Happy New Year!

Happy 2010 to everyone! I had a nice, quiet (well, as quiet as it can be with 2 3yr olds running around the house) evening at home. Kevin worked so it was just us. They were really good, played together nicely so I was able to remove all ornaments from the dying tree. I have never had all my decorations up this long after Christmas but between work and the kids.... just too tired. The resolution on top of my list right now is to CLEAN the house. Not just dust and clean the windows but I want to clean out every drawer and closet and cabinet in this place. Get rid of everything! We are going to clean out our unused downstairs area and create a play area for the kids. They are too big and their toys are too numerous to all be upstairs. I am planning on taking my vacation from work around the same time we have carpet laid downstairs. I want to organize everything. The 2 1/2 years we have spent with our kids has been amazing but I have not really been able to do much around the house in that time so I have decided that the time is now. I am crazy excited! My 1st project (after packing away all the decorations) is to tacke our closet. It is no longer a "walk in". It's a mess. A big one.
My next big thing for 2010 is to get my photography business off the ground. I have done a good bit of practice sessions and everyone was really happy with the results. I know I have LOTS to learn but I've got to start somewhere. It is my passion. I must follow that.
The kids are happy and healthy. Jackson has grown an inch in the last 6 mo and Iz has grown a half inch. Last weigh in she was 27lbs and Jackson hit 31. They are growing up! Jackson is my eater. He will try most anything while Iz just covers her mouth with her hand. SHe does, however want to smell everything. Crazy girl. It's her "thing".
Isabel talks all the time while my Jackson is more the strong, silent type. :)
He is the sweetest, kindest, gentlest little boy while Iz is more like a bully in the body of a beautiful, petite little girl. She just can't seem to help herself sometimes. We're working on her though. I told her that Mommy will always win. :)
They have discovered the alphabet and spend all day asking me what letter everything starts with. They can identify most letters (if in the mood or mindset to do so). Writing is a bit of a ways off. Iz is showing interest but Jackson had rather just draw a train track. :)
Potty training is 90-95% complete. Thank goodness!

This will have to do for now as I am exhausted! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas (morning)

Christmas morning was just perfect! Jackson woke up first (which is totally the opposite of how our mornings usually play out) and we had him just hang out with us in our bed while we waited on "little Missy" to get up. He kept asking if Santa had come. So sweet. Anyway, Iz finally woke up and we went into the Living Room to check it out. They were so excited! Santa does not wrap gifts at our house so everything was already laid out. Most everything was already assembled and put together (we were up until after 1 trying to get the marble race game put together. I do not reccommend this task to anyone.) Jackson got mostly Geotrax trains. We ahve so much Thomas the Train that I decided to go a different route. I think he's pleased! Iz got mostly toys involving Toy Story. She has been in this phase for a long time now. She got new Buzz Lightyear and Woody figures, a big RC Racer, a bucket of toy soldiers and a space alien. Mom got her the microphone and got both kids Smart Cycles (video games they have to pedal to play). I think we are going to take Jacksons back to the store and exchange. He is in a phase right now I will call the "Scared of everything" phase. He got on the cycle and one of the features is that it vibrates. Well, the first feeling of a vibration and he was off that thing and NOT going to get back on. Isabel likes hers (she pedals fine but this steering thing isn't going so well right now. Baby steps.
Anyway, Kevin's parents always spend Christmas morning and day with us, lunch and a little bubbly. We were all spoiled with gifts. I got a Flip video camera which I hope to break out of the box soon and a huge external harddrive and backup system. Mom gave me a new camera bag which i love! We had a wonderful Christmas and I am so thankful for my wonderful family. I have the best 2 kids in the world. I am so blessed.

He has the sweetest little face

What more could a little boy ask?

She loves an audience

Bucket of soldiers....they are Isabel's. :)

Nana giving Iz a kiss

Jackson in "Jackson's World"

My sweet boy

Iz and her new Woody

popcorn for breakfast... only on Christmas. :)

she is giving Jackson her green beans for Christmas. :)

yep, her vampire teeth are her favorite!

Merry Christmas (Eve)

Bad, bad blogger. Yes, that's me. I have neglected the blog I once took such pride in. Well, I'm back. My NY Resolution is to get it together and start to keep track of all the wonderful things my kids do. My memory seems to be fading and I want to remember all of my crazy life! :)
One of my favorite nights of the year is Christmas Eve at Mom's house. Everyone is there together, Mom always surprises us with a new "costume". The kids were so excited about Christmas this year. We had FUN! Here are the pics from the evening and I've got alot of catching up to do so I'll be back soon.

Todd pulled the winning stocking this year! $$