Smiling Belly

Lexi: "Mom, do you know why my belly is smiling?"
Me: "No, why?"
Lexi: "Because it thinks you and me are so cute."

Fresh Beat!

One of Lexi's friends in dance class loves the Fresh Beat Band as well.  This little girl's mom told me about the Fresh Beat Band tour coming to Dallas in May and she had the secret code to buy tickets early!  So, Jason and I talked about it and decided to buy 3 tickets.  We haven't told her yet because she won't realize how far away May is.  But, tonight as we watched the Fresh Beat Band play, I asked if she wanted to be one of those people in the audience.  Her reply, "No, I want to still be Lexi."  She doesn't understand it now, but on May 6th Lexi will be one of those people and we know she will LOVE it!!

Our Family Photo

Our first 'real' family photo.  I love everything about it.  Our looks towards Lexi, the lighting, our color combinations, our love for each other.  Love.  It. 

Christmas Program

Lexi's school Christmas program was this morning.  I was tearing up before it even started.  I loved watching her on stage.  She is precious.  Just precious.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsf3TgiJffE&context=C2e43fADOEgsToPDskJvuZ5iAkBqBRpcFaLTeeez

Chocolate Chicken

Alright, this could be my favorite Lexi question/statement thus far...

She was eating some of my leftover fajitas.  Usually I get chicken, but this particular time I opted for combo.  She picked up a beef fajita piece and asked, "Is this chocolate chicken?" And then put it down while saying, "I don't like chocolate."

Dance party

It has been a tough few days.  Jason has been out of town, Lexi was sick, and well, I am just tired.  Lexi has also been throwing fits lately.  She gets so frustrated and screams and points (wanting me to read her mind and then give her what she wants).  Needless to say, I do not do as she wishes and I hear a ton of screaming before my wish is granted... hearing her sweet voice.  Today, we had another rough battle, but right after it ended her favorite song came on and she asked, "Mom, will you dance with me please?"  I was still disappointed with her previous behavior, but since she asked with her sweet voice and with manners, I agreed.  We danced to about 7 songs.  We laughed.  We twirled.  We loved it.

Early Christmas Present

I had an urge to take pictures of Lexi (shocking, I know).  I wanted to buy her a new outfit for the photo shoot, but I opted to save the money and have her open an early Christmas present instead.  She loves purple so I had already purchased and wrapped purple boots, tights, shirt, skirt, and pants.  She loves all of it!  We went to Tom Thumb to pick up balloons and headed to a nearby park for the shoot.
  
The boots inspired this vintage looking shoot.  Lexi was rather unwilling to participate. It was cold & she refused to wear the vest I brought for her, she had balloons...so naturally she thought it was her birthday and wanted ice cream. Shortly after the shoot started, it ended...the balloons flew to the trees. Tears, a lot of tears followed. I captured some, but sadly they are somewhat out of focus.  I do love my model though regardless of her mood!

Sick

Lexi has been feeling a little under the weather the past couple of days.  She has a cough and the beginning of an ear infection.  Last night when we were all three piled on the couch watching a Christmas show, Lexi said to me, "You don't get sick because you're mommy."  She's right, moms and dads can't get sick (or at least we don't get the day off when we are sick) because we are always taking care of her no matter how we feel.  It is such a blessing to never "be sick!"  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Ok, I just love Christmas.  Love.  Love.  Love.  I love it more and more each year as Lexi learns more about it and is excited about every single detail.  She loves the lights, Santa and Mickey in the yard, the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, listening to Christmas music, playing with her toy manger...I mean, she loves everything.  It brings so much joy into my heart to watch her eyes light up with excitement.

This past Saturday she had her Christmas program with her dance class.  They did a routine to Jingle Bells.  Lexi did great!  I had tears in my eyes as I watched her preform.  She didn't miss a beat!  (I hope another parent got video/good pictures because we didn't).

Today we started a new tradition.  The advent calender.  Lexi and I made it together and starting tomorrow (just a few days late) she will find a little surprise in the bag for the day.  Thanks, Kim for giving me the idea!  I know Lexi will love doing something "Christmas-y" all the days of December.

Our gift.

Our homemade advent calender garland.

Our tree.  Lexi decorated it and was so proud of herself.  We decided to leave the ornaments (or instruments as Lexi likes to call them) on the bottom because she did such a great job!

It is actually really cold in Dallas.  We have enjoyed the fireplace multiple times already this season!

The window with the wreath on the wall is my new display for Christmas cards.  We bought it at my favorite store, "Patina Green" in downtown McKinney.  We bought it for our house year round, but I'm excited about displaying our Christmas cards in it.  I absolutely LOVE it!  

Our family Christmas card.

Jason did such a good job with the house.  Normally Santa is not falling over, but we had a ton of rain the past couple of days.  We want to add more and more outdoor decorations each year.  Watch out Griswalds!

Our miracle.