Blogfest 2009

I am no longer suffering from blogger burnout. As I was looking at the pictures we just downloaded, I realized how far behind I have gotten. So, I decided to get caught up. There are 7, yes SEVEN new posts ranging from October activities to the current. Have fun, there's lots of pictures. :)

This Christmas...

This Christmas was probably the best Christmas we've had thus far (strictly speaking from a mother's point of view). It was quiet and relaxing and most important - the kids had a blast.

This year I decided to do something different. I decided to be organized (gasp - yes, me being organized is a very scary thought). And I have learned some valuable lessons along the way.

1.) Starting the Christmas shopping early in September is a good thing. I have tried this in the past, but then forgot what I did get the kids and ended up going overboard for presents. This year I made a list (the new organized me) and I stuck to it.

2.) All my shopping was done before Thanksgiving (with the exception of 2 things that I had to wait to get). I was kind of scared to do that in fear of missing a good deal with Black Friday, but what I found was the complete opposite. Because I had the time to shop around and compare prices, I was able to get better deals. The upside of this was I didn't have to fight the Black Friday crowd and deal with crazy people or stand in line.

3.) Handmade Christmas presents are kind of fun. I actually enjoyed putting my heart into something and thinking of the person as I was making it. Kind of corny I know, but it taught me something.

4.) Instead of making the Christmas Feast on Christmas day, we opted to do it on Christmas Eve. My thinking was I wanted Christmas to be as relaxed as possible for everyone (not just the kids). I really liked it this way. It was a special dinner, and the kids knew it. Combine that with the anticipation of Santa, the reading of Luke 2 and some egg nog - Christmas Eve couldn't have run smoother. And the benefit of all that cooking is that I didn't have to cook at all on Christmas day (or the day after that). In fact, instead of having to worry about timing all the dishes to be done at the same time, I got to take a much needed nap.

5.) Having your hubby home the week leading up to Christmas instead of the week following Christmas is awesome. He was such a big help and we were able to do things as a family. He even helped me wrap presents a few days before Christmas so we didn't have to wrap anything on Christmas Eve. (I know that this is a luxury and won't happen every year...but it is certainly something I can strive for).

6.) Taking down all the Christmas decorations the day after Christmas is awesome. Sure waiting until New Year's is okay. But this way, I can enjoy the rest of the season and move into the new year without the nagging thought crossing my mind, "Man, I still have to get that put away..." every time I look into the living room.

7.) Being organized isn't such a bad thing...I just might have to try it again next year. :)

Now on the the fun part...Picture time!

Aleana

This year Aleana asked for a telescope. But every telescope I have seen has been out of our price range. I tried to think of a way and got stumped, so I put Trace on the task. He did his research, and every thing that he read said the same thing. Don't go out a buy a telescope. More often than not, they are not good quality, and the kids get frustrated because they don't know what to look for in the sky. However, it was recommended to learn more about stargazing one should buy a pair of binoculars (a particular strength, but I can't remember what) and this book called "Turn Right at Orion".

We debated whether or not she would like this. We didn't want to give a dud present. In the end, we decided to go for it. Oh boy, I sure am glad we did. It was a huge success! I decided to put it together as a "Stargazing Kit" which included the binoculars, the book, as well as a pair of gloves, a thermos, and some hot cocoa (because goodness knows, it's not going to warm up here anytime soon). She was so excited.

Aleana testing out her very own binoculars...also wearing her brand new snuggie (sigh).

Aleana cuddling with her new Panda-pillow form Grandma and Grandpa Giles. Thank you!

Aleana also got an apron and a Cookbook by Paula Deen for kids from her Grandma Buggy and Papa, but we somehow missed getting that picture. Just to let you know, she really likes it and is already planning a meal for this coming week. Thanks!

Trent

Trent was easy to shop for this year. He's at a perfect age, where what he wants is still on the cheaper side of things and he's not too picky. He asked for a laser car that drives on the wall...and that's what he got. I must admit, it's a pretty cool little toy.

