I DID IT!

Project 365 - Day 365

Wow, I can't believe this photo project is over! Didn't I just start it? Hard to believe a year went so fast. I felt the last picture in this project had to be one of our family together, so using my new remote for my camera, we stood together before heading off to our wild party with friends (more on that tomorrow). For now, I say Happy New Year... I look forward to 2011... can't wait to see what is in store for us!

Broken

Project 365 - Day 364

Sometimes this is how I feel...broken.

Today I missed my Mom...

I wrote out so much... then deleted it all. Perhaps I needed to just write it and let it go... I don't think I needed to share it this time... it was for myself to see, no one else.

Hmmm

Project 365 - Day 363

I didn't make this usual favorite on Christmas morning... but I did a few days later. The family was pretty excited to say the least.

Christmas Wrap Up!

Project 365 - Day 362


Its my last cake of 2010! A simple one yet yummy, haha. I look forward to what is waiting for me in 2011! Eek!

So FINALLY I am getting around to writing about our Christmas celebrations. I have been lazy... but that is what the holidays are about, just relaxing a bit. So for a few nights we have either been out with friends getting home late or watching some movies together. Last night however I was working on a cake into the night. This morning I put the finishing touches on the bike by adding silver edible paint and some shimmer to the body of it to look like car paint finish. Ariel gave it two thumbs up, especially since it was double chocolate - yum.

Christmas morning started at 7am, I awoke and got Ken up so we could do our own stockings in peace. Amongst the treats, movies and gift card I got a much wanted camera remote. Now we can do family pictures and I don't have to run to hit the self timer, yay! I got Ken everything from new socks to a fun coffee sampler pack from Starbucks, which he was really excited about. Yay me!

We went downstairs to light up the tree, light some candles and turn up the heat. It wasn't long till I heard little feet run to the stairs. "MOMMY! Its CHRISTMAS!" So down came Ariel and Xander to check out their stockings. Poor Xander was still sleeping and not too into his treats, but Ariel was giddy. The new felts were a big hit along with the new Tinkerbell movie. Xander did get happy when he spotted some cars poking up from his stocking.

Then we had our skype chat with Ken's mom and brothers. We watched them open their gifts and then it was our turn. Ariel got a hair salon chair and styling accessories for her American girl doll Julie. Most of the morning was her giving Julie new hair styles with the rollers, too cute!

Xander got a cute Thomas the train flash light which he loved because it talked to him, along with a fun drawing pad book which he clapped when seeing it, so it must have been a hit!

Ken and I got a fancy ice cream scoop and famous Michigan 'Sanders' chocolate sauce... a taste of home for Ken! After a nice chat we then moved on to our skype chat with Ken's Dad. He too spoiled the kids, Ariel got her own camera (pink of course) and she is now 'just like Mommy' she says.

Xander got an Elmo guitar that is nice and loud for our rock star. Thankfully it also has a volume knob on it. Haha. He was happy and sang along.

Ken got some Ray Harryhausen films which he was excited about and I got the first season of Glee!!! Whee!!!

Then my Dad and Rita came over to watch the kids open their Santa gifts. Ariel was left speechless once opening her gift. She only gasped 'PRINCESSES' when she saw the box and then was just breathing heavily, haha. I guess it was a special present. Rita then spent the rest of the morning cutting the poor dolls free from the hundreds of twist ties, good grief!

Xander got a cool car garage that he was quite excited about too. This toy has been around for years, although its changed over time. My brother and I had one at one time too... long time ago.

Ken er Santa surprised me with a cake turn table! This was something I was so wanting and never did mention as I would generally forget until I was icing a cake. I got to use it with the cake last night and one word - FABULOUS! The funny moment came when I read the card which said 'you have been a very good Mommy this year' to which Ariel said, 'yes you have, except sometimes you say stupid'. Thanks dear daughter for keeping me in check, haha.

