From Our House to Yours

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

and a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring

to you and your kin,

Good tidings for Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding

and a cup of good cheer!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Dear Santa

This year, Jack has seemed especially interested in Santa.  Well, interested as long as he doesn't have to sit in his lap:)  But after Thanksgiving, we started talking about Santa more and more, and how if Jack is a good, little boy, Santa will bring him presents on Christmas. 

{Jack's reindeer hat that he wore for his school Christmas party}

{Jack and a friend enjoy some Oreos}

We asked Jack what he was going to tell Santa that he wanted for Christmas, and once our little man started making his list, he NEVER stopped.  Maybe we started a bit too early!

{He and a friend posed for some pictures...}

{they were so funny...}

{and just didn't want to stop!}

For a month, Jack's Christmas list has steadily risen.  Originally, he said he wanted a Buzz Box.  Yes, not the $50 Buzz that comes inside the box, but the actual box.  You know...in the shape of  spaceship?  Yeah, that one.  And Woody.  How could I forget?

{Waiting in line to see Santa - ALL SMILES}

{Beautiful decorations}

But then, he saw some trains on some of his videos that interested him.  He'd come to get me from the kitchen or office, take my hand in his little paw, and say, "Mama, come here, I have to show you sumptin."  He'd proceed to ask me to "go back," and then he'd point to the obscure toy that he wanted Santa to bring him.  A shape-sorting Noah's Ark, a playground full of balls (no, I'm not kidding), a horse...one that he calls Bullseye (from Toy Story, if you weren't sure). 

{Practicing his BIG smile}

In fact, when he showed me a real horse, I knew we were in trouble.  I thought seven year old girls asked for ponies, but here, at 2 1/2 my son adamantly explains that he would like one too.  Uh, oh.  He is NOT getting a horse for Christmas. 

{Me and My Boy}

The list went on and on.  I explained that he'd have to tell Santa about the things he wants for Christmas, and we talked about sitting on Santa's lap and showing off his big smile.  He kept asking to see Santa, and he seemed all ready to go.  Up until we actually sat on Santa's lap, and then...well, you know what happened. 

I hope that even though his monstrous list most likely won't be filled, Jack will still be very pleased with the toys that Santa will bring him.  I can't wait to take those pictures...

Skinny Bear Stories

I meant to write about this sooner, but it slipped my mind until something reminded me about it today:

At the beginning of Thanksgiving dinner, Grandma shared all of the things that she was thankful for.  It was a long, beautiful, weepy speech, and when she was done, Uncle Danny shared as well.  Then they asked Jack what he was thankful for.  "What do you love so much?"

After thinking for a moment or two, Jack clearly said, "Skinny Bear."

At least we know where we stand.  You know...as his mom and dad:)

*****
Today Jack was inspecting one of the topiary trees that we had at our wedding.  I told him we used the tree at Mommy and Daddy's wedding, and he said, "Jack's wedding."

It got me all sentimental and thinking, and so I said, "Sure, Buddy, you can use it at your wedding, too.  Who are you going to marry?  Who do you love so much?" sure that he was going to say me!

Ha, not so much.

"Skinny Bear," he said.

*****
This evening Jack and Daddy were playing and wrestling around on the couch.  Daddy tossed Skinny Bear across the room for Jack to go get, but Jack originally didn't think it was so great.  He went over, picked Skinny Bear up, and yelled to me, "Daddy just threw Skinny Bear!" like it was going to get Daddy in trouble.  And so the playing of one parent against the other begins, at a mere 30 months:)

Silent Sunday

                  

Just Now

For those of you that know Jack well, you know what a picky eater he can be.  (I wonder where he gets that from?!?!)

This morning, after SoccerTots, we came home and I made a cheese sandwich for myself while Daddy cooked up some yummy bacon - two foods that Jack has never eaten before.  When I was almost done with my sandwich, I offered Jack a bite, and he ate it up super fast without any hesitation.  We were shocked.  Even more so when he asked me for his own sandwich. 

