The TENTH annual: Carter Christmas Classic

 You know what makes you feel crazy old?  Not only when you have your 10 year high school reunion (which we both did this year in August and September), but when your husband has been hosting a Christmas party for TEN years.  You wonder how that is even possible!!!

Well, this year was the tenth annual Carter Christmas classic, which started in 2004 (our sophomore year of college) at Jimmy and Jay's college apartment on Oread Street in Lawrence.  Needless to say, it's changed a bit since then (the attendees and the location - several times).  I wasn't at the inaugural party, since Jimmy and I didn't meet until 2005...but I've been at 8 of the 10 (yep, one year we were broken up and I didn't attend...I'm horrible).

Here is how the venues have changed over the years (and stayed consistent in years past):

2004 - Oread Apartment in Lawrence

2005 - Rick's place in Lawrence

2006 - Ole Tapa's in Lawrence

2007 - Rick's Place in Lawrence

2008 - Tanner's (Lenexa) in KC

2009 - Knight's Hall (backroom) in Shawnee

2010 - Knight's Hall (front room) in Shawnee

2011 - Knight's Hall (front room) in Shawnee

2012 - Knight's Hall (front room) in Shawnee

2013 - Knight's Hall (front room) in Shawnee

So as you can see, it started in Lawrence and had varying venues and then changed to Kansas City after Jimmy graduated from college.  The Knight's Hall front room has seemed to be the perfect place.  Cheap beer, good friends and we can bring appetizers to share.  

The only thing I don't like about it?  It's always on Friday night.  Anyone else not a fan of Friday night parties?  I think it's because by the end of the week I'm usually exhausted and just happy I made it to the other side...so I like to go to sleep early (yep, opening admitting what a loser I am).

We all headed out early this year so Charlie could partake in the fun a bit - curly rat tail and all.

His friend, Jack, was there too and they had so much fun running around and chasing each other and playing with the jukebox.  Seriously...when Emily and I were both pregnant, we would always talk about how fun it would be when our kids could play together - and yep, it's here.  They are playing together and LOVE it and can somewhat entertain each other.  We love it.  I didn't get any on my phone of the 2 of them playing, but I know Jeff did. 

Our one family picture that took make attempts to get.  Oh Charlie.

And my favorite picture of the thing that made our Christmas card...courtesy of Jeff Matlock.  Charlie TOTALLY cheesed it up for the camera on this one.  I couldn't believe it.  He just stood there and smiled.  So cute!!  Thank you for this picture, Jeff.  (see Jack in the background playing with the jukebox!)

 My mom and dad took Charlie back to their house for a slumber party when it was his bed time and Jimmy and I closed the place down.  As always, it was SOOOO good to see everyone that came.  It's always a good crowd and mix of our friends and family.  I love it.  Such a good time of the year to see people and catch up.  

By 12:30 and 6 hours at the Knight's Hall - needless to say, I was ready to go home.  After a stop at Taco Bell...we were done for the night.

Remember Thanksgiving?

Sorry for reverting to a month and a holiday ago, but I am going to be sad if I don't post about our Thanksgiving fun.  Now that I'm on vacation I finally have a second to breathe...and blog!
Christmas/winter recaps are coming soon!

Is anyone else?  I might be the only one that was thinking this on Monday morning - or maybe I'm just the only one crazy enough to document it. 

I was actually looking forward to going back to work and Charlie back to school on Monday.

GASP.

Don't worry - that does not mean we didn't have a great 4 days of family time.  We really did.  Jimmy and I were going on and on about it on Monday actually - but what can I say?  I'm a huge creature of routine (like weird) and we were so out of whack from all the parties, the get togethers, weird nap schedules, etc. that I think we all appreciated a little "normal" yesterday.  

Here's a little holiday weekend recap for you...we were quite busy!!!

Wednesday evening: Carter family thanksgiving at Jimmy's parent's

As always, my mother-in-law provides quite the spread.  Her turkey is always delicious and her gravy is just right - but her rolls.  Oh my gosh...the rolls.  And in addition to the food, the set up and the decor?  Could be straight out of a magazine.  I love that it's our one "fancy" meal each year.  Because you know when I'm hosting we're going with paper plates!

