The Big Tree

The last time I put this tree up was in 2006 and I was 6 months pregnant. I just kind of threw it together and that was that! This year I put it up way early (right after Halloween) for Madi to enjoy. It's sad how as an adult I get lazy and just tired of dragging all the decorations out, etc. This year it was exciting yet peaceful, I didn't get all stressed when half a string of lights wouldn't work and it sure is worth it when Madi's says, "Aw, pretty" when I plug it in.

Christmas Afternoon

We went to my Mom's house after we opened our presents at home. This was our first time having Christmas in her new home and it was nice to just drive a few streets over vs 2 1/2 hours. Her home is so warm and cozy with a country style charm.

There's my reflection in the mirror and HAAAAA there's my senior pic on the wall...Big Hair Envy will love that!



Pebbles was so hyper she would not even stay still to open her presents!



She did however wear her Santa hat for a few seconds so we could get a photo of her and Grandma.


And no, there's wasn't an earthquake that day...just my STUPID camera!! Did I ever want to throw it out the window! My brother, SIL and niece Savannah.




She finally settled down to play with a few presents.


And Savannah got one of those Twilight Hoodies!! See the smile? Hard to get a 14 year old to do that, ya know?!

We had such a great day together, it's funny how we wait and wait and then it's over soooooo fast, isn't it?! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas with your families too.

Christmas Morning at Home

Our day didn't really start until "Pebbles" decided to get up...at 10:00! I had made cinnamon rolls (easy) for breakfast and brought "Fred" his in bed. As soon as she woke up, I fired up the Sony handy-cam and told her it was Christmas day.
During the night Fred, ahem...Santa placed new toys in her playroom! So after she opened a few gifts we took her in and showed her the playroom.

This was so much different from last year (9 months old) , she really got the concept!




She loves her books so Grandma (my mom) got her a rack for some of her favorite ones.



This does all sorts of things but for the time being it's a piano. Look at that booty!! (I don't know where she gets it from...hehehe.)



Lovin' her Dora desk.



Elmo Live is so realistic she's a little intimidated by him for now.



to be continued...

Christmas Eve Party

I will start off with our Christmas Eve night with "Fred's" family. At my MIL's house everything is very elegant with a victorian style and she gets out her best china, crystal, napkins and has the silverware all polished to a bright shine.


"Pebbles" had a great time visiting and playing with her cousins. They are so gentle and good with her!


Her favorite gift of the night was a ball her cousin Emily had got her.



Since it's just WRONG for her to think I'm the best ball player in the world, Emily showed her a few moves!



A friend of Emily's was there and Fred felt bad that he didn't have a gift to open so he found something special in the kitchen and wrapped it in foil!! He was such a good sport about it!



We had a great evening together despite Luther being in the hospital and time going too fast as usual. We all need to get together more often.
I wish I could say more but, when you have a 21 month old with a bunch of new toys...you get pretty tired!
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Can't wait to share more on my next post.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and let's not forget the real reason we celebrate this holiday.


Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."




And may we be forgiven for turning this day of Jesus' Birth into so many other commercialized meanings. And let us realize that the best gift of all is Salvation.
Merry Christmas and I can't wait to share stories and photos with all of you!