Christmas Parade

     We all went to the Christmas parade this past weekend! We all had a blast, it was cold and really dark where we were sitting at (I was using the flash light on my phone to get some of these photos!) But it was so much fun. Kolton was intently watching the lights, and ever so often would smile. It was like he was in a trance haha. Kiki sat on the curb and waved at every float, whispering Merry Christmas the whole time. It was so sweet. After the parade, we stayed for the lighting of the town tree and the fireworks. Kolton never cried even though we were right beside the fireworks, he just watched them explode in the sky. It was a great little outing, and I am so glad the girls were able to come with us. We would have taken Kolton regardless of course. It was fun. Next on our agenda, visiting Santa Claus!!

xoxo
Jamie

Thanksgiving

     This year Thanksgiving was a small event. I started out the day upset and royally ticked off. Every plan that had been made fell through. We were originally supposed to go to Florida and spend the Holiday with our families there. When that fell through we planned on having my oldest brother and his family over. Due to unfortunate events that did not happen either. It took me most of the morning to collect myself and remember what this holiday is all about (well, what it has become) I needed to remember to be thankful for what IS. At that very moment, I am alive. My son is happy and healthy, my husband is there for me. My dad was able to be there. I have a home, and food to eat. I realized that morning to stop relying on every plan to go perfect. (not easy for a planning perfectionist) I am going to try and be more in the moment and go with the flow. Thankfully My dads friends, Brenda & Joe were able to come over, and they helped (Brenda cooked everything for the most part) us prepare our Thanksgiving feast. We got dressed up, turned on football and ate a meal far too big for us (ya know, since a family of 6 didn't show up... its okay, they ate the leftovers when they came at a later date) Kolton had mashed potatoes for the first time, which all he did was spit out. Overall it was a nice day, with friends, food and full of memories :)

xoxo
Jamie

Kiki's Fourth Birthday!

   This past weekend we celebrated my nieces 4th birthday. When my sister in law asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said she wanted to go to Auntie and Uncle's house. So, they came to our house. I set up a simple(affordable) birthday party for her (could be why she wanted to come to my house haha) All of the party decorations came from Target, I think the banner was the most at $4. The cake stand, is actually the one I used at my wedding. The cake came from Walmart for $8 and the awesome, awesome candle on top was from Target for just $3!!! All in all, I think the decorations and cake cost me under $30. :) I always try to do affordable, yet cute parties for the girls, when I am the one hosting. I absolutely LOVE putting together these little parties for them <3 

    We did not go over the top on gifts. She actually REALLY loves clothes, so some cute clothes from Kohls and Walmart, and an Elsa doll(so she won't keep trying to play with Keli's special Elsa doll again) & a fun puppy. She misses her Roxy. Their dog died the day of my mom's funeral. (way to make a day even more sad :/ ) And the dog, Lucy, was definitely the favorite gift by far. :) It is pretty neat though, you speak it's name, and a command, and the dog does the command!!

This cake turned out seriously awesome! Don't be surprised if you see the candle holder used again in future birthdays!!

Some of the randomness of the day:

& some play time at the park:

 Notice the water on the slide above? LOL

 Kid is so funny, see Kiki to the left(above)? She threw it, then put her hands up saying "oh no!"

& (above) a funny outtake.. notice the puppy? It flew off the slide.. haha.


xoxo Jamie