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!

Eating Me out of House and Home

This innocent looking little bug is eating me out of house and home - and doing it rather loudly. She just ate a serving of pasta(her favorite), a few pasta pickups, pear cubes, 1/2 a piece of cheese, a piece of turkey and a yogurt and I think she still wanted more! You can't tell it by looking at her, but she can put down some food. Must have a great metabolism - of course she is always on the move! Meal times are rarely quiet at our household, between Erin talking and Anna informing us she likes her food and wants more of it - it can get pretty loud! But, I wouldn't trade it for anything! Here's a video of Anna doing some new signs this week - she knows "more" she just doesn't like to do it on demand as you'll see!