Just Magical!

We had such a magical time at Disneyland on Monday night! Isabella loved it, and so did Grammy, Vincent and I. All of the lights are spectacular and the snow was awesome...it made it worth bearing the crowd.We can't wait to go again...maybe one day next week.

Watching the parade.
Vincent chowing down his mash potatoes.







This is just the most adorable picture to me! Grammy and Isabella touching the snow as it was falling after the castle got lite up with a gazillion lights!


Stunning!! A fairytale!

My sweet boy in his new hat!

Waiting for Small World...don't ask me why Isabella is covering Vincent's mouth.

Peace on Earth! That would be wonderful!

Girlfriends ROCK!

What a blast we had on Sunday when we combined our annual Girls' Christmas with a baking fest. It was chaotic and messy, but altogether an awesomely fun time! I loved hearing all of the chattering of different conversations, the kids running around and the kitchen being so used and loved! When I was driving my Mom home after we were done, she said to me..."You have some really GOOD girlfriends." And my goodness, I SURE DO!! We all have different circumstances happening in our lives, but that is what makes us a fun and unique group. We have seen each other at our best and our worst and possibly everything in between for the past 12+ years. We love to chat, joke, laugh and reminisce. It felt complete and like old times on Sunday. In friendships there are times when you make mistakes (like I did with Melanie and Holly) but end up growing, learning and becoming a better person. Sometimes there are years in between your friendship just because of going different directions and growing apart, but then you are brought back together and it seems like no time has passed (Bianca, Vanessa and Sarah). Sometimes there are your friends whom because of proximity you only get to chat with on facebook and blogs (Amanda and Meagan). And there are new friends whom you click with right away (Lauren) and friends since you were 5 years old (Christie) that you couldn't imagine life without. But all of you ladies (including my sisters) have these huge open accepting hearts and spending time with you makes me so happy. Bottom line: Treasure your girlfriends!

Santa is TOO COOL!

We had a good visit with Santa Claus today! Both kids loved him. Vincent kept looking up at Santa in wonder and when we went to leave, Vincent looked up at Santa and giggled. It was too cute! Isabella told Santa she asked for "Roller Skates" as her special present this year. They chatted for a bit about wearing a helmet and being safe. Don't you love their matching pajamas for Christmas Eve (I always got new PJs for Christmas Eve...so I do this with my kids!).

If you get a chance, click on the picture below and check out Isabella's very special message from Santa she received today!!

Toodles was a No Show!

Well, we have been having some problems with Isabella screaming "MOM" down the hall every time she wakes up in the night or crying really loud. Both are very startling to me and Chris, plus end up waking Bubba. Well the other night she woke up literally 6 or more times for things like, "I forgot to say I love you." or "I forgot to give you a hug and a kiss". I know it sounds mean because these things are so sweet, but she doesn't need to be waking us up for these things. So that morning, Santa told Toodles not to bother showing up. ..Isabella was just going to be on the naughty list until she redeemed herself. Which she did that day and there he was perched on her Christmas tree the following morning. Anyhow, somehow she forgot the new improved Isabella and did the same thing last night. Now she is without movies for a while. Poor Bella (poor Mommy and Daddy for being SUPER tired too!).

Today we had lunch and a play date with my friend Jen and her two kids. This was so funny...the boys were both crawling up the stairs and the girls were calling "Come On Bubba" like it was a race. They call their baby "Bubba" too!

Party Hearty

Now it feels like Christmas-time!! Friday night we had Chris' work party at his boss Ted's house. Taco man is always super yummy! Saturday our party at Vanessa's house got cancelled. Unfortunately, her son Luke had a febrile seizure; his fever is under control now, but more prayers are always welcomed! So instead we spent Saturday decorating the house, Chris put up the Christmas lights and then we went to get our Christmas tree. Today we had the annual party with Grammy Alice's friends. Fellowship was great and yummy Claro's to eat, along with a re-gift exchange. After the guests left, we ran to the store where I picked up supplies to start my presents for the Grandparents and then ended the evening decorating Gingerbread cookies with Isabella. Back to the routine tomorrow...cleaning, play dates and Christmas shopping planned!

Mommy and Daddy...a kidless evening :) Chris and his second wife, Dale (Ted's wife).

Isn't this picture of Vincent HILARIOUS! He was laughing at the dancing penguins.


Alice and Jerilyn (prayers are also welcomed for Jerilyn who is battling cancer).

Vincent not too thrilled about the dog reindeer ears!

Isabella decorating Gingerbread cookies. Can you guess which one we made for Daddy?

Vincent's Tailgate Party

Here are some pictures from Vincent's first birthday party ... it was a Baby Blue UCLA tailgate theme. We had the "Snack Shack", "NCAA hot dog station", "End Zone drinks" and "Bubby's Touchdown Treats" (thanks B!!). Vince was a trooper despite being sick and having no nap (too much excitement). It turned out to be a great party and we were surrounded by much love and happiness. Thank you everyone for coming and for all the wonderful toys that are keeping my sweet boy entertained.

Vin's Bday Dinner

We always go to dinner with family on the night of our birthdays. Here is Vincent's first birthday dinner at Lucille's! YUMMY!

Lovin those potatoes!

Of course I forgot his cake on the trunk of Grammy's car. But this Sundae was sure a hit!