Nativity Scene

Ellie Bellie Kids: Gift Wrapping

I have to say, trying to figure out how to wrap a tutu made my head hurt a bit. And since this is not a service we normally offer, I had to come up with a technique on the fly. Thank goodness for extra tissue paper!

We're Dreaming of a White Christmas Tree...

Dave: Hey when we go artificial, we go artificial.

I have to say the picture doesn't do it justice. The tree really glows this beautiful white from the inside out. It pre-lit so all we had to do is assemble it and plug it in. How beautiful is that? And best yet, all the ornaments we bought only cost $15. Fifteen bucks to decorate an entire tree? Now that's something to make the holiday season bright.

Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours

Yes, that's us in Target hunting for our Christmas tree. The Starbucks hot chocolate and warm apple cider really helped enhance those warm and fuzzy holiday feelings. Man, now that I think about it, I should have gone two aisles over and grabbed a bag of Pepperidge Farm cookies. Then the whole experience would have been complete. Hmm, something to look forward to for next year.

Seriously though, isn't it a pretty crazy day when your kids' memories of getting the family tree involve a cup of Starbucks and a trip to Target? Oh well...

Here's to making those magical holiday moments your own. Happy Holidays!

Thanks for the Stories

When we're driving in the car, it's a given—Ellie at some point will ask, "Mommy, can you tell us a story about two little babies?" This question will be repeated over and over until a story is finally started.

Now, these stories are kind of like Mad Libs. Remember those? Anyway, the stories are fill in the blank and always involve two central characters: baby Ellie and baby Jonah. Most recently, these two baby heroes have taken to adventures on a farm to get a gift for their Daddy. Why? I'm not sure, but since the story is told jointly, I don't always get to choose the direction. But let's just say, Farmer Brown has an amazing array of sheep's wool for sweaters and wax for birthday candles.

Opera

On Sunday we took the kids to see an opera. Yes, you read right. We took our four year old and 18 month old to see their first opera. Crazy? Quite possibly. As a matter of fact it was our first opera too.

We went to see Amahl and the Night Visitors. It is a great little story about a precocious boy who likes to spin tales. He and his mom are extremely poor and Amahl’s visions of grandeur are one night made a reality when three kings (the three Wisemen on their way to see the baby Jesus) knock on his door.

I have to say the kids did remarkably well! Jonah sat and munched on his graham crackers and intermittently pointed to the singers and then randomly to the lighting. Ellie did eventually whisper her questions rather than yell them out loud. And since it was only an hour long and the opera took place in a church where the performers used the aisle during the performance (so they were right there next to you at times) it kept the kids and us entirely engaged the whole time. On top of that having a live orchestra and choral singers, well, it was all very moving.

So Ellie and Jonah got a little culture this weekend. Frankly, I'm glad. I was beginning to fear they thought the tv was the center of the universe.

Ellie: On Little Brother Jonah

Jonah is a cranky boy isn't he. He doesn't listen, he doesn't know any better (brief pause) and he bites.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Yesterday, our big guy celebrated his birthday in style. We all lunched together at the Cheesecake Factory, strolled around, then caught a showing of Flushed Away. It was the kids' first movie together in a theater. They were completely mesmerized by the big screen. As Dave and I giggled throughout the movie (it was very funny!), Jonah quietly watched while nibbling on popcorn and graham crackers. Meanwhile, Ellie wouldn't take off her new winter hat from Baby Gap—she said she looked so cute.

Looking More Like Papa Everyday

It's Been Too Long...

Last week, we were reviewed by Mommies With Style. It was a wonderful write-up and between that and the inclusion of us in their newsletter, we had a ton of interest in our line. It was a very busy and exciting week filling all those holiday orders. Between that and prepping for our dinner party, we had our hands pleasantly full.

So I'm sorry I didn't post any pics or entries last week, but we're back now!
(feel free to insert your applause here...come on you know you wanna)