This morning he’s filling up the ice cream buckets and moving his toys from one spot to another. Now that the toys are dumped out on top of the toy box, he’s using the bucket as a chair. When I think about it, I’m not that different from him. I enjoy sorting things; it gives me great satisfaction to see things organized and put away. I also derive great joy from finding new uses for things. It’s funny how similar we are despite the difference in age.

SHAVING CREAM FUN!!!!!

Evan

Messy hands!!!

Eli

Playing in the shaving cream.

Ewwey gooey squishy!!!

Even Noah had fun. Although we decided next time to give him whipped cream, he tried eating the shaving cream and didn’t think it was yummy.

Eli and his messy hands!!

Look at me!!!

Ahhhh!!!! Messy Alexis!!

Alexis let me put her hair in pigtails. So stinkin’ cute!!!!

Messy fun!!!!

I’m a boy! I’m messy! I’m lovin’ it!!

Alexis drawing pictures.

After our messy fun and a bath, they are settled on the couch, in their jammies, eating popcorn. So cute!!! It was fun a really fun evening.

Taco-Stuffed Pepper Cups

Ingredients:

• 3 medium green peppers
• 1 lb. lean ground turkey
• 2 tbsp chopped onion
• 1 can (16oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 c. fat-free sour cream
• 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/4 c. chopped tomato

Directions:

1. Preheat  oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large skillet, cook the turkey and onion over medium heat until meant is no longer pink; drain.
3. Cut peppers in half, clean out the seeds.
4. Stir in beans, tomato sauce and taco seasoning; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5-6 mins until headed through.
6. Spoon into peppers.
7. Place in an ungreased baking dish.
8. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until peppers are tender.
9. Top with sour cream, cheese and tomato.

Happy New Year!!

                Every year around this time, I often find myself saying, “wow, the year went by so fast!!” Do you find yourself saying that too? I decided to not push myself to get our Christmas letter out before Christmas. I’m learning to slow down and prioritize more. God has given us many challenges this year but has also blessed us, very richly!!

Dave had an eventful year. He started off the year working full-time for FedEx and now, has spent the past 4 months home with the boys. He is truly enjoying his time at home with the boys. Dave had surgery in July to repair a broken jaw he sustained during a softball game. He was on a liquid diet for six weeks: not fun! He has also kept himself busy with his band, My Fall Lament. They had a few gigs this fall; unfortunately, I haven’t been able to attend any yet. They are typically during the week and late at night. He has also spent a lot of time playing for the worship team at church—a truly blessed time. Dave and I took time to read the Five Love Languages, and now know how to better serve and love each other. He has been busy filling my ‘love tank’ by doing a lot of small projects around the house. Our laundry/storage room is almost done (in an unfinished way) and the downstairs bedroom is nearly done.

Eli turned three on November 11. My baby is three!!!! He is so talkative, imaginative, busy, playful, loving, stubborn and tenderhearted. Eli has transitioned into big brotherhood very well. He does a great job of caring for and playing with his little brother. But he can be a bit of a stinker as well. He has been known to hit Noah, sit on Noah and yell at Noah…all the things big brothers tend to do. Eli had his third open-heart surgery this summer. We spent two weeks in the hospital waiting for the ‘all clear’ from the doctors. While in the hospital Eli ate A LOT of chips and salsa, fought taking his medication, played with his cars, took some naps, went for A LOT of walks and watched A LOT of movies. In looking at him now, you would never know he had open-heart surgery 5 months ago. His color is fantastic, his saturation levels are in the high 90’s and he has energy…A LOT of it.

Noah turned one on November 15^th. My baby is one!!! He is so much fun to watch grow up. He is so busy, so cuddly, so talkative (lots of babbling, mom, dada, up), learning to sign (more, all done, milk, eat) and so sweet. Noah has mastered the younger brother ‘annoying me’ tactics very well. He always wants to be by Eli, do whatever Eli is doing and more often than not, Eli doesn’t want him around. Noah is very curious and can be helpful…sometimes. He does a great job of taking stuff out of something, but will then try to put it back. Just this week Noah took off walking. He’s been taking a few steps here and there, walking along stuff but now he’s walking! He’s sweet and I enjoy loving on him as often as I can.

I’ve been doing alright. I had an interesting year at work; I’m still work for CESA #11. I was partially laid off but then reinstated back to full-time a few months later. I dropped several districts due to caseload changes and travel a lot less this year than in the past. It’s been crazy but I still truly enjoy my job. Dad, Brianna and I celebrated Mom’s one-year anniversary by having a picnic in the cemetery with her. It was a beautiful fall day and we had a wonderful time being together and remembering Mom. As we were packing up, Brianna said, “That was fun. We should do this every year.” Dad and I agreed. I’ve had a tough year emotionally but I keep reminding myself to lean on God’s grace and to have hope in Him. It’s been a challenge, but I know He’ll bring me through it.

As a family we took a vacation back in February. We went to Puerto Vallarta, MX with Dave’s parents. Just an FYI to all you travelers out there, NEVER fly internationally via standby. It seriously felt like the trip that wouldn’t end. It took us 2 days to get there and 2 days to get home. Despite travel horrors, we had a wonderful time relaxing in the sun, lots of pool time and lots of Grandma and Grandpa time.

Please follow us on our blog, www.theburlingames.com. I intend to do a better job of updating our blog on a more regular basis with news, information and pictures of my sweet boys.

We hope and pray you all have a truly wonderful New Year!!

Our family Christmas

Eli is opening his new puzzle.

