Christmas Parties

So this week has been a whirlwind of errands and baking and crafting to prepare for 2 children's Christmas parties! I love it though! I am also so thankful that I am a stay at home mom and can enjoy these things! I won't be attending either party which is kind of sad in a way but I also understand why teachers want to keep it low key. Lindsay had her party on Wednesday which was her last day until Jan 6. I am sure she had a blast and loved the assortment of sweets I am sure she ate! She ofcourse came home with a bag of sweets and crafts! I can't believe she is now halfway through her first school year! I know the 2nd of the year she will seem even more grown up.
Colby has his party tomorrow and gets out at 12:30 so I will report more about that! This afternoon though we are going to see the movie Frozen with some friends after school. This should be fun and quite a treat for the kids. We don't often do stuff on school nights but I figure since tomorrow is only a party and he has worked so hard this first semester he deserves it!
So we had a blast seeing the movie Frozen! It was def more fun going with some friends! I think Colby really enjoyed seeing it with his friend Ella and her 2 brothers. I really loved the movie and almost hope to go see it again with Austin and Lindsay =) We will see if we have time for that! It was a great way to kick off Christmas break! It was a little hard getting in late but the kids went right to bed while I stayed up and worked on Colby's Christmas party stuff!
Today he had a half day and his party! I think he had a lot of fun! Again I wish I could peek in on this but I know they like to keep it low key! He also came home with tons of treats and books! I will enjoy sorting through it all with him over the weekend! I am really excited about Christmas break and spending some time with the kids! Today will be pretty low key. We will just stay in tonight and probably watch movies...maybe play outside some! Tomorrow we will run some errands and just enjoy a free day!

Breakfast with Friends & Crazy morning

So today was just one of those days I guess...I felt like I was on edge from the moment my feet hit the floor. I hate those days b/c I know I snap at the kids over small stuff. Anyway first of all austin and I forgot to move the silly elf from Colby's room last night...AHH how many more days of this? Anyway so I told Austin to sneak in there and move it. Well lately Colby has been sleeping until almost 7 and this was 6:15 so I figured he would still be in a deep sleep. Well not so much he woke up right after! We are hoping he didn't see anything. Well Colby coming out in the morning and wanting to play games with Austin and being loud and whiney just set me off. I put him back in his room. UGH I felt bad for snapping at him but first thing in the morning is really the only alone time I get besides at night when the kids go to sleep and then I am usually too tired to enjoy it? Well I got him back out after I finished getting ready. Things mostly were going fine but it just seemed like the kids were extra needy this morning...honestly they probably weren't but with my bad mood they were. It was one of those days. I just felt like nothing was falling in place like it usually does.
Thankfully we met some friends at McDonald's for breakfast so that helped lift my mood. It was nice to visit with another mom and let our littles play for a bit. Although Lindsay and I had to go to Target and it was a crazy place! I just want to finish all my shopping and stay home for the next week?!? I hate this time of year when people get so crazy and selfish!
Also on my mind is a decision we made about our Lifegroup party and its really plaguing my mind. I feel like we are also losing friendships over it. Anyway our lifegroup was planning on a Christmas party last Saturday. We were all excited when we first heard about it b/c we haven't been able to hang out with our lifegroup much the last month. Well we quit meeting before Thanksgiving and even though they have done a few get togethers we just haven't been able to make them. We either had sick kids or other stuff going on! Well a few days before the party they started saying they were going to do $15 dollar gifts per person. Well I hated to hear this! First of all it was like one more thing I was going to have to deal with, second if I was going to do one more thing I wanted it to be something that impacted someone for Christ not exchanging presents. Well I suggested that instead we adopt a family and use our 15 dollars for that. Well no one got on board which saddened me greatly. I couldn't believe it! Well finally they decided to get on board but to still do the gift exchange as well. Well after much prayer and thought we decided to not attend the party. We wanted to make a sacrifice for a family so if we did that but still had to pay 30 dollars to attend this party just seemed like too much on top of all the other things we have going on this month. I hope we haven't lost any friends or hurt friendships but we wanted to stay true to our conviction. Thankfully we found a family to adopt and are sending a nice card their way with other donations from friends and family. We are trying to really change our ideas about Christmas. We want to give back more then we get. Anyway its still a work in progress but atleast we are working on it!

