Johnson Has Arrived!

Did I mention our Elf on the Shelf last year?  I think I did.  Our Elf's name is Johnson and he arrived sometime while we were sleeping.  We read the Elf in the Shelf book last night to remind ourselves of Johnson's job this holiday season.  B also talked about what Johnson would eat and where he would be when she woke up.  B found the elf in front of the TV, sitting in her Halloween goodie bag, eating Skittles.  (yes, we still have candy left.  B only get a treat a day, plus, all the good stuff (read Snickers and Butterfinger and 100 Grands) are gone.  All morning B talked about what Johnson will eat next and he needs to take her Christmas list to Santa (I need to photograph her list.  She drew pictures and spelled out the words herself.).  If the Elf ends up anywhere else amusing (Johnson set the bar high on the first day) I'll be sure to let you know.  Waiting on pins and needles aren't you?

Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas 2010! Charley's first Christmas. Something I keep forgetting. It was an OK time. Lots of work for basically 24 hours. Because really, after Santa, what else is there? OK, OK, we spent time with the girls and Joe on Christmas Day , and that was great (we played some cool dance game and ate a great Christmas dinner). It took us forever to get going Christmas Day. I don't know how Santa does it. I was exhausted! It took me two days to recover.

On with the pictures - which there aren't that many. I always say I am going to take lots, and never do. I should, if I take lots, maybe some will actually be good. Maybe I need to ask Santa for a new camera next Christmas. You know, a fancy one. One that makes sure I take good pictures.


Christmas Eve.

My sweet little Christmas girl. Here she is opening a tutu
from Lee. Which she wore most of Christmas morning.

It wasn't as crazy as the days of yore. Which was nice. Nice to
have all the kids together.

Cousin Joe. He got breath mints because
he didn't tell me what he wanted for Christmas.
Eventually, he got his real present.

"Really, this is my present?"

This is B in the same dress Charley wore this Christmas.
They look nothing alike do they?

Same tights too. I can't believe how lucky that I saved
the dress and tights.

Chuck just fell asleep on Jordan's lap. She must have been beat.

Round 2 of presents. Grandpa and Pat gave B
a cool Beauty and the Beast castle. Bonus: Chuck likes
it too! Though she can only play it when B isn't around.

Charley actually got into opening presents. I thought
she might be too young. It does take her awhile - though it
is a genetic things to be an experienced present un-wrapper.
Just ask me or my sister.

This was supposed to be in front of the fireplace -
without B sticking out her tongue.

Family picture part two. We had to threaten B to keep
her tongue in her mouth.

Charley loves this ball drop from Mike's sister.
Big hit!

There is that castle again!

B slept with this big dino also from Kate and her family.
He really is cute. So's B.

Christmas Morning came too soon for this elf. I thought B would sleep later than 7:15. No such dice. B was really excited.

There is that blow up shark she wanted!

We did Santa bags instead of stockings. Easier for putting in books.

Making Christmas cinnamon rolls. Fancy huh?

"Really? All for me?"

Santa left this for both girls. Aren't they sweet? Yes,
those are matching jammies. B picked.

Chuck's new beanbag.

There's that tutu.

And a princess hat for the little drama mama.

That is all I have. Not to much unfortunately. Maybe I will do better for Charley's upcoming birthday. Finger's crossed.

First Day Of Christma Break 12/20/2010

So what did we do today? Well, I had a minor nervous breakdown. The kids, the dog, the cat throwing up on my new magazine - twice. I was (am) tired. A little stressed about getting stuff down. I wanted to do salt-dough ornaments with B, and Charley was clingy, Layla was stealing Charley's crackers and Isabel the cat was going all bulimic. Sometimes the kids get to me. Mondays are hard anyway, since I am on my own after having Mike help me all weekend. OK, enough whining, on with the pictures.


Salt Dough Ornaments...

With glitter shoes of course.

Charley eating kiwi.

B opening a present from Sandy.

It was cool I Spy cards.

Sandy gave Charley a neat Leap Frog puppy
that talks to her by name.

B's salt dough snowman.

This is B playing in the water.

This is Charley playing in the water.

B eating pomegranates.

Charley eating oatmeal.

She already ate pomegranates.

So, a rocky start to Christmas break. Lots more to do. Presents to wrap, ornaments to paint. Moose munch to make. Fun to be had. And it is snowing!

Some new things about Charley. She lets us know what she wants by shaking her head yes or no. It is hilarious. Tons of signs. Not a lot of talking (driving me crazy). But she knows so much. If you say, throw this away, or close the door, she does it. And the dancing. Loves to dance. OK, didn't want to forget.

Saturday and Sunday on James Street

This past weekend I hosted the James Street Women's brunch. I think it went well. After the party I found it hard to wind down. I was go, go, go, then stop. I made up for the lull by doing laundry and cleaning up the party mess. Sunday we hung around the house, then I went to a baby sprinkle tea up the street. Then we did a no-bake gingerbread house that my friend Stephanie sent.

I added some more gerber daisies.

B was making it snow.

Charley loves playing in the sink. Every time
we walk by, she lunges towards the faucet.

Her sister also loves water.

Chaos while I was at the shower.

B did a lot of it herself.