Fao Schwartz Bears from Rassie

Boys with their FAO Schwartz Bears "Take 32": My mom went to New York for Thanksgiving this year and sent both boys a bear from Fao Schwarz. To make it more special, she sent a picture of herself outside of the store with the live toy soldier model to include in each of the boys' books. With this picture of Rassie in New York, I wanted to include a picture of the boys with their New York teddy bears. It only took 32 attempts to get the one I was looking for.

...although I have to admit that "take 17" without the bears was pretty cute too...and no, my youngest child is not just posing with the ornament in his hand to be cute...he intends to eat it as "take 14, 15 and 16" show.

visiting Santa: Macy's Santaland "A Day in the Life of an Elf"

Since moving to Minnesota, I have wanted to visit the downtown Macy's at Christmastime to see Santa. After attending the 2011 Macy's Santaland I do not know if we will miss a year going forward. North Pole, here we come!

The night before going to see Santa downtown, Parker wrote out his wish list...he was also kind enough to write out a few things for Cooper too. :)

(quite enthusiastically I might add...)

I was a little nervous when all but one item on his list was completely different than anything he had mentioned ever before. Looks like Santa will be working late in his toy shop this year.

The 2011 theme that Macy chose was "A Day in the Life of an Elf." As soon as one stepped into the magical tale, you learned the story of the young elves and all that happens at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas.

Once we stepped into Santa's Workshop we looked on to see: "Elfin Sleeping Quarters," "The Laun-tree," "Santa Claus Square" and other magical North Pole wonders...

the "Reindeer Stable"

"Elfin Classroom" including Sleigh Routes and Toys 101

"Elfin Dining Hall"

"Santa's Workshop: Once your letter's received, elves know just what to do!"

"North Pole-Stal Station: the daily mail is quite a sight!"

"Reindeer Flight School"

"Christmas Tree Forest: At the Do-Re-Tree Songfest, the music's a wow! After each concert, the trees take a 'bough'"

Parker was running so fast from one enchanted room to the other that we had to keep calling him back to us. Both boys had huge smiles on their faces throughout the exhibits. That was my favorite memory of all.

After seeing the elves at work at the North Pole, we were able to squeeze back into a special room to sit with Santa. Cooper surprised me by not crying when he sat on Santa's lap, but instead acted quite intrigued by the whole experience. (Although by the end of the 5 minute period, his little lips threatened to quiver a bit.)

Parker, on the other hand, was nothing but excited to see Santa this year (unlike years in the past). When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas and handed him a special pin for his shirt, our little boy beamed.

After visiting with Santa, we headed over to the big man's special mailbox where we dropped in a letter with our Christmas requests.

Whenever we visit downtown, Parker likes to take out running through the skyways like he owns the place...brownie points for the 3 year old who was willing to stop and let his mama take a picture of him.

We wrapped up our morning out with a lunch downtown. On the way, Parker stopped to listen to a band playing Christmas music.

Santa, we look forward to your visit so very soon! Thanks for letting us come visit with you today and good luck with your last minute toy making!

busy and tired from Christmas festivities...be back soon!

Busy with Christmas festivities and too tired to catch up right now...back after the holidays with a wrap-up! Hope you and yours are enjoying every moment of this Christmas season!

Decking the Halls

The weekend after Thanksgiving we started Decking our Halls with all things Christmas and Winter!

One of the first things we did was put Parker's little Christmas tree up in his room. I was so excited to get a couple of these this year for our boys' rooms! This is a tradition I have been looking forward to passing on for some time now. Every year growing up, my brother and I had one of these in our rooms; my bedroom became enchanted every single night as soon as the lights went off and my little Christmas tree lights came on. (My tree actually didn't have lights, but I had a flashlight that I would turn on for my little magical world to come to life.) I do hope that my boys will let their imagination soar and in the years to come will look back on these little Christmas trees and find that these were another treasured memory that helped to make their Christmases even more special and magical.

Parker took his job of decorating his tree very seriously.
I had opted not to use the hooks this year because of our sweet child who likes to put everything in his mouth. ;)

I thought Parker was hanging the decorations on the branches with the little loop in the ornament, but after taking a closer look (and after seeing a number of ornaments fall to the ground a few minutes after he hung them) I realized that all the ornaments were going on the lights. I roared with laughter; that would explain the very serious expression in all 30 something pictures I took where he is concentrating to get his ornament on just right!

Quick view of one of my kitchen countertops...

