"Its Christmas time and the ponies"...

Christmas music is my absolute favorite, especially when you don't know the words to a popular Christmas Carol "You don't have to be a child, to love the symphony"(Breathe of heaven), or my all time favorite,"its Christmastime and the ponies"(Silver Bells). I am sad that I have to wait another 11 months before I can enjoy and butcher the seasonal music again.

Speaking of the Christmas season, this was the first year that Dylan really understood what was going on and it couldn't have been more magical. He watched the Polar Express every morning upon waking up and couldn't wait to see Santa come Christmas day. He was so excited to see Santa that he didn't end up falling asleep until 11:30 on Christmas Eve, it was too cute. On top of this, this was our first Christmas that we spent as a family alone, and it was absolutely perfect. On Christmas eve we did have a Jesus cake (see earlier Jesus post), and on Christmas morning Dylan was amazed and quite mad that Santa had eaten a few bites of Jesus cake that was left out for him. It was very cute!

We opened up all of our gifts slowly, playing with each and every one. The highlights of the day were of course Dylan's new scooter from the great grandparents, the kids records and player from the wests (a childhood favorite), the fishtank wich sadly had no fish in it due to their untimely death come Christmas morning (Cameron was hiding it form the kids and I and when he came up from downstairs Christmas morning, he had a sulk on his face and all he could say was, "one of the gifts didn't work out".) It was sad, but we went as a family the next morning to pick out some new fish (which died while we were in the hospital for four days with Syd...poor fishies). The kids also received a swing set from the Mounts, this was their biggest surprise. The swing set was the last thing that they saw of course. We had spent 3 hours the day earlier putting it together and hiding it in the garage. When we brought Dylan out to see it he was so stunned and he quietly pointed, "whats that". He then took off running to the slide to try it out. It was super cute. I live for those moments!Sydney also loved her swing that we hooked onto the swingset. She can't stop giggling now that she can swing quite a bit higher.After all was said and done guess who showed up? All of our cousins here in town. It couldn't have been a better surprise. We LOVE when they come over! We felt so loved and we were so glad to be around family.

Sydney and Lucy

Yesterday was a fun day! We woke up and went to Ali's house to bake Christmas treats for all of our friends. We started at 11 and didn't stop until 5:30. It was crazy! The fruits of our labors are listed: peppermint bark, caramel cookies, divinity, peanut butter balls, skor bars, peppermint fudge, rocky road fudge, tablet (a Scottish candy), and some yummy chocolate/peanut brittle. After a long day of slaving away in the kitchen we went caroling to our friends houses. It was great fun, and the added 20 degree weather really added to the moment, (especially since I didn't have a jacket!). Ugh. Anyway here is a fun video of Sydney and Lucy playing while we cooked. Even Dylan is in it helping unwrap the baking candies...what a helpful boy! I reluctantly cut his hair yesterday. We have been wanting it to grow out again, but I just can't stand that inbetween stage. How does it look?

Alexis Emily West

She is here! Alexis arrived yesterday at 5:24 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 19 inches long (I wish mine could be that small!). She is beautiful. Cheree did a great job, and I know that she and Jeremy both are happy proud parents. Congrats you two! I can't wait to meet her in January! I am such a proud aunt!

Its a go...

My niece is coming, my niece is coming! Alexis West, what a beautiful name for what is going to be a beautiful girl. It is finally a go as Cheree and Jeremy are finally in the hospital, hooked up and dilated, (is that too much info, I hope not). I can't wait for them to experience this miracle. Congrats you two! I can't wait to see her! Push Cheree, Push!

Santa Claus is comin' to town

Dylan and Sydney were finally able to see Santa today! Dylan has been singing "Santa Claus is coming to town" all week to gear up for the big event. We took the kids earlier in the week to the mall to see Santa but it was like $25 for one measly 3x5. Ridiculous! And on top of that, the Santa was way too skinny and scary looking. Needless to say, I didn't want that to be Sydney's first experience with Santa. We also missed Santa at the library due to Syd's Pneumonia (D was not very happy). So, today our church had a breakfast with Santa and guess what Dylan asked for? A cake. Easy peesy! Earlier this week he asked for a playground but after I told him it was too big he said he wanted a slide. Perfect! I can't wait to see his face when he sees his swing set with a slide! FUN!

All I want for Christmas...

