Merry Christmas

From our families to yours! Merry Christmas from Denver!

 

 

December

So close to finishing my project 52 and I fell of the wagon. The holidays really do take over! We had a lovely Thanksgiving at home this year. My mom joined us and we had lots of fun baking. Fast forward to the week before Christmas!

Fun in Denver the week of Christmas! We love the snow!

Project 52, Week 42

52:42
Playing Make Believe! Jedi Jack and Ballerina E

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Love these little Ghouls!

Happy 5th Birthday Jack Ryan!

 

Dear Jack Ryan,

 

You are amazing! I'm not just saying that because your my favorite five-year-old or because your mine! You are sweet, unselfish, kind and caring. You love your role as big brother and are so patient and good with your sister, who, let's face it, can be a real pill sometimes. You love all things Avengers and Spider Man. You're doing great with school....it's hard to believe you will start kindergarten next year. You think your Dad is the coolest and LOVE cruisin' in his car while listening to Linkin Park. You love your mom too- I cherish our bedtime traditions of stories, eskimo kisses, butterfly kisses and "I love you more than" contests. You rise before dawn most days and yearn to learn all that you can. Never change your ways my sweet boy. Reach for the stars, never give up and be true to you....for you are AMAZING!

 

Love,

Mommy

 

 

Project 52, Week 41

52:41
Jack, Zoe and Ella: Our Little Pumpkins!

Attention Young Jedi!

We celebrated Jack Ryan's 5th Birhtday today with his friends and family at the Frisco Discovery Center. It was a Jedi Training party and we had so much fun!

Invite

White cupcakes with buttercream frosting.
Design done with William Sonoma Star Wars kit.
 They took FOREVER to dust (that's powdered sugar).
When I woke up on Saturday morning for the party,
the white sugar had absorbed the frosting dye and
I had to hurry and re-dust all of the cupcakes.

Ewok Snacks
Chex Mix, pretzel sticks, goldfish, marshmellows and chocolate chips

Cupcakes....yum

Yoda Soda
7-up and Lime Sherbert

Star Wars Banner

Happy Birthday!

Project 52, Week 40

This weekend, AFD hosted its annual Open House. The kids got painted, jumped in the bounce house and ate enough cotton candy to keep them wired for hours!

 

52:40
Ella Grace: Sweet or Mischievous?
She got a "fowwer" painted on her arm....this face is just priceless! 

52:40
Jack Ryan: Spider Man

He was so excited to be just like his favorite super hero!

Project 52, Week 39

 52:39
Jack Ryan: Handsome
Hey good lookin', whatcha got cookin'?

52:39
Ella Grace: Excited
First time down a blow-up slide....pure excitement!

Project 52, Week 38

52:38
Ella Grace: Attitude
How many times will I see this face in about 10 or 12 years?

52:38
Jack Ryan: Once of the boys

The Crist Boys....silly, sweet and just plain great!

Much Needed Family Time

We enjoyed a lovely weekend with Jon's family. We came together to celebrate our cute-as-a-button neice, Addison! From a minor league baseball game to a water gun fight at the park, the kids had a great time with Aunts, Uncles and their Grandparents. The party was just the icing on the cake.

We are so blessed to be able to get together as much as we do, especially since we are so far apart. Jon's family is just great. Everytime we get together, I am flooded with memories of my childhood. Spending time with my Grammie and Papa was one of my favorite things to do. It was never about eating out or the stuff they gave us, it was about the time they spent with us. Teaching us, loving us and molding us. They were always 100% present and never worried about the world around them when we were with them. I feel so blessed to give that to Jack and Ella.

Project 52, Week 37

52:37

Ella Grace: Sassy-Frassy
She is two going on fifteen!

52:37
Jack Ryan: Whimsical
Typically cautious...on the playground, he let's it all loose!

Happy Birthday Addison!

Happy Birthday Addison Elizabeth!
We can't believe you are three!

We love you very much xoxo!

Project 52, Week 36

52:36

Jack Ryan and Ella Grace: Playing Hard

Its was storming and rainy....what to do? Go to the mall and play!

Project 52, Week 35

52:35
Jack Ryan and Ella Grace: Best Friends

Pea Salad

Pea Salad

Ingredients:
1 large head of iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped
1 medium red onion, diced
1 bag of frozen peas
6-8 strips of cooked bacon or Bacon Bits
2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese

Dressing:
1 cup of mayo
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of sugar

Combine all the salad ingredients, mix in the dressing and serve!

Project 52, Week 34

E's First Haircut

First day of school, first day of school!

Project 52, Week 33

52:33

Ella Grace: Exhibitionist

She loves attention....the more the better!

 

52:33

Jack Ryan: Seriously

Why another picture mom?

Project 52, Week 32

52:32
Artists- It's important to explore our creative sides.

Alone....ALL ALONE

This never happens....I am alone. My sister had a conference in Denver and so my in-laws were gracious enough to fly Jon and the kids (Z included) to Denver for a few days giving this mommy a break. I took a half day on Wednesday to have a little me time and get pampered. Other than that, I cleaned and spent lots of time on FaceTime. I missed Jon and the kids so very much. The house was just too quiet! A look at some of the fun they had....

Project 52, Week 31

52:31
Jack Ryan: Observant
Quietly watching as a squirrel buries his acorns in our yard- he is always learning.

 

 

52:31
Ella Grace: Inquisitive

Two words- Why Mommy?

Let the planning begin....

10 weeks...10 weeks and Jack will be five years old.....FIVE! Where did the time go? He was just a baby! So what to do for his party.....Star Wars of course! This little man of mine is obsessed with Star Wars and all things Jedi. We found a great place that actually has Jedi Training for a party theme. Can it really be that easy? I'm calling today so the invites can be created and mailed.

Project 52, Week 30

52:30
Friends for life: Beyond the blood ties, they will always be friends.

P.S. Have I ever blogged of my love for Instagram! It's the best!

Pre-school Visit

We checked out Jack's new pre-school today! He had a great time on the tour! I hope he loves it!

Project 52, Week 29

Project 52, Week 28

 52:28
Ella Grace: Trailblazer
There is no stopping her!

52:28
Jack Ryan: Rule Follower
Just like his mama.

Competition Across the Pond, The 2012 London Olympics

Growing up I wanted nothing more than to have a "cool" accent and the English accent has long been my favorite. Everything sound so much more sophisticated. The opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Games was tonight and Amy and I celebrated in style. I am so happy that she was here to celebrate with me. We LOVE LOVE LOVE the Olympics! I took a 1/2 day and made a feast.

USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

 Garlic Pita Crackers with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Pesto

 Red, White and Bleu Mac 'N Cheese
(Bacon, White Sharp Cheddar and Bleu Chees)

 Festive Cupcake

Champagne with Olympic Rings (Lifesavers)