Pixie Dust

All better...

For now that is. In the last week and a half, we've battled a double ear infection and 4 cases of the stomach flu. Today, we are finally ALL feeling better. Today I spent part of the day shopping with my sister Erin and Annika. We had a nice lunch at TGI Friday's. It was tasty. Then we went over to Joann Fabrics to spend some gift cards. I spent $50 on scrapbooking supplies. So far this week, I've spent $100 on scrappies. It's great! I still have a good $90 in giftcards to use too! Gotta love that. I also picked up an elephant figurine for Bennett's room. I can't wait to get going on it, I just have to find fabric that is good enough! Joann's had nada! That place annoys me sometimes. This weekend we are still going strong. We have a big birthday party to go to on Brian's side of the family. Brian's dad, aunt and uncle were all born on December 30th, each 1 year apart. How amazing is that? So, we celebrate each year and have a foosball tourney. It's a huge deal in his family. It was quite bizarre coming into it, but it's fun to see all the kids (and "big" kids) get all crazy over the game. Then, on New Year's Eve, we are having some neighbors over to celebrate. The kids will play, and the adults will enjoy some adult time. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and New Year!

And.... It's over!

Well, Christmas has finally come to a screeching halt! And, although it was wonderful, I couldn't be happier. We do so much rushing around in a matter of 2 days, I was utterly exhausted last night and went to bed at 8:15 (and passed out). We finally got things cleaned up today and it feels nice. Here are some pics of our Christmas:

We started off at my grandparent's house on Christmas Eve. We play a dice game for prizes, it's tradition. Here is Annika and my grandma playing:

Annika opening her flashlight. Seriously, who knew a flashlight would be so awesome to a 2 year old!

Hutch, the red-nosed pup:

Annika with her 2nd cousin Ali (they really do get along despite the crabby face on Annika):

Next we head to the inlaws for some yummy fondue. This year we tried a variety of things ranging from the classic meats to some Indian food, Chinese and even tuna. I wish I could have indulged. I did however, indulge in the chocolate fondue! Yum. Here is B with a Santa hat. She was pretty good considering she didn't feel well:

Here is another of B:

Then on Christmas morning, we woke up to Santa's gifts and gifts from mom and dad. Santa brought a princess tunnel and an instrument set for the girls. The girls couldn't be happier. Check them out in the tunnel:

Here are some of the girls opening a few of their million presents:

And last, here is a family pic of us at Brian's aunt and uncle's house for Christmas dinner. The girls weren't very happy, but oh well.

Hope everyone enjoyed their holidays! Have a great night!

My poor baby...

So yesterday around noon, B started to get a fever while she was at my mother-in-law's house. Well, unfortunately I had a doctor's appointment and couldn't get Bianca right away. Well, since yesterday, Bianca has looked like she got beat up. The poor thing has a high fever and is extremely uncomfortable. But, for the last 2 1/2 hours, she's been passed out on Brian. I had to snap some pictures she looked so darn pathetic and cute:

Not only has B been battling her tooth/teeth coming in, she had to get sick on top of it. So far today, she's had 2 cool baths that have helped bring her fever down. Not permanently though. I'm hoping the rest of us come out of this unscathed and we are all healthy for Christmas.

On another note, I had my 24 week appointment yesterday. I gained 10 pounds in 5 weeks! Seriously, I need to lay off of the cookies. That puts me at a grand total of 13. Not bad for the first half, but terrible for 1 month! I have my glucose test next time around so I better start eating healthier! Baby Bennett looks good, my belly is measure a few weeks ahead (oops). We discussed my tubal and I am undecided at this time. We'll see. I may opt for an IUD and have Brian get a vasectomy further down the line. Well, have a great evening everyone.

My sweet little B...

Happy 11 months to you! My how fast the last 11 months have gone. In 30 short days, you will be my big 1 year old. It is so hard for me to believe that Bianca made her debut almost a year ago. We've had so many ups and downs with this little one, but today, she is a happy, not-so baby girl! 11 things about Bianca, at 11 months old:

1. Bianca has 3 teeth. Her 3rd literally popped today!
2. Has taken several steps all on her own, yet still thinks crawling is the way to go.
3. Needs to get into everything! The fridge, the dishwasher, the cupboards, any closed door, the toilet paper, you catch my drift.
4. Wants so badly to be a big girl like Annika.
5. Eats anything you give her, she's a piggy.
6. Has started whole milk, not a big fan yet though!
7. Adores daddy more than anyone else in the world.
9. Has started tantrums. She throws a fit if she doesn't get what she wants. Pretty comical.
10. Loves, loves, loves the pets. She could play with them all day long (if they let her).
11. Is sleeping really well at night, and ok during the day.

Well Miss Bianca, we love you dearly and you bring so much joy (and entertainment) to our lives. The last 11 months with you have been amazing!

Bianca at 4 days old:

Bianca now:

Done!

