Quincy

Over Christmas break the girls and I went with my family to Quincy to see some of my cousins that I don't get to see very often. We had fun hanging out and eating. I wish they lived a little closer. One is in Oklahoma, and the other one is in the Carolinas. I do have a few in Quincy I see more often. Thank goodness for Facebook.

Happy Birthday Jesus

Whew, finally things have slowed down so I can catch up on my blog. Funny thing is I was just talking to a few friends today about how I was going to catch up on my blog and there would be a ton of posts. It has been a tradition for several years now that we go out to my parents Christmas Eve and spend the night and wake up Christmas morning open gifts, eat, hang out and then head to Charlie's side of the family. It makes a very full day but, rather enjoyable. As always the kids enjoyed opening gifts. I have let them the last several years open one gift on Christmas Eve. You would think they would catch on to the theme and know what they are getting new pajamas. I love seeing them opening there gifts and the delight in their eyes and the excited squeals of thank you so much. I have wanted that for so long. I hope this finds everyone happy and healthy and ready for 2010. Always remember that Jesus is the reason we have this blessed holiday.

O Christmas Tree

We have as a family decided that we will have a real Christmas tree. We love to go as a family and pick one out and then watch daddy cut it down. We are trying to let the girl's take turn picking out the tree. They both have done a great job so far. For the past several years we have gone to Grohmans, which is a local family in Knoxville. Great place to go. They have some sheep, alpaca's and some other farm animals. It is fun to walk out and find the perfect tree and then ride back on the hay rack. A good time was had by all.

Ari's Birthday

Several weeks ago we celebrated Ari's 7th birthday. We had her favorite food: Roast beef and mashed potatoes and gravy. She had one little girl over for supper and cake. Ari had been wanting a guitar for her birthday so I had a friend who knows guitars keep on the lookout for me. I was excited when he called to let me know he had found one. Well that was her BIG present. She received a few little things. It is tradition to have a muffin for breakfast and open some presents in the morning. We saved the guitar for that evening. After supper we sent her on a scavenger hunt to find it. When she went into our room and saw the guitar laying on the bed she wasn't quite sure what to say or think. She asked is that mine, is that for me? She squealed with delight or more of a scream. I love when my kids are so grateful and appreciate things. It has been so much fun watching her play with it. My same friend who found it for me is going to teach her a few things also. She is such a joy to have. I have loved watching her grow, and learn new things. I have added a slide show of the pictures because, I couldn't just pick a few.

November

Since I'm behind in my blogging I'm going to do a recap of what has happened in November. I won't post every single picture I took but I will put a few of the highlights. It has been so crazy this past month. Molly had her very first band concert which went very well. She plays the flute and has been blessed with the musical gene. She can look at the music and pretty much play it. She also loves to pick the songs out on her keyboard. She amazes me. She had a brief duet with another girl. It was fun to hear the band. You could actually recognize the songs!! Another big thing that happened this month was Ari learned how to ride her bike!! She has been wanting to learn for quite sometime. We don't have the best setup. Our sidewalk is mostly brick and we have a gravel driveway. Well, her training wheels were loose so daddy was going to tighten them but decided to take them off much to Ari's encouragement. Molly worked with her and pretty soon Ari was off and going. She learned super quick. As many of you know we have been working on our house and getting it ready to put on the market. Well it finally happened, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving our realtor put the sign in the yard. We have done a showing. I'm not worried yet God is ultimately in control and it will sell in his time to the right people he has in mind.

Ari had a cute Thanksgiving program at school where she had to do a couple of readings. It is so fun to watch the kids perform.

Well that is the month of November in a nutshell.