Then we came to our family gift... turns out people were guessing what it could be and it seems like most guessed it. We got our family a Wii! Ariel stood looking at the box... what is it? Hahaha. Upon opening the second box and seeing 'Mario Kart' she recognized the picture and squealed, oh I love this thing! Ariel has been kicking our butts in most things thus far. She is a great fencer and basketball player, who knew? I have enjoyed the cooking game, but I will say I think real cooking is far easier!!! There is a dance game coming in the mail we got online for boxing day from amazon - so Ariel is eager to see and play that one. I see some good workouts ahead for us all. Haha.

We called Papa in the afternoon, but it was a hard phone call. He was pretty confused who was calling, at times I think mistaking me for my cousins wife. We still loved getting to chat and Ariel sang for him... until he hung up the phone. I told her he was tired or maybe couldn't hear and thought we had gone. She was sad but we said that Papa is getting older and sometimes these things happen. She accepted that but deep down its hard even for us. Getting old sucks sometimes.

We munched on breakfast and had a lazy afternoon till we headed to Dad and Rita's for dinner. Instead of turkey we had roast beast, ooooh soooooooooooooo goood! Mike, Jo and Henry were there but the little man was battling his first cold. So sad to see a baby sniffle and cough. I snuggled him for a bit but it was hilarious as he kept trying to arch his neck, as if to say, 'hey short person - I prefer the air where my tall parents can reach'. I don't blame him, but it was nice to snuggle a baby again.

Our families exchanged gifts, in which I got a fancy digital meat thermometer from Dad and Rita. Woohoo! Can't wait to try it out. We got some gift cards from Mike, Jo and Henry. Xander got a fancy guitar all of his own to which his smile nearly burst.


He also go some fun cars that make lots of noise, but that makes them better right (again also come with an on and off switch, yay, gotta love the toy companies finally getting wise on adding those features.) Ariel got a big Barbie make up set from her Aunt and Uncle, to which the rest of the evening she spent using. We will be talking about the fine art of make up use, haha. Less is more! She was THRILLED and that is the best part. There were lots of other wonderful gifts but the best one was being together. Awwww, tis true!

We crawled into bed worn out from the big and exciting day we had together. We were blessed with so much, and we are blessed that we can be together happy and healthy. So I shall leave it at that for now, lots more fun stuff happening with visits with friends to share about, but this blog is already super long, haha. So stay tuned!

Tree Lights

Project 365 - Day 361

I was showing Andrea today some fun photo tricks you can do with Christmas tree lights. Makes me sad the tree will go away soon and I will need to find something new to photograph... I guess it will have to be my kids, sigh... hahaha.

Star Light Star Bright

Project 365 - Day 360

Sorry, Christmas report soon... I chose watching a movie with Ken over blogging. Yay me!

Christmas Day

Project 365 - Day 359

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not parish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

The midnight hour is close at hand, which means Christmas 2010 is almost at an end. Wow, it was a special one for our family. There is so much to say and yet I am gonna have to save it for tomorrow since I am exhausted! Lots of pictures, video and stories to share. We were all spoiled with joy and giving. The kids were blessed with some treasures that made bedtime hard tonight, haha. (Can I PLEASE play with my make up set in bed till I go to sleep? Um no! Haha)

This is also the last week of my photo project... so I guess I better end on a high note eh? I have enjoyed the Jesse Tree moments, but I am ready to do a few creative things on my way out of 2010.... but they wait till tomorrow... cuz now I sleep!

Christmas Eve....

Project 365 - Day 358

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14

The house is quiet... we have been to church, had our evening of snacking in our matching pjs while watching a Christmas special and St Nick has come and gone. Its been a lot of excitement for one evening and its so magical right now I could burst... but I won't because I am sooooooooo tired. Haha.

It felt like the day was one of waiting... eager to go to church, take in the beauty of the service (although I missed most of in the end due to Xander wanting to be in the nursery) and seeing friends. I love Christmas eve services in the dark with only the candle light. Its calming... peaceful and poetic.

We got all dressed up for the event of course, and I got a picture with my babies. Xander was a hoot because he gets how the camera works now, we take a picture then look on the back to see it, lol. Such a ham!

