Christmas season

Chase and I finally got the outside lights working. Santa came by our house last Wednesday via the Lodi Fire Truck as his helpers collected cans for the Lodi Community Center. Chase was awe struck when Santa called out to him, "Merry Christmas Chase. Merry Christmas Jennifer!"
"Mom! HE KNOW'S OUR NAMES!"
Of course he does!
Last week was also the Christmas program at Chase's school. It was cute but w had to duck out after the 2nd graders because Maddie wasn't feeling well. Turns out ear infection number 5. Time to see the ear specialist.
Last night we baked cookies. Today we will decorate them.
The show...

Hurray!

Well it finally happened. Here is my website. Check it out and let me know what you think! www.newvintagephotographybyjen.com

Christmas Hide and Seek

Maddie's Christmas Hide and Seek Program Sunday evening was adorable. Although she wasn't exactly excited about the lamb costume to begin with.

Tree Triming

Well we finally got our tree Sunday night after Maddie's Christmas program at school. Monday after school Chase ran in and begged to decorate it. "PLEAAAASSSSSSEEEEE Mom!" So we decorated the tree. Chase did a majority of it. Maddie attempted to. It was more of a stick and see approach. Quickly I knew what ornaments NOT to give her. :)
When were we done Chase sat back and admired the tree. Maddie was waiting for me to join her on the coach and cuddle. Just as I turned my back, I just knew. Sure enough - CRASH!
Man!
So telling the kids firmly to stay away from the broken ornaments and tree I got the broom and dust pan out. There were some casualties. Some will be mended after Christmas with some Gorilla Glue. Tis the season for falling trees. :)



A special ornament given to me by my Grandmama that was my Step-Great Grandmother's.

Christmas Cards

I decided to make our Christmas cards (make meaning to order them). So I needed a photo and since we were taking brother's birthday pictures, why not. Here are a few shots.





... and how do you feel about Christmas?

Seven years old

Momma's - hug your babies. They grow up tooooooo fast!

Birthday wishes

This weekend was Chase's birthday. SEVEN years old. And we hosted our first sleep over. The boys made it through the night and so did we. It was a lot of fun. In the morning the had a silly string fight.

Basketball season

Well I made it to my first basketball game of the season. The first two I was shooting. So expect to see some bball.

Lexie and Cole

I have known Susan for over seven years now. I have seen both her babies grow alongside mine. In fact Lexie is Chase's oldest friend. And now we have her brother Cole who will have his first Christmas in less than 22 days. Aren't they beautiful?

Elegant Emma

Isn't she beautiful!

Holly berries

I love holly. When they turn it means it's the giving season. It may not snow here, but holly signals the season.

Sleepy time

Maddie is hard core. When she doesn't want to go to sleep it is difficult to make her do so. Last night was one of those night and Daddy was home. All she wanted was her Daddy. Finally several hours past the designated bedtime, she fell asleep into Daddy's arms.

Playtime

After the haircut (see below) it was time to scamper to the park.

The Haircut

When it comes to having my sons hair cut we haven't had much luck. It usually turns into a bowl cut and he looks like the lost Stooge. The last time he had it cut, I loved it. A friend of the family did it. This weekend she was out of town and on a whim we decided to have his locks trimmed up. We ran through the places we had taken him before. No. Places we had heard of. We realized we were around the corner for the All-American Barber Shop on Lodi Avenue. She was great! And Chase looked good. Take a look.

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

Hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving. Here is a turkey i did with the kids. All you need is pipe cleaners, paint (WASHABLE), and leaves from the neighborhood.

`Tis the season

It is time for holiday card giving. I have known Maureen for a couple of years (close to 10). This is her husband, Don and grandsons, Blake and Seth.

A morning in the park

I met Rena' during the Pink October events this year. She is an awesome woman. Today we met at William Land Park in Sacramento for some family portraits. These guys and dolls were AWESOME to work with! Below are Rena', her daughter, Tiffany, and her husband, Nathan and Rena's son Jack. Oh and Happy 21st Birthday Tiffany!