I am tired and all I want is an undisturbed nap. I was reminded today of a funny incident that happened four years ago upon our arrival to England. Cameron and I just arrived to Uncle Jim's and we couldn't wait to put our stuff away and go explore. Minutes later a photo was taken of us hunched over, knees on the floor and heads planted face down on the bed. We actually slept like that for a couple hours before we woke up in our drool and saw that it was dark outside.
Today was another one of those days where I could sleep anywhere. I passed out playing in Dylan's room, (in his bed which is 3 feet by 8 feet), and luckily awoke 5 minutes later to Sydney screaming because Dylan was trying to brush her teeth (or lack thereof).

I need a nap.

Christmas Shopping

Going to the mall is a family event. Cameron stays at the soft toys with the kids while mommy shops, or vice versa. It is the only way to get our Christmas shopping done.

Here is Sydney LOVING the tunnel tree toy, and her mommy.












Sorry DD, its time to go. Blow a kiss to the soft toys.

Happy Birthday Maddie!

Happy Birthday Maddie! We love you!

"Sunny days chasing the clouds away..."

It has been a while since my last post. Sydney went to the ER two weeks ago only to find out she had pneumonia. Poor baby. She was a trooper. She couldn't breathe while laying down so it meant long nights rocking her and holding her upright. On her good nights somehow Dylan knew that it was his turn to get some attention so he would crawl into bed with us. I haven't slept in about 3 weeks, literally. I feel like I just had a baby all over again, the screaming at night, the dark hollow eyes, the driving around the block at all hours in the morning just to get her to sleep. Urgh, the things we do for our children. I went to church because I had to for the young women and afterword the girls came up and gave me a hug because they said I looked like a train wreck. Pathetic, but sweet. I love my girls, all 18 of them!

Anyway, Syd's doing much better, only up 4 times last night! Lucky me! Hey at least she is sleeping, that is all I wanted for Christmas. Today was finally warm and so we played outside. Here are some cute pics. Dylan is really getting good at riding his tricycle. Luckily we have enough room in the basement for him to ride on those cold and rainy days, he loves it!

"Jesus is hungry"

Christmas is coming and we are so excited! It didn't even take a day after Thanksgiving to get all geared up for the holidays. I know what you are thinking and yes I did take part in the madness of Black Friday. Don't think I didn't get up at 5:30 so I could wait in a 2 hour line at Toys R Us for a swing set. It is unbelievable how a gift for my kids can make me do something so ridiculous. Do you think they will ever know that I did that for them? Don't think I won't be reminding them every day when they are older. They better recognize! Seriously though, It is so sad to me how children can really question their parents love for them throughout their life. I know that every parent at one time or another has made huge sacrifices for their children, but it is sad because their kids will never remember it or know it. It kills me to think that one day Dylan might not know of the love that I have for him. I hope that that day will never come, and I will continue on with my absurd gestures of love in hopes that he will always know that I will truly do anything for him.

Anyway, to get on with my story, we have been decorating the house and talking a lot about Christmas these days. So, we are on the way to G-mamas house and Dylan began talking to me about Santa and presents. I decided that I should probably start telling him the meaning of Christmas before he gets too obsessed with the commercial holiday. So I tell him about Jesus and his birth and to make it a bit easier for him. I tell him that its a big birthday party for Jesus. He then says, "will there be a birthday cake mommy? I said, "no but there will be lots of presents". He then says, "but Jesus is gonna be hungry mommy". I of course just start laughing and adoring my son from the drivers seat, and then he continues on and says, "can he have a airplane cake?" (Since his cousin had an airplane cake last week). It was the sweetest thing ever. From here on out, every Christmas eve we will be having a birthday cake for Jesus. I think I am going to like that tradition. What a smart little boy I have.

Here is a pictures of Sydney with her cousin Hayden (Allan and Kattie's youngest). Syd's got a shiner from her older brother who just wants to play with her. So sad. I have many more pictures from the week coming, but I have to get the disc from Jason.

Turkey Day!

As many of you know, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday as a kid. I always loved cooking in the kitchen with my mom and sisters, and I loved getting together with my cousins and hanging out for the day. What is better than good food, fun people, and charades at the end of the night (that was a West tradition). So this year was the year of the Mounts. We had every Mount but one (sorry Coco) out here and it was fabulous! We had 39 people for dinner and so we ended up doing it at the church so that we could let the kids run loose. (Luckily there were no stitches needed in Dylans finger this time...funny thing though, when the lights went off he started recounting the story of his finger getting cut and mommy crying with all the blood...what a good memory huh, that was almost a year ago.)

Anyway, it turned out to be a great day.

Without getting too sappy, I just want to tell you all how grateful I am for each and every one of you. I am so blessed to have such great family and friends who support and love me in spite of my shortcomings. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Thanksgiving!

