Holidays... Holidays... Holidays...

Wow! Where did 2010 go? It seems like only yesterday that I was planning the Love Bugs first birthday, and now I am fast at work planning her second birthday. But before I can even think about all of that, Casa de Conner needed to get through the 2010 holiday season. I know that I haven't posted a blog since Halloween, so I thought that I would do a Holidays 2010 blog post to encompass Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We changed things up a little this year, and decided to take a road trip to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving. John Lee's grandma lives there and he hadn't spent any sort of holiday with her since he was a kid, so we thought that it would be a good change of pace. Plus, I always welcome a reason to do some Black Friday shopping in a different town other than Las Cruces. I was put in charge of making the pies, which I love because I prefer baking over cooking any day. I decided to make a pumpkin pie, apple pie and a Coco Pie (a pie that my Oma was famous for). I think the day that I was making them, I must have told Avery at least 20 times, that I was making pies and that the kitchen was "hot" so stay out.

Our trip was so wonderful and Avery enjoyed every minute with "Mita" (Avery's version of Gramita) and Gramita loved every minute of her "Hita". I got to do some serious Black Friday shopping, and we even made it back home on Saturday with enough time to catch the last Aggie football game of the season. I can't remember a Thanksgiving that I have enjoyed so much. Maybe it was the childlike wonder that has so often accompanied the holidays with Avery in our life? Maybe it was the "getaway" part of it? I'm not too sure. I am sure, though, that I can't wait to do it again.

That brings me to the best holiday of them all - Christmas. No words can describe this year's Christmas, except MAGICAL! Decorating was a real adventure with a toddler following my every move and "unpacking" boxes. The first day of having a fully decorated house, came with a lot of "don't touch that Avery!", but after about 30 times, she finally got the hint and did great throughout the remainder of the month. The Love Bug was also a great gift wrapper. Most presents under our tree were full of miscellaneous tape put on by the Love Bug herself. I thought it was a great touch though.

One night, a couple of weeks before Christmas, we decided to go look at Christmas lights. There is one house, not too far from our home, that goes all out in their decorating - music and all. We slowly made our way by the house, lights dimmed, windows down (one benefit of 70* weather in December), listening to the music. Avery's face lit up and a big smile spread from ear to ear. She loved "Christmas!" As we were driving off, she yelled from the backseat, "No STOP! More Christmas." Then as we were driving off to see more lights, she noticed other houses with lights, and said, with relief, "Oh, there's Christmas!" - like we had taken it away from her before.

Christmas Eve really came quickly this year - or so it seemed - because before I knew it, I was in a mad rush to get everything in order for the big two day event. Presents wrapped, pictures taken, holiday cards sent, groceries bought, house cleaned, cookies made and every other chore that comes with the undertaking of hosting Christmas at your house.

This was the first year that we didn't spend Christmas Eve in Alamogordo - it just didn't work out like years past. And even though my dad joined us in Las Cruces and took us to dinner, which was great, it still wasn't the same. Christmas Eve was my Oma's holiday, and since she passed in 2007 no one really has taken over her "duties" - so it was a day of really missing her, and her holiday traditions. But it also gave me the opportunity to reflect that I only hope to one day represent some of those same traditions revamped for my family. Okay, enough of that! During my dad's visit, Avery got to open her gifts from him and my step-mom, and she was truly spoiled. She got a really cool art easel and a mini-power quad. Of course, my smarty-pants Love Bug, loved the easel and the magnetic letters that came with it, but it took her a little bit to not be scared of the power quad - what can I say, she is my daughter, and with that comes a very timid temperament.

Once my dad left, we started a new tradition of putting the cookies out for Santa and then reading "A Night Before Christmas" Followed by our family all getting on our new jammies we got for Christmas. This year was kind of the in between period for Avery. She was old enough to know something was different, and that she should be excited, but too young to truly "get" the why behind the whole thing. Regardless, though, having a child look at the events of Christmas with the utmost of wonderment, truly takes the holiday to a totally different level. I thought I loved Christmas before she came into my life, but now I know what it means to REALLY L.O.V.E. Christmas.

Christmas morning couldn't come fast enough for me. Again, Avery had no clue what was awaiting her under our Christmas tree. I was up first and did my job of waking the other two Conners up to see what Santa brought us all. As soon as Avery got into the living room, her face lit up to see the new play kitchen set up and ready to go. She loved it so much that she didn't want to open any more presents. I had to make her. After all was said and done, Santa truly blessed the Love Bug with more than she needs.

The best part of the morning was Avery "cooking" as I was preparing the turkey and getting ready to go to church. When asked what she was making, her answer was "pies" - I wonder where she got that from - crazy kid!

