Christmas 2011

It was a busy but fun Christmas this year. We started things off Friday 12/23 and didn't stop until we got back from TN late last night. Benjamin was a trooper for most of it, he definitely had his moments but for the most part he seemed to really get into the whole Christmas spirit :)

David put a slide show together, I admit I got a little teary eyed the first time I watched it. I just can't believe how big Benjamin is getting. I'm so glad we got to spend time with all of our family around the Holidays. We made some great memories!

Just a warning, the video is 10min. long :)

More Pinterest Stuff

I saw a picture (on pinterest of course) for the pine rope around the light fixture, so David helped me get it up there. I think it adds a nice little touch. I also got the branch idea to display Christmas cards from pinterest too :)

Pearidge 2012

Every year we go to Pearidge tree farm in Hermann. It's so much fun and I look forward to it every year.
It was pretty muddy and cold this year but that didn't stop us!

Good thing Alison had a spare set of snow boots with her b/c it was super wet, but they were kind of hard to get on so Benjamin had a hard time walking in them














Quality time with Grandpa














David and our little tree for the kitchen














Awww...how cute














David must have been playing with the settings on the camera, I had no idea he was taking pictures in black and white but this one turned out pretty cute














After we picked out the perfect tree we headed back for some hot chocolate and let Benjamin explore some more




























And then a visit with Santa. I think he asked Benjamin if he had been a good boy this year and that's when he started clapping














Trying to warm up by the fire














This is the best group shot I got with all the kids. You can imagine how hard it was to get them all to look at the camera at the same time :)















Click HERE to see the post from last year :) Pretty crazy to see how Big Benjamin is compared to this time last year!

Thank you Pinterest

I have found so many ideas and recipes from Pinterest. I can't tell you how much I love that site! Seriously, if you're not on there yet-get over there NOW :)

How cute is this? It's my cupcake stand with ornaments. I would have NEVER thought of that on my own!



















When I picked Benjamin up from Alison's yesterday she was making fudge for the boys teachers at school (she's such a cute room Mom) It inspired me to make some fudge of my own. I pinned a cake batter fudge recipe a while ago so I finally made it last night and HOLY MOLY! This stuff is amazing! How cute are those sprinkles?

Benjamin

We have a VERY active boy on our hands. And it's starting to become a challenge finding things to stimulate the little grubster. I tried to get creative and make my own toy with pipe cleaners and clothespins. I thought it would entertain him for at least 10 min. But I was sadly mistaken.

Here is my fabulous creation














And then 2 min. later....














And then 1 more minute...














It's like he was looking at me saying, Ok-I pulled all of those weird furry stick things out of the bowl with holes, now what's next?

Next on the list of things to try, make home made play dough. David and I finally got around to it last weekend and it seems to be a hit.

It was actually super easy to make. And I already had everything needed to make it. Flour, vegetable oil, salt and cream of tarter. Don't ask me why I already had cream of tarter. It must have been from a recipe a while back b/c I don't remember buying it :)




























My cute little helper














Speaking of cute little helper, doesn't he look like an elf in this picture















Ok, back to the play dough...
Why did I struggle so long with what colors to use? I have two sets of food coloring, primary colors and then a neon set. I decided to go with neon green and neon blue after several unnecessary minutes of deliberation, I guess it was the libra in me-I'm terrible with decisions:)





























After he realized play dough does not taste good he had fun with it :) I've gotten it out a few times since we made it. So A+ for play dough :)

Next up-finger paint. We'll probably try that this coming weekend. I'll be sure to take a ton of pictures

Dierbergs Cooking Class is NO JOKE

I always stare at the people taking classes at Dierbergs cooking school as I walk by the window because it looks like so much fun. I finally took the initiative to make it happen and signed up! And not only did I sign up, but so did Katie and Racheal :)
It definitely exceeded my expectations. It was fun and everything was delicious.

Winter Chopped Salad















I got so caught up in everything that I accidentally forgot to take a picture of the amazing mulled wine and the even more amazing Spicy Shrimp Bruschetta w/Garlic and Lemon Aioli. I'm pretty sure the shrimp bruschetta was my favorite and that says a lot b/c generally I'm not much of a seafood kinda girl. Racheal loved it too, she actually pounded the table top demanding more Shrimp Bruschetta :) It was pretty darn funny.

I did manage to snap a picture of the main course and dessert

Baked Pasta w/Chicken Meatballs, Spinach, and Fontina














And finally the dessert, Warm Almond Cherry Cake with Bourbon Whipped Cream














After we were done stuffing our faces, our awesome teacher offered to take a group picture (she was so sweet)
My friends are so pretty :)














I will definitely be up for a second class. Now the problem will be deciding which one.

Benjamin made up his own language

Can you understand what he is trying to say because I sure can't!!! He seems to think he knows what he's saying. It seriously cracks me up every time he starts his jibber jabber rants.

Getting ready for Christmas

I decided to get a jump on wrapping this year and wrapped the few presents I have so far. I decided to go with the natural kraft paper and use homemade gift tags and ribbon to decorate.
I bought Benjamin a cozy coupe for Christmas, I'm pretty excited about it. David and I put it together last night. It's not by the tree anymore, it's tucked safely away until Christmas morning. I hope Benjamin gets excited when he sees it :)

We took the gate down from around the tree and surprisingly enough, Benjamin hasn't messed with it. He'll walk up and look at a few of the ornaments but for the most part he doesn't pay any attention to it.

Benjamin's big gift this year is going to be a toy box. David's going to make it from scratch, I'm soooo excited about it! He also just finished making some book shelves for his room. I love the color all of the books add to his room














And Benjamin seems to like it too, the toy box will probably go under the bottom shelf, or maybe in place of his chairs



















Is anyone else done with Christmas shopping yet? I feel like I'm kind of slacking this year, I've usually made more progress by now. I still have soooo much more to do. Oh well, I guess it's only the 5th so I still have time :)