Happy New Year!

Manic Monday

Manic Monday # 148

What is the biggest mistake you made in 2008 and will not make again in 2009?

Be a little more careful with spending

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Why or why not?

I don't really make them anymore. I feel if I am going to do something I just have to do it!

Who do you nominate as “Man or Woman of the Year” for 2008?

Probably Barack Obama. Not only did we make history but I really hope that he is going to do for us what our nation needs.

What was your greatest accomplishment in 2008?

Wow, unfortunately, I don't think it can get any better after what 2007 had for us!

Christmas Eve

Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas Tree

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My niece, Emma

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Daddy got some tools

Does it matter who was supposed to be holding Tinkerbell?

Andrew, making sure none of his gifts were left under the tree

My sister in law cheesin up for the Cam

He started not feeling well on Christmas eve 

Christmas Day

We hope everyone had as blessed of a Christmas as we all did! Here are some photo's from Christmas day.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My Grandma with her 3 of 4 kids ( My mom, Steve, and Sam ) With my Grandma's Brother, Uncle Kenny

The Zielger's: Aunt Haji, Uncle Steve ( Back L: Lacey, Back R: Laken and Zoe in the center) 

My goal for Christmas was to get a pic of all the families. This did not happen. I did not get a pic of my aunt and Uncle who hosted Christmas and their kids. I have one of my parents and I have to get still. However, have no fear, we are supposed to be back for a New Years bash. As long as Luke does not get what Andrew has. 

Merry Christmas

As I most likely will not have time tomorrow, as I enjoy the Holiday this evening with my family and continue tomorrow.  I wanted to wish all my friends and Family, as well as fellow bloggers out there a Very Merry, Happy and safe Christmas.

We will be celebrating tonight with my husbands Family enjoying some Posole and Tamales later opening gifts. We will spend the morning opening presents that Santa brings and enjoying hopefully some Christmas Pancakes and playing. In the late afternoon we will meet everyone at my Aunt and Uncles house to celebrate with my side of the Family. 

Hope Santa brings everyone what they want... 

Happy Birthday Luke

Today we celebrated Luke's first year, and let me say how amazing it has been watching him grow and become a part of our family. I think he is a very well balanced baby. He is tough for sure, which he has been forced to be with a big brother. Though something tells me down the road Luke will have no problem holding his own.

Here are some photo's of this evening's Birthday celebration:

Luke, trying to figure out how this opening presents thing works!

(He better get some practice before Christmas morning)

Maybe we are supposed to ride it?

This is boring!

Hey this things is making some noises...

It's Tickle Me Elmo!

( He loves this silly thing )

Happy Birthday Day to you....

How much is enough?

I feel like I  have gone so over board this year. Or should I say Santa has. Andrew's big gift this year is a Red line BMX bike. Luke we did not do a really big gift for because he is so young and does not understand Christmas yet. Luke's B-day is tomorrow so he will get a couple gifts then as well. I got them tons of clothes so they probably have as many packages of clothes as they will toys. Primarily because I don't want them thinking Santa only brings toys. I am sure the older they get the # of gifs under the tree will be fewer as the things they ask for become increasingly expensive. But what I would like to know, is what other people think is a reasonable amount of presents for Santa to bring for 1 child?

Tell me what you think, I'd like to hear your thoughts. I talked to one lady and she bought her son a game and some T-shirts sox ect. Where as some parents buy dozens of toys, clothes and so on.

Vacation Day 4

Friday was nothing special. Did not get anything done as far as the office goes. The boys room is done. I will make note of that. We had a fairly early dinner. I went and picked up a pizza at Round Table. After dinner we hung out some and Steven started having some Rum and Coke. I figured this would be interesting since we were planning on grabbing some coffee and Hot Chocolate and head to the Fab 40's to look at Christmas lights. We do this every year and it is a great way to have family time! By the time we headed out Steven had already had 2 tall glasses of Rum and Coke. We all got dressed and headed out. Steven had prepared his 3rd R&C for the trip. No coffee for him and as you can imagine, the trip was interesting. By the time we had made it down town, the R&C was gone. I found myself at a liquor store buying a huge can of Fosters. Driving around with a buzzed husband you are sure to have some laughs. And that is exactly what happen. By the time I got home, I had Banana hand sanitizer and Beer spilled all over my pants both compliments of Steven I might add. When we got home is was passes Luke's Bed time, so I changed him and put his PJ's on first thing. Mr. Luke urinated on me! He has not done that since he was a new born! LOL I was not shocked I mean Hand sanitizer and Beer , what is a little pee, right? lol The night was memorable for sure!