I made a sandwich for Jack, and then sat down to eat some bacon.  On numerous occasions we've offered bacon to Jack, but he'll never try it.  Today, I snuck two little pieces on his plate while he was looking away, and as we sat by very quietly wondering what his reaction would be, he picked it up, popped it into his little mouth, and immediately said, "Yummy to my tummy."  Brad and I were amazed when he actually put it into his mouth, but then when he said, "yummy to my tummy," we were just grinning ear to ear at one another, trying not to make a big deal about it lest he decide he couldn't possibly eat anymore bacon. 

Oh, he's just absolutely the cutest thing ever...

Thankful Thursday (From Beginning to End, Picture Style)

There are so many things that I'm thankful for this Thursday:

I am forever thankful for the adorable positions I find my little man in first thing in the morning.

That also reminds me of two other things I'm thankful for today - Jack slept in his bed all night and didn't get up to go potty or to see me in the middle of the night:) and he slept in this morning until 7:30.  I was so happy!

As I was putting on my makeup this morning, Jack came running through the foyer screaming, "I love you soooo much because I ate all my breaktif (breakfast)!"  I am so thankful for you, Baby Jack.  You brighten my every day!

The first snow of the season.

A two-hour early school closing which allowed me to have lunch with my mom.  

The opportunity to read to Jack's class this afternoon.  The two's really seemed to enjoy Santa's Stuck!

The understanding assistant director at Jack's school who listened to my concerns about the weather policy and made me feel much better.  I didn't necessarily get what I want, so I'm going to have to ask my dad about what strings he pulled to get the bus stop location moved.  However, she did make me feel much better, and I believe that Jack will be well-taken care of.  

The irony in finding out that when the students went out to play in the snow today, my little man was the last one to come in as he didn't want to stop playing with the snowflakes.  Wouldn't that just be the case?

Jack's teacher for knowing him so well that she accurately predicted the outfit he'd be wearing tomorrow for their holiday party - a plaid shirt, a sweater vest, and a pair of jeans.  She obviously knows my taste as well...

My sister for agreeing to wait in the line to see Santa with me and Jack tomorrow afternoon.

Cuddlebug, for loving my little man so entirely, even though he chases her constantly and sometimes pulls her tail.  Or ears.  Or paws.

My husband for bringing home yummy Taco Bell because this mama was just way too tired to cook.

And finally, the Hoodie-Footie commercial that made me laugh harder than I've laughed in a long time.

What a good day!

Lioness

When I was a kindergartner, my mom worked during the day, and my dad worked nights.  Therefore, he was responsible for doing my hair, helping me get dressed, and getting me to school.  I very clearly remember my dad being the cause of the bus stop being moved from one location to another, so as to be closer to our home.  My dad felt that it was very important that I not have to turn the corner to get to my bus stop, and he complained to the powers that be until they moved the bus stop.  I've forever been impressed, although now that I'm typing this, I'm not sure if I've ever told him.  Thanks, Dad:)  You're the best!

Now that I'm a mom, I understand the passion with which he must have worked to resolve the bus stop issue.  Currently, I am a lioness, protecting her cub.  For the last three days I've been on a mission to protect my son from the elements while at school during the day, and, I have to say, it has not been easy.

Today, I kept him at home so that I could be sure he would not have to go out in the 20 degree weather.  Obviously, this is not going to work all winter, so I'm still looking for another solution.

I love Jack's school - I really do.  I just NEED this one small issue to be resolved.  I've become a woman obsessed...just raging with my ears all hot and everything because I don't know how to fix this for him.  Tomorrow, with all the research I collected today, I'm going to state my case.  Wish me luck, for Jack's sake.

Seriously.  How could you not want this little man to be as toasty warm as possible?

Another Year of Fabulous

On Saturday, my best friend's planned a special girl's day out in honor of my 30th birthday!  It was so fun, although I have to admit, I was a little nervous because it was a surprise.  All Kimmee shared with me was that I couldn't wear any makeup, I was supposed to wear my hair down, and I may want to wear pink or black.  To say the least, I was a little stressed, and Kimmee had said that I was not getting a makeover, and I couldn't think of any other way to get makeup on my face!  Then I found out that we were going to Reston Town Center which I was very excited about it because it's always decorated so nicely for the holidays.  I started thinking maybe she'd pick me up and she was going to do my makeup and hair at her house before we went out.  I could deal with that...no problem.

