Scenes from our Christmas

I have kind of broken up with the internet. It was a relationship of convenience, and now that it isn't as convenient, I have just kind of given up on the whole thing.

I am sure this is terrible for some of my family members...but I have a couple of family members right here that would rather I not be involved with anyone else right now, anyway.


Anyway, our Christmas was awesome and merry and bright and that is thanks to a few people out there, especially grandparents.


We have lots of things going on right now, and me having an internet connection really isn't one of them and I AM JUST FINE WITH THAT.

I am sorry internet, it isn't you, it's me.

I assume when things settle down after the New Year I will be more into you.


And of course I will still put pictures up.

Because I just can't deprive you of this cuteness...

Winter Wonderland

Here are some pics from the last week or so in SoCal...

Boho Mama.
This one kills me.
Gorgeous surfer daddy
Guess who is so big now!
And guess who is feeling broken in!


We left the Rv in Oceanside and traveled up together for Christmas and some doctor appointments. It is going to be a white Christmas for us!

Well, kind of.

It has been a while since fresh stuff, so the snow is a little dirty.

Anyway Eden loves her high chair since we have been back. She also likes to chase cheerios around and drink from this sippy cup.

Such a big girl so fast!

Madee and Eden after bath, before pajamas.
Madee is hardcore, and still begs for the playground despite the snow and the cold.

What can I say? Kids need fresh air.

Madee has been toying with the idea of skiing...we just can't seem to get the whole idea moved outside into the snow yet.

They both had Christmas outfits on the other day, and so we tried to get a Christmas photo.

Annoying.

I really feel for my clients when they are trying to get something like this together...




The only one where nobody is moving or crying...


And my fave. Christmas is just better with kids.

Christmas cookies are better with kids too.

Picture Catch Up

Obviously my relationship with technology has taken a backseat since my laptop went to wherever technology goes when it dies.

But I have this beautiful face to keep me very busy!

Goofball saying "cheese".
Princess face.
600 pictures and 594 of them are the back of her head.

She speaks of herself in the third person.

"Mandee's shubble."
Spinner
6 months old!
I am pretty sure she said "mama" and "booby" to me yesterday.

She is sitting up on her own quite well, and when she falls forward from that position, she is up in a crawl.

She is also scooching all over the place and making lots of 180s and 360s on her belly.

By the way, still the happiest yet loudest baby in the world.

And quite the swinger!

Madee climbs ladders that are over my head, goes down seriously steep slides like it's nothing, and loves this groovy spin machine.

The other kids her age aren't quite as extreme as she is on the playground. She OWNS that place, and runs circles around the 3 and 4 year old crowd.

Beautiful girl.
Just about to lose it!
So happy.
23 months pics - she is out the door - how illustrative of the essence of her right now.

Talk to the hand, Mom!

Gorgoeus.
She knows the words to "Tomorrow" and sings the last verse quite well. She also knows how to tug her arm and make truckers honk at her.

She also wipes up her own messes.
I can't believe we are in the final countdown to 2. We will be celebrating her birthday in Tahoe with her little friends. I can't wait for her to see them - she has grown up so much in the last 2 months.

Holiday Ideas

So, I keep getting asked what the kids need for Christmas, or even what they want for Christmas, and where to send it.

And I am at a loss.

They need love, food, shelter and clothing.

And that is about it.

They want candy, playtime, and whatever some other kid is playing with. It is just their nature.

I read a quote on a blog site today that really sums up the considerations I wish all toy buyers would think about before purchasing plastic stuff that does little else but turn on and make noise.

**********

Will this toy help her embrace creativity?
Will it stimulate her imagination?
Will it help her learn to be generous?
For this is the beauty-filled youth I know we all want to give our little ones…
the childhood that will teach them
to think beyond themselves and make a difference.
**********

When I packed the RV I brought puzzles, books, puppets and dress up clothes - things that make Madee play with them, instead of just watching them play themselves. And I find that already it has made a difference with her playground friendships, and confused her during indoor playgroups spilling over with plastic toys to fight over.

And that is a good thing.

I know I sound like a hippie. HELLO I live outside for the most part and do my dishes by hand. Today I smell like a hippie, so I don't really care how I sound, but I am trying to get my kids to a simpler place without all the whistles and bells and encourage them to be generous, kind and creative.

And if that makes me a hippie, pass the granola and some blocks made from a sawed up 2X4, ya'll.

Miss Mad

Here she is mid high five on the slide.
You wouldn't believe all the things she can say. If you want to know, call her, she LOVES to talk on the phone.

Madee has discovered the magic of musical, since I bought Annie the other day. I didn't even think she was going to like it yet, but we popped it in, and right now it is the #1 movie request.

She loves the singing and the dancing and I think she loves the Daddy/daughter dancing and singing the best. She also loves those little orphans running around being scampy together. It is the cutest thing to see her try and sing "Tomorrow" She mostly belts out the "day aaaaaaaaawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy" part.

She gives movie kisses. She nurses her babydoll (what a good little mommy!) She throws things when she doesn't get what she wants. She remember her friends and family's names even when they aren't in front of her.

She idolizes her dad.

I can 't believe she is already almost 2.

And yet I can. Because she is acting so stinking grown up all the time...


More fun for me!

6 Months Owned

I can't believe that it has already been 6 months. And I know that sounds so easy to say, but seriously, she is growing up really too fast.


This kid is funny. She loves to eat, and has a kung fu grip. She doesn't back down from confrontation, she thinks everything is hilarious, and she will literally rip your hair out.


She has got to be the most prolific pooper since the dawn of time. We haven't lived through a day here if she and someone close to her haven't been covered in poop.


She loves to swing and play and nobody gets her laughing as hysterically as her sister.


She is powerfully adorable.


She OWNS me. And ownership has its privileges.