Christmas Ornaments

When Chris and I were growing up each family had the tradition of getting new ornaments every year. We have decided to carry on this tradition with our family. We've decided we like the "classic" looking ornaments. Here are some of our favorites when we were little:

I loved this horse growing up. I think it was the first one I got.

I made this one in Kindergarten and LOVE it!

Here are Chris' favorites:

Below is an ornament Chris got from his grandma. He tried eating the arms but discovered they didn't taste like a cookie; we both love the story behind this ornament.When we got the ornament below from his grandma this year I asked, "Do you think the wafers are real?" His response, "I don't know they look real but last time I ate an ornament I thought was real it tasted awful." Needless to say he didn't try it, the boys did that for him and this time they were "real" cookies!
This is the ornament we gave the boys this year to remind them the year we went to Hawaii. The santa is a star fish, very cool.Last Friday we went over to our neighbor Terri's house for her tree trimming party. We had dinner, drank egg nog, and decorated the tree. She has a ton of ornaments and alternates them through the years.And boy does Chicago have some carolers. These guys were having a good time and good with brass instruments and all. Loved it, it was just too bad I had just laid Jared down for the night:(

Hope your enjoying your holidays:)!

Laughing, Screaming Boy

Saturday Chris watched the boys and my friend Karyn's kids while a few of us FINALLY went to see Twilight. Chris Captured a few moments of Spencer that I thought were funny. The second clip is even better. I don't know what was with him but it makes me giggle when I watch them.

As for Twilight, I had a hard time not comparing it to the book. Loved the characters Charlie, Mike, Eric, Jacob, Billy, and the bad vampires. I was okay with the Cullens but not crazy about them. As for the main characters Bella was too nervous for me and Edward was not suave and confident enough for me. But I will see it again, I just didn't love it. I could write a whole post on what I liked and disliked abou the movie but I will leave it at this for now.

Happy Birthday Jared!!!

"Sleepy-Birthday Boy"

Jared is all about trains, cars and planes these days so I've known what Jared's cake would be ever since my mom got me a train cupcake mold earlier this year. I knew it was going to take me awhile to complete but I didn't think I'd be going to bed past 1:00 the night before his birthday (birthdays are only once a year so it's totally worth the time!) The cake is by no means perfect but I felt pretty good about it and Jared loved it as well making it totally worth it! I really wanted to have the house decorated for when Jared woke up so after I was done with the cake Chris and I started blowing up balloons. We maybe did 30 and I started to get light headed and seriously thought I was going to pass out. I was so exhausted from only 3 hours of sleep the night before and then staying up late again I opted to going to bed. I wish we could've had the whole place decorated though cause Jared was seriously excited when he saw all the balloons. I can only imagine his face if he saw all the streamers.
We started the morning off opening presents and it took several hours before he touched his choclate chip pancakes because playing was much more fun.

Later in the morning I finally got round to finishing putting up streamers and blowing up balloons.Downstairs was my favorite! (the stairs have the streamers hanging down and we're still having fun with them:) Now Jared has been asking for his birthday since June and upon coming to Chicago we've already attended two birthday parties and Jared has been asking for his as well so there was no question that we would have a party this year (his first ever!) Above: Jared anxiously awaiting his guests and eating the strawberries.

Chris was able to come home after a meeting and it worked out perfectly. He supervised making sure the kids were safe while I got to enjoy the company of my friends:)

Jared, Bryker, Anna, and Alli (with the hat)

Linsey, Karyn, and Missy

Ruby
Asher and Mo Kristal and Ollie Ashley and Lily

Spencer didn't attack is own cake for his first birthday but he downed two cupcakes! Then the following day Jared got out the leftover blue icing and Spencer got his hands on it. What a mess! I was shocked when I first saw it I had no idea what it was. Luckily warm water works like a charm for frosting.

And Jared had fun with the markers he got and went to town. We were even in the same room and I had no idea he was decorating himself. Chris was the one who noticed when he came home from work. Oops!!!

Jared's birthday was a success! I worried about him being possessive of his things at the party but he did better than I ever anticipated. And he loved all his gifts. Since his birthday he's slept with George every night, played with cars and airplanes non-stop, the elephant is relentless in its roaring:), and I have read and re-read all his new stories. Thank you everyone for making Jared's birthday one to remember!