DECORATING OUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE

As mentioned in an earlier post we decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. We didn't have Marcus that weekend because it was his turn to celebrate Thanksgiving with his Mom this year so we missed having him around to enjoy all the fun at our house as we prepared for Christmas! Also, I've really been missing seeing our family decorations [what few I did accumulate our first Christmas]. I especially missed decorating our tree as it's become a collective story of our joined lives and journey as a couple. My parents tree is 30 plus years of Bogenrief history and memories and it's the most beautiful tree, not to mention it is so fun to come home and see it and relive the memories as we decorate and enjoy it throughout the season.

Continuing on that same tradition, to start our collection we have an ornament from the day Manny proposed at Snowbird on his birthday in 2006, our first year as a couple ornament, ornaments from each place we visited on family vacation, we have babies first Christmas ornaments for Elaina and Marcus, etc. Well missing all of that, I had a hair brained idea to take the kids the 1st of December and go and see if we couldn't find a nice, real Christmas tree we could decorate as a family when Marcus was home again. I was really tempted to go get my ornaments and star and other decorations we had on our artificial tree we bought which is in storage but decided not too. Instead, since I planned to buy a smaller tree we went and picked out a few new additions and added them to the ones we had left out here at Mom's [baby ornaments and vacation ornaments from the last few years.] The favorite ones this year were seeing Mickey Mouse [which we bought in Disneyland in May] and our Newport Starfish with a bikini and surfboard. It's pretty bare compared to what I'm accustomed too [esp since the candy canes keep disappearing] BUT every year it will get new additions and one year the REST of our collection will be so beautifully displayed with them.

Daddy helping Elaina hang up some ornaments.

"Yay me! I did it!"

My cheesers! Love you two!

Elaina with our bare little tree but it smells beautiful and looks pretty regardless.

Marcus pointing at one of his 'babies first Christmas' ornaments.

We ran into a few snags while decorating [one of them was loosing our ornament hangers I bought and paid for-yes,they were on my receipt so I know I did and am not THAT crazy (yet).] We looked for an hour and couldn't find them. Which begs the question, why can't a soul buy a box of ornaments that have the hangers with them??? One of life's mysteries eh? More frustrating because we had so much to do that day and ran our butts off so we'd have time to decorate and do our fun family activity and have a nice dinner and then that happened. I didn't get dinner on earlier and happened to run into my Mom in Wal Marts parking lot and she gave me some steaks she had just bought. I had threw in potatoes to bake and we were running out of time and I needed Manny's muscles to help with the tree so Jason was kind enough to grill the steaks so Manny could help me get things set up so we could decorate. We weren't able to find them before Marcus had to leave [ended up going and buying more] so he was only able to help with the family ornaments we had so I wasn't able to get a picture of him with Elaina and the tree as I had planned. I took one of him tonight before he left so I had one with him but that's why it's late and why I don't have more pictures of him [stressing about trying to get everything done (decorating, dinner, cleaning, making sure everything was perfect, memorable and fun like Mom's do) before he left I didn't pull out my camera until after I stopped running around like a chicken with my head cut off.] Regardless that it wasn't the day I envisioned once again when I had this GREAT night planned for us...it was more like the Montes' version of 'Griswald's' decorating esp when after going to buy a second box of hangers, I got home went to pull the bag off my purse to decorate and they were GONE again! Um, yes. Burst of anger this time, hahaha! Luckily this time we did find them in the car. LOL, we STILL had a great time with you and Lainey despite the chaos, memories were made, just not the ones I was planning on! ;)

We sure do love you kiddo's!

It's Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas...

Growing up it was tradition to put our Christmas Tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. We were taught to enjoy the season of Thanksgiving before all the hussel and bussel of Christmas. Growing up like that, I LOVE the Christmas season but have never liked to do anything Christmas-ee until after we celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm even crazy about listening to Christmas music as well. The cd's/music on the radio don't get played by ME until Pie Day which is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving where all the girls go to Mom's to make the pies for Thanksgiving.

I missed the exciting part with Elaina last year as the tree went up because I had worked the previous night so I was excited I was able to be there and watch her help and see things this year and help her decorate where she could. Amy, Jessie and Justin came to help since it's such a big job so Elaina had a blast with Justin and Aunts and Uncle Dave and Uncle Jason [when he got there after hunting.] Here's a few snap shots of our fun day of decorating!

In the morning I did some cleaning and laundry downstairs while we waited for Dave to bring in the tree and get the decorations down from the attic to start decorating. I ended up just showering and getting ready real quick and when I came upstairs I found Elaina right in the middle of all the decorating! Mom, Dad, Jessie, Amy, Dave and Elaina were in a circle around the tree shaping the bottom piece of the tree. She was so cute helping and having a blast being a big girl.

