Christmas Card

Merry Christmas, Friends and Family!

May your holidays be filled with love and laughter.
Love,
Jose, Ashley and Griffin

He is just funny.

Obviously his hair is funny in this picture, but Griff seriously cracks us up every day. He sits and "reads"  his books so seriously. (As well as tennis magazines, of course) Jose got home early yesterday and Griffin was reading his Baby's First Bible. Griff smiled at Jose and went back to his book. When Jose picked him up, he started bawling.  He set Griff back down with his book and he was happy again. (Griff does actually like affection and is typically very happy when Jose gets home.) He has also started getting cozy with a book while lying on his back. He'll flop onto his tummy and then roll to his back, looking up at That's Not My Puppy or Moo, Baa, La La La. It makes him look way too old. 

The other really funny thing about him is his dancing right now. He will hear music in the background that we won't even notice and just start doing his rocking back and forth moves. They're pretty sweet. Let's just say he is not going to be on "So You Think You Can Dance" any time soon. Although he definitely thinks he can dance and probably read.

Try It Thursday?

Growing up, we always made holiday treats to give to our teachers. We would melt oodles of chocolate and dip anything and everything into it. We also thought that we made fudge. My mom called it tiger butter and it was delicious, but it was really just chocolate and peanut butter. I was searching for a fudge recipe that I could manage recently. I wanted to make a plate of goodies for each of our neighbors and thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to try my hand at making some fudge. While we do have a candy thermometer, I was pretty nervous about that aspect of fudge making.

I found a recipe that is so unbelievably easy and quick! My fudge turned out just right. A fudge connoisseur might have a gripe or two about it, but I was amazed. Try it out! I left out the nuts. I'm sure there are plenty of ways that you could liven up this recipe. Add some candy cane bits. Swirl in peanut butter or almond butter. Top it with a little coconut. Do a graham cracker crust on the bottom. Or, just make it simply and savor the chocolatey goodness!

Try It Tuesday!

If you haven't made your way over to Freshly Rooted, this is the perfect day to do it! Courtney, Whitney and I started this new blog to unite our interests in being creative, green and frugal. Try out Whitney's DIY today. And, hey...why don't you TRY following us! It is Tuesday, after all.

freshly rooted: DIY {from coast to coaster}: "I had this idea that once I got my own apartment, I was going to turn into a DIY queen. I envisioned myself creating incredible holiday dec..."freshly-rooted.blogspot.com

The Big Weekend

What joy we felt this weekend as we celebrated Griffin's birthday and baptism. It is truly amazing that an entire year has passed since our sweet boy was born. He fills us with such joy. He laughs and crawls, babbles and plays, eats and talks (kind of). We marvel at how God has created him as a little person, who is developing so quickly. We want to appreciate these moments and make lovely memories for Griffin as he grows.

Good morning, birthday boy!

Visiting the Discovery Zone at DMNS and showing Muffy all his tricks.

Family photo in front of the tree.

He loved all of his presents from our super generous families!

Clapping for the birthday song.

It may look like he's in pain, but he LOVED his cake!

Touring Blossoms of Light with Muffy.

We felt so blessed to have my mom and Jose's parents present at Griff's baptism. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were honored that Joe and Georgia stood by us as his godparents.

Happy Birthday, Griffin Isaac Guzman!

(More photos to follow!)

Birthday Eve

I can't believe that it's the night before Griffin's birthday. My sweet boy will be one year-old tomorrow! A year ago, Jose and I were at Home Depot buying a Christmas tree. I was thinking that I was in labor, but didn't want to make Jose nervous, so I didn't tell him. It seems like it was just yesterday, but I can't imagine life without my funny, little boy. I love him so much! Happy birthday eve, Griffer!