Favorite Moments of 2011

When I look at these, I am reminded of how blessed I am and just how much I have to be grateful for.....

This Kid Knows How To Have A Good Time

And as it turns out, a grandpa makes the perfect accomplice!

Happy Birthday To My Justin!

For there's NO GREATER man in my eyes than him...I love him so much. He is the best husband, father and friend I could have ever hoped to marry. We spent the day with family (and all the little cousins one house can hold) watching movies, eating good food, laughing and playing video games.

Christmas Dinner

Spring Mix with Pomegranate, Pine Nuts, and Feta Cheese
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
Freshly Made Frozen Cranberry Salad
Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Homemade Raisin Sauce
Roasted Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Orange Marmalade Glazed Carrots
Pecan Pie (My First Ever)
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Christmas Morning!

Turns out Santa brought what everyone wanted:
Dad- PS3, some cologne, new shirts & shoes, and blu ray movies
Mom-Snow boots, TOMS, Jewelry Box, Necklace from Dad
Isaac-Skates, Halo Legos, Air Soft Gun, Art Set, Chess Set
Ethan-Skates, Hex Bugs & Habitat, Pocket Knife, Art Set
Abby-Barbie Camper, Monster High Dolls, Barbie Suitcase, Arty Supplies
We are all SPOILED for sure!!!

It's All About This Moment...

When they see this...

Christmas Eve at The Hill House

Is always filled with great friends, yummy food, new pajamas, and cookies for Santa! We can't wait until it's Christmas Day!!!

Oh What A Night...

Late December in 2011...When our dear friend Jeremy married his sweetheart McKell (much to Abby's dismay because she was going to marry him someday)...It was a wonderful night filled with happiness, friends and lots of fun! Now those lucky kids are off to Hawaii for a Christmas Honeymoon! We love you guys!

Weekends Are Best Spent During The Holidays...

Snuggling with cute babies...

Napping with this gorgeous guy I'm married to...

Getting a bit silly with those we love....

Making yummy holiday treats....

Admiring these cuties...

Laughing at the funny things he always says...

Being with grandparents who never mind having babies in their arms...

Marveling at my amazing sister, mother of 4 (soon to be 5) who has so much grace and beauty in her....

And playing dodge ball at the Hill Family Christmas Party...

AWESOME I Say!

Beef N' Cheese Santa

The boys and I were on our way to my office yesterday morning to set up for a Christmas event when the topic of discussion in the car was the Santa that would be there. I knew they would know that he wasn't the REAL Santa, so I was explaining how Santa has many helpers. He's too busy in the North Pole getting ready for the big day to go and visit every child. That's when Isaac said to me:
"So what you are saying mom is he is a beef n cheese Santa?"
Ha, Ha...Yes, Isaac that's exactly what I am saying.
Watch this hilarious clip to see what's so funny about a beef n cheese Santa!

Candy Houses

These are some creative kiddies! They had a great time making their family candy house this year. It was fun to see them work so well together (for once) and have such a wonderful time.

Happy Holidays From The Riverwoods

"Hot Momma"

Here's a conversation between my 5 year old daughter and I early yesterday morning as she climbed into bed at the crack of dawn to "nuggle" with Justin and I,
Me: "Abby you are so freezing cold what are you doing?"
Abby: "I'm laying next to one hot momma that's what I'm doing mom!"
There's a boy named Gabe in her kindergarten class who keeps telling her that her mom is hot, ha ha....that makes me laugh so hard. Well, apparently she agrees. Thank you very much.

Here's a Sneak Peek...

Of the fruits of my Christmas crafting. With the help of a couple of friends, we came up with some really cute gifts this year. You may even find one under your tree from me!

Of All The Things I'm Thankful For...

He's at the VERY top of my list.....I know, I know Thanksgiving is over but today and always, I'm giving thanks for my best friend and husband. He does so much for me and for our family. I'm grateful that we can share our lives together in so many ways.

Breaking Dawn

Oh yes we did...We got last minute premiere tickets so on a weeknight, the Mr. and I got a sitter and took off. My favorite parts of the movie were: 1. My sexy hot date who held my hand and fed me popcorn and hot tamales. 2. Another great soundtrack (listen for yourself) My least favorite parts were: 1. Everything else. Enough said.

It's Nifty To Be Nine!

It seems like the older the kids get, the more simple and easy their parties become. There's no longer as much emphasis on games and activities and more on just hanging out with your friends. Isaac wanted to have his best buds over (no girls allowed) and play nerf wars and have pizza. That was after an all weekend birthday party he had with cousins sleeping over, eating out and playing laser tag! It's hard to believe that he's 9. Justin and I marvel every day at how sweet and special we know this guy is!

Class Halloween Parties

The Halloween fun just never ends around here. Even Super-Dad was along for this non-stop Halloween Party ride. Thanks to my sweetheart we were able to pull off two classroom parties full of ghostly surprises! I just love his guts!