ICE!

So, we decided to hit the large ICE! exhibit again this year at the Gaylord Texan.  This years theme was Charlie Browns Christmas and was absolutely adorable!

G standing in front of the sad tree Charlie Brown had rescued from amongst all the metal and plastic trees.

I know these aren't the most amazing pics of us all, but it was definitely cold in there!  If you plan on doing the ice slide, you have to wear these special parkas provided by the hotel.  They are made of a special fabric that help you slide without wearing down the ice.

So I look ginormous but I had my own coat on underneath and the size coat they gave me was a little big but whatever.  This was a cool ice tunnel we got to walk through.

This was at the end of the exhibit last year too.  It's an entire nativity carved out of ice.  On the other side is a huge angel.  It's quite pretty and amazing!

So this little one I am SOOO proud of!  She's a bit of a chicken but that huge smile says a ton!  She went down the ice slide this year and loved it so much she cried because we couldn't keep going back to do it more!  Way to go Little R for conquering a fear!!

Here she is coming down!

And G, he wouldn't miss this part for the world!

And Baby R, this is the smallest parka they have but I thought she may sit on my lap to go down the slide so we stuck her in it.  She looks a bit like E.T. don't you think?  She was adorable, she refused to ride in her stroller so she walked the distance of the hotel (which is loonnnngggg) and all the way, she'd see the snowflake markers indicating which way to go to get to the ICE! exhibit saying, "look mom a flu-cake!". 

We can't wait to see what the ice-sculptors from Herbin, China do next year!

Christmas Wrap up

The week of Christmas we piled the kids in the car and headed off to a nature museum that just happens to be less than 5 minutes from our home.  They have a Christmas lit walking path that we wanted to go through.

The museum currently has life size animatronic dinosaurs on display in the nature preserve where we walked through.  They adorned the dinosaurs with lighted wreaths, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, etc...  The kids loved it.  Also, along the trail was a little shack where the kids got to take their photos with Mother Nature and Father Christmas.  The photo is copyrighted but you can follow this link to see my kids photo  http://wwc.photoreflect.com/pr3/Orderpage.aspx?pi=Y95O00DR000008&po=8&pc=41 . 

At the end of our Christmas lit nature walk, there was a pavilion with a local band that was playing/singing good ol' fashion Christmas songs.  It was nice not having to hear stupid renditions that usually aren't that great. 

My kids (not the annoying oriental girl that stuck to me like glue up front) LOVED dancing to the music.  They got way super excited when they sang, "Grandma got ran over by a reindeer" because we have a toy that my sister gave us that sings that song that I bring out only at Christmas.

On to our annual gingerbread house decorating.  Both kids did awesome after I had to remind them that the candy doesn't stick until I put the frosting on.  The amount of candy on the floor after they were done was atrocious but they loved it and were quite proud of their creations.  They definitely are getting better, I'll give them that much.  Little R was being more strategic with her placement of candy this year.

On to Christmas Eve.  My cousin and her family came over to celebrate with us.  We had the kids decorate cookies for Santa which I think their cousin on the far left ate all of his but one lonely cookie for Santa.  I think Santa was grateful for only one when G decorated a whopping 8 ALL for Santa so I guess it evened out:) 

Our pretty new Christmas tree we finally broke down and bought.  Our last tree was way too many years old, broken, weird shaped and was a pain to put up and take down.  Santa was obviously good to us this year too. 

The "IT" gift at our house this year.  The Disney Princess Musical Vanity has been a fight to use between the two girls and G getting annoyed so he keeps turning it off in the back which makes the girls even more mad.  I think I'm starting to realize, sometimes you have to buy two of the same thing so the girls won't fight.

G with (one of) his "IT" gifts.  If you know who "Fly Guy" is, you'll recognize the above book and "soft friend" that now sleeps in G's bed each night. 

And Baby R with a gift from one of her g'mas.  She pretty much wanted everything that everyone had but surprisingly did really well Christmas morning.  I thought she would have tuckered out and been super ornery but, nope, she was content and super excited to open up each and everyone one of her presents.

Merry Christmas everyone!  Hope your families have had a beautiful holiday season to end 2010!

