming up from Indianapolis to stay with us Thursday night and then we'll have the morning together on Friday. I have a competition in Waukegan, IL and she has plans to meet with other friends, so it works out perfectly. I haven't met Sophia yet (10 months!) and I'm excited for Zachary and her to play. I'll have great pictures after the weekend!

Swimming and NO!

2008-04-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

Today was Zachary's first swim lesson at the Y! I know, I know, we have waited entirely too long to do it. Well, I just happened to check the booklet last week and realized that was the first week of the new session! We missed one week, but that's not too bad. Last summer we took Zack to the pool to play. He hated it. Not kidding. He didn't want to be in the water at all. He sat on the concrete next to the pool and played. He didn't even want to splash! So, I was a little nervous that he might not like it. Especially since the pool water would be cold. We got changed in the locker room without incident and met another boy in the class named Matthew. He and Zachary were about the same height but Matthew is 3! When I first set Zachary on the deck he was hesitant for a second. I showed him how to splash and he was all about it. When we actually went into the pool he walked down the steps himself. The class is a half an hour. He did so good for the first 20 minutes then he started getting cold. But doing more activities kept his attention. I might have to get a swim shirt or something for him. Or, if it would ever get warm outside...that might help. So, now we are home, have a good lunch in us and he's sleeping and I'm about ready to too!

See my big horse on my swim trunks?
Got my cell, I'm ready for the pool!
Aren't I just the cutest??? My trunks are for 12 months, but now they won't fall off my but! They'll just be a little short!

Zack has also learned the word, "NO." But, it's not as bad as I thought (so far). He just says it like a word. It has no meaning yet. "Zachary, what did you do today?" "No." "Zachary, do you want a muffin." "No." Well, you know that's wrong because he clearly wants a muffin! It's kind of funny to hear him say it. At least he's not screaming "NO!" in the middle of a store.

I can't drive...at all!!

2008-04-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Driving in the Jeep from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Here is some video from last weekend when Zack discovered his love for playing in the Jeep. He wants to be in there all the time now!

Roller Slide!!

2008-04-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Roller Slide!! from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Enjoy some video of Zachary going down the roller slide at the park. He tries to go back up it!!

We love visitors!!

2008-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Friday we got to watch Benjamin in the morning while Amber got a massage. Lucky her!! And, lucky us! Since Aubrey was at her "school" it was really the first time we got chubby-bubby Benjamin all to ourselves! He is such a happy little baby! Zachary loves when he's around. He wants to be sure he knows what Benjamin is up to at all times! Benjamin is such a great baby. He rarely fusses and is just so much fun to be around! We spent the great weekend outside playing and having a great time. Zachary will fall to his knees and start crying when it's time to come in!

On Monday we got more visitors! Terri and Christina come over with their sons-Noah and Caleb, respectively. We've had lots of fun play dates with Caleb, but it was one our firsts with Noah and the first one with all three of us! Zachary had to nap and didn't get too much time with the two boys, but we know that there will be many to come! Terri and Christina are great friends from college. Their friendships are something that I treasure and am so thankful and blessed to have!!!

Christina, Caleb, Zachary, and Noah

Nana is great!

2008-04-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I posted anything and I have no pictures, but I'll update a little. I had a competition this weekend in University Park and all went well. Except for one horrible judge. I hate to blame things on judges, but this time it's true. It was ridiculous how rude he was to us. We have the CD's to prove it! Well, after calling and complaining we have discovered that several companies from their Chicago competition have complained about him.

On Sunday afternoon Nana came into town to help out with Zachary while David was in Las Vegas until Thursday morning. She was such a HUGE help and Zachary just loved having her here. When he wakes from his nap I know he'll be looking for her. David enjoyed his trip. I had to take him to the airport at 4:30AM on Monday and picked him up at 1AM this morning. So, needless to say I'm exhausted. David and I have Sunday off together and I hope to get some pictures put up then and to spend time with my boys!!

SPRING!!!!