Noah being his cute self! He wasn’t sure what to think about opening presents, but he had fun nonetheless.

My boys opening their presents.

Burlingame Christmas

Alexis and Eli helping Grandma make dinner rolls.

Nate and his sweet kiddos – Evan and Alexis.

Alexis opening her present (she got a doll bed to go with her doll that she got for her birthday).

Dave and Noah watching the present opening extravaganza.

Eli opening one of his many presents.

Everyone helped Owen open his really big present (it was a kitchen play set).

Dave put Beth’s kitchen mittens on Noah, he wasn’t sure what to think of them.

Grandpa and his boys watching Star Trek.

We had a wonderful holiday season. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures of the Paulson Christmas gathering to add to this post. That was a ‘fail’ on my part. Next year!

It was a good Christmas season but I’ve been struggling with being sad. I miss my Mom, a lot. She had the best Christmas celebration ever, in Heaven with our Savior. Selfishly, I wish she was here to enjoy Christmas with me (us). I’ve also been missing Dad a lot, I just feel comfort in being around him. We don’t need to talk or interact, I just feel comforted by being with him.

Side note: I’ve decided to start blogging more and less Facebook. Feel free to check=in and follow. I’m going to post pictures, funnies, stories and things that have been on my heart. Enjoy!

They counted 68 people, who registered to walk or run. There were volunteers to watch the kiddos so parents could walk/run, volunteers to cheer on the participants, volunteers taking pictures, volunteers to ‘man’ the food and lots of people praying for those whose hearts were hurting.

We sold t-shirts to those who wanted to walk/run in memory of Mom. We were able to sell a lot of shirts but still have a lot to sell (anyone want a shirt?!?). We had several family members and friends who came to walk in memory of Mom. I was so overwhelmed by the love and support of those who were loving on us during this time. My emotions were out of control for much of the morning. I was simply overwhelmed.

Poor Brianna was too excited about the race. She took off running, slipped and fell. She managed to bang up her face, both hands, knees and maybe her elbows (I can’t remember). Anyway, she didn’t get to walk or run and was really disappointed. Dad took her to the hospital to really get her injuries cleaned up and looked at. The good news, they didn’t have to amputate – although it was discussed. ;-)

Here is a family picture. It was a beautiful day to remember those who are already with our Heavenly Father.

Dad, Eli, Dave, Noah, Me and Brianna.

Grandma Ree is in the background.

Mom, you will always be missed and never forgotten. I love you dearly. I’m so thankful and grateful for the time I had with you.

In memory of those who have gone before us. All proceeds go to Special Olympics.

Location:
Reeve Park – Reeve, WI
Near intersection of Barron County Roads “A” & “K”
Between Clear Lake & Prairie Farm, WI

Parking:
Please park in the Reeve Church parking lot.
Reeve Church
205 1 ½ St.
Clear Lake, WI    54005

Registration:
9-10:30am
Registration Form & Couch-to-5k Training Schedule can be found on the Reeve EFC website.
www.reevechurch.org

Entry Fee:
$5.00/person
$2.00 for the 100-yard dash
$15.00/family

 Divisions:
Age 5 years or younger = 100-yard dash
1st-5th Grade
6th-9th Grade
10th Grade – Adults

Childcare:
We will provide childcare with games and fun activities for those not participating in the 5k.

A light lunch will be provided.

There will be t-shirts available for those who want to purchase them. These t-shirts are not specific to the Reeve 5k, they are specific to my mom, Caron Paulson. She is who I’m running in memory of. Please view the pictures to see what the shirts will look like. The shirts are a light blue with white lettering.

Shirt Costs:
$14: S-XL
$15: 2XL-3XL
$11 for youth sizes

 If you are interested in ordering a shirt, please let me know what size you would like and mail a check to:
Megan Burlingame
1190 Main Street
St. Paul Park, MN  55071

Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. I hope to see many of you there!!!

                               Here is the front of the shirt.                               

Here is the back of the shirt.

Here’s a break down of the summer…

1. June – Noah had two double ear infections, one at the start of the month and one at the end of the month. He was a miserable little baby. But we got lots of snuggles in.

2. July – Eli had open heart surgery and was in the hospital for 2 weeks. It seemed like each step forward caused two steps back. Once his second chest tube came out, his whole demeanor changed – he was much happier, more willing to play and go for walks.

3. July (here’s a happy story) – the day after we came home from the hospital, Noah started crawling. He’s been loving his cruising mode!! He puts his head down and powers through.

4. July – Dave was playing softball in the church softball tournament and ended up break his jaw. He was a pinch runner (another guy was hit in the head with the ball and Dave made him sit down), he was sliding into home plate when the first baseman threw the ball to the catcher (who can’t catch) and the ball hit him in the jaw. He did the right thing and went to the ER right away. They did a CT scan and determined it was  broken and that he would need surgery right away to set it in place. He ended up staying one night in the hospital.

5. August – Eli is healing quite nicely. He received a good report from the cardiologist. Noah has another double ear infection. After much discussion, we’ve decided to schedule him for surgery to put tubes in. If he is going to have a hearing loss, we would rather it be hereditary vs. infection induced. Dave is no longer working at FedEx. We miss the dual income, but we don’t miss the job. I’ve hated his job for years (their hours, his schedule, their stupid demands). Since Dave has been home so much this summer, he’s been able to get some work done on the house. We also had our first ever garage sale, we did pretty well! School started and it was a normal routine!!

Needless to say, I’m ready for school to start and for my routine to be “normal”. Well, as normal as it can be.