December Moments

December was 'highly productive' for the Taylor family.... so needless to say, not much made it to the blog, so I have compiled a collage of Decembers pictures. Events shown are some fun holiday activities (decorating and making our own gingerbread houses), holiday parties at the kids schools and preshcools, Dane's love for bathtime, and other random hightlights from the month! Enjoy!

Christmas Morning

Myles has referred to this day as the best Christmas ever. And I honestly think it's because he got to play video games all day. And truthfully he hasn't been playing too many games on his new NIntendo DSi as much as he has been doodling on the little game system. Elliott has had a great day, too. Myles has so nicely shared his new toy with her. Elliott could share her new toys, however, Myles isn't into Barbies! I have enjoyed watching the children play and play and play some more. It's amazing how well they both shared, played, and were angleic children all day! Dane of course was on stimulation overload between the wrapping paper and all the platic ties. Santa was smart this year and untied all his gifts, so they could immediately be chewed on and played with! Now, maybe next year Santa will untwist and cut all the packaging on Barbie stuff! Elliott was so thrilled wither her 'Nuggie' known to everyone else as Snuggie, yes, you've seen the commercials. My five-year-old is a marekting departments dream child, as she descirbed to me the 'nuggie' that she had seen on a commercial! And she told me this two days after I had already got her one.... it was too funny! For Elliott, each morning she wakes up and heads down to the couch and cuddles up in a blanket. And that is why she wanted one. So when she opend her 'nuggie' she was so happy. Seth was thrilled with his Christmas, too. Santa brought him (and the kids)their own laptop computer. Who would of thought you would need two computers for one family. Seth also got a new game for Wii and a Levi jean jacket. Seth so dearly got me a pair of Ugg boots, man the warmth and comfort is amazing. Elliotts list of presents includes barbie items (tattoo Barbie, shampoo Barbie, and Bicycle Barbie), Bitty Baby stuff, American Girl doll bed, Snuggie, and that's about it. Myles got the Dsi and a few games. Which h e really didn't need the games once he found out you could doodle. And I got boots! Everyone was happy. What a wonderful time of year!

Our 'Learning' Advent Calendar

My mother and I were shopping and we saw this cute Santa, she said it would make a great countdown to Christmas... and I took it one step further and made it a learning Advent Calendar. Each morning I put 25 minus the day of the month, and Myles had to solve the problem. He enjoyed this activity and if I didn't have the problem up when he woke up, he asked me where his proble was for the day! I am thrilled to have such an eager learner!

Here is a quick video of Elliott and some of her preschool class singing at her Christmas program last weekend! Elliott was so cute, she wanted to get pretty for her program. We curled her hair, put on make up, and wore a pretty dress. She is so much fun to have as a child (challenging at times, but fun.... for example, today, I was giving Dane a bath, and in swoops Elliott. She lathers up her hands and starts washing Dane's hair before I can even say 'no' or anything at all, and she does a darn good job! I have to learn to let her do and not continue to say no, stop it, and so on. So like I said, she is a challenge).

And up goes the tree

Okay... quick note... I am behind on updating my blog, and usually I like to go back and post date the entries, however, I am playing catch up, so please forgive me!

Here is a photo, a rare one in which the ENTIRE family (dog included) is in one photo. How did this happen, you ask. My parents were visiting and my mother snapped a few good photos! Oh man was it fun to finally put up the tree (which actually went up a few weeks ago)! Elliott loved dragging out all the decorations and ornaments! She keeps asking whena re we going to put up the lights outside! WE've never put up lights outside, maybe t hat'll happen next year! I also love getting out all the ornaments, as it seems most of them have a special meaning!

Christmas Meaning

What's the meaning of Christmas can vary from person to person! This is the first Christmas in a long time that we have brought religion into our Christmas, and it was a wonderful feeling and will continue to shine a light in all of us! Elliott attends Acton United Methodist C hurch for preschool and in this she learns basic facts about the bible. We are not regular chruch attendees, to be quite honest, it's been years since we've attended a service. I do attend MOPS at Indian Creek in which I can gain fellowship and friendship. So where am I going with all of this... a few days ago, Elliott mentioned Dane looking like baby Jesus as she propped him on a pillow! And I thought, what a great photo opportunity! It's not every Christmas you get to have a baby! And the kids (with ice c ream as a reward) cooperated enought to capture a precious shot of our own version of Mary and baby Jesus and an angel!

Holiday Open House photos....

Below are just a few of the projects available! There are no specific times, simply show up and 'make and take it.' Questions, please feel free to call me 317-937-8940! I look forward to seeing some of you there!


Joy 12x12 Layout
Create this single page layout entitled Joy. Cost $3.50.


Gift Jar
Embellish the jar on the outside and fill it on the inside with candy treats! This would make a perfect (inexpensive) gift for teachers, bus drivers, postal carriers and so on! Cost $3.50.



Decorated Christmas Frame
Cherish your photos with Santa (current or years past!), family photo or any other Christmas photo inside one of these hand crafter decorated frames. Cost $3.50 each.



Coaster Chipboard mini album
Create this adorable Chipboard mini album using coasters and new My Minds Eye Christmas pattern papers. This album would make a great addition to your tree, gift, or keepsake! Cost $3.50


Recipe Book Make N Take
This book contines 4x6 page protectors with Recipe cards inside! Each Booklet comes with 10 pages and 10 recipe cards. Additional pages recipe cards will be available for purchase. This book is perfect to cherish family recipes, family favorites, and would make a great gift! Cost $7.50.

Oooopps...

I guess I should pay more attention! Dane was at my feet, and I was talking with a friend. Not thinking too much of him getting into anything! Thank goodness Elliott was watching him, and took the marker out of his hand otherwise, who knows where it would of ended up! My friend, Vicki, looked down and Dane and said Oh My Goodness, what is on his face! Oh it was funny, he was just smiling big time! And my dear, Elliott, was such a big helper and took the marker out of his hand and gave it to me! This is my eye opener that I need to be a bit more alert with Dane and his surroundings. No more letting him down around my scrapbook desk. None of the other kids were hand-to-mouth babies. Dane, however, puts EVERYTHING in his mouth! Oh well... Vicki said it would be a great picture, so of course I had to snap a few! Dont you just love those big eyes and inquisitive look!