2008-04-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Spring came (and went) this past weekend. Not knowing when another good weekend would come, we decided to get out and enjoy the ample sunshine. We went down to the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville. Starting off at the playground it was so fun watching Zachary enjoy the jungle gym. His favorites are the slides. They had a tunnel slide, a roller slide, and a curvy slide. He figured out how to go down them and then started going down on his tummy! Feet first of course. We also took a walk and let Zack feed the ducks. There weren't too many around, but he figured out how to throw the goldfish crackers in to make them come. He didn't want to leave them and actually tried to climb down into the river! On Sunday David visited friends in his hometown and I got Aubrey and Benjamin for the afternoon. We took a trip down to the park at the end of our street and played a little while. Zack loved it, again, and was showing off all the things he mastered the day before. He was even able to climb up the stairs that didn't have any railings.

He is talking a ton. Basically repeats everything. Including--"Oh Sh*t!" Which comes out-oh, chit. Nice... But, it's not all the time and we don't laugh or give a response so it's just "one of his phrases" now. It's not often at all and we are hoping if he doesn't hear it he won't use it. I love hearing everything he comes up with. He really likes saying-"Ready, Set, GO!" like his Mickey Mouse fire truck says. He will also say bye-bye to everyone he sees! Enjoy a few pictures of him going down the roller slide!

Visit with Sam and Maggie

2008-04-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Later on Thursday, Zachary and I visited with Sam and Maggie Keen. I used to watch Maggie when she was like 3 months old, for a couple of months. She's 16 months now and just so fun to watch. Unfortunately, Zachary wasn't very interactive as he had not slept too much, didn't have pacifiers anymore, and is breaking in new teeth. Maggie has all of hers but one molar. That's nuts! I wish Zachary was done with his!! Sam and I are looking forward to summer so we can get together and do things outside with the kids. Not only have I loved watching Zachary grow, but I love seeing where Maggie is. A year ago I was trying to get her to nap more, like tummy time, not spit up...stuff like that. Today, she's running around, shhing her baby, telling the dog to be quiet, and trying to sneak up the stairs. It's amazing how God blesses us with wonderful (and hectic) miracles!

Off to Aunt Amber's house we go

2008-04-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Zack and I went to Amber's to hang out a little and visit with our friend Julie and her little one, Noah. I also took the exercauser over so that Benjamin can start playing in it. He is 4 months old now! Once I brought it in Zack decided to crawl underneath it. No idea why, really, but the did. Got stuck just once and made it out the other side. When Julie got there we decided to put Noah in it and Aubrey became so upset because it was for her baby brother Benjamin. She got over it--eventually. Amber and I kept trying to get Aubrey to show us her ballet moves. It took a while, but she finally started showing me her tendus and passes! It's always a fun time visiting with friends and cousins! But, when we came home I noticed I had forgotten Buddy at Amber's. Well, day two of no pacifiers I really couldn't expect him to sleep without both. He talked for about 20 minutes, fell asleep (I was shocked!) for about 20 minutes and then woke up so upset. So, no nap for us. Then it was on to Sam and Maggie's house for some fun too! Check out the other blog for that!

Mommy and Me

2008-04-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Bye-Bye Pacifiers

2008-04-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day that Zachary no longer gets his pacifiers. We started at nap time. I brought the pacifiers downstairs and cut the sucker off of them. We stood by the trash can and I gave them to Zack. He tried to get them in his mouth. He looked confused. He would turn to me and kind of ask what was wrong. I told him that since he was a big boy now he didn't need his pacifiers anymore and that they should go in the trash. It took a while for the first one to go into the trash, but he loves throwing things away, so he threw the second one away. Then it was nap time. After an hour of screaming and one poopy diaper later he finally went to sleep. We will see how this evening goes. He usually gets his nebulizer before bed and the pacifier helps. We are transitioning to an inhaler once these treatments are done. We decided to go for it this week since I am on spring break and can kind of "handle" getting up with him during the night. I think that might be hard too. I will keep you all updated.

Meanwhile, last Friday when I came in to get him from his nap he was standing in the pose. SO cute. Resting his head on his hand and legs crossed. Enjoy the last pictures with him and his pacifiers!

A chilly visit???

2008-03-27T12:01:00.001-07:00

Amber brought Aubrey and Benjamin over today to play and eat lunch. The two mainly bicker over which toys they should (and shouldn't) be playing with. Today was no exception. But, something new they did today was play in their coats. No idea why. Maybe they are just as sick of the cold as the rest of us!! Zack brought his coat out to me to put on, so I did. Then, next thing I knew, Aubrey had hers on too! Benjamin slept almost the whole time, but I got to play with him a little after he was done eating and the kids were having their lunch (hot dogs, mac and cheese, and veggies). He's such a happy baby and just smiles and smiles! After lunch Benjamin was on the floor and Zack thought it a good idea to lay on him. Such a weirdo. Luckily no one was hurt! We love to play with our cousins. Today after Zack gets up from his nap I'm gonna go buy him new shoes. He's in a size 5, but the store where we bought his Easter shoes told us he should be in a 6. So, I'll go get him some new kicks!!

