Ho...Merry CHRISTmas

The Monday before CHRISTmas we went to see Santa Claus and this year the pictures went well. James and Maggie were extremely interested in the photo book Santa Claus had of his work shop and all the toys, but they were not the least bit interested in sitting in his lap.  Either way, I have a great picture of them dressed up and not crying. I love miracles! Oh, the title to this post is exactly how James bids you tidings...only one ho.

I bring you good tidings of great joy...

Luke 2:10

Happy Birthday Jesus!

the number you have dialed...

Maggie wanted to talk on the phone, which is not out of the ordinary. We try to call Nanny and PawPaw weekly, but this week was different. Maggie pushed a kitchen chair to the wall phone, climbed up, took the phone from the base and asked me to call PawPaw.

I was not sure how long this would last, so I grabbed a cordless as well (thus to prevent accidental hangups). She really wanted to talk...I think we talked to PawPaw (Nanny was not home), Mimi and Papa and we even tried Aunt Tee.

I think she would have talked longer...if more people had been home. She is a talker...just like her mama!!

what we do best...

James and Maggie are Sesame Street kids; they love it!!!

We have two DVDs of the old school Sesame Street...which they love!

We also have 40 Year's of Sunny Days...

which they love more, if that is even possible!!!

We watch this almost everyday...

they love when "Ernie steals Bert's nose to finish his clay creation"

When Bert and Ernie go fishing...the laughter is so wonderful!!

 I never knew my love for Sesame Street would be passed down...but I am so glad it did.

After we decorated the CHRISTmas tree, James and Maggie watched the Polar Express for the first time. James was amazed and loved every minute. 

I am sure this will become a CHRISTmas tradition.

cannot resist such a cute face...per James "Ho, Merry CHRISTmas"

Maggie loves the tree and any ornament she can TOUCH!

A day with Aunt Llama's Mama...

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we loaded up and drove to Prattville to visit Aunt Llama's Mama and the Coach.  Aunt Llama and I have been friends for 21 years (WOW...we met at school when I was in the 6th grade; her dad "the Coach" was my Athletic Director and her family took me as one of their own) and we try to see each other (or talk) as much as possible time permits.  Usually around the holidays we try to see each other more.  This year, in addition to our visit, we had to pick up a kitchen for James and Maggie (that will be an entirely different post). 

While visiting, James and Maggie each made a CHRISTmas tree craft, played with chalk and super cool dump truck.  We love spending time with family, it makes the holiday much brighter!
Looking forward to Aunt Llama visiting for CHRISTmas...

Turkey Day!!

BIG KID beds!!!

This is how it all started, 27 months ago...

Above is Maggie's side and Below is James' side...

We have moved out the cribs and replaced them with twin mattress sets directly on the floor,
closer to the floor in case of falls. They each have a 50" bed rail to help prevent falling rolling out of bed.

So far, the beds are a success. James did attempt a party for the first two nights (thus he was still awake and messing with stuff 2hours after we laid them down). So, we gave him back his pacifier...sue me!!!
He is sleeping and not destroying the room...I will deal with it later.

They want to jump so bad...can I say I am not a fan of the book
"Five Silly Monkeys JUMPING ON THE BED"

All in all, the transition has been successful.
We are on day 5, and we have only threatened to bring the cribs back out of the attic ONCE!

can you say bed rails...

Lots of PVC pipe pieces...

Make great bed rails for a fraction of the cost...