December Festivities and Football Funnies

OK...just to warn you...this post contains so much. I have been slacking at posting our activities...so in order to keep our blog/book up-to-date I have posted it all here. Ha.

First of all - TREE DECORATING! We had such a fun time with it this year because Bella was actually old enough to understand the whole process. She loved putting the ornaments on the tree and wanted to know where each one came from and how we got it. (Our family tradition is to get an ornament from places we visit or fun activities we do...so that when we decorate our tree every year we can reminisce about all the fun memories!) We are pretty sure that the new CINDERELLA ornament is by far her favorite and of course it was the first to go on the tree! Poor Sophie fell asleep amidst the holiday decorating - so she isn't in our pictures. Tear. Maybe next year.

We also went to the Summerlin Christmas Party! It was sure fun - Bella saw Rudolph, Mrs. Claus, SANTA, and Frosty. She really didn't want to sit on Santa's lap so daddy had to hold her. What can you do...right? We went with a few friends and Bella loved every minute of it. She rode the train with Kylie and Peyton. And rode the ponies with Katherine. We also chowed down on free cookies and hot chocolate. Yummy!

We also had some pretty extreme weather this month. At the beginning it was really MILD. We had a few park days and thought how lucky we were taking the kids to the park in December!! Just a few weeks later - we thought we were lucky again - just instead of it being mild - it was freezing and SNOWING. So weird. We got at least seven inches over in Summerlin but I know the whole Vegas Valley got a lot! I guess it hasn't snowed like this in Vegas since 1979 - school was cancelled! WOW!

We also took some family pictures - thanks dad - he's my go to photog! These pics below are just some I took beforehand. It is quite hard trying to get a good picture of the whole family when you have a toddler who won't smile and a baby who won't look. We got maybe two good ones. Ugh.

We also decorated gingerbread houses. Ok so they are just graham crackers...not like my brother's and sister-in-law's REAL GINGERBREAD LOG CABIN! They are amazing. (They won the contest in their ward!) Nope - mine are lame - I even - this is a great idea - HOT GLUED the graham crackers together so that they wouldn't keep falling down when the kiddos decorated them. Ha. It worked. Nobody really eats the graham crackers afterward right? And the glue was covered by icing so no one would ever know! he he.

We also finished our session in our dance class. They did the Nutcracker this week. It was so cute to see them all dancing around in their little nightgowns! I think we are going to sign-up for one more session - she just loves it so much - and I love being able to talk to all the other mom's. We are all so different - but have become like a big group of friends! Love it!

We also just had lots of GIRL TIME!! Since Nate was in finals for two weeks the girls and I were quite domestic. We made new meals and even made a cute ADVENT CALENDAR - thanks to my mom who saw the idea while she was in Utah! It was so fun and quite easy to make!! Daddy got to spend a little time with us and Bella kept him occupied by having him read all of her library books. We have discovered the JOYS of the library! We go every week for story time and get new books, movies, and crafts. AND - it's FREE.

After Nate's finals - football has been on TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN! You know you have watched to much when your daughter comes up to you looking like this.... and says.... "LOOK MOMMY - I'M A FOOTBALL GAME!" Ha. We both died laughing. Of course daddy was very proud. Poor guy needs a son. Ha.

Here's OUR SNOW! Just a few more pics to document this monumental occasion! It covered our house, the streets, and the parks!! Amazing! The girls looked really cute all decked out in their warm clothes. Aren't their hats cute. My mom made them! Thanks mom! Daddy and Bella had a great snowball fight - I think Bella won! Good times!

So this is WAR...

These buggy little creatures have invaded one too many times. They have overtaken most of our food...bathrooms...and closets...but they will not conquer! The bug man has been called. TAKE THAT.

FOUR Fabulous Months!

Here she is - Little Miss Sweets.

Sophie Girl is now four months old. She is the best baby in the world! Calm. Patient. Loving. Giggly. Cuddly. Nothing like her sister. Ha.

Oh MY BEAUTIFUL BABY I love you so!

Sophie Stats:
4 pounds 13 ounces
25 inches
75th percentile for BOTH!

WHITE ROCK!!

It is truly a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!! Red rock has been transformed into WHITE ROCK!! We woke up this morning with the HOPE of snow...but we never imagined this...THREE INCHES so far and it hasn't let up!! {giddy squeal!}

Naturally we had to do all the fun cold weather things...

• Playing in the snow!! We had to use socks and Ziplocs for Bella's gloves...layered socks and water shoes for her feet! Who knew we would ever need snow clothes in Vegas! We made do! Ha ha.

• Building a SNOWMAN-Woman! Daddy and Bella had so much fun! They named HER...FLAKY!

• Throwing SNOWBALLS! Yep...now Bella can officially say she has been in a snow fight! We were all soaked!

• Measuring the snow! We did this just to see how much we had - THREE INCHES!

• AND - drinking HOT CHOCOLATE!

What a day!! So so so exciting! Poor Sophie fell asleep during all the snow play...ha ha...maybe she can play next time!

Christmas Soldier

Ok - so I am not one who usually listens to DEH-LIE-LA...you know the cheesy lady on the radio who dishes out dedications and songs. Ha. But I will admit that at Christmas time she has the best stories and songs so I find myself lingering a little longer on her station.

Last night after running a million errands - we were all sitting in the car driving home when this little poem was read. It truly touched my heart and made me extremely grateful to all those who keep this country FREE. God bless the U.S.A.

The Christmas Soldier
by: Lt. Col. Bruce Lovely USAF

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.

And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more then a man.

