Happy New Year

"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions."

I'm finally getting around to posting some Christmas pictures.  The day flew by so fast and I was so busy getting things ready and just didn't use the camera wisely.  Everyone was seeing the baby for the first time, so of course I wanted to get those taken. We had 2 parties in 1 day and I was really tired.  My bed felt so good that night. The next day I realized that I hadn't visited as much with everyone as I would have liked.

Our first party was for lunch at my parents house.  We celebrated with my brother's family.  This is my niece, Mandi, holding Gunnar for the first time.  He stole the show!

All the little kids love my great niece, Emily.  She lives on Long Island, NY, so we don't get to see her very often.  Next year she is going to Messiah College, so she will be much closer to all of us.

My mother has Alzheimers, but seemed to enjoy the party as much as she could.  Sometimes she asked who the kids were, but overall she did just fine.  My niece, Jodi and my sister-in-law Shelley, are sitting with her.

  All the little girls are into "PRINCESS" things and they always brought big smiles.

There were lots of soccer jerseys given as presents and my "Enchilada" loves all CARS things.

Our immediate family party was later that afternoon at Christopher and Carla's house.  We had stromboli and lots of desserts.  Unfortunately, everyone was still full from lunch.

Exhausting -- but fun --and we'll do it all over again next year!

Under The Same Roof

"Love one another and you will be happy."

One of the best feelings in my life is having all my Treasures together!

12/26/11

The Advent Calendar

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."

We spend the weekend with our "far away family", babysitting while they went through their things that just arrived from Abu Dhabi.  I am so tired but SO GLAD we did it.  They will be moving soon and we won't see them as often.  The best part is that THIS year, they will be Here for Christmas.  Of course having a new baby helps the celebration also.

The kids were so happy to be back in their old home. They seem so comfortable there but are talking about their next move and another new house.

They just found the new Advent calendar, so PopPop was helping to get caught up.

Our little J Bird wasn't feeling well, so he'll be visiting the doctor tomorrow.

This guy was sporting another new hat.  He loves hats!

Spending time with the new baby was great.  He's 19 days old and loves to look all around.  I did have to share him, but still had lots of cuddling time.

Can't remember which Christmas carol I was singing to him, but he seemed to like it.  Just can't get enough of holding him.  I could look at him all day.

Carter Jack On His Tenth

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

Last week was Carter's 10th birthday.  We had a small family celebration with cake (made by his Nanna) and ice cream.  All he wanted was money, so I'm anxious to see what he buys with it.  He was all smiles when we walked in.  I think he was anticipating all the $!

Happy Birthday TANK!!!

I"m In Love - AGAIN!

"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man."

He's here!  Our #9 and he is so precious!  His name is Gunnar Daniel.  He was born November 30th - weighed 8 lbs 13 ozs and is 21 inches long. 

He is only about 2 hours old in these pictures.

I just had to take off his hat and check out his hair.

Of course I had to check out everything else also.

I really didn't want to give him up, but I had to share.  Tomorrow is another day.

I kept Baby J Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday .  We now have our Chinese Dumpling  with us.

Oh, the perils of a MamMam!

I LOVE THIS JOB!!