Christmas Card Time!

I know, I know, it's not even Halloween yet. But if I don't get on the ball early I will end up sending out New Year's cards again.

I love, love getting cards in the mail from all my friends and we really look forward to coming up with a picture idea to try out. The first year we just had the twins and made a stuffed animal nativity :

It was pretty cute. :)

The next year we had Benny and did a sort of collage of pictures of the kids decorating the tree:


Last year we put together a whole little set and posed the kids in their pj's in front of the fireplace like they were waiting for Santa (the plate of cookies helped). It was so cute and I was able to use my faithful Shutterfly cards again. Instead of using one of their pre-made designs I chose the option to upload an entire photo as the face of the card. We loved the way it turned out!


This year as my wheels are turning, I plan to use one of these cards for inspiration. Probably "On Our Tree".

It helps for me to decide on layout first and then I know what kind of pictures I am looking for to fill those spots. I think I have an idea on how to use their crabby pictures this year :)

While I order cards I usually add one of their photo gifts for my parents and calendars for all of the aunts and uncles. You can usualy score a good deal on free shipping that way!

Keep watch for discounts, you can even blog about them to earn free cards for yourself ;)

You can now get back to sewing those last minute costumes...

Merry Christmas! Trick or Treat!

Pumpkins

We opted for letting the kids paint their pumpkins this year. They are still so little that the carving is pretty much over their heads. They still like to watch Sean carve (and tell him what to do), but this was a fun way to let them go nuts on their own. I just used random craft paint I had around the house, paper plates, and Q-tips for paint brushes=no washing later.







We took a chili break and posed for pics by our masterpieces ;)





They decided Daddy should carve a dog and helped him a little with the guts





But eventually they all moved on to other things...




Such is the attention span of toddlers. Happy Fall!

Pumpkin Patch '11

Had a great morning at the Pumpkin Patch this weekend!

First Sentence

Benny's been chatting forever (mainly bossing us around), but I think I just got his first full sentence! At least it's the only one I remember so it will have to do

We were heading downstairs to watch a movie and he shouted, "Hey guys, wait for me!"

So cute to hear and probably a hint of what's to come for the next 10 years, chasing after his big brother and sister.

<3
Don't worry, we'll wait little guy!

My Birthday

Well loved today by my students and family! I got a lot of coffee cards (yay!) and some shopping money from my Love, but the highlight I always the video he makes with my kids. This is what makes my day every year!

Enjoy! (it's a little long, but I never get enough of my kids, so I don't mind)

Impressions

Apparently, my 3 year old is doing impressions now.

In the car:

G, T, and B enjoying post dinner loooolipops or yoyyi pops (depending whose speech impediment you prefer)

T: Mama, you want to try mine?
Me: No thanks buddy
T: But it's so yummy!
Me: I know, my tummy is just full from dinner (and I don't want to catch your cold)
T: Wait! I hear your tummy talking! (hand to ear)
Me and Daddy: Oh really?! What is it saying?
T: (Deep booming voice) "MY WANT A YOYYI POP!!!"
Daddy: Yep, that sounds like mama's tummy alright.

Very funny, boys.

Embracing Fall

We got started on the season change this weekend. The air has that chill in it again so we took the opportunity to make a big pot of chili. The kids used to hate it, now they each eat 2 or 3 bowls at a time.
We melted crayons in the oven to consolidate all the broken bits and watched the classic Disney version of Robin Hood for the first time with them. This was always one of my favorites, so I'm so glad they like it! It seems like every disney movie we try to watch there are scary parts we forgot about. It's been so frustrating. I really don't want to explain what happened to Simba's dad or why Sleeping Beauty looks so creepy.

I also dug out my Fall decorations and we had fun putting up window clings. One of my favorite parts about having my own classroom is that I have TWO places to decorate for the changing seasons. My first bag of candy corn is within reach and I've already gotten 2/3 Halloween costumes ($5 a piece!)

The kids are hacking up a lung with their first colds of the season. That I could do without.

Random quotes:

Benny: You're not my friend mama! You bad boy!!! (yelled at me through his bedroom door as he waited in timeout.
Gracie: My nose is nervous! (which somehow means it's running or about to sneeze
Tate: Mama, Yet's cuddle. (he says this almost daily. love it).