And to go along with tradition, she made all the grandkids the most adorable pajamas.  Last year Charlie was just a little guy at only 4 months old - so this year at almost 16 months, it was a different story.  Seeing him incessantly chase his older cousins around in their matching PJs kind of made my ovaries hurt.  Like it was adorable.  #cousinsforever
 

Thursday: Stephens (my mom's side) family thanksgiving at our house (yep, first year hosting!)

Jimmy was responsible for cooking the turkey (not by choice...but by assignment) and I cooked up some mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and other goodies.  My mom and grandma and rest of the family brought desserts, rolls, jello, etc. to give us a FULL spread.  Needless to say, I feel like when I'm the cook, I snack so much during the course of getting everything ready that I'm not even hungry by the time the meal rolls around.

However, we didn't overdue the appetizers this year, which was good because that always is the case!

My cousin, husband and her son came over too - so Charlie had an older second cousin to chase him around and essentially wear him out.  He loved it.  And so did we by the time bed time rolled around!!  HA!

After relaxing and watching some football, my parents stayed at our house while Charlie was fast asleep and my sister and her boyfriend continued the annual tradition with Jimmy and I as we headed out to the Legends for some Thanksgiving evening Black Friday shopping.  We got some awesome clothes for a great deal for mom, dad AND Charlie!!  Always love a good sale. 

Needless to say we were pooped when we got home around 10:30PM.  And didn't even leave the house on the actual Black Friday for any shopping.



(the only picture was from my cousin's instagram - I am going to claim I was too busy hosting!?!?)

Black Friday: Jimmy's friends over to our house

Yep, we hosted again on Friday evening.  Jimmy kept saying that we had to "deep clean" once...what he forgot about was the clean up in between!!  But it as fun.

Jimmy's best friend, Jay, and his wife, Sara, and son, Cormac, were in town for the holiday from Baltimore, MD.  So we decided to have everyone over to our new-ish house to hang out and celebrate some holiday cheer.  The Heble's, Kanatzar's, Tureks, Cindrich's, and Dave and Abby all came over to hang out.  Let's just say everyone had a good time - but Jimmy - well...he was in RARE form.  Like more "fun" then he's probably had in like 7 years (we were debating it the following week the last time he was that drunk and then that hung over).  To end the night, the KU game was on late and it was intense, but so good to see all these wonderful people that we don't get together enough!!  And seeing the Cullinan's in KC was very fun!

(again - no pictures...which is a major fail on my part)

Saturday: Lawrence and relaxation

Even though Jimmy was in rare form on Saturday morning, I refused to let that get in the way of our plans.  We had not been up to Lawrence all football season.  I wasn't really interested in going to the football game, since they are horrible...but just love the town and it was a beautiful day. 

So after dragging Jimmy out of bed, my sister and her boyfriend came over and we headed to Lawrence to eat at Jefferson's.  And of course, it didn't disappoint.  I just love that place.  The fried pickles and wings are just the best.  And a new love?  The fried macaroni squares.  YUM.

While the boys watched the game and drank, the girls and Charlie headed down Mass St to check out the bookstore with a fun kid's area.  Charlie loved it!!!

And our final stop?  Silas and Mady's - the best homemade ice cream EVER!!  Charlie agrees!


After making the drive back to KC, we were supposed to head to a movie while my sister and her boyfriend babysat, but Jimmy slept and didn't want to get up.  So I did the same while Charlie was napping too.  Guess we all needed the rest?? 

Finally, Sunday: Chiefs game party with the Carter family

To round out the weekend...we had our final hosting duties for the Carter Chief's party. 

The game was at 3PM and we had some pizzas, appetizers and desserts.  The weather was beautiful!!!  Who knew it would be on Thanksgiving weekend.  With all those people and kids in our house for the first time, it did make us want a finished basement to have another room for all the kids...but they made do with the backyard.  Of course, Charlie wanted to join in, which ended him with a huge bump on his forehead after tripping on a stump.  Sheesh.

The gate was left open, so Toby got out of the backyard, which caused quite the stir, but after some hunting, they found him in a neighbor's garage.  And after all that (+ a cousin show in the backyard)...the Chief's didn't even win.  Of course.

