Winter Vacation Part 1

So far our winter break has been great! We began with a trip to Disney on Ice with the Zals - we weren't too sure how the kids would like it, but they were both pretty mesmerized the whole time - great show! Then we had a very snowy weekend and realized we needed new front tires on the van when we almost didn't make it up the long hilly drive to Speical Meeting. We then had the privilege of having Marilyn and Alicia over for a couple of nights and supper with Lisa and Annalise on Monday night (yep I actually cooked a meal :)). Tuesday morning after breakfast with Marilyn and Alicia we got packed and headed to Buffalo since we heard the weather was supposed to be worse on Wednesday. We surprised Dan and Judy which was fun and then we went out for ice cream (on a snowy wintry night....) This time we stayed with Matt and Nicki and it was so great to see the two little ones playing together. Emma really got a chance to get to know them all and we had a fabulous time including some very late night talks, the 'famous' McCoy Christmas Party, visits to my grandparents and Mike's grandmas, lots of eating out, shopping and a dinner party - what more could you ask for??? Thanks for everything McCoys!!!


Finally finished the bathroom Thanksgiving Weekend so these pics are long overdue


We're very happy with the new look...


After Disney on Ice - what a great show! The kids loved it!!


Emma and Jack just love playing together!


Ready for the party...


Our hosts for the night


With the grandkids Christmas Eve


Christmas (98% for Emma and Jack :))


Emma in her Christmas Dress opening gifts


Emma's new rocking horse


Out to visit G&G McKerrow


Jack eats so well!!!


Eating at the Old Orchard Inn, after visiting Fisher Price and Vidlers on Friday


Emma munching on cheese and cheerios


Jack out shopping at the Galleria on Saturday


Dinner party Sunday Night for the 'young folks' at Rick and Sally's - Super Delicious Meal!!


Saying goodbye this morning


Landon Emory Howe - Went to visit him 12/29 - One day old - what a little cutie!! Then we met Brad, Clarissa and Eric for supper and we are finally home after a VERY busy week!!

We're over halfway through December!

It's hard to believe the month is flying by. Of course our recent ice storm reminded us all that it is in fact winter! The trees just looked like crystal though...so pretty (since I could just stay inside :)) My last day of work for this year was 12/16 so I'm home now enjoying time with Emma, organizing the house and doing some scrapbooking - perfect!


Tree behind our house


Mike "ROCKING" Emma to sleep...she loves all kinds of music :)


Emma having lunch...cheesy smile


Playing in the front window at Candy Kraft


My 27th Birthday

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Emma's First Birthday

Since everyone else has beaten me to it...I guess I really had better post a few pictures of Emma's first birthday! (Even though I only have a few...wanted to just enjoy the day - hopefully Mom and Heidi took more than I did.)


1 Year old today!


Mom made Emma the same cake she made for me almost 27 years ago!! (See picture in lower right)


The Kids Corner


Father and Son


Some of the ladies

It is soo hard to believe she's already one - the days were long, but the year was short! She's so much more fun though and it's neat to see her little personality starting to show. Of course we are realizing more and more the awesome responsibility we have!

Poem to share

Shelly Howe sent along this poem and it really resonated...so here it is to share with all you mothers out there!

"I Loved You"

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
Our life together has just began,
You're part of me my little one.

As mother with child, each day I grew,
My mind was filled with thoughts of you.

I'd daydream of the things we'd share,
Like late-night bottles and teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like bedtime stories and ABC's.

I thought of things you'd want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
I thought of lessons I'd need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.

When I first saw your precious face,
I prayed your life be touched with grace.
I thanked the angels from above,
And promised you unending love.

Each night I lay you down to sleep,
I gently kiss your head and cheek.
I count your little fingers and toes,
I memorize your eyes and nose.

I linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day I love you more.
Through misty eyes, I dim the light,
I whisper "I love you" every night.

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
As mother and child our journey's begun,
My heart is yours forever little one.

Can't believe it's been a year already...

Scribble It GIVEAWAY!!!!

Scribble It GIVEAWAY!!!!

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

November 2008

November flew by in a flash... since all that's left are memories - here's some photos to remember it by!


We started off November 1st with Molly and Ben's Wedding - beautiful day for a beautiful couple - congrats you two!


Emma loves Cheerios (and decided to stop eating ALL baby food at once)


Went to a baby shower for Shelly with Nancy and Katie - lots of laughs to be had. Can't wait for another new baby (and friend for Emma) in the area!


I got an early birthday present :) Went shopping at a furniture store nearby to where Mike works.


Emma became more mobile by learning to use her 'walker'. She now loves running all around with it -and yes it's ever more apparent we need more space!


Emma and Karli played pretty good together on Thanksgiving.


Our little Turkey :) Loved Thanksgiving even though she didn't get to eat any of the 14 pies!


We all met at Hiro's (also Brad, Clarissa, Heidi, Dan, Judy, Mike, Emma and I). Exactly one year before I went into the hospital and found out I was...SURPRISE...going to have a baby. Certainly enjoyed the yummy meal here much more than last year (no food...and feeling very ICKY)


Emma enjoying Cheerios again at Hiros.

That ALMOST sums up November except the last day of the month which was Emma's First Birthday...pictures coming soon. Hope you all had a great holiday and look forward to more holidays coming up soon!

Halloween

Since we were out in Ohio for Molly and Ben's wedding - we went to a little Halloween party at Babies R Us. The Zal's came too..here are pictures of Emma and Sawyer :)

New Bathtub

So we decided to do a little sprucing up to our bathroom...aka removing the green tile! First step...new tub and surrounding walls. Next steps to come eventually... .(like hopefully this weekend :))


What the bathroom looked like


Taking care of icky walls...


All fixed up


Prepped for the sides


Ta da...new fixtures and built in shelf too