Proud Auntie

When I was in AZ visiting my mom in the hospital I got to meet my 3 month old nephew, Kyle Scott. He is so cute and snugly. Lucky for Jeff, Kyle got my baby bug juices flowing ;)Baby Kyle with his sweet Mama and Dada
Kyle, I am proud to be your Auntie!

Duck Pond

Today we spent part of our day visiting a local duck pond.
Don't think that the partially frozen pond kept us from feeding the brood. Why, the duckies were so happy to see us they flocked towards our car barely giving an inch to open up the doors.Stale bread and cheerios.
An equally delightful experience for our littles and the waddlers.

Muffin Man Song

Nana made these wholesome muffins with Caleb and Carissa yesterday.Muffins must have still been on the brain because when Carissa got up from her nap today she insisted on putting on her chef's hat and apron and making me some cookies while singing the 'Muffin Man' song.


Don't you love the key change midway through the song?

But seriously, listening to her sing made my grrrr day all better.

Cookie Houses

The kids made these Cookie Houses at preschool and got to bring them home for break. Their teacher, Ms. Vicki does not assist the children when making their projects so this is their own personal masterpiece!Caleb was especially excited about eating the candy! And truth be told, I was especially excited when the candy was about gone and we got it out of sight, out of mind.

Nana Nana...

We can't wait for you to spend Christmas with us Nana!

We love you!

Snowday Shmoday

Today all of the are schools are closed and people are staying 'in' due to the snowy weather. I personally love snow days because it is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy being home.

Since the kids didn't have preschool and were up at 6:10am this morning (ahhh!!!) I decided that an Advent craft was in order.

For three decades this ornament has graced my family's Christmas tree.This year while we were decorating the kids tree they thought it was really fun to see mommy when she was little.

So now, here is our own version of this timeless ornament.
The kids painted salsa jar lids on both sides (letting each side dry in between)then we glued green ribbon around the edges of the lid, made a hanger, and pasted their picture inside.

Voilaa timeless treasure

Our Thanksgiving Day

I hope that you were able to spend Thanksgiving Day with those who are dear to your heart and that your thoughts were focused on the one who gives all good gifts.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

We spent the day with Jeff's side of the family and long time friends. It was a wonderful time of hanging out together, loving, laughing and eating yummy food. Here's some pic's of our day!(Jeff's parental unit, aka Jack and Lennyce, aka Papa Grandma)(Jeff and his Dad)
(me...some people say they never see a pic of me on the blog. here you go.)(Our buddy, aka Caleb Jackson)
(Our sweetie, aka Carissa Joy)
(Our adorable niece, aka Olivia)(Our friend, aka Katie and youngest Izzy) (her eldest Evie and Carissa)(Papa carving the turkey, the kids admiring the 'raw' turkey)

Happy Birthday

Caleb and Carissa anticipated their three year old birthday party for three months.

Seriously.

We had their party on their actual birthday, Nov. 8th.Caleb emphatically declared he wanted a 'Diego' cake and Carissa went along with it saying she'd like a 'Dora' cake. Whew, that worked out nicely.I bought this carved fondant cake from a nearby mom who is a friend of my friend. (it was a total bargain!) The kids were thrilled, all 13 of them.

Backpack, Backpack...

Caleb pinning the tail on Swiper - one of three party games the kids played It was a full house with 13 little people, some parents and other friends. Dinner for the wee ones included a Kintner kid favorite of 'mac & cheese' and 'cake'. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...The party blowers were a hit!

the presents were too!Goodbye hugs

A great party!

Birthday Eve

On the Eve of the kids third birthday we celebrated as a family of four.
Both kids received Harley Davidson scooters that light up and rev like a motorcycles.
It was fun and thrilling.

Happy Birthday sweet ones.

09 Halloween

This year the tots were very excited about dressing up.

Caleb Jackson dressed up as a 'Fire Chief' aka 'Fireman'

He wore the costume for 4 days prior to Halloween.

Carissa Joy dressed up as 'Tinkerbell'

Fireman extinguishing Tink. Tink aghast.
Caleb thought he was 'big time' with his real fire extinguisher

Tink 'ding-ing' Fireman. I'm not sure what she's changing him in to but...her face is glowingOur first stop was our neighbors home - this is where the tots play while I'm teaching voice lessons
Our second stop was at the Peterson's home. Caleb and Carissa thought it was really funny to say 'Trick or Treat'. Given the reward there was no coaxing needed.
Carissa 'ding-ed' Uncle Brian (pictured above) and he turned in to a monkey! Brian was fairly believable (to a tot) and Carissa got a little scared and wouldn't turn him back. Poor Kim, she had to live with a monkey the rest of the evening!
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Our third stop was our church Harvest party. Complete with a bouncy house, toddler games and food, the kids had a blast!