Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Emily and JD hosted their first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Their invitation read, "The uglier the sweater, the better the party". It was a very fun night with lots of humor, delicious food, Christmas trivia games, and of course a White Elephant gift exchange.

Christmas Fun

Here is a look at some of the fun things we did this Christmas...

I attended a Christmas Tea at Eden's class. What a wonderful idea, she has such a great teacher. Eden was so dang cute. She insisted on wearing gloves and jewelry with her dress and she made sure I knew that I was supposed to dress up too! We sipped blueberry tea and shared a scone dipped in whipped cream and jam...yum. It was such an enjoyable morning spent with my girl.

Kai practiced for weeks for his big holiday performance. He would come home from school each day and tell me about a new song he was learning. He was so excited when the day finally arrived for his performance. He did such a good job and it was fun to watch him perform. Kai loves to sing!

The kids had a great time building and decorating...and eating gingerbread houses!

Decorating the Tree

Tonight we decorated our Christmas tree. As I watched my kids enjoy the process I remembered how much I enjoyed the process as a child. Ezekiel especially enjoyed the lights part of the process! It's fun to watch my kids get so excited about Christmas. I love that they still believe in the magic of the season. They are convinced that Santa has little birds watching their every move (that's what my mom told me and I'm continuing the tradition)...so they have been on their best behavior!

Brunettes Have More Fun!

My four inch roots and the cost of going to the salon to be blond motivated me to become a brunette with a $10 box of color. This is the first time I have colored my own hair...I was so nervous but it turned out alright.

So, what do you think?! Do blondes or brunettes have more fun?

I'm anxious to find out!

Ezekiel's 1st Birthday!

It's amazing to me that an entire year has gone by since Ezekiel's birth! This year went by much too quickly. My little baby boy is quickly growing into a toddler...but he will always be my baby. Oh, how I love this little boy. He is such a joy to me. He makes me smile and laugh numerous times daily.

Zekie, I'm so blessed to have you as my son. You are such a good boy! Everyone always comments on how easy-going and happy you are. You bring joy to everyone you meet. I love your tight squeezie hugs and your big smiles! I'm so thankful I get to be your mommy and I look forward to the many years we will spend together. I love you Z, your mommy loves you!

Twilight

We went as a bookclub today to see the long-awaited movie, Twilight. It was everything I hoped it would be. What a great love story. Every girl could use an Edward in her life...I know I could!

Christopher's Birthday

We recently celebrated my brother, Christopher's 31st birthday. We went to his home in Fallbrook, ate at McDonalds (his favorite) and then back to his home for cake and presents. We gave him clothes, Ding Dong cakes (another favorite), and LOTS of bows (which he loves to take apart and play with). Some of you may not know Chris. He was born with Down's Syndrome and autism. It wasn't easy growing up with a developmentally disabled brother and I know it was much harder on my parents. However, the love that we are blessed with because Christopher is a part of our family completely outweighs the trials. My brother has taught me to love others no matter their differences, he has taught me to be thankful and to count my blessings, he has taught me patience, he has taught me to find joy in the simple pleasures of life (like cheeseburgers and ribbons), he has taught me to love on a deeper level--a level that requires no words. I love you, Christopher! I look forward to seeing you after this life when you no longer carry the burdens you have chosen to carry here on the earth. I hope I feel worthy to be in your presense then...I see your strength and goodness in your eyes. I am blessed to have you as my brother!