Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone out there a Happy New Year!

I did it. I am taking the plunge and doing the picture a day for 2009. I decided to start a new blog for it since I discovered an awesome place I can download the whole blog to and print it out. How fun! So it will basically be a picture each day and a brief description. Figured that would be best so I am not rambling on like I do here. :) So if you want to start checking it out in a few days, you can here. Just trying to get it up and running at the moment. I need to get my sidebar updated on this blog and then I imagine on the 2nd I will start posting over there. I am so excited!

Won't have time tonight to get photos downloaded and pick on, post, etc so will do tomorrow. But we had a fun evening with neighbors and it was worth not downloading photos. :) Hope you all had a fabulous New Year's Day!

And the countdown begins...

Only one more day to go in 2008! I can't believe it is already the end of the year. We went to dinner tonight at Steak n Shake. I know, not the most healthy thing to eat but they have apples and grapes as a side item for the kiddos and they will eat grilled cheese or mac and cheese so I am happy. Anyway, Cameron is Mr. Social. There was a couple sitting behind us and he just had a ball talking to them. After they left (and he told them bye-bye like 50 times) he started flirting with the table of girls (about 6 of them) that were beside the couple. He had to point out everything he was wearing. His shirt, pants, socks. Then when he finished that he started showing them his food and what he was drinking. It was too funny and cute. When we were all finished he started telling everyone at the restaurant bye-bye. So I said bye-bye everyone and he started to say that. It was so funny! When we went outside he kept saying something and when we made it to the car I finally figure it out...it was brrr, chilly. Oh my goodness I have one chatty boy! Makes a mommy happy to hear. Now if we can get Noah to talk a little more. Maybe it's just that he can't get a word in edgewise because of his brother. :)

Noah has become a BIG fan of pillows. A few days ago he decided to gather different pillows from throughout the house and they all had to come to his bed with him. I think he has a pillow from every room in the house in there. It is SO funny! And this is how you usually find him at night or during a nap...just as happy as a clam. You can't see all the pillows stuffed up against the one side of his crib but I think there are 3 or 4 more over there. Crazy kid!

Cameron has stuffed animals and Noah has pillows. Must remember to bring the camera up with me tonight so I can get Cameron with his stuffed animals. It looks like an animal explosion happened. Very funny!

Christmas fun...

I actually scrapped a page! It's been ages since I scrapped and it felt so good to work on this the last few days. And it is even from Christmas so that is an even bigger accomplishment for me. :)


Cameron is so adorable these days. Whenever I give him something he says "thank you Mommy." Melts a mommie's heart. :) Now if I could get him to stop the biting and scratching he has started lately all would be well again. He gets so excited and just goes wild. We have been through this once before so hoping this time is short lived now that he understands better. And at least when he does do something he isn't supposed to you can tell him to say "sorry" and he will go and tell whoever it is he did it to (usually myself or Daddy) that he is sorry. They are growing up WAY too fast.

Been thinking of goals for 2009. I guess I have some of the usual, lose weight or eat more healthy is more what I want. I have a terrible sweet tooth and must get that under control. But trying to figure out what it is I want to accomplish in 2009. I have decided to start working on a preschool kind of thing with the boys. They are such little sponges and I know now is the time to start. They love to read and so this would be a good extension. I found a decent curriculum and have started working on putting the first few weeks things together. It's been kind of fun. Trying to figure out a way to make a board that I can just interchange things each week for the lessons. May have to head over to the teachers store and see what kind of things they have. Thought of doing a posterboard each week but that just seems like such a waste of paper to me. So I need to find a chalk board that is also magnetic...may end up making something instead. Hubby came up with the idea of just painting our basement walls in chalkboard paint. Don't think I want chalkboard green walls through the entire thing. :) I am sure we will come up with something. Lots of little projects for this year already in my head and on my "list" to do.

Oh! I actually started putting together a binder with all my home information. Lists of telephone numbers, budget, weekly menus, project ideas/lists, etc. It is coming together nicely. I think this will be a HUGE help for me as I am such a list kind of person. I also have a goal this year of getting the house all organzied and together. We have spent so much time moving and stuff that I have just given myself this next year to go room by room and clean out (which some rooms don't need much at all) and decorate. Should be fun and I am looking forward to it. I just need to remember to take before and after photos!

