December 30

Tonight we headed to Dad and Marcia's for dinner since my aunt and uncle were in town. They had been spending the holidays in Portland with my cousins. Lauren sent up some of her delicious cookies, and Sophie enjoyed them immensely!

December 29

Karen and I took the kids to Charlie's Safari this morning. They had a great time, bouncing and climbing all over the place! Karen graciously shared her pictures because none of mine turned out. After they were worn out, we "enjoyed" a lunch at The Rock. The kids were definitely due for their naps!

December 28

Grandma and I took Sophie up to Zoo Lights tonight at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. We met up with mom's friend Bob and his granddaughter Neko as well. The kids (and adults) had a great time walking around and enjoying the lights. Sophie was enamored by the fish in the aquarium, and loved feeding the goats (as usual). We finished off our time with a carousel ride, which Sophie enjoyed for the first time. No screaming or crying, just smiles.

December 27

I came across some decorations for making a tutu in a magazine ages ago, and finally made it last night. It was super easy and Sophie LOVED wearing it all evening. In fact, it was kind of a struggle to get her to take it off for dinner. She settled for putting it on the table while we ate. She loved dancing in it and posing for pictures. I have a feeling she'll be wearing it quite often...

December 26

The day after Christmas was spent playing, playing, playing! Sophie would race from toy to toy, never able to fully immerse herself in any one thing. She finally did settle down with some Play Doh along with a roller and some cookie cutters. I was impressed though, because she thought of getting one of her play knives to cut up the Play Doh. Mommy didn't prompt that, smart Sophie thought of it all on her own!

December 25

It's so hard to pick just one picture from our wonderful Christmas day, but this one is probably my favorite. Grandma Sue gave Sophie a little cardboard playhouse that she adores. She loves to take her new toys in there, shut the door, and to be by herself (she's growing up!). When I ask her what she's doing, she says, "Playing in my house!" But of course! She also enjoyed "painting" her Little People with a play knife and salt shaker from her new kitchen. It's so fun to watch her little imagination grow!!

December 24

We had a lot of fun today! Sophie started her morning by leaving some reindeer food in the front lawn, exchanging gifts with Will Will, taking gifts to the ladies and daycare, and having a special lunch. After naptime, we headed to Papa and Grandma's house for dinner and presents! Sophie and Mama were so thrilled with her gifts! Dad handmade a dollhouse for Sophie fully equipped with Plan furniture! It is gorgeous and we're going to have so much fun with it!

December 23

Sophie stayed home today with me since we're both fighting colds. I did take her in to daycare so she could attend her Christmas party however. While I was putting treats in baggies, Sophie and the boys took turns smiling and waving at each other across the doorway. It was so cute and she had a great time at the party!

December 22

Sophie and I went out Christmas light looking again tonight and the neighborhood "The Cove" was at it again. Several houses in this neighborhood go all out with their lights and displays. From the backseat, all I heard was "Oh my goodness... oh my goodness!" She loved the lights and was sad to head home. I guess we'll be going out again and we'll definitely make it to Zoo Lights this year!

December 21

Today was fun, fun, fun! Sophie, Grandma, and I made Christmas cookies today, and Sophie enjoyed decorating. She really loved to shake, shake, shake the toppings onto the cookies and finally let herself try a cookie tonight. She also went to visit Santa at the Capital Mall tonight. She was a bit aprehensive about sitting on the big man's lap, but settled in nicely on the rocking horse in front of him.

December 20

Sophie decorated her gingerbread house again this year. I finally have figured out how to put the thing together, but still can't decorate it to save my life! Sophie did a great job however, and loved every minute of it. I had told her not to eat the candy so we could use it for decoration, and she followed it. Several times she mentioned to me, "No eat it!," even though I wasn't! She wanted to make sure I guess... It's a fun tradition, and we can learn together!

December 19

Tonight Sophie and I went out to look at Christmas lights around town. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to do so however without hot chocolate, so I took Sophie to Starbucks. There she had her first hot chocolate like a big girl! I think she was more interested in the novelty of the cup (being like mommy) and she didn't drink much. It was fun to get out there and see the lights and spend some mother/daughter time together!