Its been a while since my last post but I assure you there are many awesome pictures and stories to come, you are just going to have to sait a few more days. We had the most of the Mount family out for Thanksgiving (for about two weeks), and the last of them will be leaving Tuesday. For now I am busy playing with family and catching up on some much needed sleep. I hope you are all doing the same! Check back next week for some fun stuff! :)

Team Volleyball

We won!!! The Mount clan was in a city league this year and needless to say, we dominated. Last night were the finals and we kicked butt. We finally found a team that could hold their own against us (they are the ones up front). Tonight we play in an all-star match which should be interesting (the league put to together the best players to go up against us). It is going to be fun but I am not all that sure that we will come out on top. Wish us luck!

Beautiful Girl

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful girl." - Mr Hollands Opus

My little girl is 7 months old and she still looks NOTHING like me. Her hair is amazing isn't it? I wish Cameron's would grow in curly again, I miss it.

Here is Sydney crawling like a champ. She is unstoppable these days.

Sydney went from crawling to standing in less than a week. The problem now is that she pulls herself up, and then gets stuck. It is really fun at night. She wakes up at least 3 times during the night so excited that she can move. She will get herself to stand in her crib then cry for me to come and put her down. It is so much fun being a mom! :)
The worst part about this new milestone is that I don't know she is standing until I hear the thud of her falling. I can't be there to catch her everytime she falls, and I am worried about her brain. Urgh. I don't remember Dylan ever going through this phase.

I couldn't resist adding this picture because she looks like a porcelain doll. Where did she get that skin? What a beauty!

Quote of the day

Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But
to be angry with the right person, to the right
degree, at the right time, for the right purpose
and in the right way... that is not easy.
-- Aristotle.

Its just one of those days.

Yes We Did!

What an amazing election this has been. Last night marked one of the most historical events of our lifetime, and I was so honored to be a part of it. Congratulation Obama, and America for that matter. I cried during Obama's acceptance speech as I was filled with gratitude and love for our nation. Who would have thought!? I am so proud to be an American, and I am so hopeful for change! Yes We Did!

Happy Halloween

Halloween is finally over and I have so many cute pictures to show for it! This year Halloween literally lasted three days and as much as I loved it, I can honestly say that am glad it is finally over. On Wednesday we began by celebrating at church with the yearly Halloween party. It was one of the best that I have ever been to. We had a chili cook off which was so yummy and there were so many people from the community who came out. It was awesome. I did neglect to wear the torch costume that everyone was talking about (I really didn't feel like winning the best homemade awrad for the night). The night ended with trunk-or-treating in the parking lot and Dylan came home with a bucket and dads pockets full of candy. He picked up right where he left off last year and went as fast as he could to get more candy. All he was thinking was "get candy, get candy, get candy".-Seinfeld
The next day, I went out with a friend of mine Tia to the city square where they closed down all the streets and had trick or treating for the kids. This lasted ALL day and was a blast. They had games, and blow up bouncy houses. Dylan was once again in heaven. Candy, toys, princesses...what more could a kid ask for?

Come friday when we asked Dylan to get his costume on he was a bit hesitant because he was so over it. He wouldn't even budge with the candy bribe. It was unbelievable. Who knew candy could get old to a 2 year old? Ali would have been so dissapointed :). Eventually we got it on him by reminding him that tonight was the last time he could go trick-or-treating for a long time. After we put it on he said, "pink my face mommy" (for paint my face)..too cute. We went to Heidi's house for our yearly gross dinner that consisted of brains, frog eye, moldy biscuits, and witches stew. After dinner it was time to trick or treat. WOOHOO! We had practiced all week, Dylan would knock on my bathroom door and say trick or treat all week to gear up for this event. It was very cute. So off the kids went and just like last year, it brought tears to my eyes. That very first moment watching Dylan run as fast as he can behind his cousins gets me every time. He is growing up so fast, and I just love him so much. it is truly amazing how nothing is greater than watching your child get so completely happy and excited over something. I love it, and I am so blessed to me a mother.
So, for the first 10 houses the kids ran nonstop, and Dylan running his little legs off was way behind the whole time. It was funny how it never phased him to be so behind and he continued to trip on the grass spilling over his bucket EVERY TIME. He never complained or cried, just stood up time and time again running just as fast as before just to get that candy. We did use Heidi's golf cart along with my friend Tracies who came with us (sorry we didn't get any good pics). When we were really behind, Heidi would pick us up and bring us back to everyone. There also was the yearly hayride that they have that drives around the neighborhood bringing people to and from different places (It is just a trailer hooked on to a truck with hay stacks on it). Dylan loved that and once he was on it, he really didn't want to get off. Overall it was a successful night, and Dylan once again had a blast. Today he asked if we could go trick or treating in his lion costume from last year. Poor guy, he has to wait another entire year.
So here are the costumes. We didn't really do much for Sydney since it has been so cold and she would be in a blanket the entire night. We decided that she would just do her hair and be Cindy Lou Who. Perfect for the Cat and the hats sister don't ya think?

