But I'm a Boy Mom...

When I was pregnant with Mallory I promised I would never give in the girly stuff. I wanted to be a boy mom and was proud of it. Well, as of about a few weeks after her birth, I caved. And, it has been well worth every minute. If girls are going to give us harder times with hormones and such, then why not enjoy the things we do have control of - hair bows, hats, outfits, and decorating their rooms. At least we have control until they start talking! I also promised that I wouldn't paint her room pink and I didn't, but I do dress her in pink almost everyday. Well, here are a few photos of her room and I will admit I probably went a bit overboard for a baby who doesn't even know much of what is in her room. But, like I said before, do it while you still can.

Christmas Highlights

What a wonderful Christmas! I think I can honestly say THE BEST ONE so far. It was hectic leading up to it and on Christmas Eve I thought my head was going to explode, but as the evening came and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at our friend's house, it all came together. The kids didn't wake up until 8 am and we didn't go out until 8:30 am. The boys all slept on our floor since they would have to pass by the family room to get us and see everything if they slept in their room. Santa brought each of the kids three gift including a Creepy Crawler Oven, Star Wars Legos, sippy cups, and dinosaur puzzles. The grandparents in Cali sent funny hats from Alice in Wonderland and Dr. Suess along with the DVDs to go with them. We adopted at least five new WebKinz and I am sure there are more adoptions in our future. And, yesterday we came back from Cincinnati where we stayed with cousins karaoking to High School Musical 1 & 2 and jumping on their new jumping pit in the basement. I loved singing the duets (I was always Ryan) with my sister in law (she was Sharpay)! Well, 10 pounds later...it has been a nice Christmas Season and I feel ready to move on. I am usually sad to move, but this year I am ready. In fact, today I started my New Year's Resolution a little early and jumped on the elliptical and plan on continuing way in to the new year. Something had to been done because we just had too much great food to eat for the last 2 weeks. I am not complaining, just reporting. So, Happy New Year to all and to all a good night.

Happy Birthday Zane

Actually, Zane's birthday was yesterday, but I did want to mention it. See, I didn't write about it yesterday because Christmas Eve is always a BUSY day and a bit hard to celebrate a birthday. It was crazy busy yesterday. Let's just say Zane isn't exactly the easiest person to throw a party for because he just doesn't care about it. Well, the girl in me cares about it a lot and every year we try so hard to make it a special day. He is well worth the stress (mental usually!) and effort. He is the big 34 and well, I can't tease him about it because I follow and become the same age 6 days later. When I talked to him at work when we first met (12years ago), I told him that I didn't want to date anyone younger than me. He then asked how old I was and I said, "21." He asked me when my birthday was and I said, "December 30th." He said, "Good, I am six days older," and then walked away. A few weeks later we were dating and needless to say we were engaged about 4 weeks later. So, 12 years later...I still love him and am lucky to celebrate with him and our four kids. Happy Birthday Zane (yesterday)!

Sharing

Most of you know that Gage, my 3 year old, has juvenile diabetes. Well, yesterday I was going to test his blood sugar and he turned to dad and said all proud, "I get to get tested because I have diabetes." I told him that it wasn't fair and I wish that I had diabetes too. He turned to me and said, "It's okay mom.... maybe you can have diabetes next time." I thought he was so sweet and innocent. He was willing to share, but for now, it was his turn to have it. Well, I am not sure how long this great attitude toward testing and shots and forced feedings (running around after him with a pb&j sandwich) will last, but for now it is for the most part a sweet experience as far as trials go. He is a sweet guy who when he is refused an opportunity to eat a piece of candy that he asks for says, "Ohhhhhh man," just like Swiper the Fox instead of screaming and yelling. Of course that's not every time, but most of the time and I like to remember it that way. Well in this season of candy and good food, I wish all those with diabetes or any type of health issue a blessing of extra health and happiness!

Embroidery Patterns

These are the two embroideries we did for an Enrichment Activity two weeks ago. If you want them they are yours to create with. They just use a backstitch for all stitches except a french knot for the berries. Really easy - I promise. If I can figure it out, you can too! Merry Christmas~

New Header

Just so you don't think I think that this header is working with the page, I don't. I know it doesn't fit, but it is currently under construction and it might be awhile - you know with the holidays and all. So, someday it will fit in the box and until that day, enjoy the pepto background and wrong fit at the top. THE END!

Christmas Memories

HaTs!

I just read my mom's site and saw that she posted the photos of Mallory and all the hats she made her during her trip out here to Kentucky. It was fun when she would finish one and we couldn't wait to try it on Mallory. They turned out really cute and I think my mom should go into business. She was getting them done so quickly. It made me want to run out and get more yarn to get more hats. That is one talent I wish I had - knitting/crocheting. I took a knitting class once and let's just say I did not pass with flying colors. And, now I am afraid to try again because what if it wasn't just a fluke (bad teacher) that I didn't catch on. What if I really can't figure out how to knit? So, I am leaving it to the future of one day I will accomplish that skill and become quite good!

dEaR SaNTa...

I love letter writing to Santa and the magic of it all! Tonight Boston and Trevor wrote letters to Santa along with including an additional list of wants and desires. Boston had me help him and he asked Santa if he would still get gifts even if Santa saw him in the night if he gets up to go to the bathroom. I guess we've been telling Boston that Santa won't leave anything if you stay up and wait to see him. Trevor's letter just included a short note that said, "Please refer to my Christmas List for the three gifts mom and dad said I would be getting from you!" Then, the two of them put on their heavy winter coats over their p.j.s, put on their shoes and ran in the dark to the mail box to put the letters in. I hope Santa gets those letters quick enough to respond! I remember one year getting a letter from Santa when I was about five years old that told me that I needed to be nice to my brother Brett if I wanted to get gifts that year. I guess I needed to be a nicer sister. Hopefully, over the years I have changed and now Brett can say that I have been nice to him! If I am lucky then Santa will leave a great gift for me this year!