December 18

Today was the last day of school for a few weeks and I had some time to myself tonight. I curled up with a good book (Eclipse... a guilty pleasure) and enjoyed a quiet evening. I am ready for a much needed break!

December 17

Right before I put Sophie to bed tonight, we heard the "Santamobile" one block over. Each year the Lacey fire and police departments light up an old fire truck, and Santa goes around the neighborhoods to say Merry Christmas to the kids. Sophie got so excited and we waited patiently for Santa to come down our street. Unfortunately I realized that he was in another neighborhood and wouldn't be heading our direction. So, grabbed our coats and my camera, and I lugged Sophie several blocks to where he was. I had to start running while carrying her so I could get there in time. She was ecstatic to see Santa and couldn't stop talking about him on the way home. I was pooped, but glad that I could make her evening that much more special.

December 16

Today I was a penguin! Each December our school has a winter assembly for the kids and the teachers participate in it. We had a reader's theater and then several teachers (including me) donned penguin suits and danced in front of the school. It was fun and I enjoy being silly every now and then!

December 15

Sophie wrapped her first present tonight, a little something for daddy. She was most interested in playing with "my tape" as she calls it, but then got distracted with the pen when I had her sign the label. Unfortunately, I can't put presents under the tree yet because she wants to either write on them or open them!

December 14

I love to bake sweet things, especially during the holidays, and I love to give gifts, so I thought I'd combine the two this year. I made peppermint fudge tonight to give to the wonderful people at Meadows who make my life easier, and I also plan to make truffles and cookies. It's fun to do and it is easy on my pocketbook! I hope they turn out!!

December 13

Today we saw our first snow of the season! Sophie and I were at Mom's house for dinner and I taught her how to catch snowflakes on her tongue. I think she thought it was more entertaining to watch her mommy look like a fool than to try the trick! We had fun either way!

December 12

I have been trying for weeks to take a picture of Sophie that I'd like to put on the Christmas card, but to no avail. Today, I posed her in front of the tree, but she wouldn't look at the camera. Finally I would get her to look at the camera, but she wouldn't smile. This picture is sweet, but not what I want for the card. I guess I'll keep trying, but it's looking like this year's card will end up coming in January instead of December!

December 11

We finally finished decorating the tree tonight since Sophie picked out her yearly ornament. She picked out a Big Bird one and was happy as a clam to add it to the tree. I think our tree turned out beautifully this year!

December 10

Tonight we decorated the Christmas tree. This was the first year that Sophie could participate and she loved it. She kept wanting to put all of "her" ornaments on one small branch, so we helped her spread them around. She kept saying, "beautiful," and "I love it!" We had a great time!

December 9

I got the lights on our Christmas tree this evening, and the cats did what they usually do... they hid under the tree. I think they love Christmas for the reason that they have one more place to hide!

December 8

This was just about the only smile that I could get out of Sophie this afternoon! We braved the cold to get our Christmas tree, and she wasn't too happy about it. Dad and I went out to cut the tree while Sophie and Grandma stayed warm in the car. We ended up with a lovely bluish green 10 foot noble fir.

December 7

Boy am I tired! After an exhausting weekend of driving over the pass, I had to drive up to Seattle and back this evening to take Sophie to an appointment at Children's Hospital. It was nothing major, just a little looksy, but I'm so glad to be home and snuggly in my bed! I had planned on taking pictures of Sophie up at Children's, but left my memory card at home in my laptop! Grrr!! Well, I'll settle for a nice picture of the beautiful flowers my mom got me! Thanks mom!!

December 6

We enjoyed our weekend, but had to cut it short due to the weather on the pass. Before we left, Sophie got some more bonding time with little Ben, her buddy for the weekend. They enjoyed playing with the kitchen, doing puzzles, and coloring. It was fun to see them enjoy each other so much! Sophie and I made it over the pass with no problems, we were just really tired when we got home, but it was worth it!

