Better late than never, right?

Well, we survived Christmas! I don't know why I was so stressed out this year but I'm sure glad it's over! I started having reoccurring dreams in July that it was 5:30 Christmas Eve and that I didn't have gifts for anybody. I would then rush to Wal-mart and start throwing random stuff in my cart and then I'd wake up in a cold sweat . That didn't happen of course, but I think next year I'll start earlier and do more online shopping. We had a wonderful Christmas and got spoiled rotten. Gavin was an expert present un-wrapperer (probably from all the months of practice destroying my magazines and grocery ads) and loved playing with the paper and bows. We redecorated our tree several times a day and are pretty sure Gavin understands "no" but clearly doesn't obey it. The best part of Christmas was that we were able to skype with my sister, Megan from Denmark. We love and miss her so much! Well, here it is, better late than never... Merry Christmas!



















































































































































Opening up Christmas pjs.









































We got Gavin a Fisher Price house and it has been the best $50 I've spent. He loves it and will entertain himself while I get ready in the morning, catch up on some dishes, it's been so nice!
















This is my darling nephew Kayson and his gorgeous Mom, Candee. Kayson reminds me so much of Gavin at this age.
































This is my newest nephew, Easton. Isn't he so precious?

Birthday Boy!

I can't even believe that Gavin is one! Where did all the time go? This year has been mostly exciting, sometimes exhausting, and occasionally sad, as I've watched my sweet little baby turn into a little man! He is quite a character and keeps me smiling. Here are a few things we love about him:
* He grunts and growls! You'd think a speech-therapist would have a really advanced talker but, no. :) His vocabulary so far is "hey" (to get your attention if you're not noticing how adorable he is), "hi", and my favorite of all, "mama".
*He loves to dance and strut his stuff, especially standing up in the bathtub.
*He is so cuddly and usually is willing to give open-mouth kisses and hugs.
* He loves phones, computer keyboards, remotes, light switches.. so curious and into everything.
* He loves having his lyric-challenged, tone deaf mother sing him to sleep.
*I love his laugh! My favorite sound in the whole world.

{Happy Halloween}

Cinnamon Roll Popcorn

Ingredients:

* 12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)
* 1 C roughly chopped pecans
* 1 C brown sugar
* 3/4 t cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 1/4 C karo syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)
* 1 stick real butter (1/2 C)
* 3 oz almond bark (about 2 1/2 squares)

Method:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon in a 4 C capacity microwave safe bowl. Mix well. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup over the top of everything. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.

Remove from microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. Mixture will foam and rise. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pecans and stir very well so everything is well coated.

Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined jelly roll pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread out on a large piece of parchment, waxed paper, or foil.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. When almond bark is hardened and popcorn is cool, break into chunks and enjoy!

Sara Wells -www.ourbestbites.com (Studio 5 website)

This recipe is a winner! Your house will smell like you made cinnamon rolls without all the work. I didn't put pecans in because I hate nuts in desserts. I also microwaved the caramel mixture for less time because the caramel sets up fast. Yummy fall treat!

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin....

Too many choices!































How about this one?












































Pretty pumpkins.












Too big.



























Just right!

Blue-Eyed Boy

When I was pregnant with Gavin, all the books I read said that eye color was usually established by 6 months. I wondered if his eyes would be brown like his grandmas'. I hoped they'd be the same shade of hazel as his dad's. Blue eyes like mine never entered my mind for some reason. It's funny to think back on that time and remember all the worries and hopes I had for this sweet little person who I hadn't met but already knew and loved. Happy 7 months Gavin!