Sunday, November 27, 2011

Thanksgiving and the weekend

We had the pleasure of hosting Thanksgiving this year.  We love hosting parties!  Our food was out of this world yummy.  I love when we all pull together and everything turns out great. 

Bert setting up the deep fryer.



Alex not sure what is being set up.



Ava holding the matches.

Ava upset she did not get to help with the fryer.

Table settings



Performances

More decorations

More performances

Quality cousin time

Lots of love for Sister Anthony


A certain someone loves newborns.

Sunday Science center day.





Bert enjoys the science center as much as the kids do:)

I wish she enjoyed taking pictures with me.

Friday, November 18, 2011

I have been busy lately thinking about Thanksgiving.  Yes, Thanksgiving! Does anybody remember that holiday anymore?  I went to Target to look for a suitable table cloth since I am hosting this year and I found nothing.  Everything was Christmas, I even asked for some help thinking I had overlooked them and he said "no, we don't get those in anymore!"  So I settled for a gold tablecloth which by the way was on sale and I had a three dollar off coupon:)  I know everyone gets super anxious and excited about Christmas, but I am going to take it easy this year.  I am going to enjoy Thanksgiving and maybe even hold off decorating for Christmas until the second week of December.  The talk has already started on who wants what, can we have a list, gifts, gifts, gifts,  it sort of drives my crazy.  The first thing I think of when someone mentions Christmas is my brother Tommy (because I rarely ever get to see him)  fire places blazing, Christmas pajamas, movies, baking, and Christmas Eve mass, I love all these things and so much more.  I hope my kids will too.  I know when you are little, Santa and getting presents is very high up on the list, and for some adults too:) 
I wish everything would slow down just a little so we could enjoy both holidays.  I have been very good lately about enjoying the small things, even on the "tough"days.  I had one of those kind of days on Wednesday.  Bert was going to work late so I took the kids out for dinner and ice cream at the new sweet and swirly, and it was awful.  Alex was running in and out of the restaurant, Ava dropped her entire ice cream bowl on the floor that was filled with about 7.00 worth of toppings that she just had to have.  When I got home things did not get much better until we went to bed that night.  Both of my kids had their bath and were right beside me in my bed leaning in and taking turns giving me sweet kisses telling me what a great day they had.  This is normal for Ava but not for Alex so I was extremely happy and calm, and decided everything I did that day was great despite all the mishaps.  I felt very blessed to have two healthy kids cuddling me in my bed and that is all that mattered. 
Some pictures of us just hanging out and playing.

Alex enjoying his nephew Oscar.



Ava and I completed this project while Alex was napping.  Thank you Mimi for the great B-day gift.





Alex= A man on the move (and please watch what you say around this child he has unfortunately picked up every bad word that has slipped out of our mouth and is really into spitting!)  Lets pray this is just a little phase.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

What A Beautiful Day!

Originally this post was suppose to be about Ava's real birthday, but little Lamb Chop was born today so I will talk more about that. 

WOW, WOW, WOW, and more Wows.  I said it before and I'll say it again, I witnessed my sister giving birth to her son today and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  I felt so much at peace, it's been a very emotional day.  I know how the majority of people feel about natural childbirth and it's mainly WHY?  Why would you do it naturally when they make such wonderful drugs to get rid of the pain.  Well I can answer all those questions with what I witnessed today. 

  My little nephew is so sweet, so observant, and an absolute angel.  I have not heard him cry yet.  He stares at you like he knows everything, and smiles, yes smiles!  I know they say babies that young can't smile, but this child can.  He is one sweet little boy!  I love you little Lamb Chop and look forward to your Mom and Dad announcing your name.  For now I can say Lamb Chop was born at 1:11 weighing in at 8lbs, 10oz. and 21 1/2 inches long.

There are lots of pictures of Ava's birthday at school, Huber's farm to celebrate Uncle Derrick's birthday,  and one of  Lamb Chop!







Ava celebrates her birthday at school



Little Alex got in on the school birthday, so cute!


Birthday dinner at Salsarita's



Lamb Chop!!!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Ava's 4th Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Ava's 4th birthday, her real birthday is Monday and we will have a nice dinner just the four of us at her favorite restaurant Salsarita's.  She is very excited to celebrate her birthday all over again on Monday at school with all of her friends and teachers.  I'm pretty sure she enjoyed her party with all of her family, she thanked me several times throughout the day for the party and the last thing she said to me before she fell asleep was "wow Mom that really was a great party I had a really great day."  My heart melted a little and I'm glad I did everything I did, like bake a cake from scratch with homemade icing as when I honestly DO NOT like baking!  Please enjoy the pictures:)


watching the horse bouncer be blown up.



the decorations Ava helped pick out and set up.





bouncy fun


can you tell she rather be jumping


and to think my Mom thought I didn't order enough food, we had plenty to say the least.

Ava's best friend Caroline, they call each other sisters:)

Alex eating on the go


what a great card Mimi.




just in case you forgot Ava is now FOUR!