Wow

I am in awe. This year has flown by so quickly. I am clinging to the promise of a Happy New Year. I promise I will post Christmas pictures very soon.

So Many Things to do...

So little time... I would say that about sums up my holiday season. Don't get me wrong, we had so much fun this year! It's hard to believe it can be over so quickly though. Since stores like to break out the Christmas decorations right after Halloween, we have 3+ months of Christmas on our minds and then directly after the magic of Christmas Day, POOF, we are left with nothing but wrapping paper trash on the floor and a dying tree in our living rooms.Everyone turns around and it's time to move onto something else, more shopping anyone? I feel we are so busy trying to keep up that we miss the simplicity of the moment. On a positive note, one of my New Years resolutions is a simplify.

A Sneak Peak at Our New Addition*** UPDATE

He doesn't have a name yet, we are working on that. Any suggestions?
Introducing Milo il Gatto

Wise Guy, Eh?

I'm very proud of our little wise man. He had us cracking up the whole play. He kept looking at the big screen behind him and waving at it when he saw himself. He was singing the whole time of course.

Just the cutest little wise guy ever!

We had to put the baby in the manger. We just couldn't resist.

Thanks Meme, Grandmommy and Poppy for coming! (and for letting me use your cameras when mine ran out of memory space.)

I was really sad when I realized that this would be Ayden's last year at Spring First. He and all the other children in his class will be moving up to Kindergarten. I'm thankful for the time we've had and the friends we've made.




*Actual date was 12/17/09

PJ Day and Book Exchange

It was pj day at school on Tuesday, and I don't mean peanut butter and jelly. Ayden had received some holiday pajamas just in time.

This was something that the kids had requested for their class party. I think something that Ayden did was the reasoning behind this idea. His school requires us to send an extra pair of "just in case" clothes. One day last week I was in a hurry (as usual) and I packed Ayden's pj's for his "just in case" clothes. I did not expect him to need these extra clothes since he does not have accidents very often. At least not the kind that require a change of clothes. I had no idea that Ayden would see these clothes, ask his teacher if he could go to the bathroom before nap time, and change into those pj's. The good thing is that he did sleep well that nap time. His teacher said "whatever works". Right after nap he changed back into his day clothes and went on about his day. We tried it again the next school day but the magic of the pj's had worn off and he didn't care to nap. Thus ended the packing of pj's as extra clothes.




Ayden asked that I make the cupcakes for his class party. I did become a bit proud when I overheard him tell his teacher that I could make good cupcakes for the party. As I quickly reminded myself not to be so proud, I accepted the challenge. It wasn't much of a challenge really, they were quick and easy. It was just the amount of time that I left myself that made it so difficult. I was working on them until approximately 2am. Needless to say I left detailed instructions for my sweet husband to take Ayden (and the cupcakes) to school the next, I mean, that morning.


All of the kids were so cute in their pajamas. Most of them looked like they had just woken up, or that their were sleepy enough to go back to sleep. One girl looked like she was about to fall asleep in her cupcake. I believe Ayden had enough sugar that he was wired for hours. I believe it because I got to bring him home with me.


This was also the day that they did their book exchange. They played a musical chairs type game and whatever chair they landed on had the book they would get to keep. Ayden first landed on a princess book. Some swaps were made and everyone had the book they desired. After cupcakes they settled down (figure of speech) and had they teacher read each of their new books.

Hey Ayden is listening to "If You Give a Cat a Cupcake". Very cute book book that benefits a good cause.

After school we had to run a few errands and Ayden asked me what people would think of him wearing his pj's. I told him that they would think he was cute just like I did. I hope he doesn't grow up thinking it's okay to wear pajamas to Walmart. Oops...

A Two-For

Happy Birthday brother!

Last weekend we celebrated two occasions in one day. I called my family together to celebrate my older brother's 29th birthday. I thought while we were all together it would be a good time to celebrate Christmas with everyone as well. The day was full of fellowship, food and fun! No party is complete without a gingerbread decorating contest. Party idea courtesy of my wonderful sister in law.

I think Carrie's house was the winner by popular vote. It's ok Carrie, I'll let you have the title this year. But next year, it's on!


