First Snow

...this is what we woke up to Sunday morning...it started falling Saturday night. We probably only got about two inches...but it isn't supposed to get above freezing all week...so maybe we will get more...need to get to the grocery store and post office first please!! Emma loved "dat" (that) pointing to snow and reminded me of last year when Angel would see snow and called it "ho-ho"...I guess she associated it with Christmas....so sweet. Stay warm!

Christmas Traditions....

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is bundling up and wearing our Santa hats and going to the local tree farm to find the perfect tree for Christmas. I have always taken this job very seriously and my sisters used to joke me a lot when I would start talking to the trees, naming them etc....to make sure we found THE ONE. So yesterday, in the snow flurries and all we went out to find our tree. Angel LOVED it....she actually loved playing with the sticks and rocks and walking all around the farm more than picking out the tree...but when it came time to cut it down...she wanted the honors! So we allowed her "to help!" After we loaded the tree we stopped by the Cider Hut (which Angel calls the little house....you can see a pic in the slide show) and warmed up by the fire and had some hot cider. A fun, COLD day, but we found our "perfect" tree!!

Baby Love

Emma absolutely loves giving kisses....to ANYTHING, but especially loves babies and the dolls...so sweet...she loves making the kissing sound "mmmm...mwuh!" And did you notice she finally has enough hair to put a little clip in? So excited!

Growing Girl

Friday, I took Emma in finally for her one year check. (After waiting FOREVER in the doctor's office which isn't recommended with two toddlers) we got her stats:

-21 pounds 13 ounces (50-75%)

-30.75 inches long (90%)

-head is 48.6 cm (still 97%!! - docs comment was, at least she is growing into it!)

(just to compare, at 12 months, Angel was 20 lbs 3 oz, 28.5 in, and head 45 cm)

**this visit also still affirmed for me how thankful I am that I have done so much research on vaccines and issues surrounding them because the nurses couldn't answer ANY of my questions and not even about the one I wanted...UGH...scary when you teach them something and they ask how I know so much...they didn't even know they had different brands and which ones they used!**

Funny Face

Emma has been making this face a lot lately....especially when you make the "huh" or "ohhh" sound....she looks so silly and makes us laugh. Of course, Angel had to show us that she can make the face too!

You thought I was kidding?

Well, can't believe I am posting this....but I think people have thought I was kidding when I have been saying Emma has reached a stage where she just decides to SCREAM....not sure if it is because she is the second born and trying to make herself heard over her sister....maybe it is just the very STRONG will this little one has and strong determination to have things her way...or maybe she just wants to be held all the time lately....because whenever mommy picks her up, she stops...smiles...and is just FINE. Oh boy....hopefully this is a very short stage!!

New Warm Coat

Thanks Marmee!!

The "Perfect" Picture

With a two year old and a one year old, it is very difficult to capture the "perfect" picture....and with EMMA it is almost impossible!! Compared to Angelica, she is hard to get still enough to capture a picture. She just wants to run, move, laugh etc. So the other day I tried to take some shots in hopes of a Christmas Card picture...and just got some very silly sister shots...at least I tried...and today we just decided to give JCPenney a chance when we had her one year picture taken...so look forward to the card in the mail soon!

Sounds of the Season Talent Show

Another chance to hear some great music and local talent...the 10th Annual Sounds of the Season Talent Show. And....come support our good friends the Gray Girls and my sister ALLI who will be performing with her friend. Hope to see you there.....and here is a sneak peek!

Come Hear some Holiday Music

Tonight, is the annual Navy Band Northwest's Christmas Concert at Bremerton High School at 7 pm. For all you local folks, come check it out and get in the holiday mood!!

You're Always #1 with Me!!

Well......the Concordia Cavaliers appeared in the National Championship Final today and after a well fought fight, came up short to take second place in the NAIA Finals. This was their first loss (0-3) of their ENTIRE season so obviously it was tough to swallow....also to include tough for Caitlin as it was her last soccer game after so many years of playing the game. While they may disappointed, I am so proud of their record and the team for an incredible season and for getting to the FINALS...it was an exciting week to get here today and we enjoyed watching every second of it (on the computer and today big screen!). Click to see the REVIEW and STATS of today's game. Caitlin also (like so many throughout her soccer years) received several recognitions to include the Scholar Athlete Award and her name can be seen listed HERE...she also got on the 2008 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship All-Tournament Team and also an Honorable Mention for the 2008 NAIA Women's Soccer All-America Teams. She has served her team so well especially as Captain these past two years and even voted the Character Award this year. So.....I know today was tough, but what a way to end the soccer story....an undefeated season and playing in the National FINAL....we are so proud of you Caitlin...Here we were cheering you on....

All decorated for the big game

I think an award for getting to the finals......

This is when they are getting the second place trophy and the coach hands it to Caitlin and another captain (poor Caitlin is wiping away tears..)..but if you listen you can hear my dad yell "Hold it HIGH!!" They deserve it!!

And...I believe getting something for the All-American Team (I could be wrong, but we loved hearing her name!!)

So, while I know it has to be very bittersweet for Caitlin right now ending this soccer season...I too have been reflecting on all the seasons I have watched her play. From the Pink Dragons, to Lightning, to her select teams, CK High School, and now Concordia...we have seen many a soccer game. I always thought she was "one of the best"...but then I am bias I guess. But her beautiful corner kicks and crosses from the side will be remembered and missed by many that watched her play. I will miss watching that blond pony tail bob behind her as she runs, the beautiful way she encouraged her team and the excitement she gave us watching in all the games. I will miss yelling "Go CV" and bundling up to bear the cold fall games....but I am so thankful I was able to be a part of it and one of her biggest fans...I am so thankful she found such a huge passion and lived it to its fullest and I look forward to her sharing it and teaching her nieces and nephews the way of the game!!! Love you lots sis and Congrats for today and for all your soccer achievements....no matter what the scoreboards show....you are always #1 with me!!!

Happy Saint Nicholas Day

Patron Saint of Children

God, we pray that through theintercessions of St. Nicholas

you will guide and protect our children.

Keep them safe from all harm and help them grow to become

loving disciples of Jesus in your sight.

Give them strength to always mature into deeper faith in you,

and to keep alive joy in your creation.

Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!! We have been trying to figure out how we want to celebrate this special day in our family. We have some time to keep adding some traditions as the girls are still young to do and participate in a lot of the ideas I have. But, we have decided that along with the nuts and clementines and chocolate gold coins that will appear in the shoes....we are going to a holy card, book either on Saint Nicholas himself or other religious story, and a religious ornament that they can add to their collection each year and take with them when they leave home. Angel was very excited last night as we read about Saint Nicholas and how he took care and loved the children and gave them treats. So many stories and legends about truly this unknown Saint compared to others. I found THIS SITE a lot of fun to find fun ideas to celebrate the day and a lot about Saint Nicholas. Hoping to get some cookie cutters for next year and come up with a Saint Nick breakfast!! Any fun ideas you do for today??