That Time of Year

I could try and pretend that I'm a person who has rules about Christmas. I could pretend that I don't listen to Christmas music on the radio until after Thanksgiving. I could pretend that I am against the fun and seriously exciting holiday decorations at Hobby Lobby, Michael's and every other craft store. I could also pretend that our family room doesn't already look like this.


The Christmas tree is subtle in this picture. But nonetheless, it's up! Again, I could also pretend that it hasn't been up for three weeks already. But that would be a lie. I love Christmas. I love everything that has to do with the holiday. I have to start celebrating before Thanksgiving, because if I wait, I just don't get my fill.

I can't wait for more decorations to go up. And believe you me, they will. Maybe I'm just excited because it's our first Christmas together since we've been married. But whatever the case, I can't wait until I can come out of the closet (less than a week away!) and officially start celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. By the way, don't let Wrigley's demon-like eyes or grim expression lead you astray, he's the most excited of us all. :-)

Happy Halloween!

We had a Halloween celebration at my mom's house. Here are some of the women of the family including Rachel the witch, Aunt Nee-nee the bumble bee, me the rocker w/the incredible awkward hand pose, Liz the other witch, Emri as Tinker Bell, Mama with her apron and funky tights and Kerri with her super cool spider web shirt. Max and Miles are below.

A true Halloween celebration would not be complete without Ghoul's Brew.....

I think Wrigley really liked being a cowboy for Halloween. He enjoyed the opportunity to ride a pretend horse, and sing old Western songs in front of the campfire late at night. No wait, I have that all backwards. He hated it. He hated me, Todd and the entire world when he was in this costume. And while I'm not one for cruelty to animals, I loved every minute of Wrigley in this little get-up.

This is a goofy picture, but the only one we apparently took together that night. As a side note, this is the same arm-band I wore when I was three for a dance recital. If you look closely, you can tell it's scrunched a bit...apparently my arm is bigger as a 29 year old. :-)

All you really need for a great costume: fake glow in the dark finger nails, false eye lashes and a big fake spider on your forehead.

Happy Birthday Todd and Ava!

We celebrated Todd's 29th birthday at the beginning of October and Ava's second birthday at the end of the month. Here's Ava at her birthday party. Adorable.

Todd and I gave Ava a little stuffed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; this little guy is Wrigley's identicle twin. We gave her a little dog bed so she could put "Wrigley" to sleep at night. Again, adorable.


This is us celebrating Todd's birthday with an everything but the kitchen sink ice cream cake - oreo crust, chocolate chip cookie dough and peanut butter ice cream layers. In addition, there were peanut butter chips, loads of caramel throughout and topped with Todd's favorite and I still don't get the fascination with this candy, Rieces Pieces. I love how Ava's trying to grab for the cake in this picture.

Like uncle, like niece....that's all I have to say. :-)

Here is Todd with one of his favorite b-day presents, candy. For future reference, Todd will always be a happy boy if given Mike 'n Ikes, Swedish Fish or as before mentioned, Rieces Pieces.

Todd, only one more year until we're 30. For crying out loud! Ava honey, don't worry, you still have 28 more wonderful years of youth. :-)