Jesus' Birthday

Jacob has been hearing the story of Jesus' birth for weeks now, both at home and at church. He loves to tell the story and act it out as well! After we opened gifts from Santa at home, we headed to Mim and Poppa's house to enjoy the rest of the day. Mim had purchased a special book about the nativity story that included magnets of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the other key players. As she told the story, she had the boys help her put the characters on the pages and "act" it out. Afterward, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and the boys got to blow out the candles on Jesus' birthday cake, a tradition that dates back to when I was a little girl!

Favorite Gift

Christmas morning was so much fun this year. Jacob woke up bright and early, ready to go downstairs and see what Santa had brought. He actually got it this year, which was so fun for Nathan and I! Jacob had a great time opening all of his gifts and was excited for each and every one! Without a doubt, his favorite gift was the balance bike Santa brought him! As soon as he came downstairs, he ran to the bike, put on the helmet and climbed on! We even took the bike to the lake with us and he had a grand time "riding" around on the golf cart path near Grandaddy and CiCi's house (no worries- there weren't any golfers playing that day!).

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Crafts

The past few weeks have been absolutely crazy and now that Christmas is only two days away (and I'll be going back to work full time January 3rd), Jacob and I decided to slow down and enjoy the relaxing morning at home. I had several craft projects planned for the holiday season, but we just didn't seem to get to them. Until this morning!

We started off by threading beads and a jingle bell to make a necklace (hey, boys can wear necklaces, too!).

Next up, Jacob decorated an angel ornament with markers which was a real treat because markers are only for special occasions at home (toddlers and markers are a real mess!).

He looooved hanging his ornament on the tree!



Lastly, we made a Christmas tea light. Jacob painted on Modge Podge, then covered it with tissue paper squares and another coat of Modge Podge. Of course, I think what he really enjoyed was "painting" the plate!




The finished product...


In this busiest time of year, it was a wonderful way to slow down and really enjoy each other's company on this overcast, chilly day!

Fire Station

Jacob was absolutely thrilled to wake up and find a three story fire station complete with ambulance, fire truck, helicopter, furniture and three firemen in his playroom this morning! He had a wonderful time playing and pretending! We ended up moving it to the carpet to make plenty of room for Jacob to drive the trucks in and out and he spent much of the day laying on his tummy and playing. What a great way to spend the day!

Happy 3rd Birthday Jacob!!!!

Hey Santa!

I started my new job on Thursday (yay!) so Nathan took Jacob to see Santa all by himself! We decided to try out a new Santa as we'd gone to Willow Bend for the past two years. Santa at The Village at Allen did not disappoint and Jacob had a wonderful time telling Santa what he wished for!

13 More Years...

...until we have to worry about Jacob being on the road!

Wordless Wednesday

Dinosaur Party!!

We enjoyed a great morning with friends and family celebrating Jacob's 3rd birthday. While his birthday is almost two weeks away, it's such a busy time of year and great to have his party a little early in the month.
Jacob is obsessed with dinosaurs, so it was only natural that we have a dinosaur party. Nathan and I had been working on party details for months and the work for me began Thursday. We decided to do a brunch party, so I was able to make practically all the food (which I love to do!). This year, I even decided to try my hand at making the birthday cake!
It was a wonderful morning, filled with yummy food (if I do say so myself!), fun with friends, and lots of presents! Thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate Jacob's birthday!

The favor table:

A close up of the invitation and a picture of Jacob from Halloween:

The food: Sausage Balls, Classic Cheese Omelet, Sausage and Cheese Strata, mini muffins, Christmas Fruit Salad (a family tradition for over 80 years!) and the kids food which consisted of pretzels, Goldfish, and granola bars

Festive balloons

More party favors: dinosaur grabbers and dinosaur masks

The dinosaur centerpiece

The adults enjoyed visiting inside, while the kids played outside...

and upstairs

Jacob's favorite place!

Jacob loved being sung to and blowing out his candle!

Our sweet boy!

Flashback Friday

Christmas morning, 2008

Jacob's Christmas Tree

Jacob was so excited to get his very own Christmas tree this year! We decorated a small, 3 foot tree with small red ornaments hung with ribbons and larger baseball ornaments. It looks so cute in his room and he loves leaving the lights on at bedtime to act as a nightlight!

Favorite Ornaments

Our family Christmas tree in the living room is filled with special ornaments. Each year growing up, Courtney received a special ornament from her parents and we continue that tradition with Jacob. It is also a tradition to buy an ornament when we travel. It is always so fun to unpack the ornaments and hang them on the tree because it reminds us of special times and fun trips! Here are a few of our favorite ornaments hanging on our tree.

Jacob's 2010 ornament from FAO Schwarz in NYC

Jacob's "Baby's First Christmas" ornament, 2007

Scotland, March 2006

Mother's Day Out 2009

Courtney 1983 (Jacob's age!)

A bulb from the lights on The Plaza in Kansas City (a Christmas tradition)

Courtney's "Baby's First Christmas" ornament, 1980

Sweet little Nathan!

Southfork Ranch (location of our rehearsal dinner) 2005

Our first trip to London together, December 2003

Babymoon to Hawaii, June 2007