Cookie Time

The kids wanted to make cookies for Santa. Well, technically *I* wanted them to make cookies for Santa. Ava wanted to make cookies for Ava, and Ethan just wanted to smash and grab the dough. It was a new and strange feeling to have the kids baking with me. Normally I prefer to do my baking solo, but I rather enjoyed the company. We might have to do this more often.

The kids even got to pick out which cookies they wanted to leave out for Santa right before they went to bed Christmas Eve. Ava is counting them. Did I mention she can count up to ten flawlessly and sometimes even up to twenty? We count EVERYTHING these days. Also, that sort of wonky shaped cookie in the back with the green sprinkles is the one Ethan made. The rest on Santa Claus' plate were made by Ava.

Santa Claus

Our first attempt to meet Santa Claus at U.S. Toys failed. I got an email saying there was a sale and pictures with Santa. We showed up and NO ONE knew anything about it, till finally someone mumbled something about not being able to find a Santa. Seemed a bit odd, but what are you going to do? So we bought a toy for the kids and we went home. Luckily Ava still didn't really grasp the concept. I went home and looked up other places where Santa would be that weekend. Then today, after church, we stopped by REI and the kids got to meet with the big guy and get their picture taken. Ava seemed a bit unsure about him until he gave her a Candy Cane, and then it was "Santa Clause, love Santa Clause" the rest of the day. Ethan pretty much just screamed at home the whole time. This was the best shot :

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We spent the holiday with all of my family at the house my brother and his girlfriend just bought in Wylie. They were excellent hosts, and we all had a great time hanging out, playing games, and eating delicious food. The boys grilled up some amazing bacon wrapped turkey breasts that need to become a new Thanksgiving staple, Mom got out the (I hope) soon to be traditional turkey hat, and we all loaded up on too many desserts! It was so great seeing everyone and the weather was beautiful. We really couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving.

Family Photos

  Well, it's that time of year again. Everyone heads off to the studio, a random field, or some interesting landmark to take the yearly family photo for the holiday card. I had this wonderful image in my mind of having so many fun family shots with different poses, individuals of the kids and then some of them together hugging each other. Just google "family photo" - you'll see what I'm talking about.

...but yeah, it just didn't end up that way. Hubby and I loaded up the kiddos and headed to my mom's backyard. Why? Because it's easier to change the kids diapers there. (No, my 2 year old has not even started potty training yet.) I fixed the hair bow, straightened a collar, brushed some hair, and then set out for what was supposed to be a simple and sweet (read short) photo shoot. My mom and sister were the appointed photographers, and I APPLAUD their patience. Seriously. Over an hour later were were all sweaty and tired and still not a "perfect" shot in the bunch.

  First of all, Ava just did not want to sit still for the pictures. She was wayyyyy more interested in playing with all the kitties in the backyard. (Yep, poor planning on my part.) The few times we managed to get everyone still and in one spot, actually looking at the camera, Hubby or I managed to mess up the shot by ordering the kids to smile, or reaching across one child to hold the other one in place. It turns out that Ethan is a little photo ham though. We made a nice little family of three for pictures while Ava was off playing with her favorite kitty. We had absolutely no luck with getting any shots of the kids together though, Maybe next year. We finally admitted defeat and decided to make do with what we got. Then I went home and took some more trying to get a few decent ones of the kids. That didn't turn out so well either. While there were no perfect shots, we did get a few decent ones. I'm not going to share those with you, because they will be part of the holiday card/newsletter, but here are some of my favorite "less than perfect" pictures.

  By the way, a big THANK YOU to my mom and sister for taking most of the pictures! Neil and I helped out a bit when we could, but we just could not have managed without them.

Slide!

Granny took Ava, Ethan, and me to the park yesterday and Ava was able to do the slide ALL BY HERSELF. She went up the stairs, crossed the bridge, and slid down the slide. Over and over and over again. And again.

*love*

It always warms my heart seeing Ava and her Daddy playing together. I love that he will just sit down and color pictures of princesses with her (and get covered in glitter in the process!)

Can you see the family resemblance?

Ethan Hates Peas!

So we decided that peas would be Ethan's first real food. I'm not counting that nasty rice cereal, because let's face it - that is NOT food. I'm pretty sure he did not enjoy it.Getting even a teaspoon or two into him proved to be a very difficult undertaking. He also has the attention span of a gnat. He was much more interested in playing with his bib, toys, spoon - anything but taking bites.

Once again, I'm reminded of how different Ethan and Ava are.While she wasn't in love with peas, she ate them really well. Eating for her was all business - bite after bite with no distractions until she was done.

By the way, both sets of photos were taken at about 6 months old for each baby. Ethan looks so much older than Ava. And way more bald!

October Highlights

Busy Busy Busy! Too many things went on this month to tell you about, but these were some of the highlights.

Delightful Delicious Disney!

We went to a church event with dinner and dressed up Disney characters who sang songs. Ava got to meet Snow White, Sofia, and Ariel.

More importantly, she got to have an ice cream sandwich all by herself.(note Ethan in the background. He did not get his own ice cream.)

Uncle James and Elise!

Uncle James and Elise came for a much needed visit. The kids (and their parents) were super happy to see them again.

Trunk or Treat!

We also attended "Trunk or Treat" at our church. A new and fun experience for all of us. Grandma and Grannie came along with our little family.

Pumpkin Patch!