His car in action. We got a video clip too, but I don't have patience to download it.

Grandma Buggy and Papa got Trent this Car tracks set. The tracks are flexible and really easy to assemble. As you can tell, all the kids had fun with it, especially Trent. A big thank you, as I am sure this will continue to keep him entertained.

Grandma and Grandpa Giles got him the Glider Plane that comes with a launcher. He is dying for the weather to warm up and the snow to melt so he can go test it out. Thank you!

Hannah

Being the age she is, Christmas was a lot of fun. This was the first year she caught on to who that fat man with a white beard is, as well as opening presents. I found this great pack of doll stuff at Costco. It has a stroller, crib, high chair, baby doll and accessories. She loves it. Although sometimes she gets confused as to who really is the baby. :)

Once Hannah saw the baby doll picture on the box, her patience went out the window. She wanted that box opened. And she wanted it NOW!

Grandma Buggy and Papa got her some dress-up clothes. As you can tell, she's lovin' it. (Hard hat not included). Thanks!

Hannah was so cute when she opened her present up from Grandma and Grandpa Giles. Because Aleana had opened hers up first, Hannah knew exactly what it was. In fact, she went and got her beloved blanket and sippy cup, then laid down and said, "Night-night".

Best Bargain Gift

Every year, we get the kids a game for Christmas. This year I decided to get them a marble run. I did my research and didn't like what I found. Some had bad reviews, some didn't come with a lot of pieces - which forced you to buy the "expansion set", and some just wanted too much money. Then I found this marble run (on like page 12 of the google search - on a school supply website out of all places). It had good reviews, it cost less than half of what the others were asking, it had good strong pieces and lots of them. I was so excited, that I bought two, so they could make giant marble runs. And of course, they liked it and spent over three hours playing with it. So. Cool.

They built this puppy so high, that they needed a chair to get to the start. They also timed it, and it set a "new" record at the Giles game hall of fame. It took an amazingly long 24.77 seconds to travel it's way to the bottom. :)

My Favorite Toy

Who says that the parents can't play with the kids' toys - especially at Christmas?!? This was my favorite - we have had a a lot of fun and laughs with this one. Aleana and Trent both got one. And just so you know what marshmallows the kids don't get picked up...Sasha manages to get rid of the evidence. :)

Homemade Marshmallow Shooter:

Trent, as our demonstrator, shows what type of ammo to use.

He then demonstrates how to load the gun.

And finally, how to operate it.

Post Christmas

After we took the decorations down, Trace was on a roll. He got the new crib set up. I have to say that this is the third crib we have owned. With the first, half the pieces got lost somewhere between Germany and the U.S. Trent broke the second one beyond repair...which brings us to this one:

Isn't she pretty? It's the best crib we've owned by far. We found it at this upscale baby store called Baby Daily in Meridian. It was marked over 50% off, simply because it was the floor model and they were no longer carrying that color. Since there wasn't any matching furniture to go with it, they marked it down. Good news for us! So basically we ended up getting a crib that is worth $600.00 but only cost $40.00 more that what we could have gotten at Walmart. Score!!!

View with the side unlatched. Now all I have to do is get the bedding, double stroller, clothing, and other baby supplies. :)

Homemade

1.) Christmas = Buckeyes in the Giles home. It's the tastiest-most-delicious-morsel-of-yumminess that has ever been invented. Okay, maybe not the best in all the world, but the best in this house. We had fun making them this year as the kids and hubby were able to help and make it a fun family activity (of course it helps to know that they could eat their mistakes).

The assembly line.

2.) You know how women, late in their pregnancy, get the urge to nest - to clean, and organize their homes to prepare for the impending arrival. Well, I suffer from no such thing. In fact, when I wake up in the morning, take a look around the house and realize what actually needs to be done - I just have to urge to crawl back in bed and hope that little elves will come and have pity on me.

