The real santa

Ok, so I know I am a slacker mom!!!! I bought hutch's christmas toys this year off of craigslist, I didn't send out a Christmas card (or birth announcements, yikes) and I didn't take Hutch to see Santa. It just seems like a nightmare to drive to the mall or crown center, find parking, fight the crowds, wait in line etc. just to see a guy that is 40 years old dressed in a beard. I love Christmas and all but I am not going to kill myself trying to do all the traditions for a kid who will not even remember it. I did kinda want a picture of Hutch and Santa at this young age but it was not high on my priority list.

Hutch had to go in for a check up at his pediatrician yesterday and who was in the waiting room but Jolly old saint NICK!!! I had my camera and was able to get a couple shots. This Santa looks more real to me than any other Santa I have seen. He had a real white beard, Rosy cheeks and his tummy was just like a bowl full of jelly!!!!

I loved that he did not wear the big scary red costume but more like the clothes he would wear in his work shop. Hutch adored him and didn't want to get off his lap, it was pretty cute!!!

Congrats are in order

After only 8 years of college my brother Abram is finally graduating from college on friday. Congrats Uncle Abram we are all so proud of you. We knew you could do it!!!!!!

tis the season

This has been the week of getting a "splash of Christmas" up in our house. Tree shopping was a breeze again this year thanks to the Lowe's store just down the street. I know the fake tree is easy clean up and you only pay for it once but I love picking out a tree each year and I love how my house smells of fresh greenery.

Decorating the tree went pretty smooth this year. All the lights still worked from last year and I found three new cool ornaments for the tree this year (I started a tradition a couple years ago of getting one new ornament per person per year that describes you).

Hutch also wanted a tree for his room, this is really the only one that I could find that would fit on his dresser but he seems to like it.

I wished I could say doing the lights outside was as smooth but it was maybe the worse experience hanging lights ever as far as everything working. Our main issue was racing to get some daylight to put these up. We also had an issue with the clips we put up last year to hold these lights. They were so brittle from being weathered through the year that we had to start from scratch. After not being able to find the clips that worked on our roof we resulted to ole faithful, the Staple gun. I have to tell you, it worked like a charm. After replacing several light bulbs, replacing many fuses because of me plugging too many strands into one outlet and climbing up the roof, we finally finished!!!

I know it looks simple but there are 11 strands of lights up on this bad boy. We seriously had a "Griswold Christmas Vacation" moment when I finally got it all to work without blowing a fuse, we stood out on the sidewalk and admired our hard work. Brett was the best sport about helping me and not giving up even when I wanted to. As much stress as it was to get these up and going, Brett and I had the best time laughing and working as a team to finish it. Thanks Brett for being the best guy I know!!!

Let the Christmas Holiday Begin!!

proud of my boys

This was a weekend full of being so proud of my boys. Brett is training for his first marathon that takes place in California this spring. He and two good friends are taking on this challenge and I could not be more thrilled! I think it so great to have a goal like this and it makes you feel so stinking good when you have accomplished it (Man, too bad I can't find some motivation to get moving more myself, after the holidays, I promise!!!)

Brett did his first 1/2 marathon this weekend as part of the training for the marathon and did so great. I was so happy to see him cross the finish line at just around two hours!!! Hutch was also so proud of his Dad as he cheered at the finish line!!! (thanks Kerry for this picture, I am in love with it)

Hutch was such a joy to be around this weekend. Lots of time with friends and being out an about. This kid loves people and being in the action, mmmmm, where does he get that from??? I was so proud of Hutch being such a good boy this weekend.

Man, I miss my boys this morning. Is it Friday yet???

giddy up lil cowboy!

cousin lovin

Just a couple cousins snuggling on the couch.

Oh sweet Libby & Hutch. Can't squeeze you kids enough!!!

Letters from Dad/Grandpa Strahm

A few weeks ago my Dad sent me this:

Vikkie,

I just had to send you this picture that you took with my camera , it was just special. It is even cooler when you put it on full screen, which we have currently on our front page on our computer. Hutchie Putch just reminds me of that caged bird on Tom and Jerry that says, "I tot I saw a puddie cat...I tot I did..I tot I did". Hope you enjoy as much as I did. That little one just makes me laugh.

Love,
Dad

Picture attached:

Then an email I got today:

Vikkie darlin`,

I have said from day one that little Hutch looks like you,especially through the eyes and mouth, and shape of head.....well I guess that pretty much covers it, ha!
Anyway, the "tweety bird" photo reminded me immediately of a picture I always admired of you, and so went looking for it on Sunday. I found it, then had Jocelyne do her computer savvy and scanned it to my computer, then put them side by side....I rest my case. I just thought you would enjoy it.

Maybe a little more hair, another year, and a lot less testosterone, and he would be a "spittin` image" of you, right? I miss that little guy. The distance between me and my grandchildren does sorta suck.....keeps me from just droppin` in and kissing a butt cheek or biting some toes.

Back to work,
Love,
Dad

Pictures attached:

I love it that Dad took the time to do this. It made my day and it will show all of you that think Hutch looks just like Brett that really he looks like his mommy.

Thanks Grandpa for these fun emails. You are the best Grandpa to your grand babies!!!!!

Yeah for DonDon

Last night a couple girl friends and I took a small road trip to Lawrence to try a new restaurant that our friends dad & wife owns & just opened last week. I went with really no expectations and ended up really loving it. It is a simple noodle shop that is very tasty and super affordable. If you are ever in Lawrence and you want to try something tasty, cheap and fresh, give it a try. Brett and I are heading to Larryville on Saturday and may have to hit it again :)

DonDon
2223 Louisiana St. Suite E, Lawrence, KS 66046(785) 838-3100

I had a side of seaweed salad and edemame and the a Beef dish that was delish!!!! Wish I wouldn't have eaten it all, kinda want it for lunch today.

the farm

Ahh, always so good to get back to the farm and visit. If it was not two hours away, we would be up there every weekend. We love it and now Hutch is old enough to love it too.

Good to see my son loves corn on the cob as much as I do. Oh yes, see that stick of butter next to the corn??? BRING IT!!!!!

Hutch could not get enough of farm animals. It was pretty adorable even though I am deathly afraid of horses.

After a great weekend of great food, fun with family and so much to do. We took time to relax. Or at least Brett and I did:

my boy

I could not resist posting this picture that my good friend Hannah just sent me.

I love that he looks so much like Brett in this picture. I also love that I am whispering in his ear:

" You better sleep all the way through the night tonight or I am going put you in the crate to sleep with Debo". I guess he thought it was pretty funny.