Elaina hanging up some candy canes. She loved this part!

LOL, I love Justin's face, I wonder what he's thinking.

Working together, having fun.

So cute doing their thing.

They both wanted to be where the other one was hanging the candy canes...

Elaina checking out her work and admiring the ornaments.

They were so eager to help. We thought it was funny how they hung 3 right together and 2 on top of each other...

This was a result of them wanting to hang their candy cane on the same branch at the same time...awesome that they made a heart in doing so. :)

We had a really fun day. Manny got off work and we went to Cafe Rio for dinner [haven't been there in a long time so it tasted really good!] Then we went to a few craft stores and bought a few Christmas decorations to add to our small collection! It was fun to buy something fun for a change instead of throwing it at bills-even if it was just a few little nic-knacks. :)

Going to the Candy Shop!

November 24th Marcus' preschool got to go on a fieldtrip to Sweets Candy Factory. It fell on a Wednesday which is Manny's day off so him and Elaina went. Only a limited number of people could go so I didn't plan on going to allow room for other parents/siblings to attend but Manny and the kids had a blast!

Elaina all dressed and ready to go meet Marcus at preschool! They could bring a dollar to buy some candy at the end of the tour so I let Elaina choose which purse she wanted to take and put her $1.25 in it to buy her candy by herself. She was so excited to go with Marcus and Megs and Daddy and take her "monies."

Anxiously awaiting to go! I can't believe how big my baby is getting!

So big!

Marcus with his classmates waiting for the tour to begin.

Everyone got to wear a fancy hair net. So cute Lainey.

Typical Marcus! :)

Elaina and Megs

Nice picture Manny, but the girls are still cute!

Proud big brother with his little sis. So cute kiddo's. Glad you had so much fun!

Halloween Sneak Peak!

Marcus and Megan
Our little beautiful fairy and cowboy after their Halloween costume party at preschool. I should have gotten one with the two of them and Ms. Hilary but I wasn't thinking, she was a cute clown. They were both SO excited for Halloween and to wear their costumes 3 days in row! They had a preschool party on Friday, trick-or-treating on Saturday and then on Sunday [actual date of Halloween this year, we had Justin's costume birthday party which was super fun!] It was sure a cold one this year but we had a great time regardless. :)

Fall Preschool Fun

Marcus is really enjoying preschool. We are so blessed to have such a great teacher for him, one who keeps him excited about learning! Below are a few snap shots of some fun things they've been up too.

Pajama Day!

CrAzY hair Day!

Their class went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch in Sandy! They had lots of fun and got to buy a small pumpkin to take home.

My niece Megan who is also in his class. So pretty Megs!

Listening to the ol' pirates tall tails...Arrr Maty.

Having a little snack.

Making their way through the maze.

With Dracula!

Marcus and his buddy Owen.

What a fun pumpkin patch!

So handsome slic!

Having fun with his classmates.

Elaina's 2nd Birthday!

The Birthday Girl. She was SO excited!

Mommy and Elle with her cake

Marcus wanted one with little sis too. :)

Elaina LOVES Minnie Mouse! She was fun to watch as her cake was getting made and she recognized that it was Minnie! She loved it which made all the prep work SO worth it for the Mama!

Popi and Elaina before her party. Love this picture of you two. xoxoxo

Oh darn. I got this one in the wrong place but here's her with all her gifts, minus her new wheels! So spoiled [loved] Elaina. I hope more than the nice gifts you received, you remember you have a family who loves and supports you in all you do! That is more valuable than ANY thing anyone of us could have bought you [even though all the nice cute clothes and other gifts and necessities were nice and VERY much appreciated. You are very blessed to have a family that loves and adores you! Don't ever forget that.]

I didn't really think this gift through, once all the kids saw, they SWARMED the car! Cute Megs ran for it, pushing Justin out of the way and hopped right in next to her! LOL I wasn't able to get my reaction picture due to the utter chaos following the exact moment they all saw it but it was fun to watch them esp. the birthday girl.

I love this picture! All the kids went CRAZY when they saw it! They couldn't wait for a turn!

You wouldn't know by their faces, but they were lovin' it! I think Justin just got to get back in for another turn and then they went down the steep drive way and he wasn't too sure about it.

2 years old and already a pro at walkin' in Mommy's 4 inch heels.

Mommy and Elaina on her birthday at Chili's! She got to share some of my DP...another generation started. ;) Not the best picture of her but she's getting hopped up on DP and it's her birthday so the Mama let her!

Our handsome boys at Elaina's birthday dinner. Owe owe.

