Christmas Day

This was Carley's 2nd Christmas. Last year was fun, but this year was fun too. Right before bed, Chris and Carley put out cookies and milk for Santa. After pouring the milk, we told her it was time for bed and stood her up - only to have her sit right back down. She wanted to wait by the cookies and milk for Santa. After much discussion, we were finally able to convince her that he would only come after she's gone to bed.

The next morning, I woke her up and told her that Santa had come. She ran out of her room, and saw this:


and proceeded to run right to daddy. She was scared by what Santa had left her. I guess I would be too - knowing that someone had been in my house during the night. She loosened up a little and ran over and got the Monkey Santa left her and then ran back to daddy. It wasn't until mommy got inside the tent that she realized how cool it was. And while I complain about the cons of being a short mom (can't reach changing tables, can't lift her into shopping carts, etc), one of the plus sides is...I get to play inside little kid toys.

She then decided that every single thing needed to go inside of her tent so she proceeded to grab all of her toys and put them inside.

A few hours later we had to tell her that she had even more presents to open and she wasted no time in getting them opened.

She got an Elmo telephone that says "Carley" (and every time he does, she gets a big grin).

She got a box full of clothes which she laid out to see (and said "ooooh" with each piece).

She got a bunch of books, which were the gift to beat all gifts. As soon as she opened the Mickey Mouse books, she had no more interest in opening the rest of her gifts, and proceeded to lay down on the floor to immerse herself in Mickey's world.But the best gift of all, one that makes us all laugh is something Santa left in her stocking...a kazoo! Both Chris and I tried to figure out how to play it, but couldn't. Carley, on the other hand, could lead a kazoo band. And the kazoo was a last minute thing, before Santa flew away with his reindeer.

Carley had a fun Christmas and so did we.

Cookies for Santa

I told Carley last night that we needed to make cookies for Santa so we could leave him some cookies to eat, and milk to drink. She has been excited about this ever since I told her. Today we made chocolate chip cookies - I'm sure one of his favorites.

Dish up the dough (I cheated with pre-made dough)




Using your hand is much quicker.

Bake and remove!Yum. Santa won't be able to resist.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...

...with every Christmas card I write. Now, why did I have to write 30 Christmas Cards?

Worries

This is true and untrue. But, I'm trying not to worry, but unfortunately it looks like we'll be unable to spend Christmas with Chris's family. It's been snowing since before I got up. It's supposed to snow all day long.

Yes, it's still Christmas. Yes, we will still enjoy it, but I love my family and it's the one day of the year we can all be together and I can finally show my appreciation for my family. They do so much for Chris and Carley and I and they never let us give them money or gifts for helping us. I was really hoping to spend Christmas with the people I love.

Today, Carley and I will make cookies for Santa, and if mother nature permits, then we'll see my family tomorrow. One thing is for sure...we will never forget this Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Stir-Crazy

Okay, the last time I was able to take Carley out was on December 13th. It's now December 24th and I never understood the term stir-crazy, until last night. As punishment (probably more mine than hers), for not picking up something she threw, the TV was turned off. She had to find other things to occupy her time.

First, she wanted to change the diaper of her baby doll...

(changing pad, with baby lying on it in the hallway)


...second, she wanted to change Elmo, so she put him on the changing table.


Then, she decided that Elmo should be wearing a swim diaper, because apparently he likes to go swimming. As soon as I put the swim diaper on him, Carley wanted to wear her own swimsuit.


When I balked at putting her swimsuit on over her clothes she got upset, so I just went with it.


But, you can't stop there, so she found a pair of panties (the kind that go on under dresses) and wanted to put that on as well - inside out, mind you.

And wait! It's not over yet. What pants-shirt-swimsuit-panties outfit is complete without - HEADWEAR!
She was so comfortable, she wore the outfit all the way until bedtime.

See, Mother Nature? See what you've done with my child?

Measuring snow

Betty Crocker

Today we decided to make Raisin Bran muffins. Having not been to the grocery store in about 2 weeks, we're getting pretty low on good things to eat and snack on. Pretty sad when our snack is Raisin Bran muffins.

Regardless, we made them for something to do.

Step 1: put cupcake liners in the pan.
Step 1a: decide you don't like the arrangement and re-do.Step 2 (not pictured): pour the 3/4 cup of water all over the counter. Make mom clean up and get more water.

Step 3: add water to bowl, dunk pacifier in said bowl.


Step 4: Add egg and muffin mix and stir. Step 5: get out spoons and try to eat said muffin mix while mom prevents it and takes a picture too.



Step 6: put muffins in the oven
They came out great!