Special gifts...

Our families are always so kind and generous at Christmas and, of course, we LOVED all of the presents we received, but I wanted to post about a few, specifically, because they are really special!

Mike's parents really surprised me this year by giving me a book made from my blog. Anyone who faithfully updates a blog should look into this. I know my kids are going to love looking at it and reading what I thought of them someday! It's like a yearbook...hardbound, thick glossy pages and every one of my posts, from the beginning, up through mid-December, was included! It was such a thoughtful gift. I included the website on the collage below if you are interested in checking out the consultant's site. My mother-in-law said she was great to work with. :)

So, Mike walked into the house this evening to find me sitting in the living room (kids were in bed) dressing and undressing Natalie's new Bitty Baby and taking pictures of her. He was laughing and said I was weird...I didn't deny it. :) My mom MADE all of these cute little doll clothes to fit the doll baby she bought Natalie for Christmas. Aren't they so cute? I just love that they are handmade by her. They will be so fun for Nattie to play with! I did tell my mom that I was mad at her for not passing on her awesome sewing skills to her daughter.

I told my mom recently that Nattie will NOT leave a bib on. As soon as you put it on her, she rips it off. The velcro kind just haven't worked for my little Houdini. Anyway, my mom always had cloth bibs that tie around the neck for us growing up, and I knew Nattie couldn't get that kind off, so I asked her if she would make me some for Christmas. I know many people don't like cloth bibs because they don't wipe clean as easily and they don't have the little pouch for catching food, but I love them and I'm just glad she can't get them off!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Obviously, as is evidenced by the last two posts, my kids get PLENTY of gifts at Christmas time. So, Santa (not wanting to futher aid in the spoiling of my children) brought just one gift for each kiddo and a few small stocking stuffers for Benny too. Ben got a Darda racetrack and LOVED it! Natalie got a baby doll. She got several this Christmas from different people and, for some reason, she just got SO excited whenever I'd unwrap a package that contained a doll. I think it's so funny how she is such a girl already. :)

Finally, a short video of my sweet girl checking out her new baby doll! Please try to block out my annoying baby talk...oh my!

Moser Family Christmas...

We had fun spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Mike's family. I hosted Christmas Eve at our house. It was the first time I'd ever hosted that large of a group, but it turned out great and I don't think anyone starved...so I was happy about that! (By the way, I don't know how to post pictures in moderation...it's a real problem...sorry!)

I love the pictures of "the grandmas" (upper left) holding the calendars we made for them!

On Christmas morning we headed over to Papa and Nana's to open presents with them. I, for some reason, didn't take many pictures. I think, once I opened my gift, I was too enamored to pay attention to anything else (more on that soon). By the way, the ant farm is staying at Papa's...he is having ants shipped to him?! :) I know Ben will love it.

The day after Christmas we headed to Columbus to spend a little more time with Uncle Brad and Aunt Christina. Ben loved his digger and Natalie got some adorable clothes!

We went to the Columbus Zoo that evening to see all the lights and check out a few animals. We are blessed to be a part of such a loving and generous family!

Christmas in Missouri...

Ben, Nattie and I spent the weekend before Christmas in Missouri with my fam celebrating the holiday. We missed having Daddy with us, but he had basketball coaching responsibilities back home. We got to see most of our Illinois family too, so it was lots of fun and lots of people! I am blessed with such a big and loving family! Here is just a few bazillion pictures from our visit...

Fun with cousin Emma...

Opening presents...Nattie got lots of cute girlie things for her 1st Christmas!

Spending time with my extended family (wish I had gotten more pictures of these cute people!)...gosh I miss them!

Finally, just a few random shots from our visit. It's always good to be with people I love!

11 months...

Today my little girl is 11 months old. She has learned a lot in the past month. She is walking around everything now and has even taken four or five steps on her own. She is getting more brave now and it won't be long before she is walking! She waves and says "hi" about 100 times a day. If you say hi to her she puts her hand up by her ear and says it back...like she's on the phone. She loves to raise both hands in the air when we say "Nattie is SOOOO BIG!" and she gives the best hugs around the neck. She has five teeth (three on top and two on bottom) and she still drools a TON! Every outfit is soaked through in less than an hour of getting dressed (she's already wearing size 18mths!). She has many more bruises and scratches all over her little body from crashing into things and falling. She has the sweetest little personality and is such a pleasant, smiley little thing. I love this girl!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

This Wednesday Mike will turn 31 years old! We have a busy week ahead, so we celebrated tonight as a little family. Ben had fun helping me fill out Dad's card and wrap his present. He wrote out "Happy Birthday, Daddy!" in his own handwriting (I just had to spell!). We love you, Mick! Happy Birthday!

Ben REALLY wanted to sing Happy Birthday to Daddy. Here he is...

Prayers for Grandpa...

I would greatly appreciate prayers for my Grandpa right now (my Mom's Dad). He is currently in the ICU recovering from two brain surgeries to stop bleeding in his brain. He is 84 years old, so any surgery (let alone brain surgery!) will be extra tough on his body. I am told he has a long recovery ahead. I have a large family who, thankfully, are close by and able to visit him and take care of him. There are a few of us who live away, but love him just the same. I know I can't really help him or my family in a tangible way right now, so if posting this would cause one more person to pray for his recovery and healing..it's the very least I can do. Please pray for my Grandma, as well. Thanks so much! Grandpa, we love you and are praying for God to heal you!

Friends...

We had a fun, kid-free, evening hanging out with good friends (we've been in a Bible study together for the last two years). We went out to eat, shopped a little, and enjoyed some Starbucks and good conversation. While in Nordstrom Rack (I love this store!) Travis tried on a lovely pair of shoes (see below) that I really thought he should have purchased. I can't figure out why he didn't??? Travis, you look awesome. :) Thanks for a fun time, friends. We can't wait to do it again!