The Rest of the Story....

So, it was a very Merry Christmas, yet there were a few kinks. Christmas Eve day Anna began to not feel so well. That evening after a great church service that I listened to from the lobby, we had the family over for appies and desserts - yum, yum. However, Anna didn't want to eat which isn't like my little piggie. Shortly thereafter she "tossed her cookies" to put it nicely! Being the sensitive mom that I am - I quickly wiped her off and told everyone we needed to get pictures done then because I was going to have to change her. Hence the pictures of Anna in her beautiful dress, but definitely not smiling!

So Christmas morning Anna was not in the mood for any cheer. Not even Tickle Me Elmo could get a smile out of her. It was so sad because I knew she wanted to enjoy herself but just couldn't. After a healthy banana and some biscuit she did cheer up a bit and start enjoying her new toys. The rest of the day was great with little problem.

Friday morning Anna still wasn't up to par and since we were leaving Saturday for NC and GA I thought it best to take her into the doctor. Diagnosis - double ear infection. No wonder the little tyke wasn't in the mood to play. So with plans on hold we decided to make a call about our trip on Saturday morning. But before we could get to that point Mommy started feeling not quite right, and 10 hours later, Daddy and Erin started feeling not quite right.

So being the responsible people that we are yet often choose not to be, we decided to cancel our trip to NC and GA. We just couldn't risk spreading Christmas cheer and everything else we might bring with us to our dear grandparents and precious friends. It was going to be a whirlwind of a trip with too much packed into a very short time. We are very sad not to see our family and friends, but think God was just telling us it's time to slow down a bit. We do promise those sweet friends in GA that we will visit this Spring when we will bring nothing but happiness and health. Anna is still on the mend and not responding to the antibiotics very well, Erin is just being 4 which is in itself sometimes an illness(love you Erin!) and Joe and I are getting things done around the house(yeah for Goodwill!) and preparing for our trip to Vegas - did I say we were slowing down? And that my friends is the rest of the story!

Merry Christmas

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A few things we've been working on...

Caleb, Samara, Joe, Noah and Erin

This was our first attempt at a Gingerbread house and I must say I'm surprised how much Joe loved it. We had to take 2 nights to do it since you have to let the house "set" before decorating it. It worked out well though since my nephews and niece were coming over the next night so they helped decorate. Everyone had a great time and it's still standing. In the front yard Joe made a Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus!

This week we also attempted to conquer a 499 piece puzzle. That's right 499, not 500 like the box said. We either have a defective puzzle or Anna has a puzzle piece in her belly! Erin did her best helping and when it got down to the last 30 pieces, she filled them in. It was a very difficult puzzle, but very adorable.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Tis the Season to....PARTY

Is there a such thing as too much partying? I think not! We've had a week of it. On Sunday night my girlfriends from highschool(gradeschool for Jenny) came over with their ever expanding families and we enjoyed our annual Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. I love having an official kid's table now - there conversations are always so interesting!

Then on Monday night the Jackson's came over for a spontaneous "grill out" night since the weather was so nice.

On Tuesday we had a Happy Birthday Jesus party with some dear friends from church. We look forward to this every year as Erin always enjoys the special craft and yummy eats. Anna rather enjoyed herself too this year!

This morning some of the ladies from our small group came over with their little ones and we had a fun playdate with a special snack.

I just love this time of year when it's so busy. I love talking to other moms about their traditions and getting new ideas. Children make Christmas so exciting! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful, Christian people, especially moms, that know what this time of year truly is all about!

Cassia, Elena Kay, Erin, Dylan, Grayson and Anna - friends for life!

My Best Friends - Jenny and Jeanette!

Anna and Madeline are getting to be little playmates.

MMM...Mrs. Schrodt, this is some yummy mac'n'cheese!

Christmas Tree all decorated.

Happy Birthday Jesus - make a wish!

Matthew, Reagan, Anna and Emily - small group friends.

Christmas in the Country

We heard about Triple R Ranch's Christmas in the Country on K-Love and then were invited by a guy Joe has come to know through his Friday morning Bible Study. So we decided, despite the cold, it would be a fun and festive event to go to. It was a really nice time. Erin did a horse ride, there was a live nativity, she did a craft, we ate some good grub, and of course cider and cookies. I can truly say it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

That bundle of pink is Anna!

Erin on her first "big" horse ride.This horse was there just for taking pictures.

Anna and her Christmas tree cookie.

Erin and her "Gabriel" angel cookie.

Nana's Walker

As we were waiting for the Christmas program to start on Friday night Anna took some time to practice her walking. She found the perfect tool to help her - Nana's walker. It was the cutest thing watching her walk up and down the hall. I used to play on my Great Aunt's walker and use it as a gymnastics apparatus so it brought back good memories.

Erinisms

Here's a few of the latest Erinisms:

When helping me practice my music for Sunday, I was informed that it is "Oh Well" not "Noel!"

After church today Erin went to Power Up with her Baba where it is being reinforced that the children bring in items they don't need anymore to give to children who are less fortunate. In the car, Erin announced that she was going right home to clean up and find things to give away, and then asked, "what do you think Cody wants of mine?" I got the biggest giggle and tried to explain that we weren't giving things away to friends, but to people we don't know! What a heart though, and she truly got the message!(Jessica - I don't know why she chose Cody, guess she just loves him!)

The Tree is UP!