Forget what I said about the decorating contest, no party is complete without this animal right here!

Logan was very interested in Ayden playing his game. Ayden was tolerant of his little brother tugging and pulling hair.

Oh! and Bumblebee was found on the tree today. That crazy elf. Check back and see where he was placed landed tomorrow.

A Few Things Missed

Missed, as in I didn't take the time to download pictures for a week. So now I have lots to talk about. Let's get this party started shall we?

This is an advent wreath that I made from recycling some party favor tins. They work great for holding small treats and prizes for each day opened. The only thing I regret is not having enough space to do all 25 days. Oh well! What's 5 less days to count? We are a bit partial to even numbers aren't we? Uh huh, a bit.

Oh and guess who finally made an appearance during the week? Our dear little elf Bumblebee (name courtesy of Mr. Ayden himself). Remember a few posts ago I was having a hard time deciding whether to involve Santa in our celebration of Christ's birthday this year? Well, as you can see I decided that you are only young once. Bumblebee is such a cute addition to our holiday tradition. This year he must have been lost in the closet caught in a snow storm because it took him so long to get here. Keep an eye out for the different places Bumblebee visits everyday. (He moves everyday in case you are not familiar with "Elf on the Shelf")

Oh, and we made a few ornaments too! We made this fun craft at MOPS this year and I decided that I must make more. It's addicting really. All the different possibilities. They are so beautiful once done it's hard to stop making them. My tree was already overflowing so I had to make myself stop.

In the middle of the week we made a trip to Safari Stop. This is the coolest place ever. I would have to say that this is Logan's first time where he could really get down and play. I think he enjoyed a bit of freedom to roam around (with mommy close by of course).

I didn't get any good pictures of Ayden because he and his friend decided to play "let's run from the camera!" The kids always have the best time there.

It's Not That Bad, Honestly

Time for me to spill about my imperfectness throughout the week.

• I did not have to look back at my calendar to see what I had even done this past week
• Holy Crap what did I do last week? (Oh, I remember now)
• I did not take Ayden to school over 2 hours late because I could not, just could not get out of bed
  
• I did not misinform my manager why I could not make it into work one day (so that I could stay home and clean the house for a party the next day)
  
• I did not secretly want her to fire me (wishing is closer to the truth)
  
• I did not tape plastic Ziploc bags over Logan's socks so he could play outside because I left his shoes at home. Ok honestly, I did not do this.... Michael did
  
• I did not find an old, unopened Star Wars figurine in my house only to wrap it and claim it's from "Santa" on Christmas morning
• I did not let my 4 year old play video games for hours on end so that I could study for finals
  
• I did not IM my bestie (who is in the same class) while taking said final and ask her what the answers to numbers 2, 6, 29, and 32 were. I really didn't do that, because I don't honestly remember what questions I needed answers for.
• I did not make my husband stay up with me until 2 am cleaning for that party I mentioned. Nope, I let him go to bed at midnight. I'm the one that stayed up until 2
• I did not leave Logan in the playpen for more than half the week instead of just cleaning the floor.
  
• I am not dragging this out for a longer post, I would never do that!

This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Decorating Grandmommy's House

These two played while everyone else worked.

Looks like they had a great time though!

Two New Little Somethings

We are very excited (and a little sad at the same time) to introduce Logan with teeth. He has been putting those chompers to good use lately. He loves chicken, cheerios, and marshmallows! Click on the photo to enlarge it and you can really see how those little ones are growing.

His tongue is covering those little cuties in this picture, but it's still adorable, Don't ya think?

I can't believe my little man is growing so fast.

OK, I can believe it, but it's still bittersweet. Everyday is a new and exciting adventure with both my boys. They rock!

What's that in the Boughs?

It's not a cucumber, it's a pickle! (remembering Larry as I write this makes me smile) This year we (myself mainly) are searching high and low to find new and exciting traditions to add to our family's..... well.. umm.. traditions. One of my favorite additions has been The Christmas Pickle. Here is the story if you have never heard it before.

"In Old World Germany, the last decoration placed on the Christmas Tree was always a pickle... carefully hidden deep in the boughs. Legend has it that the observant child who found it on Christmas Day was blessed with a year of good fortune... and a special gift."

