year's end

we had so many wonderful memories from this year, from my sister's visits, celebrating caleb's first birthday to christmas and many more things in between.  i am so grateful to God for his love and graces this year and can't wait to see what He has in store for our family in 2012.

our christmas in photos

getting schooled

dad and i were making the polish tradition of golopmki last night.  i was getting schooled in the proper technique of filling the cabbage and folding it ever so carefully.  this is a tradition that i hope to pass down to my son.  Christmas eve is a very special tradition in the polish culture.  this is the night of wigilia, where we celebrate the birth of Jesus by abstaining from meat until Christmas day, we eat this huge meal, which consists of, for us, 2 soups, red and white borscht, pierogi, 2 types of fish, and mushroom cabbage rolls (golompki).  when we were younger my mother would slave a way in the kitchen for days preparing everything from scratch, now my mom and dad take turns each year since they are divorced hosting, traditionally we are not to eat until we see the first star in the sky and we would have hay under the tablecloth to signify Jesus' birth place in the manger.  here are some pictures of last night's cooking lesson after our trip to get authentic polish delicacies.

for caleb

caleb, you did not like santa claus, but you did like his reindeer.  mama had to get you off his lap because you were not happy being there.  but i guess all little kids are afraid of santa.  merry christmas sweet love.

with love,
mama

so strong

caleb my dearest child, you crack my ass up with your faces.  here you are showing us how strong you are.

potato thief

caleb likes to eat a lot most days when he is feeling well.  here is a funny video of him stealing more food after his dinner.

mama style

so i can't believe that i didn't take any picture of the clothing swap.  i have no idea how i forgot to do that, i guess i was having too much fun.  i have been wearing my new duds all week, but i just suck at getting pictures before i leave for work, the lighting sucks, and i'm in a constant rush because i hit snooze too many times.

i have not idea on why my necklace isn't showing, but it is a long gold leaf thing that's super cute.  and these suede shoes i stole from my sister.

horsey

caleb experienced his first grocery store horsey ride and he loved it .  he kept signing more and must have ridden it 4 times in a row.

clothing swap

i'm hosting my first ever clothing swap tomorrow and i am beyond excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I just wanted to let ya'll know that i cannot wait to sit with friends, trade clothes, eat and drink some wine.  i will post pics of course of it all.

btw, the mister and i took the day off today to be together and have a date day today.  he is such a great guy to take me to the new twilight movie without complaint.

mama style

i love this dress, i found it in a vintage french thrift shop in cali.  i wore it last here.  this is my winter version i guess.  i have this fantasy of dressing like a french woman in beautiful vintage dresses with modern twists of course and this dress allows me the fantasy a little bit.  i just love the color and that it has pockets!