Hunting Easter Eggs

2008-03-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Finding Easter Eggs from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Zack rocking and blowing kisses

2008-03-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Zack rocking and blowing kisses from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Easter Slideshow

2008-03-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah He is Risen!!

2008-03-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! We had a wonderful weekend. We went home to IN on Saturday and didn't get back until yesterday afternoon. It was so good to be home. We haven't been since October. Too long!

Mass was great. We went to the church where we were married. We wanted to see the priest that married us, but he didn't perform mass on Sunday. Oh well. It was still nice to be there. The church is beautiful and knowing that we are saved because Christ died for us is humbling and overwhelming. Zack was OK at first, but after about an hour he had had enough! So, there was turn taking in the back letting him walk around. After church Zack got to hunt for eggs and check out his stuff from the Easter Bunny. He actually did a really good job hunting for eggs. He would find them and keep hold of them. Then he would start yelling "ball!" and throw the eggs and crack them!! It was pretty funny!

Aalyah spent a lot of time with us too and Zachary loved having her around. He did say her name once during the weekend. It's a hard name to say, too!! He did really well with Grandma and Grandpa, saying both of their names as well. He loved that they would pick him up whenever he wanted! I have a ton of pictures from the weekend and then video of him finding eggs. Amber is going to show me how to download a slideshow, so I will have them up on Thursday!!

First Bubble Bath!

2008-03-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday when David was sick in bed I decided to give Zachary his first bubble bath. I had bought him some Spongebob bubbles and was very excited to see how he did. Zachary loves bath time, so I thought this would be an easy transition. Not really, but not horrible. I let him watch me pore the bubbles in so he could see them start. Well, at first he didn't want to get in the bath tub. Then once he got in, he didn't want to sit down. I ended up getting in the tub with him. He ended up sitting down after a while. All he did, though, was try to get the bubble off of his hands. He wasn't bothered by them and kind of laughed, but it just kept flicking them off. It got to be amusing. He didn't want to play with any of his toys. Since I was in the tub with him, I didn't get any pictures. I will next time.

Zachary hasn't been feeling very well this week. I think he got my cold.

New Computer!!

2008-03-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've posted anything! Sorry. Our computer died and we just got a new one. Got a Mac and it's awesome. So, when I figure out how to the pics on here and everything I will get new things on here.

Nana and Aunt Cathy were up this weekend. It was great! Aunt Cathy taught Zack how to stick out his tongue! But, luckily he forgot and didn't remember by Sunday morning. It was pretty funny, though! We did some shopping and Nana bought Zachary his Easter outfit. It's so cute! He looks like such a grown little boy in it! I will put pictures up after this weekend.

We are going home to my family's house for Easter and we are so excited! We haven't been home since October and that is much too long! Well, I will get more on once I have more time to sit on the computer and figure it out!

First Sentence!!!

2008-03-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Zachary said his first "sentence" today! I haven't been feeling well, so Zack and I were sitting on the couch this morning. Me trying not to think too hard of how much I don't feel good and him watching Playhouse Disney and on Playhouse Disney on the computer. He's a multi-tasker already! When David came over to give kisses he said-"Bye, bye Zack." Zack answered back-"Bye, Bye Daddy!" It was awesome! So, David kept saying "bye-bye" and Zack kept saying back-"Bye, Bye Daddy!" I swear there have been times he's said other sentences, but nothing has ever been repeated. This did. He is great. I was so excited, but couldn't give him any kisses to celebrate!

I have been under the weather for the past couple of days. Started feeling bad on Saturday night. I spent the whole day yesterday, basically, in bed and I don't feel any better today. I was able to find a sub for my classes. Thanks to Lauren for subbing and thanks to Ann Marie for letting her come in. So, now I can hopefully get more rest when David comes home.

Looking forward to this weekend. Nana and Aunt Cathy are supposed to be coming into town. They were supposed to come in last weekend, but the OH valley got crazy snow. Guess it all worked out since I wasn't feeling well!

