Jack and Jara

My 3 year old, my 1 year
My girl, my boy
My love, my joy

*photos courtesy of Esther (she is very talented)

The Nutcracker

Perfect for any age. Jara was mesmerized.

The ballerina's were wonderful, the music was loud and perfectly classic, it was a fantastic show. The best part was Jara's reactions: excitement (giant candy canes), horror (men in tights) she actually covered her eyes, awe (beautiful ballerinas), contentment (two hours of peace, any mother's dream), joy, she was so happy and thoroughly entertained!

*The above picture shows Jara with "baby" in her mouth flinging him at the ballerinas. Don't ask. I don't know why and she doesn't know why either. It just happens. Baby tends to do some crazy things when he is embarrassed or feeling shy. (He has also ended up in birthday cakes etc.)

Tutu ConTnUed

Because I know you've been living in suspense since this ...
40= number of tutus made (originally)
47= number of tutus sold
2= number of happy girls


Would I do it again?
Even though it was fun, probably not. I like making tutus but I'm now on to other endeavors. I don't want to be permanently labeled the tutu lady. And I figure I better quit, while I'm still on top of my game!
*I will still make a tutu for anyone who wants one, but I won't be going comercial is what I am trying to say.

Giving Thanks

FOR...

PIE-walnut streusel/pumpkin, chocolate cream, banana cream and home-made cheesecake. yum.

This year I appointed myself pie duty, mostly so I didn't feel guilty over my worthlessness in the feast preparation. Ashley enjoys cleaning the turkey, I enjoy blissful ignorance of what came out of the turkey. I make pies, it's bloodless and doesn't require gloves, safety goggles or Clorox.

EATING-My children enjoy the fruits of my labor, I'm pretty sure this is all they ate. Well, Jara did eat turkey with ranch and Jack liked hand-squished sweet potatoes.

PLAY TIME-the girls and the boy, who is currently not playing well with others.

FAMILY

TURKEY CARCASS-if you're Icky the cat


THE BEAUTY OF THE SKIES

For the beauty of the earth, For the beauty of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies,

For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flow'r Sun and moon, and stars of light,

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild,

Lord of all, to thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

Holiday Savings

Wondering what to get your toddler for Christmas? On a budget? Well, search no further. The following pictures are what my children seem to enjoy the most and may inspire you to look around your house before you purchase new gifts this year.


Clothing, to be specific, recycled, (can we say green) college, memorabilia clothing, which I can't seem to fit my left thumb into anymore. I really think that I've just washed them so many times they've shrunk down to a size 4T.
Not only is it practical (Christmas pj's anyone) AND green, but it is ALSO at this point probably considered "vintage."

Pens-this is beneficial for two reasons positive and negative, but results in a win-win situations

1)Maybe if they get really good at tattooing their sibling they can have their own show on TLC too. Sad, but hello cozy retirement home.

or

2)Maybe if they get it all out of their system at 3 they won't at 16.

PLUS-your child is learning writing readiness skills, trust me I'm a teacher. VERY IMPORTANT

*Examine this picture closely for the full effect, you can't view in small size.

An Oven-for safety purposes be sure it is not on, while in use with children. This gift can be used in many ways. It's great for kids of all ages. Adults can use it to feed their families and kids really like to use the bottom drawer to...

*Use as a trampoline

*Play fort

*Encourage family bonding and love, as you can tell from the picture.

THE TOILET-my kids' most FAVORITE past time. Here Jara is exhibiting how you can make alphabet soup in the toilet. Jack would splash for hours and hours in the toilet if it was, hmmm what's that phrase, hygienically acceptable!!!!

*for your own health and safety DO NOT enlarge this picture. Trust me there is nothing else you need to see.

after the above present you are going to especially need one of these

The Bathtub-look at the sheer joy on their faces. Good, happy, CLEAN fun you can't get much better than that!

Play Time

So, this is what I hear when daddy is in charge of playing princess castle...

"Who wants cow for dinner?"-barnyard cow is being offered as a golden sacrifice on top of princess banquet table.

"Princess watch out for the tractor, whhaaaa" (giggle, giggle, evil giggle-that would be Jara)

"Princess do you want to dance? dodoodododuhduhduhduh" scary carney, clown music you hear at the fair. Not my dream dance music but princess is down with it.

"Go to the tower Jack!" -Jara
Well at least it's not the dungeon.

New Moon

Comes complete with...
Snarling werewolves
Morose, depressed Bella
Sulky Edward
Tension
Creepy Volturi
and...
LOTS OF shirtless Jacob, oh my

Thoughts on this...
Is it wrong for old ladies in the theater, not me I'm not old yet, to be giggling like 13-year-old school girls when a half naked 17-year-old boy comes on screen?
Would I want my elementary-age daughter to see this?
Was it just me or was it really hot in the Red Hills Cinema Friday night?