My little guys are 2!

My little cuties on their birthday playing with their kitchen. They seriously LOVE this thing! I had gone to a playdate where they had one and Noah stayed at that thing the entire time. I knew this would be a birthday or Christmas present for sure this year! Cameron loves to wash his hands so he is having a ball using the pretend sink...very cute.

Still hard for me to believe that my little guys are 2 years old now. Seems like we were just in the hospital. Kind of neat though I have to admit. We had such a wonderful day yesterday. I need to download pictures and stuff. I always seem to be behind on that these days.

Christmas was nice. It was quiet other than the squeals from the boys playing. They had a ball and were exhausted by the end of the day. So were we! Then it was up putting the kitchen together that night for the next day's fun times. We got smart though and had breakfast first instead of doing presents. On Christmas day they wanted to just keep playing so they didn't eat breakfast until nearly 10! But that's okay, they are in no danger of starving.

Opening presents was funny. They came down and saw the tricycles from Nana and PawPaw and they had to get on them and we didn't think they would even bother opening anything else. They played for a little while and then we opened the "cell phones." Oh my...they love phones and this was a hit. They would open one toy and then play with it. It took us a couple hours to open presents. I had to laugh because my friend Cathy, whose daughter is a month older than the boys, said her daughter did the exact same thing! Must be an age thing. It was cute though and made things very easy and relaxed.

Speaking of easy and relaxed...I guess I had better get myself back upstiars and finish up so I can go and relax and catch some Z's. :) Hope you all have a great weekend!

Picture a day...

I have been toying with the idea of doing the picture a day thing. I almost always take a few pictures each day anyway so I don't think this would be such a huge stretch for me. Hmm. A few things come to mind as I ponder this. As the boys have gotten more active and we are out doing more I am less inclined to take pictures every single day. And second...won't people get sick of seeing the same old pictures of my kiddos each day? :)

I actually started taking pictures every day when they were about 3 months old. I knew the first year they were here would be a blur and I wanted to remember it. So many other moms of multiples suggested it and I am SO thankful I took their advice. I guess I only wish I had started it from day 1. But with all the craziness it just didn't happen. Sigh. So now I want to capture our lives so the boys will know their childhood and the kind of things we did each day. Hmm...lots to think about. But I think it would be a fun project to add to my list as long as I keep up scrapping the pages a least once a month and not try to do it all at the end of the year. There is enough craziness at that time!

Okay, off to download pictures and get some ready to put up on the good old blog. I am sure you are tired of just my rambles and want to see some pictures!

Merry Christmas!

I hope that everyone if having a wonderful Christmas! We had a wonderful day with family and friends and couldn't be happier. The boys are exhausted. It was a balmy 27 degrees today but we went out and played with their new tricycles (thank you Nana and PawPaw!). We also went to dinner at our neighbors house and had a wonderful time! Just popping in to say Merry Christmas! Will have more to say and some pictures tomorrow. We just got done putting together the kitchen the boys are getting for their birthday tomorrow. So much fun having a birthday the day after Christmas! So off to wrap the last few presents for that and to bed for me. The boys were go, go, go all day and wore me out. But they seemed to love every minute of it and have played with everything they got all day today...even took some cars to bed with them. Imagine that!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Wow...I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! This entire year has flown by in what seems a blink of an eye. We have spent so much time either getting ready for or moving and for 2009 all we want is to settle in and just enjoy life. It has all been worth it but man are we tired!

I am so excited about seeing the boys on Christmas morning. They are going to have a ball. We are still hoping to get out and see Santa tomorrow but that will make it even more special I think. We have had some bad weather and such so has put kind of a damper on us getting out much the last few weeks. Today it decided to ice and we were not able to get out at all this afternoon. M tried...he turned around and came back and almost wasn't able to get back into the driveway. and the poor UPS man that delivered some great packages here almost busted it coming up our drive/stairs. I felt so bad for the poor guy having to be out in that mess! But they are out now salting the roads and it seems to be warming up to a balmy 32 degrees so hopefully tomorrow we will be able to get out. I REALLY want to take the boys to see Santa!

Okay, off to wrap presents and get myself to bed so I can enjoy all the festivities that start tomorrow. :) Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!!!!

