Garner and Jake at the Pink Pig

On Haloween a very nice neighbor gave us some free passes to the famous Macy's Pink Pig. Let me tell you, $3.00 is worth a ton when you do not have to wait in that extremely LONG line for purchasing. Jake, Garner, Miss Lisa, Mr. Will, baby Gibbi, Daddy and Mommy all went on New Year's Eve day to go ride the pink piggie. Maddie stayed home with Gigi since it was right in the middle of her naptime. Jake and Garner were able to ride 5 times without standing in line each time. Afterwards we went out to eat where Jake and Garner (the big eaters) shared a lunch that neither of them ate...UGH! Oh yeah, and Daddy, Miss Lisa and Gibbi rode once as well.

Maddie's scraggily hair had to go

I finally broke down and cut Maddie's hair. We tried taking her to Snip Its and they were not too keen on cutting it too short but I had enough. She looked like a banshee. So a couple of days after Christmas I gave her a bath and snip snip her rat tail was gone and so were her little wispies. I am fearful that she looks like a boy so if you see her in a lot of pink lately it is because of the fear of people mistaking her for a boy....(long story...ask my Dad). Any way...here are some pictures of the home hair cut...sorry Kim at Snip its....we will be back. There is also a picture of her taking some steps...she is on the move big time.

Christmas Eve at Aunt Denise's House

Aunt Denise invited the Buckalew's and LeBlanc's over for Christmas Eve dinner. It was a nice night of Polish Sausage, homemade Mac and Cheese and shrimp. Too bad we could not stay longer but some little people had to be home before Santa came to the house. If Jake and Maddie were good all year they may get some presents. Plus, mommy and daddy still had to wrap.

Garner's Third Birthday

Jake's neighborhood friend Garner, turned 3 this month. He had a Transformers themed birthday party at his house. Gigi took care of Maddie so it could be another day of just Jakie time. Jake played in Garner's new basement, did crafts and ate lunch. He had a blast. Jake also had his last chance to talk to Santa before the big night. He made a personal appearance at Garner's party. Jake still wants that Disney Clubhouse and Puzzles for Maddie. Let's see if he can be good until then.

Jake's Holiday Party at School

Jake's school had a holiday party and Maddie, Daddy and Mommy were all able to attend. Jake was able to bring his Frosty hat that Gigi bought him in New York. Maddie really enjoyed being at school, I think she will be a little busy body when she finally goes in the fall. Jake made an ornament and an angel card for us for Christmas. Fun times were had by all.

Mommy and Gigi in New York

It was time for Gigi and Mommy to get away for the weekend. We took off to The Big Apple for a weekend of shopping, shows and eating. The walking was something we did not take into account until the end of the first day, we actually lost weight on this trip. This will become an annual event. Next year though we will be going in September, less people and a little warmer. We saw Lion King, The Rockettes and walked everywhere. I Love NYC!

Jake's Gingerbread House

Every Christmas Jake wants to make a Gingerbread house. I am pretty sure that my Mom started this and Jake holds on to it like a bone. My little boy thinks the world of the traditions that we have put forth and boy let me tell you he will not let any of them go. We thought that children did not encode until 3 but we were wrong. Jake remembers everything from last year and is holding us to everything we did last year and wants us to continue it this year. Things like going to see the lights, making a gingerbread house, and going to see Santa Claus are just a few. He made his house yesterday and was extremely excited about the final results. Daddy and I figured out that we do most of the work and Jake gets all the glory but he loved it and that is what matters most.

Jake's finished product. He and Frosty were so proud.

Breakfast with Santa

Our subdivision each years holds a Breakfast with Santa. What we have learned over the past few years is to get there early. Jake and Maddie were 3rd in line and were still happy and agreeable to sit in Santa's lap. Maddie was fascinated with Santa and his funny beard. Since she has almost yanked it off at least three other Santa's faces, we figured maybe she should not sit too long on his lap. Jake decided that Maddie wants a puzzle for Christmas and he wants a Disney Clubhouse. While we were there we ran into Jake's friends, Garner, Carson, Avery and Allie were all on hand to share in the big event. The time was short (Maddie's bed was calling her name) and Jake had a party at school to go to but the time was precious.

Christmas Professional Pictures

I did it again. It was time to take them for their Christmas photos and boy am I wiped out! Maddie was not being cooperative and Jake was a little tired. I do have to say that Maddie is definitely going to be a tomboy. She knocked Jake out of a chair, gave him a black eye and pushed him off of a drum. He took it quite well and did not get mad at her but let me tell you he is in for it with his little sister.
Jake and Maddie also sat on Santa's lap and told him what they wanted. Jake did all the talking since Maddie was too interested in pulling Santa's beard. Jake wants a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Maddie is told she wants a puzzle (at least that is what Jake says she wants). The day is over and the pictures are bought...not a creature is stirring not even a Maddie. She is in her crib snoring. It is rough being that cute and a big bully.