I've been working for a few days creating home-made gifts for my neighbors. The girls spend a lot of time with their kids, and I of course love their company. So, I felt I needed to do something nice for them for the holidays. I made cookies (sugar cookies, iced sugar cookies and snickerdoodles), I made these (which I found at Amy's site) and I made a 4 pack of cards for them to use (a thank you, a birthday card, 2 baby cards). I didn't take any pics of the cards, although I should have because they turned out really cute. I wish I would have made some for myself to use! Here is a pic of the final product. Hopefully my neighbors aren't checking this out tonight because they get them tomorrow!

I think it all turned out pretty cute and I'm happy that I made them. Tomorrow I think I may be slacking on a TFT. I have to clean all day for the party we're having on Saturday. I also would like to have lunch with Mol and I have a doctor appointment. Sooooo, needless to say, I won't have much time! Have a great night all!

A huge THANK YOU to...

Marisa! I got my secret santa package yesterday. It really was fun getting a package that was all for me! She sent some things for me to use when I start Bennett James' scrapbook. It was very thoughtful and I love it! I swear, my secret santa gift is in the mail. It should arrive by Thursday, I swear, it shipped on Friday! Here is a crappy picture I took:

Next, check out my little shopper:

Seriously, she could be across the house, but if you open the fridge, she is there within seconds, all to take a peek at what's new. She's such a little stinker! She's a funny kiddo that B!

That's all for now. I've been busy trying to wrap presents and create home made goodies for some friends. I love the holidays!

New Banner!

Thanks once again to my wonderful SIL Kristi for designing a new banner for me. It looks fantastic!

The Nutcracker

Yesterday I took the girls to Macy's to check out this year's Christmas theme: The Nutcracker. I went with my mom, my grandma, Molly and her son Harrison. It was pretty neat, and considering that it's free, I was pleasantly surprised. They completely go all out with the decorations. The girls were in complete awe of all the lights, moving figures and all the people that ventured out to see it! It was sooooo busy and there was this group that was ahead of us that was so completely obnoxious. Their kids were behaved badly, and I can see why, their "adults" were just as rude as them. They had no regard for others around them, let alone the 3 little ones we had. It was ridiculous and I'm pretty appalled by how inconsiderate these people were. I guess they were just following in the fantastic footsteps their parents and grandparents had laid! Anywho, on to some pictures:

Here is B, in awe:

One of Annika and my mom:

Here is Mol and Harrison, Harrison turned 8 months yesterday!

Here are some of the exhibit:

And one of me and the girls:

It's really a great thing for the kids. I don't really know the story of the Nutcracker, but they actually put storyboards up with the different windows, so you can read along. I guess I thought the story was all about sugar plum fairies and dancing, but it's actually kind of violent. The Toy Soldier battles the evil Mouse king and gets wounded. Who knew a Christmas favorite involved a war! Well, as bizarre as the story is, it was great eye-candy for the girls. Overall, I give it a 2 thumbs up.

No TFT for me today. I have a big day planned, the girls are going to my mother in law's house and I am going to wrap presents and scrapbook, so there! I don't want to do much thinking, but don't worry, I'll be reading!

Um, is this for real???

Ok, so I found this through Zoe's site! Thanks a billion Melinda, and Zoe for pointing me in her direction!

I'm feeling inspired...

So, I stumbled upon a new blog today that has inspired me. It is LeeAnn's husband. Here is the post I'm talking about. Most of his posts to date (with the exception of todays, he he) are about how much he adores his beautiful family. One of his posts, along with one of Mary's made me feel quite inspired today.

I am going to write a sappy post about how I love my family, and why:

1. I love how Brian always kisses me goodnight, even if I'm passed out in bed.

2. I adore the way Annika kisses Bianca while taking a bath. It isn't solicited by me either. How sweet are sister kisses?

3. Even though she's bossy, it's pretty darn cute when Annika yells at BBbanca (that's how she says Bianca).
.
4. I love how Annika knows there is a baby in mommy's tummy and gives Bennett kisses

5. Even though I know I shouldn't love this, I love that Annika wants to take a nap in "mommy's bed".

6. It's the sweetest thing to see Bianca's face when daddy gets home. She really is a daddy's girl and it couldn't make me any happier.

7. I can't get enough of Bianca's smiles. She is always smiling and charming someone.

8. I love how much my husband loves us. He adores his daughters and devotes so much time to them. He works hard for our family and we appreciate every second of it.

9. Lastly, I love the surprise entrance Bennett has made into our lives. He is a blessing from above, the perfect addition to our family. We can't wait to meet him.

At the end of the day, these are the reasons I live such a rich life. Sometimes I am too exhausted to really recognize it, but I am truly blessed to have what I have. I have a loving husband who I have shared so much of my life with (11 years this year), a man who knows me inside and out and who will do anything I need him to do; a fiesty red-head for an oldest daughter who loves to laugh, test my patience, jump off of furniture and torture the pets; and a unique and happy youngest daughter who gets into anything and everything, will smile at you in an instant and who adores her bigger sister. These are the things in life that really matter and I couldn't be happier! I love you fam-damily!

I will leave you some pictures from today. They are too stinkin' cute not to share!

Annika had to have that butterfly pony tail holder in Bianca's hair. Do you think she would let me put it in her hair?

And here's Annika. She was eating a cookie, and she actually was saying "cheese"! Too cute.