Recap.

Christmas was all about the anticipation, the whole family together, way too many gifts, lots of wrapping paper, late nights and early mornings, a few break downs, good food, and to top it off SNOW (about 4 feet on Christmas day).


Presley is very into books. I think she is ready to start reading--she always ask us to "talk about the words".


This kitchen and a talking baby were all that Presley could talk about before Christmas.


Stella was vary happy with the simplest of gifts--egg shakers with handles.


Stella's big gift a rain forest jumperoo (she got it early but was just as happy to see it Christmas morning).

As always, I felt like we had received too much and didn't give near enough. It was so good to have both sides of the family all here to celebrate and spend time with. Thank you!!!

Resolution.

1. Find a good and neat way to organize my recipes. Currently they are half in a recipe box and half in a stack of loose papers that I cam constantly shuffling through. Any ideas?

2. Use my big camera more and become better with it. I plan on taking a class with some birthday money from Chris's mom and I have a new bag to tote around all the gear (flash, lens, camera, Gary Fong lighting thing).

This is a short list but I am publishing it in hopes it will motivate me and keep me honest.

Merry Christmas!

May health and happiness find you today and everyday!

Just about.

Stella, who is now rolling everywhere like crazy is now working on her newest skill.


It will be a bit before she can do it on her own, but for now Stella is sitting up (unsupported) for little bits of time! Everyone always said it and I never believed it--they really do grow up too fast.

Stella has also discovered her voice. She is constantly joining the conversation (or having her own). Did I mention it is at the top of her lungs?

Friends.

Just 6 weeks after I gave birth to Presley, my neighbor and close friend gave birth to her daughter Summer. Though we have both moved and had our second daughters we have always remained close. The girls have even become close and I hope they will continue to become friends.


This is a picture of Presley meeting Summer for the first time back in 2006. Just this weekend Stella and Sienna met for the first time--here is their photo.


Two sets of sisters. These girls are too much fun! Can you believe Sienna is only 3 months old?? She towers over Stella at 7 months.

Train and Santa.

I am falling a bit behind with all the holiday happenings this year. Last week we took a ride on the same 'spooky train' from Halloween, but this time of year it is set up as the Polar Express (from the children's book which my grandmother used to read to us each Christmas). The Polar Express made a stop at the North Pole and Presley sat on Santa's lap and asked for the same two things she has been asking everyone for--a talking baby and a kitchen. I have the kitchen taken care of, we will have too see about the talking baby.



We all had a nice time and it was good to meet up with our friends. I think Chris most enjoyed this family's back yards full of horses, sport courts, a pool, and open fields. Shannon--keep trying to talk Chris into Hawaii for the 10 year anniversary . . . it will take time but I am hoping it can be done!

Who's your Donkey?

This morning while getting Presley out of the bathtub, in all seriousness, she said this to me:

"Mom, you are the Mom Shrek and Dad is the Dad Shrek. I am the baby Shrek and Stella is the Donkey."


I can't even remember if/when we watched "Shrek" but it is very interesting to hear how she views the structure of our family. For Presley, Stella must be that very annoying but lovable person that is always around to bug you.

'Tis the season.

My sister-in-law (Camille) has had her Christmas decorations up since the beginning of November, and Chris, of course, has made fun of her. So as soon as Thanksgiving was over and we were home I got to work and now my decorations are just about all up. We are still debating the tree issue--we haven't had one in quite a while but maybe it is time.


This is a Gingerbread Chain. When we were little my mom would make these for each of us. Each night you cut off one cookie and eat it--when there is only 1 cookie left the next day will be Christmas! We have also filled them with chocolate kisses too.

Attention.

I am not sure what it is but between the two of us Chris and I must not have enough attention for both girls and the dog.

In the past week Presley has been pulling Stella's hair and just recently she bit Stella's forehead (about a week before this she bit my thigh and told me it was because she loved me). Thankfully no one was permanently damaged, but what do I do?

Good thing my sweet girls are so cute. Poor Stella can't decide between constipation or diarrhea--I know it's not her fault but what a mess!

And poor Roxy just couldn't quite figure out how to balance all the excitement of a new place, 2 new dogs, and the lack of attention that she is normally used to. She never poops in the house!

The damage.

Totals for the damage done during Thanksgiving:

• Pounds gained, 4 (by Chris--I stayed the same)
• 1 long, but fun car trip
• 1 damaged (and now repaired) book shelf, I still need to replace the books
• 2 poop accidents (Roxy didn't get enough attention)

We all survived. Needless to say the trip was a quick one but we really had a nice time seeing Becka, Eric, and Lincoln (who is now crawling)--not to mention the best turkey ever! Eric soaked the bird in a brine solution and buttermilk with herbs (very moist and flavorful).

We are thankful for ALL we have and for the family and friends we have to share our abundance with!