Reindeer Food 12.24.10

When Santa came to visit a week or so back, one thing he brought was some reindeer food for us to sprinkle on the lawn so the reindeer would know to stop at our house. So, this morning Logan (half dressed/half still in pajama's) headed out to the front lawn to do some sprinkling. It was very cute watching him try to make sure the entire lawn was covered. And as we're talking about reindeer, he says to me, "Momma, but why are they called "rein"deer? They don't love the rain." And I said, "That's a good point babe. I'm not sure why they are called reindeer." So he replies with, "Well, I'm gonna call them 'snowdeer'." Great idea Logan. It absolutely makes more sense. :o) I love the mind of a 5 year old. Life is good when you're feeding "snowdeer."

Moving Furniture 12.22.10

Before
After

Recently Karen and Scott gave us a nice big chair and ottoman to hold on to for them so they could open up some room in their livingroom. I put it in the playroom and today decided to switch things up a bit. I love the feel of a room that has been rearranged. It's like it's a brand new room. Now, the playroom is definitely a work in progress and one day I hope to have it exactly how I envision it (yeah, right), but for now it was nice to kind of separate the room into a little play area/movies watching half and a traffic area/treadmill/dumping ground for shoes, coats, and backpacks area. Good stuff. Life is good when you mix things up a bit.

Craig's 5th Birthday Party 12.21.10

Happy Birthday Craig!
Logan was thrilled to get a Rex cupcake. Karen outdid herself again...you're awesome Kar.

Derek, Logan, Macie, Brody, Craig, Archie, Ryan, and Luke.

Logan's present to Craig...Rex!

Logan and Craig waiting for the colors to change.



This morning we headed over to Karen's to celebrate Craig's 5th birthday. Craig decided that he wanted a Toy Story birthday party and boy was it fun. All the kids showed up and went to play in the livingroom, only to discover that the evil emperor Zurg had stolen all Craig's birthday presents! To get them back, the kids had to complete a series of events. It was priceless watching the kids reactions to this unfortunate event and the seriousness in which they took on all the tasks so Craig could get those presents back! So, after much fun, er work, by all the kids, the toys were returned. We had a great lunch, birthday cupcakes, and then a present extravaganza. Thanks Craig for letting us celebrate this awesome milestone with you. We love ya buddy. Life is good.

Lights of Christmas Part I 12.20.10

The mountain scene has always been one of my favorites.
Logan saw him and said, "It's Frosty!" I'm so glad he's past the stage fright when it comes to characters and such.

I love attending the lights of Christmas with my little man.

One happy, cold boy.

I thought this crab was way cool.



After celebrating our Christmas together, Mom, Kim, Shaneo, Logan, and I headed to the Lights of Christmas. I think this year was the best yet. We didn't get rained on and it was nice and cold. The lights were as breathtaking as ever. Logan really got into this year. He wanted to see absolutely everything and because we went pretty early in the evening, the crowds were pretty minimal. We spent a good couple hours there and by the end I think we were all feeling good about what we saw and getting cold enough to want to call it a night. It was a great evening. Life is good.

Lights of Christmas Part II 12.20.10

Kim, Shaneo, Logan, and Mom in front of a gorgeous tree full of lights (not that you can see them very good in this picture).
This year they had pony rides and Logan was all for it. He looks pretty comfortable up there. My little cowpoke.

We always like to end our evening at the Lights of Christmas by riding the train and this year was no exception. The line was pretty long though, so while we waited, Kim and I ran over to the fresh donut stand and got some donuts, milk, and hot chocolate. What a nice treat to have while we waited. Mmmmmm, good.

Shane and Logan on the train.

Mom and Kim in the background on the train.



The first part of our evening we checked out all the lights. The second part of our evening was spent riding horses, petting animals in the petting zoo, eating delicious treats, and taking a train ride. We really are lucky to live so close to this awesome sight. And the pictures don't do it justice. Anyway, until next year. Life is good.

Family Christmas Part I 12.20.10

Uncky Mike and Logan wrestling.
I love this picture of Shane and Logan.

Mike with one of his gifts...could be Top Gear Season 13. :o)

Jeff opening something...????

Me taking a picture of Kim taking a picture...that's good stuff, right?

Because Mike and I share custody of Logan, we don't always get to spend Christmas day together, so this year, my family celebrated Christmas a bit early. It actually worked out really well. We all got to sleep in a bit, it was on a Monday and a non-holiday day so everything was open. (this of course equaled Starbucks for me) I always have such fun with my family and I really do cherish how close we all are. We had a wonderful Christmas full of love and laughter and a few presents and pictures thrown in for good measure. We also have a lovely Christmas dinner (thanks Mom) and ended the day by going to The Lights of Christmas. Perfection. Life is good.

Family Christmas Part II 12.20.10

Dad with the new wallet we got him.
Mom looking oh so festive in her red turtleneck.

Shane looks confused, but he really was thrilled.

I think my mom could win a prize in present wrapping. She always does such a beautiful job, I hate to wreck it...Logan does not. :o)

Meet Boris.


I know that Christmas is not about the presents. I know it's about celebrating the birth of Jesus and I love that Logan is attending a Lutheran preschool and learning all about it. But, I would argue that Christmas is about giving; whether you are giving your time, your love, your prayers, or a gift. And there's nothing like watching a child with a gift. Heck, truth be told, there's nothing like watching anyone you love open a gift. There's simply something magical about the anticipation of what's inside and then the absolute delight (usually) upon opening. And because of that, I really do love the present part of Christmas. Life is good watching the ones you love.