The boys' room!

The first of a few "projects" is finally complete. The truth is, the boys' room has been done for a while. I was just waiting for the new rug so that I could get the complete look in a picture. I totally forgot to take a picture of E's room before we moved everything out and started our project. However, I did find an old picture that will work.

Before:

After:

I have to admit, the room is a little tight. But the boys just LOVE sharing a room. The first few nights they spent together were full of chatting. B has also taken to reading E a "midnight story" by flashlight. Of course, this doesn't happen at midnight, it happens right after we kiss them goodnight. I don't think B misses the privacy of his own room quite yet. That day will come soon enough. For now I will sit back and enjoy the new little bonds they are creating with each other in their new room.

36 Weeks

So, I have about 3 more weeks to go before we get to meet this little girl of ours. While B was 2 weeks late and E was right on time, I am starting to wonder if this gal will come early. My surgery is scheduled for the 18th. I hope I can make it until then. I have a lot to do in her room in the meantime! But, I am getting pretty uncomfortable and am having braxton hicks constantly! I guess time will tell.

Christmas Day, 2009

Santa came! Santa came! Once again, Aunt J spent the night with us so that she could be here in the morning to watch all of the magic. While I was confident that the boys wouldn't get up any earlier than 7am (they were SO tired), B got up at 3am, then again at 6am, and finally at 7 we let him climb into bed with us and wait for his brother (I had to wake him up). B ripped through his presents in about 5 minutes. At first, E was only interested in playing with a train that he had received the night before. So, it took him a bit longer to get started.

E's big present was a Lionel train. He couldn't wait to get it set up.

Prince Charming got some nice gifts as well - pilsner glasses and a new drill, just to name a few. I got a fancy external flash for my camera. Just as I was about to test it out, I kind of broke my 50mm lens. I was so distraught about it, I put the flash away and saved it for later.

The rest of our day was spent playing with our new toys. B logged about 4 hours on his new Batman Leapster game.

We also went outside so that B could take a spin on his new bike.

Later in the morning Grandpa J and Grandma W stopped by with some fun outside games to play. We were just overwhelmed with where to start. So much fun to be had, where do we begin? Fortunately we had another week of Christmas break to look forward to.

Christmas Eve, 2009

We spent a nice, quiet Christmas Eve at my parent's house with my sister (Aunt J) and my grandmother (GG). Before we arrived, my dad set up my grandfather's Lionel train (usually for display only) for the boys to run around the track. They were so excited about that train being on the ground that they probably could have skipped presents and ran that all night. Well, at least E could have. B was much more into the presents than his younger brother was.

Before dinner was served, we did a gift exchange with GG. She got the boys some remote control cars and they got her some great gift cards.

After all of that excitement, we sat down for a delicious mexican fiesta. I seriously wished that a baby hadn't been squishing my tummy. I wanted to eat that great food all night. After dinner, the boys got a bath and then it was time for our little family gift exchange. It was a bit overwhelming for the boys, but they enjoyed every minute!

I am pretty excited about my gift. Photoshop will be my ongoing project for the year.

We had a lovely Christmas with my parents. Once our night wrapped up, it was time to get home so that Santa could come to our house. I think I am liking that Christmas is becoming a several day affair!

Tis the Season!

I added a little "counter" to my side bar. It will be seasonal, of course. Considering we are only on day 2 of our Christmas vacation and I feel like I have been putting out fires between the boys constantly, I decided that this needs to be documented somehow. If the angels above don't want to see me add a "Mommy Melt Down Tally" then please let the number stay at 3.

My Parent's Christmas Party

The Saturday before Christmas held my parent's Holiday party. I just love this party. It used to be held on Christmas Eve, but in recent years my parents moved it to an earlier date so that more people could attend. There is never a dull moment at this party. Santa comes with gifts for all of the kiddos, my mom makes a delicious lasagna, and there is great company all around. The following picture was our best attempt at a family photo.

Santa brought both of the boys rubber band powered wood airplanes!

The evening wouldn't have been complete without the white elephant gift exchange. I have so many pictures, I couldn't narrow them down. So, just trust me when I say that there were some pretty bad gifts getting tossed around this year.

Lots of laughs, lots of good friends, and lots of good food. The way it should be!

The Polar Express

Last year, a blizzard kept us from riding the Polar Express. This year, the weather was perfect. On a Friday we made the trek up north to the train station where we would hop on board the Polar Express. The boys couldn't contain themselves, they were so excited. We were able to eat a very expensive meal (also very gross and disappointing) at the depot before we hopped on the train.

The anticipation of the train's arrival was so fun. I really enjoyed watching the boys' faces.

Once on board we were served hot chocolate and cookies, listened to The Polar Express story, and sang Christmas carols. The ride to the north pole was a bit longer than I had expected.

Once we were at the North Pole, the windows were a bit foggy but we could still see Santa on his sleigh! He got on board and gave each child their very own sleigh bell.

The night was long, the boys were bushed, but the experience was fantastic!