There are certain things in my house that I wonder why I even have them, like this:



Why have a shower curtain when you always have to have it draped over the pole so a certain little man doesn't go ripping it or pulling it down?

What things do you have that you wonder, 'why'?

Getting Festive

Many unexpected things have happened that has made blogging not a priority nor even putting up our Christmas tree, BUT, we are finally getting there..at least trying to.

1. Putting up the Christmas tree...Kylie had been begging us to put it up and, honestly, if it weren't for her, it probably would not have gotten up as soon as it did.



Ashlyn got to put on the star this year. She was super excited and Kylie was very supportive (phew!).


I thought the tree would be a disaster because how 'all boy' Spencer is and how he kept picking up an ornament, saying, "Ball", chucking it, grab another one and repeat the process. But he got it when we explained no touching after they were on the tree. Now, he just runs to the tree, points at it and says, "Ball" over and over. Though, he did get excited the other day and charged the tree, grab an ornament, said 'ball' and threw it to us in the kitchen..it shattered everywhere. What can I say? He is a boy and he wanted to play ball.


2. Made and decorated Christmas cookies.



Of course, how fun would decorating cookies be if you couldn't lick after each addition?




3. Kylie's Christmas performance at school.

Happy Birthday, Ashlyn!

I have loved watching Ashlyn develop this year. She constantly amazes me with her witt and humor. That girl catches on to things quick!

Just a funny story...the other night at dinner, I was getting frustrated that everyone was complaining. Ashlyn looked at me and said, "I love you, Mommy." I responded, "I love you, too. Way to be a peacemaker, Ashlyn". Her face had a puzzling expression and she asked, "A piece of paper?" We burst out laughing.

When something isn't right, she fixes it (or at least tries to). She has a hard time carrying on if something is omitted, missing or just doesn't feel right. Examples: she can't say the blessing on the food unless her place is just so, she won't let me buckle her up unless her shirt is tucked in right, and if I misspeak, she corrects me.

Just recently, she has to have a pencil and paper to write on while in the car.

She doesn't mind playing alone, in fact, I think she prefers it.

She is a blast!

LOOK who's 3!

She didn't even mind hanging out with Daddy on her birthday while he rigged our front door (our 'homemade' security system). She called it a 'Daddy-Daughter date'.



Recognize the Belle from a previous birthday? Let's just say it was a Barbie/Princess cake gone wrong, so we topped it with Belle. It didn't matter - she loved it!

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is not something you can have year-round in Florida, but FROZEN hot chocolate is!  And now that we (temporarily) have a blender it is a frequent meal treat.

Ours went too fast, so I stole this photo from the link below:

Frozen Hot Chocolate

4oz of your favorite chocolate

2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate powder

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cups milk

3 cups ice cube

slightly sweetened whipped cream

chocolate shavings (optional)

Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in microwave on low heat. Once melted, add hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring constantly until thoroughly blended. Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup milk, stirring until smooth. Cool to room temperature.In blender, place the remaining 1 cup milk, room-temperature chocolate mixture and ice.Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Enjoy!

Makes about 4 8 oz. servings from one batch.