In less than two hours it will be 2011. Amazing! I remember in high school when I thought 2010 was so far away and now here we are saying goodbye to it. This year was a good year for our family and we were blessed in many ways. When I look back fondly and remember this year, here are a few things I will remember the most,
*celebrating Josh's first birthday
*the kids and I spending spring break in California with my grandparents
*celebrating Eric's 30th birthday in Vegas
*Emma and I going to North Carolina with my parents to see Dani and Kevin
*Emma starting preschool
*finding a new sitter for the kids
*visiting California again in the summer, this time with Eric
*seeing our goddaughter baptized
*sharing in the good news that our closest friend got engaged
*having our new church building finished
*having the whole family together for Christmas
Goodbye 2010 and hello 2011, here is to another good year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Merry Christmas
Well another Christmas has come and gone. Sometimes it is crazy how you plan, prepare, and shop for this day and then it's over in a flash. This Christmas was a whirlwind of family, presents, and thanking the Lord for the gift of His Son.
We began Christmas Eve at my parent's house and were blessed to have all the immediate family in one place. Eric arrived first with the kids while I picked up a special early present for them (which was originally going to be from Santa but he was just not sure how to deliver her). After playing with their new dog for a bit, the cousins arrived and then true chaos began. We ate dinner in the extremely small dining area and it was very cozy trying to fit 11 chairs and 1 highchair in that area. After dinner the gift giving began and there were presents everywhere!
Once presents were opened, we headed home to put out a cookie and milk for Santa and a carrot Emma peeled by herself for the reindeer to share (because sharing is better according to Emma). Eric and I were actually in bed by 10:30 which was a Christmas miracle of its own, mostly because I was feeling so icky from a cold and ear infection I had been fighting but also because I thought ahead this year and had everything already wrapped.
Christmas morning was exciting as Emma is at the age of true understanding now. I always thought she got it before, and she did understand somethings but this year she got it 100%. She was adorable as she came into the playroom where Josh and I (also the tree) were. She started jumping up and down and shouting. As she got more excited, Josh also got more excited. Before long they were both jumping up and down chanting Merry Christmas, the excitement woke Eric up and soon the four of us were exchanging gifts. By 8:30 we were headed to The Hildwine's house to exchange gifts and eat a yummy breakfast (everything Eric's mom makes is yummy). We didn't stay too long, Iyla and Josh were getting tired and Eric's parents were flying to Florida in a few hours to spend a few days with his grandparents so it worked out to have a quick morning together.
After some much needed early naps we headed back over to my parent's house for dinner. It was much quieter at the house this time around since we were minus a few members of the family. After dinner, Josh went to bed while Emma played with her cousin Abby and my parents, Eric, and I played a card game.
It was a beautiful Christmas and I am grateful to have spent it with the people I love the most. It is overwhelming at times going from place to place and every year I think to myself how can I make this easier but really family is part of what the holiday is about. As we have been teaching Emma, God gave us the gift of baby Jesus and that is why we celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, and I truly know the best gift I have been given is the gift of family.
Josh with my dad's glasses on
Christmas morning with the Hildwine's
We began Christmas Eve at my parent's house and were blessed to have all the immediate family in one place. Eric arrived first with the kids while I picked up a special early present for them (which was originally going to be from Santa but he was just not sure how to deliver her). After playing with their new dog for a bit, the cousins arrived and then true chaos began. We ate dinner in the extremely small dining area and it was very cozy trying to fit 11 chairs and 1 highchair in that area. After dinner the gift giving began and there were presents everywhere!
Once presents were opened, we headed home to put out a cookie and milk for Santa and a carrot Emma peeled by herself for the reindeer to share (because sharing is better according to Emma). Eric and I were actually in bed by 10:30 which was a Christmas miracle of its own, mostly because I was feeling so icky from a cold and ear infection I had been fighting but also because I thought ahead this year and had everything already wrapped.
Christmas morning was exciting as Emma is at the age of true understanding now. I always thought she got it before, and she did understand somethings but this year she got it 100%. She was adorable as she came into the playroom where Josh and I (also the tree) were. She started jumping up and down and shouting. As she got more excited, Josh also got more excited. Before long they were both jumping up and down chanting Merry Christmas, the excitement woke Eric up and soon the four of us were exchanging gifts. By 8:30 we were headed to The Hildwine's house to exchange gifts and eat a yummy breakfast (everything Eric's mom makes is yummy). We didn't stay too long, Iyla and Josh were getting tired and Eric's parents were flying to Florida in a few hours to spend a few days with his grandparents so it worked out to have a quick morning together.
After some much needed early naps we headed back over to my parent's house for dinner. It was much quieter at the house this time around since we were minus a few members of the family. After dinner, Josh went to bed while Emma played with her cousin Abby and my parents, Eric, and I played a card game.