Except when she picked me up it was clear we were going straight to the Town Center, without my makeup.  And when we arrived, both Kimmee and Julie were looking super-cute.  They asked me to open my presents as we were standing close to the ice rink, and inside the bag I found a fuzzy pink and silver tiara, a hot pink ring, and a banner that read, "Another Year of Fabulous."  As I was dying of shock and embarrassment, my two best friends donned themselves with matching pink tiaras:)  Next, I opened a gift card to Sephora, and that's when I found out that I was having a makeup consultation, so that not only was I going to get my makeup done, but someone was going to teach me how to do it, and then I could do a little makeup shopping:)  What an awesome gift!

{pre makeup, in all the pink add-ons}

We rushed to Sephora, and I had a chance to put my hair half-up and put on my tiara.  Then I put on my beads (oh yes, I forgot to mention, we were also wearing hot-pink metallic beads), my ring, and my banner, and sat down to have my makeup consultation.  The makeup artist did a really great job, and while I did have to adamantly admit that the first lip color would just not do, she quickly found something that was much more suitable for me.  The eyes were a little more intense than I would normally wear, but they did look really good.  And I got some new makeup:)  It was so fun, and hopefully, now my makeup will look better when I do it myself since she gave me some really great tips.  One fun fact I learned was that I was actually applying my eyeshadow with a blending brush rather than an eyeshadow brush.  Nice.

{some intense eyeshadow application}

Then we were off to a fabulous lunch at Uncle Julio's which was wonderful.  My Sprite was served in a hot-pink martini glass (you know - the one Jack wanted his milk in?).  I ate everything on my plate of enchiladas not to mention most of the sopapillas they brought as a complimentary birthday dessert.  It was soooooo good - I love Mexican food:)

After that Kim and Julie whisked me away for manicures, and it was so nice to be pampered and to have so much time to chat and catch up since we don't get to get together that often.  My nails look so nice, and I couldn't wait to show them off at work!

Finally, we went to a really cute little cupcake shop where I was able to get a free cupcake for my birthday (compliments of the owner).  The stipulation was we had to have our picture taken (in all of our hot-pink glory) by the lady who rang us up, and then she had to email it to the owner.

It was a perfect day, and it was so thoughtful and sweet.  Every second was filled with the things I love:)  Kimmee and Julie know me too well - 7 1/2 years now.  Time flies...

Girls - you are wonderful, and you made me feel so special.  I love having you as my best friends, and that we can share all the ups and downs of our lives together.  What would I ever do without you?  Thank you so much!!!!

{post makeovers}

Silent Sunday

{just milk}

Just Jack

It's been awhile, and I apologize.  This whole working, mommy, blogger thing is harder than it may seem.  Some nights, as much as I want to write, I'm just way too exhausted to muster up the energy:(

But I did want to share some recent Jack highlights with you:)

*****
Today when I picked Jack up from school, he was just as excited to see me as he always is, but after we snuggled a bit, his teacher asked him if he wanted to tell me what happened today.  Uh oh - I knew this was not going to be good.

I asked Jack what happened, and at first, he said, "I don't know what happened today," and shrugged his little shoulders.  Then when I asked again, he very clearly said, "I hit Trenton."  Lovely.  To say the least, we had a chat, and he apologized to Trenton.  Tomorrow at drop-off, I'll surely give Jack a warning to keep his hands to himself.

I have to say...I was loving the honesty and the to-the-point nature in which he shared with me.  He repeated this performance when Daddy came home this evening, only this time, he added some new details.  "I hit Trenton in the face.  And Graham."  Again...a talking to.

*****
Right now, Jack is talking up a storm, and it's pretty adorable.  Occasionally, as is normal for toddlers his age, his speech isn't perfect.  For example:

Buzz and Boody = Who else?!?!?!?!?  The boy only talks about Buzz and Woody...

Macamoni = Macaroni and cheese (this may be my favorite)

Chris-Chris = Christmas, as in, "Mama, look at the Chris-chris tree!"

