Message for the Grandmas'

Abby and I taped a message for her Grandmas'. No, I couldn't get her to part with her car, but in part of our conversation/exchange/jargon, she signed Grandma very clearly and deliberate. Very, very cute.

Abby's 1st Reaction Christmas Morning

We had a GREAT Christmas! Everyone received more than they asked for and we spent the holidays with family and friends. Abby was a complete crack-up. She enjoyed being the center of attention and she loves her gifts. As a parent, its funny, your worry that you haven't given enough, but when it's all laid out, you realize it's plenty!

I was able to capture Abby's first true response to her gifts today. One of Mike's Christmas presents to me was a camcorder. No more movies from my camera that have a clicking noise from the autofocus. Yeah!

P.S...Growing up, my dad always joked that Santa and sleigh wrecked in our livingroom because of the mess. By 12pm I also had that same thought.

May your holiday be as good as ours was. Merry Christmas...

Raising Utah

Today Abby and I went to do some errands. On our second destination, Abby found her bag with a pull-up in it.
Now let me give you some back information on the pull-ups. Abby LOVES them, I bought the ones with Arial and the princesses, and she ran to get them everytime she needed changing. So when she ran out, I bought her the ones with Jasmine from Aladdin and the princesses. On the evening of that first changing it was pretty late, I went to check on her, and noticed her diaper was pretty wet, so I changed her (I had to wake her up). During the course of that event, Abby saw that they were "different" princesses. That must have been exciting for her because that night she got out of bed FOUR times to look at the pictures on her pull-ups. For the next week, Abby carted around at least five in her doll stroller, ate meals beside them, and even slept with them. Finally, the new-ness wore off and we are back to normal, or so I thought. I have since ran out of pull-ups, but I would like to use the remainder of the diapers we have, so I haven't restocked the pull-ups just yet.
Now back to the story, Abby found the very last pull up in her bag. I guess she figured since she couldn't put it on because of her car seat she would do the next best thing.... It was so funny I had to pull over and take a picture.To borrow a quote from the movie Raising Arizona, I say, "Son you got a panty on your head."

The Catered Affair

So just to give you the update, the feed back I received was:

1. I was a good cook (pronounced kook, she is from Scotland). My thoughts? How appropriate, I am a kook too.

2. How did Trish find me, and did I also service the Holiday area.

3. If I wasn't in the catering business, my talent in the kitchen is wasted.

Bam! That's right, I brought it Martha Stewart!

Cinderella to Prima Donna with a dress...

Every year Abby gets a holiday outfit from her Aunt Hilary. These outfits are always gorgeous, so each year from the first, I am under the tree to see if I can peak before Christmas. This year was no different, EXCEPT, Hilary sent a note giving permission to open the box as soon as it arrived. The note also said to open the smaller package right after. Well, as you can see the dress is exquisite. The color is perfect for her completion and it fits like a glove.

When Abby opened the second package, Mike was the first to figure out what it was, and he couldn't stop laughing. When I finally clued in, I couldn't stop either. Abby received a matching Christmas dress for her baby. How perfect is that??? She loves it. Infact, I let Abby and her baby wear the dress that evening and it was a battle to get them off. (She even locked her arms so I couldn't get the sleeves off, when the two dresses were finally off, Abby wouldn't look at me for 10 minutes!) I blame Cinderella and her blasted movie for this situation, which we watch at least once a day!!!

That being said, I have attached some pictures to share. The first one posted is not what you think, Abby is actually upset because I sat her on the couch to take a picture instead of leaving for church. I'm sure Abby's thinking was that she wanted others to see how pretty her dress was, ha ha ha! Even my mom can attest to Abby's extra ordinary fashionable ways... The second picture is her sulking by the door. We are not leaving fast enough for Abby's approval. The last two, Abby finally getting her coat on, so we can leave. Sulk to smile in a split second. Too bad I couldn't get the pacifier away for a decent picture :/

That all being said, Aunt Hilary, you truly outdid yourself this year! The dress is beautiful, as is Abby in it.

Memories of Past Christmas'

My neighbor brought over an Advent Calendar for Abby. I didn't know they still made them! It made me remember the years Gma Stoker gave them to us grandkids. Of course my chocolate was always gone by the third day! :)

The Christmas Social

Abby DID like the Christmas Program! She tried several times to go onstage with the kids. The only reason I don't have a picture of that, was because I was the one making sure that didn't happen! :D As you can see, she moved the chair so the sheep fell down. Anything to get a better view. BTW, my family wasn't on the first row until Abby decided she needed to have a better view.

It really was a great Christmas Social. Next year will be even better when Abby will get to preform with the other Primary kids.

Abby vs Santa Claus, Round 2

Well, there you have it. The whole extent of their interaction! I did try and put her on his lap for a picture, but she wasn't having it. Abby didn't even stay till we could take the picture. So there you have it, Round 2 (for two years), Abby 1 / Santa 0.

Geraniums Are A Hardy Bunch

This is what I have on my patio this morning. Yep, December 10th, and I still have flowers that are blooming. Who knew it could be done with snow on the ground? They definitely aren't growing like they did in the summer, but they still don't look bad. There is a portion of my patio that is covered, but the picture just above this article doesn't really get much shelter. I am hoping they will stay alive till Spring, but I think I am asking for too much! :D

Go Elf Yourself...

Totally, totally cute. I saw this on a friends website and thought it would be fun to do my family. Watch us cut a rug! :D http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1161201825

The Dress

This week Abby had her picture taken in the family dress. This cute little dress was originally given to Mike's Aunt Kathy from her grandmother, Abby's great-great grandmother. Since then, all the Preas girls have had their pictures taken in it. I was pleased with the results.