Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Smells Like Toddler Spirit - Jump On the Toddler Train!


14 months and growing. Yep, our little man is moving into Toddlerville on a one-way train. First stop? Tantrum Trail. What you'll find here is a boy that can go from laughing to bawling in one second flat, throwing himself on the ground face down kicking his legs. This destination might seem a tad early given it's listed later on our Toddler Tour but folks...we took a detour. On your left you'll find Prayeree Holmes. A nice little family with a boy that has learned when he hears the word "Food" or sees "Food" he folds his arms to pray and gets excited for the part where we say, "Amen!" Lovely little stop right? Speaking of right, on your right you'll see all sorts of lights, shiny things, trees, dogs, birds, the sun, the moon, pop-up books, blocks, stuffed animals,magnets,Christmas trees, Sesame street, cousins, friends and cats. If you pay attention you'll hear "Oooh!" and "Oh!" That's right, we've arrived at the stop called The Wonderment of a Toddler where everything is exciting and new. This is my favorite stop personally because it's loaded with everything and anything we've all grown accustomed to over the course of our lives but get to experience it again, for the first time, thanks to a toddler! Last stop is Dadville where everyday is a fun day whenever Dad is home! Sam prefers to throw his arms around Dad's neck wrap them tight like this, grab his cheeks and give him what? A great. Big. Kiss. {Whistle Blows} Thanks for riding the toddler train--until next time :)

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Samuel-Son


Our little family has been doing "themed" halloween costumes since Jake and I were in our first month of Dating. First we were Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, then when we had Sam he went as an Acorn, I was Mother Nature and Jake was an Oak Tree, this year though, topped them all. We went as Mr. Myagi, Johnny and Daniel-son, I mean Samuel-Son. I have more pictures to upload but here's a teaser. Jake was Johnny so that left me to be Mr. Myiagi. Sam was pretty upset when I transformed wondering who this old man was that took over his mom!

Dad Tried to Sell Me

Dad put an ad up on KSL. Just click on it to make it bigger. Yep, he really DID write this. Yep, he really DID do this.

I'm A Travelin' Man and One Growin' Dude


So I guess I'm sort of a travelin' man, a world traveler of sorts. In the past few weeks I've been to all sorts of homes, playing with all sorts of people. Mom and Dad were out gallivanting to some places called California, India and Pennsylvania. Probably not nearly as cool or fun as my Grandma's and Grandpa's, Aunt's and Uncles and Cousins. I did such fun things with all of them but as we all know, fun things eventually come to an end.

When Mom and Dad got home from India I was so excited that I started to laugh and then cried a bit then just hugged Mom then Dad then Mom then Dad...World traveling isn't an easy thing to do so I think I'll put my travels aside for a bit. We all will.

I'm growing so quick! I am a pro at stairs going up and down and I'm pretty close to walking. I can scoot around all sorts of furniture and I'm starting to get my courage up to take some steps. My WWF cousin, Peter, keeps me on my toes and moving quick to get out of the way of his rear reverse choke hold.

I talk all the time. I say "whoa", "buh-bye", "hi", "boon" (short for balloon), "mama","dada" and "meow" when mom asks me what a kitty cat says.


Swimming is the best now. I love it. Going under water is a piece o' cake. No biggie. I can float on my back and look up at my mom's eyes for 3 seconds! I LOVE to have my mom pull me off the slide and help me swim under water.


When I see anything with a decline, I do a major prep half-circle approach to turn around and go backwards. I even did this on the sandy beach when I saw a hill. I also go through all doors backwards. Mom just laughs.

I'm a PB&J guy.

I'm a daddies boy. He's one heck of a guy.

When my girl cousins dress me up like their doll, Dad doesn't like that. Mom tells him to get used to it.

I give out free unsolicited hugs about every five minutes--if you need a hug, come on over.

I went to California for Thanksgiving and I wondered why we didn't just move there already. Life's a beach.

I've jumped up another diaper size. I've now passed my 2 1/2 year old friend Van and joined my cousins size five diaper club.

I have the best little girlfriend ever, Elsie. Now that I don't scare her to death, we have some fun times at the pool and playing together.

Speaking of friends, I LOVE my stuffed animals. They are the best-friends a boy could have.

I think that's it for now.

--Bye--

Monday, November 16, 2009

Here's the Christmas project flier that can be passed around to individuals, groups and/or organizations you might think would be interested. If you would like printed fliers just let me know and I'll get some to you ASAP. Thanks!