Christmas Ugly

Is anyone else as annoyed with my Christmas-y background as I am? It's totally ugly and I'm getting the itch to change it but everything else I've found online as far as holiday backgrounds are concerned are just not cute. I need to learn how to design my own. All the ones out there are totally scrapbook looking and just not cool. Hmmm......I think a book to learn how to build blogger backgrounds needs to go on my wish list to Santa. It couldn't be THAT complicated could it?

Now, enjoy these photos of sweaters.

If you think any of these are fashionable, something is wrong with you and you shall be burned with the sweater.

Grandma got ran over by a reindeer!

Mexican Posada- Preschool Style

Little R's class had a parents program/holiday party this past week and they themed it around a traditional Mexican Posada.

The kids were darling as they all piled in and asked if there was room at each "home" (aka, classrooms) until the third "home" that had us parents welcomed them (if you are unsure of what a Mexican Posada is read here).  They then whipped out their instruments and sang us a bunch of holiday songs including 'Feliz Navidad', so so so cute! 

Then it wouldn't be a traditional Mexican party without the piñata!  However, did you know that Piñatas actually originated back in Italy but basically the Mexicans took the idea and ran with it?  True story, look it up. 

OH BOY!!!  After we rotated through all the classrooms, we got back to our original spot where the kids were instructed to sing "Jingle Bells" as loud as they possibly could (Little R took the prize on the decibel meter for sure).  As the teacher kept them singing guess who snuck in behind them....SANTA!!!  Each child got to ask Santa for a special gift for Christmas and in return he gave them each a gift  (it was a stuffed snowman or reindeer).  So much fun!  I wish I could go back to preschool, maybe I'd appreciate it more, you think??

Peace on Earth, Good-Will to Men!

the Samuel on the Shelf

So many people do this tradition and apparently it's been around for years I just didn't know about it until I had kiddos of my own.  It involves a little Scout Elf that Santa sends to your home to watch and make sure you are being nice not naughty.  Then, each night he flies back to Santa and reports of his findings.  Each morning he'll reappear but in a new place.  So, each morning my kids have to go look for him.

I bought the specific boxed set that includes a little elf that you name yourself and the adorable story book.  The box set comes with an interactive website that you register your Elf with and you receive an authentic registration certificate along with a letter from Santa.  We also get emails each day from Santa telling us he's still watching us and that our Elf has been telling him good things, pretty cute.  Today Santa sent us Mrs. Claus' recipe for "Elf Cupcakes" and requested we save Santa at least one for Christmas Eve.  Too cute.

So without further ado, meet Samuel, our Scout Elf.  I don't really know where "Samuel" came from but Little R and G seemed to agree on that name, so it will be.

Two mornings ago, Samuel flew back to the North Pole and came back on our chandelier over our kitchen table.  It kind of freaked G out a bit, he refused to sit at the table to eat breakfast.  It was pretty funny but he's getting over his fear of the "magic elf that flies" as he sees Little R super excited each day as she hunts him down.

Happy Holidays!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Busy as Santa!

Man, this week has had activities every day of the week so be prepared for lots of posts over the next couple of days!

We started the week off by going to see Jolly Ol' St. Nick.  G was super adorable when he insisted on wearing our Santa hat to see the Big Guy himself.  He's all smiles waiting in line. 

OK, Baby R absolutely HATED Santa Clause.  I'll spare you a posting of our hideous family photo with Santa as Baby R is beet red and screaming loads of tears while G gives a fake smile and Little R trying to look adorable but her hair was staticky and sticking to Santa.  Is that a good visual?  Great, moving on.... 

Little R is a furnace.  As soon as we got inside Santa's Cottage, she stripped her coat and Mr. D got stuck holding it.  She didn't want to put it back on, even when we left the building.  She's a super sweaty head, all the time. 

