Birthday Present

My sweet sister got me this cookbook for my birthday, and I love it!! I've seen this lady's blog and have read it from time to time, and I think she's hilarious! Who would've thought a cookbook could be funny, but it is. The recipes look delish too! In fact, I'm making one this weekend for our Christmas Gift exchange with a few friends. I'm excited, hope it turns out! :)

If you'd like to visit Ree's blog, click HERE.

Thanks again Beth!!!

Watchin Lukee

I watched Luke today while they went to the AR basketball game. They brought him over, and he fell asleep in the car, but woke up once he got inside. So I figured he would eventually need a nap at some point.

He got a second wind and played real good around the house. He was very intrigued by the Christmas decorations. I just had to tell him no 20 times. Not bad compared to the 100 I tell Jacob.

*look at his handprints on the fireplace


He makes me laugh. Here he is standing on a truck. Little short legs.


Later I found him laying by the front door. Not sure if he wanted to go home or if he was getting tired.


I got him nice and snug to watch Dora with Jacob, and I knew it wouldn't be long before he was out. Love a sleeping baby!!



We had fun with you today Luke. Come back soon!! We love you!!!

Small Holiday Recap

Kris had to work Thanksgiving, so Jacob and I headed to Dardanelle to eat with my parents, aunt and cousins. We stayed a couple of days and Jacob loved every minute. The weather was beautiful Friday and today, so Jacob got to ride the 4wheeler with Papaw and make 1,000 laps around the house. HE.LOVED.IT! Needless to says, naps were not on his agenda. After a bath last night, he was OUT at 6:45pm in the recliner. I debated putting him to bed, because I figured if he went to bed that early, he would surely wake up early, and I did not want him to start his day at 5am! But I just couldn't let him sit there or wake him up, so I put him to bed. And thank goodness he woke up at 6:45am.

I forgot to take my camera with me, so this is with my phone. I missed getting pictures of his many rides on the 4wheeler and him playing with my cousin's dog. Oh well... I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.

p.s. hello Shelby & Amber if you're reading this! :)

Year of Thanks

I am very blessed, and have so much to be thankful for. I like writing it down and reading it over and over so I never forget, I'll start from the beginning:

• January--thankful we were only without electricity one night during the ice storm and were able to stay at my parents house.
• February--job offer. Started 2/23
• March--celebrating 2yrs with our Jacob
• April--loving the sunshine and warmer weather, taking walks with Jacob
• May--celebrating 4yrs of bliss with Kris
• June--celebrating Luke's 1st birthday and sold our house after 2wks on the market
• July--mom & dad offering to let us stay at their house up here while we search for a new home. We appreciate this more than they'll ever know.
• August--closed on our new home
• September--visiting with family in from Pennsylvania
• October--celebrating 3yrs with my sweet niece Kate and Dad's big 60th!
• November--adding another candle to my cake

God's love is ever lasting. And he blesses me in both big and small ways every day- I am thankful!

Something's Missing

Kris put Jacob to bed last night and since it's getting colder, I asked him to put a pair of socks on him--even though he's wearing footed PJs. I can't stand the thought of him being cold since he doesn't keep a blanket on himself, so the socks are a little extra warmth.

We also put a Pampers on him at night before bed so he doesn't leak. We've done this forever...

This morning, Kris gets Jacob out of bed and starts to dress him. He unzips his PJs and sees no diaper. Yes folks, Kris took Jacob's Parent's Choice diaper off, put socks on him and zipped him back up without a Pampers.

Jacob went to bed commando!

Father of the Year, Kris!

p.s. Jacob was dry this morning, thank goodness! And yes, we need to potty train - I know this.

Christmas Decor

Sorry 2 readers, I am a terrible blogger. I honestly don't feel like I have anything interesting to share. We did put up the Christmas tree last weekend, so here are a few pictures of that day.



This is Jacob's 3rd Christmas, but this is the first year that he's really noticed the tree. The last 2yrs he never once touched the tree, this year I cannot keep his hands off of it. He is OBSESSED! He wants to touch every.single.ornament. Look at the excitement building up in this picture, so much that he is gritting his teeth!






Beth and Kate popped by later that afternoon. We were putting the finishing touches on the tree, and Kate wanted to help. She was so good about suggesting where to put the final ornaments. Look at Kate still in her Sunday best - such a cute dress, and notice her necklace. I on the other hand look like I've been hit with the ugly stick. This is what I call the "I wear makeup, fix my hair every day for work, so not today Sunday" look.






I would show a picture of the entire tree, but I cannot find my tree skirt. Where could it be, and why isn't it with the rest of the Christmas decorations?! Either it's by itself somewhere or I have a whole other box of decorations hiding somewhere.



Hobby Lobby is my FAVORITE store for seasonal decorations! Last year after Christmas, they had their Christmas 90% off. This little number was $99.99! Who would pay full price for this?! Not me, I got it for $9! BOO-YAH!





These 2 and the sled came from there too, but I've had them for a while. Still one of my faves!




Santa plate and another cute little Santa





Here is a $5 cookie jar I got at the WM Associate Store


I thought this guy was cute



What's that... another Santa


Can you tell I like the plush? :)

Special Edition - Way Back When-esday

Timeline: 1996
Age: 22

Thank you to all the veterans who are serving and who have served our country. Kris entered into the Navy after high school and served 5yrs as a Marine Medic. I did not know Kris during this time, but he's got some great stories to tell. I am so proud of him for this accomplishment!!


I dug out some of his memorabilia from his Navy days.



Look how young he looks. As he would say, he's a hot mammer jammer. :)

He's so serious in this one.


His dog tags.

Badge

A couple of restaurants in town are letting veterans eat free, so we're going out tonight to celebrate Kris and his time in the military. We love you Kris!!!

Oh, and a BIG shout out to my brother-in-law John! Today is his birthday! Happy Birthday John! He's gonna kill me for posting this pic. :) The story behind this picture is it was taken a couple of days before my wedding, which John was in, and he emailed me this picture with the subject line "new look for the wedding". I did not want this fu manchu in my wedding album, so he got rid of it, thank goodness. :)

Little Helper

Jacob can be such a good helper. I asked him to pick up his toys, which he did. I just didn't specify to put them in the toy chest.

And yes, I realize he's still in a crib. I think we'll work on the transition to the toddler bed real soon.

Way Back When-esday

Timeline: November 2007
Age: 8mos

Say Cheese!

Jacob's daycare will have 'picture day' every now and then. I never get too excited, because they bring in a guy with a camera around his neck and a cheesy background.

I give you exhibit A & B:

These are my 'proofs' (that is a staple in the middle of each pic). Do I want the fake fall foliage or Santa's Sleigh? Hmm... which is better with that sweatshirt? I wonder if he thought that was a real dog he was petting? He always looks cute, but do I really need an 8x10 of either one?

p.s. in our defense, these were made last Thursday, Jacob's return to daycare after 3 days of sickness. Needless to say, he wasn't properly dressed for either season.