After the service we came home and changed into our pjs. We let the kids open one gift, which was a new Veggie Tales movie for them on St Nicholas! We have the book and when Ken found the dvd I was excited since it fits perfectly into how we celebrate. Its a great movie if you are interested in it and wanting to share the real story behind the man and how to tie it into Christmas and Jesus. Yay. We snacked on appetizers and then tucked kids in bed... Ariel went to sleep, Xander not so much. He is upstairs snuggling with Daddy as I finish up.

I brought down the kids gifts and our family gift. I can't wait to see Ariel's face tomorrow! Eek!

The stockings are filled and Santa left a note behind for the kids. Ken and I filled each other's stockings earlier today and have stashed them away till morning, whee.

So I am off to bed... early morning coming with skype chats with both Ken's Dad and then Mom and brothers before Dad and Rita come over for breakfast and to watch the kids open their gifts from us and Santa.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I think one of my favorite songs lyrics sum it all up perfectly.... Love came down at Christmas... Love all lovely, love divine... Love was born at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign.

Rain instead of Snow

Project 365 - Day 357


I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

Twas a lazy day today. Ken went to see the movie Tron with Mike in the afternoon. Ariel and I walked in the rain to the video store to return some stuff and hit the grocery store for a few things for our pizza for dinner. Later while one slept and the other played quietly I fiddled with my camera and played with the christmas lights. Whee!

The snowmen left after dinner all happy and ready to be eaten! I am now free from anything Jaybird Creations related until next week when I have a small birthday cake to make up. This one I do get to taste, as we are invited to the party its been bought for! Gotta love that, haha.

Finished wrapping up the last few gifts tonight. Finally come to the end of the 5 rolls of paper I bought at Costco a few years ago, haha. I have only 2 left and I look forward to getting to pick new paper next year. I caught Ariel tonight checking her stocking to see if anything was in it yet. Soooo cute! I know she checks it daily but I hadn't caught her yet until today.

I fondly remember that my favorite thing on Christmas morning was seeing my stocking filled by the fireplace. Years later my Mom started putting them filled outside our door to open in the night since we couldn't sleep. She would put in movies and stuff that would get us through the night since we had to stay in our beds until a certain time. My mom always did the best stockings for us... it was the thing I missed the most our first Christmas without her. She always found cool little things that were special and unique.

I remember my first Christmas I didn't want toys... I was trying so hard to be a 'grown up' and asked for things like my own blow dryer, curling iron, make up etc. In the end my mom still bought me a 'soft stuffed Mr Potato head' toy... and I was glad she did, because I soon discovered I wasn't ready to give up toys! Frankly, I still love toys... and you will see that come Christmas morning when we share our surprise family gift. Hee!

Since tomorrow is Christmas eve, I thought it was time to share our annual Christmas card design. We did it in the style of Rudolph this year, I totally think Ken can pull off the cone hat don't you think?

Soooo, tomorrow is the big night... will Ariel sleep, hard to say. Every night this week she says she can't sleep, and I say wait and I will be up in 5 minutes to check on her and each time she is out by the time I do. Looking forward to the candlelight service followed by a movie and munchies when we get home. Plus we will debut our Christmas pjs!

2 sleeps to go....eep!

Wedding A GO GO

Project 365 - Day 256

When they saw the star, hey rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:10

Speaking of great joy, my son is 'singing' at the top of his lungs beside me here. Lol, make a joyful noise eh?

So today was fun, pure and simple! I left the kids with Ken and Kara picked me up early for our 'invitation' adventure. We went out to get card stock, labels and eye up things we would need to get later on. It was super fun and we had a fantastic lunch at Moxie's. Gosh it was fun being at a restaurant where I didn't need to look through the kids menu, haha.

One other thing that happened on our adventure was me picking up a last minute gift for our family for Christmas morning. Its been something Ken and I have been talking about for ages but finally we decided to go for it... can't wait to see Ariel's face!

After our trip we came back to the house and designed up the invites, printed out a mock one and took it to her Mom and Dad's place as we were all having dinner together. So its been a full day of fun, food and friends!

3 sleeps to go!

Another Day O' Fun!

