Merry Christmas

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We sure did! I have been thinking and planning which pictures to post so you get a good picture of our wonderful celebrations. We traveled a bit, spent time with grandparents & cousins, played at home, have family come over and just plain enjoyed the season. Today as the children were playing with their nativity set, I was reminded of how simple that first Christmas was. Our Lord and Savior was born in a stable with smelly animals and laid in a manger. Then I looked around our home and saw all of the toys (new and old) and was so proud that they were choosing to play with their nativity. Not everyone understands how we are raising our children or why we celebrate the way we do but today I got affirmation that we are accomplishing our goal and hopefully pleasing God.

Swimming in December

We had a new, fun adventure this week. We visited a local indoor pool for some winter swimming fun! They had a blast! While there, we signed up for her birhtday party in January. He went right in but still kept his face out!!

She didn't miss a beat! So eagar to swim, swim!!

This was their favorite part... they described it to daddy and "just like the beach!"

Disney On Ice

On Saturday, we had were able to use daddy's company box and host SAFEChild program coordinators for the Disney on Ice show. It was awesome!!! He was glued the whole show. Especially when the Cars where on the ice.

Oh my was she tickled pink to see Cindrella. I picked this photo to share but I also have some adorable ones of her just staring with the cutest grin on her face... priceless!!!

What a fun night... who needs a trip to Florida?

Our Baby is THREE!!!

Today our baby boy turned 3! He was very proud to show anyone who asked his 3 fingers. I am sad because he really is a big boy but so thankful for the good boy he his. He knows Jesus, LOVES his family (especially mommy!) and obeys fairly well... what more could I ask for? I thought he might be confused because his party was last Saturday, we celebrated at preschool Thursday but he seemed to understand that today was December 14th! We had a special snack at church, lunch at home with grandma, attended a friends birthday party and had lots of blue Scooby Doo cake!!!! What a perfect day! We are proud of our little man!!!!

One Busy Week!

WOW! What a busy week we had!! I have barely had time to download my shots before taking 100's more!! Here is our week at a glimpse... I still can't get the photos to come here in order but you get the idea! On Friday, we gathered with some of my friends and their children to make gingerbread houses... his are policemen.

Friday morning, our preschool did a One Baby Jesus program that was fantastic! He was an angel... he really was! It was his first time on stage and I really didn't know how he would do but he seems to be a natural!

She was a cow. I wasn't able to get a close up dressed up but look carefully and you will see her in the middle. She is the highest cow.

And of course much fun was had at her classes' Happy Birthday Jesus party. It was all FUN but I think tomorrow will be a PJ day for sure!

Birthday Boy

From Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day 3 of the 4 members in our family celebrate birthdays.
Today the celebrating began with his 3rd birthday party (his birthday isn't for 8 days but the museum wasn't available next Saturday!). He and 12 of his friends had an awesome time at the NC Musuem of Natural Sciences. His request was to "touch animals" so we delivered... well mostly...he thought maybe an elephant would be there. He was happy his special day was here! Sister is in the background checking things out for him.

They were able to touch a rabbit, turtle, dove (pictured) and look at a huge bull frog.

They "dug" for backyard animals in rice.

He made a lizard.... good job man!

Birthday Boy Part 2

Look at the concentration here... good to the last drop!

Making his frog "face" was cool!

1, 2, 3....blow them out!

Big Sis helped at every step! We had a blast - Happy Birthday to my special boy!!

Oyster Roast

This was a turkey I made when I was in kindergarten... its hard to believe that tonight we are visiting the school we pray our little girl will attend!

Her "best dream" came true when Granny's doy took a nap in her lap. I can't tell you how many times she has tried to get this to happen! I guess all of the attention all day did him in for a good nap on her lap!!

They love playing on Granny and Granddaddy's big tree and the neighbors cat's visit was bonus!

OK, this is the last Thanksgiving post... I promise! We just have so much to be thankful for! On Saturday, we spent the day with the Jones family. My dad does a less traditional meal the day after Thanksgiving (two days after this year b/c of a Pirate football game!) - an oyster roast. This year he went all out with cooks and shuckers doing all of the work! Both sides of my family were well represented. 3 of my mom's 4 sisters came and my dad's brother and sister came. It was a bit strange to have everyone together when I didn't get put at the kiddie table!!!! It was also strange to hear my cousins admit their age... I always knew I was the youngest but wow they are all over 40!!! I still felt a bit yucky but got a few cute shots of my darlings!