Instead, I get "crafty". I have this overwhelming desire to make cute things - or should I say things that look cute until I decide to make them. Of course it helps that I have to spend a majority of my time sitting with my feet up. So somewhere along the line I decided to make some things for Christmas gifts. I actually enjoyed making them, and finished them without having to rush to get them mailed out (a Christmas miracle in and of itself - especially considering my tendency to procrastinate and I assure you that it will probably never happen again).

For the sibling exchange, we had Christie and David on my side. I made them this needlework. I found the coolest frame at the World Market, but you can't really see it here.

For Trace's family, we had Todd and Jill and I made them something similar - although I didn't get a picture of the finished project. This was at the stage where I had finished the needlework, had distressed the fabric and was just waiting for it to dry.

For the cousin gift exchange on Trace's side, Aleana decided to make a tutu for Brittany. She did a great job. I also made one for Hannah. They are super easy. I found this video (click here) that really helped with a technique that "cut" out time with cutting the strips. I used elastic instead ribbon because just the thought of having to tie and re-tie the ribbon a ba-zillion times a day for a two year old made my head spin. From start to finish, it took me 40 minutes to make - and that was while I was watching TV.

Embroidered a dish towel for my parents.

Another one for the parents.

One for my Grandpa Scharf.

And one for my Grandma Baker.

And even though this wasn't for Christmas, this was something else that I got finished this month. I decided to try my hand at crocheting. I have tried a few times before, but the results were...um...let's just say not so pretty. So I decided to start out small and do the edge around a hemstitched flannel blanket for baby boy. I think it turned out okay, but I learned that I crochet tight. The next time I will just have to use a bigger needle than what the pattern recommends.

Larger view of the blanket.

And that's enough craftiness for now... :)

December 2009

December is always a fun-filled, but very busy month. We managed to get the tree up, make it to all the concerts and Christmas parties, as well do some family activities on our own.

Hannah was really good with the tree. There wasn't a single tree-tipping incident this year. She would mostly sit or stand next to the tree and hold the ornaments and say "pretty". I was so concerned that she would get into the ornaments, but I have to say she kind of surprised me. She actually listens when you tell her not to touch. Who knew a kid was capable of that?!? :)

It's always fun getting pictures in the snow...and this was no exception. But Trace probably could have waited for them to change out of their church clothes first - especially when it was only 4 degrees outside. Poor, poor Aleana.

Aleana at her very first violin concert. She looks so serious.

For a family activity we decided to go to the Boise Botanical Gardens. We heard they had a great light display, and I have to say - I thought it was pretty darn cool. We picked the best night of the week (thankfully) - it was 37 degrees out with clear skies. There was plenty of hot cocoa and cookies when we got there. Aside from being 8 months pregnant, I thought it was a fun relaxing night for all of us.

Aleana and Trent - actually being nice to each other. Now we have proof! :)

A cool bird nest thing that the kids liked playing with.

So, it was advertised that Santa would be there and the kids could meet him and get a picture. However, when we got there - we discovered how long of a line there was. We had no desire to wait over an hour to see a semi-good Santa. So this was as close as they got, and they didn't seem to mind.

The line to meet "Prancer" wasn't near as long though. Aleana's response to petting him: "He wasn't that soft." Guess she expected him to feel like a fluffy bunny.

Trent's response to the reindeer: "He wasn't that big. He's way too little. How is that supposed to help Santa?"

A fatter-pregnant me, with my three angels.

Just thought it was so funny that they even saw fit to decorate the outhouse. Only in Idaho.

Trace, Aleana and Trent - great picture.

Bunk Beds!

We finally bit the bullet. We've been saving for a while to get the girls a bunk bed set. I have searched for a while, trying to find something I want, that would work, that I would actually be willing to spend some money on. It was a little frustrating, because I would think I would find something, only when I tested it, the beds were too flimsy or built poorly or designed funky. However, we found this little gem ON SALE! Woohoo! At least it made me feel a little bit better. The girls really love it, and it fits nicely in such a small room and has drawers, a desk and shelves to help with space-saving.