Breakfast with Santa and Preparing for Christmas

Today was a really fun morning! We took the kids to Lindsay's school (Colby's old school) for breakfast with Santa. This is a tradition we began with Colby but we missed last year. We took him when he was 2, then Austin took him the next year when he was 3 but Lindsay wasn't even a week old so I missed it. Last year we missed it b/c it fell the same day as Lindsay's party. Anyway it was a lot of fun this year! The kids are at such great ages to enjoy Christmas! Lindsay was really into it and honestly I was kind of shocked...Colby actually acted more shy then she did! Although she still refused to sit on Santa's lap. We saw several friends, teachers there as well which was fun!
After the breakfast we had a few errands to run to get ready for the kids Christmas parties. It was fun just going out and running errands as a family. We are also enjoying our Advent Calendar. This year we are really trying to focus on Christ and helping people and also enjoying time together as a family. We are tying Santa, the elf, our countdown calendar all into this activity! Each day we have a different message from the elf. Some of the activities are doing things for others, others are silly things we do, etc. Its given Colby something to look forward to each day!
We have enjoyed our quiet weekend together as a family. Last weekend was so busy its been nice to chill out around the house! I can't believe there is only 1 more weekend until Christmas!

Zoo Day!

We brought Lindsay out today to the Zoo. It was really our first play day all week. The last 2 weeks have been crazy with birthday planning and Christmas and anniversary that we haven't had any free days just to take our little girl out to play. We chose the Zoo b/c Austin hasn't been there in a long time plus it was a gorgeous day...cold but blue skies we couldn't resist! Ofcourse the place was empty too which was wonderful! Lindsay was cold at first therefore only wanted us to carry her but she warmed up! She loves the reptile house...weird girl! She really enjoys the frogs and snakes! She also loves the Sea Lion exhibit even though today there were no sea lions in there! She also really got a kick out of the flamingos and primates. We also saw the giraffes. We only stayed an hour b/c it was cold and b/c we wanted to go ahead and eat lunch early. We went to Dat Dog for lunch. It was just a fun outting together! Hope to enjoy lots of special outtings when the kids both get out for Christmas!

Celebrating Lindsay

This week will be one filled with celebrating our sweet 2 year old little girl! Today kicked off the celebrations with a party at her little preschool. We never got to experience this joy with Colby as much due to a summer birthday. Her birthday is tomorrow but this will be her last day of school this week so we wanted to make sure she got to share some birthday fun with her friends. We baked sugar cookies and put pink frosting on them! I also brought apple juices. Low key and simple but that's all a 2 year old really needs right? Apple juice and cookies!
Thursday was actually my little girl's birthday! She woke up this morning to a brand new doll stroller and Sophia the First playset from her big bubby! We quickly got everyone dressed and ready so we could drop Colby off at school then enjoy a morning with our little princess. We took her to breakfast at Chickfila. We then ran a bunch of birthday errands. Our first stop was Party City and we got her some balloons and she loved it! She carried them for the rest of our errands! Its been a pretty low key day so far but we are all going out to Christmas in the Oaks tonight!
Thursday night we did Christmas in the Oaks! We had SO much fun! I honestly think it was one of the best years! We first went out to eat at our traditional Mexican place. We headed out to Christmas in the Oaks around 5:45...traffic was awful so we were after 6:15 or so getting there! We met up with our friends immediately. It works out great our kids get a long great. Addison is 4 1/2 and MacKenzie is 1 1/2. We all bought our tickets to the park and train tickets online so we headed straight towards that. Addison and Colby sat together and they were SO adorable! Our friends sat in front of them and Austin and I and Lindsay sat behind. I know Colby really loved the ride and I think Lindsay did too! After the train we all rode the carousel. well I stayed and watched everyone's gear. I rode last year with Lindsay so this year I let Austin take her on. Once again though she didn't want to stay on the horses so he ended up just holding her! Maybe one day she will appreciate a carousel! After that we went into Storyland and let the kids just run around and play. It was such a great night to be there b/c there were no crowds so we really were able to let the kids run and do their thing. I think they really enjoyed having friends! We split up after Storyland for a bit b/c Colby wanted to ride rides and Addison wanted to go see the lights with her parents. We met up again the train garden. Colby loved the rides. I think Lindsay kind of wanted to go too but she was too short =(...maybe next year baby girl! The kids enjoyed running around the train garden but by this time we were all pretty weary since it was a school night after all. We stopped in Morning Call and got the kids chocolate milk to keep them happy and awake on the drive home! It was a wonderful night and I love this tradition for Lindsay's birthday! IT will be a MUST each year as she grows up! I just love Christmas time with a 5 and 2 year old!
Friday was a very busy day! Colby had school and we dropped Lindsay off at my parent's house so we could get some Christmas shopping done! It was nice getting out a lone! I love Christmas shopping for the kids! We first went to a local toystore to get Colby's bike and a rescue station he asked for. We finished up there and went to Lakeside. We went in the Disney store and got them each a couple items then went to PB Kids. We finished up early so we came back to the WB and stopped at Applebees for lunch. It was a nice date day! We picked up Lindsay then came home. When we got home Austin's parents were here waiting on us. We spent the afternoon just visiting with them while Lindsay napped then they all went to pick up Colby while Lindsay and I went to get the cake. That night we had dinner togther and just enjoyed some family time!
Saturday morning we hit the ground running getting ready for Lindsay's party! We left a few minutes before 9 to get pick up the nuggets and get set up for the party. The night before we found out a couple friends could not make it so I was getting stressed that we were going to have SO much food and cake left! Plus everyone arrived late! December birthdays are just so hard b/c people are busy! Anyway the party turned out great! We didn't end up having nearly as many kids as I had planned originally but it was still fun! I had invited 16-20 kids. We had Colby and Lindsay, Addison and Mackenzie, Geneveive, Michael, and a little baby girl of a co-worker of Austin's. It was perfect though! The kids had a ball! Lindsay didn't stop the whole morning. She only got upset once right at the very end. I think Colby really had fun too! I am so glad we chose to have it at GymRompers it was the perfect location! It def made me miss taking the kids there! The teacher did say though that Lindsay and I could stop in to one of the classes this month so I hope to do that ! That afternoon we just took it easy around the house! We really thought the kids would take long naps but they both had other plans! Lindsay conked out in the car so she would never fall asleep in her bed and Colby just wanted to stay up and watch a movie. That night our church had their Christmas music. It didn't start until 7 so it was a late night for us and the kids but we enjoyed it! The kids did pretty well considering their ages. Lindsay had a meltdown in the beginning b/c she got in trouble but other then that I think she really LOVED it! Colby liked the first 3-4 songs but quickly got bored. Anyway it was the perfect way to end her birthday weekend!

