Merry Christmas (2011)!!!

My Hubby is the Big 3-0 Today!

I really can't believe this! When I met my hubby he was a mere 20 year old, and today, he turns 30!

In order to celebrate this momentous occasion,  I threw him a 1920's themed 30th birthday party (a week early since his birthday is Christmas Eve Eve ;)

Get the connection to the theme??? ;)

I used cute music sheet note scrapbook paper since my hubby is very into music and it tied in with the jazzy-ness of the 1920's

Guests were greeted by a prop stand...

"Another decade in Jeff's life has past, his roaring 20's sure were a blast. So let's celebrate this new chapter to come, by stepping back into a decade of fun. Pick your prop and dress in style, of this jazzy decade ending in a short while."

And "photo booth"

My MIL actually just happened to have a set of these "roaring twenties" glasses! So perfect!

I used playing cards and ribbon to make streamers throughout the house.

The spread

I had to get a close up of this yummy chicken caesar salad spread! I just kinda threw it together and it turned out pretty good! (shredded chicken, caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, finely shredded arugula, and dashes of garlic powder and pepper)

I used wine and martini glasses as candle holders

I set up a "Mocktail Bar" full of fun mocktail recipes

I have to say the old man mustache was quite appropriate ;)

We couldn't resist...

And the guys joined in on the fun (Dustin, you are killing me! lol!)

Grammy and Grandpop watched Holly Bug so mommy could play hostess but she had to get a quick pic with daddy at the end of the night.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life! I hope all your birthday wishes come true!

Hollyn is Five Months Old Today!

Hollyn, you are five months old today. I'm so in love with this age you are at... I just wish I could freeze time.

Let's see what you've been up too...

We went to the doctor today for your five month check up and you weighed in at 15.6 lbs (still 50-75th%), you were 26in long (75-90th%...coming down to earth a bit ;), and your head was 40.25cm (still my little peanut head at the 10th%). The doctor said you are advanced for your age since you've hit a lot of the 6 month milestones...

You have discovered you can fold in half to reach your feet and you've decided those tootsies are quite tasty.

You are sitting up with very little support.

{21 weeks}

You have become quite the mover and groover... one way or another you wiggle around and you have recently taken advantage of your rolling ability, realizing you can get from one side of the room to the other. (Not sure mommy is ready for your mobility). Between your wiggles and strength, it's pretty tough to keep your play mat in one piece ;)

Your daddy turns... wait for it... 30 this week! So we threw a 1920's ("Say goodbye to your roaring 20's") theme party for him. (Grammy and Grandpop watched you so mommy could play hostess but you made your debut)

You got to participate in your first Christmas baking day with the girls.

You giving Aunt Kristy some love

You had your first picture with Santa...

And second (I wasn't so happy with the first).

When we went to Bass Proshop to see Santa, we also checked out the giant fish... you were quite impressed.

You have grown into your jumper and really like it.

You are discovering your voice more and more and you love to squeal... sometimes I can't help but egg you on ;)

{20 weeks}

You have always loved to be sang to... especially by your daddy... and especially when he makes up silly songs for you (so I had to sneak this video).

{19 weeks}

You love your tiny pillow pet from Grammy and Grandpop

{18 weeks}

Your smile and laughter is so contagious! You bring so much joy to our lives and watching you grow and learn is the best gift we could get this Christmas!

Christmas Goodies

It has been a sort of tradition for quite a few years now that my mom and I and (more recently) my sister spend a whole day making Christmas goodies. Every year we have our staple goodies and then we like to try some new things. We always make a huge mess and we never estimate enough time, but when it's all done, it's worth it! And I love that I have this special tradition with my mom, which I plan to carry on with Hollyn (who participated this year by napping and playing with Aunt Kristy).

This year I found a perfect ornament for my mom! (And of course I got one for myself too ;) I love the idea that every year when we put this on our trees we can think of all the fun memories we have shared baking together!

(My sis has decided her tree will only have pig ornaments so I got her a cute pig... but I didn't think to take a pic)

Like I said, we make a big mess...

But we were very productive...

Chocolate covered cookie dough balls

Gingerbread men

Oreo truffles

Pecan bark

Coconut bon-bons

Homemade turtles (thank you Pinterest)

Peppermint bark

Yummm!!!

Thanks mom and Kris for a successful and memorable day! Here's to over indulgence! :)