The nice furniture guys delivered it and assembled it for us while the kids were at school. Tracy was able to come home early, so he hid on the top bunk. When Aleana climbed up there, she got quite the shock. I tried to get a picture of it, but I missed it - choosing to save the toddler from falling instead. Needless to say, it was a classic moment.

Cute Pics

I am not sure why, but we seem to have an abundance of cute pictures of Hannah Bear. I am assuming it is because she's at that stage where the majority of what she does is cute. We then take these pictures to have something to go back on when things aren't so cute. :)

Classic Hannah look. We refer to it as the "rag-muffin" look. She doesn't enjoy having her hair done, and on most days, it's a battle that isn't worth the fight.

Have I ever said how awesome our dog is? Oh, ya - I have. This is just to add to the proof.

Not too sure why this picture kept rotating when I downloaded it to the blogger. It's saved the other way...and I tried twice to get it to rotate. No such luck. Anyway...I loved this picture. It's Trace and his girls hanging out - watching..wait - could it be? Yes, football. His response - "Well, you gotta start 'em while they're young." (insert sheepish grin).

Hannah enjoying one of her favorite activities - coloring. It's so easy to keep her entertained.

"Helping" me with the dishes. :)

Instead of using the toy as it was intended, Hannah decided she wanted a place to sit...

And got stuck.

Halloween 2009

We had a couple of different parties to attend this year for Halloween, which almost (I say almost) made me feel like it was worth it to buy costumes. I didn't have to buy costumes last year because what they had still fit (with the exception of Hannah - but I made hers and it cost me a whole $3 or something like that). Hopefully next year, these new additions to the Halloween bin will still fit and I won't have to spend more money for something they wear for a few hours. Anyway...Aleana decided that she wanted to be a sorceress, Trent wanted to be a Transformer, and Hannah - well - I wanted her to be a pirate.

So Aleana wanted to be "pretty, but scary" (heaven forbid that there's "ugly and scary" out there). So I bought the cheapie costume make-up at the grocery store and tried my best.

I decided to take a close-up picture of her to prove my "awesomeness" at amatuer make-up application. When I looked at the picture however, I realized 2 things. 1.) If Halloween make-up makes her look this much older...the regular make-up that she'll want to wear in three years might have to wait a few more. 2.) How much does she look like her Aunt Tessa?!? Now I know Tess and I look a lot alike, however, we have our unique characteristics. But, I just cannot get over how much Aleana looks like her.

Ay' my lil' pirate. She made the cutest little pirate e-v-e-r...down to her battle scar, which she decided she needed to have to be in "full-character". The headboard she bonked her head on survived without damage, however, she required 4 stitches. If something like this had to happen, I couldn't have asked for better timing.

Then there's Mr. Optimus Prime. Trent's costume was fairly easy. No make-up or stitches required. Heck, I didn't even have to comb his hair. And with his imagination, he had a blast this Halloween.

Backyard Camping

We've been telling the kids that we would take them camping for the past two years. Two summers ago we decided that moving to Idaho instead was enough of an adventure for a while. Then this past summer, we decided to move out of the apartment (hallelujah!) and into a house. Oh, and let's factor in some morning sickness and that equals more than enough adventure once again...so no camping in the woods for us. Finally, in October, when we actually had a free weekend and the weather was perfect (warm in the day, chilly at night) we went for it...in our backyard (hey it's better than nothing - at least that's what we told the kids).

The kids had so much fun. It was the first time we got to use our new tent ("new" meaning we have had it for three years and had yet to take it out of the box). The tent is awesome - sleeps 11 and has two "rooms". It was fairly easy to set up - Tracy did most of the work, and he was the "cool" dad because he slept outside with Aleana and Trent. I, on the other hand, slept in my nice, soft, warm and cozy bed - while Hannah slept in hers. Now that's my idea of camping!

Tracy getting things set up...

Trent getting in on the action...

So what if he didn't start setting it up until it was almost dark outside...that's what porch lights are for...

Hannah - convinced that this is all for her...