Our Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Tyler and Jack were so excited and so thankful for their gifts, it made the holiday so much fun.

On Christmas eve we have a tradition that the boy each get to open one present. This year Jack opened his gift from G&G H. he got the DVD Kung fu Panda. Tyler opened his biggest present because he was sure there were transformers in it, turns out it was a remote control car. After opening presents we all watched Kung fu Panda. It was a great night.

Christmas day was fun, Tyler was so excited that "Santa" came and brought him gifts. First the boys opened their stockings. Jack had two Nerf balls in his stocking, this was all he really needed to be happy. Tyler and Jack were both so happy with what they got, it was fun to see how happy, and appreciative they were for the gifts.

For breakfast we had sausage, eggs, waffles, and hash browns. Later we had a Turkey dinner.

We played inside all day because it rained all day, strange for AZ.

It was a great Christmas.

Mike was the toy box opener.

The boys with the presents Christmas morning.

The above picture is an example of what happens when you give your baby a marker to color with while you are trying to make dinner. Good thing I put him in his high chair.

I always have a hard time thinking of what to give Mike for Christmas. This year I decided to give him some photos to put in his office. We went to Kiddie Kandids, the boys were so difficult we had to do two sittings. Overall I think the pictured turned out good. I have a hard time with secrets so Mike already knows his gift.

Kiddie Kandids is giving out free 8x10 portraits right now. You can print a coupon out from their web site.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We drove out to California to visit the Lauricella clan. All seven of Mikes brothers and sisters were together for the Holiday. Jack almost ruined our turkey, because he was playing with the stove knobs, and turned the oven on the wrong setting, luckily Carol caught it in time, and our dinner was saved.
The above photo is a picture of our boys at Lowes. We were buying paint to paint a shed for the Higleys. I wish every store had carts like these. Grocery shopping would never be the same.
On Friday Nov. 28Th Mike's brother Matt organized a family Olympics at the park. Tim and Jessica were the winners.

Grandma & Grandpa Lauricella spoiled the grand babies with Christmas gifts. We opened them so Grandma & Grandpa could enjoy watching the kids excitement. Tyler was in heaven. I can't wait for Christmas this year.

Things I Am Thankful For

Today I have been reflecting, and thinking about what I am thankful for. Here they are (not in order). I am soooooo thankful for my wonderful husband, he is a good man, Mike provides so well for our family, he truly gives us everything we could ever want or need. I am thankful for my two beautiful boys, it is a joy to be their mom. Tyler and Jack teach me something new everyday. Who couldn't be thankful for the wonderful country that I am blessed to live in? I am grateful I am an American. I have been blessed with wonderful parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. I am thankful for a beautiful home. I am fortunate enough to have my own car. Friends, my own friends, and my children's friends.

Well I could go on all day, indeed I am blessed. Take a minute to think about all your blessings, and the things you have to be thankful for.

Happy Birthday Heather

Tuesday the girls went to dinner to celebrate Mrs. Lewis's Birthday. It was a fantastic night. Thanks for the great time Heather. What beautiful friends you have.

Today is a great day. I finished my two week project of refinishing our door. I think they turned out beautiful. Dad you can be proud, I stripped sanded, stained, and polyed them all by myself. What a messy job.

Last weekend we all went to the park. The boys (Mike Tyler & Jack) played soccer and T-ball.
Mike helped Tyler climb the fence. Jack enjoyed going down the slide all by himself.

This is what a 18 month little boy looks like when you feed him lunch at the park. Food and dirt all over his face. Jack was in his element.

I laughed so hard when I saw this picture. Jack looks like he should be on a poster for starving children.

On Wednesday I helped Joellen with her Christmas cards. I think they turned out so cute. I hope she doesn't mind me posting them. I just finished some wedding announcements for my little brother David. I really enjoy making cards and stuff. I'm thinking about doing it as a side gig....

Tagged

In respone to Heather Lewis's spectacularly fantastic invitation, I state the following:

Q: Where is your favorite place to people watch? A: The Mills Mall. There's no better place to watch obese girls, covered in tattoos, squished in undersized prostitutesqe tube tops, holding a new born in one hand, and a double scooped ice cream cone in the other. The Mills Mall ... its fantaaaaaastic.

Q: Best place to get a soda? A: Quick Trip. I grap the 44 oz cup, fill it with about 20 oz's of Coke, and 20 oz's of vanilla syrup. And I'm good to go.

Q: Nickname for in laws? A: Big Craig and Lil' Carol.

Q: Celebrity I least resemble? A: Denis Rodman.

Q: If I had to watch hubby make out with another man who would it be? A: Rosie O'Donnell.

Q: What is the worst outfit I ever wore. A: My entire Jr. High and High School wardrobe quailifies. Just check out the photos. I wore hiking boots almost everyday.

Always Watching

I am currently sanding and stripping our front and back doors. It is a lot of work, but will pay off in the long run. I looked down stairs, and I found two little helpers hard at work. I was reminded yet again of how observant kids are. I hope I am being a good example.

Halloween costumes

Shane's Rib Shack

Today Mike took us to one of my favorite places to eat, Shane's Rib Shack. This place has the best BBQ pork sandwiches in the world. I can eat a whole sandwich (which is saying alot for me). Every time we eat here I say how much I like it, and eat so much I make my stomach ache. Any ways the reason for the post is because until Halloween kids who wear their costumes get a free meal with a paying adult. Sanes is located just off of Ray and the 10 address is 7131 W. Ray Rd. in Chandler. Go ck it out tell me what you think.

Our Halloween fun has begun. Today the Greene family invited us to a Halloween party. We all had a great time. We enjoyed fantastic food, fun games, cute costumes, and great friends. What more could you ask for?
The rest of our week is also filled with loads of fun, so these won't be the last Halloween pictures you will be seeing from us.

The line up.