Hot Vinegar with Chili's from the Garden

This stuff is delicious.  We dried the chili's from our garden, we got about 6,786 of them.  You have to freeze them for two weeks (to kill everything that may be on them - ew) put them in an old soy sauce bottle and fill with plain white vinegar.  This is good on everything from eggs to salmon to popcorn.  Matt & I use this stuff on everything.

18 Months and Growing!

Charlie turned 18 months December, 30th. I think that makes him officially a toddler. Oh, my baby boy is gone. And has been replaced by an energetic, slightly-emotional, hilarious little boy. He is absolutely bursting with energy. If you get in his way, or slow him down, you may get a temper tantrum on the floor.

He is saying a few more words. He still says 'hi' about 649 times a day, but we also have shoe, see it, that, sometimes I think we hear a mom, and I'm pretty sure he can say dad. Sometimes it's just da.

He still goes to bed at 7, sometimes 7:30. Sleeps until at least 7, sometimes as late as NINE! (Mom & Dad love that) He takes a long nap in the afternoon. He still sleeps with a pacifier and takes one bottle before bed, both of which we will begin to break after the new year, not all at once though. He loves his blankey, had become very attached to his Curious George, likes books, trains, cars, anything with wheels basically. He still loves bath time and puts all of his toys in the bath by himself. It's weird to think how fragile and slippery he was at first, now, you just throw him in and splash him around a bit! I've learned so much in the last year and a half. I was so clueless about all this, but he has taught me so much, about baby stuff, but also about being a true mother. I love you little man.

Good Dog Shadow

Shadow is so tolerant of Charlie

We are trying to teach Charlie how to stay to his back, he was a little obsessed with Shadow's face.  He can't be allowed to touch dog's faces - that's how he could get bit (speaking from experience!)

And one of Lady for good measure.  Lady is kind to Charlie, she wouldn't hurt him, but he comes in the room and Lady is like 'I'm outta here, I'm too old for this crap'

B's New Camera

B got a new camera and took a ton of pictures, here are some of the highlights

This one cracks me up

Setting Up Charlie's New Train Set from Grandma & Grandpa McAuley

Look at those little chub-chub legs, ugh, I don't ever want him to grow up!

Charlie's UN

Discussing world peace, the transfer of power in North Korea & who gets to sleep with Charlie

Christmas with the McAuley's

After opening our gifts, we headed over to Grandma & Grandpa's. This year ALL of us were able to be together (a rarity with the teenagers becoming, well, teenagers) It was so fun and so good to see all my nieces and nephews. I have great nieces and nephews! Good food, good times.

Joshua & Jessica

Grandpa & Greg





Matt sleeping in a weird position, nothin' new

ooooo- presents for Charlie

Blocks!

Wooden train set- what a great gift for dad, I mean Charlie

Wait for it.....



Air Hockey Table!!!  I'm going to school the kids.  I am so. good. at. air. hockey



Alyssa, literally hugged her present she was so excited.  I LOVE this girl, she's absolutely hilarious

Charlie playing with his cousin's hot wheels

God's Little Princess!  Michelle wasn't feeling well, but was a total trooper.

(Our) Christmas Day & B's Birthday




The one picture from B's 17th birthday- we are just not good at taking pictures, that's usually her job.   She was much more excited than this, I swear.  We have a tradition of going to Grandma & Grandpa's.  I make chicken & shrimp alfredo and she gets crab legs.  I always make whatever the kids want for their birthday cake.  Bridgette is just like her dad and always wants cheesecake.  Between the two of them, I've learned how to make a mean cheesecake



The tree!  Got lots and lots of ornaments this year, lookin' a little more full than when I first put it up!

We do our Christmas on Christmas eve so Charlie can open his presents with his brother and sister.  We will always do it this way.  I'll just have to get creative with my Santa story.  Didn't have to worry this year, but this was probably my last.  I love it, it leaves Christmas day to just relax.



Setting up Ethan's new bow/slingshot





Matt loves that I put this picure on the internet







Charlie got a book, some magnets, a Vikings ornament.  The rudolph was from Lauren



Charlie pulling the trash out of the bag we just put the trash in





Super excited




My Christmas Nerd



figuring out something on the computer




getting ready to head to Grandma's