So just like that - our weekend came to an end...and we were exhausted from all the fun and parties and family/friends that the holiday weekend brought us.  And just like that - it was time to get ready for Christmas time (seriously!)

Five on Friday: Catching up and the holidays

Hi!  I'm back (kind of).  I'm really trying to get back into blogging and catching up on all the fun stuff I have missed.  My favorite thing to do every once and a while is to go back and read old blog posts.  I love looking back over the {almost FIVE} years I've had this little blog and seeing how some things have stayed the same and some things are OH so different.

With that, I thought I'd kick off my return from a blogging hiatus because of school + wrapping up time at my old job + I'm just plain tired from this last semester with a Five on Friday post sponsored by Darci and her friends, April, Christina and Natasha.

  

{ONE}

Did I mention on here that school is done?  Welp - it is.  Last week on Friday, I graduated and walked the stage with lots of classmates over the last 3 years.  I was kind of annoyed because the whole thing was long and on a Friday night (which I thought was random), but I'm so glad that Jimmy told me I had to walk.  Even if this crazy get up was $60...it was worth this picture.  One for the scrapbook (aka blog) to show Charlie when he's older.  He'll appreciate all my hard work some day...right?

{TWO}

In addition to finally being done with school...we have finally started to get in the Christmas spirit over here at the Carter house.  Jimmy was so sweet and put all the decorations up one day when I was out.  While most people might be mad...I was thrilled.  I honestly didn't want to go to the effort of putting it all up and having to take it down again in 2 weeks because we were running late.

It was such a great surprise and I loved finding his decor choices all over!

{THREE}

Oh Santa.

So we waited until what I consider the last minute on this one too (hmmmm....is there a theme here?).  But I was determined we were going to get to see Santa this year.  I had heard that Bass Pro shop had crazy long lines, and with this crazy kid, I thought it would be for everyone's best interest if we didn't have to wait for hours.

That is why we got to the parking lot on Saturday morning at 8:30AM.  We were already out running errands and Jimmy figured they were open.  Um, nope, sorry.  We actually are just going to sit in the car for 30 minutes and then go into the store at 9AM.  But Santa doesn't arrive until 10AM.

If looks could kill when I told him that...yep, I'd be dead.

But it actually worked out great.  All of it.  Charlie got a little Sesame Street counting video in...and we were probably the second ones in the store.  Jimmy had to go to the bathroom bad...so he went there and we went to check out Santa's workshop.  Turns out...Santa was actually there early (bless people who are early...) so we were second in line.  Wahoo. However.  Dad was in the bathroom.  Forever.  I literally thought he was playing a prank on us and I was so mad because he almost missed Santa.  But never fear, he arrived just in the "nick" of time.

And this is what we got.  A perfect little picture.

Haha - no crying, no hesitation, nope - he just wanted the candy cane.  I guess he's outgoing??  (hmm...wonder where he gets that from?)

All in all - it was wonderful and Charlie found lots of fun toys to add to his list!!

{FOUR}

 Who has all this holiday fun without a little baking either?  I didn't take any pictures of the process of baking 8 dozen cookies for a cookie exchange I did with some girls from work..mainly because Pinterest totally LIED about these being easy cookies that simply are molded into circles, you plop a carametl and some salt on them and then put the dough back aroudn it.  Literally - half the dough was on my hands because it was so sticky.  

I give you: Salted Caramel Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

They were really good, but honestly, not worth the effort to me.  Maybe a dozen?  But not 8.

On another note regarding this - my little hand mixer went KAPUT mid making these.  So I had to stir it.  WITH A SPOON WITH MY OWN STRENGTH.  Gasp.

So that meant I was in need for a new one, right?  Well....as a graduation present, my sweet parents and sister outdid themselves and got me a Kitchen Aid mixer.  OMG.  I'm still salivating thinking about it.  It's set to arrive next week and I cannot WAIT!

Moral of number 4?  Beware - Pinterest does lie.

{FIVE}

This picture needs minimal words.  A toddler, in his dad's hand me down sport coat, in holiday colors, with shoulder pads.  He rocked it and he knew it.

