HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY BRENNAN!

I can't believe my baby is 12! She is growing up way too fast! She had the best birthday ever this year. The school's Winter Formal happened to be the same day as Brennan's birthday. It was so sweet seeing her dressed up for her very 1st formal dance, and it was a little sad all at the same time! I took her shopping weeks ago for her first formal dress. I couldn't believe they even make them that small! LOL She had a great time at the dance with some of her very best friends! I got to chaperone the dance, so I was there the entire time taking it all in! I also got to take some great pics while I was there :) After the school dance the girls came back to our house to change into some comfy clothes. A few more of Brennan's friends also met up with us at our house. Some of her friends attend different schools, so they did not go to the dance. We all then went to Paint and Pals for a late night of painting and laughing! Such fun memories these girls will have of that night! I made lots of food for the painting party: Meatballs, Sausage Balls, Cheese Ball, Cupcakes....and we ordered pizza too! We also had strawberry shaped marshmallows stuffed with chocolate, and zebra striped marshmallows too! It was all yummy! After the painting party all the girls came back to our home for a sleepover. I went to bed around 3:30 and I THINK the girls went to bed shortly after me! LOL I was exhausted from the dance and the painting party....and all the food preparation! I am so happy that Brennan had an awesome time for her 12th birthday! She is so helpful to me, and such a well behaved girl....she deserved this very special night! Her present from me and Danny was a "new" bedroom. She wanted a purple room, so Danny painted it two weeks before her birthday! I got her a cool bedspread and lots of accessories (zebra stuff) to match her room! She loves, loves, loves it! Here are pics of the dance, the painting party and her new room!

OUR ELF ZART

We have an Elf on The Shelf that is lots of fun! The kids got him last year and named him "Zart". This year we added 3 stuffed Elves to our collection. Mylah and Ivey enjoy sleeping with their stuffed elves. Mylah takes her elf "Elfie" literally everywhere she goes! She will probably look funny going everywhere with an Elf after Christmas is over! Zart is the Elf that reports the kids behavior to Santa. If you don't know the story of the Elf On The Shelf, then there are certain rules that must be followed regarding your special Elf. The main rule is that no human should ever touch the Elf or he will lose some of his "magic". So that is why the kids got the stuffed Elves...so they can play with them and snuggle with them at bedtime! So the kids have had lots of fun waking up each morning to see what Zart has been up to while they were sleeping! Zart has been quite mischevious this year! Here are some of the pics we have taken of Zart's adventures!
Merry Christmas!
Amber

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA! 2011

We had a great time hanging out with friends and visiting with Santa! My friend Yolanda was so nice to invite us all over for this fun party! The kids were all so excited to see Santa....well, most of them were anyway :) Mylah was terrified and would have nothing at all to do with jolly ole' St. Nick! Mylah loves talking about Santa, seeing him on T.V., and reading books about him...but she does not like to see him in person! LOL Even with him bribing her with a gift, she was not about to go near! Ivey loved every minute of it and is at an age where Santa is magical! We all brought a dish to share and had a yummy feast! The kids each recieved 1 gift from Santa. They had fun playing outdoors together after the photos with Santa were taken.
Merry Christmas!
AMBER

NORTH POLE STROLL!

We went to North Pole Stroll again this year. It is not the most fun event, but it is something family friendly...and it's free! We did not get in line to see the Grinch this year...but I still laugh thinking about Mylah's face last year when she realized she was right next to him! We saw the small flakes of fake snow again which thrilled the little ones! We also got pelted in the head with candy thrown by Santa from a balcony....not a good experience! Ouch!!! I had to cover poor Mylah's head because it was really hurting to get hit in the head with all that candy! No wonder she's terrified of that guy! We waited in line....well basically FOREVER, to ride the train that Mylah was so excited about! We got to drink some hot chocolate and take in the sights.
Peace~Love~Christmas!
Amber

Brennan's friend Lauren came with us!

HOLIDAY HAIR 2011

Getting into the Christmas spirit with some red and green beads!

Christmas Decorating Fun!

The kids had a fun time decorating the tree and a Gingerbread House! Even Jinx thought he would help by getting on the latter to string the lights! Much to my surprise, the cat and Mylah have both done well with the tree this year. They have not messed with the ornaments too much. But Jinx does love to dive under the tree, and he has torn some of the wrapping paper with his teeth and nails! We always go on a family hunt for our tree each year! It's a great time to make some special Christmas memories with the girls...and I love a live Christmas tree!