Who't A Nifty Fifty?

My mom turns 1/2 of a century years old today. Happy Birthday Mom! Here is to another 50 more. (Just remember, Teresa said she would change your diapers in exchange for Great Grams hutch) :)

A New Family Member

No, I am not pregnant! We have a new family member who walks on all fours. His name is Bentley and he is our new Saint Bernard. Thanks to Tracey, she gave me the heads up that her brother Craig is relocating and couldn't take his 2 year old Saint Bernard with him. Scott picked him up on Sunday, and Mattie and I got to meet him on Monday. He is a big, gentle boy. His transition has been good, a little barking, well, a lot of barking. He is very nervous about Mattie and all of her noises that she makes. Mattie loves him, thinks its pretty neat when he gets a toy in his mouth and shakes it side to side. She lets out a big belly laugh when he does it. Or when he gets some hair in his nose and snorts like a pig, she laughs at that too! He has bonded with Scott because he is a male, and because he has known him longer. This morning I gave him lots of mommy time, so I am sure he likes me too. He got a clean bill of health from the Vet, just an ear infection and some vaccinations.
I have a feeling that he will love us in time. He, I am sure, misses Craig. I know Craig misses him too. We will be sure to send him lots of pictures and add some of the tons of dog hair that he sheds.

We have a walker!

Just when I thought that I would never see this day come, yesterday, Mattie took her first steps. Just shy of 17 month old, she took about 5 or 6 steps, thought it was pretty fun and funny and then plopped down. She did it a couple of times before she called it quits for the day. Now, a little detail I did forget to mention is why she walked. Well, it was because she saw that mommy had a handful of M&M's. I wouldn't give her one until she stood up by herself, which she hadn't done until yesterday also. Then after she was standing I decided to up the stakes, give her a whole piece if she took steps towards getting them. HEY, WHATEVER WORKS. Don't knock my parenting skills just yet.

I was dreading the holidays around all of Mattie's cousins that were walking. I am so sick of everyone asking...is she walking? Or knowing kids younger than her that have mastered the skill. It really makes you feel like your parenting skills are sub-par at best when you have a late walker. I know have realized it doesn't matter the age, and you really shouldn't put pressure on parents by harping on them all of the time and asking why their children aren't walking. Like everyone says, they will do it in their own time.

So, my Mattie, I hope mommy didn't put too much pressure on you. I love you walking, crawling or just sitting. But I am sure glad you have joined the walkers club. The is a whole new world for you to explore and lots of mischief for you to get into.

Cookie Recipes Anyone?

I am having about 15 people over on Sunday for a big cookie decorating/childrens christmas craft day. Does anyone have any great cookie cut-out recipes? Please pass them along if you do!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Or is it? Like my friend Doddie pointed out, people aren't into the holiday spirit like they should be. With less than 24 days left until Christmas, why aren't people merry? Please, pass along the good cheer to get others in a good Christmas mood.