So you see, it's no ordinary ornament. In fact, it's no ordinary pickle! This year it's not hidden as well as could be. The one child who could find it probably would not if it was hidden to well. This year it hangs as simply as any other ornament. It never fails that I always have the most trouble finding something that is right in front of me.

I'm currently working on another project that is new to us this year. Well.. new in a sense of new design that is. I'll be blogging about it soon. Oh and a certain someone has finally gained two new somethings... more on that later as well. Don't you just love surprises!

Last but certainly not least, I am finally done with school! Not done with school entirely. Just with this semester. I look forward to using the extra time wisely of course. No more procrastination for me.. *snicker* (yeah, that last one had me cracking up too!)

Nope, Not Me

In the spirit of Monday I thought I'd participate in MckMama's "Not Me! Monday", because I certainly did not do any of these things this past week. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I was not walking on a mountain of laundry that I could not find time to do.
I certainly did not make my first born were dirty pants three days in a row. (they didn't smell dirty, honestly!)
I do not have Christmas decorations still in boxes because I only put half of them up.
I am not putting off sending out Christmas cards just because of addressing them.
I did not leave the dog outside during the freezing weather (oops, =)
I did not leave the towels in the washer for two days (thank goodness for bleach)
and lastly I am not putting off doing housework by writing on my blog.

whew! I feel better

Frosty

Frosty the dwarf snowman

was a jolly happy soul,
with a ribbon scarf
and a carrot nose
and two eyes made out of buttons!!!

Ahh! It's a Blizzard!

Just kidding, but it was coming down fast!

The First Snow

It's our first snow of the year. I think we set a record for the earliest snow. Ayden loved it at first, then he got his gloves wet and didn't think it was fun anymore. He did stay outside longer than last year though. Logan was just cold. He was plenty bundled, but he needs something to keep his nose warm.

It was coming down hard and fast when we first got outside. It looked like Houston's version of a blizzard!

This was before Ayden was his extra jacket and gloves on, it didn't take him long to ask for them.

So in the rush to get bundled, to get Ayden bundled, get the camera ready and get out the door before it all disappeared, I inadvertently locked the door on the way out. It's something I do all the time out of habit when I leave the house. This time however I did not have my keys on me. I didn't realize I had locked the door until we were cold and ready to come in. Luckily my neighbor has a key or else it would have been disastrous. All I could think was we were trapped out in a blizzard! Oh and I busted my bum when we finally came in the house. Boots + slippery and wet tile do not mix.

My Favorites

I have a few favorite Christmas ornaments that I have been collecting since Michael and I got married. One of the series is Snow buddies. I am in love with cute little snowmen and the adorable random animals each year just makes them even more precious.

It's a Hot Chocolate Kind of Night

It's just one of those days were you turn on the Christmas music, decorate some more, and drink some hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows. Yes, I'm guilty of using way to many marshmallows. I love, love, love Christmas music. Especially the old tried and true ones like Silent Night and my favorite Do You Hear What I Hear? performed by Third Day. This year I have been so emotional hearing those lovely songs. It makes my heart well up to think about the birth of my savior. In fact, I'm crying a bit now because I'm listening to the YouTube version of my favorite Christmas song. So whether you are driving in your car or walking through the mall, listening to that secular station that is playing songs about the birth of Jesus, think about how many people are hearing this Christian music and not even knowing it. Planting little seeds in their hearts. Merry CHIRSTmas to all and to all a goodnight!

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Every year since Ayden was old enough to understand we have read the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus and just how special that event was. We have also incorporated a little bit of Santa in the mix for the fun of it. The thought crossed my mind that we may be doing an injustice to Ayden. See, one day (if he hasn't already) he will figure out that Santa if not real. At least the story that we tell about Santa is not real. But Jesus is by all means real. My question is, how will he be able to sort through the truth and the fun stories. I in no way want to hinder his faith. I am probably thinking too much into this, but it is something to seriously consider. I think this year we will discuss the real St. Nicholas and how he gave to the poor. I want my children to know that when I speak, I speak the truth.