He often refers to himself in the third person, although he uses all the other pronouns properly 90% of the time.

Booberries = Blueberries.  Jack LOVES blueberries.

*****
Perhaps you were wondering why Jack was playing in the dog bed on Sunday.  Allow me to explain.  While I was napping (and let me be clear, Jack was also meant to be napping), Jack decided to reorganize his bedroom.  When I woke up, he was in the dog bed next to me, playing with his toys.

When I worked my way to his room ("I didn't take a nap Mommy.  I made a mess."), this is what I encountered:

Obviously, he'd been quite busy.  The ENTIRE nap time.  I slept great, though!

*****
Jack is currently in a new stage where he LOVES to sing.  A lot.  Tonight he gave two concert performances - one for my mom and dad, and one for Daddy.  Here's a bit of his second performance (and his new 'do):

                                                                                                                                                                      

 Hope you enjoyed these Jack highlights:)  He definitely keeps us on our toes.

Silent Sunday

Over the Hill

Last Wednesday was my thirtieth birthday.  Yes, you read correctly.  In the last month we have celebrated everyone's birthday in my immediate family.  My sister's just the day before mine!  It's a crazy time of year for us...and one month later - Christmas!

So, my thirtieth birthday.  A birthday I'd been dreading; I'm not gonna lie.  But I have to say, all in all, it hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought it would be.  I actually feel very happy with my life in its current state, and I certainly don't feel old (you know...minus that whole witchy stripe of gray hair that is hiding on the back of my head).

{note the backpack}

My birthday began with a car trip to North Carolina.  Jack was so excited to go on a trip, but he had a hard time understanding that we wouldn't be flying anywhere.  I think he was really looking forward to an airplane ride, so we felt badly to disappoint:)  He did so well in the car though - we were so proud of him!

{Jack explored the leaves in Great-Grandma Earlie's yard}

We stopped for a break and for lunch several hours into the trip, and we let Jack get out and run around with the puppy dogs to get some exercise and work out some of that energy.  I had just found a perfect place to start shooting some photos of my little man and his daddy when I big construction truck pulled into our shoot and ruined the back drop.  At least I kind of got the one cute picture from above!

When we arrived at Grandma Earlie's, we spent some time playing outside in the leaves.  It was a beautiful day, and I'm pretty sure Jack had never seen so many leaves in one place.

As you can tell, he absolutely LOVED it.

And I was loving it too because oh.my.word.  Look at these pictures!

I have to be honest - I'm not sure who loved it more.  Jack or Belle?  At one point, she was completely covered in bits of leaves.  It was pretty funny.  Gracie, of course, was not nearly as interested.

{Jack and Grandma}

{The birthday girl and Jack - not wanting to take a second away from playing with the leaves to take a picture with his mama}

After we relaxed a bit from our trip, we headed out to dinner at a little restaurant on Main Street in a tiny little town.  It was adorable because everything was decorated for Christmas, lights on the street signs and everything.  Jack thought it was very pretty:)

Dinner was very good, but dessert?  To.Die.For.  French Silk Pie like I've never had before.  It was perfect.  

We came home, and I opened my wonderful presents (mentioned here).  It was a great birthday, and the only thing that would have made it any better would have been to have had my family there as well.  It's very hard to be away from your family on your birthday, and when I was homesick then I started thinking about how one day Jack will be all grown-up and not home on his birthday, and what in the world will I do?  So I called my mom and we chatted - it definitely helped me feel better.

The rest of our Thanksgiving trip was great as well.  Thursday was relaxing and tasty; everyone really liked the table I set (especially the whole leaves as place cards idea).  On Black Friday, Brad and I had a chance to go shopping together while Grandma watched Jack, and that was really nice for us to have a chance to hang out together and do some shopping alone.  Then on Saturday, we came home and as we pulled into our development we asked Jack if he had fun on our trip: 

No, I want to go swimming.  We gonna go in a airplane?

Hmm...we quickly discovered that when we said we were going on a trip, Jack apparently combined the only two trips he remembers (our flight to Cleveland and our vacation to Virginia Beach when we planned a fun event for each day), and was expecting a much more exciting adventure.  Poor thing.