I thought for sure he was going to take it off the instant he got to school.  Nope - he wore it proud all day and apparently let everyone gloat to him how cute he looked.  Oh Charlie.

Happy Holidays!  I will get caught up soon - maybe while we are on vacation!!

Changes

So I tried - I really did to keep up with blogging.  But other things got in the way. 

Like the holidays, hosting parties, working, playing with Charlie, finishing up grad school AND getting a new job.  So don't think I don't have lots of things to blog about.  Because we have been busy.  Unfortunately, the only other thing that time allowed for in these last few weeks is sleep.  

And I took advantage of sleep whenever I could!!  Who wouldn't!?

But here we are.  We made it to the flip side.

And we couldn't be more excited.

I graduate on Friday at 5PM.  My final paper for my capstone class is going to be turned in today.  And that's it.  I took my last final last night.  Last final ever.  And I ran home to put Charlie to bed and sat there with him extra long.  Because I could.  Because I didn't have to rush to study or finish homework or read.  Even though I had work to do last night - that is about to change too.

Yep, mama got a new job.  And I couldn't be more thrilled.  However, it was a very bittersweet feeling leaving my current company and in particular, all my friends and co-workers.  I mean, these people are real friends.  Friends that I have been with over all the changes in the last 5 years.  Which...believe me, there have been LOTS of changes.  Buying TWO houses, getting married, starting grad school, getting pregnant, having a baby and finally finishing grad school.  

Yeah, just a few things have happened in my time at Hallmark.  And like I said, my co-workers there were more than co-workers and I couldn't be more thankful for that.

But I'm ready.  We're ready.  For a change.  Something closer to home, totally different business, similar role...but a new challenge.  And hopefully some more time.  I seem to be all about that these days.  But really, who isn't?

So I'm back to blogging about little things, random things, funny things.  I have missed it and feel like this is such a cool space and I LOVE looking back on old random posts from years ago - so I'm dedicated to keeping up.  

Cheers to changes, new beginnings and more TIME friends!!!

An old (October) pic of me and my little man.  But one that I really like!!

PS And it's time to catch up with the holiday to-dos, like a PJ link up and getting my Christmas cards finalized and sent out and maybe clean my DIRTY house!!

Our 16 month old!

So this last month has FLOWN by my dear.  So much has been going on at our house it's crazy.  Crazy I tell you.  And you have taken in all in stride.  I love that about you.  As long as you stay on your pretty consistent schedule, you are fed and changed...you're a happy little man.  Please stay that way!!

(No clue on height and weight - but you are growing!!)

Clothing Size: We have moved up to 18 month pants (still a little big on your skinny waist) and 18-24 month pants.  I seriously want to faint when I buy something that says "2T"

Shoe Size: 5

Number of Teeth: 14??  I cannot get in your mouth.  However, your canines are slowly making the way in and let me tell you, that's no fun for anyone.

Everyone said you would start getting a little more talkative from 15 to 18 months and in the last month you have.  I'm not going to lie - compared to all the girls in your class that talk so clearly, I started to panic.  But guess what?  I'm crazy and you're normal.  Haha.  What's new.  You seem to add a new word everyday.  They are not SUPER clear, but I'm super proud when you say something and I can tell from your voice fluctuations what you mean. Like "thank you".  And apparently you say "lego" at school quite frequently.  You are also signing a ton more which is very helpful and fun!  You have always been a pro at "more", but now we are getting into the please and thank you when we give you things and it's so fun to see you learn!

You seem to have no fear and be "all boy".  From learning to climb on your slide and sliding down to now just standing at the top of it (while your mom freaks out and tells you to sit on your bottom) you seem to love testing your limits.  Makes me a little nervous and wondering when we'll be making a trip to the ER.  But also proud that you aren't afraid to try new things.  Guess that's the balance of being a parent.

Tormenting the dogs seems to be a habit of yours, which keeps things in our house quite interesting.  You are becoming better at "independent play" as some call it.  You will disappear into the playroom while your dad and I are in the kitchen and when I got to see what you're up to, you're just playing along or coloring.  It's very nice to see you having a good time and not always needing us to entertain you!!  You LOVE the basketball goal that your dad bought you and love the applause you receive when you slam dunk.  It's so fun to watch you learn new things and figure out how to master them! 

