Merry Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! The only thing that was missing was a nice white snow. I haven't updated the blog in a while so I am going to try to cram everything into this one post.

Hailey was able to help decorate the tree this year (ok, so she just got into everything while we put the decorations on - but she was there!) Ashley really enjoys decorating the tree - of course she figured out those candy canes are actually really candy this year. They all stayed on the tree though - I was amazed! As much as I like taking the girls and picking out a tree every year, I am tempted to just buy a tree. It seems like so much less hassle....will ponder that thought for awhile.

This was an attempt to take a picture of both of them in front of the tree - didn't work so well.

Ashley and Hailey had a little Christmas party at Juella's so they got a little dressed up. Ashley was very excited to take presents and hand them out. She was even more excited to walk in and see a big present for herself as well. The girls had a great time, lots of snacks and presents!

Cookie decorating was super fun! I am happy to report that there was more decorating then licking the icing this year as well! Of course once they were decorated, game on! On Christmas eve Ashley made sure that Santa had a plate of cookies and plenty of milk - he really appreciated that!

Ashley has started sticking her tongue out every time she is concentrating!

Christmas morning was fun. Hailey was up first (after Larry who thought it would be good to get up and get the coffee going - thank you Larry!) we all went in to wake Ashley up. She wasn't thrilled about that until Larry reminded her that Santa might have come last night. Then is was a race to get down the stairs! Ashley was so excited to see everything she just started yelling, which of course then Hailey had to join in as well. Ashley found a present from Santa first off and ripped right into it. We then had to take control otherwise she was going to open every ones in a matter of seconds! Hailey was confused, she would open a couple then wonder around, look at Ashley's stuff and then sit with me for awhile. It was all great fun!

Ashley riping into her first gift

Hailey on her ATV

Ashley found her dollhouse

Hailey was happy to try on a new jacket

Santa was good to all of us this year and we are so very thankful, especially in a time where so many are not as fortunate! We are thankful everyday for the blessings we have.

I told Larry that he gave me a "grandma" Christmas. He got me a sewing machine as I am going to venture how to sew and hopefully one day may make a quilt! Then he got me some slippers and an iron(inside joke) - so I told him I feel like a grandma with these gifts! Luckily Nana got me an ipod so I feel a little less old =)

We started a new tradition this year. For Christmas dinner instead of doing ham or turkey we are doing seafood. It's a little way to think about where Larry is from, and it's a little more exciting. Larry ordered lobster, clams, scallops and some picked crab - it was delivered 2 days before Christmas. Larry took the lobsters out on the kitchen floor for the girls to see - they moved around and scared Hailey but Ashley thought it was cool. I had to remind Larry that we can't get to attached, last time that happened I couldn't eat them because I gave them all names after their long trip from Maine!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and here is to an even better New Year!!

Santa Drives a White Truck

Last night I was putting Ashley to bed and of course there were ten million more things she wanted to say before she shut her eyes. She has been VERY excited about Santa this year. She cannot wait until she gets her blue bracelet! I was informed last night that Santa is going to wrap in in green wrapping paper with a big red bow and then she is going to open it very fast! So glad she's not into details at all!! She let me know that Santa was not going to come thru our fireplace because we have glass on ours. So I told her he is magic - oh no she was not buying that. I was told that in fact he is going to drive into our garage - at first he had a little car that would fit and then she thought of all the presents he is bringing. Santa drives a big white truck just like daddy and he is going to drive up to our garage and come in that way! Whew!! So glad she isn't worried!

Ashleys Holiday Party

Ashley's preschool class had a little holiday party this past week. Of course I am running out the door and forget the camera - duh!! Ashley was so excited to have me come sit with her in her class. They had some snacks and decorated some cookies. The best part was when they all lined up and sang!!! She yells out "Mommy come up front!" It was so cute - they sang Jingle bells with there little bells and then did Santa Claus is coming to town - with all the hand gestures. I was so proud - that is the cutest thing to see little kids sing - but when it's one of your own it is even better!!

Here We Go....

For a long time little Miss Hailey hasn't not spoken a word. Why does she need too - We do everything for her. Ashley is a great big sister and caters to all her needs! Well finally the words have started. You have to listen closely because she isn't loud about it at all. Here are her new words:

Dada - of course has said this for months now - very happy when Larry gets home.
Momma - only when she wants to get up in the morning and says it clear as day!
Phone - when the phone rings she points to the phone and let's us know what it is
Ginky!! - when trying to find her Binky (usually because she has hidden it somewhere)
Look at Me - said this last night when she got her pj's on and wanted to show Larry
Hot! - Every time I make dinner she looks at the stove and says Hot
Jacket - She loves to put her jackets on
Shoes - She's a girl - of course she loves her shoes!
Ouch - when she gets a small hurt
Diego!! - When Go Diego Go comes on
Kitty - when the cat comes by and she is about ready to attack her! (poor Sam!)
Doggie - Anytime she see a dog - in books or anywhere

Every once in a while she will copy exactly what you say too. She is about to give Ashley a little competition for the talking time!