Parker rocking in his chair and sipping hot chocolate while Clay and I start putting up the tree.

A little nook in the play area sprinkled with a few new Christmas books and trinkets...

Rassie sent the boys the Fisher Price Nativity Set to help them decorate and get ready for Christmas and they absolutely love it. Hours have already been spent on the floor playing with Baby Jesus, the Wise Men and the Angel. Their favorite part: When Baby Jesus lights up and it plays Away in a Manger"

A favorite Christmas item for kids: Fisher Price Nativity Set

Little basket filled with children's Christmas books...

Of course, our little elf friend who likes to be sneaky and hide in places he is not supposed to be...

and a little winter green for our porch.

...to end with this sweet, precious angel (who was being a little naughty in this picture and taking all my ornaments of the tree!)

There is a reason they call this the most wonderful time of the year! Amidst the chaotic events and days that lead up to Christmas, it is such a perfect time to thank God for the birth of our wonderful Saviour. The warmth, memories and special moments that Christmas brings is one that you remember for a lifetime. I am looking forward to sharing sweet memories and passing on traditions to my little men just as my parents did for me.

Now, it is off to bed for me as I believe the last batch of my gingerbread cookies have cooled and are ready to be stored away for the evening. Tomorrow will be a busy day around here. Decorating 120 Gingerbread Men, a birthday party for the boys to go to, finishing last minute cleaning around the house before our Sunday School Class comes over for our 3rd Annual Cookie Swap, baking 24 loaves of pumpkin bread and strawberry loaf...and well, I'm just going to stop there because that's about all I will fit into one day.

(Still need to order Christmas Cards and start wrapping presents--please tell me I'm not the only one out there!)

Christmas Party with Friends and a Holiday Recipe

Some friends of ours from Small Group, Ericka and Mike, hosted their 1st Annual Christmas Party this year. Have I mentioned before that Ericka loves to bake...and Mike loves her for that. :) Her beautiful and tasty treats not only please the sweet tooth, but are quite easy on the eye as well. I could not help but take a couple of snapshots of her "cookie table" to share.

...the snowflake cake pops were heaven on earth.

Our Small Group, plus Susie and Mike (the honorees :)):

Along with the scrumptious treats, Ericka whipped up a yummy drink: Drunken Smores. After trying one that evening, I immediately begged her for this tasty recipe. I would highly recommend whipping up one of these next holiday season as you sit by the fire wrapping Christmas presents. It is delicious!
Ericka graciously shared the recipe with me, to which I would like to share with you. Enjoy and just remember to pace yourself... ;)

Drunken Smores
1 part Marshmallow Vodka
2 parts Irish Liqueur (Bailey's or any brand works)
Top with Gingerbread Cookie and you are sitting happy! :)

wrapping up Fall and moving into Winter...

Obviously, we are no longer in Fall and have transitioned into Winter 2011. I'm personally thankful we made it as long as we did prior to the first snowfall. Now, don't get me wrong. I am ready to embrace Winter and all it has to offer; however, admittedly I was quite content to hold on to the nice, cool weather and dry ground for as long as we could. :)

A few things I failed to post last month that were worth mentioning:

Baking breads for our neighbors and then venturing out in the snow to deliver; Parker was so excited to carry the little brown basket and hand the treats out to each person

My littlest Turkey on Thanksgiving Day!

Parker and me baking our traditional Chex Mix.

(We've been in the kitchen a lot lately...tis the season to bake!)

Clay jumped in on the baking fiesta!

Winter is coming!

We had some big happenings this Fall with our sweet Cooper. Not only did he have his first birthday but we also celebrated his Baby Dedication. It was such a special day for us. Thanks to each of our friends who came to support us and, to our family, we missed you each dearly but appreciate you thinking of us on that memorable day.

The Lord has blessed us so very much!

And now, moving on to all things Winter...

Laundry, Life and the Munchkins

I feel a little behind...

for some reason lately I can't seem to keep up with our laundry, ironing, dusting, vacuuming, dishes, mopping, bathroom, weekly menus, errands, Christmas shopping, thank you's...and a few other things. ;) How is it possible that we even have this much laundry pile up anyway? I literally do a load of laundry every day, at least on most days. For those of you who have teenagers, I'm sure you will tell me it gets worse! ha!

In addition to laundry and life in general, these two little munchkins have been keeping me very busy lately. It's never a dull moment in this house. ;)

I'll be back soon to let you know the progress of our laundry...and other fun sorts.