Christmas Eve 2012

I know it's January and everyone is sick of Christmas by now but... well, we just have been too busy for me to document any of our December activities. Actually, I haven't even posted any Thanksgiving pictures. I will eventually get around to all the blogging I wish to do but for now, Christmas Eve.

It's ALWAYS super busy for us at Christmas. I know it is for everyone but this year seemed a little more. I made most of our gifts in an attempt to save some money this year. I haven't added up a single receipt so I'm not really sure how much we saved but I tried. Our gifts? Scented rice heat packs. It was my first attempt at making them although I've wanted to for years. They turned out pretty nice I think. They for sure smelled good. Some were peppermint scented and some were lavender scented. Even with sewing maching troubles and late night sewing (because sewing during the day with material, scissors, and scented rice all over my room was not an option with the toddlers hanging around), I was able to make 16 total and I really had fun doing it. There were three different designs and shapes. I wish I could sew more often.

Christmas Eve morning was spent at home with my own little family. We slept till the babies were in our room asking for milk as they always do. Got up and had coffee and a easy and yummy out of a can cinnamon roll breakfast and headed to the living room to present our presents to each other. Now I am the worst at coming up with good gifts to give Brandon. I'll admit it. The first year we were married, I bought pillows for him for Christmas and he has never let me live it down. I know, that's not an exciting gift at all but in my defense, he really needed them, good pillows are expensive and we didn't have a penny to spare in those days. Anyways, this year I had my inlaws (Thank you Ron and Desi!) order a branding iron with the letter E for all his grilling experiements. One of his favorite hobbies is grilling and I couldn't wait to give it to him. It was a big hit. Brandon gave me some gloves I could use with my touch screen phone. I never would have though of that. Haynes enjoyed his new learning tablet and new "big boy" blankie to replace his baby blankie and Brookelynn got a new baby doll carrier (made by my friend Michelle) and some grown up jewelry. She wasn't that into the baby doll carrier on Christmas Eve morning but I'm sure when Baby#3 comes and mommy is wearing her baby every where she goes, Brookelynn will think it's fun too. It was a lovely family time. We all enjoyed being lazy and just spending a relaxed, happy morning together. 

 



After our own family time, it was time to head off to my parents house for the evening. First thing, we attempted a family picture. It was a total fail. I'm not even posting it it was so bad and the babies were not in any mood to pose for a picture. That's life. But they were absolutely adorable all dolled up in their cutest Christmas attire.

We had a light lunch with my family and the babies napped while we prepared for an early dinner. Brandon has recieved the task of preparing the meat at Christmas and we all love it. We get to focus on playing with new recipes for vegetables and desserts and fun party food. That's one of my favorite parts of Christmas. He's made prime rib the last two years and it was delicious. I'm so lucky to be married to a pro on the grill. We also had brussel sprouts, fruit salad, and sweet potatoes with apples and some fun appetizers. Before dinner we opened our presents. The babies most enjoyed their new rainboots and Thomas the Train character toys and train track additions.

New rain boots!

 



Brookelynn helps Grandmama practice for Christmas Eve service at church. 

After presents and and a good meal, we enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at my parents church and then headed back to the house for some fruit and chocolate fondue for dessert. It was a very nice Christmas Eve but we were glad to be home at the end of the day. Exhausted from all the festivities, we still had many more to come.

For my Brookelynn on her 2nd Birthday

Dear Brookelynn Grace,

You came into the world a tiny little bundle of spunk. That personality hasn't changed a bit but you sure have grown up in two years! My 4 lb 13 oz little girl now weighs 20 lbs (which is still teeny tiny for a two year old) but you're big to me. And you sure think you are all grown up. I look back at these precious little pictures of you and just wonder where the time has gone. WOW! Babies grow up so fast, my precious peanut!

 

 

Haynsie was completely amazed by you.

 

He thought you were great. He still does.

 

 

First food. YUCK!

First Birthday

Second Christmas

Stinker.

 



Brookelynn's Baby Words

Where's my bwanket? = blanket
Dump = jump
Where's my cutt = cup
Pita-oo, I chee ooo = peekaboo, I see you
I go potty
Wes weed = let's read
My boot = my book
Yay! I did it. = Yay! I did it! perfectly clear
A dum twuck = a dump truck (she loves seeing one pass by on the road - thank you big brother)
Das mine = that's mine
Tush da bundt = push the button

Recent Stinker Sightings

• sticks her toothbrush in the potty to get it wet before brushing
• colors or paints face every time there is contact with crayons, markers or paint
• rummages through mommy's makeup destroying everything in sight (blush brush in the toilet this morning)
• rubbed Boudreaux's Butt Paste in hair and it was still greasy 3 days and 5 washings later. Thanks to Grandmama and some Dawn dish detergent, it finally looked clean.
• gets in shower and pumps shampoo into hands and spreads all over face and body (because it smells nice maybe???)
• stuck mommy's earrings down in her ears so she could be pretty.

Pediatrician Visit Today: 20 lbs 4oz  (between 3rd and 10th percentile) and 31 3/4 in tall. 

My darling little B. I love you with all my heart. I love to kiss your still pudgy little cheeks. I love the way you come and plop down in my lap and your powder puff pony tail tickles my face. I love your bouncy hair (mine has never had as much bounce as yours). I love your scrawny little legs. I love your happy and energetic spirit.  You are loving to your brother (most of the time), always looking out for him and making sure he is close. When you wake up from your nap or a good night's sleep, the first thing you ask about is him. "Where's my Haynsie?" you ask. I love that. He has always been your best little friend. I hope you two are best buddies forever. He loves you too, sweet girl. You two may argue and disagree and fuss sometimes, but you both have a special bond that I hope stays forever. You are obsessed with milk and drink more milk than any little person I have ever seen. If we let you, your entire diet would consist of nothing but milk. You care nothing for TV or movies. You are beginning to LOVE baby dolls and everything like that. Good timing since Baby Brother or Sister is coming soon. You'll be lots of help I'm sure. You have been interested going potty for three months now and already poop and tee-tee on the potty! Impressive. Now we just have to work on you being consistent and you'll be out of diapers. Mommy and Daddy would appreciate your continued interest and participation to make this happen soon. Please and thank you. We love you forever and pray that you grow in the love and knowledge of our wonderful Savior. He loves you most of all, Brookelynn. I hope you always cling to that. Happy Second Birthday!

Love, Mama

Fall Festival

My favorite part of Fall Festivals is seeing all the cute little outfits that kids come up with (or their moms.) I'm never one of those moms who go all out and actually MAKE the kids costumes but they sure are fun to look at. Last night was no disappointment. And of course, my kids were no exception. They were pretty darn sweet. Haynes was a train conductor complete with Thomas the Train hat and scarf, and blue striped oshkosh overalls. Brookelynn was a bunny.

We had a special guest this Halloween. My aunt, Trish, came for a short visit!! We were so excited she was here and we had a lovely day with her. I wish I had only gotten one picture of her with the babies before she left that night. What was I thinking?

Brookelynn having a great time with her first lollipop. 

 

Haynes working on throwing a football. According to my dear father in law, Ron, both my kids really need lessons in throwing. Yeah. They probably get that from me.

The sweetest little buddies.

 

Babies and their Daddy. 

After our festival, we came home, made the rounds to see a few neighbors and then went home and went to bed. Thank goodness all busy days come to an end. We were all ready for bed.