Pondering...

Am I am bad mom if I don't have a big birthday party for my 2 year olds? I have been contemplating for a while what to do for the boys 2nd birthday. Since we really don't know anyone here yet and I hate to make people feel "obligated" to go to yet another birthday of a child who they don't know really I am just really torn of not having one. I was thinking of just having birthday cake with mommy and daddy and asking the neighbors if they wanted to come for cake. That way they wouldn't feel it was a birthday party and feel the need to bring something. Ooo...I hate this kind of stuff. I LOVE to have people over and stuff. I am just WAY out of practice since having the boys and would rather spend the cold (going to be down to 4 degrees tonight!) day at home with all my boys enjoying family time. We seem to have so little of that this last year and it will just be nice to just enjoy the time together instead. Then have some cake and ice cream and enjoy time with the new friends we are making here. Ahh...sounds good to me...think I have pretty much talked myself into it. Gee I love my blog sometimes...if for nothing else than just to talk stuff out in my own head!

Still not ready for Christmas. I don't think I am ever going to be ready to be honest. I think I have become a huge procrastinator on some levels and then I just run out of time on other levels. Then it becomes a cycle. I will say I haven't stressed out this holiday season. :) I think us all being sick so much these last few months has kind of helped. I just am so tired I don't care. Ha! But to be honest I would rather have the stress than being sick! We will play catch up this week and get everything done...we always do. Well, this year may be a little late for some things but I am sure they will understand. We are getting a little better each year as the boys become a little more self-sufficient. Learning to do everything again with toddlers has been interesting. But each day we get a little better.

Oh! Can I just say that Noah has been more himself the last 3 days than he has in weeks! I am SO THANKFUL!!!!!!!! I can't believe how much has changed in just 3 days. So I am guessing the ear thing has some merit to it. He has talked more, laughed and played more than he has in the past 2 months I think. I am just amazed. He is back to laughing and bringing books to you to read and wanting to actually play more. Whew...I feel oh so much better! Thank you to the very nice doctor who listened to us and actually did something to help instead of telling me it is a twin thing.

It's all good...

Well, we had the boy's appointment today. All went well! They are both getting so big and this will kind of serve as our 2 year check-up so we won't have to go back for 6 more weeks. My concerns over Noah may be all be due to his ears! That may explain a lot. Thinking back it did start around the time he got sick a while back. He has fluid on his ears. They are not infected (which was the case when he had the sinus infection as well). I always have fluid on my ears so it may just be inherited. But, it also may be causing the speech issues I am concerned with. We are going to put him on a decongestant and if that does not get rid of the fluid then we will see and ENT and probably have to do the tubes. Can I just say whew? I am praying that it is as simple as that. If I heard everything as muffled or echoing I probably wouldn't talk either...not to mention the whining thing. Oh please let it be this!

So, Cameron is 28 pounds and 35 inches long. Noah is 26 pounds and 35 inches long. I have some long skinny boys! We have to stay on whole milk since their weight is on the lower end. But other than that he said they were doing great. And since we really don't have any concerns (other than the terrible 2's which are starting in full force) we are good to go. Woo-hoo! We did 3 shots today and will do the last one to catch us up in 6 more weeks. Whew...I feel like we are back on track. I think M and I both liked the new doctor and he is double certified so we will all go to him as a family doctor. Haven't had that since I was a kiddo...will kind of be nice I think in the end. I am just so thankful he was so good with the boys and he actually took his time with us and didn't just rush us through the appointment. The nurse was fabulous and I was VERY thankful for that. She has twin girls so that was kind of cool...she understood what we were going through with the craziness at least! She also metioned that they try and get the kids back into the room quickly so they aren't out in the waiting room with a bunch of sick people. Thank goodness for that! We hadn't even finished signing in with all the new paperwork (and I even had that filled out before I got there) when they called us back. Okay, first impression was woo-hoo...you guys rock!

Okay, sorry to be all kiddo talk tonight. I am excited. Had the girls over for decorating cookies but will have to give an update on that tomorrow...I am wiped out and ready for bed!

Jingle bells, jingle bells...