For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The solder awakened and I heard a rough voice,
“Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
And we both shivered, from the cold night's chill.

I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas day, all is secure.”

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!

Elementary Spanish

Today in the car Bella and I were singing Christmas songs when Feliz Navidad came on the radio.

Bella began to sing along, "Please Mommy Dad...Please Mommy Dad..."

HA HA...I was rolling.

I did it!!

Hooray. This would be my first completion of a tag. Yeah for me. This is for you my friends. Love ya!

Seven Interesting Things:

I love ROMANCE.
I am in love with TRUE LOVE. Mushy as it may sound, I believe in all things fairytale and that every girl has a prince charming. I love romantic gestures such as flowers, chocolates, love notes, surprise getaways, holding doors, letting a woman have your seat, and dancing under the stars! I love romantic books – the Twilight Series was right up my alley!! I love happy endings. I love old-fashioned movies and chick flicks. It seems that a hundred years ago the world was full of romance, chivalry, honor, and PASSION. What happened? Sometimes I think I was born a hundred years too late. Saved for the last days I guess. Ha. Now don’t get me wrong – I love my hairdryer, cell phone, and modern luxuries just as much as the next person – but there is just something about living back then that catches my fancy. The dresses, the innocence, the valor. The ROMANCE. In elemenary/junior high my friends and I used to write notes to each other as if we were living back then. We had made up names and families and we would write about frolicking in the forest, baking apple tarts, and riding our favorite horses through the meadows with dashing young men! We had quite the imaginations! But truly doesn’t that sound like fun – riding off into the sunset with Prince Charming. Sigh. Sigh Again.

I am a CAR SINGER.
Yep. That would be me – the crazy lady next to you rocking out to her music in the car! I truly think I do my best singing in the car. I tell Bella she is LUCKY to be in the car with me. She doesn’t think she is so lucky. Ha ha. I have this strange uncanny ability to remember lyrics. By the end of a new song I usually have most of the lyrics down. Nate tells me I would be awesome on Don’t forget the Lyrics! Ha Ha. I can also sing pretty much any Disney song VERBATIM! Sad – but true! Singing in the car is the best – let loose – TRY IT!

I have a thing with NUMBERS.
Maybe this is a little OCD-ish but there are certain numbers and combinations of numbers that bother me. Prime numbers seem to really bother me - like 7, 11, 13, 17, and 19 - ugly. However 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 seem pretty to me. Sometimes, when placed appropriately with pretty numbers, ugly ones won’t seem so bad. But it also works the other way around too, when placed with ugly numbers, pretty numbers can become ugly. This is so not logical! HA.

UGLY NUMBERS:
7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 77, 47, 469, 793, 113, etc.

PRETTY NUMBERS:
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 24, 28, 528, 780, 234, etc.

Anyways – you get my point – well probably not. Ha. Maybe it has something to do with the shape of the numerals. Who knows? This even carries over to address numbers and calendar days. I try to plan fun activities such as parties, celebrations (my wedding) and even births on pretty numbered days! Unfortunately Sophie came a day late. Poor girl was born on the 7th.

I love PHOTOGRAPHY.
I LOVE to take pictures. There is something so thrilling about getting a great shot! I think I take about fifty pictures a day…sometimes more! Bella does not like this little hobby of mine. Luckily for her I have a new little subject to photograph – and she can’t run away from me! (Love you Soph!) I don’t have a SLR, but someday I am going to get one - preferably with a really nice lens! Santa? I would also love to take some photography classes. Anyone know of any in town? And while I’m asking – anyone recommend a good SLR?

I DON’T have my EARS PIERCED!
When I was little I really wanted it done but my mom encouraged me to wait until I was 14. So I waited. But once 14 - I was fully aware of what “piercing” a.k.a. sticking a needle through your ear meant!! Ouch. Funny thing...my sister doesn't have her ears pierced either! We both must be scared of needles! Ha - true!

I love BIG WINDOWS with a view.
I probably like big windows because they are kind of like picture frames except the picture inside changes often! It is so fun to look out when it is storming or raining and knowing you are safe inside. Or looking out and seeing the leaves falling off the trees. It’s refreshing and invigorating. Kind of gives me a spring in my step! I also love when the light streams through the window in the morning. So peaceful!

And last but certainly NO LEAST.

I love PEDICURES and MANICURES.
There is just something so fun and fancy about having your toes and fingers pampered and painted – especially – when you get your toes painted BUBBLEGUM PINK! (my favorite!)

Bibbidi Bobbidi BOUTIQUE!!

The Fairy Godmother has finally gone into BUSINESS! She is using her sparkly magic and transforming little girls down in Florida into...REAL PRINCESSES!! Bella was one such lucky little girl! The appointment was set...Saturday at 12:30...and the magic began!

FIRST...Nails must be polished and PINK!

SECOND...Eye Shadow in luscious shades or PURPLE and BLUE.

THIRD...SPARKLY princess hair with CROWN.



And finally...THE DRESS!!






BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOO!!!


Turn around to see...PRINCESS BELLA!!


Princesses always SMILE for the camera!!

They pose by other PRINCESSES!

They sit ever so properly on the bus!

They are careful not to scratch their nails.

They always....ALWAYS...get their PRINCE!

And they live HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

We have no idea who this little boy is...ha ha...Bella was sitting on the bench waiting for the bus and they just started holding hands. Then they got up and walked around together...and they even danced!! All of us has quite a laugh...even this little prince's parents. Gosh it starts young! AHHHHHH!

THANKS FAIRY GODMOTHER!!