Making Music!

Megan had her winter band concert at Perry High School on Dec. 15th.  She plays the clarinet.  She also had a speaking part to introduce one of the songs that they performed.  The 6th graders have come a long way since last year.  They are really sounding good!!

Making Cookies

Joelle and Megan had a good time decorating cookies on Christmas Eve.  They were icing them as fast as I could bake them.  By the time they finished, Joelle had mastered the art of shaking sprinkles.  Her first few cookies had to be picked up and brushed off!!

My Baby is FOUR!

I can't believe that it has already been four years since I was blessed with my precious baby girl.  She has grown so much in the last year.  She constantly amazes me with all that she knows.  Just the other day she was in her booster seat and she banged against the seat and made a grump sound.  I asked her what was wrong and she informed me that she was "frustrated".  I asked her why and she explained that she was trying to reach forward to touch the back of my seat, but the seat belt wouldn't let her!!  Steve and I were blessed with such a wonderful, smart, beautiful little girl.  She has grown so much in the last year.  She soaks up new information like a little sponge.  She is also so kind and willing to share just about anything-even candy and treats!!  I can remember the day I went into labor like it was yesterday.  The anticipation of her delivery was more than I could stand.  Last night as I put her to bed, I realized that at that time 4 years ago she was still being her stubborn self and not wanting to come out.  She was well worth the 21 hour wait!  I couldn't have asked for a better daughter.  She is the light of our lives and keeps us young as well as laughing.  A day doesn't go by that she doesn't amaze me and make me laugh out loud.  Four years ago when I held her in my arms for the first time I would not believe that I could ever love her more than I did in that moment....but I do.  Everyday I love her more and more.  Thank you Joelle for being the BEST part of my life.  I love you baby girl. 

Joelle's Party

Joelle had her first birthday party with friends from school this year.  We had the party at Peter Piper and she LOVED it!!

The kids had plenty of pizza and cupcakes! 

As you can see, she was very happy!

She got a bunch of terrific gifts as well. 

And she even let her friends get in on the action. 

The best part was that the kids had a wonderful time playing the games and trying to get tickets!  There is also a big slide that they played on the whole time.  I think their favorite game was the claw machine.  Most claw machines have little stuffed animals in them, but this one had candy!!  The kids practically fought over who got to go next.

Joelle tried and tried to do the skee ball, but she was never able to get the ball in to score!

I finally have a basketball player!!  She LOVED this game and she even had some form to go with it.  Whenever there is basketball on the TV she always she loves basketball.  I guess we need to get her on a team!  All in all she had a terrific day.  Her friends from school had a great time and that made it a wonderful day for her. 

Seeing Santa

 

We went to a Holiday Boutique at Coronado Elementary school when who should appear??  At first Joelle wasn't sure she wanted to talk to Santa, I think the lure of baked goods won out.  When she had had her cupcake, she was ready.  They had a very nice talk about what she wanted for Christmas and to my surprise, she wants a basketball.  I guess it was a good thing that she had her talk with Santa!

Family

 The best part of going to Steve's holiday party is being able to spend time with his family!  We were able to spend a lot of time with our nephews Dorian and AJ.  David had a great time hanging with his older cousins. 

Joelle had a great time playing with Kylia.  The girls sang songs and enjoyed each others company while Steve and I were at the party.  It is so nice that Joelle has a little cousin to play with.  The girls got along really well.

Cousin Jennifer came to visit us on Sunday at Grandma's house for Sunday dinner.  She moved to Colorado last year and just recently moved back to Cali so we hadn't been able to see her in awhile.  It was wonderful having time to talk and catch up. 

And of course there was Grandma.  Joelle loves going to Grandma's house.  She gets to sleep in Grandma's bed and thinks she is big stuff.  Whenever we are there she also likes to have tea parties.  Auntie Marie makes hot cocoa for the tea and use cookies as our crumpets.  Joelle is the hostess and she pours the "tea".  Auntie Marie taught her how to hold her pinkie out while she sips too!!  It was a wonderful weekend.  I can't wait to do it again. 

Carving the Night Away

Opps, a little late with this one:)