Winter Wonderland

We finally have snow!! We have just had a dusting up until now. Yesterday it snowed a bit but we woke up this morning and it had snowed a lot! We probably have about 8 inches. The bad part was we hadn't gotten around to getting the girls any winter boots yet. We went and got them today. So of course they had to test them out when we got home while Larry shoveled again.

Max LOVES snow!


Our Christmas lights

We have a Santa in a helicopter - the girls love it!

Happy Turkey Day

We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving this year. We stayed home and it was just the four of us and everyone had a great Day! With everything that has been going on it was a good long weekend for us to relax. The girls ate up the turkey and especially loved the pie for dessert!

Planes, Trains, Boats, and....a Minivan!

As I posted earlier, we had to go back to Maine due to Larry losing his dad. It was very sudden and is going to take a long time to deal with. I am thankful everyday that Larry was with his dad when this all happened. That phone call I received at 3:40am will never be a call I will forget. The shock of what had happened and that Larry was in Maine and me and the girls were at home was hard.

Larry was scheduled to fly back the next day. I told him that I could handle getting the girls on the planes out to Maine but he insisted that he come home and then we would all fly back. I thought it was crazy - but I couldn't have been more wrong!! I had this brilliant idea of catching a red eye so then the girls could sleep for most of the way. Juella and Brad picked us up at the house at 10:30pm - we had put Hailey to bed at 8 so we woke her up and put her in the car. When we got to the airport we made it thru security with no issues. Ashley loved the train in the airport that takes us to our concourse - this is starting off great! We walk towards our gate and realize - this plane is booked FULL!! Ok no big deal - I ask Larry for a diaper and he gives me a blank look. CRAP! We packed all of the diapers in our luggage - none for carry on. Ok don't panic. We get on the plane and take off and the screaming begins! Poor Hailey had an ear infection. She screamed all the way to the Atlanta airport. By the time we got off I was crying, Hailey was crying and Larry was trying to track down anyone with a diaper. He offered $5 for anyone who had one. We finally found one and the people felt so bad they tried to give us 5 more. The flight from Atlanta to Portland included only 1 1/2 hours of crying but the plane wasn't full so that helped. I was never so happy to see a runway in all my life!

We ended up renting a minivan - yes the dreaded minivan - so more people could ride with us. We arrived at Larry's parents house in one piece.

The funeral service was as nice as a funeral could be. Larry SR. was loved by many people. There were so many people that he had worked with for 30+ years. So many people had a lot of nice things to say about him. He had served in Vietnam and there were military honors at the funeral. Saying goodbye to someone when it is way to early is very hard. I was so thankful that our girls were back at the house waiting for us - they have a way of making you forget the sadness.

The girls and I have never been to Maine and it was nice to see some of the places Larry grew up at. We went by the ocean a couple of times to have dinner. One of the restaurants was on a big boat - the girls really loved that.

It was nice to meet all the family we had only heard about. I am so proud of how well the girls did with all the travel and strange places. Poor Hailey missed carpet though (the house is all hardwood floors) - we found her laying on the bathroom rug just to lay on some carpet.

It was a needed trip and the only thing we regret is the reason we had to go. It was nice to get home though. It's sad that Papa won't be around to watch these great girls become more wonderful each day!

Ashley with a Lobster Claw in her mouth at dinner - hmm... wonder who taught her that!


Hailey and Larry putting the mower in the garage

Ashley, Hailey, and Cody

Ashley and Hailey riding Cody's old Motorcycle bike

Ashley, Larry and Nana in Portland looking at the boats Nana used to take to school.

Me, Hailey and Nana

We are going to miss our Papa!

It is with a sad heart that we had to all travel back to Maine this past week. Papa did not make it from his surgery. We are all so sad that Larry has lost his dad - he was a great man! Just one of the great memories we have is when Ashley kept calling him Santa - she loved him - as we all did.

Are we done with this election yet.....

The other night the news was on and they were discussing the candidates. They showed John McCain and Ashley says "Is that John McCain I approve this message?"

LOL!!

Larry's on a Trip

Unfortunately Larry's dad is going into surgery on Tuesday to "help his heart" as we have told Ashley. Larry flew out to Maine on Sunday morning - super early! We were in the car at 4:45am - and yes my worst fear, we see a herd of deer first thing! I have a horrible fear of hitting a deer! Happy to say that was the only ones we saw. We made it to the airport just fine and said a quick sad goodbye so Larry could get on his plane. He made it safe and we have talked to him often. Ashley keeps asking if we are going to go pick him up - he comes home Thursday morning.

We are happy that he is there to help and we are sending our best thoughts to help Papa's heart!!

Happy Halloween!!

For the first time - since I can remember - we had wonderful weather for Halloween. It is always a joke you need a costume that looks ok with a coat because it is always cold, wet, snowy, etc. on Halloween. Not this year - it was 70 degrees and perfect!

This year Ashley decided to be Dorothy and Hailey was the Lion. I was lame and didn't have time to get Max a scarecrow costume - so he was the Incredible dog again this year.

I took the girls to work were we had a potluck and did trick-or-treating around the office. They got so much candy - Ashley's bucket was filled to the rim!