Elaina and her best buddy and friend, on her birthday. She LOVES her Papa!

I cannot believe you are already 2 young lady. You have taken us on more adventures and thrills than I could have ever hoped for and it's been 2 short years. Popi and I have loved watching you grow and develop. It's been esp. fun lately to watch as you learn to talk and is always amazing and a surprise when you just repeat a word we didn't know you knew. You have developed quite the attitude and personality. You are THE sweetest, most thoughtful, caring little thing but you also have a a saucy, sassy side too, kind of like your Mama. ;) You love purses, shoes [you love wearing Mommy's shoes around plus you always show off your shoes to ANYONE who will look], cell phones, Minnie Mouse is your FAVORITE but you also like the Princesses and TinkerBell. You love Cafe Rio (and their mints) and whenever we drive by a Rio, you shout, "Mommy, Daddy...Rio!" and throw your arms up in excitement. You love going for drives and special trips in the car esp with Popi and "Maca" -your word you CREATED for Grandma. You crack me up when you turn your cell phone backwards and say, "Cheese." If that's the worst thing I teach you, I can definitely live with that. ;) You have a very kind and tender heart, you get HEARTBROKEN if Daddy or Papa tell you no or scold you! It's the end of your world and looking at your face I can feel the pieces of your little heart just breaking. You love your Papa and Daddy, you've had both of them wrapped around your little finger since the day you were born. You take such good care of your Papa. One example is if you see his oxygen has come apart, you immediately pick it up and say all frustrated/worried, "Papa." and run it straight to him-I know you've watched "Maca" and I do this over and over and it kills me how cute you are every time I see you do it. Your buddies include: Papa, Maca, Marcus, Justin, Megs, Josh, Emmy, and Jaxon. [Besides Justin, I think you and Papa and Maca get into the most mischief together.] You love ALL your cousins, Aunts and Uncles and frequently call them on your phone to talk and say hi. You LOVE spicey foods including chips and SALSA which you have been known to drink on more than one occasion!

For these reasons and SO MANY others, you have forever captured my heart and I will love and cherish you for eternity as I know your Popi does too. Thanks for being our ray of sunshine when things go wrong or get hard. You are truly a blessing to all who are lucky to be a part of your life.

My Love Forever, Mommy xoxo

New Arrival Coming May 2011

It all started January this year with a very strong impression it was time for baby #3. Elaina still being pretty small at 16 months I wasn't really ready to have another one. The feeling persisted ALL year long. It was very frustrating seeing how Manny was out of work for 5 months the beginning of the year, I didn't feel like it was the responsible thing to do to get pregnant when he was out of work and not knowing what the future would bring. In May, I couldn't deny the feelings any longer so I called my OB's office to see about when I could have my IUD out. Soonest I could get in was July 28th. I figured it'd take 2-3 months to conceive like they said it does with most woman [even though you idealy can get pregnant right away] so getting pregnant in September or October seemed perfect. This baby had other plans though. ONE month and he's on his way, guess they were really in a hurry to get here after all. The end of August I was EXTREMELY tired, dizzy, and had brief moments of nausea. I remember sitting for a patient at work wondering why I was so tired and not feeling so hot. I kept telling myself surely it wasn't that I was PREGNANT already but thought about how I was with Elaina and then knew that I was. Elaina's 2nd birthday was coming up soon so I decided to wait to take a pregnancy test the day of her birthday so we'd officially find out on a special day. On Elaina's birthday, we got home from Chili's for her birthday dinner and I headed to take the test. About a half a second and it was very much POSITIVE. Manny and the kids were their room talking so I took it in to show him and we just told them right then. They were SO excited. I don't know that Elaina really knows what it meant but she was sure EXCITED. Marcus yelled, "I get to name it. If it's a boy it's Tiger, if it's a girl it's Tiger!"

September 2nd, the day we officially found out, too excited to wait. My plan was to order T-Shirts for both the kids to wear to Sunday dinner to make their big announcement. Marcus' would have said, "I'm going to be a BIG brother, again!" and Elaina's would have said "I'm going to be a BIG sister!" We wanted to wait to make Marcus a part of it but we wouldn't have him again for another 2 weekends because of the holiday; factoring in Manny's big mouth and the fact he can't keep a secret we decided to go ahead and tell Grammy and Papa the big news and tell the rest of the family that Sunday. My ghetto sign isn't a cute T-Shirt but at least it was somewhat creative vs Manny just spilling the beans. We wanted the kids to make the announcement and since I couldn't get a T-Shirt made in 2 days, this worked.

Here's a few of the families reactions to Elaina telling the them about her big news! I love the expressions on the kids faces!

So proud! She was so cute prancing around showing everyone her big news!