Thanksgiving Day

OK , This was taken today ( at the Museum of Life and Science) but I had to include it with the Thanksgiving photos!!! Here are three pretty cute turkeys!!!! On Thanksgiving Day we took our traditional trip to Hope Mills to spend the day with the Foster side of the family. The children love to play with their big cousins. It was a wonderful day full of food, fun and fellowship! I didn't take too many photos... not sure if it was the relaxing day or the horrible sinus issues I am having!!!

The girls walked the dog and jumped on the trampoline... we learned new tricks!

He got some great soccer pointers... look at the focus and form!!!!!!!

Say Cheese!

Today we went to the mall to get a family photo taken. We haven't done one in awhile and thought a Christmas one would be different than our others. Well the morning didn't go as planned, we took some good shots, got the package with a CD (to make better choices later!) and left!!! However, I did take a few before cute shots before the session began that were cute!

You'll see more soon... in a card or here!

Celebration # 3

Maybe he should add preacher to his list of careers?

She is in the preschool choir at our church. They preformed at the church wide Thanksgiving service Tuesday night. She loves going and has been excited... until Monday when she annouced that she wasn't getting on stage. This wasn't good as grandparents were driving a good distance to she her first performance! After realizing that after performance party was only for the children that sang... she decided to join her friends and did an awesome job!

Celebration # 2

On Tuesday, she had her class Thanksgiving Feast. All of the four year olds got to eat in the fellowship hall. Each class did a little performance first... it was precious!!! She was shy during her class' turn but turn on the charm as the crowd left and we were cleaning up... with her special brother side kick.

The food was super yummy. Yes, she at mac and cheese, bread and a brownie... I said yummy not good for her!

Oh yea, and the cookies too!

Brother did a good job waiting for her to come out and preform! We are almost ready for the real special day!

Thanksgiving Celebration Number One

On Friday, we started our Thanksgiving Celebration a bit early with his class ( and the other 2 year old classes!) feast in the gym of the church. We spread our blankets out and enjoyed yummy food and awesome fellowship! We are so thankful for our church and preschool! Above and below show that the hit of the meal for the children were the cupcakes with way too much icing on top.

Now, who should I chase next... yes the it was a wonderful idea to have this in the gym so the children had room to move around.

We are also thankful for our happy family!

Twice in one week... in November!

WOW! Snow twice in one week...in November. Well Tuesday's snow was more like blink 3 times and you missed it but today's was nice big (very wet and not sticking) flakes. Can you believe it was only the second time either one had been able to play outside with snow? I hope we get much more like today... it was fun but didn't interupt our day!! Swinging in the snow.

Seeing how far she had to reach to get enough for a good snowball.

This was there best pose... it is hard to get them to stand still while snow is falling!

It looked so pretty as it landed in her curls.

Daddy helped him get a good snowball!

Airport Fun

On Saturday, daddy took the children out to enjoy the warmer weather while mommy caught up (or tried to!) on her scrapbooking. They had a blast at the airport observation deck and play area. She flew all over the grassy area.

This is them in "protest" of daddy saying it was time to leave!

Of course he found sand!

Perro

Perro Jones Foster

March 12, 1993 - November 13, 2008 Yesterday Perro passed peacefully at the vet's office. He was a faithful companion in college, marriage before children, and actually very gentle with the children. He is in that very special place God created for our furry friends running, jumping, chasing his beloved football and of course barking at will. He lived a full life and was loved and now missed deeply.

Here is something recieved yesterday from his granddaddy titled Rainbow Bridge:

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.
Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are make young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.
Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, some one they had to leave behind.
Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look unto the distance… bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more in the loving eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that though out of sight, your love had been remembered.
And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge Together.

We love you man!

Carolina Hurricanes Hockey

Before becoming a mom, hockey was my passion. I enjoy the game still but don't get to go to see it live much any more. Which makes today a real treat. We didn't have preschool today but we did have our own field trip. We went to the arena to watch a practice. He was very intent on watching the game and ask very good questions... he is a true sports boy!

Here they are before we went in (yes, the photos came out mixed up again!), I ask for a sweet pose and this is one of the silly shots I got.

After about 4 minutes she was not very interested in the hockey but watching others and getting curious about weather there was store nearby!

We left for The Eye Store and snack but he wanted to come back in and watch a little more... I did too!

What a great day. I saw the parts of me in each of them today... he admired hockey players and she was anxious to shop!