Gingerbread House

Lainie and Emmie decorated a gingerbread house the other night. As I thought it would go, Emmie just ate the candy the entire time. I don't think she put one piece on the house. And Lainie...well, she proceeded to put a piece of candy on the house for every 5 pieces she ate! It turned out pretty cute and they definitely enjoyed decorating it. This will definitely be a tradition for us!

So excited!

The story of the night...Lainie decorates while Emmie eats the candy!

Doing such a great job!

Ta Da!!! All done!

Vote Now for Lainie and Emmie in Parents Magazine Contest

Lainie and Emmie have been chosen for a "Spooked by Santa" photo contest by Parents Magazine! Please click here....Lainie and Emmie's picture to vote for them!

And We Thought Last Year's Visit Was Bad!

And here is the reminder of what last year was like!

Poor Santa is probably at home having a stiff drink!

Christmas Card 2009

Merry Christmas from the Salmon Family!!

Front

Back

Angel Baby

Oh little Emmie....sweet, sweet little Emmie! You are the child that I have always described as quiet, solemn, my snuggle bug. Some might even see you as an angel baby with those big, chunky cheeks and blonde, blonde hair.

Just look at you. How can someone not want to just scoop you up and squeeze on you for days. Those cheeks are so kissable, that smile so adorable, those rolls so squeezable.

You have always been so easy going. Just the most content little thing. So, I have to ask you....

What in the world happened?? Where did my sweet, angelic, snuggly, solemn, content baby go?

You have turned into my bull-headed, strong-willed, tantrum throwing, pitch-fitting, sister-hitting, sister-pushing, hair pulling, loud screaming almost 18 month old.

However, I love you through and through.....yesterday, today and tomorrow too! Let's just hope tomorrow brings a little more sweetness! :)

The Lainie-isms You Know and Love

So, my sweet friend, Calie, came by tonight for a minute and Lainie immediately started showing off all of her things....Word World, stuffed animals, toys, etc. She then asked Calie to follow her upstairs to our bedroom so she could see where Eli the Elf was sitting. Justin and I stayed downstairs for a minute before I walked up to see what they were doing. Calie said that while I was downstairs, their conversation went something like this:

"See Calie, this is my room. This is the bed where Mommy and Daddy sleep. Here is Eli the Elf...he is my favorite. Here is the bathtub that Emmie had a big stink in. Here is the shower that Mommy and Daddy get naked in."

I stopped listening after that and told Calie that I was really glad she and I were so close! Oh, and by the way, Emmie did have a big stink in the tub tonight while her Daddy was bathing her! Thank goodness I was at the grocery store! :)

It's A Boy!

After hearing about the wonderful organization, Compassion, from several people, Justin and I decided to look into sponsoring a child. Whenever a person chooses to sponsor a child, they choose to provide the opportunity for that child to hear the gospel and learn about Jesus, receive an education, be given medical assistance, and the opportunity to develop self-confidence and social skills.

Justin and I chose to sponsor a little boy named Jose. He is absolutely precious and reminds me a little bit of Justin! :) He is six years old and in kindergarten. He loves soccer, playing with cars, and playing with marbles.

Each child only has one sponsor, so we are given the opportunity to correspond with this little boy. We can right him letters, send pictures, and small monetary gifts for special occasions. He can also write to us as well. It is such a neat experience.

I have put a link to the Compassion website on the right side of my blog. I know that during these economic times, it is tough to entertain the thought of another expense. However, these kids are living in extreme poverty, and I felt like I could definitely do without another outfit for the girls or some Starbucks coffee and sponsor a precious little boy named Jose! I encourage you to check it out!

And You Thought A Mall Was For Shopping!

While we were in NC, we decided to take all the kids to the mall for the afternoon. While we were there, Lainie and Scott jumped on the big trampoline, the kids rode the carousel, played with the motorized cars, and got cookies. I don't think my girls have ever had more fun "shopping!"

I Go Out Walking...