MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

The kids were more then excited to see what Santa left for them. I'm not sure how many more "Santa" years are left for us, so I'm trying to make the most of the years left. This year they both got present that only Santa would bring:

Pillow Pets - Jen got a penguin and Jimmy got a frog. They were so surprised because they know there has been a stuffed animal ban in the house for awhile now.

Jimmy made this awesome hand print Christmas tree painting in class. The only problem is that he gave it to Jenevive instead of me - his beloved mother who gave birth to him after 2 days of labor. After questioning Jimmy about his selection of recipient, I calmly and firmly told Jen it was a mistake and that it was mine. After a few minutes of Jim, Jimmy and Jen trying to set me straight, I agreed to let Jen have it, and then I stole it and hid it in the Christmas decorations. She'll never remember.

Jen received a DS from Santa- something she had wanted forever.

Jimmy received a Follow Me Thomas toy that he had be begging for.

My mom, grandpa and sister's family come over every Christmas morning for brunch and more presents. They are very spoiled by everyone. We have amazing family all around us.

My proud mom with her grand babies.

Dzia Dzia ( which is Grandpa in Polish) with just a few of his great grandchildren.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2010

This Christmas started of the same as last year- with Jimmy crying about dressing up. It may have something to do with the dorky train sweater. It was the compromise I made in the store. It took 4 tries to get him to smile ( well sort of ) for a picture.

Take 2 and I'm still trying to get a smile.

Take 3 and by now the threats of no Christmas party / presents are coming his way. He still doesn't care.

Take 4- thanks to Jenevive for her assistance I finally have a pictures of the kids dressed up and "smiling". I'll take it!

With the summer we had, losing both Grandma Thornton and Aunt Lori only weeks apart from each other, we weren't real sure how the holiday would be. Grandpa decided to come up from Georgia after all. Here is a great picture of Grandpa with 16 of his 17 great grandchildren.

Both of the kids received a bike from Papa Thornton which they really needed for the summer. They were so excited!

Aunt Lori had a huge Madame Alexander doll collection which Uncle Tony wrapped and passed out to each one of the girls. It was a very emotional holiday.

Jimmy and Cody - best buddies.

Truth be told, our Christmas tree goes up only a few days before Christmas and then comes down right after. If we didn't have kids, we probably wouldn't even have one. Every year I buy the kids an ornament. Usually it has something to do with their birthday party theme or sport they were in for that year. Jen and Jimmy love pulling out their ornaments and decorating the tree all by themselves. Jen especially loves playing Vanna White, never passing up a chance to pose for the camera.

Jimmy mostly bunches up the ornaments at the bottom. You can always tell where his spot was.

Every year there is a fight with who gets to put the topper on the tree. So now, They takes turns- one puts the topper on and the other puts baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning.

This picture only happened after 2 mall visits, a very long line followed by a holding area, dead camera batteries, an argument with an elf and two very whiny children (and possibly two whiny parents). I'm lucky I even have this picture. It was a rough day and Jim and I are not gonna talk about it. Merry Christmas!!!

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

My kids love snow! When we got our last big snow fall, they spent over two hours playing in it. They grabbed buckets and shovels and had a ball. I just kept thinking that we were on the beach in Florida playing with sand toys just 2 months ago.

This year we invited my cousin Becky, her husband Dave and their way too cute daughter Emily over for our gingerbread house decorating night. We set out a ton of candy and frosting and let the kids go crazy. The had fun making their house just right.

Jen mad a hearts out of mini candy canes on one side and a very elaborate design on the other side. I think her house weighed 5 lbs by the time she was done.

Jimmy slopped on a ton of candy and was very proud of his masterpiece when he finished. He was also crazy nuts after due to the self induced sugar overdose.

Emily ended up decorating her house all by herself and made sure all of her candy was put on in just the right spot.

Julie had won yet another set of tickets from a radio station-this time to a Piston's game. Jim and Julie took the boys and had a blast. Jimmy had never been to a basketball game before so he had no idea what to expect. Even though they were nosebleed seats, the boys had fun.

You have to get your picture taken in front of the big shoe - right?

Before the game had started the boys warmed up with a little basket throwing.

Jimmy's been to a Red Wings game , a Tigers game and now a Piston's. We just need to get him to a football game.