Santa was good to us this year! I am in amazement of how blessed we are to have so many people think of all of us at this crazy time of year. Jeremy and I started a tradition when Carter was first born to only give 3 gifts as the wise men brought baby Jesus 3 gifts. It helps us keep the gift giving in check but somehow our kids still end up with a ton of stuff! Thank you to everyone who thought of us and all the very special gifts we received. Now, I just have to find a place to put it all! Our Christmas plans had to be altered this year due to Mother Nature yet again. We spent Christmas eve at home, just the 4 of us. We made our traditional prime rib and crab leg dinner and opened presents. Christmas morning the kids opened their Santa gift and we all checked out what Santa left in our stockings. We had planned to head back home to spend the day with both sides of our family but a nasty ice/snow storm caused us to stay home. I was pouting for awhile as it was the first time in 34 years that I had not been "home" for Christmas. My parents lost power on their farm with the temperatures dropping down to the 40's in their house so I kept reminding myself we were in a better place! Nice and warm! We were able to make it back on Sunday for 2 celebrations and the next weekend to celebrate with Jeremy's mom. Carter and I went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks on Christmas day just to get out of the house!
The name is Rex, you can call me captain or sir, please try and remember mom!
The captain Rex box was a big hit as well!
Oh, maybe they do love each other?
Apparently, all 17 month old girls automatically know what to do with lipstick? Who knew? I think we could be in trouble!
The kids each got a recordable book from G&G Berry. They read and recorded a story to them so they are able to hear their voice whenever they want! What a great idea!
Carter and his second cousins, McKenzie, Maycie and Nolan. Claire had had enough and fell asleep on grandma's lap.
The kids and I did some baking for Santa. I am not too sure they were edible by the time the kids got done with them. I had to throw them both in the tub afterwards! They had fun making a huge mess!
Last weekend Jeremy and I took Carter to see Curious George at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. It was a good show and nice to spend some one on one time with Carter! Grandma was nice enough to come down and watch Claire for us!
Last Sunday we lost our beloved Max. He was 2 weeks shy of turning 14. Although we are super sad we know he lived a good long life and brought a ton of joy to our family. We have been reminiscing about him this week, here are some of our favorite things about him.
6 months old
1. He picked us, we didn't pick him. We got him at a kennel in Omaha, in the spring of 1996. Jeremy and I lived in a studio apartment in downtown Omaha and thought it would be a GREAT idea to get a dog! What were we thinking? We went to a local kennel and after walking around the numerous cages, we were on our way out when the sweatshirt I had tied around my waist got caught on something. I turned around to find this golden retriever with the end of my sweatshirt in his mouth. Well, needless to say, we couldn't resist.
2. Max lived in 15 places in his lifetime!
3. His tail waged in a circle!
4. He loved to rest his head on your lap.
5. In his younger days he knew many tricks, like play dead, treat on the nose trick, shake, and hide and seek.
6. He loved stuffed animals!
7. He was great with kids, even in his older years when he was stiff and sore he let them do whatever they wanted to him and he was never cross with them.
8. He'd do anything for a treat or a belly scratch!
Everyone seems to be adjusting to his loss. Charlie paced the house for 2 days looking for him but has finally calmed down and is eating again. Carter has mentioned him a few times, mostly asking what we think he is doing in heaven. We had him cremated and plan to bury him at my parents farm when the ground thaws out. RIP Max.
On a happier note, I get to see Lion King this weekend with my mom and sister so I am super excited! I have heard it is amazing!