The Pumpkin Patch almost didn't happen this year, but we managed to fit it in a couple of days before Halloween. Even though they were low on pumpkins, most of the pumpkin scenes and characters were still up. Ava's favorite was obviously Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. Ethan was just happy as usual. This was a much different experience from Ava's first pumpkin patch trip where all she did was cry!

Halloween!

And last but certainly not least, Halloween and Trick or Treating! This was obviously Ethan's first Halloween, but also the first Halloween for Ava to trick or treat, and the first Halloween that their daddy got to spend with us. Here's a better look at our costumes. Ethan is Superman, although with his bald head, Lex Luther might have been a better choice. Neil was Batman. How could he resist that outfit? Yep, its a grown up size stretchie sleeper. Not just a costume - read : "he can wear this anytime he wants." I was Little Bo Peep and Ava was my adorable little sheep. She loved her costume so much. Even though the hat made her sweaty, she would not take it off.

Hope everyone had a great October and a Happy Halloween! I know we did. :)

Feeling Content

   So, as some of you already know, our family recently joined John Wesley United Methodist Church. Its a first for me (I even got baptized.) and Neil switched his membership from the Catholic church he grew up in. We've been attending Sunday services on and off since April, not too long before Ethan was born, but we have been having trouble going regularly. Neil and I are both inherently lazy, and Sunday mornings have always been a time to sleep in for us, or at least to get up early with the babies and not have to shower or get dressed right away and just loll around. Thus we found ourselves going almost a month without attending our newly joined church! Shame on us. So we finally went yesterday, despite trying to make excuses and talk ourselves out of it repeatedly in favor of sleeping in. It just figures that both Ava and Ethan sleep in LATE on the one day we have to get up and go somewhere.
   We are SOOOO GLAD that we actually went. It sounds cliche, but we truly do feel at peace with ourselves and our family after going. Everything really just works out so nicely. Ava is getting more used to the church nursery and is actually starting to have fun, Ethan slept through most of the service in his carrier, and Neil and I actually enjoy listening to the sermons and music - our church has a really amazing choir. Even the whole rest of the day just seems better. We are less irritable, more productive, and feel closer as a family.
   The hard part is going to be going back week after week without making excuses, but we are both very serious about this and are going to make every effort to go when we don't have scheduling conflicts. We are also thinking about joining a bible study class and possibly even get involved in some of the groups and ministries offered. Next on our churchly agenda will also be scheduling the kids baptisms - hopefully before the end of the year!
   We love our new church more and more every time we go. I can't wait till next Sunday!

Belated Birthday Post

   So caffeine withdrawal headaches are no fun at all. I miss my soda.

   What was a lot of fun was Ava's 2nd birthday party almost two weeks ago. It was a nautical themed party, complete with anchors, sailboats, themed food, a photo booth, and outdoor water fun. The weather was hot, but perfect for the occasion, and a good time was had by all. The only two things I could complain about are the broom that was left out in the middle of the kitchen during the entire party (that NO ONE seemed to notice?!?!) and the discovery of a giant wasp nest inside the back porch fan that STILL has not been destroyed.

My little girl sure is growing up fast (how is she TWO already?), as is the little man in the sailor hat. My babies aren't going to be babies much longer!!

Hello Everyone!

   First off, I have no idea what I'm going to write about here. Originally I intended to start this blog as a means to share pictures and stories of my children with friends and relatives as a way to keep them updated on our little family. Its hard to stay in touch these days, even with all the social media, and proud Grandmothers and diligent gossiping can only reach so many people.

   I guess I didn't end up doing that, but I've been making new goals for my life and I figure that having something that holds me accountable - even if no one but me reads this blog - will help me accomplish those goals. My main goals are :

1. Get In Shape : this mainly pertains to trying to eat right, cutting out sodas, and exercising - possibly even using my gym membership that steals money out of our bank account every month despite the fact that I haven't walked through those big glass doors in over 2 years. Neil is joining me in this goal, so I might get a tad bit competitive.
2. Organize My Life : I'm starting a Home Management Binder to aid in this, but I'm still in the building process of that. Yep, I have to organize my binder to help me organize my life. But I actually am working on it, and even though it's not quite finished, I'm going to start using the sections that are further along. 
3. De-clutter The House : I'm a pack rat. If there's even a slim chance I might possibly have need for something in the far-off distant future, I'm going to squirrel it away somewhere, even though there isn't actually any room for it. It also doesn't help that I have way too many crafty and cooking hobbies, and most all of them require "stuff." Sadly, my goal is to say good-bye to some of that stuff. Maybe even more than some.
4. Family Time : So many day to day things seem to get in the way of just being with my husband and children and enjoying our time together. Hopefully we can set aside more time for each other to play, talk, and make new traditions and keep up with old ones. 
5. Pictures! : I have a nice camera and beautiful children - I need to take more pictures, and then actually do something with them when I have them - print, frame, scrapbook, anything! I have stacks and stacks of empty frames just waiting to be filled and hung on the wall or placed on a shelf.
6. Social Stuff : Having a toddler and a new(ish) baby makes it hard to keep up with social commitments, but I can do it if I try. I just need to motivate myself! This means more play dates, more girls day outs, trying to visit out of town friends and family when possible, and calling, writing emails and mailing actual letters when I can't.

   Those are the main goals, and I think most of the small goals fit under one or more of those. I think it's enough to keep me busy for a while, and will give me plenty to share on this blog!

   Your tips, comments, and encouragement would be much appreciated!