nutcracker 2010.

Today, Ethnie performed in the Nutcracker ballet at St. Cate's University. She was a baby mouse and had a small part in Act 1. She did great! She was so excited and wasn't nervous at all. I volunteered backstage so I got to be a part of all the action. After Ethnie's part was done she started crying because she didn't want to take off her costume. She said, "I want to be a mouse all day." She looked adorable and had a blast. Matt and I are very proud of her and can't wait to watch her in her next ballet!

santa babies.

This was the first year Ethnie would sit on Santa's lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. This happened to be the third Santa we saw this season so it took her a couple of times. She was still shy, but has definitely gotten better!

This year is Emmett's first Christmas. He sat on Santa's lap just fine and we got a professional photo taken for his baby book. I think it turned out pretty cute. We hope you all have a very merry Christmas!! Love!

snowpacalypse.

Last weekend we had a massive snow storm. Most of the metro area got 16+ inches of snow. Yeah, I know, awful. St. Paul schools were cancelled Monday and Tuesday because buses couldn't even drive down the side streets! And that's AFTER multiple plows. So Ethnie, being bored at home, attempted to play outside in the yard. She only lasted about 20 minutes. Not only was the snow up to her waist, but it was in the single digits as well. When she came inside she was frozen. Here are some pictures I took from inside watching her trying to walk through the snow. Stay warm everyone!

emmett turns 5 months old.

Emmett is getting bigger by the second! We can't believe he is 5 months old already. He really wants to sit by himself, but can't yet. He is grabbing at anything he can reach and smiles constantly. He really enjoys sitting in his entertainer and playing for longer periods of time.

thanksgiving at home.

So I turned 28 on Thanksgiving this year. Sigh. I'm still getting used to it... Anyway, we hosted Matt's family this year and I think for the most part it was a success. Everyone was able to make it (13 of us total) and we had a great meal. I didn't have to cook everything, but I was nervous about what I did make because it was for a lot of people and I used new recipes. The green bean casserole and potatoes I made turned out to be delicious. One can't really go wrong with marthastewart.com, right? I was also happy with how my table decor turned out. I went to the grocery store and got some bouquet fillers to put in vases and some fresh pears to use as place cards. I added some candles and Ethnie's artwork from school to the mix and - tah dah! Thanksgiving at home.
Among many desserts, our sister-in-law brought a birthday cake for me. It was a 'turkey' cake complete with mashed potatoes, carrots, beets and drumstick wrappers! I thought it was adorable and very appropriate for the occasion.
Ethnie was so excited to wear her new Christmas dress so we let her. She was the prettiest one of the party. It was Emmett's first Thanksgiving and we were so excited to have him join us. He loved all the company over too. Gobble gobble!

interested in free christmas cards? how about 50?!

Check this out!

is doing a Christmas promotion of their new 2010 holiday cards collection and giving away 50 free cards! I'd say that's a pretty sweet deal! It's also motivation to get your cards done and out on time.

Shutterfly has tons of adorable photo cards to choose from(803 to be exact), which makes it hard to pick because I want so many of them. A photo card is a great option because you can send someone you won't be able to see on Christmas an updated photo and holiday wishes all in one shot. I think most people not only want to know how you are, but also what you look like from year to year and a photo card gives you both. The styles and ideas Shutterfly provides are great! Here is the link to the photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards. I really like this one because it's simple yet elegant:

I really like this one because it has that classic Christmas look:

and this one is my favorite because of the sparkle and it's all about the picture:

Shutterfly has many other products as well. This is the link to view their cute calendars: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars. The features of these calendars are awesome because they incorporate photos to remind you of upcoming birthdays or other events! I like the wall calendars the best. Here is an example:

And how pretty are these?

Shutterfly also makes Christmas party invitations, which can be seen here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations. I know people are always looking for good ideas for parties and get-togethers so check out theirs!
I hope many of you read this post so you can take advantage of a great deal.

Michelle