Big Jims Birthday

Happy Birthday Big Jim! WE LOVE YOU!

We have had so much with G-mama and G-papa since they have moved out here. It feels like a never ending vacation...no joke! It has been amazing! One of the greatest perks about having them here is that we get to have big birthday parties together. I love living close to family! I don't know if we can ever move away from this...looks like ya'll need to start coming out here. Just ask Jason to find you a job! :)

Enjoy the pics! Sydney started crawling last week. I hate when they start moving everywhere, it is so hard to keep track of them, especially in church.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear...

Dylan memorized his first book. I thought those teachers out there would appreciate this (Emily and Coco). He loves reading and he is so smart. I can't believe how well he is talking. He is getting so big, I hate it, but it is so much fun. Here are some fun things that he said this week, his sentences are getting so complex!

- Mom: "Dylan, will you please give me your sassy?" Dylan: "No mommy, I'm using it"
-After church Dylan saw Maddie in the hall and ran up to her to give her a hug and said, "Maddie, can you come to my house?"
-Every Sunday Dylan singes "I am a Child of God" to the bishop to get a sucker...when he came home he said, "I better brush my teeth before my teeth get yucky from the brown sucker"
-"Will you come step on me mommy?" (He lays on the stairs and I pretend I don't see him and lightly step on and over him...he LOVES it!)
-"Te Quiero Mucho"
-"I went peepee in the food room mommy" -referring to the pantry at Heidi's house.
-"can I have a bite of two cereals?"
-"Oh look, I wanna go to the castle church"

WICKED

As you all know, I LOVE Broadway musicals. Cameron first took me to one in New York while we were dating and I have been converted ever since. I absolutely love them!
Cameron and I went to Wicked on our 6th anniversary in LA and we both loved it ranking it in our top 3 (along with Les Mis, and The Scarlett Pimpernel). The music is amazing! So, when it came to Atlanta I just had to go. This weekend I went with 12 of my girlfriends to see Wicked at the Fox theater. It was awesome! The Fox is absolutely beautiful, and well worth the ticket even without the play. I do have to say that I was a bit disappointed with the singing in this production compared to the one in LA. Elfaba couldn't quite hit the high notes like I had hoped and she wasn't as dramatic as the one in LA. GahLinda however was excellent. Her voice wasn't as strong, but she was an amazing actress and even had an ad lib in there when her shoe broke, it was hilarious! All in all it was a great night! It was the first time in 6 months that I had left Sydney for longer then a few hours (she still doesn't take a bottle, but she is eating foods well enough to keep her full...YAY!).

Olympic Halloween

Halloween is here...YAY! As many of you know, I love Halloween. I love being a kid again because lets face it, I definitely am still one at heart. My friend Heather throws an awesome Halloween party every year and this year was no exception. She went all out and it was so much fun! So here are Cameron and I in costume. Can you guess what I am? I know it is totally ghetto and lame, but I had to come up with something right? Cameron went as Michael Phelps which many of you know is hilarious due to the content of my dreams in the last couple of months. I was going to go as Nastia Luikin but the few people I told didn't know who she was, so I bailed on that idea last minute. Come Friday morning I had no costume and I had to come up with something to go along with Cameron. The Olympic torch it was. I thought it was pretty creative, but ugly and ghetto as it turned out. How do I always end up being in fat costumes? Oh well it worked and got some laughs and really, that was all I was after. Oh, and I was runner up to Angie's spice rack costume in the contest. That was pretty clever. Anyway, I used Dylan's swim floaty for the torch part of the costume, and an old Santa hat that I had to glue the tissue paper on for the flame. Mom, I was so resourceful, you would have been so proud!

Dylan also received runner up for his costume at the Library Halloween party yesterday. I think his costume was by far the best one there, but I guess many people don't see Indian costumes out here. LAME! Since when does the generic Indian costume win a contest? The Kid did have a sweet bow which could have swayed my opinion on the costume, but he kept trying to hit all the kids including Dylan and Sydney. Needless to say, he quickly lost my vote. So yeah, it was a fun day. Dylan liked parading around Tinkerbell, and his dragon friend, He even made the local newspaper! It was very cute. I am not telling you what Dylan and Sydney were so that you will come back see pics in my upcoming Halloween post. I can't wait! Halloween is so much fun with kids!