A Lesson In Good Parenting

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Christmas

Christmas has come and gone and I wonder how it happened.
This year we didn't send out Christmas cards or make treats for anyone.
It was kind of Bah humbug of us...but nice at the same time.
This year we decided to make Christmas simple.
Only a couple of presents for the kids and only stockings for Blake and I.

On Christmas Eve we had family over for dinner.
As I have been looking through the pictures looking for ones to blog I have noticed one reoccurring pattern.
no one looks at the person that is taking the photo
if the person is looking at the camera they look crazy.
Pay extra attention to my sister...

When Laney was getting dressed in the morning I told her to wear something green or red because those are Christmas colors.
Gavin listened to my advise.
Laney wore teal.

When it was time to open up the pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa Miller the kids could not have been happier.
Uh...
You are just gonna have to trust me on this one.

See. I told you. Happy.
Notice the non looking at the camera/crazy look in their eyes?

Perhaps we just need a different venue?
Lets try the couch.
Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeeeee

eeeeeeeeeeeese.

On Christmas morning Canon could be found eating.
Santa only gave the kids one chocolate Santa each.
Canon ate 2 of them.

Bed head was out in full force.
(Penny doesn't have to worry about that yet.)Grandma Jackie and Laney look like they could be hair buddies.

Grandpa went the smart, albeit non traditional way, and wore a hat. Canon took little bites out of 3 different apples.

What was gonna be a meager Christmas got thrown out the window when Grandma and Grandpa decided that a Wii was in our future.

The kids were happy.
You are just gonna have to trust me on this one.

Laney got a tea set from Grandma Dana that was a big hit.
In the interest of full disclosure: I have had to glue two of the pieces together already.
Sometimes you CAN love something too much.
Since Grandma Dana lives in Vegas we thought that we would get a picture of the kids with their gifts.
This is a foolish undertaking.
Especially when Canon has another chocolate Santa in his mouth and is trying to say "Cheese."

Look right here....

Seriously kids! Look here.

Nothing says "Thanks Grandma Dana" like stink eye.

Perhaps if we have the kids hold up their presents that might help.

We were silly to think that would work.

Penny can't even pay attention.

Our simple Christmas was just as we wanted it to be.
Simple.
That is until Santa brought a trampoline for the kids.

Then our Christmas turned simply dangerous.
Ice+kids+trampolines
I am sure there are gonna be broken bones and tears in our near future.

Reinventing The Wheel

I finished it the other night.
Granted it is another button tree pillow but what can I say? When you find something good you stick with it.
Speaking of trees...
I just made 2 more of these.
One for my sister for her birthday, and one for a Christmas present.
(Laurel if you are reading this don't click on the link.)

In other news:
Canon the other day was found in the bathroom reading Penny a book.
Penny can be found on most days in the bathroom.
She likes the sound of the fan and it helps her sleep. We are inclined to appease her.
Most of the days, though, she does NOT have Canon's raccoon.
Raccoon is Canon's prized possession and yet he shared it.
I suppose it really is the season of giving.

---edited to add---
When I was typing out this post Canon came into the room saw the picture and said:
That is my Gackoon. Penny has it. My gackoon.

First Gift Of The Season

Imagine our surprise when we came home to a little gift sitting on our front porch.
Upon further inspection we saw it was to Gavin from Erin, a girl up the street.
What could it be?
His first mixed tape, maybe?

The anticipation is killing me.
(So is Gavin's hair, as a matter of fact. Thank goodness I just cut it!)

Wait for it....
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a matching game.
Gavin couldn't be happier.

Canon on the other hand has to face the harsh reality that he will just have to wait a few years to get Match games from girls.
In the mean time he is going to cry at the injustice.

Deck The Halls

Only 5 more days till Christmas.

Right In the Thick Of It

I have got a lot done on my lists but have lots more to do and lots more to add.

Today I am:

• Making presents for my friend that just had a baby (3 1/2 weeks early. I thought I had more time.)
• Making treats to give to Laney's preschool teachers that will include: Caramel corn, gingerbread popcorn, and almond roca.
• Buying the last of the presents that I need to from the Internet so that they can get here in time.
• Making crock pot chicken korma for dinner.
• Shopping at Costco.
• Picking up a few things from Ikea.
• Finishing one of my Christmas decorations that I have been working on for a month. Boo, hiss.
• Hopefully folding these clothes:

Christmas is up at our house. (pictures to come later)
Gifts are purchased...only a few odds and ends to go.
More posts to come too.
I have got a lot to catch up on.
In the meantime enjoy some video of Canon dancing.

Blaaarrrg

It seems like I have been saying that a lot lately. I made a few lists yesterday which made me feel better about things.

Things I have to do, make, and buy.

I feel accomplished when I can cross something off of my list. Even if it is only, make bed.

Check.

Penny is 4 months old now.
We took her to the doctor on Monday. Everything is looking good for her. She is growing with the curve just way below it.
She weighs 10 lbs. 10 oz. and is 22 inches long.

When ever I bring her any place we normally get some kind of reaction from people.
A LOT of people think I am carrying a doll.
Which by the way...What adult does that?
Then they comment on how cute she is, ask how old she is and then proceed to say how little she is.
Same conversation, numerous times a day.
You won't hear any complaints from me. If someone tells me my kid is cute they can talk to me all day or until I have to go chasing after one of my other "cute" kids.

For the most part she is a very happy baby.
If she has got a clean diaper, a full tummy, and someone is holding her, you are pretty much golden in Penny's eyes.
Truth be told, you don't even have to be holding her. Just looking at her makes her smile.
If you happen to change her diaper, even if it is only wet, she will coo and make such loving sounds at you.
She likes her diapers dry. Bone dry.
Our diaper supply is rapidly dwindling.
This week has been a little rough but I know that will pass.

Because having another off week is not on my list.