Baby Steps

Jude started walking about a little over a month ago, but up until this point would drop to the floor as soon as the camera was out. So here's the proof - this kid is on the move.

A Christmas Story

It was one heck of a holiday around the Wilson home. We were able to bask in the abundance of gifts, family and food. Santa was generous, and brought us some pretty exciting gifts. Rob received some Wii games, a golf towel, a new swiss army knife, a super hot dress coat, and many a best-buy gift card. Maddie and Jude (although Santa brought them individual presents) shared a unicorn, cars, a microphone/piano, a Sesame Street Pop up thingy,a singing tool bench, a sled, and some clothes. By shared, I mean anything that said "To:Jude" had to also be "To: Maddie." Of all the kid's gifts, Maddie seems to love the Sesame Street toy the most...go figure. Rob got me some boots that I've been eyeing, Moody Blues and America guitar books, and perfume. Santa also brought the family a portable DVD player and a 4 gig memory card for the camera! I'm still trying to figure out what I want to buy with my mom's present, but with my Dad's - I bought one of these - I can't WAIT to use it!

Another big event...I made my first turkey for Christmas dinner at Ross and Tammy's. And, for a first attempt, I think I did pretty well. I made sure to document it - if only for insurance purposes.



A special shout out goes to all of those family members and friends that helped to make our Christmas so special. But OBIVOUSLY - it's better to give than to receive, so I give you all the gift of my blog, and I've also donated a large sum of money to the "Human Fund" in all of your names - no need to thank me, it's just my generous nature. Merry Christmas.

Santa...sort of

Madelyn has racked up a fairly impressive count of Santa visits this month. By age two she's become an old pro. The only thing that's missing is the yada-yada of sitting on Santa's lap, the typical freaked-out-child picture, and the actual "what do you want for Christmas" part. Yep - she's seen him ten to twelve times this year, but only from a distance. Rather than standing in a long line of screaming kids, we decided to let Maddie give Santa a big holler and wave from behind the gate. Best of all - she's been THRILLED about it. There were a few close encounters, and Maddie was not a big fan, so this way - we all win. Here are a few pictures of our most recent encouter, which involved a pretty rockin train ride for the kids. I'll probably post Christmas day, so I can show off our awesome day - but until then - may your days be merry and bright! Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Party

Here are some of the top picks from Rob's company party last night. As always, great times were had. Seeing as how no one at our table won anything - I will present my own awards.


Derrick and Ashlee, get the hottest cousin couple award (left)
Matt and Kathy, the cutest expecting couple award (right)


Brandon and Zach (left) Brandon gets the "most ditched by his date" award while Zach gets the "best job using someone from Xango to get a free dinner from the company he just quit" award.
Nate and Stef (right) get the "cutest butter loving couple" award.
I think Rob and I get the "most failed couple photos" award. Thanks, honey, and Zach.


Here's a picture of the party. It really is HUGE. Last night they gave away a car, four HD flatscreens, two laptops, an IMac, and lots and lots of cash.

And last, but obviously not least, is the traditional (three years running) picture of Ashlee, Stefanie and yours truly.

Ode to Derek and Jessica

Rob and I went away this weekend for, YES, the first time since Madelyn was born. I know it sounds crazy that it's been so long - but I've always been fairly nervous about leaving my kids with someone else. Not necessarily for my kids' sake, but mostly for the people that I leave them with. Oh my...I fear NO MORE! What an amazing getaway! Thanks Derek and Jessica for being SO great to my kids...Madelyn is still asking if she can go back. Here's a quick video of Derek and Jessica's kids (the first kids I fell in love with) playing the Wii. No - they're not synchronized swimming.

I also need to give a special thanks to our Green Bay friends for the AMAZING gift. Rob and I loved the bed and breakfast so much that we're hoping to make it an annual tradition.

American am I in Honor of Having Been Born

Every once in a while I find something so off that I decide to blog about it. Perhaps it is the dry comedian that lives within, or perhaps it is the lack of other blogging ideas. Either way, I made a small purchase for Madelyn the other night at the grocery store. I was checking out, and it was next to the candy in the things-you-don't-really-need section. Being the queen of impulse buys - I grabbed a pack of "Fun Punching Balloons."

I pulled them out of thier packages, and began reading the instructions on how to inflate. (I know what some of you are thinking...but yes, there WAS more to it than just blowing up the balloon.) Here are the directions - word for word:
1. Inflate the balloon by hold as the picture
2. Hidden the end by roll or tie it and insert into the balloon
3. Overturn the balloon and use the rubber stripe to play as your lifestyle
Thank you Babel Fish Translation for making it so easy to translate words. Now factories in Malaysia can save money on interpreters.

Another Hidden Talent

For some reason I am overflowing with holiday cheer. The house is decorated, (with the exception of the outdoor lights that we'll do tonight) the air smells like sweet pine from last night's Christmas tree purchase, I recieved and wrapped two of my friend's gifts today - with several more arriving tomorrow - and to add to that, Madelyn and I made our first gingerbread house this afternoon. It was an adorable little kit from Target, that I was at first a bit weary of. It looked like a lot of hard work from a very talented gingerbread architect. But, who knew - it really wasn't that hard! To the prefessionals it may seem a bit entry-level-ish, but to the untrained eye, I think it's a pretty good match. See if you can tell wich one is the "demo" and which one is ours.

The Loo

As you can see, people are lined up to use Maddie's potty. Some so eager that they decided to sit on laps and/or jump in head first while the potty was in use. If only my daughter shared in their ambition.