Gingerbread, Bumps, and Smiles

Gingerbread:
Jake informed me that I was being a bit of a "Scrooge" this year when I refused to watch his favorite Christmas movies: It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story. Before I receive a tongue lashing from all you movie fans, I simply refuse to watch them more than once a year so Jake had to make a choice between watching them now or watching them closer to Christmas day. I admit, both those movies really get on my nerves! I did concede, however, and sat down to watch the 30 minute How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I believe in compromising! Anyhow, to show I'm not totally a "grinch" I did organize, and Jake built and supervised a really, really coolly authetic gingerbread house. That's right-these 10 fingers that are typing here actually made homemade gingerbread dough and royal icing (which wasn't too terrible of a process)!! And...I don't think I'll ever go through that gingerbread mess again. Soon afterwards, I saw that little Betty Crocker pouch of gingerbread dough...that will definitely be used next year. However, despite all my griping, we had so much fun putting it together and dubbed our house a "mansion" compared with those pre-bought/pre-fabricated homes. Am I proud of it? You know it!!

Bumps:
I don't know if this is a good thing but I do take pride in the fact that my children really don't get hurt that often. Maybe it's because I'm slightly neurotic and protective, but they just don't get bumps and bruises as much as most 2 year olds and babies do. What makes this post funny is that both of my kids got really bloody mouths on the same day. Cooper fell out of his chair at Chick-Fil-A and got this might fine bruise under his chin and a mouth full of blood. Luke somehow, very mysteriously, crawled up 2 stairs and then fell down 5 and landed with a mouth full of blood. We cannot figure out how this happened because for the life of us he will not go up any stairs...to this day. Rest assured, they both survived and were full of smiles for the rest of the day...here's my proof.

Smiles:
I just wanted to show some of their shining moments and cute smiles. Lukey has become a totally new baby since he's learned to crawl and become content. He is quickly crawling into a huge part of my heart. He is the most adorable, affectionate little boy. I can't believe he's going to be 1 year old so soon! Cooper maintains his place as mommy's sweetheart who can do no wrong...I know I'm in denial because he really has become quite fiesty of late. Anyhow, both my boys have gotten really cute this last week which I think is the Lord's way of telling me, "It's gonna be all right, Emily, you can handle 3 kids under 2!" I am getting anxious/excited/nervous to greet our new little man. I'm pretty sure he's dropped and is ready to come out of my tummy. We're still hoping for the 30th, but I have to convince my doctors to induce me still!! We'll keep you all updated! Oh, I was thrown the nicest surprise shower. I was TOTALLY caught off guard-had absolutely no idea! The woman I visit teach put it on and she knows how to throw a party! There was awesome, amazing food, party favors, gifts, and friends. Thank you so, so much for all who came and gave. It was truly uncalled for but much appreciated! Thank you!