My Favorite Time!!

Andy Williams definitley said it best.





"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"





I love the holidays. I'm one of those people who starts listening to holiday music the second after THanksgiving and my tree is decorated that early too!





I love everything this time of year stands for. I love giving and if I had it my way (and a BIGGER bank account) I buy presents for everyone I knew. I love it that much!





I love sitting around in my Christmas pjs all day long, drinking hot cocoa, dancing around to christmas music and wrapping the hundreds of presents that I buy each year.





This year has been MORE fun because this year I was able to do a little something for my swimmers. Each student gets a little goody bag filled with fun stuff! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to give (can you tell)??



Christmas day is fun too, but in a way it makes me sad. It's almost as if people stop doing all the holidaysy (not a word, I know) things. That's why it so important to take advantage of all the time I have leading up to the big day!

Happy Holidays everyone!

December Catch-up

Where did this month go. Here it is Christmas Eve and it felt like my birthday was yesterday. (Time, please SLOW down)!

I made a pact with myself this year that I would try to do as many seasonal things as I could with Aiden and I believe that my goal has been accomplished. Our tree went up super early this year! Aiden just loves it. Each morning he wakes up, runs out into the hall way and points down the stairs yelling 'tree' (in the cute little way that he does). When we come downstairs, he makes sure that all the lighs are on. We have a little Charlie Brown tree in the back of the house and he goes over and plugs it in along with the lights that drape the mantle. This same routine occurs in the evening as well, when he realizes that it's getting dark outside.

We have been very good about getting out around town and taking part in all the festivities of the season. Last month we took Aiden to see the parade in downtown Winchester and the lighting of the tree. And ff course we have now seen Santa about five times and each has ended in disaster (and by disaster I mean meltdown of tears which ususally lands him a 'pop' i.e. candycane)!

Last week Luke and I took Aiden to Clearbrook Park for the Winter Wonderland of lights. I was pleasantly suprised about how great it looked. We decided to go on one of the coldest nights of the year (go figure) but we still managed to have a great time. Aiden was in awe of everything (that's until we went to see Santa again in his cabin...MELTDOWN). Santa aside, I think he had a great time.

I have been doing so much baking and crafting this year. After some not so good luck in the beginning at bread baking, I think I have finally mastered it (it really doenst make any sense, as I have been making bread for years and have NEVER had this many problems). In addition to my breads I have branched out and conquered fudge (cookies and cream and it's DELISH) and a number of other goodes have been added to my repertoire this year!

I have also made all of my christmas gifts this year (well not Aiden's gifts of course, but the ones for extended family). Someone suggested I make blown egg ornaments as gifts so I decided to give it a try. Now for those of you who don't know, I am creatively challenged. I must say though, they turned out pretty good (I'll post pics later). They definitly look like a beginner's work but it's the thought that counts right??

'Tis the season!! I LOVE IT!

OH YEAH...here's an update on our little seed:

Aiden is talking so much these days. His vocabulary expands each day and it's incredible to watch. The other day he looked at me and said 'hey catch mommy' as he launched a large ball at my head. A sentence...well almost right? I screeched with glee! My little man is growing up.

Potty training has been put on the back burner for now. His interest has diminished, as there are WAY too many other things to be doing these days (pulling the Christmas tree ornamants down, playing with all the decoreations aroudn the house, dancing to Christmas music). He could careless about using the 'big boy' potty!

We are trying to get him to understand about the baby in mommy's belly. When asked what's in my belly he says baby and he gives her kisses every night (so CUTE). I'm sure he doesn't understand what's going on, but he will in 5 months!!

Lastly...what about that huge blizzard last weekend?? Aiden couldn't get enough of the snow. We were a little unprepared. We didn't have proper boots (we had rain boots) and what's up with the little people gloves?? They are all fleece and DON'T keep hands warm OR dry! We had to rig up some winter gear. It was pretty funny. Aiden had sandwich bags tied around his gloves and we had two pairs of socks on each foot covered wtih plastic bags stuffed inside his boots (don't laugh people...IT WORKED)!! We stayed outside for hours playing in the snow. Of course, once again this horrible mommy forgot her camera and didn't get any photos (hanging my head in shame). I really need to get better at that!

All bundled up for the big snow!

Daddy and Aiden decided to be funny!

Our little giver...he's learing early!

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

Easter Weekend

Wow...Easter has come and gone already. It's hard to belive how fast the time is going by. We had a really nice weekend despite the fact that Aiden was sick again. Let me tell you....he is a really BAD teether. Not only does he get in like three at a time but he seems to get a double ear infection after each one of them. In addition to the teething he also started a new daycare last week so all of those things combined made for a sick little one.

Saturday we headed to my dad's house. Aiden got to visit with his cousins that we don't see very often. The day started off sort of iffy but the weather cleared and we were able to get the kiddies outside for thier egg hunt! Aiden isn't really into the whole thing yet so Luke and I would throw and egg behind him, he'd spot it, pick it up, place it in his basket, and then we'd take the egg and start the whole process over again. He ended up "picking up" about 20 eggs, but there were only 5 in his basket..hehe...ah the trickery! Aiden hung in there for most of the day, although I couldn't be more than 10 feet away from him b/c if so, he threw a fit.

