The Great Rip and Tear of 08

This Christmas was really special. Of course because it was Keira's first Christmas, but also because it was the first year that Liam really knew what was going on. He was so excited to see if Santa ate his cookies and milk, that he didn't even notice the presents at first. Hope everyone had a great holiday and has a smashing good new year's eve and day.

Our little fat tree - 2008

Even though Liam opened all of Keira's gifts for her, she was still tuckered out from the thrill of it all!

Family photo for 2008. It is amazing to me that we got this shot after only 3 takes.

Take 2 was much more representative of what I thought we would get. Our pretty little girl in her first dress.

One of Liam's new favorite toys. The amount of stuff that this kid got (along with his sister who knows nothing of what went on) is unfathomable. Let's just say, I'll be joining in the neighborhood yard sale this year to clear out some of the old stuff, and I already took a box to goodwill.

His pride and joy.

Our pride and joy.

For You Uncle Bobby

Sorry about your team.

We didn't think the Birds had a chance and are now in a state of delirium!

E - L - E - S EAGLES!!

3 months - A little late

Our little princess is really growing fast. Be prepared to be won over with her smile!

Rob and Sara were kind enough to drive over to Mammau's house on Kyle's birthday and meet Keira. Now that they have a big old house, they need to fill it with some munchkins of their own. We'll be up to visit soon!

Piggy Toes!

Not This Year

We took the kiddies to meet up with the big man at my Pappau's legion last weekend. I really didn't think Liam would be afraid of him because he talks about him all of the time and sat on his lap last year without incident. Not this year. He stood in line with Kyle laughing and having a good time, but as soon as his number was up, he decided he couldn't go through with it. We tried showing him it was fine by letting Santa hold Keira. No dice. I tried to just pick him up and force him onto the lap of the elderly stranger and he clung tighter to me than he has in a long time. So, we settled for sitting beside Santa. After he picked out his present, he must have felt a little better, because he wanted to show it to Santa. Still no picture posing, just a little convo with the toy maker to be sure he was covered on the gift front.

The Chef and the Fussy Baby

Supermodels

A few samplings from the Christmas card photo shoot. Let's just say I don't think anyone will ever pay my kids to have their picture taken.

"The Double Eye Closer"

I would post a picture of me making this face when I was little, but the resemblance might really freak you out.What just happened? And are we done?

Christmas Tree Rules

I got the idea for this post from AndreAnna who got the idea from SciFiDad. Obviously no one completely agrees with anyone else on this subject and that is what makes trees so great. Not one is exactly like another.

Tavia's Christmas Tree Rules

1. Only white lights for my tree. I'm not opposed to colored lights, we use them outside, and my childhood tree always had them so they make me a bit nostalgic, but I prefer white lights inside.

2. Popcorn garland must be used each year and should be newly strung each year. I've decorated without it once before and the tree looked naked. This is one of my favorite things to do to get myself into the Christmas season, string popcorn and watch movies.

3. Ornaments should consist of balls and the store bought variety but also childhood school project ornaments. I also love to get a new ornament from wherever we go on vacation each year and to celebrate life events. Reminiscing about my amazing life while decorating is the main reason I even deal with the hassle of the tree annually. I like my tree to tell a story.

4. Even though we have a toddler, an infant and two cats, all ornaments will be spread evenly around the tree. No "breakable ornaments at the top, unbreakable ornaments at the bottom" rule. My son learned early not to touch the tree. Then again, he is a boy and is not instantly drawn to all things glittery and shiny like most girls. We'll see how Keira does.

5. The tree should be real. I love the smell, I love the roundness (fake trees are so skinny), and I love taking the kids to pick one out. These things outweigh the mess, the cost, and the un"green"ness, for now.

6. The color scheme will be red, green, silver, gold and white, and the topper will always be a star. No exceptions.

Our 2007 Tree

Our 2007 Liam. So cute!

What are your Christmas Tree rules?