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!