This is the only Santa pic I'll indulge you with.  I love this Santa!  They fly him in each year and he stays at a nearby hotel.  He is the NICEST Santa and totally authentic!  When he was done telling my kids to be good I prompted them to say, "Thank You" and that is when Mr. D got jealous...Santa pulled me over to give me a long Santa hug.  Santa likes blondes, he didn't hug the mom before me cause she had brown hair.  I've been good this year, Santa knew it so he expressed his gratitude with a lengthy hug.  Now, I know what you are thinking, "creepy".  Well, I didn't find it creepy, I want good presents so if Santa wants a longer hug to give me something good, so be it.  HO! HO! HO!  Besides, you all know you'd want a hug from Santa too if he offered it up...don't lie!  Seasons Greetings! 

Hi Joe.

Meet Joe.  This is one of the horses at Little R's pre-school.  It amazes me at how quiet natured the animals are (there's also another horse, miniature horse, donkey and miniature goat).  The kids playground is right there and they are all screaming and running and yet, no animal is spooked or agitated.  The kids even were coming up and petting Joe through the fence while he drank and he didn't even flinch.  Good boy Joe.

That's dumb!

I wanted to spread some holiday cheer by using a nice "Christmas-y" background on my blog.  However, it's been brought to my attention that those who are trying to read my blog on a "smart" device (aka: iPhone, iPad etc..) the background won't load so the white font is not readable.  I have changed the background to hopefully take care of that problem.

Tis the season for reading Heather's blog!

Once a baby, now a toddler

My baby has officially turned 2!!

The Birthday Girl "eating" her cupcake (more like stabbing into an oblivion and then pushing half of it onto the floor watching it flop to the ground).

I made "Dora" cupcakes (sort of).  If you are avid watchers of Dora, you'll know she has Explorer Stars in her backpack.  So, I made a spiced cupcake, lavender frosting (Backpack is purple) and put some gummy Explorer Stars on top.  Yes, these were GFCFEGSFNFCF (translation: Gluten free, casein free, egg free, soy free, nut free and corn free) and they were FABULOUS!  Little R even asked for a second one!  Who says eating allergy friendly has to be boring??  Not I, says me!

Just a classic look by Baby R.  She always furrows her brows and just "talks" and "talks".  It's hilarious when she does this to strangers (she is extremely friendly out on the town) because they always assume I know what she's saying.  I don't, I just smile and nod too and say things like, "oh, really?" and "wow!".

Unwrapping her presents.  She tore right in, she needed very little assistance.  You know they are growing up when you don't have to really help unwrap gifts.

And the Birthday Girl with her two favorite gifts.  A dog from brother G and a Dora Microphone from g'ma & g'pa. 

She had a great birthday, I'm going to miss her being 1 the little bugger!

I'm Trying!

Trying to get into the Christmas Spirit that is.  I've mentioned numerous times how much it sucks not having the dark gray skies, fluffy snow falling and cold temps that require the fireplace to be on....but I'm trying to change my depressed mood.  I found the above picture of our nations capital that totally had the feeling I was craving.  Where everything is blanketed in white, the dark gray sky, and a peacefulness about the streets.  I downloaded it and it is now the background on my iPhone so every time I look at my phone, that yummy picture of what I want most stares back at me.  I'm a little more happy.

G's Request

Two days ago, G brings me a Max & Ruby book and points to a picture and asks,"what's this?".  I told him it was called a "cornucopia".  He started bouncing up and down and says, "I want cornucopia for Thanksgiving".  I just chuckled and left it at that.

A few moments ago as I was writing out my grocery list for Thanksgiving he tells me to write down "cornucopia...(pause)...with grapes!".

Apparently I am now adding to my grocery list, "horn basket" so G will be complete on Thanksgiving as he will be eating, "cornucopia with grapes" along side his, "turkey and mash-a-da potatoes" (we still have speech issues if you didn't catch that.)

What are you eating for Thanksgiving?

Sometimes it all just comes together

 Mr. D and I have been hard at work to get our formal dining room completed before Thanksgiving.  We had to enlist the help from an interior designers assistant (I love you Rhonda!) to go shopping with me and get the last few key components to dress the room how I was envisioning in my head but it's come together beautifully and I'm quite proud so I thought I'd show it off.

Now, you'll have to use your imagination for the next couple of pics as these are the BEFORE.  The room itself is quite dark, so getting good pics is hard. 

Just a boring space needing some life pumped into it.

And AFTER!!   

