Madeline's First Christmas

So, I uploaded the pictures in order, but it flips them around. (Does it do that for everyone?) So, instead of taking the time to switch it all, I'm just going to tell you about our day in reverse order!

We ended the night at Melissa's for a lovely time of desserts and singing carols. She has hosted this the past few years, and it has become a really nice tradition. I love ending the day by focusing on what Christmas is really about...dessert! Haha. But really, she has some scriptures for people to read, we sing and worship, and the highlight is Becca singing "Oh Holy Night". Melissa is an amazing hostess. She made four wonderful desserts last night! And, her tree is combination of store bought and homemade ornaments. She has popcorn strings, dried apples and oranges, and a few other things she did herself as well. I was very impressed. The next several pictures are of our night at Melissa's.








I just have to mention here that when Becca is around, I don't see much of Madeline. She wants to do everything, and I don't mind at all. I love that she loves Madeline so much!




These next pictures are from earlier in the day. We went to my parents around ten to have breakfast and open presents. Madeline's pile was HUGE, and 90% of her gifts were from my mom and dad. I think my mom is a little out of control, but she is having fun, so I won't complain. They bought her a high chair(much needed), toys, books, and clothes, etc. She also got books and clothes from her aunties, including a really cute Roxy dress from Lissa, and sparkly silver Converse from Becca. So fun!!Of course, we got her some things as well. Her main present from us was a new Britax, cowprint carseat. She has totally grown out of her infant car seat! She is much more comfortable in her new one, and she'll be in it until she's about 6!

This is her in front of her pile of presents. Her face in the first one is very funny. She's saying, " Quit taking pictures of me and let me open these presents!"






The rest of the pictures are random pictures from the day. A picture of me and Madeline for you Diane. My sweet grandparents. Jon and Madeline, Madeline in her Christmas dress, etc. Enjoy!







I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

We are leaving Sunday for Utah. We will be at a ski resort with Jon's parents for about 5 days. So, stay tuned for pictures of Madeline's first snow!

Date Night, A Victory, and No We Do Not Want to Buy a Calendar

We went on a date night last night, and it was really nice. We went to ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney to eat, and then walked around and enjoyed the Christmas hustle and bustle. It was a fun night, except for one little thing.

Jon was in a particularly cheery mood because:
1. His Bucs were playing MOnday Night Football. (They are rarely shown on regular tv.)
2. We were watching the game on a HUGE movie screen.(ESPN Zone, a man's paradise.)
3. He could boast that he had just kicked Diane out of the playoffs in Fantasy Football .(Sorry Duckygirl! :))
4. He noticed that his wife was looking particularly stunning in her red scarf.(Ok, not really, I just added that for my sake.)

And, I was in a great mood because it was a momentous day for me. I discovered that, with a little bit of sweat and tears, I can wear my wedding ring again! Hooray for me. Sorry $20 Target ring that gets more compliments than my real diamond. You are now banished to my rights hand ring finger...that is, until the next time my husband knocks me up(can I say that here?) and I need you once again.

Yes, it was a night to be celebrated.

So, there we were, enjoying our dinner, Jon in his glory and me in mine, when someone tapped Jon on the shoulder. We turned around to see who it was, and there stood a gorgeous, naked, blonde girl. "Hi! I'm a Charger Girl for the San Diego Chargers, and we're selling our 2009 calendars to raise money for..." Blah blah blah, I didn't hear the rest. I was too busy staring at her perfectly tan, toned, naked belly that was eye level with us. Oh yeah, she wasn't really naked, but she might as well have been. She was wearing come kind of sparkly bikini, posing as a cheerleading outfit. ( I tried to paste a picture of her, but here is a link if you care to see out uninvited friend. Yes, that's what she was wearing. http://www.chargers.com/charger_girls/2008-2009-squad/kiirsta.htm )

"No, we don't want a Chargers Girl Swimsuit Calendar. Now please go away so that my husband can get the image of your perfectly sculpted abs, and everything else too, out of his mind, and I can go back to celebrating the fact that I managed to squeeze my wedding ring back on my pudgy little hand today." Ok, I didn't say that. But I did turn back around and continue eating without saying a word, as my husband politely told her no thank you.

Jon found the whole thing humorous. He kind of smirked and said, "Well, that's the last thing you expect to see when someone taps you on the shoulder." What he was really thinking was, " Football, beer, Chargers Girl. I LOVE this place."

Whatever. Next date night we're going to Mimi's.

The Mom Song

Someone sent this to me on Facebook, and I thought it was really cute! I think everyone can relate to this in one way or another, whether you are a mom or have a mom. Enjoy!

Tribute to a Friend

Last night I spent the afternoon/night with a very special family. I have only known them for about two years, but they have become very dear to me, and they really are family now. Priscilla Tyree is an incredible woman who I am blessed to call my friend. Her husband George passed away just over one year ago, and she is now raising their four, beautiful children, without her high school sweetheart and best friend of 25 years. She is an amazing mom, and although it is difficult, she is doing a phenomenal job. She is committed to her God, her children, her family and her church family. She is joyful and loving and puts others first. She is honest about her challenges and pain, yet never complains. She trusts God even though her life is not how she would have imagined it, and her faith is strong. I can see why George waited nine years for you to make up your mind, Priscilla. You are an amazing woman, and I know he is proud.

On a much lighter note, we went to Hotel Del Coronado last night in San Diego for their Family Holiday Celebration. It was great! It is a gorgeous, old hotel, and it is especially beautiful and festive at Christmastime. It had an outdoor ice skating rink, right next to the ocean. They had fireworks, games, and Santa too. We mostly enjoyed the ice skating and peppermint mochas. I hope this becomes a Christmas tradition for us.

 Nope, it's not a ski, it's a skate! There's nothing funny about size 11. 

Miles was too little to skate, but he had fun watching.

Sophia, me, and Makenzie tearing it up on the ice. The picture does not do justice to our mad skills. 

Camille took a little break...it was hard work making everyone else look bad. 

Sophia discovered a new love. She was awesome!

This is my buddy. I love this little girl. 

The elves love her too!

The future US Olympic Ice Skating team...

I love you, Tyrees! You are an amazing family. Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives. 

Just call me Martha Stewart!

Today I decorated the Christmas tree, made brownies and cookies(Jon's favorite recipe passed down to me from his grandma) for the Hope dorms Christmas party, made chicken tortilla soup for my husband and parents, and kept Madeline happy(for the most part). I'm pretty impressed with myself. 

Now, Madeline is alseep, Jon is at the Christmas party, and the kitchen is FULL of dirty dishes. 

I wonder if Martha Stewart ever washes the dishes? I seriously doubt it.