I survived

I made it through my first Christmas Eve Party being the host and I survived. Boy do I have a much greater appreciation for my Mom & Grandma for all the years they've thrown the parties. We all had a great time. Santa (my Dad) even stopped by after dinner. I think Johnny and I will be eating left over Ham till next Christmas. Here are some pictures from Aven's First Christmas and our First Christmas in our new house.


Austin trying not to laugh cause he knows it's not the REAL Santa

Landen trying to convince Santa that he's been a good boy all year. Sorry Landen that is Papa and he knows what you've been up to!

Aven enjoying his back rub from Papa P

Opening up his gifts

Kid's Dinner Table

Adult Dinner Table

So Sweet

My husband may be a bit strange sometimes and want toilet seats for Christmas but he also can be super sweet when he wants to be. I got up this morning dragging because I was up ALL night with Aven and not looking forward to today. Thinking of all the stuff I have to finish before tomorrow and not looking forward to working cause I'm super tired. I walked in the office and saw that Johnny left me a little gift. He even picked the flowers from our front yard.

Johnny Crapper..I mean Adams

Of all of the stuff we still need for our house. I get an email from my husband this morning saying that he thinks we should get this for our bathroom. Is anyone elses husband asking for something strange for Christmas or is mine the only one?? haha

Sorry honey but you are strange sometimes :)

A year ago today...

I found out that I was having a little boy. I can't believe how fast time goes by.

It paid off!

I knew taking foods 1-4 in high school would eventually pay off one day. I only took the class so I could get free food at school. Well my friends, yesterday I finally got something out of it. We all know I'm not a great housewife. My friend had her cookie party yesterday and everyone had to bring their favorite recipe. If you know my family, you know we just weren't born to be cooks. So the fact that I won the best tasting cookie was a huge honor. I know it's doesn't seem like much but when you've grown up not knowing how to cook this is exciting stuff. A few years back when Bridget was celebrating her first Easter as a wife she called me cause she didn't know how to hard boil eggs....So you get the idea. :)

So if any of you need a really good cookie recipe here it is.....

1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick butter, at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (18-ounce) box moist chocolate cake mix
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the cake mix. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up so that you can roll the batter into balls. Roll the chilled batter into tablespoon sized balls and then roll them in confectioner's sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake 12 minutes. The cookies will remain soft and "gooey." Cool completely and sprinkle with more confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Flashback Friday

I don't know what's worse... my hair or the fact that I'm holding my crotch. I actually remember taking this picture. My Dad told us to stop for a picture and I had to go to the bathroom so bad. Brenda is not even worried about me she's more worried about her cool pose. I laugh everytime I see this picture.

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that we finally have some sun today. I was kinda getting sick of the rain.

2. I am thankful that I got a nice hot shower this morning and Aven didn't cry the whole time.

3. I am thankful that I get to see my friend Courtney twice this week. Usually it's like once a month if were lucky. Thank you Courtney for doing my hair. I no longer look like Shakira.

4. I am thankful that I get to see alot of my close friends tomorrow and what better way to do it than with a cookie party. Friends and dessert...what could be better??

5. I am thankful that I found the Christmas gift my mom got me about 5-6 years ago for a massage. I was even more thankful to find out that it doesn't expire. I need to get one sooo bad.

6. I am thankful that I am almost done with my Christmas shopping.

What is everyone else thankful for this week?