Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year but I must admit, I am worn out! I had a glimpse of what life was like for my parents the night before Christmas when I was growing up. And I only had ONE child to prepare for- not 5! It's definitely true that the older you get, the more respect you gain for your parents and recognize the sacrifices they made. I'm pretty sure that my mom is super mom because I think about all that she did (and still does) for our family and I'm amazed. Everything she does seems so effortless and turns out perfectly. Looking over my list of "to to's" for the holidays made me just want to crawl in bed and wake up after Christmas. I just hope that I can create the kind of happy home for my child(ren) that my parents created for us. I feel very lucky to have been blessed with such good parents and my biggest goal for 2009 is to better follow the incredible examples that I have been given.

Some highlights of the day:



The spin and bounce pony


We love Elmo!


One of the biggest hits: The Fisher Price Fun Park


Thanks, Granny and Popa, for the MagnaDoodle!


Audrey loves reading her new book from Great-Gma and Gpa McBride.


My highlights of the day:

1. Brett wrapped my Christmas present (the green one). It looked beautiful! And no, there aren't ornaments on our tree this year. I caught Audrey "bowling" with them, so I packed them right back up where they will be nice and safe until next year. Minus 3 red ones.


2. I got a sewing machine that is fully computerized and I CANNOT wait to use it!!! I've been making a list of projects for the new year.

3. Spending the holiday with family.

(poor Audrey was about to fall asleep in this picture)

I hope your Christmas was just as wonderful and that you all have a Happy New Year!

Water Obsession

Lately, Audrey is OBSESSED with water and gone are the days when I could wash dishes in peace and quiet while she watched her "show," as she likes to call it (anything on Noggin is her "show"). Now, she pulls a chair up next to me and when I am done with the dishes, she begins to clean her dishes.



She's caught on quickly that washing her hands is important.


Of course, we can't forget to clean our face.


Don't let the smile fool you. This never ends well.


In fact, the chairs stay locked in the coat closet during the day so she can't "wash" all day long. She usually ends up on the floor crying, "Water, water." Thank goodness Christmas is almost here. This girl needs some new toys.

Does anyone else's child do this?

Audrey's House of Fashion, Take 2

Seriously, this girl cracks me up. She creates these fashions all by herself and I about fall over laughing every time I walk in and see her.

Here we have a warm winter cap for those ice storm (for the South) or snowy (for the rest of normal America) days.


Yes, that is a pack of unopened socks.


I'm at a loss here. Shirtless, I'm used to. Pantless, more times than I can count. Pants tucked neatly under the diaper? WHAT? Has she actually seen someone dressed like that??


Can't wait to see what she creates next!

Cousins

Just thought the grandparents/great-grandparents would enjoy seeing a picture of Audrey and her cousins all in their matching Christmas outfits. Too cute!

Fun With Papa and Magra

Audrey LOVES going to see her Magra (name for my mom) and Papa and especially loves going on Saturdays when she gets to help Papa outside. During the summer, she would ride with him on the lawn mower and help pick (eat) raspberries and tomatoes. She would walk inside so proud with her filled bucket. Now that the weather has gotten colder, the chores have changed from picking berries to raking/blowing leaves. Here are some really great pictures that my mom took this weekend.

My Girl

I was at my mom's house today and while I was sewing, Audrey was getting pampered by Grandma. I walked in the kitchen to find my mom painting Audrey's fingernails and Audrey sitting there like she'd had her nails painted 1,000 times before, which by the way, she hasn't. This would be the first time. She stood up and blew on them to make sure they were dry and then after posing for us, went off to play.

Before we left, she found some clip on earrings in the toy closet and with those on and her nails painted, she suddenly looked all grown up. Ahh, time flies by way too fast!




Does this make you feel better, Ashley? Just a little?

Christmas Pictures Gone Bad

Last year, I took Audrey's picture for our Christmas card and she did so well. She smiled, looked happy, ACTED happy- the only frustrating thing was that I had an old camera that didn't take the pictures fast enough. Well, for Christmas that year, Brett bought me a new fancy camera that takes great pictures and I have thoroughly enjoyed it all year.

Fast forward to 3 days ago. Knowing the speed and capability of this new camera, I couldn't wait to get Audrey down to the beautiful town square to take her Christmas pictures. It turns out, though, that 20 month olds aren't crazy about getting their picture taken. I brought along my assistant (Brett) to jump up and down, scream, dance, do whatever it took to get her to smile, laugh, look remotely happy. His contribution was telling her to pray. So, this is what I got...

Cute? Yes (It's currently the background on my computer). Christmas card material? Not exactly what I was hoping for.

Then, there's the cheesy grin you get when you tell her to say, "Cheese."

If it was Halloween and she was dressed as a cat, this picture might work.

Once we made it to the train, I knew the photo shoot was over. I also knew that I would be lucky is even ONE picture was acceptable Christmas card material.


Turns out, there were some sweet pictures amongst 75 not so flattering pictures.


And one that you might even see on a Christmas card. However, next year, we might just have to leave the Christmas card picture up to a professional. I'll start saving my money now.