Family Photo

Making Cookies.

Forget Santa!

Alright, I have a confession to make. I'm not very fond of the church 'gatherings'. To be honest the food is horrible. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not big on casseroles, making them OR eating them. And jello should not have chunks of ANYTHING in it. I'm also not very fond of having to sit through ten different piano or song numbers from people who could only capture an audience such as this. Yes, my bluntness is out in full force at the moment. But I digress...

Regardless of my obvious distaste, I suck it up and attend more than I ditch. And for Christmas we went, I even brought food to contribute. The disappointment for this particular gathering was rather high though. Most of the songs were about Santa as were most of the decorations. Call me crazy but wouldn't a church Christmas party be the best place to highlight that CHRISTmas is about Christ... just a thought. I'm not a big Santa fan.

The whole point of this rant is that apparently Kai is not a big Santa fan either. He simply will not sit in Santa's lap. This gives me some small sense of satisfaction deep down that I could only confess on a blog where there are no faces I have to see shaking at my weirdness. Don't get me wrong, I have every intention of letting Kai enjoy the Santa LIE, I just plan on highlighting the truth about Christmas more than the lies. And so far he's making that quite easy.

The Many Faces of Kai

Grateful

I have a friend who recently put up a list of things she's thankful for on her blog. One of those feel good things. It was nice. I tried to do that but it ended up being a list of trials that I am grateful for. Same affect... I think.

I'm Grateful for my Trails.... yes... it's true!

5. Although it sucks to be poor, it forces me to be creative. And through that I have discovered how amazing parks and public libraries are. They have become my home away from home!!

4. Kai just can't live without Mom. I mean really, who needs to go to the bathroom with the door shut? Clearly not me. I'm grateful that I am apparently doing something right as a mother and my son likes me. I take that as a good sign. And since he is what my days revolve around, it's good that he likes having me around.

3. My dog is crazy hyper active. What a cruel joke, to think you want a dog so badly and then to get one that has a never ending supply of energy that he does not share!! But I am grateful that at least once during the day Gus is able to occupy Kai with some sort of chase the dog's tail type of game. Giving me a few moments to sit back, sigh, and laugh at the two of them.

2. My husband is always gone. But I'm grateful that I have a husband who is overflowing with not only dreams but the ambition to chase them down. How could I ever possibly complain about that?

1. All of the people who mean the most to me outside of my husband and son are hundreds of miles away. I suppose this could be good in that it forces me to stretch and look for new people to add to my list of those who are dear to me. What it really has done is made me realize how many people have touched my life and how grateful I am to know them, even if it's long distance.

Tis the Season for a Snowman

Thanksgiving in Michigan

We spent Thanksgiving this year in Michigan. Kai had a blast, helping with dinner, playing games with uncle Sherman, and games with Grandpa. So much for a little boy to do at Grandma and Grandpa's house!!

Cuddle Bug

Kai is such a lovey dovey guy. I find myself thinking it's because his Mom is so affectionate. Kai often times grabs my face with both hands to plant a big wet one on me, it always makes me laugh so of course he'll do it again to make me laugh more! I wonder though.... is it nature or nurture? For those of you who have more than one kids... all kids are different... so even if I'm all affectionate with the next kid they could detest it right?? LOL

My Boys

"Give a boy a dog and you've furnished him a playmate."
Berton Braley

The Perfect Brownie

I'm not exactly when the point of my obsession began, but it is a bit out of control. So I'm hoping somebody can help me. I have been searching for the recipe for the perfect brownie; rich, gooey, and impossible to say no to. I've tried a lot of recipes and have found some good brownies... but the perfect brownie is still out there just waiting for me to discover it. So if you know it's secrets.... don't hold out on me! Dish!

Morning Cartoons

I try not to do a lot of tv around the house. But we settled into a routine of certain morning cartoons that we watch. Thought you would all enjoy a peek into our mornings.

Halloween Has Come and Gone

We went to the church for 'trunk or treat' for Halloween. Kai had a lot of fun. There was a chili cook off and then a parade of Halloween costumes (Kai was a giraffe). Then Kai went around to trunks and loaded up on candy. I think his favorite score of the night was the glow stick he got, forget the dang candy.

Pumpkins

I think we have started our Halloween tradition. Paint one with mom and carve one with dad.

Corn Maze

We went to the local corn maze the other day. Kai seemed to enjoy it.

Games

At the corn maze they had some great games and fun set up.

New Face of Etrade

My Mom took these pictures at the airport. Kai found a computer to play with while we were waiting between flights. How amazing adorable... I know! She sent them out into an email with way cute captions about him being the new face for Etrade!! lol I'm not sure why that first one uploaded that way... hmmmm... but you get the idea.

Grandma Morris

On our way home from California we had a very long lay over in Denver. Grandma Morris came out to say hello. Kai couldn't get enough of going up and down the escalator!

Friends

Yes, I am spoiled. I recently was able to go visit my friend and her family in California. Kai loved playing with Matthew and Madison and I loved having some girl time with my dear friend Brandye.
While I was visiting Brandye asked me if I would be Madison's godmother!! I was HONORED and of course said yes. So.... meet my new goddaughter Madison!! Isn't she a doll?? Matthew of course is such a cutie too. Kai attached to Matthew right away and Matthew was very patient despite the large age gap.
It was a great visit!!