It was a beautiful Christmas and I am grateful to have spent it with the people I love the most. It is overwhelming at times going from place to place and every year I think to myself how can I make this easier but really family is part of what the holiday is about. As we have been teaching Emma, God gave us the gift of baby Jesus and that is why we celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, and I truly know the best gift I have been given is the gift of family.
Josh with my dad's glasses on
Christmas morning with the Hildwine's
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Caramels
It is a tradition in Eric's family to make caramels every year at Christmas time from a handed down family recipe. Eric and his sister did it when they were little with his mom and Eric began doing it when we got married. For the past two years Emma has helped out and this year Josh joined in the fun. There really isn't much for the kids to do yet since the majority of the work happens on a hot stove but we dressed them up in aprons anyway and let them put the ingredients in the pot. Both had fun and "cleaned" the dishes afterward. This year all three batches turned out great (not too hard, not too soft) and I think Eric has finally figured out the perfect caramel. I love this tradition that our family is carrying on and I also love sharing it with our neighbors who wait for Christmas caramels every year!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas card
Each year Eric takes the picture we put in our Christmas card and each year he does a really good job. It's not an easy task being that he is taking the picture and in it at the same time but I always love his work. Eric has a talent for photography and knows how to use the light of the day to his advantage. I know that if he could, he would do photography full time but the day to day of life doesn't allow him much time to pursue the business. Maybe in time as the kids get older or when we win the lottery and he doesn't have to have a job anymore. Until then though, I love that we will always have fantastic pictures of our family and of the kids growing up.
By the way, that is cookie in Josh's mouth! The only way the little booger would smile at the camera was if I bribed him. See my hand holding his? That is me covering the cookie up!
By the way, that is cookie in Josh's mouth! The only way the little booger would smile at the camera was if I bribed him. See my hand holding his? That is me covering the cookie up!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Family pictures
Monday, December 13, 2010
Santa
This morning we took the kids to see Santa Claus, they were both so excited when Eric told them where we were going! Josh ran around for a good fifteen minutes saying Santa over and over again and Emma kept rehearsing what she was going to tell him she wanted for Christmas.
After getting dressed and driving to Bass Pro Shops (they allow you to bring your own camera) we got in line to have the kids sit with the big guy. We got really lucky, there were only a few kids ahead of us and I think we only waited 5 minutes. As I walked both kids to Santa, I could feel panic setting in, Emma pulled back a bit as we approached and Josh started to softly whine. By the time both were on his lap, Josh was all smiles and a meltdown was somehow avoided. Emma smiled for the pictures too but refused to talk to Santa and only acknowledged him once off his lap and when he gave her a candy cane.
Eric was able to get some really good pictures, the kids had fun in Santa's workshop playing with all the toys set out, and best of all it was free!
After getting dressed and driving to Bass Pro Shops (they allow you to bring your own camera) we got in line to have the kids sit with the big guy. We got really lucky, there were only a few kids ahead of us and I think we only waited 5 minutes. As I walked both kids to Santa, I could feel panic setting in, Emma pulled back a bit as we approached and Josh started to softly whine. By the time both were on his lap, Josh was all smiles and a meltdown was somehow avoided. Emma smiled for the pictures too but refused to talk to Santa and only acknowledged him once off his lap and when he gave her a candy cane.
Eric was able to get some really good pictures, the kids had fun in Santa's workshop playing with all the toys set out, and best of all it was free!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Danielle
It was recently brought to my attention that I left out my little sister on my last post regarding the things that I am thankful for. I apologize to Danielle for leaving her out and therefore this post is entirely devoted to her.
My younger sister and I are almost three years apart and growing up I was lucky enough to have her as a best friend. I remember many times in our childhood that I acted like I wanted nothing to do with her but inside I always knew how lucky I was to have her.
Danielle is the kind of person you would want to be friends with. She has a good heart and is uses it to love those close to her. She is extremely faithful and good at holding others accountable. She is a good listener and is a good person to joke around with. She is always available when you really need her and will even talk to you past her 10:00 pm North Carolina no call curfew if you need. She is good at her job and works hard to stay current on all things pharmacy related. The list goes on but basically, she is one of a kind.
I am very thankful I get to call such an amazing woman my little sister and hope that she knows how much I do appreciate her.
My younger sister and I are almost three years apart and growing up I was lucky enough to have her as a best friend. I remember many times in our childhood that I acted like I wanted nothing to do with her but inside I always knew how lucky I was to have her.
Danielle is the kind of person you would want to be friends with. She has a good heart and is uses it to love those close to her. She is extremely faithful and good at holding others accountable. She is a good listener and is a good person to joke around with. She is always available when you really need her and will even talk to you past her 10:00 pm North Carolina no call curfew if you need. She is good at her job and works hard to stay current on all things pharmacy related. The list goes on but basically, she is one of a kind.
I am very thankful I get to call such an amazing woman my little sister and hope that she knows how much I do appreciate her.
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