Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas Part Two: I Didn't Burn My Kitchen Down and No One Got Food Poisoning = Success!

Well, well, well, I'm proud to say that Sal Gal and I managed to pull off our Christmas meal cook-off and it ended up a success. But even bigger than that, is that we actually ate on time. This is HUGE for my family. I can't remember the last time we did anything on time. It's just not us. If we're early or on time people ask if something's wrong. But for some reason, Christmas dinner began exactly when we planned and we were all shocked. And so what, if maybe I secretly missed getting to walk around rolling my eyes waiting for the food to be ready, like I usually get to do.


On Christmas Eve, M to the Izz-A, Kate, and I attended our church's candlelight service. It was a special time to share with our church family (whom I absolutely love, by the way). Then we headed home to get ready for Santa. We put out the cookies and even attempted to leave our stock pile of pacifiers for Santa and his reindeer, but Miss Passy wasn't having it. At first she was excited, but then bedtime rolled around, and what had once seemed like a grand idea suddenly was not.


The whole weekend was one big Christmas activity after another - having Christmas with all the different sets of our family. It was a busy time, but I believe it was our best Christmas yet. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with a great 2009.




She really loves the closing-my-eyes-while-I-smile thing right now.








She cannot deny that I am indeed her mother. We both have fingers for toes - super long.









I told myself I was going to buy some Christmas pj's this year. Obviously I didn't follow through. I blew it. I guess I'm still hung up on the problem I had with Christmas pajamas when I was younger. I think I've shared before that it seemed that every pair I had was made of that cheap material that always got caught on my dry heels and caught static electricity like no other. I walked around sounding like a bowl of Rice Krispies, snap, cracklin', and poppin - whether it was from the gown getting caught on my heels or the electricity. Either way, it seems to have made a lasting impact on my opinion of Christmas pj's. I do realize that their are other, softer fabrics available, and while in my heart I've moved on and forgiven the pajama industry for their lack of concern for people with less than soft skin, my heels have not.












This game, Elefun, really is so much fun - especially if you wear your Dora skates and doctor's stethoscope while playing it.





Kate and cousin, Kennedy








He's either saying something really profound or really weird. I'm going with weird. Either way, he's got their attention.









My sis, Sal Gal, and Kate























Some of you were able to see the name written on the baby bump in my tablecloth drawing from my last post. Talk about having some 20/20!
I thought I'd go ahead and share it you. After all, you're my bloggin' family, right?
Hamp Aaron



18 comments:

Sherrie said...

It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas.

Weeksie50 said...

I love love when kids close their eyes and smile.. It is like their smile is so big it takes their entire face to show it... and I love that she was so excited!!!

and skates for Christmas.. to cute!

Dana said...

Like the name, Hollie....haven't heard "Hamp" in awhile :) It's very boyish...which I love!

Rebecca Jo said...

I've never heard of that name... love it! very original!

Kate can give all the moms out there a lesson - push your babies in their strollers while on skates! Speed up the trip!

Your story on the PJ material when you were younger totally cracked me up - I remember that too - they would hold static like a son of a gun!!!! HILARIOUS!!!

Lianna Knight said...

I just love looking at all your clothes...you are so stylish :)

And the name...precious!

Kristy said...

Love the name AND Kate's awesome pjs! It is so funny how we are alike! Too bad Florida is about forever away from Arkansas or we could so be bff! :(

Jamie Lynn said...

What a cute name:)

Jessi said...

I was thinking the same thing as Lianna above... I hope I'm that stylish when I'm preggo someday :) No frumpy clothes for this mama, NO way!

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

I just came across your blog and love it! What a gorgeous family you have!! Happy Holidays and to many more :)

Ashley said...

Hollie where do you shop?! You have the cutest stinkin clothes ever!!

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

Sounded like a wonderful Christmas! I LOVE the name and you all are soo cute! and you look gorgeous! BabyBoy is closing his eyes more during pics now too, that is so funny!

I am with Ashley too, where do you shop?? You always look amazing!

Perfectly Imperfect said...

looks like you guys had a great Christmas!!

And I love his name!!

Abby said...

A couple things...

A) Kate is SUCH a doll!
B) Baby name is darling - how did you come up with it?
C) It is not fair that you are halfway through your pregnancy and still look totally GORJ!!!!! Jealous much!

Happy New Year, Hollie!

Mary Beth said...

I'm finally getting time to catch up on all my blogs (after a few months!), and boy did I miss out on some news with you! Congratulations on the coming of Hamp Aaron!

Happy New Year, Hollie!

Shauna said...

Congrats on a new addition to be! I am catching up too and had totally missed this!! :)

L-O-V-E the name!

Anonymous said...

What a cute boys name! Love it! Is it short for Hampton? How did you come up with it?

Looks like you dinner was a success! Although, one downfall...everyone is going to want you to do it every year now.LOL!!! So much for taking a dish or rolls!! haha!

Kate is way too cute in these pictures!

Happy New Year!

Dawn

momofmoddy said...

Reggie and I are very blessed to have daughters that went to the trouble to cook a wonderful Christmas Dinner.
Yes, and even on time..
Cooking is not a favorite pastime of mine but I would like to be the one that prepared the meal for all the kids and grands to come home to.Hopefully, it wont be too long until God allows us to do that. I feel like I am missing out on it but I do get to enjoy g-kids and sleep overs at Christmas when I go home.This year she took gaga and papa to play in her room. We had lots of fun...she's talking so much now.

petrii said...

Hollie,
Looks like you had so much fun!!

LOVE your little boy's name!!!

Have a Super day,
Dawn