December 5

Sophie and I braved the winter weather and headed to Sunnyside to stay the night with my friend Jessica's family. We went to the annual lighted parade and had a warm spot to stay since Jessica's husband is the police captain. Miriam and her kids joined us for a crazy, but fun evening with all of our kids together for the first time!

December 4

Each day this month, Sophie has enjoyed opening a door on her advent calendar. I started out putting yummy chocolate coins in there, but Sophie wasn't interested. I decided to place something else in there that I knew she'd like... stickers! So, each day she's thrilled to get her special treat, but she's bummed that she can't open the door multiple times a day!

December 3

For the last several evenings, Sophie has "made" cupcakes in the bath tub. She methodically pours water into her little cups, then places a different Little People animal inside. These are what she calls her cupcakes. She loves to play this game over and over, and as usual, I enjoy watching it!

December 2

Sophie and I had a lot of fun tonight! After she ate a good dinner of homemade teriyaki stir fry and potstickers, she was raring to go! She was playing with her forks and spoons, and patted on the couch for me to come sit next to her. I did, and then she said, "Mommy tired!" Gee, I guess she knows when I've had an exhausting day! Then we played with her camera and mine, trading taking pictures of each other. I grabbed some really darling ones of her and am planning a scrapbook page around it!

December 1

50 pounds lost as of tonight at my Smart Living meeting!!! Yay me!! I can't believe I started my weight loss journey 4 1/2 months ago and this is where I've gotten. I still have more to go, but am pleased with my progress so far. I have hit a huge milestone and am looking forward to the next one!

November 30

Ah, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches... wonderful comfort food on a chilly day and mommy with a headache. I did make the tomato soup from scratch, and it was quite tasty (if I do say so myself). I only wished that Sophie was more interested in eating her soup as opposed to playing with the goldfish that were swimming in it!

November 29

Today was the annual "Downtown for the Holidays" event, and we attended again this year. We met up with Grandma Sue, Papa and Grandma, and the Feeks. We started out with the parade, which is always a favorite for Sophie, then we saw the Singing Christmas Tree, and the lighting of the tree in Sylvester Park. It got pretty chilly quickly, but it was a fun evening.

November 28

Sophie mailed her first letter to Santa today at the Christmas Forest! She asked for a play kitchen, so we'll see if he comes through! Sophie enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful trees, running into her good buddy Will, and avoiding Santa as much as possible!

November 27

Mom made a mini Thanksgiving meal for Sophie and I this evening, and it was delicious! I loved the stuffing, and Sophie loved the pumpkin cake (go figure!). I took some pictures of the two of them for my mom's Christmas card. This one's my favorite!

November 26

After a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at Dad and Marcia's house, and then seeing "New Moon" with mom, I thought about taking out some Christmas decorations. Karen had the bright idea of placing my Dickens Village in the kitchen window where there is a good amount of space. I gave it a try and think it looks great!

November 25

We finally woke up to clear skies, and a beautiful sunrise! I ran out into the street to catch a glimpse before heading off to work.

November 24

Tonight, my little Sophie was crabby, crabby, crabby!! I got her into her pajamas early and we had a little quiet time watching Sesame Street. I hate to have the TV on when I have such little time with her, but tonight, nothing seemed to make her happy. At least she looks pretty darn cute sitting there with her blankie next to Max!

November 23

I received my first Christmas gift over the weekend and enjoyed showing it to Sophie. It was very sweet of Jessica to have an ornament made with Sophie's birth information on it. I am anxious to put it on the tree in a few weeks!

November 22

Poor Grandma was without power this afternoon, so she spent time and dinner with us. Sophie enjoyed playing "Simon Sez" with her and showing off all of her new tricks. It's so fun seeing the two of them playing together!

November 21

Today, I made the trek to Eastern WA to visit my old college roomies, Jessica and Miriam. I love those girls so much, and so enjoy our time together. We reminisced of old times and talked about our kids a lot. I guess going to that side of the state is worth it to see those girls! Hee hee...