Countdowns, a Party and Food

I started a 'gift countdown' with the kids this week. I wrapped up all of our Christmas books, Christmas DVD's as well as some craft projects, added the date and its been fun for them to open something everyday.

My original plan was to have these under the Christmas tree, but this year, I'm just not feeling it yet and we still don't have a tree or anything Christmas related (except for these gifts). Actually, Saturday's "gift" is getting the tree.

Yesterday's was a craft and we made felt ornaments for a felt tree. With it they can play, rearrange and have a good ol time decorating their "own" tree.

Even though he's afraid of them.... Will kept wanting to make monsters. Then he'd growl at you.

They have had a great time playing with it last night and again today.

Today's gift was a bag of cotton balls. With it they made snowmen and Santa Claus. I didn't get a picture of Will's.

On Saturday night I hosted a baby shower. I really wasn't feeling up for it either. It wasn't that I didn't want to do it, I was just feeling blah. I think the craziness of this year has finally caught up with me and I'm just exhausted. There hasn't been much that I've wanted to do. Usually I'm "Miss Prep" when it comes to parties, but this one.... 2 hours before the house was a complete wreck. I went to Lee and said, "We have people coming over in 2 hours, the house can't look like this, can you please help me because I don't want to do it." Of course he pitched in and the place was looking great in no time. It wasn't dirty, but things just needed to be picked up and set out.

The shower was a success though. Jessica is fairly new in our ward and they are expecting their first baby in January. She's also a medical doctor- and she has the best, most hilarious stories!

It was fun to get to know her better. I guess it was fun, her and Linda didn't leave until 1:30am! It was awesome. I love late night girl time.

When I have these events, the kids and Lee hang out in our room. The first time, it was a disaster, but I think they are getting used to it and now go to bed pretty well. It's cute seeing them cuddled up together.

People say that Will looks the most like me. Well, he also acts like me. He has the same pout, same "hmmmmph" when things don't go his way, and he makes the same messes. This day he gathered things out of the trash can and made a "creation" on the windowsill. The thing he's shaking is sprinkles. Our windowsill is now slightly pink.

Tyler is just being cute. I love how he always tries to peer at me behind the camera.

I gave him a little pasta, he downed it. He's chewing on a pea pod here. He doesn't have enough teeth yet to do any real damage. But I like him tasting "real" food. I have issues with baby food- so none of our kids have ever had it. We've always either made it ourselves (steamed and pureed real vegetables) or given them tiny bits of whatever we are eating.

Tonight he was eating broccoli like a champ. It wasn't even pureed! It was crazy soft (overdone in my book, but everyone else loved it). I think this was his 4th serving or so. Our kids love broccoli! I remember in Mississippi, Amy eating an entire head of it raw! Yay for Tyler!

Oh and his band-aid..... well Will is obsessed with beans. Lately it's one of the only things he'll eat. And he wants it straight from the can. No heating, no seasonings, just straight. So that's how I give it to him. Anyhow, I scooped some out for him, set the can down and then turned to help Amy with something. In the meantime, Tyler reached out (he has the longest reach! Seriously, this kid gets everything!) and got the can. He held it up to his face and slice, the lid cut his cheek!! Oh the poor thing!! I was afraid it was really deep and needed stitches, but once I could actually look at it, it was fine. I put a band-aid on it because he kept rubbing it and I wanted it to scab over. I sure hope it doesn't scar his little face! It shouldn't.

That's about it for now. Hopefully this house will get some Christmas cheer soon!