Next came the part of Christmas that is often over looked and forgotten, but the true reason from the season. Christ. We made our way to church, where Avery did great (that hasn't always been the case in the months past). At the end of the congregation singing "Joy to the World", Avery clapped and yelled "yay" as loud as she could. So unexpected in a Catholic church, but so refreshing at the same time, that the entire parish laughed and turned to look at her. I was just a proud mom of the sweetest little girl in the whole world at that moment.

The rest of Christmas day came and went with a total blur. Avery was so blessed (or spoiled, if you will) by so many people who love her. She got Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads from John Lee's brother, Abe, a Mobigo from my sister, Cyndi, and some gorgeous Bitty Baby doll clothes, from my brother, Jake, as well as a backpack from my sister, Tara and from John Lee's aunt and uncle. She also got the extras for her kitchen (dishes, food, etc.) from my mom and step-dad. From John Lee's mom, she got a chest full of dress up clothes, perfect for our girlie-girl. And one of the coolest gifts ever, John Lee's dad refurbished John Lee's tricycle he used when he was Avery's age. They truly don't make em' like they used to.

I think that's all, but if I forgot to mention something, I am sorry. Allow me though to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave anyone in our family a gift. We are so grateful to have you all in our lives! So thank you!

Overall, our holidays were full of love, blessings, family togetherness, and just sending it all up to the Lord, for He is the reason that we celebrate. A Child is Born!

Here's to an even better 2011.

Lots of love!
Emily

In order to be a blogger, you must write blogs...

Or so this is what I am told. I know, you've nailed me, I am not up to date on my blogging. Hold your horses everyone, I will get to it, after I have done the laundry, picked-up the toy box I call my house and feed the cows (If I only had cows). I guess what I am saying is that I am busy - super busy. But I will admit, my husband is right, people want to know what is going on in Casa de Conner, so I will take a moment now, and catch you all up.

Fall 2010 has been nothing short of amazing. Our sweet Love Bug (and of course John Lee and I) have had so many great experiences that I can't even write about them all in this post. Let's just say, we have tailgated, cheered for the Aggies, attended a Raiders game (just John Lee and I), went to the Southern New Mexico State Fair and the Mesilla Valley Corn Maze, drove to Cloudcroft for their Fall Festival and rounded out October with a great trick-or-treating adventure.

I guess for the purpose of this post, I will concentrate on one of our adventures - trick or treating. I L.O.V.E. me some trick or treating. This year for Halloween, my wonderfully talented mother-in-law worked her sewing machine magic and made the Love Bug the cutest Candy Corn Princess costume ever! I got the idea from a costume I saw in a magazine, but I have to admit that her interpretation and final product was 10 times better than anything we could have purchased. I know we are extremely lucky to have a grandma that will make a costume - this is really evident when all you see lately are the store bought costumes roaming the streets Halloween night. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the store bought attire (I would have killed for a store bought costume as a kid), but Avery's costume was just on a another level and it ooozed with homemade love.


We set out on our adventure at about 6:00 p.m. and roamed the streets surrounding our neighborhood in hot pursuit of some serious candy... Okay, Avery is only 21 months old and there is no way she can even eat most of that candy herself. So what, if it was really for John Lee and I - don't judge - I saw many of parents posting status updates on Facebook Halloween night referring to pillaging through their children's candy bucket as they sleep to the get the "good" candy. I have a couple more years before I have pillage - something that I am very grateful for.

Back to the topic at hand - Avery was the hit of the trick or treating circuit.  With her sweet voice, she went from house to house, saying trick or treat, and thanks. One lady even commented on how pretty she was, to which Avery responded "thanks" and did a spontaneous twirl, just to make sure that the lady saw every bit of her costume. On the other hand, she really disliked anything "spooky" - her words. "No momma, no spooky" was what she repeated a number of times. So there were houses that we avoided and dogs that she watched from a distance. But overall, it was such a wonderful night.

I love our family of three and I wouldn't change any of our little adventures for the world. I know that the Love Bug won't remember this night when she is older, but I took plenty of pictures and this scrapbooking mom, will do her best to preserve the memories that way. 

Next on our list of adventures is a trip to Minnesota. The Love Bug, the Muncs and I are boarding an Airplane Thursday, and leaving daddy to watch the house. Can't wait!

Lots of Love!
Emily "Mother of a Love Bug"

 At the Cloudcroft Fall Fesitval

 Too sassy for her own good...

 Carving the family pumpkin...

 Didn't it turn out so cute...

 Getting ready for some major trick or treating!

 Wings or no wings - Avery says "no wings"

 Wished I had my own wagon to catch a ride in...

