Saturday, December 26, 2009

Christmas Memories

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
My Josie was stirring, and nowhere near as quiet as a mouse;
The cookies were placed by the chimney with care,
And a letter to St. Nicholas was also sitting there;

The family was together at great-grandma’s place,

While piles of meatballs were stuffed in their face;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had hoped Josie would settle down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn the Reindeer food was a-scatter,


She sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the fireplace she flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of Santa’s button laying down below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a shiny little bell from one of the Reindeer.

With a quick peek around, so lively and quick,

She knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
Josie looked and she found what Santa forgot when he came,
She read the “nice list” and called them by name;

"Now, Josie! now, Zachary! now, Colin and Lydia!
On, Julia! on Reese! on, baby and Figaro!
From the rubber chicken! To the Barbie! To the best gift of all!
A Rella dress! Chapstick! I will take them all!"
She found the doll house just in time, which was a secret wish,
And exclaimed “Oh my goodness, I’ve been looking for this!”.

She sprang down to play, to her parents gave a cheer,

And busy she was until bedtime was near.
But I heard her exclaim, ere she snuggled in tight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Poor kitty

Does this sticker make my butt look big???

Don't worry- Josie assures us that
Figaro likes it.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The man in the big red suit

Santa visited Josie's day care Christmas party last night. She informed him that she wanted a Barbie and a Cinderella dress. Oh, and that we have a chimney and her stocking is right next to it. She clearly understood that the visit was special but is fully aware that he'll be visiting our house as well. Should be a really fun Christmas!



He's here!



Reading with the kids









Sitting in Santa's lap





Thanks for the special night!



Friday, December 11, 2009

A dream is a wish your heart makes

We surprised Josie with a special night of Noodles Mac and Cheese and Disney Princess on Ice. I'm not sure which one she liked better but she had a wonderful time!

Sitting with Dad (and eating a mini-donut)



Now with Mom


In her own seat

All of the prince and princesses during the finale

It's Rella!



Here comes the Fairy Godmother!
And finally, the silly little light things they sell the instant you walk in the door. Between the princess paraphernalia and the princess food and the princess pictures you may as well hand over your wallet as soon as you walk in the building. But hey, that's what being a parent is all about, right?


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Fun project for a snowy night




Surprisingly none of the candy made it in Josie or Figaro's mouths! Can't say the same for the leftover icing...

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Christmas Season Update

Lots going on lately so here are a few updates:
  • The house is all decorated and looks quite festive. While Josie sure enjoys the tree and ornaments I think someone else does too....




  • We've had a special holiday visitor at our house the past week and his name is Christopher the Elf. He came to us from the North Pole with instructions from Santa to keep an eye on Josie and report back on Christmas Eve. Each night he finds a new place to hide so he can see what Josie's up to. Here are a few of his hiding spots:





  • Josie had her Christmas program at church today. We practiced and practiced her Bible verse but Josie didn't feel up to participating during the performance. Instead she stood stoic and even picked her nose. Yep- that was our kid. Lucky for her we didn't catch it on video. Then she proudly sang the songs and recited her verse in the car on the way home. Maybe next year......


























Monday, November 30, 2009

Ho Ho Ho's in my heart

As I was tucking Josie in tonight she said to me "Mama, I have Ho, Ho, Ho's in my heart at Christmas." I love it!











Sunday, November 8, 2009

No ifs ands or butts

Here's how the conversation went-
Josie: toots in my lap
Me: Say excuse me Josie
Josie: Everyone toots Mom
Me: Really? So does Figaro (our cat) toot?
Josie: Yes!
Me: What about Moms and Dads?
Josie: Yes! And Grandmas and Grandpas!
Me: What about rocks and trees?
Josie: No way Mom.
Me: What about dogs and fish and turtles?
Josie: Not turtles Mom! They don't have butts!!!!
We're not sure if it was the 102 degree fever talking or the true wisdom of our daughter. Either way it was pretty cute.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Dance moves

Josie and I had a wonderful time at Cam and Nicole's wedding this weekend. It was great to catch up with family! Here are a few video clips from the night:

Springsteen fans are fully aware of the E Street Shuffle but this weekend I got to witness the Fairclough Shuffle in all its glory.

One more for good measure: The Stocky Stalk

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The View From Down There

Josie received a camera for her birthday and I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos she's taken. She may not be destined for a future in photography but life at 3 feet tall has given us a new perspective on what Josie sees all day.



Hello Mom

Hi Dad

Close up of birthday balloon

Up close and personal with Mr. Bear

Let's not forget about the birthday crown

Hello there Grandpa

Look at my foot

Check out the Picasa link for more of Josie's photography work.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Here fishy, fishy

Josie caught her first fish this past weekend! She loved picking out her own worms and wanted to hold each fish that she caught. By the 6th fish she was even pretty good at setting the hook.









Monday, August 31, 2009

Birthday Girl

A big thank you to everyone for making Josie's birthday so special. She finally got to enjoy her big day and is now busy asking when its her birthday again. I can hardly believe that she's 3 already. I wish time would just slow down a bit!!!
The birthday girl

Look Mom! Rella's!!!


A princess cake for a birthday princess

There's no crying on your birthday!

Unless of course it was your piece of cake that fell to the ground



Happy 3rd Birthday Josephine!




Saturday, August 22, 2009

Animal adventure

Josie, Grandma Kari, Ted and myself had a great day at the zoo! Saw lots of animals and got to feed a giraffe. Very cool!

The giraffe was rather gentle but the goats were a whole different story. The pictures tell the tale.




Sunday, August 9, 2009

Fun at the cabin

Thanks for a fun weekend Great Grandma and Great Grandpa!