So today was an exhausting day...no questions about it. Started off by us waking up late. Which usually would be a good thing but we have stuff to go to on Wed that we are supposed to be there at 9. No biggie...I don't mind being a little late. So we get there and find out they canceled it since the schools here had a 2 hour delay. Um...guess I need to start listening to the radio or watching the news or something with the snow. Our PDO program cancels for the day if the schools here are either delayed or closed. Fun, fun...lesson learned.

So before we left the house one of the repair people had already showed up. And of course hubby wasn't home so I politely asked if he would mind either going to his next job or waiting for me to run my kiddos to school. Luckily he was a super nice guy and waited. Then he even put up with my crazy dog who likes to lick everyone while he was fixing the windows (we have a new house and there were a few things they are looking at or repairing for our 3 month check-up. Kind of cool to have this done). But then it seemed just one person after another showed up and between the kids, the dog and the repair people my house was crazy for the morning. The boys wanted to know what the people here were doing and kept trying to show them their various toys. The dog (while inside) wouldn't leave the poor guy alone and wanted to play or lick the poor guy to death. So I finally get the dog outside and the kids settled in the basement with the TV that does work (did I mentioned the TV also decided to die on me today in our main floor living room?), a snack and low and behold they all finish up and leave. Whew. And all that before 10:15!

Then of course the next round starts when I am trying to make the boys lunch and feed them. Can't come in between the snack and lunch can you? Oh well..it's just the way life is. I had to laugh at it all.

I got my first taste of shoveling the driveway today. Can't say it is something I would like to do every day but in all honesty it wasn't that bad. I need to exercise and if it didn't kill my back so much would probably be more willing to do it. I am kind of digging the snow if truth be known. I always thought I would be a big wimp int he cold but can I just say with the right clothes and shoes it just doesn't seem to phase you. Now ask me again when it drops below 0 and I may tell you a different story. But for now it has been rather enjoyable and I just wish it would snow more so we can go and play!

Okay, have more fun stories about the boys but am wiped out and must get sleep. Cookie decorating tomorrow night with the gals and I need to be awake for it!

The boys playing in the basement. They have a blast "driving" around down there. Thank goodness our basement is long and skinny!


This was our neigborhood last night. Every year they do this luminary thing in conjunction with Toys for Tots. I thought it was pretty cool. We took the boys driving through the neighborhood to see all the pretty lights. They seemed to enjoy themselves. Next year we should be able to take a more active role in the process...help light the luminaries!


Tired...I am just tired today. I need a mental break. I am remembering all those days at a job when I just would rather be at home and back in bed just wanting to chill. Today was one of those days. But as a mom you don't get that option. You just keep on going like the energizer bunny and hope that feeling goes away. And then you have cute little kiddos that make you laugh and you forget all about it. Like how Cameron is looking for his slipper right now. Just too cute and makes me happy to be a mom...no matter how tired I am. :)

Another week about to start

Ah, Sunday night, another week about to start and kick into high gear. The days just seem to run together these days though. A lot on my mind. A lot to do. So many things that start churning up in this little head this time of year. I miss my dad. Terribly. M reminds me of my dad...a lot. Funny how that happens.

Cameron and Noah go for a check up this week. I have to admit I am nervous. I have tried so hard not to worry but I have finally just given in. Noah doesn't speak as much as I think a child his age should. I pray it is just the twin thing. I truly do. But you know how you get that mommy instinct and you just know there is something else? Well, I guess if you are a guy you wouldn't know. But trust me. If you ever get a strong gut feeling about something then you know. I truly pray I am wrong. I pray I am just worrying and have let other people get into my head (I have been known to do that from time to time). So, I fill my time with other things this week trying to keep busy and not worry.

Facebook is a funny thing. I had some friends invite me to "join" over the last few years and I just never knew much about it so never did. I finally jumped on the bandwagon. It is a neat site I must admit. I have had fun catching up with old friends. People who I had wondered about for a while and hoped some day our paths would cross again. Technology is a wonderful thing...most of the time. ;)

Come back please!

Can you please send the snow back to us? All my friends in Southeast Texas have had the snow now I want it back please. Pretty please. With sugar on top? I didn't realize how much I was really going to love the snow here. Now it has all melted and gone away. Sigh. I have snow boots for the boys and we want to go play...send it back my way will ya?

