Landry's People

Landry started drawing people yesterday!  I was so proud of her, and you'll see in the pictures, she was quite proud of herself too.  She gave them two eyes, a nose, two ears, a mouth, and legs that came right out of the bottom of the mouth.  She also gave them one very important accessory, shoes.  You may disagree, but I think they are the cutest people I've ever seen :)

And while we are talking art, check out how Landry has been coloring lately.  She is doing an excellent job of filling in all the white and staying mostly in the lines.  I must also add, this is one creatively colored bear.  

Miss Manners and Sir Spits-A-Lot

This post is about both of my kiddos on two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Even before Landry could talk, we encouraged her to use manners.  She would sign please and thank you, or sorry, etc.  Now that she does talk, we tell her to ask politely when she wants something, we remind her to say yes mam, yes sir, as well as a plethora of other things. 

Recently, Landry has been trying to enforce manners on us.  If she gives us something, she says, "What do you say to me."  Of course we respond with "Thank You" and she gives the appropriate "you're welcome".  Another thing she's doing is saying "yes" instead of "yeah".  Now I know some people enforce this with their kids, but it has never been a big deal to us.  I'm not sure where she's getting it, but she is talking very properly.  Also, when I say something that she doesn't want to hear, she tells me, "Excuse me!  Excuse me!  Wait!"  Yikes, that one has backfired on me.  Anyway, it's really funny watching her learn what is socially acceptable and well-mannered.  Hopefully, the things we are teaching her will pay off in the long run.

Now on to Eli.  Eli hates all table food except for carbs.  He could eat a whole loaf of bread in one sitting, I believe.  But offer him a vegetable, it comes right back out.  The funny thing is the usually spits the moment it touches his lips.  Just a couple of days ago I offered him a bite of soup.  You'll see what happens in the video.

The first part of the video is Landry saying "yes"  It's very short, but you can still hear what she sounds like.  It's kind of funny.  The second part is Eli doing is thing.  It's hilarious!

Little Drummer Boy

My little one has found a new passion in drumming.  He drums on anything and everything: the floor, the couch, his toys, the windows, the toilet seat, whatever is within reach.  Isn't it appropriate that he's decided to be a drummer boy around Christmas.  HaHa!  Here is a video of him drumming, with a little sprinkling of Landry "exercising".  

Trimming Our Tree

One of my best childhood memories is decorating our Christmas tree.  It was just such a wonderful family time!  We'd always turn off the t.v., put on the Christmas music, drink egg nog and hot chocolate, and just enjoy each other.  As one would expect, I want a similar experience for my own children, so last week we set aside a special time to decorate our tree.  Landry got out her boom box with her kids Christmas CD.  While Cory and I drug out the tree and the ornaments.  Next year, we are getting a real tree, but we'll save that for later.  

As soon as we opened the box of ornaments, Landry immediately starting sorting through things.  She knew exactly what to do, thanks in part to her Elmo Christmas DVD.  

First she got the ribbon just right. LOL

Then she gathered all the ornaments.   She was straight business!

Eli had other things in mind, like eating the ornaments (surprise, surprise),

and taking anything and everything off the tree.  Thank God for plastic Christmas balls

Truthfully, my children may not even remember this event when they get older.  They are still a little young.  However, I have added it to one of MY favorite memories along with all great memories of decorating the tree as a child.

Some Friends for Eli

Landry thought Eli needed some friends to go along for the ride with him.

Not sure if he was as pleased with the idea.

Dirt and Worms

It seems daddy might be spoiling Landry a bit. but that is quite alright!  Daddies should spoil their little girls from time to time.  You see, every Sunday and Wednesday night after church, Landry usually rides home with Cory.  And almost every time, they come home with dirt and worms.  So you're asking yourself, that's the way he spoils his little girl?  Well, take one look at the pictures and you'll see why!

Our Thanksgiving Feast

Since Cory and I have been married, we have not been able to travel home for many Thanksgivings.  If we have to choose between Christmas and Thanksgiving, we choose Christmas.  Instead, on Thanksgiving, our parents come to us.  Last year, Thanksgiving was extra special because we got to host some soldiers, who otherwise would have spent Thanksgiving alone.  We had such a great time getting to know them and telling stories about our lives.  So this year, we wanted to celebrate in a similar way.  We are not as close to an army base now, so we did not host soldiers this year.  However, we did host a couple of wonderful friends!  


My parents came in on Wednesday, as well as one of our college students from Georgia, Olive.  We cleaned and cooked all Thursday morning, and then everyone arrived at noon.  The food was delicious.  Cory fried a turkey, my dad baked one, and we had sides and desserts fit for a king.  


After dinner, everyone visited, played some games of washers and Mexican Train Dominoes. It was really a blast!


I am thankful for a special Thanksgiving!