Vacation Day 5

Saturday was just a ordinary Saturday. Nothing too big to report. Steven got up and went on his run. Thankfully it was a little later in the morning than it normally is. He usually heads out about 6-7am. How he does it in the cold I don't know, but he does! He headed out around 8ish. I got up and did the usual breakfast. I made scrambled eggs for the boys. It was Luke's first egg and he seemed to enjoy it. I had an egg over easy with a piece of bread. I did the dishes and some house work. I had a nail apt at 1 so I got ready that way I could put Luke down for a nap and leave when Steven returned for his run. I headed out at 11:30ish. I had to go to the bank first and then stopped at Mervyn's to see what was left of the liquidation. I scored a pair of wedges originally 45 for 14 bucks! 

After I got home it was pretty relaxing the rest of the evening. I made a quick trip to Home Depot to get a new air filter in the evening, took Andrew with me. It was kinda nice to spend some alone time with him. A little strange to not have Luke, actually. I ended the night with some gift wrapping. 

Christmas tour of homes 2008

Since Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, I decide to do the tour sponsored by BooMama. I do not have a whole lot yet. But now that we finally bought a house, I cannot wait to build up my Christmas decor. I might have to hit the Christmas clearance to get a few new things for next year. I was able to think of some things I want to add. But for now, I hope you enjoy. 

Our tree, mantle and Mr. & Mrs. Clause.

Since we have a great room, and the way it's set up, it did not leave a whole lot of space for the tree. Next year we are going to put it in the dining room, which will give the room a better balance.

Let's take a closer look at Mr. and Mrs. Clause shall we?

My Grandma made me these dolls and I love them, I think this is my second year being able to use them.

The mantle..

The one thing that the mantle is mising is the stalking hangers. I have a brand new set in the garage somewhere. I saw it when we were putting the shelves up, and not it is missing. I need to get our there and find it before Christmas. The stockings are currently hanging on the dining room chairs. ( another task to add to my vacation list )

What is Christmas without Pooh? 

The kids just love him. Steven got him from work some years ago as a gift. He sings "Deck the Halls" as he dances and sways his snowflake.

And how else will we know when Santa is coming? Well, by a Christmas counter of course! 

They aren't "Silver Bells" but they sure are "Jingle Bells"!

This is the window looking out to our door ( from the hall ). Anyone who visits is greeted by a lit Jolly ol St. Nick!

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Even the guests get a little holiday cheer in the bathroom around here!

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Red garland wraps our Kitchen lights above our island!

It doesn't snow here where we live, but we can sure pretend!

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Holiday cheer even when we eat!

What better place to keep your napkins than in Santa's sleigh! 

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

- Thanks for stopping by-

Almost 1 and Almost walking

He is so close I can't stand it. We find him getting more brave by the day. Taking step by step walking further and further. I am so cherishing these moments. It almost brings tears to my eyes. He is such a charming little guy, sometimes the things he does literally makes me cry of complete joy!

My baby boy and his pretty blue's 

He is wearing a suede vest my mother n law brought back from Mexico. It did not fit Andrew long, but he still plays in it. It made it's way out of the closet and ironically it fit Luke enough to stay on him. He did not mind it and played in it for a while. I though it was so cute!

He is so funny the way he stands... Look at his foot!

And he's off!

He thinks he's getting away with smacking the Christmas Tree around. 

And of course big brother just wanted to watch his toons and play with his cars!

Vacation Day 3

3rd day and loving it... I just love having no schedule to follow. This morning was Polar Express day at Andrew's class. I went to school with him to help in the class. I had not helped in a month. I have felt bad I  have not been helping out or anything. So, it was important to me that I helped all day. I was glad too because I was the only parent there. It makes it easier for Mrs. Newman to do the things she wants to do with the kids. I love helping in the class, it is a pleasure for sure. And a Joy to get to know all the class mates and such.

All the kids got to wear their PJ's to school. Only a couple kids didn't wear them. One of the boys wore a robe and another wore his slippers - So adorable! They watched The Polar Express, while each child got to make antlers the first half of the movie. We took a break and did some jumping and skipping outside to burn some energy and then back in for the last half of the movie and to decorate the cookies I baked and some hot chocolate. I think the kids had a lot of fun. 

Today was also a special day for Andrew. This month Andrew got the character award. He looked absolutely adorable, and as Andrew is the youngest child in his class, I think he is doing a good job.

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Here are some other random photos from the day....

All aboard! All the kids lining up to board the "Train"

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Andrew decorating his cookie

All of Mrs. Newman's "Reindeer"