i've got my eye on you

Introducing Julie Hotwheels Snappypants.

The story goes a little something like this. Santa doesn't have the ability to keep his eyes on every little boy and girl to make sure that they are being "nice" so he send an elf from the North Pole to check on the family each day. This elf then returns to the North Pole each night to report back to Santa. There are a few rules though. You must never touch the elf. The elf cannot talk but you can tell all of your secrets and wishes to her to pass on to Santa and most importantly, you must believe!

Our elf came to us Thanksgiving night and has been a huge help in the behavior department (at least most of the time). The kiddos wake up each morning excited to find her new position for that day. There are days that her hiding spots can be tricky to find but no matter what she is always keeping an eye on all of us.

We love our elf!
The Elf On The Shelf

it's a twister

My little artist is always drawing these days and when she comes running out of the playroom with her newest creation, of course we have to take a picture, right? Well, anyway, she was very proud of her "twister" so I figured of all places to post it this blog was the best.

par-tay

Party style in our household is a family event. Invite the kids over, make some good food and have a few good drinks. Kids play, parents socialize and all is good. With Jacob turning three last week it was time for a celebration. He put his party hat on and broke out the Play-doh.
We did some minor decorating (just to make me feel better about it) and cooked up some pulled pork, homemade mac n' cheese, hot dogs, tater tots, chips, fruit, salad - you know - typical get together food.

The kiddos ate and played and played and ate.

And then it was time for some cake - Spongebob to be exact.

I have decided that next year I am just going to get a big tub of icing and nix the cake all together because that is all they eat.

And just in case the kids didn't get enough sugar from the cake, we had a pinata. In normal Florida fashion, it started raining so we brought it inside for the kids to have at it. Luckily it was the kind where you pull the strings so we didn't have any baseball bats flying around the house.

Last but not least, present time. The kid made out like a little bandit! He is one loved (actually read spoiled) kiddo.

Happy Birthday Jacob - I hope you had fun!

telephone diva

Little girl is becoming quite the telephone queen these days. She talks to her friends on the phone when she gets home from school and makes all sorts of faces and actions while she talks. Oh, what I have to look forward to....

And yes, I am trying to teach her multi-tasking skills. There is nothing wrong with getting a pedicure while on the phone. :)

T-Day Feast

Jacob's school hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast for all of the families of the preschoolers that attend. The two year olds blessed the food, the three year olds sang two songs and the four year olds sang three songs. It was priceless to see all of the kids in costume and pretty much in shock at the sight of 200 sets of eyes looking back at them.

Jacob started out okay but towards the end of their songs he had quite the meltdown. I think the pressure must have gotten to him. None the less we had a great time.

After the performances, we were then treated to a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with all of the fixings. Jacob and I ate lunch together and then headed over to AJ's school to help him in doing a group craft. I am thankful for days like today!

happy day

Every day there is some point when I say to myself, "I can't wait until they are a little older and can do this or that." Today was not one of those days. Today was a day where I wanted time to stop and just for a little bit let me relish in the smallness that you are. To see you grow, change and mature makes me so proud but at the same time breaks a small piece of my heart. You are a beautiful human being and do and will bring so much joy into every one's lives that you touch. You bring me much happiness and laughter. I am so proud to have you call me Mama and for me to call you mine. Happy birthday little one for you will always be my baby.

I hate to interrupt but you have a phone call.

I wish you the happiest Happy Day! I love you!

hmmmmmmm...

Gamma taught the kids a new (or old) method of calming down and relaxing. Now if it only worked when I tried to get them to do that.