The UGLY Sweater Christmas Party

We had an ugly sweater christmas party with a group of friends. It was pretty funny. Do people wear these sweaters....thinking they actually look stylish?!?! haha....sorry if you do...but let me break it to you...definately not cute! We also had a white elephant exchange and I got a "brief-case"....yes made out of mens brief underwear (new....I hope). Our friend had sewed the leg holes shut and attached handles. Hilarious. I wish I had taken a picture. We had a great time. Thanks Sadie and Dave for hosting!!!

My first sweater (vest actually.....)

Costume change....my second sweater. I thought I would win for sure!!

But the winner of the night

was

Lindsay and Robert

With the matching sweaters

Major points to Robert for wearing the jingle bell necklace!!!

A Very Merry Christmas Indeed!

I hope that Christmas found you all healthy and happy...surrounded by family, friends, laughter and love. We had a wonderful Christmas and were lucky enough to have several visitors in town to celebrate with. My Grandma, Aunt Linda, Uncle Burt, and my Dad were all in town! We enjoyed spending time with everyone and Kate definately loved all the attention. It fact...I think she was a little spoiled by all the attention and now thinks she needs to be held all the time! Kate was especially fond of Uncle Burt...and is feeling a little lonesome without his singing and playtime. Kate also enjoyed some quality time with her Grandpa Paul. She kept grandpa busy reading and playing with all her toys. Grandpa even changed a diaper! Way to go Dad! We really enjoyed seeing everyone...Thank You for taking the time to visit us!!!!!

To start off the week we had everyone over to our house for turkey chili. Nothing like chili on a cold winters day. I think it might even be good for the soul.

Next we had a wonderful dinner over at our family friend Jodi's house. She had everything decorated so beautifully...and of coarse...a gourmet meal. We always know we will eat good....no REALLY good..when we go to Jodi's. Thanks Jodi! We had a wonderful time. And thank you for Kates puzzles....she LOVEs them!

And her mantle looked like something out of the Martha Sterwart magazine! I need her to come to my house...

Then it was over to my moms for a full turkey dinner. Yumm. Thanksgiving all over again...how lucky can we get! We spent all day cooking and chowed our dinner in probably less than 30 min. Funny how that works. I've now come to appreciate all the preparation that goes into big holiday meals. Thanks for all the many years of wonderful holiday meals and memories Mom!

We spent a good portion of Christmas Eve baking cookies and visiting with Burt and Linda. I love the smell of my house when Im baking. I think we all had our fill of cookies..nibbling as they came out of the oven. What a perfect way to spend an afternoon...good company...and lots of COOKIES!

Then it was over to Erics parents for the annual family Christmas auction. This is a tradition that has been going on in Erics family for the past 17 years. We always have a blast. Thanks Mom and Dad Maz for making our Christmas Eves so special. We will cherish these memories always.

Kate enjoyed......

Decorating the little Christmas Tree

Playing with her cousins

And listening to Grandpa read the Christmas story

The birth of Jesus Christ

Every year at the auction....we are visited by either Country Clem (the founding auctioneer)..or one of his friends....

This year...Fireman Fred came to visit

And of coarse...we all became honerary members of Fireman Freds squad

Aaron was the big winner of the night..... A big bottle of Tobasco sauce!! haha. Eric and I lucked out with gift cards to Walmart and Home Depot!

Christmas morning was FUN!! Kate had a blast opening up her presents. Seeing the excitement in her eyes was priceless!

After opening up some presents at home..we headed to my moms for a Christmas brunch. Ohh yes...more food! But thats what the holidays are for right???

Kates favorite present was a mokey from Auntie Lissi and Uncle Aaron. She walked around with "Milo" all day. She just loves that monkey! She gives him hugs constantly.

And in close second.... her Little People Noahs Arc set. I Can't wait to act out the story with her.

Thank You to each and everyone of you. We recieved so many lovely gifts but more than that we thank you for the joy you bring us everyday. We love you all. We are so incredibly blessed by our family and friends. You have each touched our hearts and filled our lives with Chrismas cheer. So as I said in the beginning....A very merry Christmas indeed!

Wheeew. That concludes our Christmas Chronicles...

The End

Mama loves dresses

I just love seeing my sweet baby girl in dresses. Is it just me ..or are little girls soooo incredibly Yummy!!! With all the Christmas parties, and family gatherings..there was plenty of opportunities to break out Kates dresses..and tights. I love, love, LOVE tights.