Friday we went into the city to visit with Caleb and Christina. Here is a dated picture of the two of them. For those of you who don't know-Caleb and Zachary are future Hall of Fame, MVP, Super Bowl winning teammates with the Indianapolis Colts! Caleb is super cute and is just learning to walk on his own! Very cute and very smart! I forgot my camera, so I'll update the blog when Christina sends some of the ones she snapped!

I love my cousins

2008-03-05T18:34:00.001-08:00

Friday we got to spend some time with Aubrey and Benjamin. Zack was very curious about Benjamin and kept giving him kisses. Aubrey and Zack just played "don't touch that I'm playing with it now, no now, and now, and now too," all day! ;)

Shh...I'm reading

2008-03-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

So, the other day I was upstairs getting ready and Zack was upstairs with me. He doesn't like to hang out in the bathroom if I'm not letting him brush his teeth, so out the door he goes. He loves being in his room playing with everything. Normally I can hear him talking to himself and playing. Well, this day I couldn't. He was being very quiet, so into the room I burst and there Zack is, sitting on his rocking chair reading his still favorite "book of the week," Going to Sleep on the Farm. It was so cute. He just sat there and "read" himself the book. I'm so glad he loves books and loves to read. Hopefully this is something he will continue into school age and adulthood! Luckily, I was able to get some great pictures of it!

18 month check up

2008-03-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

Busy weekend! David and I spent the weekend re-doing the downstairs bathroom and buying a new fridge! The bathroom isn't 100% finished, but it's getting there. We took away the lilac purple and put up a silver blueberry. It's really nice! Turned out better than I thought. David did such a great job getting most all of it ready and painted. Then, when it was my turn to paint and touch up, he spent his time trying to entertain Zachary. Try telling an 18 month old he can't see his mommy! We bought a new refrigerator on Friday too. Thank goodness!! Finally!! It will be delivered on Wednesday and it couldn't come soon enough. I will post pictures when everything is finished.

Today was Zack's 18 month appointment with his new doctor-Dr. Olsen. It went really well! He is 33.75 inches and 25 lbs! He only grew 3/4 of an inch in the past 3 month, but gained 2 lbs! Dr. Olsen said he is 90% bigger than most boys his age. I was like-he always has been! Dr. Olsen also said that his motor skills are very good and that they will just continue to get better and somewhat dare-devilish! He also said that he is very impressed with his speech and that he is somewhat advanced! He said that he should have between 5-10 words by now and Zack has 13! He can say: Mama-Daddy-Aubrey (Ah-gee), Kitty, Thank You, Cookie, Cracker, Hi, Bye, Quack, Ball, Uh Oh, OK.

He also got one shot today and did very well with it! So, overall a great appointment!

I put a slideshow up, so hopefully it works!

Shake, shake, shake your booty!

2008-02-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

As you've seen in previous posts, Zachary loves to dance! He's quite good at it too. Well, he has started dancing in the most unusual spot-the changing table! Since he was about 9 months old Zack has just thrown a fit when he gets changed. The things David and I have tried to come up with as distraction methods is endless. I've hated this phase he was in. But now, I'm not too sure... Here's the thing. If he would scream, whatever, we could find something (a book, pacifier) to distract him, but with this new thing--not so much. When I go to wipe his bottom and I have his ankles held together and lifted in the air he starts "singing" and shaking his bottom back and forth. It's funny if you are reading this, but not funny when he's getting poop everywhere and when I try to wipe it goes here and there. Meanwhile, he's having a blast just shaking his bum all around. So, I'm not sure which one I'd rather take-the crying baby or the poop wiping butt shaker. It's all relative I guess!

Lately everytime we go into the upstairs bathroom all Zack wants to do is play with the toothbrushes. Just not his. He doesn't like his toothbrush and likes even less to get his teeth brushed. He will not hold his or play with it, but will stand there and "brush" his teeth with ours. He'll even grab the toothpaste and try to put it on the bristles. Oh well. Maybe we should just try getting him a big one and using his toothpaste on it. I'm sure he'll figure it out sooner or later!

Oh the wonderful things Zachary can do!

2008-02-25T19:47:00.001-08:00

Things I can show you! from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Superman Dance

2008-02-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

Zack's Superman Dance from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Here is Zack doing his Superman Dance. It's not like the "superman" from "Soulja Boy", but more like the real Superman!!