My Christmas cards arrived today so I spent the afternoon while the boys napped addressing Christmas cards. Still will have to finish up tomorrow. Now it is finally starting to feel like Christmas. I made some cookies, did some Christmas cards, the tree is kind of decorated (will remedy that this weekend). Ah...let the festivities begin! Still tons to do but it will all get done and I won't stress. No stress this year.

Cameron will now sing the first line of "Row, row, row your boat." He loves his boats and now when he sees one he starts singing "row, row, row." Very funny. Noah is finally talking a little more (yes, I know, when I finally start worrying it happens). I think he is just going to be a quiet kid. I used to be one and look how I turned out. Ha!

Okay, off to bed for me...lots to do this weekend so I need to get an early start tomorrow. Hoe you all have a fantastic weekend!

My favorite...

little guys. They are just the apples of my eye and continue to amaze me. It was raining this morning pretty hard when I went in to get the boys up and dressed. Cameron listened for a minute and then said "rain." I didn't even realize he knew what rain meant! I guess I never give them enough credit. They never cease to amaze me.

I need to start thinking about what to do for the boy's second birthday. I was thinking of doing puppies and bears since that seams to be the only thing they are really attached to. Their birthday is the day after Christmas but I am not doing the party until January and haven't decided on the exact date just yet. I will probably opt for mid-January since I don't want to do it too close to New Year's and then the following week we have their 2 year check-up so want them to be happy since I have no idea how many shots they will get that day (we are behind so playing catch up). So, if you have any good suggestions let me know, always open to ideas! :)

Our teacher today at class and I were talking about sleeping. Her 3 year old is dropping his nap and having a hard time adjusting. I have a great book I highly recommend to anyone, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth. As with any book you need to just take what works for you and do it. I found this one to be the most helpful out of any of the books I read. Mine were not big nappers when they were little. I mean, they took like 30 minute naps twice a day...not fun for me. But when they hit about a year old it all turned around. Very strange but I am so very thankful! Since they went to 1 nap a day earlier than most kiddos I often wonder if they will drop their nap earlier as well. Guess I'll find out in the next year! ;)

Still plugging away on Christmas. I must say I am doing much better at not stressing and just enjoying the holidays this year. Makes a HUGE difference on the enjoyment factor! It also helps that the boys are such happy kiddos and easy to please for the most part. I was thinking last night at how much I love to hear them laugh. They have these belly laughs that you can't help but smile when you hear. And of course I have to tickle them at least once a day just to hear it. They love to be tickled which cracks me up. Cameron will walk up and say "tickle" when he wants to be tickled. And Noah of course wants to be tickled several times a day. I was so ticklish as a child. I can remember being held down and tickled and can't say I enjoyed it. So I find it very funny they like it...hope they always do!

Done!

I finally finished my Christmas cards and sent them off to printed. Literally like minutes ago! What a relief. And can I just say I LOVE VistaPrint. No, I get nothing out of giving them a free plug but I was completely happy with them last year for our cards I did and I am so proud of the deal I just got. 100 cards, 30 note cards (that I designed), 140 holiday return address labels and a return address stamp all for $60! I couldn't have bought 100 Christmas cards at the store for that! Plus they have free express shipping on orders over $30 right now so I should see those puppies by early next week for sure. Yippee! So of course I can't show off the adorable shot I got of the boys yet...don't want to spoil it...oh what the heck, I can't help myself! This is the shot I used for the cards.

I'm just so darn happy not only did I get a shot of the two of them sitting near each other but I got the cards all done all in the same day! And I think it came out just as adorable as can be. ;)

The boys were very sleepy today...makes me wonder what kind of night I am in for since they slept longer than usual both this morning and at nap time. We had a low-key kind of day but I may regret that tonight...

Okay, off to do some more holiday decorating before turning it. Have a great night everyone!

Not often...

is it that I get a picture with me in it. I am trying very hard to make an effort to get at least one every couple of months and not just run from the camera like I usually do. I don't want my kiddos to grow up and have no pictures of me and wonder where in the heck I was all the time. ;) Ha! This isn't the best one but it's a start! We did the self timer thing so how fast can you get back, grab the kiddo and smile purty for the shot? Must look into a remote for the camera...that way I can snap away...ya think I would do it? I hate being in photos!


