Christmas 2010

Most of our Christmas memories were caught on video this year beginning with a big, emotion-packed "Thank you Santa Claus!" from Austin as he opened his stocking only to discover his favorite treat (bubble gum)! It was a new and exciting Christmas since over the last year Austin has developed so quickly and discovered the magic of Santa Claus and his reindeer. This added one more hat to my already tipsy head and I found myself perplexed and challenged as Brett and I worked to make Christmas morning the most magical day of the year. Things get a bit tricky when you start creating new family traditions or resurrect old ones from your past. There were many discussions leading up to the big day: what "should" and "shouldn't" be on the big day, certain rules that always apply, what old traditions to continue what new ones to start, to wrap or not to wrap, etc, etc, etc... We managed to sort out the major stuff and finished everything up at about 11:59pm on the eve of Christmas day. The morning was simple but perfect and tugged at my mommy heartstrings. There is nothing more magical than watching your son's eyes light up at the smallest little Christmas gester...like bubble gum in a stocking. We could have stopped there and he would have been content :-). Austin is only 2 so I'm sure there will be more challenging things to concur come next Christmas, but for now I'm simply grateful for all that we had and shared this Christmas day!

Austin was sportin' his Elmo Christmas jammies all day long. After a less-than-quiet morning as a family we headed over to Aunt Elisha's and Uncle Erik's to spend the day. Austin, Jakob and Ava gobbled up cookies (nearly all day long)!

Uncle Mark came over for a disastrous Christmas Eve dinner (I take no blame - it was my slow cooker's fault) and to join us for services at Eagle Christian Church. To start off the season of giving Austin opened his first gift from Uncle Mark, a tee-ball set which will come in quite handy this Spring.

As for Brett and I, Christmas came a few weeks early. We purchased our very first new (used) car as a married couple! A 2006 Toyota Highlander with lots of bells and whistles and plenty of room for kids and the pooch! At 31 years old, it was actually the first car I ever bought that was more than $2000, didn't belong to someone over 65yrs, and was equipped with the ability to play more than just cassettes! It was a huge, momentous occasion for me and one I soon won't forget. But even though we purchased from a really great dealership and had a great salesman, I just hate buying cars! It makes me all nervous and uneasy inside. All the back and forth negotiations made me want to loose my lunch. So listen here Mr. Highlander...I hope you treat us well for many years to come!

Merry Christmas and many blessings for the new year!

Lovin' Boise

DEC 1, 2010

A winter wonderland in Boise! Very beautiful.

Austin having fun in the snow with his neighbor friend, Kalei.

Many, many inches of snow.

DEC 15, 2010
Many, many inches of snow GONE...and with sunshine to boot!

May the snow come and amaze us and then meltith away!!! This is why we love living in the Boise area :-)

Grandma Nagel

This is Grandma Nagel with Austin. It's a rare treat because she hates to have her picture taken. I somehow convinced her to pose for a shot over the Thanksgiving holiday at her house in Idaho Falls. Grandma Nagel is so special to Austin. He gets so excited at the mention of visiting her and lights up when he sees her face. She's armed and ready when we arrive...balloons, bubbles, clown sprinklers, Wiggles DVDs, new (old) toys for the depths of the basement. It's a child's paradise at Grandma's house! She always wakes before everyone to be ready for the wild and crazy 2-year-old (and groggy 30 somethings) awaiting her presence. She is truly a wonderful Grandma who treasures every moment with her family. Her love of Austin, her zest for life, and her devotion to our family is such an incredible blessing in our lives. I hope she knows how much we love and appreciate her and miss our short 5 minute drives to see her.

Turkey Treats

Today we ventured over to Aunt Lish's house for a "craft day" with the kiddos. We let the kids go wild with finger paint, markers, glue, scissors, etc. and then I went crazy on a little edible craft for the Thanksgiving holiday. Gobble, gobble!

The kids couldn't keep their hands off the turkeys so I gave Austin a chance to make his own. Here is his masterpiece!

A definite crowd pleaser. They are super simple and delicious!

First Snowfall

We received our first snowfall yesterday morning and Austin was running around the house like a crazy man, excited to get all bundled up and head outside. I think he was out there for approximately six minutes before he wanted to come back inside. I guess he forgot the cold factor that comes with the snow. But, it surely warmed up and all melted away by noon...to my delight. I must say, living in Boise definitely has its perks!

Mess

So this is what Austin decided to do to his room while Brett and I were talking in the kitchen...for FIVE MINUTES! Apparently he wanted to explore every nook and crevice of his space. How quickly a toddler can turn discovery into a total MESS! On second thought...I think he was just delighting in trashing the place!

Seven Years...

Today Brett and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. Our celebrations were a bit untraditional. We took the kiddo to breakfast with us in the morning and then Brett went to work all day. We failed to make sitter plans for a special night out, so I made a casserole for dinner (B's favorite) and bought a yummy red velvet cake. And to my surprise, flowers showed up at my door just as I was laying my head down for a nap! I haven't received flowers in so long...what a special treat from my wonderful husband! A low key celebration but nonetheless a reminder of the love we have for each other and how lucky we both feel to have the other by our side.