Project 365 - Day 355

Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:20

It was another fun day here as we hosted Ariel's friends and their moms (my friends) for a cookie decorating party. The kids dressed up some gingerbread men and played nicely together while us moms had a lovely visit. Then we had a yummy lunch of lasagna which Ariel loved. We don't get together much with everyone because we are all spread out and have kids in school and such so makes for difficult schedules to work around.

The event got me on the ball for making Christmas goodies and so last night I made all of these treats. The peanut butter reindeer cookies were a big hit, and so cute!

Tomorrow I am taking off with Kara for the morning to do prep for her wedding invitations! Yay!!! Looking forward to a fun and productive morning and Ken can enjoy time with the kids. Hee. Then I have to finish up my cookie order, whee!

4 sleeps to go! Eek!

Princesses Rule!

Project 365 - Day 354

Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with thee to deliver thee.

Jeremiah 1:8

Today was a fun day for our family as we went to the movies! We have been eager to go see Tangled since it came out but wanted to wait till vacation, not to mention its easier to go with Xander with the less stress of it being a super full theater too. Dad joined us since Rita was off doing stuff, and he even got our tickets for us, thanks again!

So we settled in for a 1pm show, perfectly timed so that Xander would eventually fall asleep. Of course he wasn't going to sleep until he got his hands on some popcorn, haha. The movie started and the darkness was enough for Xander who nursed and fell asleep in my arms. I passed him over to Ken and we enjoyed the movie. WOW, first off from an artist point of view, it was gorgeous! As a cg film, it was stunning... Ken and I are really hard on cg films because its not always done well or making full use of the medium. Finally story and music wise, it was right up there with classic films. Ken and I both were crying in a particular scene, it was pure magic.

Perhaps the most beautiful thing, Ariel's face during the movie. Ken nudged me at one point to peek at her face and it was glowing with wonder and amazement. She loved it, and we have another favorite princess in the house. Xander awoke right in the finale and let out a funny, 'whoa' during the climax of the film. Haha, he liked the horse's funny faces.

We came home and I had a call from a lady wanting cookies for this week and if I could do it. Since its a small order of only 30 cookies I said yes, I was already making cookies tonight so what was one more batch. In the end I made sugar cookies for the order, gingerbread men for Ariel's party tomorrow, rice krispie square, peanut butter reindeer cookies and Christmas crack. So we are ready for company now with boxes of goodies.

So tomorrow Ariel's friends come over for a cookie decorating party, so that should be fun. I need to get up early to mix up the icing and tidy up before they arrive, so better get to bed. Good night... and 5 sleeps to go, whee!

My Super Stars!

Project 365 - Day 353


I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

So my morning started very early... around 2am with my princess coming to my bedside coughing and in tears. She was in a fit of coughs but managed to sniffle out that she was sad because she wouldn't get to sing in church if she was coughing. Ok, my heart was breaking for her, so I scooped her up and got her into bed with some water. Thankfully she got back to sleep, and so did Mommy. However it made us sleep in so things were on the rushed side.

Ariel had picked out a hair style from an online hair do blog we read and with being rushed, I didn't get to add much styling product, thinking it would hold ok... er not! By the time the concert had started, part of it was hanging in her face. Oh well. I managed to fix it when I helped her get into her angel costume later, but she told me I could make it better next time.


I was so impressed watching my baby up there today. She sung with strength and conviction. I noticed Ariel was studying the choir director closely and would make movements when she would indicate 'extra pronunciation' from the kids in the drummer boy song. See if you notice in the video. Haha.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My girl was awesome, as were all the kids today, it was a great show and she came away with a greater love of why we celebrate Christmas. Mommy's little angel, so proud of you sweetie!


Xander didn't watch the show, a friend kindly offered to play with him in the back which was awesome! Afterwards, he wanted a gingerbread man cookie... it was love at first bite!

Xander after watching Ariel sing around the house seems to want to sing along too. Several times this week he would grab wrapping paper tubes and belt out a 'ba ba ba' into them like a microphone.

