Our VERY Merry Christmas 2009

Time, that's what I needed the most and I couldn't seem to find any of it before Christmas but now that its behind me I think I see more "time" heading my way.

We had a fantastic Christmas in our house. The BIG Santa present was a beautiful playset for our backyard. Jon worked night after night building it and finished the night before Christmas Eve. Luckily, I was able to distract the kids when pulling in and out of the garage so they didn't see it during the week. I really wanted the "magic" of Santa on Christmas morning and the kids got just that. Unfortunately, because of the snow the day before the kids couldn't really play much on it but I know it will be the best money spent for our 3 kids when the weather warms up a bit.

Some of the favorite presents from Christmas (they really love it all but here are a few to mention):

Both Paige and Aiden LOVE the Zhu Zhu pets with all of the fun accessories and the SpongeBob Basketball

Paige's favorite would be her Hanna Montana Karaoke System from Santa

Aiden's would be his Batman costume

Harlow's would be (I get to pick it right?) her stunning eden's bouquet outfit, always fabulous Mia Joie shoes and her new baby toys of course

THANK YOU to everyone who sent such wonderful presents (they really do love them all!) and of course the money was greatly appreciated so Jon & I could get the kids more of what they wanted since we were really only getting them the playset at first and then had extra funds to get more toys for the kids.

Christmas day was spent playing with toys and then we went to the movies. I think that will have to be a yearly tradition, the kids had such a great time eating popcorn and ICEE for lunch and it was nice to get out of the house for a bit on Christmas. We saw Alvin and the Chipmunks, such a cute kids movie. When we arrived back home we enjoyed some Honey Baked Ham and the kids played with their toys into the night.

Opening up a present (well it was a few since what they wanted to open was the Zhu Zhu pets Fun House and you need the Hamsters of course to use it) on Christmas Eve

Aiden putting out food for the Reindeer

Paige putting out the cookies we made for Santa

Aiden handling Santa's milk

Aiden's Santa

Harlow's Santa

Paige's Santa

Christmas Morning...heading outside to the back to see if Santa brought a playset...

and HE DID!

They were so excited!

Aiden enjoying the snow

Enjoying the rocker swing

Paige making a snow angel

Now let's open some presents!

Harlow enjoying her new Bumbo seat on her first Christmas

Aiden playing with the Zhu Zhu pets

Paige rocking out with her karaoke system

A White Christmas Eve in Texas

I would have never guessed that we would have a white Christmas Eve here in TX but as weather would have it WE DID! Paige and I had some fun running around outside in it and if she had her way we would have never come back inside. I hope we get at least a few inches on the ground so we can make a snowman later today.

I have really enjoyed all of the beautiful Christmas cards, my favorites are the photo cards where I can see so many of the beautiful faces I love so much. We will be going to dinner tonight at Lawry's Prime Rib. It's a tradition started back when my mom was still alive and I feel her spirit every year we go. After dinner, I will bake some cookies with the kids for Santa and let each child open a present before bed. I can't wait for tomorrow as I am sure you all feel the same.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with much love, joy and laughter!

BUSY BUSY Holiday FUN

Oops, I realized I never published this for you all to read and I was just about to start on our Christmas Blog...better late than never right?

Gosh sorry it's taken me so long to get another Blog post going but between the holiday fun, Christmas shopping, Christmas card making & preparing them for mailing, laundry, house cleaning and taking care of our 3 beautiful kids life these past few weeks has been hectic to say the least and it hasn't left me a minute to spare.

Last night was a turn for the better though as I finished up some sweet handmade presents for my CA girl friends and finalized the rest of the presents that I need to ship and mail tomorrow, so today I have a few minutes of free time while Aiden naps, Paige plays on Jon's computer, Harlow naps in her swing and a load of laundry is running in the washer.

So, let's play catch up. The house is decorated, we picked out a fabulous 9 ft. Christmas tree and decorated it (ok, well I did most of the decorating after the kids went to bed), we took a beautiful horse carriage ride through Highland Park to see some amazing Christmas lights and the kids saw Santa at a Color-Me-Mine event. Here are some pictures from all of our fun.

I still need to take some pictures of our beautifully decorated tree but here are a couple pictures of our other decorations. We need to get more stocking holders for our new family of 5, I hope to get us either the word SANTA or PEACE from Pottery Barn to use next year.

I realized when looking at this picture that Aiden has moved around some of the people from where I had them.

I noticed Jon had the lights laying on the floor and I couldn't resist getting some pictures of Harlow laying with them

Had to get a close-up of my favorite Mia Joie shoes on her...my newest addiction

Aiden put the first ornament on the tree, of course it was Handy Manny and his Tools

Jon bought this Star Wars ornament a few yeas back and now our littlest Star Wars fan is enjoying it as well

My favorite ornament is this train, it goes around the tracks and makes "choo choo" sounds

Paige putting on the tree topper with the help of her dad. Jon and I received this topper as a wedding gift and have used it on our tree every year since.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!