The snow stopped and it melting today. I think it comes back though in a few days time. You know, it really isn't bothering me. I actually like it. The house is warm and cozy, the boys want to snuggle more. What more could I ask for?

We played this morning with the camera. We were supposed to go to story time but I realized tomorrow is a make-up class for our Kindermusik class and if I went today and tomorrow and then they have PDO on Wed that might be pushing it. So we enjoyed the morning and played with Christmas lights, the tree and taking some pictures of the 2 of them together for a change. I NEVER get a picture of the 2 of them together where they are both looking at me...or even close to me and somewhat smiling. I have already turned my kiddos into camera haters and they aren't even 2! Ya think I take too many pictures???????

Still working on Christmas projects. Making some cookies today and then hopefully will get a little decorating done. Got everything pulled out yesterday and a few things done but not as much as I would have liked. But I did get some more shopping done online so I am thankful for that! Oh, and the next time you are ordering online just google whatever the store name it is you are shopping at and then put the word coupons. You would be amazed at what I saved last night by doing this. I got Stride Rite snow boots for the boys for $40 for both pair! Amazing. Plus free shipping. And I also got a toy I was going to buy at one shop but they would not allow me to combine my discount with the free shipping offer so I thought I would shop around online. I ended up getting the thing for the same price as what I was going to buy at the one store, with free shipping and an extra $15 off so in the end it came out cheaper than what I would have spent on it at the first place! Man...gotta love the internet!

Creating memories

Last night Noah and Cameron were pulling the diapers and wipes out of the cabinet as usual. But there was one loose one and Noah handed me the diaper and his puppy. So we put the diaper on puppy. It was the funniest thing. He got the biggest kick out of it and even Cameron came and got in on the fun.


Tonight they were both worn out. This was Cameron at the end of the day watching Diego. Okay, anyone that knows my child knows he NEVER sits still for long. So for him to lay on the floor and sit still for 30 minutes is a small miracle. :) I just thought it was cute. He has his milk in one hand and the blanket in the other...ready to go.


So how do you like the new blog? It's pretty spiffy if I do say so myself. Mel from MCA Designs graciously did it for me. She was a joy to work with on it. I just never have any idea what to do for my own blog so she just took a few pictures from me and did the rest herself! And did a fabulous job I must say. :)

It snowed most of the day. Beautiful, fluffy white snow. I am really hoping we have a white Christmas. Make our first year here a memorable one for sure. I have to say so far I am loving the snow. I got out and went to the grocery store this morning and discovered I probably need to get different tires but other than that it wasn't so bad. But I guess by March I will be tired of it like everyone else. Still haven't been able to get the boys out in it yet. Wanted to today but when I went out to get the mail the wind was blowing so hard it nearly knocked me down so I know they wouldn't have enjoyed it much. We will have our snow day some time soon! Up next, holiday baking...oh what fun!

So thankful

Wow, today was full of some unexpected surprises. I find myself at a loss for words...which I guess doesn't happen all that often. Yesterday actually, I reconnected with an old childhood friend whom I haven't spoken to in years (gotta love Facebook). It was so cool to catch up and hear how things are going. But today I was so saddened to hear a fellow twin mom had suddenly passed away this past weekend. I was floored to say the least. They have no idea yet what happened. Were on vacation. She has 2 year old twins that were just a few months apart from mine. That is how we met. And although I only got to spend time with her a few times before moving, she was one of those people you just always remember. Awesome to be around and just had a genuine love for life. She will be missed by so many I am sure. So say a little prayer for her wonderful husband and those 2 beautiful babies, will ya!

Ramblings

So this was Cameron's lip this morning. Poor guy. Looks like he lost a fight with someone's fist. It was red when I went to pick him up this afternoon. I felt so bad for him. He is one little trooper though and continues to surprise me when he doesn't feel well and stuff. Just keeps on going like nothing is wrong. I must have done something good somewhere along in my life to deserve him! Now if we can get Noah to stop the whining and learn to talk life would be well again. He has gotten it bad the last few weeks. Whining and whining and whining and refusing to actually say what it is he wants. Not sure how much of that I can take. Trying to get him to "use his words." Good luck, eh?

