We had a blessed Christmas all in all. We have not had Christmas with my mom and brother yet, but that is to come. My mom has been really sick for a long time and hopefully sooner than later, she will be feeling up to par and we can go enjoy another family gathering. We love them.
Speaking of family, my brother in law, Aaron, came from Rhode Island for a great visit. We were hoping that we would get to keep him here with us because of the huge snowstorm in the east. Unfortunately, he did have to leave us this week, however. His girlfriend, Christina, was with her family in North Carolina, but was sweet enough to remember Ellie and Reid. She sent gifts which the kids were thrilled with.....but truly I think they would have enjoyed Christmas a lot more if she could have been with us instead of gifts. Maybe next year! Ellie got a cute baking gift set along with other gifts as well, but we thought we would give this one a try. Reid was napping nicely one afternoon, and it gave Ellie and I perfect baking time! Thank you, Christina!
What an ensemble! Complete with muffin mixes!
Betty has nothing on Ellie!
It's very important to spray the baking cups since Mommy had no paper baking liners.
Mixing and more mixing...
Scooping and more scooping...
Dropping and more dropping...
Tah-Dah! The perfect muffins! Thanks again, Christina!!!! Miss you!
I curled all her hair up and then pinned each strand that I curled. Oh, and I used lots of hair products. Lots.
Ellie was admiring her curls in the mirror. 
Yippeeee! Curls!!!
My pretty girl. Love that face!
There she is! Curls and all!
I love having a girlie-girl! 
What an ensemble! Complete with muffin mixes!
Betty has nothing on Ellie!
It's very important to spray the baking cups since Mommy had no paper baking liners. 
Mixing and more mixing...
Scooping and more scooping...
Dropping and more dropping...
Tah-Dah! The perfect muffins! Thanks again, Christina!!!! Miss you!
Aunt Holly sent gifts in the mail from Florida, and as you can see, Ellie was in shock that Aunt Holly sent accessories for her Zhu Zhu pet that were just perfect!
Ellie all dressed up for her holiday music program at school. I am amazed how grown up she is! 
Seeing Santa was lots of fun this year. Reid was asking Santa, "Where is your mouth?" And the entire time he sat there, he was fixated on trying to figure out where Santa's mouth was. Needless to say, all the people in line behind us had a great laugh. 
Ellie and Santa having a little heart to heart. 
Santa was asking Ellie if she had been good this year. She wouldn't look him in the eyes! Maybe a little guilt set in due to terrorizing her brother from time to time! 
Edge shaving gel is all you need....
But be careful.....6 year olds and 3 year olds can take it a little too far....(and I guess the 34 year old in the above picture can, too!)
Add some paintbrushes to the mix, and life is just grand! And if you are asking how the shaving cream became shampoo to Reid....do you really have to ask??? It's Reid...remember!
I am not sure who is to blame......you decide.
Shaving cream fun.....wow....a completely messy way to get some good, clean fun!!!!
