Teacher Christmas gifts

So I'd like to consider myself a creative, crafty person. But, the reality is - I'm not. This was my attempt and creating something cute for Sean and Nathan's teachers for Christmas. I have to say, I was pretty pleased with how the turned out!

Each teacher got a Bath and Bodyworks Christmas soap (either Twisted Peppermint or Winter Candy Apple), a Christmas scented hand sanitzer (the opposite scent of the soap they received), and three white chocolate dipped pretzel rods. What do you think... kinda cute, eh?

They were delivered to each of them this morning, and seemed to be a big hit!

Christmas program at ABC

Sean's pre-school class had their Christmas program last Friday. It was SO cute!!! Although Sean didn't sing (of course that's all he's done since), he was of course the cutest little munchkin up there!

Here are a few pictures (excuse the poor quality... I need a new camera).

Thank you Snodgrasses!

The other day, we received a package in the mail from our dear friends Will, Amy, Natalie and Lauren. Jamie loooooved the Nutcracker M-n-M dispenser (so does Sean!), and the boys have really been enjoying their gifts too! Nathan got a Melissa and Doug magnetic fishing puzzle (being enjoyed by Sean below), and Sean got a Toy Story 3 Picture viewer... his very first! What a neat suprise to come home to. Thanks guys!

Christmas 2010 photo shoot

Once again, my uber talented sister came over to take the boys Christmas pictures. Since both boys have been battling a sickies, neither were really in the mood to have this done. However, E is quick with the shutter so we were able to get some good ones for our card. Here are a few that didn't make the cut... cards should be mailed out this week, so stay tuned for the final outcome!

Our 6th Anniversary

December 4th marked our sixth anniversary. SIX YEARS! Where does the time go? I can honestly say that I would never have imagined six years ago, that my life would be so amazing. I have an incredible, loving husband who is an AMAZING father, and two beautiful, healthy boys who are my world. I truly am blessed and am really trying to remember that every day.

My bestie from college, Jodi, invited Jamie and I to come to Peoria to see a dueling piano dinner show. It just so happened to fall on our anniversary, so we thought it would be fun to make a weekend out of it! The kiddos stayed with Aunt Elaine and off to Peoria we went! The show was SO much fun, and so was the group we were with. I can honestly say I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. The next morning, my cheek muscles even hurt! It was a great way to celebrate and we are so grateful we got to do it with an amazing group of friends!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree...

A couple of years ago, Jamie and I decided we really needed a new Christmas tree. The one we had (which had been graciously passed down) had definitely seen better days. So after Christmas, we waited until the after Christmas sale got to 85% off. We ended up getting our pre-lit tree for under $40! I just love it, and I love all the mis-matched decorations. I can tell you where each one came from, and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way!

Check out those guns!



Isn't it beautiful?!?

Cute Nathan video

Nathans LOVES to "talk" on the phone. Normally he carries around the real phone (of which I am close behind him making sure he's not calling China!), but he does love the play phone too!

Boys will be boys

Yes, this is what my life consists of... watching my four year old and my one year old wrestle! It's all fun and games until someone loses and eye. ;-)

4 year check up

So I'm not gonna lie... it kind of makes me sad that Sean's doctor's appointments are no longer called "Well-baby visits". In my head I know he's growing up, but in my heart, he'll always be my baby!

One thing is for sure, he is a big boy when it comes to the doctor! I'm not sure if he's just used to seeing doctors (not that we've had to see that many, but more than many 4 years olds) or what, but is he a trooper! From getting his flu shot (of which he looked at his arm, looked and me and said, "Ow") to getting his blood drawn (not a fan, but no tears!!) - he does so well! He was super excited about seeing his pediatrician since the road into the clinic is very curvy (hey, it's the little things).

We got a good, clean bill of health which makes Mommy very happy!! Although he is still very petite, he is growing! We will go back to the St. Louis Children's Hospital in April for a re-check (growth hormones are still not out of the question), but he is FINALLY on the charts!! They did draw some blood to check his thyroid and iron levels since he is always complaining that he is cold. But I tend to think that it's just because he has no body fat! :-) I guess that's one of the draw backs of being skinny-minny!

4 year stats
Height: 36 3/4 inches / 93.4 cm (1.51 percentile)
Weight: 26.6 pounds (0.16 percentile)

3 year stats
Height: 34 1/8 inches (0.96 percentile)
Weighed 25.2 pounds (1.54 percentile)
So there's not a lot of weight difference, but a good 2+ inches!

At our last appointment in St. Louis in April of this year, he was 88.2 cm - so that's a difference of 5.2 cm! That is great! We're hoping for even more great news this coming April!

Happy Birthday Kennedi!

One of my very best friends from college, Jodi, has a daughter who was born two days before Sean! We love the fact that they are so close in age, but hate the fact that we don't get to see each other as much as we would like. However, we are fortunate to be close enough to make the trip over on a weekend for Miss Kennedi's birthday party!! It was at this very cool gymnastics place, of which both Nathan and Sean loved! Here are a few pictures from the day:

The birthday girl









Sean practicing his Ninja skills

Future Illini

Sean really likes sports, so we've enrolled him a few different ones to try out. Soccer was a hit, baseball was a no-hitter (pun intended), and basketball... jury is still out! I think soccer is going to be the winner since he spends most of the time at basketball practice kicking the ball and practicing his soccer stance! :-)

Whether he's a basketball player or not, he sure looks cute either way!





Nathan just enjoys being able to run around the big gym!!!