Last night we decorated our new Christmas tree. We crossed over to the dark side as some would say and bought a "fake" tree this year. I was so worried that Anna would eat the needles of a "real" tree and we think Erin had some allergies to the tree last year, so we did it. I must say it was nice not shopping for the perfect tree in the cold, and with candles these days, it smells like there is a real tree in the house. Anna delayed our decorating quite a bit, for every ornament that went on, she took one off. I'm going to have to watch that little munchkin very closely. Erin actually helped quite a bit this year although there is a heavy amount of ornaments in one particular spot and none on the bottom 12 inches for the sake of the little person! So it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I have all our presents wrapped but am afraid to put them out because of Anna! I sure do love that little munchkin even when she's mischievious!

Anna has a special Elmo ornament for the year!

Erin is holding her new Sleeping Beauty ornament.

Now she's putting on the tree right in front.

Daddy helped the girls hang our Sesame Street ornaments.

Here is - one tree trimmed!

A Time to Give Thanks

Well, Thanksgiving this year started with some tears. We left the Thanksgiving Eve service with blotchy faces and watery eyes since we had to say goodbye to our dear friends the Judds. I still feel like maybe they're just on vacation and will be returning - always hope!

The wonderful thing about the service was that we took communion and since Erin has asked Jesus into her heart, she got to partake of her first communion. It was so wonderful because all her grandparents, and her aunt and uncle were there to witness it. It was such a sweet moment as we explained it to her and she prayed to Jesus. I wanted to snap a picture, but felt it inappropriate.

Thanksgiving morning was so wonderful and relaxing, at least for 3 of the Maggiores. I was in charge of Sweet Potato casserole, so I was a little busy. Luckily Sleeping Beauty helped me mash the potatoes. I tell you, it took me all morning to get one side done, what am I going to do when I'm in charge of the entire meal (Boston Market????)

We ate lunch at Baba and Papa Joe's and my parents joined us. The food was delicious and the company even better. Anna ate every single item on her plate, many of them a first for her. I tell you this little girl is an eating machine, and a noisy one at that! Erin enjoyed the various desserts, she's my sweet tooth!

Erin was helping Anna with her walking.

Just getting some love!
This is how every meal should be!
MawMaw and the girls.

The Maggiore girls and Nana.

Erin made Turkey cookies with Baba and MawMaw.

That evening everyone came to our home and Kim, Brent and the Nieters joined us. I am so thankful to have a home that everyone can gather at and fellowship in. I absolutely love having everyone over especially when they bring such yummy food! So with our bellies full, and our hearts full of Thanks we had a very enjoyable day. I am so thankful for the innumerable blessings the Lord has bestowed on us. We daily thank Him for our little angels and the joy we have in our lives! Thank you for being such a huge part of what makes our everyday so spectacular!

Quite the little begger!

Too cute!

This is Erin and Anna at lunch yesterday. Erin had just come from her Thanksgiving party at school and Anna is now a lover of anything wrapped up like a taco. Once you give it to her to hold there is NO getting it back. Can't wait to see her at Moe's!

The First Thanksgiving

We celebrated our first Thanksgiving with my family last night since my brother's family goes out of town for the holiday. Anna was thrilled with the dinner selection and could have eaten all night. Erin just loves anytime she gets to be with her cousins. It sure did satisfy my tastebuds and get them craving Thursday already. MMMM....I love this time of year!

"The big kids table"

Look at this spread...it doesn't get any better than this.

First taste of Pumpkin Pie - love at first bite!

Gotta have Cool Whip with the Pie.

MawMaw's Pride and Joy

Blake, Caleb, Erin, Anna, Noah and Samara

Anna's Movin'

Well - We're getting closer. My best friend Jenny was over last week and her little "almost" 2 year old was pushing the grocery cart around and Anna thought it was pretty cool. So for a week she's been standing up beside her push toys and walking around with them. This video didn't capture her doing it quite as efficiently as she can. Even in the last 2 days she's really picking up speed and getting better. Hopefully soon she'll be letting go and doing it all by herself!

It's so hard.....

Anyone remember that Boys 2 Men song...It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday...? That song has been running through my head since late last night. It's no secret my dear friend Heather and her family are moving back home to Georgia. And although my heart is exceedingly excited that they will have the treasure of family within an arm's reach, my heart is also very selfishly hurting. Hence the song, It's so hard to say goodbye to the way things are, not knowing how they will be in even a couple of weeks. But I believe the next phrase is ...and I'll take with me the memories, to be my sunshine after the rain. I know there are some rainy days ahead, I've been creating a few puddles myself. We told Erin a week ago about her best bud Anderson moving away and I actually think she grasps the concept and my heart aches for her. They've been buds since birth, more by force than choice!!!! But this is life and I know God is fully in control. People come into your life and they move on into other people's lives. I'm so thankful for the 4+ years we've had with the Judds being able to tangibly touch them and I only pray as our friendship becomes long distance that we'll be able to touch each other in new ways.

Here are a few pics from our party last night. I didn't get great shots as I was a little busy, but I'm sure some of you will email them to me!!!!

November in Raleigh

Every November we travel to Raleigh to see our friends the Williams. We caravan down with the Jacksons for the weekend so the guys can go to the GT vs. UNC or Duke football game. It's a tradition we women are glad to be a part of and the kids have a ball. Here's a few glimpses from the weekend.

That's a cute little bat girl!

Cody is so ready for t-ball or golf!
Erin and Jackson put on a show.

Anna just being cute.

Ms. Beth raked ALL the leaves up so the kids could jump into them.

Anna wasn't so sure about leaves.

Just being cute...again.

Anna and Addison had some fun playtime.
The big kids got to watch a movie and have popcorn for rest time.
Erin slept in the boys' big giraffe tent.

Erin and Cody were going to go down the slide.Cody came down the slide, but....

Erin got to the top and froze, so Ms. Jessica had to climb up and go down with her!

All the little Munchkins. Next year, baby Jackson will be with us!