Choo, Choo, Tommy is 2!

Yesterday was Tommy's 2nd birthday. It's depressing to me how fast the time goes! I don't think he had a clue it was his birthday, and didn't quite grasp the idea of opening presents or blowing out candles--he had better things to do. I guess there's always next year.

Fun, Uncle Denny Style

While Tommy's middle name is actually from Papa Denny, he seems to follow after Uncle Denny in many respects. Especially his affinity for cars, trucks, or anything that's loud and moves fast! Couldn't keep him off the Razor.

Christmas Tree Pictures

You wouldn't think it would be difficult to take a picture of two kids in front of the Christmas tree. However, when Tommy is involved, even the smallest task can become monumental! It took me about ten minutes and fifteen pictures to even get these.

Thanksgiving Pie

Both kids got in on the action of making a homemade cherry pie (at least mostly homemade--I used prepared cherry pie filling). We spent a quiet Thanksgiving afternoon with Shari's family since Tom couldn't be home. He was actually in the United States, just not in Arizona, so he had his Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrel.

Thought I might weasel my way out of cooking a turkey this year, but not so. Tom has informed me that when he comes home next week, he'd like a "late" Thanksgiving dinner with the family. One more thing to add to my list of "things I am thankful for"--a husband who never lets me get bored!

Bad Hair Day?

Apparently he is having a bad hair day. However, I tried to explain that in order for that to happen, you have to have hair!

Traditions

In relief society last week, I listened to women talk about traditions that their families have during the holidays. I couldn't really think of any that have stuck in my family, but it just occurred to me today that Tom and I have a tradition that dates back to our honeymoon.

When we were in Jackson Hole browsing through the gift shops, we picked up an ornament that we wanted for our first Christmas tree together (mind you, it was only June). Ever since then, we pick out a new ornament for the tree each Christmas season (now we let the kids do that for us).

Today, Tommy picked a race car ornament (sorry Tom, he still seems to love cars a little bit more than planes!), and Sammie picked a cute little penguin inside a mitten.

We also try to pick up ornaments throughout the year at any special places we visit. This year I think the only place we picked up an ornament was in Key West. Since I don't get out as much since we don't have flight benefits anymore, I guess I'll have to have Tom pick up ornaments from around the globe (that way, he can reminisce over all the cool places HE has gone while I've been home changing diapers).

Out of Character

Lately I have been doing things that are very out of character for me. Or could it be, that in my old age, I am getting much more forgetful?! I like things organized, very organized (even my DVD's are in alphabetical order, and a long-sleeve shirt can't hang in the closet with the short sleeve shirts). I think it's the combination of age and doing too much multi-tasking that's getting me into trouble.

Explain how a wife, who has packed her husband's suitcase since 2000, would forget to send him even one pair of jeans or shorts on a trip lasting anywhere from 8 days to 3 weeks?! (Not to mention the trip before that when neither Tom nor myself remembered to grab his jacket as we headed to the airport!) Then there's the fact that I lost my keys one week ago, and still haven't been able to find them. I'm using Tom's set as a loner, and if those disappear as well, I'll really be in trouble.

I've had way too many blond moments lately--I think it's all the blond highlights, and I'll consider going a nice shade of brown in the near future!

Messy, But Organized

Although Tommy is famous for making messes around our house, he still seems to feel the need to organize his clutter (can't image where that comes from!).

The vehicles are always lined up.

After stealing t.p. from the linen closet and throwing it everywhere, this is how I found the rolls when Tommy was finished.

Modern Art

I think times have changed since my day. Had I brought home a turkey 20 years ago to decorate as a school project, I would have considered myself lucky to have some nice crayons and markers to complete the project with.

However, crayons and markers weren't even allowed on this project of Sam's. We had to be more creative (more expensive!) and use items such as cereal and various other art supplies.

After a pricey trip to Michael's, Sam finished her turkey w/ crunched ramen noodles, pipe cleaner, glitter glue, wiggle eyes, feathers, felt, posterboard and pom-poms. So cute, you could just "gobble" it up!

The Art of Sharing

Sharing is not something you see everyday at my house. Sammie is six years older, and has many prized possessions she won't let Brother touch. Brother will be two this month, and has mastered the word "mine," and believes anything and everything belongs to him.

But you have to admit, it is cute when it happens.

Halloween Fun

Poor Daddy! Halloween is one of his favorite occassions, and he was somewhere between Hong Kong and Australia! Mom probably didn't do Halloween as good as Daddy would have (I didn't even carve the pumpkins!), but we still had fun.

Handing out candy in style!

Ah, the all important task of sorting and counting . . . (can't imagine where she gets the "need" to organize from?!)

Mommy's Little Monsters (or Vampires)

I vant to suck your blood . . . acutally, I just want Mom to take this stupid costume off!