Christmas 2011

It's the most wonderful (and exhausting) time of the year!  We do love it!  Every year I tell myself the next year I am going to be better prepared, so I'll be able to relax a bit more the next year, and every year, I fail at that!  BUT, all the last minute craziness and prep is worth it in the end...after all, it is Christmas!  We love the magic of it all.  This year was extra special, Amanda was here, so we had our whole family under one roof!  Santa brought the boys the Play Station 3 they had been wanting...but Hunter was a bit disappointed the dog he'd asked for wasn't here, he was sure Santa would come through in the end.  Oh well, there is always next year, right?  No worries, there were plenty of other toys to play with.  Months of prep, and in a matter of minutes we were drowning in gift wrap, boxes and toys.  We enjoyed our annual prime rib dinner, which is always highly anticipated.  And I swear, next year, I'm going to be more prepared!

before

after

Do NOT drink and drive!

Tonight, Amanda arrived :)  Well, I guess in the holiday rush, her bags didn't make it on the plane she was traveling on, and wouldn't be in for over three hours!  So she and Scott came home, we enjoyed dinner, then went back to the airport to get her bag.  On the way home, we nearly got side swiped by a car!  Thankfully with lots of sets of eyes, we spotted the car, and were able to change lanes.  We then realized the person behind the wheel was certainly under the influence of something.  We decided to follow, and call 911.  It was scary to watch as this driver nearly hit at least a dozen cars, and frustrating at the same time.  Each time the car exited the freeway or got back on we were transferred to the police department or to the highway patrol, new set of ears, and giving the same info over and over again to different dispatchers.  Finally, the car took out an exit sign, and began spinning as the car took out a good 50-100 feet of guard rail.  We stopped, Scott got out to make sure the person was alright.  Out of the passenger side crawls the driver...furloughed on work release from tent city.   Fortunately for her, her airbags probably saved her life.  Divine intervention most likely saved dozens of lives.  She was arrested as soon as the police arrived, I guess some people just don't learn.

Ava's Walkin'!!

She's Mobile!  She's been taking a few steps here and there, but today, in McDonalds Playland of all places she got up, stood there, and started walking...and kept right on going!  She doesn't want to crawl anymore, she's upright!

Hunter Turns 7!

It's hard to believe, every time one of your babies have another birthday, your baby is growing up!  Hunter is 7!  This year, he wanted a Christmas tree cake for his birthday, pizza, and art "stuff"...check, check and check!  The kids also get so excited in anticipation of a card (and cash) from Granny, and this year was no exception!

A Gift for Sissy

With Amanda coming for Christmas, I wanted to make her something special from her Brothers and Sisters.  I came across this idea on Pinterest (if you dont know Pinterest, you need to, it's wonderful!), with some modification, it made the perfect gift.  It's a handprint tree :)  I used scrapbook paper, then painted their hands and pressed (and prayed)...it came out wonderful!!!  The picture doesn't do it justice.  It says, "Seasons may change- but we begin and end with family."  Inside of the heart on the tree "Brothers+Sisters 4ever"  She loves it!  And now that she has seen it, I can share a picture.

Blake gets Student of the Month

The Character Trait of the Month this month at Leading Edge was caring...and Mr Cook felt Blake best fit that trait.  Blake has always had a kind heart when it comes to others.  Especially others that may not fit societies mold, or may face challenges and difficulties in daily life.  From the time he was in preschool, his teachers have shared with me how he has displayed this trait of caring...so it isn't something that comes as much of a surprise.  None the less, it's something I'm glad he was recognized for, cause he really deserves the recognition.

School Christmas Program

One thing I really love about the boys school is the fact that being a charter school, they are able to have Christmas and Holiday programs and activities at School.  It's something I always enjoyed doing and am glad they get to do as well.  Tonight we attended North Poll Diaries.  It was a rainy night tonight, a real treat in the desert, making it feel much more Christmas-y, than had it been 90 degrees!  Blake and Logan each tried out and got "parts" which was fun. Logan a lead Elf, and Blake a Rapper! We somehow got lucky enough to get seats front and center, so we got some decent video too!

Salt Dough Hand/Foot Print Ornaments

I always look for opportunities to capture the moment, so this year I made salt dough ornaments as a playgroup with my mommy friends.  It was crazy, but fun, and they came out pretty cute.  When they were dried, I spray painted them white, added their names and some ribbon.  Love them, just had to share!