2 Years Old

My precious baby girl is 2 this week! I really can hardly believe it! It seems like the last 2 years really flew by! I mean they did with Colby too but they really did with her! I have been reflecting this week about her birth and even last year her first birthday! She ofcourse has grown up so much! She is definitely ALL girl! She's def sugar and spice! I love that she is still a mommy's girl at even 2! By this age Colby had def become a daddy's boy! I love that she LOVES being a mommy to her babies and I love that she LOVES dressing up! She never complains about wearing dresses and cute stuff! She can be ooh so sweet but she also has quite the temper! This girl has most def humbled me in the last 2 years! So thankful God saved her for our 2nd child! I would not have known what to do with her had we had her first! Thankfully my patience has grown and is still growing! Its funny how unique children are and I am finding out how you have to parent them individually. The things that worked on Colby DO NOT work on her! She is her own person! But speaking of her big bro...oh how she idolizes that big boy! I love how she LOVES him! I love that she tries to copy him! I love their sweet little relationship even though sometimes they fight like cats and dogs! He is the first person she searches for in the morning and the last person usually to tell her goodnight!
Our girl is still a petite princess! Last doc visit she was 23 lbs so I would imagine she is not over 25. She can wear 2T but can also fit in smaller stuff depending on the style. She can wear 6 or 6 1/2 shoes. She still wears a size 4 diaper. We have not yet begun potty training. Life is just too busy! I hope to introduce it over Christmas and hope for the best but I have a feeling we will be delaying it until next May.
She is now in preschool and has been since September. I think she really enjoys it! She is becoming more confident but can also still be really shy in new situations. She goes to MDO 2 days a week just like Colby did. She was younger starting though but I think it has been good for her. I also am now enjoying my time back to grocery shop and clean house. It makes my days with her home more enjoyable! We usually go and have fun on those days! She is talking more and more and says a few sentences/phrases! She loves baby dolls, animals, dressing up, anything pink, coffee, and sweets!
We love her so much and she is the perfect sweet little addition to our family. I love that I have a buddy now and can do girly things with her!
Update: At her 2 year doc visit she was 24 lbs and 33 inches tall! Still a my tiny princess!