Today while chatting with Ken's mom on skype. Xander took the broken ukulele and pretended to strum and sing. This clip is short just to give you an idea... but Xander 'sang' for almost an hour! We have lots of footage to prove it, but felt this was enough to get the idea, haha.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tonight we went to the church's potluck family dinner. We had a wonderful time visiting with friends, eating and watching the kids for nearly 45 minutes try and bust open a piñata! It became rather comical as grown men were called in to whack the sucker, only to fail. In fact it was like it was 'self healing' with the dens disappearing. Finally it came off the rope and it was decided that it should just be ripped open since the kids were getting discouraged. Haha.

On the drive home we checked out some of the Christmas light displays, some crazy stuff and pretty stuff. Ariel liked any house that had moving things on its lawn. Hoping we can do that some more in the coming days.

Tomorrow is the first real day of our vacation! Whee! The countdown is on to Christmas day! Ariel is REALLY excited... I gotta admit I am too! Stay tuned for fun fun fun!

Running Late

Project 365 - Day 352

I will put my law within them, and write it in their hearts.

Jeremiah 31:33a

Our internet wasn't working last night from 5pm till we got up Sunday morning (so this is posted on Sunday, even though it says Sat - sneaky me) We have a tech coming to check it out this afternoon, just to make sure nothing weird is happening.

Will post goodies from the church Christmas concert later. Ariel was super cute! Yay!

Christmas Vacation

Project 365 - Day 351

I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:15

Woohoo! We are officially on vacation!!!!!!! As Ken walked through the door tonight we entered our 2 weeks of family togetherness, haha. I am sure by the end of those 2 weeks we will be ready for routine again, but until then - bring on the unstructured chaos! I am watching Stephen Colbert's Christmas special as I write, haha, looking forward to fun specials nightly.

A few things of exciting mention this week, Ariel passed in her swimming course! She is no longer a sea turtle but a salamander. She was so giddy when seeing her report card she was shaking. My little overachiever was asking me to read ahead in the booklet to what she had to do to pass the next set. (Who's kid is she?) Ariel had a fantastic teacher this time and wants me to sign her up for the next set asap, but I am still trying to figure out how to fit that in the schedule. So we shall see.... until then she is just so confident in the water, and as a mom I am proud, and as someone who isn't totally confident when it comes to water (due to poor teaching and a prank - pushed in the deep end of the pool as a kid) I am in awe of her. I learn so much from her and I honestly think she has helped me in so many ways with my own struggles. Kids are amazing and I am blessed that I get the honor of being her mommy.

Last night while Ken was teaching I took advantage of the quiet and finished up my cake order for the week. Its for a gal who likes the finer things in life, as quoted by her friend. So a Louis Vuitton purse it had to be. It took some time to hand draw each of those little designs. I had a print out of the pattern to reference but soon it was etched into my brain, haha. I think it might be the only time I ever have a purse like this in our home, too rich for my blood, hee. Besides, cake is far better.

Xander is still coughing, but is improving. His nose is getting better, only 2 snot explosions today as I call them. Of course while we are driving so he freaks and smears it all over. YUCK, and sorry if that was too much info. I made lemon garlic chicken for dinner, a recipe Ken's mom gave me to help when the cold bugs strike. Hoping it helps everyone stay healthy and heal the sickies.

Tomorrow Ariel has practice in the morning for her Sunday School program. So while she is there I am going to do our big holiday shop for food. Made a list tonight of meal ideas and goodies for events. Ariel is having her friends over this week for a cookie decoration party. Should be fun and great to visit with friends we don't see much with all our busy schedules and being so spread out all over, so need to get some things for that. Also need to pick up some parcels that arrived while we were out today, I do believe its the box from Ken's mom, so that is exciting!

Well, its late, and I have an early morning so I am gonna get to bed. Look forward to some fun stuff with Ariel's concert at church! Yay!

Workin'

Project 365 - Day 350

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Workin' on a cake... blog tomorrow!

Peace

Project 365 - Day 349

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

I got to be the 'helper' in Ariel's class today... and guess what she decides to do. Cough! She suddenly goes all snuffly and coughing like crazy. Needless to say the looks from the teachers and a little nudge had us leave early. Thankfully after she did her 'show and tell' of treasures Grandpa had brought back for her from his and Rita's Turkey trip. As of now, she isn't coughing or snuffly.... so yeah, not sure what that was about. Sigh.