 Her first house...

No wrong turns in Albuquerque...

Okay, maybe the title is a little bit wrong - but I will get there in a minute.

It was that time of year again. Every year, for probably the past 6 or 7 years, John Lee and I have made the three hour drive to Albuquerque to watch our beloved NM triple A baseball  team (affiliate to the Dodgers), the Albuquerque Isotopes, play ball. The stadium is beautiful and the atmosphere rivals that of a professional ball park.

Last year when we went, Avery was all of 4 months old. So we were really looking forward to sharing this experience with her on "an able to respond to us" level - if that makes any sense. Another exciting factor to this game was the fact that it was the NMSU Aggie Alumni picnic. So we packed our bags, put on our Aggie shirts and made our way to Albuquerque.

Avery for the most part does great in the car. In what I wouldn't consider my proudest mom moments, I start the portable DVD player and she watches Disney's Alice in Wonderland until she is so tired that she falls asleep. It makes trips more bearable and the entire family a little happier, so I won't apologize for the lack in response to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of not allowing TV time for children under two. All the pediatricians in that study should take a three hour (or longer) car trip with my Love Bug without a distraction, and they would change that ruling right away :0)!

Once in Albuquerque, we set off to find our hotel (this is where the wrong turn comes in). We trusted the GPS on Google maps to get us there and it took us completely off course - we ended up on a dirt road on the other side of the UNM campus, but we eventually found our way.

We then got to visit some old college friends (who also joined us at the game), Rob, Monique and their sons Ashton and Caden. It was great to see them and Avery of course loved playing at their house with all the "new to her" toys and her new friends (I can't begin to tell you how much that little girl loves other kids).


Then it was off to the game. Avery loved the atmosphere. She continuously looked for the ball and liked to watch the mascot, Orbit, from afar (of course there was no getting close to him if she had anything to say about it). She danced to the music they played and ran around acting like a queen in her castle. Somewhere around the 8th inning she fell asleep in my arms and didn't wake up until the 10th inning (the game started as a blow-out, but the Isotopes rallied back to tie it up in the 9th), when they played the Sponge Bob them song, and she didn't go back to sleep until we were snuggled in safely at our hotel. Overall, the experience was wonderful and we can't wait to do it again next year.

Day two of our trip started with the continental breakfast at the hotel - Avery ate her weight in bananas, cereal, eggs and a buttermilk biscuit. Then we were off to visit the Albuquerque Aquarium with some more old friends, Sam (one of John Lee's best friends since childhood), Ella (Sam's daughter who will be one in September), Betty (Sam's mom), and Rick (Sam's dad).

Of course, Avery was in her element. She LOVES "sish" as she likes to call them. Though she wasn't sure about the eel, every thing else was one "wow" after another. She looked like such a big girl. At one point, I even thought to myself that she was growing up way TOO FAST on me.

All in all, Avery loved seeing her friends and so did we. Albuquerque is a great place to seem like we had a little vacation without really having to go too far. The Love Bug likes to get out of the house and take new adventures, and John Lee and I love seeing her experience all of the firsts and "not so firsts" in her life. We feel so blessed that we are able to do that, and we can't wait to do it again.

Lots of love!
Emily 

The relationship between a girl and her "Muncle"

I have to start this blog post by saying that my daughter is one lucky girl. Not many girls can say that they have all the men in her life completely wrapped around her finger - but Avery can.

Today, her Muncle Matt (my cousin and John Lee's BFF) returned from a three week summer trip to Ohio to visit his family. Sure we Skyped a couple of times during the trip, but I don't think anything could prepare the Super Muncle for how much his Averyponomousrex changed in just a short period of time.

As he walked in to the Love Bug's room after her nap to greet her, she wasn't sure - was he actually here in person? Yes, that is my Muncle! Then the proper greetings ensued, along with what Avery deemed a necessary tour of her house - like he had never been here before - getting out all the of the dirty laundry, showing him her toy pile, performing all of her new tricks, and talking up a storm.

She is in love with her Muncle, and I know I am so grateful to have him close by - though, I also know it may not be for too much longer that he can just stop by and hang out, or be our #1 babysitter (he is in his last year of college getting his Masters in Accounting, so who knows after that), but this time she spends with him has quality written all over it and for that, I, as her mom, couldn't ask for more (okay, maybe some of her other family to be a little closer than Minnesota and San Antonio, but I can't have it all, right?!).

So, here's to the Super Muncs and all his love, support and help that he has given the Love Bug, John Lee and me in the last couple of years. My Love Bug is a better person because he is in her life!

Lots of Love!
Emily

Off to the Races!