The dress Charles and Marie sent Kate (it came all the way from PARIS!!)

Thank you!!

I LOVE this dress. It reminds me of a little Scandinavian dress

All dressed up!

I could just eat her up in those tights!!

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Christmas

One of the fun activities we did over the holiday was going to "Candlelight Christmas" at Heritage Park. They have the village all decorated for Christmas, the fireplaces going, hot apple cider, Santa, reindeer, a live nativity, dancing, caroling.... an old fashioned Christmas. The way Christmas was meant to be..in a simpler time without all the hustle and bustle of the holiday. It was fun...and COLD!! We brought my Dad and Uncle Burt along for the festivities. Kate enjoyed running around (and warming up) in the dancing hall...and of coarse the reindeer. She kept trying to suck on the metal bars in the barn....and visions of "A Christmas Story" (can you tell thats one of our favorite Christmas movies???) filled my head. I really didn't want to experience a 1 yr old getting her tongue stuck to a pole...so I had to keep her away from the reindeer pen. We had a great time...and even saw a pregnant camel....and learned they are pregnant for 14 months! Can you imagine??? 9 months is PLENTY for me! And the best part to our night was warming up with a big bowl of my Grandmas homemade vegetable soup! There is nothing like coming out of the cold to a warm house and fresh soup! Thanks Grandma!

sooo Cold!

Warming up

Strolling in the village

The Christmas train to take us to Santa and the reindeer

REINDEER!!
Attempting to get her tongue stuck to the pole
All Aboard
Listening to Uncle Burts stories

Zoo Lights

I took Kate to see the Christmas lights at the zoo tonight. It was freezing (18 degrees)...not to mention the cold wind that made it feel even colder!! Even though I thought our noses might fall off...it was worth it.....the lights were beautiful! Kate enjoyed the outting even though I had her bundled up in so many layers and blankets she could barely move. You could only see her little eyes and cute rosey button nose peaking out of the blankets. I may have over done the layers just a bit.....Kate had on her full body/footed fleece pjs, her snow bibs, 2 jackets, 2 hats and socks (yes socks) for mittens...and a blanket. She looked so cute! You can't say I didn't try...haha. Kate enjoyed the lights...and they had the reptile building open (phew!! stinky!!...but warm) so she warmed her little toes while looking at snakes, turtles and alligators. Thanks for the invite Zeke and Anaga....we had a great time!

Can you find Kate???

Zoo Lights

Kate and Mommy
When you have no mittens...use socks!!

Rosey Cheeks
Warming up in the gift store

Nice to meet ya SaNtA

Today we took Kate to meet Santa for the first time. We had in visioned scenes from "The Christmas Story" (one of our favorite Christmas movies). Screaming kids, long lines....but it was our lucky day. The line wasn't long and they closed the line right behind us....so Santa could go "feed the reindeer". Right when we got to the front of the line, Kate threw her arms up towards Santa...and said what sounded like "Santa"! Even the helper elf turned and said..."oh how cute..she just said Santa". So...i guess...even the jolly old, white-bearded stranger gets Kate's acknowledgement before me (see previous post for details). We have a Santa that sits on our coffee table that Kate has become quite fond of. She carries him around all day, giving him hugs....so I guess its ok..if Santa is Kates third word. Kate was actually really good for Santa....I guess she didn' t want a lump of coal in her stocking. She even let me put her in Santa's lap for a picture...and even gave a nervous smile.

Braving the snow to meet Santa

We love Christmas!!

Getting restless..good thing the line wasn't long!

Definately on Santa's Nice List

Kates second word

The long awaited second word is here! Take a guess.....mama..you might say?? Nope... I have been jipped! Her second word is Dante (our cat)! ohhh the injustice of it all. I spend countless hours caring and doting over her...and that pesky cat gets recognition before me?!?! What's that..... bitter??..me......of coase not.. For the last 6 months, I have shamelessly been pleading with Kate to say mama. I don't know why...but for some reason...I just want to hear her call me mama...mommy..mom...anything. I know she knows I'm mommy...but I just need to hear it out load. Silly right??? I also know she can say it....she just won't. She will babble mamamama...but as soon as I get my hopes up and say.."Kate, say mommy"...she quickly responds "Dada"! I guess I just need to be patient. My day will come. And when it does... I will smother my baby in kisses. Ok.....I already do that several times a day. But I will celebrate!

Its the most wonderul time of the year....cue the music

Just a few pics to show you what Christmas looks like at our house