After dinner we got the girls dressed and walked around to a few houses. Hailey and Max weren't into it (later to find out Hailey had a horrible ear infection!) so we went home. Larry and Ashley went on with out us and came home with way too much candy. I have no idea what we are going to do with all this candy!

Hailey on Halloween morning - she was pretty happy and didn't even have candy yet!

The girls in front of some of our pumpkins - ok so we aren't very good at pumpkin carving.

Everyone ready to go!

Pumpkin Carving

We had a little pumpkin carving party again this year. It was so nice out that I don't think we were in a hurry to carve our pumpkins. The girls had fun. Ashley played in the backyard with Katelyn which was fun. Hailey was a little upset she couldn't join in the fun. Then we got the jump-o-line out - thought it was a good idea until Hailey fell out on her head! She was fine - but again just frustrated because she can't do all the things her big sister can.

We had some great looking pumpkins! (I was especially proud of our pumpkins just because I grew them in the garden!)

Back from my trip

I arrived safely back from my trip - ever so happy to see Larry and my girls. I was actually lucky and got to see Lake Tahoe! It was very nice - the lake is amazing! It's funny though because there are a ton of casinos - but they are all tastefully done. It would be a nice place to visit again - this time with the family.
I had a horrible plane trip home. About 20 min. before we were to land a man died on our plane. It seems to be a heart attack. I feel so bad for him and his family. I was so happy to see my family and yet a little guilty that someone in that crowd could have been waiting for him. I could go on and on about all the things that went thru my head as we were sitting on that plane with this poor man. Just reminds me to be so thankful of my family every single second!

Life in Minden, NV

Here I am in Minden, NV doing some training for work. Would I ever live her - no. Is it nice - there is a wonderful view of the mountains - where Lake Tahoe sits. I am sad to say that I won't get a chance to go see Lake Tahoe which is a shame but I am anxious to get home. Getting here was bad - cried all the way to the airport and in the airport. Sat on the runway of 1 1/2 hours due to electrical issues - which who wants to fly on a plane when they tell you that? I made it here safe though. I met up with a co-worker from New Zealand - great person - sorry - great Kiwi!
I have called home every morning and evening. Larry is doing a great job. Ashley is so sweet on the phone and Hailey is just getting along just fine. I leave tomorrow and can't believe how fast the trip went. It's been a good little trip so far but can't wait to see my girls and Larry!!

Being a mommy first

For some time now I have been preparing myself for this upcoming Sunday. For the first time I will have to leave my girls - and my husband too. I have to go on a business trip - last one was before Ashley was born so I have been pretty lucky. I know it may sound completely neurotic but the thought of not putting my girls to sleep and listening for them is horrifying to me! I leave Sunday at noon and won't be back until Wednesday night. I know, I know - it's not that long. I have to go to Minden, NV - ??? yes it is in the middle of nowhere - if I have to go somewhere couldn't it be somewhere a little more exciting? My brave husband has decided to take off work for this adventure - I have all the faith in the world that he will do a wonderful job. It's just that being their mommy is always my first and most important priority and to be away from them is so unthinkable for me. The only time I have ever been away is when I went into the hospital to have Hailey. How do I explain to a 3 year old who can only comprehend "tomorrow" that I won't be picking her up or doing any of the "little things" that we do for 4 whole days??
I know this will be way harder for me then it will be for them!

Fall Festival

We live by a church that puts on a fall festival every year - we have never gone and this year we decided to check it out. It was a cold day so it didn't go too well, we left pretty early which is ok. Ashley had her face painted and she rode the little train. Hailey just hung out with me for the most part - I think she was too bundled up to move!

Hailey's First Haircut

Our poor little Hailey has had such a hard time with her hair in her face all the time. We decided it was time for a haircut. Needless to say Hailey has not learned that a salon is a girls best friend. She did not like any part of it - there was lots of screaming! I had to hold her and thankfully the lady doing it was very kind. I even had to hold her head at one point - even though the whole thing lasted abut 10 minutes. The outcome is great - we decided to give Hailey bangs and can't belive what a difference it made!

They Keep Growing...

Hailey has a fascination with my laptop. She has mastered climbing up on the kitchen table chairs which is not always a good thing. Now if she would just sit down!

She loves bannanas - all at once!

Ashley likes me to take her picture so then she can look at it - she has started making faces instead of smiling:

Her pajamas keep shrinking!

In the mountains

We took another trip to the mountains. Hailey really enjoyed this trip. She is at a point where she is walking really well so she wanted to explore everything. Had an issue with Ashley needing to use the bathroom - she wasn't as eager to go outside this time. Can't really blame her - it's not the greatest experience as a girl! We even took Max this time - who enjoyed laying in the mud puddle!

A family photo (finally figured out the timer on the camera!)

Ashley and Hailey both were tempted by the puddle - luckily Max was the only one that had that fun!

Cooking with Hailey

I did this when Ashley was little and never thought it would happen with Hailey. She doesn't like to sit still or she just wants to be held. At last she sat on the counter and "helped" me cook breakfast the other morning - it was a moment!

Snack Time

Just a cute picture of the girls having a snack on the front porch - they are becoming good little buddies (sometimes)