The days are flying by, December has started off with a bang and I realized how much there is still to do. At least I have started my Christmas shopping and the house is starting to look more like Christmas. Just catching my breath I guess from Thanksgiving this week and then will dive in with reckless abandon I guess.

It's this time of year I miss singing the most. I used to love doing all the holiday performances and stuff. I think Midnight Mass was always my favorite. I still call it Midnight Mass, I guess technically it is Candlelight service in our church. That is one of the fondest memories I have as a child. We would always do our Christmas on Christmas Eve. We would have a big dinner and everyone over. Then all the kiddos would go outside and look for Santa and the North Star. After that we would open presents and play until time for church. Church was always such a neat experience on Christmas Eve.

And of course there is always the story of my little brother when he was really little. My mom used to sing Silent Night to him as a baby to put him to sleep. Apparently one year at Midnight Mass he stood up as they were singing Silent Night and proclaimed to the whole congregation "Don't Silent Night me!" This is always a story that comes up at Christmas anytime my family gets together. Always makes me smile.

Fond memories

When I was a kid and my grandmother came to visit she always made pierogis around the holidays. I love them but have never tried my hand at making them. Kate over at A Simple Walk brought back some fond memories for me today as she talked about making them with her mother and grandmother. and man hers looked oh so yummy!

Makes me really miss my family. I would love for my mom to teach me how to make these and nutrolls. Strange because as a kid I wasn't crazy about walnuts but for some reason this last year I have been obsessed with learning how to make these. Maybe it's because I have children of my own now and want to carry on traditions or something. I need to get her recipes for both so I can attempt them this holiday season. Only wish she could be here to teach me how to do them herself! Oh well, guess a phone call will have to do. Maybe I can talk her into setting up a video cam and finally get ours up and running. Hmm...maybe a good project for this week.

The snow has finally stopped it seems for a while. The sun came out and it is all starting to melt away. Sigh...the pup likes going out and licking up the snow...very funny to watch him going around to the garden furniture and eating the snow off. Ha! It's just good to see him enjoying something for a change! I have been so worried about him since we moved but hopefully having a house full of people this last week was what he needed to settle into the new place and see it is really home now.

Had to laugh at this picture of my little one. The other night he was playing after dinner and put the bag on his head and was playing with the straws. Now I think he may end up being a little creative type, don't you?

Cameron finally did it. He loves to run through the house and just go in the circle over and over again (our downstairs makes a big circle that they can run wide open). He falls all the time on the hardwood floor and every time I hold my breath waiting for the cry. It happened tonight. Of course, the day M goes out of town is when it would happen. But all was well in the end and thankfully he just busted his lip and nothing major happened. He actually sat still for more than 5 minutes and ate an ice cube while I held him! This in itself is a major thing for him. He never sits still...NEVER. He is wide open all day...so wonder he usually sleeps so well at night (I just jinxed myself for tonight I am sure now). :) But poor little guy has his first busted lip and I am a little worried about what it will look like in the morning. It was pretty big. Hopefully the ice will do the trick. But as hubby said...he has been on borrowed time on that one...it was only a matter of time and I knew it.

Off to bed for me...hope you all have a great night! It's going to be 17 degrees here on Thursday. Yikes!

This has quickly become a favorite picture of mine. :)

And as promised snow pictures from yesterday. It snowed all day today off and on. Very cool. I actually sat at the window in a comfy chair with a cup of Vanilla chai and just watched if snow after I put the boys down for a nap. I have always wanted to be able to do that, just sit and watch the snow come down. Very cool.

So is it terrible of me to not decorate the tree? Just leave it with lights on? He, he. I will decorate the thing but with 2 toddlers that are very curious the decorations are more than likely not going to stay on the tree long. At least whatever they can reach. I thought about putting the gate back up this year but I am really enjoying them being able to be near the tree. They are having so much fun with it. They even kept trying to plug it in today and make the lights come on. It was so funny. And Cameron loves to get underneath the tree and play with the snowmen on the tree skirt. Makes me laugh to watch him. He also loves to wear the Santa hat while Noah wants nothing to do with it. Guess going to visit Santa is next on the list.

Been a pretty quiet few days around here. The boys have been fighting some colds/coughs so we have been staying at home, away from other kiddos so we don't get them sick or pick something else up. But we are going to have to get out tomorrow...I have cabin fever now. :)