In what had been our first full weekend at home with no big plans, John Lee, Avery and I spent our entire Saturday being just plain lazy. Once dinner was over we thought it be a good idea to take her to park - which she loves - but really that is ALL we did the entire day. So, when Sunday rolled around, I personally couldn't stand to think of another day spent mainly at home - after all, that is where I spend a majority of the time during the week.

At about 9:30 a.m. I was making a fruit salad for myself and came to the idea that the horse races at Ruidoso Downs would be a great little one day retreat that we as a family would really enjoy. Of course, I looked out the window and saw clouds filling up the sky, but we are a two hour car ride away from the race track, so I really didn't think twice about making the trek.

We called up some friends, who were down for the spontaneous day trip to the fresh mountain air, and made our way. Of course, it rained the entire way. About an hour into the trip, we were seriously reconsidering our decision, and kicking ourselves for not checking the weather in more detail other than the estimated high temp. for the day. But, we continued, deciding to just wing it and decide once we got up there, and they happened to get canceled.

Well, they weren't. We did have to buy some seats under the covered section in order to stay out of the sprinkling, all day type of rain, but it ended up being a great way to spend the day.

Avery LOVED the horsies (I have no clue how to spell that), and the fresh mountain air along with the company of some of our greatest friends, Michelle, Luis, Raquel and Ari, was just what the "doctor" ordered. We even won a little bit of cash. Of course not enough to retire on, but it paid for our seats and some of our lunch. Who could ask for more?! Okay, maybe winning enough to retire on would have been better, but it didn't happen, so move on, right?!

Hopefully we will get to do it again before the final races on Labor day, but I doubt it. Our summer is going by faster than wanted, and there is still a lot to do. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time, but more importantly Avery got to experience another first, and for that, I feel truly grateful.

Lots of love,
Emily

P.S. Pictures to come...

The Dilly Bar Experiment of 2010

As has become pretty standard at our house, Friday nights are for frequenting a restaurant for what I now will call "Friday Family Dinner Night". So tonight we hit one of the local favorites, Dick's Cafe. Of course the Love Bug had her standard beans and rice and said "hi" to everyone in the restaurant.

When we were done, we thought we would visit the local Dairy Queen and get Avery a Dilly Bar - By all means, one of my favorite summer treats, so why would it not be one of her's, right?

Well, she didn't want anything to do with the chocolate part (what kind of kid am I raising here?), and once the ice cream fell off the stick on to the napkin sitting on the table, she decided that the stick served a better function as a spoon. What can I say, she is a pretty smart cookie.

Well, a mess ensued, but I would say that the Dilly Bar experiment of 2010 went off without any major hitches. Not saying we will be getting one everyday, but at least now, I know that the Love Bug does not like the chocolate. Maybe next time, we will try Cherry.

Lots of love,
Emily

So I decided to blog about it...

I try to stay up to date with all of our family and friends about our happenings at Casa de Conner, but a lot of stuff gets lost with time... Those of you who are my Facebook friends already know a lot of the happenings around here, and I look to a lot of you for the "how to" on just getting through the ins and outs of being a parent. Now, I wanted to start this blog to reach even more people in our lives that don't necessarily have a Facebook page, or really just want to know what's up.

Now, I realize that most of you don't want to know what's happening John Lee's or my life, but you want to know about that precious bundle of energy I like to refer to as the Love Bug.

Avery is as lively as they come. She never stops and is a strong willed little 18 month old that constantly has us thinking and going. We couldn't have been more blessed with a loving and sweet child, who is free with her kisses and hugs, and always makes sure to tell you that she loves you in what ever way she is able to express it at that point in her life.

She is my mini-me in so many ways. She looks just like me when I was a baby and she acts just like me when I was a baby. My mom is always quick to point out that I am now paying my debt for my childhood.

If you know my mom, you know that she is a free spirit that cares a lot about feelings and others "spirits", mind you. So she said that when I was a baby/toddler/child, one of her goals was to keep me reigned in just enough to not let me get hurt, but also be careful to not break my "spirit". So the other day I was talking to her on the phone and she told me this story as it relates to the Love Bug. Of course, right at that moment, Avery chimes in with her patented high-pitched scream, and I asked my mom "okay, so what if I DO want to break her spirit?" Of course, all joking and laughing aside, that is the last thing that I want. But I have found raising a toddler (especially one that is too smart for her own good), to be one the most challenging things I have done in my life to date.

So those challenges, and all of the great stuff that comes with being the Mother of a Love Bug will be discussed in this blog. I hope that you find it as enjoyable to read as it will be for me to write.

Lots of love,
Emily