Christmas Break Fun!

Our Christmas break fun started yesterday after naps when we made "Puppy Chow". They had just gotten up from naps and I cannot remember what Jake was so upset about. Oh well.

I let them help me as much as possible without getting burned. Of course when we were done neither of them wanted to eat the snack. Go figure. Yet today LG decided she liked it and ate it pretty much all day. Mother of the Year award for healthiest snacking....
In September Landry Grace took some pictures at Barnes and this came in today. She is growing up way too fast and I'm so glad I went ahead and bought this collage. Thought it turned out great!
Tomorrow is our annual craft making play date at the Hall's residence and this year could be really interesting!

Friends and Christmas Programs

We had an impromptu play date last Thursday when the Hall kiddos dropped by and some older neighborhood kids also stopped by to play. I must say that they did a great job of entertaining the younger kids while Katie and I visited. Katie...you scored big one with the camera for LG. She hasn't put it down and wanted to take my picture at 6:15 Saturday morning. Currently the batteries are run down so she is awaiting a trip to Wal-Mart to replace those batteries. Then she can resume shooting;)!

Friday the kids had their programs at school. I was busy video taping and didn't get any still shots. As for Jake, he was busy crying during the program because he wanted the chocolate from his cubby and I refused to give it. For the love!
Only shot of got of LG and her buddy from school and ballet, Maddy.
Friday night my brother Brian's sweet girlfriend, Mandy, had a gift waiting for them at our house. My daughter that will not eat anything gobbled this entire chocolate snowman up in a matter of minutes. I have nothing to say.....

Festival of Lights

Matt and I decided to take the kiddos to Natchitoches on Saturday to see the lights and fireworks. We hadn't been since our second date 9 years ago and figured the kids are finally at an age where they would enjoy it and tolerate the trip without meltdowns. Mom came with us and we left Ruston around 5. We had just enough time to maneuver through traffic and find a spot to watch the fireworks.

Here they are on the pallet and giggling. They had a lot of fun.
Family pic without Jake's cooperation. They were ready to get out of the stroller.
Love this picture!
And of course Big Mommy with her grands.
We have several fun things planned before Christmas so stay tuned....

PRICELESS

Went into her room last night to cover her up and found her with (mis-matched) heels on....ran back to get my camera and could not stop giggling. This is probably my favorite picture ever. Hands down.

Explanation

I received a call from Montessori today telling me that Jake and Landry Grace had been involved in a fist fight with another boy. Apparently LG was trying to protect her brother. After talking to both teachers, it was determined that they were not in the wrong. So here's LG's explanation of the confrontation.

Gift Idea

Yes, there is already a picture on my blog of Jake just like this....but I had to post it again. He took the note that "Podie" had written him to school and was so proud. This picture just makes me smile.

Here is Jake with his teacher, Mrs. Renee.
And with his buddy Peyton Beck.
Now to the gift idea that I wanted to share! With Jake and Landry Grace being in school, I had a total of 7 teachers/assistants/administrators that I wanted to give thoughtful gifts to without spending an absolute fortune. I picked up the Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook and picked out the Instant Spice Tea Mix.
Then found some cute jars at Target and gift tags in the $1 bin. Also put the directions on the back.
I also enlisted Sharon Haddox's talent in greenery extraordinaire and VOILA...you have 7 precious gifts!

Here is the recipe:

1 cup Country Time Lemonade

1 cup Tang

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

I quadrupled this recipe and made 2 large batches of it to cut down on the work. It was very simple and something I think all the teachers will like. Happy giving!

Jake is 4!

Happy Birthday to my first born! He found Podie in the box of cookies this morning with a "Happy Birthday Jake" card and was thrilled. His request for cookies was planets, so we did the Earth. Mrs. Renee will be so proud:).