Sunday were were going to head to the Leesburg flower show but unfortunately Aiden was a clinger all weekend and we didn't want to keep him out in the cold for that long so we ditched it and went over to the Hornbakers for dinner instead. It's been a while since we have seen them so we thought it would be nice to visit!

All in all it was a good weekend!

Happy and Hectic Holidays

I LOVE this time of year...it comes and goes so fast though. This was our first holiday with a child so it made things very interesting.


Because both Luke's and my parents are divorced, we have what feels like 100 different Christmases to attend. Having a baby can make this a little hectic.


Saturday the 21st was the first of many. We enjoyed the evening with my mom's side of the family. It was the first time many of them met Aiden for the first time so it was a very good time. Christmas eve was spent with my dad. Unfortunatley Luke had to work again this year but we did get to spend Christmas morning together with the baby and Luke's dad. Aiden was not too interested in opening presents which was to be expected. It was funny watching him with the bows though. I think at one point he had like 10 stuck to him all over.


Our last Christmas was spent with Luke's mom's side of the family. We had that at our house on the Saturday after Christmas. Again...it was a very hectic, BUT FUN time. Aiden was a trooper as always. I got a video camera this year but unfortunately I haven't figured out how to get the videos online but as soon as I do I will post them. Until then enjoy these photos from the last two weeks!!!

Aiden and Teagahn hanging out while the mommies get ready for Christmas

Daddy and Aiden playing!

The Ladies (and Aid) on Christmas Eve!!

Me and Nana in her new Skins Jersey!! YAY!

My Dad looking at his Callas Family Holiday Book!

A very happy Aiden

Me and Aiden being silly

Aiden and the Christmas bow fighting...hehe

Christmas presents...what christmas presents...this box will do just fine!

Me and Aiden being silly....AGAIN!

Daycare Party Pics

Here are some photos from the Daycare Christmas party last weekend.

I don't think Aiden likes Santa...do you???

He's a little happier now!

Let the festivities begin!

This weekend was a very busy one for the Callas household. It began shortly after I left work on Friday. See, I told Aiden's daycare provider that I would make the goodie bags for all the kids so last week I ordered this HUGE assorted bag from Oriental Trading of goodies. Well, Thursday of last week I went to check my order and they had cancelled it on on me WITHOUT TELLING ME. Needless to say, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off Friday evening and Saturday morning trying to get these bags put together. I pulled through!

Saturday evening was the daycare party. It was tons of fun. Santa came and delivered lots of gifts to all the kids. Aiden didn't get an afternoon nap so I thought he was going to be a bear, but he was very good! Of course, he cried AGAIN when I placed him on Santa's lap...maybe next year will be better.

Sunday was Christmas with my mom's side of the family. We headed down to Haymarket early in the afternoon. It was the first time that most of them had met Aiden. We really enjoyed ourselves. I have to make more of an effort to see them because I really enjoy spending time with them. Aiden again was a complete doll all day. Oh yeah..and did I mention that he's WALKING.....A LOT!!!! He does that really funny beginner walk too. You know..the one where the knees are locked and they are teetering back and forth like a robot. It's really quite funny.

All-in-all it was a great weekend. Lots of family and friends...just what we need around the holidays.

I'll post pictures later!

Long Time, No Post

Gees...have I been MIA lately. I come home each day with full intentions of posting and before I know it, it's 10 o'clock and I'm exhausted. Alot has been happening around the Callas household. Let's see...where to begin....

Halloween....Aiden was a HOOT...literally, he was a little owl. The cutest little owl you have ever seen. He helped me hand out candy that night...we had a blast together.
Aiden has been sick on and off for the last month. It did take 9 months to happen, but now that it's here IT SUCKS! First it was Bronchitis, then a double ear infection, and now the nasty wet cough is back again. On a happier note, he's moving all around the house. He's becoming braver by the day. On occasion, he will take a step in between toys, but it doesn't happen often. He's growing up so fast.

Work has been keeping us busy and how that the holidays are here it seems like things are only going to get CRAZIER. We decorated the house this past weekend and Aiden's face lit up (no pun intended) when he say the Christmas tree with all of it's lights turned on. At first he had a look of concern on his face, but that quickly turned to glee. I don't think I have seen a smile so big. He just loves the blinking angel at the top. It was quite a sight to see him so excited. I absolutely love this time of year and I am going to involve him as much as possible so that he will grow to love it as much as I do.

We also took Aiden to see Santa this year. I thought that he would do really well considering that I can hand the child to a complete stranger and he will just sit there completely content (we have to work on this). I guess the big white beard and red suit kind of changed things a bit. As soon as I sat Aid down, he threw a fit. We were able to calm him down just enough to get a picture. It's actually the perfect one..half crying and half smiling. Maybe next year will be better.

Thanksgiving was a hit this year. Unfortunatly, Luke has to work most of the holidays this year, AGAIN, but we managed to squeeze in a dinner on Thursday. We had his dad over and I surprised them with a Leg of Lamb. It was my first and I have to say it was excellent (not to toot my own horn or anything)..hehe.

Well that's a summary of the last two months. I will get better at making time to post...PROMISE!!