Still doing great in school - we had your first parent/teacher conference (which is hilarious) and they had nothing but wonderful things to say about you!  You're quite a hit in the classroom and like to entertain your friends.  You have NO fear with strangers and anyone that walks through our front door you greet and hug. It's so sweet.

Sleeping is still consistent for the most part and I have to say I'm very thankful for that.  You are not a HUGE sleeper by any means (your friends Jack and James take the cake on that trait!!), but go down around 7-7:30 each night and are up around 6:30-7.  Works great for us.  The nap thing you still wake up at home about 45 minutes in, but as long as we go in and soothe you, you go back to sleep.  We did get to spoil you a few times over the holidays with 2 naps and man was it glorious!!

You're just my favorite little man.  I love watching you learn and helping you explore this world.  Thanksgiving was so sweet this year because we have SO many things to be thankful for - and you are on the top of that list little man.  I love that you still snuggle with me before you go to bed at night and let me hold you like a baby.  Even though you're a big kid, it makes me so happy to get to hold you.  

Cheers to some fun and time off together this Christmas season!!  Looking forward to our first tropical family vacation and your first plane ride!!

We love you!!

Mom and Dad

Another Friday...another Five on Friday

Linking up again with Darci and friends for a Five on Friday.   So glad it's FRIDAY!!!

{ONE}

I'm not really a music person.  Not saying I don't like music, I do, but I don't obsess over playlists, always have to have music playing {too loud} like my husband.  For some reason it's never been my "thing". 

But there are sometimes songs that I just love and when I hear them...my mood can instantly get better.  There's one that's out right now by Olly Murs.  Called "Dance with me tonight".

Seriously, every time it comes on the radio I turn it up REALLY loud and bounce around in the seat of my car smiling and singing {now there's a picture for you}.  It's such a fun and upbeat song that's retro too.  And I'm weird and feel like when it comes on, I'm going to have a good day.

Just give it a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3EG4olrFjY

{TWO}

Sorry - I'm just SSSSOOOO close to being done with grad school I can taste it. Two weeks left of class. 

I'm not going to say its been the longest 3 years of my life because that's a little over dramatic because they have been a great 3 years of life...but I will NOT miss going to class, group projects, homework and papers. 

Yeah!!!!

{THREE}

Last week I used a large gift certificate I got from an award at work to buy a Roomba.  My friends, after a week of use...we're in love.  All of us. 

I mean it is a robot that you can schedule to vacuum whole you're gone.  I mean what is better than that???  I read lots and lots of reviews and we ended up getting the 770 version at Bed Bath and Beyond and used a 20%off coupon and had a gift card- so really it was about the same price as a normal vacuum.

But I seriously just turned it in sometimes this week when we were gone for just a bit so I could think about the fact that I'm getting some cleaning done while I'm not at home.  Amazing feeling.

Needless to say, I'm not a fan of mopping either (surprise, surprise), so this baby is going on my Christmas wish list!!!

{FOUR}

 Making our house a home.  

We are starting the fourth month of living in our house and sometimes I feel like we still just moved in.  One reason I feel like this, is there was still nothing on the walls.  I felt like hanging pictures up was such a commitment.  But it needed to be done.  

So guess what??  Last Sunday I bit the bullet.  I decided on some pictures and seasonally appropriate printable chalkboard prints and I got to hanging.  

What do you think?  I am still deciding what I think.  I feel like I might need to make the chalkboard prints bigger, but I do like the mat on the frames.  (P.S. got the frames at Costco for a great deal!!)

Any comments?  I'll take anything.

Also hung up some cute Charlie one year old pictures from our session with the talented Allison.  Found these cute frames on our trip to Branson.

And finally, redid the arrangement in our hearth room.

{FIVE}

Finally, happy happy birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law, Hillary!!!  We love her and I'm so lucky to have such a good friend now that's part of our family.  We miss living right down the street from them so much!!

Charlie and Hillary at the lake!!!

 Cheers to a great year for you and for you and Bobby!!

Five on Friday!! Hurray!!!!