How is this even possible????

2008-02-24T18:07:00.001-08:00

That's it! You're in time out!

2008-02-24T18:05:00.001-08:00

Zachary has started putting "Monkey" and "Turtle" in time out! It's hilarious!

Can't wait for next year...

2008-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

We finally got Zack to wear his ball cap long enough to take some pictures!!!

Coloring and using spoons!!

2008-02-24T17:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Sunday! We've had an eventful few days. I got Zachary a new set of crayons, colored pencils, and coloring book. He loves them! Thank goodness they are washable! Zachary just can't get enough of them. He wants to carry them with him at all times. He is very good at scribbling. That's about it, but it's a start!

We also started letting Zack use a spoon to feed himself. Albeit, he's well versed at using a fork all by himself, we have just started with the spoon. I got him some yogurt and thought we would give it a try. He actually did very well with it! Of course there was yogurt all over, but that would've probably happened regardless!

David finished the garage and it looks amazing! David did such an awesome job! We have so much space now. We have started getting things ready to update the house. We are going to try to convert our full loft into a third bedroom, so if you know any contractors, send them our way. We went and got samples for paint of the downstairs bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

I will also post some video of Zachary doing his "superman" dance. He has one arm up in the air and spins around. It's great.

Peek-a-boo

2008-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

The stocking hat from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

David and Zachary enjoy a game of peek-a-boo. Click the link to enjoy the video!

The Dancing Hat

2008-02-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

The dancing hat from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Here is video of Zack dancing--again--but this time in a hat!

The Many Hats of Zack

2008-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

The past couple of days Zack has been very interested in David's hats. Sunday he was playing with his stocking hat and then on Monday when he woke up he found David's Mets hat and wore it all morning. Even during breakfast! Here are some of those pictures. I will put some video of him playing with it too.

The duck on the farm goes quack, quack, quack

2008-02-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Zachary is getting so smart! I'm sure every mother thinks this of their child of Zack's age. We have been learning animals and sounds lately. He knows if I say "duck," to make a beak with his hands and say "quack, quack, quack." This morning when we were in the bathroom I showed him his rubber duckie and asked him what it was. He grabbed it and responded with a "quack, quack, quack!" It was awesome. Usually David plays espionage games with the duck in the bath tub, so it's great to see him relating it to other things as well! He first did the hand and sound of the duck when we were reading his new "book of the week" at bedtime this past Friday. Going To Sleep On The Farm is a great book that goes through animals on the farm and how they go to sleep. It was a gift from a friend and one of my favorite books. When it says-And that's how a duck goes to sleep-quack, quack. That's how a duck goes to sleep. He started mimicking. It was great! I totally recommend it!

The last "new" thing Zachary is all about right now is sticking his magnet letters into the VCR. Really? We don't even use it. I'm not quite sure why we have it set up, really. He has never played with it before. Then, all of a sudden, on Sunday afternoon he started stuffing the letters in it. And, that is all he wants to do with the letters. And, he gets them in there!!

So, that is our update for Monday. New revelations, new books, and new quirks. Lots of things going on in Zachary's world!

New Game

2008-02-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

Head Butting from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Click to see David and Zachary's new "game."

Lord of the dance

2008-02-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

More dancing from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Click for more of the master of the side-to-side dance!!

Zachary dancing!!

2008-02-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

Zack Dancing from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Here is some Zack dancing. He usually busts out a few more moves, but this is pretty good. More dancing to come!

Playing the piano

2008-02-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Playing piano from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Enjoy the video of Zack playing with the piano!

Great weekend!

2008-02-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a couple of days, but I've been getting good video and pictures ready to post! Thursday, Aubrey came over and I got some good pictures of the kids making silly faces! Aubrey started dance class with me on Saturday and it was so fun to see her in class. She did so good! Amber said she kept asking where Zachary was! On Saturday we got Zack's hair cut. It was in need for sure! It was getting long around the ears! Also on Saturday David and I went out for a much needed baby-free dinner date. We tried out Domo 77. It was OK. It took forever to get our drinks and orders taken. The sushi was OK. Their Volcano rolls were really good. The meat was very good, though, and very well cooked. A dancer from my studio sat for Zack, but he was asleep the entire time we were gone. Today we are just relaxing a little. It was David's turn to sleep in this morning and he is now busy at work in the garage. Now that football is over we are going to have to figure out something else to do on Sunday's. We figure we'll start upgrading the house! Anyway, enjoy a couple pictures of the kids and then I have like 4 videos!

