Thursday, December 31, 2009

Snow Day Fun

Snow days are fun, especially when you wake up to a white suprise you weren't planning on!! Snow always makes a beautiful background for some really great photos.
We love to play in the snow.


It takes a while to pile the layers on, but there is always time for a photo session.

Almost ready.


Posing? Snobby? or just plain Sweet? Who knows, but his candid shot turned out really cute.



Let it Snow!!



The editing made this photo gorgeous!!



I love this shot!



Daddy is taking this picture. I should have used the tripod. It would have made a great family photo.


New Years Eve

I hope everyone has a safe and happy celebration. Best wishes for 2010!! My best friend and I had a good laugh as we thought how much our New Years Eve plans have changed over the years. It will be a quiet night at home with the family and a few special party touches. We'll all be together, safe and sound as we say good-bye to 2009 and hello to the wonderful memories 2010 will bring.
Happy New Year Everyone!

Party Planning

We woke up to a beautiful snow fall this morning. Too bad I have a lot to do today and no extra time for snow to get in my way. Adam's b-day is this weekend and his party is tommorow. Of course falling on the heals of Christmas, I'm not ready. I see a busy day ahead of me and no time to fight snowy roads. Oh well...at least I have 4 wheel drive and lots of determination!!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Bakers - Check Out This Blog!!





This is the neatest site. I found it while visiting MckMama and she made these cake balls on lollipop sticks for her children. She used white chocolate dyed various colors with food coloring. A little sprinkles for decorations and you have a really tastey snack. What I love about these is how versatile you can make these with food coloring, different sprinkles, a variety of cake mixes, etc. I am going to make some and I will post about the adventure, err I mean fun experience as I let my kids help! Check out this site. Let me know what you think about Cake Pops and Bakerella.
Cake Pops
1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
7. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

She recommends only melting a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

Christmas Eve With the Family

What is it?!?!?

Trying to patiently wait to open presents.


A Transformers laptop.


Smiling with Nanny.

Every year I host Christmas Eve dinner for my Mom's side of the family and we exchange our gifts with them then. After a wonderful dinner we all gather down in my family room and exchange gifts with each other.


Friday, December 25, 2009

The Excitement of Christmas Morning

Wow...how did Santa know!


Buzz, Woody and Friends.

Daddy...will you open this for me? Ray loved it as much as I did.


Checking his stocking!


Look Mom and Dad!

Buzz Lightyear. The only thing he asked for!!

Chewbacka!


His face says it all!!


Waiting until everyone is ready to begin opening present!


If you notice, looking through the blinds in the living room, it is still dark out. Yes, we were up and ready at 6:10am!!


I could not ask for more!! Santa did a great job this year and they boys were thrilled with the MANY gifts Sants brought this year. Their excitement and joy is better than any present I could ever receive. It is all about the children and each year I make sure it is the most memorable Chrismas yet. I was once told, traditions and memories are made when they are young and I will carry on the fun forever!! Those are the memories I want to remember and create for their future. Merry Christmas boys!! I love you!! May you always remember these special Christmas times and how important family is.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

Friday Photo Flashback

Last week I posted about Nick's first Christmas and this week is Adam's turn.
He is 11 months old here (and like Nick, sitting on his Uncle's lap). Adam's reaction is very different to Nick's. Nicks screamed and Adam laughed and didn't care. Of course that doesn't suprise me. They have both been very different for most things since the beginning.


Christmas party at the Elks club and each child got a special early present from Santa.



Visit the Flashback blog for more at Alicia's blog http://www.minyards7.blogspot.com/
Merry Christmas!!

Friday Fill Ins


1. No, we will NOT be snowed in this weekend - I've got too much to do.

2. Decorating Christmas cookies at the old kitchen table.

3. I watched the steam rising from the hot cup of coffee (or tea) and thought: I love coffee.

4. Even if we get this huge snow, everythings going to be okay.

5. I'll take lots of pictures at Christmas.

6. Christmas is wonderful at least from my point of view.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to wrapping presents, tomorrow my plans include baking and cleaning and Sunday, I want to see my family home safe after traveling in snow!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Jammies

They are not decorated with Santa, Reindeer, or Candy Canes, but the kids are thrilled and happy when wearing them. It's all about the kiddos and each year Christmas Jammies are important.
How sweet - holding hands without me asking them to!

"To infinity and beyond" Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story are Adam's "thing" right now.

Star Wars is huge for Nick right now.



Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Making Christmas Cookies

Anyone who knows me know that I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I love the music, the lights, the decorating, shopping, wrapping, and making cookies. I also love to include my children with all of it. Nick didn't feel like helping me make cookies on this particular evening, but Adam was totally excited about it. Below are pictures documenting our fun.
Patiently waiting until Mommy gathers all of the supplies.

Stirring with all of his might.


Carefully placing the sprinkles.


The finished product!!


And this is what Nick and Ray were doing while Adam and I were being festive...they were in the Wii Zone downstairs in the family room. Lego Star Wars Wii that is!
Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Friday Photo Flashback - 1st meeting with Santa


Visit the Flashback blog for more at Alicia's blog http://www.minyards7.blogspot.com/



Nick's first REAL encounter with Santa Claus. He was only 3 weeks old for his first sit on Santa's lap. Here he is 13 months and not impressed. The funny part is, it's his uncle playing Santa. He enjoyed Santa much better from a distance. Boy, the years go by fast!!!