We made it through another week.  And I'm back to linking up with Darci and friends for five random things!!  Love these posts!

{ONE}

How are we already a week into November?  Wow!!  I literally couldn't believe it when someone scheduled a meeting with me at work for "next week" and it was November 14.  AHH!!

Speaking of, we are hosting Thanksgiving this year for my mom's side of our family at our house and I'm getting excited.  A little motivation to spruce up our not-touched house and make it a little fall!!  Finding some great ideas on Pinterest that I'm loving.  No school the week of Thanksgiving, so it will be craft week at night!!

Source

 Love some of these fun ideas and really like the fall pumpkins and decor in the big lanterns.

And I love this site!!

Source

I'm going to print off a combination of letters to say "Thankful".  The hardest part?  Ensuring the decor isn't in reaching distant of my destructive toddler!

Speaking of.....

{TWO}

Toddler entertainment.

With busy bodies like some of us have, that's not always the easiest thing.  I have been scouring the Internet and Pinterest for ideas on how to keep Charlie engaged and busy on the weekends when we are chilling at home.  I'm more than happy to spend my day playing with him in his play room, but believe it or not - that lasts about 15 minutes max.  So I needed something else.  Something genious!

And I found a few things after searching and this one might be one of my favorite pages.  Has things for Charlie right now and things I can use as he gets older.

Source

He was really loving the one where you hang the empty paper towel holder on the wall with painter's tape and put cotton balls through it.  He was entertained for THIRTY minutes.  I was there playing right with him, but didn't want to change activities after five minutes.  Impressive if you ask me!!

Anyone else have great toddler activities?

{THREE}

THREE.  THREE. THREE.

Only three more weeks left of grad school.  Then one final (only one my classes has a final, other one has presentation the week before finals and just a 30 page paper due during finals week) and then I'm done.  Forever.  Graduation is December 13 and that's it.

I literally about lost it in my class on Tuesday night.  Too much going on with life + school + other things that I was on my last thread. 

I keep telling myself the end is literally almost HERE.

Three MORE weeks of class.

(this includes not having to go to class at ALL the week of Thanksgiving, which is amazing!)

{FOUR}

 Remember in this Five on Friday I begged for suggestions on where to get longer shirts so I can wear them with leggings and cover my booty.

Well friends, H&M delivered.  I made a quick trip there after work and before class on Tuesday night and I found some goodies that I just couldn't pass up.  One of them was this tan sweater and another were these red jeans.

I also got another long sweater and an awesome sweatshirt that are both long enough to wear on Saturday/Sunday with just leggings.

Here are some pictures I awkwardly made Jimmy take before work.

Charlie was not OK with not being in them obviously.  And you can tell why I'm not a fashion blogger...right??

This is like an addiction now! But thank you for sharing your tips on where to find!

{FIVE}

Source

Christmas shopping.  I know, right?  I'm talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas in one post.  Well - I've decided that I'm not going to wait until the last minute this year.  Nope.  I'm going to try to squeeze it in leading up to Christmas so once we get down to the few days before Christmas I can focus on enjoying the season and having good times with my family and little man.

So we've started.  Charlie....I actually think after our craigslist find that we're picking up this weekend - he will have his "big" thing done!  Yeah!!  Need to think of something good for my mom and dad since they are taking us to Florida for a week for our present (cannot wait).  And for Jimmy's parents!!  Why are parents so hard to buy for?  I'm really going to try to make them meaningful gifts this year!!

Also, we usually hit up Black Friday every year (not sure if we will this year), but I want to take advantage of that day and those sales.  Versus years past where I seem to buy things for myself...bad Brittany.

I'm working on making a list (and checking it twice...haha) for each of the folks we are going to buy presents for and keep my eyes and ears open to get the best present and the best deal.

Anyone have any great early shopping tips??


And just for one more...because surely you did not see enough pictures of my sweet boy...here is a picture of Charlie who was STYLIN yesterday.  I about died when we picked him up from day care and when we told him it was time to go he literally went to a little girl in his class and gave her the sweetest hug ever.  AHH!  What a sweetheart.  And what an improvement from earlier in the week when he continued to sit on kids and they bit him...

Happy weekend to you!