Family Pics

TWO!

Once again - my mind is blown at how fast time flies. On Sunday, my little boy turned TWO! The day he was born is so clear to me in my head... it seriously feels like just yesterday. I'm not sure if I can adequately describe this little guy. He brings so much joy and happiness into our home. I cannot imagine living life without him. He has won over the hearts of all of his grandparents. He has truly got them wrapped around his little finger. And I have to say, I'm right there with them. Ross always gives me a hard time, because he says I let him off too easy - just because he gives me those looks that melt my heart. It's probably true - but I don't admit it! There aren't words to describe how much I love this kid. He is one of a kind. All I can say is - he's amazing - and he's mine!
I love you, Cole. Happy birthday, big guy.

COLE

Dear Santa...

We wrote our letters to Santa the other day... the kids had a blast. I think if Mason could write his ideal letter it would go something like this:

"Dear Santa,

I WANT IT ALL!

Love, Mason"

But after explaining to him that even though Santa is "magic" - it wouldn't be fair to bring him everything, this is what he came up with...

Yes, my SEVEN year old son is asking for "UnderArmor" for Christmas. And specific colors at that! I never, ever, EVER thought I'd have to worry about getting my kids "UnderArmor" until at LEAST Junior High! Seriously - it's a little crazy. But he knows that the "real football players" wear it - and therefore - he needs to have it. I'm fairly sure he thinks that if he wears it he'll be able to play better - or be guaranteed a spot in the NFL or something. I'm not sure what it is - but seriously. Ya gotta love the kid.

And my little Hal needed a few suggestions to get her going. However, after she got a start, she had no problem keepin' it going! Here is her list... "A VANITY"!! That is all she can talk about now. I don't think she knew what it was called at first - but after she asked me - now it's all she can talk about. She wants a vanity for her room. Oh good grief. Do I have anything on these lists purchased? Absolutely not!

Santa doesn't get a list from Cole this year. He will be happy with anything - and besides, Santa just "KNOWS" anyway.

So, as always, Christmas has creeped up on me and I am NOT READY - so here I am in the same boat as every year... wishing I had more time. But oh well - we do the best with what we have and we make it work. Christmas comes whether we like it or not. Even if the Grinch comes and steals all our presents. I wonder if my kids would buy that - - - maybe if I don't get my shopping done, I'll just tell them that the Grinch must've come and taken everything. Can you imagine the fit my kids would throw (one child in particular)?? Ya - I better not.

'TIS THE SEASON!

FLASHBACK

So I was trying to be clever and I started thinking about maybe doing "Flashback Fridays" - and posting a past event every Friday to help me catch up on my blog neglect over the past year. But then I thought about it - and more than likely Friday would roll around and I wouldn't get to it and then I'd just dig myself into a deeper hole. So...... I've decided to just randomly throw in a "Flashback Friday" post MINUS the "Friday" every now and then. It will be very random and in no particular order - so there's your warning. Starting............. NOW.

My first "flashback" has got to be the 1st day of school this year. Here are some pics of my 2 kiddos on their first days!

I'm not gonna go off about how hard the first day of school always is for me. I think we've all got that down. Let's just say - I cried .... again.

And this post wouldn't be complete without including Mason's school picture this year. I L.O.V.E. it!!

Melts my heart to pieces! What a handsome kid!

I LOVE THESE KIDS!

5 YEARS OLD!

I'm in denial. My little girl is NOT 5 years old. I must've counted wrong. Seriously - it's weird that she's that old. She's always been a baby to me - and 5 is just too big. Where's the "rewind" button? It's just not fair. If anybody knows how to slow time down - please do share. Anyway... with very bitter-sweet feelings - I present the:

Her birthday was technically a month ago. But this is the best I could do. Anyway - we had a great day! We always decorate the kids rooms the night before their birthday so that they can wake up to all the excitement. And we always do breakfast in bed. And of course, we had to do PEDICURES!

It was Hal's first time getting a Pedicure. She LOVED it. It's totally her thing. We will definately be going more often - because it just happens to be "my thing" too!!

Hal has had it in her mind for the past year that she wanted to have a "pajama party" for her birthday. So, we invited all her friends and had a pajama party. We made pancakes, painted nails and played games. It turned out fun! These were her invitations: I wanted to take pictures - but it was a little too chaotic! Sorry.

And here is her annual preschool birthday poster!

Our family would not be complete without our Hallie. She is truly a ray of sunshine in our lives. I don't know what I would do without her.

I LOVE YOU, HALLIE GRACE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!