Thanksgiving Week 2013

We have had a really great Thanksgiving Break! I am so thankful for everyone being well and able to enjoy the holiday!
Monday we began our week with a trip to Lakeside to see Santa and ride the Christmas Train. Austin was off so we had a lovely family day! We went to Santa first and do their pictures! It was already crazy/crowded so I was glad we got this done early! Colby really loved this and did so well but Lindsay wanted nothing to do with the whole process! Last year she surprised us and did wonderfully but this year she kicked and screamed and cried! Finally we decided that the best option was for mommy to sit with her next to Santa. The picture wasn't perfect but hey its where we are in life with an almost 2 year old?! After pictures Colby wanted to ride the train! We have never atttempted to put Lindsay on the train until this visit. I knew when we were there with just her she would freak out but I was pretty certain that having her big brother she might just sit up there and enjoy it! Oh no she freaked out again! She is just such a timid child! Colby never went through this phase! I think had we not already scared her with Santa she might have done it so I hope to take them back before the season is over and let her try. She loved looking at it! So after this we went to the Disney Store to let Colby pick out a small gift for her. We then went to PB Kids and got her big birthday present. We didn't spend as long in the mall this time since we were just there a week ago but we still had fun. I was glad to get those 2 things done too! We ate lunch at Panera Bread and the kids loved it and ate so much! It was a wonderful family day!
Tuesday was a really cold and rainy day but the kids and I decided to get out and brave the weather anyway! You know us we can't stay home all day! We first went to order Lindsay's birthday cake. We finished that and decided to go to the library storytime in Algiers. The kids liked it ok. Colby probably more then Lindsay but I think she just enjoyed checking out a new place. We rarely get to do storytime anymore so it was nice to have this as an option this week. Ofcourse the theme was turkeys and thanksgiving so that was fun! Afterward we came home and we were pretty lazy the rest of the day!
Wednesday was our grocery shopping day! I hated to do this the day before Thanksgiving but it had to be done! The kids did really well though and the store wasn't as bad as I had thought. We came home and I let them play outside b/c it was cold but sunny so I knew they needed to get some energy out! The rest of the day was pretty chill. I had to bake cupcakes and pies for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving day was awesome and I already blogged about that =)
Friday I wanted to do something special with the kiddos. Colby spent Thanksgiving night at my parents house so Lindsay and I went and picked him up that morning. We met our friends Honey and Max at the Children's Museum. Its been quite awhile since Colby was able to play there so I figured it was time! He had a blast! Lindsay took awhile to warm up which is pretty typical for her! She finally decided to start having fun in the grocery store. We did a few of the building exhibits which she enjoyed too with her big bro. We then went to the Toddler Area so Lindsay could get out some energy! They were having a great time! During all the fun though she climbed up the slide and fell off backwards. She hit her head pretty hard and was screaming so we made a quick exit. At this point we were thinking about leaving anyway so we could meet Austin for lunch. We did a couple more things for Colby and left. I hated we couldn't stay longer but I know they both did enjoy the time we were there and thankfully we have a membership. We picked Austin up and went to Jimmy John's for lunch. It was a nice change of pace! We haven't done that since Colby was about 2 or 3! I think the kids really enjoyed seeing daddy in the middle of the day too!
Saturday Austin was off and we had a very busy day planned! We had pictures scheduled for 8 am. We did those in Brechtel park with my friend Katie. She did pictures of Colby when he was 1 1/2 there. I am hoping we got some cute ones to use for Christmas cards. The kids did ok Colby was a ham and did great especially after last year! Lindsay did good in the end but it took her a good half hour to warm up. This 2 year old stage is soo hard! I remember Colby was the same way! After pictures we went to Pj's for a nice coffee and breakfast break! I think the kids enjoyed this! After re-fueling we went to pick out our Christmas tree! It was so fun seeing the kids run through all the trees! Christmas just gets more and more fun each year! Last year we took them both but Lindsay wasn't yet walking so we had to carry her the whole time! We came home and ate lunch and relaxed then set up the tree and outdoor lights! It was fun making memories and decorating together! I remember always loving that as a child! That evening we went out to eat and to Lowes to get a few more Christmas lights! The kids always have fun getting out like that at night b/c we don't do it often!
I can't believe Thanksgiving break has come to a close! It was a great week and I really enjoyed all the time I had with the kids! I will sure miss them especially Colby this week but it will also be good to get everyone back into their routines for awhile! I will also get a lot more done ;)