Fun before the Holidays!

We have had many things going on since my last post!

First off, a friend of mine has been asking me for a while to go to Arty Party! It's a night that women get together, drink wine (or whatever they prefer) and paint. I was very nervous, considering I have never really painted before in my life. I have seen photos from the previous parties and was always amazed at the results from everyone! So I went and had a blast! I was very proud of my painting. It looked very difficult when I saw the outline, but the teacher walks you through each step and everyone looks like they have been painting forever.

Here is a picture of my painting and one of everyone that was there. It's amazing how different but same all the paintings look.

The kids got out of school for Christmas break last week! Of course it was a busy week with the Christmas program and school Christmas parties. I was looking forward to watching the kids sing! In years past, Garrett would usually not sing or make the motions. This year, Garrett actually sang and made the motions, I was very pleased!

Sam however, was unable to attend the Christmas program or her Christmas parties because of the dreaded FLU. She started running fever the night before the program so she stayed home with her Dee that day and during the program. So far the rest of us have not gotten it and I hope that we are able to keep it that way.

The kids are getting excited about Christmas and I would have to say, I think that Rob and I are just as excited as they are! 

I hope that the kids, especially Garrett, remember that this season is not just about receiving gifts but also about giving the best gift there is "LOVE".

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My favorite time of year! Christmas!!

I love Christmas time!

This year we started a different tradition I hope! Rob and Garrett went out the day before Thanksgiving and found a tree to cut down! It was very big and beautiful! I thought my boys did a wonderful job! We decorated the tree and I was so excited to have it taken care of early this year. Now I just hope that it will hold up until Christmas!! Next year we may have to wait a little longer before cutting down our tree.

Since we got a live tree this year, I had to buy lights and as you can tell  in our pictures below I bought the lights with the white wire, instead of green. Next year these lights will have to be outside and I will have to buy new ones for the tree in the house!

Rob and I took the kids Christmas photos this year in front of our beautiful tree. I am very proud of the outcome of our photos.  Here are the best pictures that we took and we also put them on the Christmas cards this year. 

Garrett and Sam 2010

Garrett

Sam

For the most part, Rob and I took care of Christmas shopping in one weekend! I like to get as much done at one time as possible. It took me a couple of stores to find one of Sam's presents, a doll that walks and talks (over 60 phrases). Once I saw it I was determined to find one for her. I will have to post pictures once Christmas is over of their gifts, since they are already wrapped!

Sam loves to play with dolls and play mommy to them. She also likes to play mommy with anyone that will let her pretend!!

Garrett had a very short list for Christmas this year, which was a big step away from what we have been accustomed to.

I always say that Christmas is not going to be as big as the year before. I don't think I do that very well when the time comes to go shopping. I try not to go overboard with the kids gifts, but I love to see their faces when they get exactly what they want!!

So a couple more weeks before Christmas and all the work and excitement will be once again over for another year.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!

A new adventure!

I am very excited to start this new adventure, blogging! My plans are to keep a blog of our busy life with Garrett and Sam. I hope that our family and friends will feel as though they are with us and enjoy our children growing up as much as we do!!

Garrett is now 10. He is my sports fanatic and loves to play football and baseball, along with any other sport! And of course, I am bias but I believe that he is the best player there is. I am very proud of him in every thing that he does. This year he is in the 5th grade and made honor roll on his last report card!

Sam is 3 going on 15. She is my little princess, and loves to play with her babies. She started Pre-K3 this year and has come out of her shell! She still has her shy moments but she has opened up so much since starting school. She loves to cheer and sing!

Rob and I are truly blessed with 2 wonderful children and I hope to share our special moments with this blog!