Click on the image to make it larger.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

It's a Very MERRY Teen Foster Christmas - Post #1

Alright folks here's the post you all have been waiting for...details regarding our Foster Teen Christmas. I thought I'd start with a letter from Tammy Champo, (who really is a champ-o! She's does incredible things for these kids) volunteer and donation coordinator for SL Youth Services.

(*Notice that ALL donations are tax deductible)

September 29, 2009

Dear Kristin Hodson and Supporters:
Thank you for your interest in serving the youth at the Salt Lake County Division of Youth Services. For more than 30 years we have been aiding youth and their families in the greater Salt Lake area. We have grown from our humble beginnings of a few counseling offices and a small home for emergency shelter to now serving nearly 10,000 youth and their families each year. Though we have grown, our overall goal is still the same, to make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families.

As the holiday season approaches and the spirit of giving is in the air, we value the generosity of community members like you in order to provide those in need with a special gift. Holiday donations are especially appreciated for the youth staying in our teenage group homes between the ages of 11 and 18. Many of the youth are in state custody because of abuse and neglect and are waiting for a more permanent placement, either in foster care or with family members. Many of these youth have been in and out of foster homes for many years and Youth Services becomes a safety net in between those placements. Special gifts ease the homesick and heartache the youth feel being away from their families during a time when most are with their loved ones. We appreciate any and all contributions because it helps the youth feel valued and remembered.

All donations are tax-deductible and are received through our non-profit arm, ShelterKids Inc. More information is available on the web site at www.shelterkids.org. We also invite you to get involved through our one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Your time is a gift that keeps on giving and not only will it give you an opportunity to meet the youth but also to make a lifelong impact
as a mentor to a youth in need. You can also stay connected to our current needs and activities on our Facebook Page and our Twitter Account. Find the links on our web site at www.youth.slco.org.

Thank you again for your time and generosity. Feel free to contact me with
any questions or interests.

Warmest Regards,
Tammy Champo
Youth Services Volunteer and Donation Coordinator
801.269.7506 tchampo@slco.org

It's a Very Merry Teen Foster Christmas - Post #2

THE DETAILS YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

I've been working closely with Tammy and I asked her to send me her "dream list" to give these kids a good Christmas. She told me in years prior, when they have had the funds, they have had approximately $50 per child. However, they haven't always had funds which has meant going to other "children's homes" where donations were in abundance and snagging some of their present overflow. (people tend to think little kids when doing Christmas donations) I think what really stood out to me is a comment she told me about from one of the teens where he couldn't BELIEVE he got more than candy...that he got an actual present. Thinking what I'm thinking?

Alright so here's The Dream list. We've decided there has to be some method to the madness so please read the "How Can I Help" section just below the list. We will keep this blog updated with info and how close we are to our goal so check back often!

Goal: Make Christmas dreams come true for 17 boys and 17 girls - Someone has already signed up to sponsor 5 youth so you'll notice the numbers being less than targeted goal)

Holiday Package Teen Boy:

* $25 Gift Card ** (Target or Wal-Mart) x15
* Hand Held Video Game x15
* Axe Gift Sets (as in the cologne :) x15
* Pajama Set and Slippers x15
* Tech Deck Skate Board Sets (finger skate boards) x15
* Model Car/Airplane x15
* Deck of Cards x15

Holiday Package Teen Girl:

* $25 Gift Card ** (Target or Wal-Mart) x14
* Hand Held Video Game x14
* Makeup x14
* Lotion kits x14
* Jewelry x14
* Pajama Set, Robe and Slippers x14
* Journal x14

** The gift card is by far their favorite because they get to shop for themselves without someone else telling them what it has to be used for, something they rarely get to do.

Other great gift ideas: (these would be our icing on the cake)

* Teen appropriate remote control toys (cars, airplanes, etc)
* Teen appropriate movies (No R rated movies)
* Teen appropriate books: Twilight, Eragon, Fablehaven, Artemis Fowle, Harry
Potter, etc

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP AND GET INVOLVED

We are trying to find MANY ways people who want to be involved can get involved in a way that is best suited to them and their circumstances. Some people have called and are going to make Christmas cards, others are going to make BIG decorated sugar cookies, others are going to get their churches involved...bottom line is the sky is the limit. The point is to give these teens an incredible Christmas.

If you are wanting to get involved, please send me an email to: kristinbhodson@gmail.com or leave a comment on my blog. I will keep a running log about what needs have been fulfilled and what is left. REMEMBER: if you have something in mind outside of what is listed that's FANTASTIC! Just let me know and we'll include it.

THANKS EVERYONE...I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED...LITERALLY :)