Xander on the other hand, he is snotty and gross. He has a cough that isn't pleasant and the 2 of us have been up a lot the past few nights. I get to see a lot of late night tv because of it. Thankfully he just wants to cuddle and nurse, so its not too draining, but I will be glad when its over. How is it we got 2 rounds of bugs in our home? This needs to end. Blah!

Its been a productive few days. I finished all the Christmas cards, sewed 4 pairs of PJ pants for us for Christmas eve and gotten the cookies and ornaments made with Ariel for her teacher's gifts. I can not tell you how exciting it is to see my dinning room table again! Haha. The piles of projects hid it for awhile.

Dad came over for a visit with the kids. We haven't seen him for a few weeks as he and Rita were off in Mexico. Glad to have them back safe and ready to start the celebration of Christmas events. Lots of fun things planned for the week leading up to the big day including a cookie decorating party for Ariel and her friends, going to see Tangled and wrapping gifts.

Well, my boy is standing here saying 'POKO' which means he wants to watch Pocoyo on the computer, haha. He doesn't say much, but he says what he wants!

Lion and the Lamb

Project 365 - Day 348

His rest shall be glorious.

Isaiah 11:10b

Xander is sick... enough said.

Beginning of the End...

Project 365 - Day 347

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.

John 1:14a

And so begins the week that ends the craziness of routine and schedules and brings us into VACATION! Its starting to fill up with fun stuff and I can't wait! This past weekend Ariel got invited to a friend's house for a play date and came home with a decorated cookie. She was so proud of it, and then polished it down after I took a picture, haha.

Xander once again needs another hair cut... the never ending cycle with this boy and his bangs. We went to church on Sunday, even thought I was battling a sore throat. Thankfully its cleared up and I feel great. The extra rest helped and I hope that is it for the sick bugs before the holidays. Next Sunday is the kid's concert, I am so excited to see our little Angel up there... been picturing this moment in my head since she was a baby. It will be interesting to see what Xander thinks, as he usually enjoys watching her perform... but he knows there is a nursery of toys, so we shall see what he does in the end, haha.

Today I lit some candles, turned on some Christmas music and made some cookies with Ariel. They will be gifts for her teachers this week, so we need to still decorate them. She also made an ornament for each of them, so lots of treats for her favorite teachers! I also managed to get 3 pairs of our pj pants done. I still have one pair to go, which shouldn't take long. I still need to finish the local Christmas cards... so if you haven't gotten one from us yet, its coming, haha.

Ariel had 'red and green' day today at school. I had a cute Christmas shirt with lots of red on it that was perfect with her skirt and red leggings. She insisted she needed something green too, so I found her Christmas tree hair clip and pulled out a wreath pin that was Nana's from my jewelry box. When I told her it was Nana's, she sighed sadly and said 'when will she be back?' This is a common question when we talk about Nana. I hugged her and said that she wouldn't be back, but we would eventually go see her in heaven when we get old. She looked at me with her big brown eyes and said, 'how about we go on Saturday?' Oh Ariel, you are such a doll.


This is our craft central of all the goodies made at church and school. They made the reindeer cones today to hold their treats from the piñata they cracked open in class today.

I had to snap a picture of our living room aglow with the tree and candles. It looked so peaceful (mainly because Ariel was playing in her room and Xander was napping). Haha!

Not sure if I will be posting much this week besides our Jesse Tree moments. I need to start the purse cake soon, and finish up all the treats and stuff on the go. I can't wait for next week... family and friends fun, peace from schedules and preparing our hearts for the coming Christ child. Amen!

Sweet Sunday

Project 365 - Day 346

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Will post more tomorrow, tonight I am resting today. Managed to get to church, only to leave the service because I was dumb and sang - which of course angered my throat. Bad Jay!

Red and green day tomorrow at Ariel's school, yay! Christmas is coming, eek! Tis the last week of activities before we are all on vacation!