Elf on the Shelf

Today was the day that Jake was introduced to the play Elf on the Shelf. It is based on a book about an Elf that watches you all day and then reports what you did to Santa at night. Jake was mesmorized. Maddie stayed with Aunt Denise for the afternoon so Jake can have "Jake Time". Santa was on hand for the children so they could tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Jake is all about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so that is what he asked for from Santa. He also took time to talk to Santa about what Maddie wanted because she too little to be there. Jake has decided that Maddie wants a puzzle. The funny thing about the day is that Jake became the shyest kid. When the littlest elf tried to get hiim to walk with her he shyed away and wanted his mommy. My heart melted.

The Buckalew Christmas Tree

Okay, so what can I say about the tree situation at the Buckalew household.
1. Jake has his own tree
2. Our tree is soooo big that Greg had to cut it when we got it home
3. We cannot have an angel on the top of the tree.

I know people say bigger is better but not in the case of the tree. Seriously, tree shopping was fun and decorating both of them was a blast.









Jake's tree has Bob the Builder, Scooby Doo and Tigger. The big tree has Star Wars, Harry Potter, Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind (We are Hallmark Ornament Freaks)! How many children do you know that not only have their own tree but themed hallmark ornaments to go with. Boy our children are SPOILED!

Maddie Monster

So here I am again sharing a little about Maddie. She is 8 months old and an amazing child. While Jake is having an affair with Frosty, I think Maddie is having an affair with her Daddy. She looks at him with those big blue eyes and that is it, she gets everything she wants. I hate to say it but it works on me as well. Even Jake is mesmerized by her. She does have that carrot nose in common with her brother, it makes her a little imperfect. Her nickname is Maddie Monster but for the holiday season it has been changed to Maddie Claus.

Jake and Frosty...an affair to remember!

Jake is having a love affair with Frosty! I think my mother has created a monster with this whole Frosty thing. After Thanksgiving we took all the Christmas boxes out of the attic. Jake was waiting (not so patiently) for his Frosty. Once it came down, that was all she wrote. Jake and Frosty were one again.

Maddie's first Thanksgiving

As usual we tried to have a uneventful holiday but that never happens at our house. Greg made a wonderful turkey on his new Big Green Egg (early Christmas present from the family) and it was wonderful. We still have not figured out how the gravy burnt but Carol came to the rescue as always. We had pies, potatoes, stuffing, turkey and so much more that I think we will be eating it for weeks to come. Greg, Jake, Maddie, Gramps, Gigi, Nana, Pop Pop, Aunt Denise and J.P. all come to celebrate and enjoy Maddie's first Thanksgiving. Gigi took a lot of pictures so we can always remember the day (click on Maddie). As you can see, Maddie enjoyed her Turkey and Sweet Potatoes.

Maddie's First Halloween

This blog is not going to be all about Maddie but she does have a lot of firsts. Jake, Maddie, Daddy, JP, Gigi Aunt Denise, and I all took Maddie out for her first trick or treating experience. She was joined by Miss Lisa, Gibby, Garner, and Mr. Will. It was a fun time for all. Maddie was dressed as Piglet and Jake was Scooby Doo. Maddie only lasted for the first round. Jake, Daddy, Miss Lisa, Garner, JP and I traveled onto round 2 with Miss Dani, Mr. Mike and Carson. TOO much candy and 2 hours later we were finished.

Gramps on the High Seas

Most of you know that my Dad retired at age 57. However, most of you may not know that until now he really has not done much traveling except to Buffalo and Florida. Finally, he took the big leap and went on an eight day cruise. As you can see by his face, he had a great time. He went to the Caribbean on Carnival. Let me tell you he is not just smiling about the wonderful food on the ship, the chicks are great looking too. Hopefully the next cruise he goes on will be with his grandkids on the Big Red Boat. We are saving for the trip as we speak.

Maddie and Jake-Fall Professional Pictures

I have to admit I am in love with my children. For some reason they are cuter every day. The Picture People made a lot of money off of me this day. I bought all the pictures. Jake smiled and Maddie did not cry or crawl too fast. We spent hours at the mall and they still were happy. These are a few of my favorites.

Greg and his Big Green Egg

My husband has a new love but it is not what you think, his new love is The Big Green Egg. He has gone NUTS for this thing. It is a big, green, ceramic grill. I have to say it cooks great but my god he is obsessed with the thing. He even dreams about it at night. The first meal he cooked he went a little overboard. He made chicken, asparagus, and brussel sprouts. I have asked him to keep to one item at a time. He is talking about making our Thanksgiving turkey on it so I will keep you posted on that.

Maddie's First Hair Cut

So it was time to clean up Maddie's hair. I was starting to think she was born in the 80's, her hair was bordering on a mullet. I have to say this was the easiest first hair cut. She smiled, she ate her cape and she laughed when she had ribbons put in her hair. I will not get into Jake's first haircut, I am still in therapy over that one.

Wow...what a beautiful family :-)

Okay, so maybe not beautiful but we sure aren't ugly. This was the only picture that I think we had all of us smiling and looking at the camera together. Boy, I will not tell you how hard that was. Jake was cranky and Maddie was freaking out. You would never know by looking at us would you?