Cookie Night

Yesterday we went to church with my parents and my sister and Graham. Julianna went to Children's Church- because she and I both learn more when she is in there. As I sat in the row with my husband, baby, parents, sister, and Graham (and knowing that Julianna was only a couple rooms away) I felt that our family was complete. Not that there won't be more kids or changes, but at that moment I felt totally at peace. I remember feeling that way last year on Christmas Eve at my parent's house.

Last night was the annual "Cookie Night" at my Grandma Hazel's house. It is probably one of my favorite days of the entire year, and definitely one of my favorite memories growing up. Every year the family goes to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and then we make Christmas cookies. Grandma has always made homemade dough and icing. All of the brothers and sisters, cousins, and grandparents gather in the kitchen and watch the magic. There is always a little friendly trash talking about who will win the contest- although there is never a winner!
Last night I didn't make cookies. I sat in the sun room with Ansley Claire and watched from the quiet room. It was like a movie with the carols in the background and the excitement just one room away. I saw my daughter making cookies with her dad. My sister making cookies with her fiance. And my entire family together.
We are so blessed.
4 Generations

Party Time

Thursday was Julianna's 6th birthday- I know, I can't believe it either. She woke up early and came and got in bed with me while Jason got ready- she was very excited about her day. Grandma Campbell came over and watched Ansley Claire while I went to Julianna's school to pass out snack. Since she doesn't like cupcakes we brought in cookies. Julianna picked Bella to help her pass out the snack. I was only there about 15 minutes, but that was long enough for me to realize what a saint Mrs. Fenimore is. Seriously, I don't know how she does it everyday!


Thursday evening Julianna didn't think that we were going to do anything special, but I had invited all the grandparents over for dinner. Jason took her out for a little while and I got ready for the party. Jason took her shopping for a necklace at Hand Picked. She picked out a necklace with blue beads on it- very sweet. No more plastic jewelry for her anymore. When she got home all the grandparents were here and she was surprised. We had spaghetti for dinner and a cookie cake for dessert. She got lots of nice presents, but her favorite was a $4 pointer that I got for her at the school book fair. Apparently it is what her teacher uses to point to things in the classroom. Julianna practiced running a classroom with the family as her students. She had her hands full with us.



Friday evening Jason and I took Julianna to see "The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Imaginon Theater. Diddy came over and watched the baby. The play was wonderful. Julianna was so disappointed when it was over. I need to try and find the movie for her.


Last night was the sleepover. Wow!!! We had 4 girls come over for the party. We ate pizza, decorated and ate cookies, and made jewelry. Jason stayed with the girls in the bonus room (since it isn't really connected to the house) and I stayed with the baby. I think this was probably the first time Jason wished that he could nurse. The girls watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and played. They had a lot of fun. This morning we planned on having waffles for breakfast. When Jason told the girls that we were having breakfast they requested pancakes, eggs, and bacon- I guess next time we will know!


Ansley Claire is doing really well. She has taken a bottle everyday this week- I don't want her to forget how. She has been rolling over and sleeping in her own crib. The first night I cried myself to sleep, but I think that she sleeps better in her nursery and I definitely sleep better. She tried green beans for the first time yesterday- not so sure that she will be a fan of those, but at least I got some cute pictures!

Kids Questions

Last night I was helping Julianna get ready for bed and she asked, "Mom, how do you meet a man?" She said she needed to know for when she is older...way older according to her father!
Isn't it funny the things that kids are thinking about. I am kinda glad that I can't read her mind!

Lately...

Well, honestly, we haven't been too busy to blog, I am just currently addicted to Facebook. The girls in the neighborhood were talking about it, so I checked it out, and now I need some sort of group to help me stop...
The girls are doing really well. Brian, Katie and Megan came down for Thanksgiving and stayed with us. Julianna and Megan had an awesome time hanging out together. They played so well with each other. I wish that they could see each other more often. While they were here they made Christmas ornaments, watched movies, played, and wrestled with their Daddies! Ansley Claire (I think we are going to call her by both) took a bottle from Uncle Bri Bri and from Daddy- we are making progress. Erin and Graham were also in town for Thanksgiving. Erin had an early birthday present for Julianna- a real wedding veil- you can tell by the pics that it was perfect.



Tuesday evening we went to Chuck E. Cheese with Grandma Hazel and Papa. They took Julianna and Mason there for their birthdays. The kids had a great time playing games and eating pizza. They didn't have birthday cake (neither of them like it) so instead they had Krispy Kreme donuts with candles.


Julianna got a report card this week and she had straight S's (that is kind of like straight A's for a kindergartner). We are so proud of her. She really loves school!
Grandpa Allen came over for a little while on Friday and hung out with me and Ansley Claire. We hung out and Ansley Claire almost rolled over!!! Friday evening we went to the neighborhood Christmas party. Santa Claus was there for the kids to see. Julianna and Ansley Claire sat on his lap and Julianna told him that she wanted a diamond necklace for Christmas (no, we aren't high maintenance). Ansley Claire also rolled over for the first time on Friday evening, but I missed it!


Saturday morning I gave the SAT at school. Jason stayed home with the girls and Ansley Claire took a bottle- no fuss, no muss- like she has taken them everyday. Yeah, we are finally there!!! I only have 4 weeks until I go back to work, so that is great news (especially for my grandmother).