We got a little excited and already put out our Christmas center piece and the two 7.5 foot tall trees in the corners which my kids are loving each night.  They play, "Christmas" as they bring "presents" to place under the trees.  We spoil their fun each night when we make them clean up their mess though.

I LOVE Fleur de Lis so you can imagine what went through me when I found these tassels to dress up my gorgeous shiny crimson panels!

I'm proud of this room, I can't wait for Thanksgiving now and to have my guests enjoy the holiday in a fancy, formal dining room.

P.S.  You can click on each picture to blow it up so you can get a better effect.  I'm a proud girly!

A sea of Blah

It's bad when you can't even find an image online to portray exactly how you feel.  Living in TX has it's pros and cons.  However, it's this last part of the year where it's a huge con.  My kid keeps asking me if it's fall because there aren't many trees here that have leaves that change into bright reds/orange/yellow.  I still am sending them to school in shorts and sandals and the few mornings they may need a jacket, it's no longer needed by 10:00am.  The weather man said predictions from the National Weather guys say it's going to be a shorter, warmer winter for us southerners.....great;(. 

Some people LOVE living here because of the weather and how there is little change, I need change, I crave it, BAD!  Each season, I'd always reinvent my look, with new sweaters, coats, boots, hair etc...it was a time for a, pick-me-up.  Now, I feel blah.  It's the same weather all....the...damn...time.  It's depressing.  People in Alaska and other countries who get little sunlight have light therapy, is there a light therapy for people in TX who get too much sunlight?  If so, I need to seek that out.

I hate reading friends postings on FB about how they are getting their first snow falls and how pretty everything looks, blah, blah, blah.  Thanks, I feel even more blah.  Snow is a rare occurrence here.  I had a woman at Dillard's try to talk me into a wool dress coat I was admiring but bashed her to the ground when I said, "seriously, when will I EVER wear this?".  I don't get opportunities to look like a pretty winter bunny.  K, I'm sounding vain now, but it's true.

My hubby came up with a suggestion of taking the kids on a cruise next Christmas instead of buying presents.  Sure, sounds like fun, but I think it would be more fun to take the kids to a Wintery Wonderland of Snow.  I guess I could go on and on about how depressing the winter weather is here but it won't change anything, I'm stuck wearing awful, ugly bermuda's for the rest of my existence.  Feel free to shed a tear here for me.

Holidays just don't feel the same without bundling up and sitting indoors with a fire going while the snow falls quietly outside.  I keep trying to change my mood and remind myself you don't need cold and ice/snow to feel like Christmas, but so far, it hasn't worked.

Blah, blah, blah....

How We Do Halloween!

The festivities started off earlier in the week at Little R's pre-school where us parents were treated to an adorable party!

This is Little R's teacher, Miss Tammy.  Little R ADORES her!  Every time she isn't at school, she says, "mommy, Miss Tammy is missing me". 

The adorable costume parade. All the kids were so fun to watch.

Just a funny video from the music program.

Then came our church's annual Trunk-Or-Treat, which is more like a carnival, it's so fun!  Little R is waiting for the train ride to get started!

That's G in the front car.  He was hesitant to go on the ride at first until he saw Little R giggling then he had to do it.

This was originally the costume Little R picked out to wear this year but for some reason decided she wanted to be Cinderella again (she wore this same dress last year) and albeit a little big, Baby R looked darling as Tink!

Another costume change (don't get me started about costumes this year, pmmph!).  G decided he didn't want to be Buzz and came as Batman instead.  Him and Little R LOVED the cake walk, I think its more the thrill of stopping and starting vs. the actual cake.  They went on to get face paintings, cotton candy (not G) and play "fishing" for light sticks.  My church really goes all out, it's almost a community affair with how many non-members show up.  It's fun, you should come next year!

 

Finally, Halloween night!  Once again, G decided to have a costume change and go as Iron Man.  I threw my hands up at that point and realized, I wasn't going to win.  Poor Little R actually vomited all over her dinner plate right before this picture.  She's had a GI virus for over a week but no fever so she still wanted to go out.  She perked right up once we hit the first door.  She was a trooper, but it was her choice!