A Wonderful Christmas Gift

We were lucky enough this past weekend, to be the secondary recipients of an early Christmas gift from my dad to my mom - she got to come visit us for almost a full four days!! We had so much fun, and it was such a wonderful, relaxing and joyous visit for us.

Mom and the kids by the front door with our beautiful, fresh balsam wreath (courtesy of our dear friends, Stephen & Dara).

My mom is one of those house guests that you just don't have to worry about having into your home. She's taught me, through her actions, what it means to be a gracious, helpful and pleasant person to be around, and we just can't get enough of her!

We even got some Mother-Daughter time on Saturday going Christmas shopping together for the kids! We finished all of our shopping, and didn't even mind the crowds since we had the pleasure of one another's company to enjoy. Collin took Moira and Ian to see the new movie "Bolt" while my Mom and I were out and then she treated us all to dinner at Chili's. On Sunday, she came to church with us and got to see the place we've made our Church home here, and meet some of our newest friends. After a nice dinner at home, we all made reindeer cookies together to package up for Moira's school friends and our neighbors. The kids really enjoyed the festive cookie-making time, and it was extra special to have Grammie there to help!

Moira hard at work, placing all those chocolate chip eyes in the perfect place!

Ian concentrating, almost as hard, on his little reindeer.

Showing off the cutest little reindeer cookies ever with Grammie.

Aren't they cute? (Oh, and that adorable Scotty dog shirt was a gift from Grammie while she was here too, complete with matching houndstooth print skirt and curly, red bow! [Ian got a cool Dino shirt with matching light-up hoodie, as seen above, which was equally as cute on him.] Gotta love Gymboree... and Grammies that spoil their grandkids!)

That night we all bundled up in PJs, and after a quick stop at Krispy Kreme, headed to the Botanical Gardens to see their "Galaxy of Lights" drive-through holiday light display.

Just one of the many brilliant light scenes we saw (excuse the bad picture).

We even got the added bonus of a cancelled flight for Mom on Monday night, which gave us another half day with her! She did make it home safe and sound last night, and we miss her already. Thank you, Daddy, for such a wonderful treat! We can't wait until June, when we get to see you BOTH! :)

We love you, Mom/Grammie - you're welcome any time!!

(Oh, and that would be Ian's newest picture pose!) ;o)

You Make My Heart Sing

This is an e-mail I got this afternoon from Moira's kindergarten teacher, about our beautiful little girl, and I just had to share it here:

Janelle,

How, oh, how can you let her leave you daily? She is the funniest thing I have ever seen! Everyday she is just so cute! Yesterday we were talking about all the reindeer names, when I got to Vixen she said,"Oooo I like that name." and then said the same thing about Blitzen, "Ooo I like that one too." And you know how her little eyes light up when she gets excited. On Tuesday, she sat with me on the bench outside, she asked me what I wanted to talk about and then we both said what we wanted. Then another little girl came and sat with us and Moira told the girl that we had been talking about birthdays and recalled everything we said and then asked the girl "What would like to talk about?" The little girl was off in her answer, like maybe she didn't understand what Moira was saying and Moira just paused, reasoned, and went on with what she was saying. She is precious.

Have a great day!
Ms. Stover

What could warm a Mother's heart more? It seems every adult that has interaction with her becomes smitten. We're so blessed with such a precious little girl, and I'm so grateful that she spends her time at school with someone who recognizes what a gift she is!

We love you more than words can say, darling Daughter!

Thanksgiving with Family

We had the pleasure of hosting Collin's whole family for Thanksgiving this year! We sure had a house-full, but it was wonderful to have his family all together for the holiday. It was the first time in our married life that we've been able to be with family for this holiday! We even had our Christmas celebration together the day after Thanksgiving (since unfortunately none of us will be together this year), with all the cousins in matching PJs, tree decorating and present exchanges. Unfortunately, as busy as I was during the whole week, I didn't get many pictures, but my SIL Suzann, got some great ones. Here are just a few of the many...

The grandparents decided to take the grandkids to the park while I was finishing up dinner, and Suzann went along and got some really cute shots. Click on the picture to see the album.

Our early Christmas, with all the cousins in matching PJs

Suzann was kind enough to take some family pictures of us on Friday. I didn't upload them all since there were a ton, but here are some of our favorites.

We hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving!!