Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Fun in the Snow

The boys finally got to use their new gloves, boots and snow pants this weekend. They have been dying to put on their boots ever since I brought them home from the store. They had so much fun playing outside in the snow. It amazes me how kids don't seem to feel the cold like adults do. Evan and Zach probably could have stayed out all night. See how happy they were...






I think Evan was trying to catch snowflakes on his tongue in that last shot. Hopefully next snowfall they will get to make a snowman.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Christmas

This Christmas was so much fun. The boys were both so excited for Santa to come. Evan had asked for a Geotrax set and Zachary asked for a cupcake. Yes, you heard me right, a cupcake! We asked him over and over again and always got the same answer. He even sat on Santa's lap and told him the same thing. We gave him one last chance on Christmas Eve to change his answer but no such luck. Then we realized that we didn't have the one thing that Zach had asked for from Santa. Evan was going to get his train but Zach would have no cupcake. So Jake went to one of the only places that is open at 9:30 on Christmas Eve (the convenient store) and bought Zach a Hostess cupcake. We put it on the plate where Santa's cookies were (Santa needed a snack before he headed to the store) with a bow.


Here's the house before the night before




The cupcake


My favorite reaction of the day...Evan is so sweet!



Later in the day at Jake's parents... Zach's reaction cracks me up!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Message from Santa


Last night the boys received a message from Santa via email. I found this website that will personalize a message to your child from Santa. Their reactions were absolutely adorable.

Evan was totally awestruck. He sat in front of the computer screen with one hand on his cheek in amazement that Santa was talking to him. He kept looking at me and then back at Santa. First he couldn't believe that Santa knew his name and second he was sooo excited that Santa said that he was on the nice list.

Zachary on the other hand thought that he was on a skype call the entire time. He kept waving to Santa and talking to him. It was too cute.

I can't wait for Christmas morning!

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Cut List

Finally got my Christmas cards sent out today. This is one of many pictures that didn't make the cut.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Zachary's Birthday

Just realized that I forgot to post any pics of Zachary on his 3rd birthday so here they are...




I am not the best cake decorator, so this is my attempt at a theme cake. This is supposed to be the house and balloons from the movie "Up"




Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas Cookies

Over the weekend I decided to make Christmas cookies for the first time on my own (without the help of my mom - well, that's not totally true, mom did get one or two SOS calls along the way!) I will have to say that for my first solo attempt they turned out really good. I made peanut butter blossoms and something I'm going to call "Fake-out Toffee". The toffee was my favorite and sooo easy to make. Here is the recipe:

1 sleeve saltine crackers
2 sticks of butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 bag chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans

1. Line a medium sized jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and preheat oven to 375
2. Lay out saltine crackers in one layer on pan
3. Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes
4. Pour mixture over crackers and bake for 15 minutes
5. Remove from oven and pour chocolate chips on top. Spread evenly, sprinkle with nuts
6. Let cool, then refrigerate for several hours
7. Break into pieces. Keep refrigerated.

These are so yummy and simple to make. The boys even helped out by laying out the crackers for me. When it came time to try out what we had made their favorites were the peanut butter blossoms.

Licking the spoon...the best part of baking with mom!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Zachary is 3!!

My baby is no longer my baby. Seemingly overnight he turned from a tiny little baby that I protected in my arms to a little boy that squirms to get out of those same arms that once held him so securely. Sure, he still gives me hugs and will sit on my lap when I read to him, but I miss being able to just hold him and stare at his sweet cheeks and perfect lips.

Zachary is full of energy, spunk and surprises. He has this ability to get out of trouble just by flashing this sideways grin that somehow makes me laugh and forget about whatever mischief he has just caused. He is a charmer to say the least.

Zach is always on the go, usually chasing after his big brother and sometimes he is the one being chased. He loves to play with his cars, trains and planes and will never say no to chocolate anything or as he likes to call it "chloclate".

Zachary I love you! Happy Birthday!