Helping with dishes

2008-02-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

Helping mom with dishes from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

Click the link to watch my little helper!!

He's a...Heartbreaker...

2008-02-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Not that we really celebrate. Sure we exchange cards, but it's mainly a reason to get a sitter and go out to dinner. However, this year dinner will have to wait until this weekend. I will be spending tonight in classes with all of my students. Even though we don't celebrate, it's always nice to have a day to show our love for others. And not just l'amore. The love for Christ, a friend, a husband, a wife, a son, a daughter. You get it. Hope you all enjoy your day with your loved ones and to make sure you tell everyone you love them!

Daddy opening a card from Zachary

He's an Official Heartbreaker--for sure!!

New favs

2008-02-13T10:34:00.001-08:00

So, just as expected, we have moved on from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Zachary is now fascinated with being upstairs, like 24/7, and his froggy mobile on his crib. We will come downstairs to eat and play and it seems if I leave him for a second (like long enough to put the dishes in the dishwasher or such) he is upstairs playing. He loves being up there! He will go into his room, turn on his night light, space heater, and radio. Then he'll start pulling all of his books into the loft to "read." So, we've been spending time upstairs a lot. It's kind of funny to watch his little quirks emerge.

He has also developped this love for his mobile. He has never really paid too much attention to it. That's why we still have it up. Now, instead of getting a story before nap he will just point to his crib and then when I put him in, he'll lay and point to the mobile and blabber a few words and then laugh at it until he falls asleep. It's pretty funny. He doesn't try to grab or anything. He just likes watching the froggies dance around above him.

This week has been a crazy one and it's only Wednesday. Due to the weather yesterday (yep, more snow) Zack spent a few hours at the studio while I was teaching. He's there enough that he is comfortable being there. We have this weekend off from company rehearsals and I am so looking forward to spending good quality time with my two favorite boys in the whole world!

Talking in the tub

2008-02-11T11:38:00.001-08:00

Talking in tub from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

To pacifier or not?

2008-02-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm at a bit of a crossroads with Zachary's pacifiers. I'm really wondering if we should just "kick the habit" or if there is any real harm in him using them. He LOVES his pacifier. Loves it. If he sees it, he wants it. I know that he is almost 18 months, but not sure if it really is a big deal if he has it or not. This past Sunday evening/Monday morning I let him have it during the day just to see how he would deal with it. He loved having it. He would take it out to talk, snack, and play. On Monday morning he actually put it back in his crib before we came down for breakfast. After snack he went upstairs (by himself) and by the time I followed him up he had gotten his pacifier. I let him bring it downstairs and he kept it in his mouth for a while and then he discarded it and didn't find it again until after lunch. So, I'm really just wondering if I should let him have it if he needs/wants and let him decide when to leave it. I think for sure I won't take it when we go places like the store and stuff. But, if he wants it, what is the harm?? Comments on this would be great.

Blowing raspberries on mommy

2008-02-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

Blowing raspberries on mommy from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

This video is old and taken during the summer. Click on the title and enjoy!

Video of Playing in the snow

2008-02-11T08:02:00.001-08:00

Playing in the snow from Amelia Hendryx on Vimeo.

It's been a long winter...

2008-02-10T17:32:00.001-08:00

Seriously, can it get any colder?? This whole -5 as a high is just old!
We have cabin fever. No, he's not a newborn and it wouldn't kill us to take him outside, but who actually wants to go outside? I didn't actually hear whether Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow or not, but it's apparent winter is here for another 6 weeks...

Last night I had my dance company's sleepover at the studio in Aurora. We all hung out and decorated the costumes. Stayed up watching movies and doing hair and make up. Not so much as a fun girls' hang out, but because they need to know how to do these things for competitions coming up in March. When we woke this morning it was seriously -5 outside. I think it climbed to 0 today. Watch out! Heat Wave!! So, we stayed inside all day, watched the final game of football until this fall :( , and had a fire going all day long! Looks like we will have wind chills down to -20/-30 range and then 3-6 inches of snow through tomorrow. Have I mentioned how glad we are that we ever moved back from LA????