Ho. Ho. Ho.

The Schienbein children got to sit on Santa's lap today and tell him what they want for Christmas. As we approached Santa's "workshop",(located just in front of Sears) I got a little bit nervous. There was a little baby boy, who looked to be about Carson's age, screaming his little head off as his mother rescued him from Santa's grasp. Tayler, being the observant girl that she is, mentioned that the guy sitting in the big green chair didn't really look like the REAL Santa. I informed her that it might be just one of his elves filling in for him today. All those malls...he's gotta be getting some help. I then very cheerfully said "Hi Santa!!" getting excited to get my kids on his lap, to which he replied in a very non-Christmas or Santa like tone, "hey". It almost reminded me of Billy Bob Thorton in the movie Bad Santa. Bummer. But, much to my delight, Carson didn't mind sitting on the chubby guys lap one bit! In fact, we even got a couple of laughs out of our baby boy! And Tayler just chatted away with Ol' St. Nick....filling him in on all of her wants for Christmas, a Nintendo DS being at the top of the list. To top it all of, Tayler got a candy cane...which was really the icing on the cake for her.

So all in all, our 2008 Santa Clause visit went pretty well. And, with out further ado, here it is:

Merry Christmas to All!!!

The Nutcracker

Tonight, Tayler, Ashlee and I went to the Mid-Columbia Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. While there was no doubt in my mind that Tayler would thoroughly enjoy this performance, I was concerned that I'd find myself checking my watch through the entire ballet. But, I was sorely mistaken!!! The ballet was WONDERFUL! In fact, the 2 hours passed so quickly, I was disappointed when it was over!!!! The costumes were beautiful, the dancers were extremely talented, and the set was out of this world.

At the end of the ballet, I asked Tayler "What was your favorite part of The Nutcracker?" To which she replied "The 'Mulan' girls were my favorite part." She was talking about the portion of the ballet when several dancers came out dressed in Japanese kimonos. I thought that was a very sweet observation.

As we left, there were several "real-live" ballerinas in the lobby signing autographs and talking with the audience. Tayler was estatic to face to face with a "real-live" ballerina, and even had the courage to ask for one of them to autograph her program. She was so proud. It was very exciting.

If you have the chance, I highly recommend attending the Nutcracker ballet, especially the one put on by Mid-Columbia Ballet. Thank you mom for purchasing these tickets for us and for buying us the Nutcracker cookies to snack on during the show. We had a great time!
(all photos from the Mid Columbia Ballet website)

Revenge of the NERDS

My husband likes Star Wars. I do NOT. In fact, I think Star Wars is for geeks. Yes, I know...I'll likely get hate mail over this...but it's my opinion. So, becuase I have such a dislike for these movies, and all the "stuff" associated with these movies, my husband went out and bought Carson a stuffed "storm trooper" just days after he was born. Although I'm not too keen on storm troopers, it was purchased for my son just after his birth, so I've been a good sport and kept it on a shelf in his room. Sooo, the other day while I was having a particularly loooong day a work, I email my husband and asked him to please take a picture of Carson and email it to me. I thought a cute little shot of his smiling face would help brighten the day. Much to my dismay, this is the photo my husband sent:
Yes. That is my son "gumming" a storm trooper. And not becuase he particularly loves to play with storm troopers. Simply becuase my husband thinks it is hilarious to torture me. If my son grows up and is an enormous nerd who loves nerdy things, I'm just fine with that. I'll fully support him in all of his endeavors. BUT, I'm begining to have a problem with my husband forcing these terribly geeky things down his throat. He's going to need therapy if this keeps up.

I have a new found respect...

...for kindergarten teachers. I worked in Tayler's class today as a teacher's helper. And while it's great to be there, to watch the kids learn, and to see Tayler interact with other children, it is exausting! Her teacher is an absolute saint. She's pulled in 100 different directions nearly constantly. But not once have I ever heard her raise her voice, or seem like she was losing her temper. She's calm, she's respectful, and she's compassionate. She handles the children so well. I could never do her job. I've seriously yawned all day long since I left that classroom. It was a lot to handle. Thank goodness for people like Mrs. Suess. Now, to find the perfect Christmas gift for such a amazing woman......

Four Months

There are so many things that I have to be thankful for. These 3 people are some of those things. Today Carson is four months old! Another thing to be thankful for. He's growing so fast. Yesterday when I picked him up after I got off work, I thought to myself "this lil' guy isn't sooo little any more!" He makes the most adorable faces, the sweetest sounds, and has the greatest personality ever. We are SO LUCKY.

Today, when Grandma Gwen came over to babysit while Brian had a final to take, she brought this beautiful lighted ornament for us. I guess her and her neighbor both have one, and they've been the hit of the neighborhood. I can't wait to get ours hung.

This weekend is jam packed. There are so many things that I want to get done. Tomorrow, I'm working in Tayler class. Saturday night, Tayler, Ashlee and I are going to the Mid Columbia Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. I'm also flirting with the idea of taking the kids to the mall to have their pictures take with Santa....though, the thought of the mall this time of year is really exausting...we'll have to see. There's also LIVE reindeer at a local nursery that Tayler would be estatic to go see. I have a package to send, presents to buy, laundry to do, and if I'm lucky, Christmas goodies to make. Here's hoping that this weekend is packed full of productivity!

The 12 Days of Christmas

Okay everyone....I've gotta pass this along. Not only becuase it's so totally awesome, but also becuase I could win something by sharing this with my friends! =) Over at Design Mom there is a 12 days of Christmas giveaway going on. Now, if you've never visted Design Mom, get ready. This blog is awesome! I check it every day. Not only does the author (Gabrielle Blair) live in NYC (my dream!), she writes an interesting, inspiring, and unique blog, she is the mother of FIVE children (and check out her children's names...they're so beautiful..I just love them!) she also frequently has awesome giveaways. You'll be so impressed. She has great taste! So, head on over, and sign up for the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway...and while you're over there, look through some of her previous blogs. You will not be disappointed! She's great.

Room Decor

Brian and I have been trying to decide on artwork for Carson's room for qutie some time now. We've only got his name on his wall spelled in wooded letters from Pottery Barn. Recently, Brian happened upon these peices by Morgan Carver.

Stratocruiser

The Aristocrat
Speedster

Shooting Star

Closed Sundays

Rocket Ride

(all pictures courtesy of art.com)

I really like these. They remind me of photos I've seen of the 1950's. There's something interesting about them. We're still thinking though......hmmmmmmm.